In my time at university, my most interesting experience is probably clubbing. Why? Because its so bizarrely hit and miss. You see, half the time I have a good night out and the other half, I absolutely hate it. It's very weird to say the least! I did make a couple of key observations onto the parts of the night out that factored into this opinion and hopefully I would offer advice to anyone, especially those with autism, on how to cope with a night out clubbing.
Since I don't drink, for reasons I have made very clear in the past, it perplexes me that the vast majority of people there get tipsy at the very least. At first I assumed that these people didn't know how to have fun but soon I discovered that they do it for a good reason: clubs are boring. It's basically about 3 hours of dancing. That's it. Eventually you'll run out of stamina and, since it's so loud (I'll get to that later) you can't strike up a conversation with someone. It gets so bad that most people have pre-drinks so that they'll already be drunk by the time they get there. Being drunk means you're unaware of the boredom that is clubbing and so you can have more fun. In that sense, clubbing is fundamentally flawed.
However, linking back to that earlier post I subtly embedded into this post, there is away around this. Very recently, I found that if you drink lemonade half-way through your clubbing experience, you'll get psyched and the stamina returns. Not to mention, lemonade is only £1 if you get it the right size. Good music helps as well and perhaps this is the biggest factor of the hit and miss nature of clubs. When the music is good, it's enjoyable. If not, prepare for boredom unless you're drunk.
Another thing to note, which has been the bane of my clubbing experience, is finding companions to go home with. If you want to go home early, be sure to go with people who are willing to do the same because otherwise, you may be stranded. You could try going home with people of your own age going to the same destination, but that's unreliable since you don't know them and you have to rely on them being desperate as well. So please make sure you have a reliable companion with you.
Another thing to note is the concept of 'pulling.' What I mean by that is snogging strangers. This may not happen (at the time of writing, it has not happened to me) but if it does, remember two things: 1) They'll be drunk so it might mean nothing, so don't get too attached. 2) If it goes further, use protection! 3) Don't expect it to happen. Most of the time it doesn't happen so if that's the case, don't feel disappointed. 4) If you're initiaiting it, make sure you get consent for reasons that will hopefully be obvious (if not, for the love of Gallifrey, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQbei5JGiT8). I know it would be harder when drunk but please keep that in mind. Or better yet, don't get drunk. It looks like a nasty experience and you'll feel like death the next morning.
I did say I would get back to noise so I will. This is especially for those with autism who doesn't like noise. Clubs will be very loud and if that puts you off, that's fine. You don't have to go and nobody has any right to pressure you otherwise. But if you choose to go and you're still concerned about noise, I'd recommend earplugs. If you're worried it'll look weird, don't worry. It's dark and people are too drunk to notice it anyway. If anything, it's better for you since it protects your ears from harm.
Oh and speaking of Autistic people's worst nightmares, it will be crowded! The solution to that problem is simple: Go somewhere where there's space! Not only will you have more room to bust your moves but it's also more comfortable and less people will bump you.
One more thing to note is that go clubbing occasionally, not regularly. Not only would it feel more rewarding and special but your finances will take a lesser hit, especially when you're in Uni. Only go when you're extremely bored of staying in all the time.
Most importantly, just have fun! That's what clubs are for anyway: to have a good time. So long as you're safe, you can have a good time. Or go to the pub... that works too. At least you'll be able to hear people.
And that concludes my Thought from an Autistic Mind. Did you like my advice? Is there anything else you would like to offer to this discussion? Leave a like and comment both on here and Facebook and be sure to like my Facebook page 'Joel Mole.' I might make this a monthly thing from now on so I can have a regular schedule but of course, I will need ideas so if there is any topics you want me to cover, I will discuss it either in a blog post or on my Joel Mole page. See you next month! Until then, fare thee well good people of the internet.
