A good night of clubbing should include a good time with friends, a little dancing, a drink or two, maybe a flirty conversation with someone and then a taxi home. If you have never been to a nightclub before, it can be a little intimidating. My first time in a club was exciting and scary at the same time, but once you're inside you quickly relax.
There are five main things you need to know about nightclubs in order to get the most out of them.

1. Research and dress

Before you even get to the nightclub, you need to do your research. Is it a smart club? Pure dance club? Does it have a dress code? Famous DJ? Special event? Knowing in advance what you're walking into will help you prepare mentally for the night out. It will also influence how you dress.
Many upmarket nightclubs will have dress codes, especially if there is a guest DJ or special event. Make sure you can meet and exceed that dress code to avoid embarrassment.

2. Queuing and entry

Unless you're lucky enough to be VIP, a queue is inevitable. As is getting past the door staff. Gone are the days where cash gets you in quickly or where a large group gets precedence because of their spending power. Now it's about looking good, behaving yourself and waiting your turn.
Door staff are just normal people doing their jobs. Givethem respect and they will do the same. Don't try to bribe them, don't give them attitude and don't give them cause to send you away.

3. Be sociable

Clubbing is about going out and having a good time with friends but it is also about making new ones. While the noise can sometimes make conversation challenging, there is always a way. Clubs are social spaces and people are generally there for the same reasons. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone.

4. Know when to stop

There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your hair down, having a few drinks and dancing with people. But behave. We all know what happens when you drink too much. It doesn't end well. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water and you will stay hydrated in a hot club and stay on the right side of drunk.
The same for dancing with people. Keep it flirty if you like, but stop when the other person indicates no. Clubs are places to have fun. Nobody likes a pest.

5. Dance

Nightclubs are for dancing so get on the floor and get moving. It doesn't matter if you can't dance, nobody cares unless you go up on stage or on a podium. Just lose yourself in the music and enjoy the experience. Dance with your friends, with strangers or dance alone. It's a personal experience so try one, try them all.
If the DJ is worth their title, the music they play will allow you to quickly lose yourself on the dancefloor. Go with it. Don't worry about what you might look like or what people think. It really doesn't matter.
Nightclubs are an essential part of culture and a great way to let off steam and dance the night away. Follow these tips and you should have a fantastic night out!