You’ve been waiting for this day all summer long. After the long hours of unpacking and those tearful goodbyes (mainly from your parents), here it is, the moment you can finally scream, “I am a college freshman!” Now the only thing that remains is figuring out your first night. Here are five helpful tips to turn this nerve-wracking situation into an unforgettable evening.

1. Turn those clocks back an hour.

If you’ll be checking out Binghamton night life, buckle your seat belt for a wild ride. Here’s your first tip: don’t go out before 10 p.m. Although you might be excited to get out on the town, walking into a party early is like having a big red arrow over your head that says, “Freshman Here.” This is not high school people, and unless you want to be awkwardly standing around, wait the extra hour.

2. You’ll catch more cab drivers with honey than with vinegar.

It’s true what they say, you shouldn’t talk to strangers. However, in this case, do whatever you can to chat up your cab driver. Going those few extra steps to be nice can be extremely beneficial in the long run. Making friends with your driver can make things so much easier, especially when you’re stranded Downtown in the cold, while it’s pouring and the clock is about to strike 3 a.m.

3. Beauty + pain + flip flops = relief!

Every girl knows that sometimes beauty is pain, and that pain usually equals those cute black stilettos you’ve been dying to wear. After a night of dancing, however, your feet will probably be screaming at you. This is where those handy dandy flip flops come in. You’ll be extremely happy when you’re walking Downtown or waiting for a cab that you brought a pair of flip flops. Trust an expert, you won’t be the only girl doing it.

4. Don’t stray from the pack.

As a newbie in Binghamton, you probably won’t know too many people or you’re way around. So do yourself a favor and don’t go off alone. Staying in a group or at least with one other person is a tip you should stick with not only on your first night, but every night. While a majority of the people out are students, remember that Binghamton is a big city and there are real people living in it.

5. Relaxation is the best rejuvenation.

If you’re not into the late night scene, staying in is always an option. There will be plenty of things going on, starting with a campus-wide picnic. This is a great way to meet new people from other living communities and walk around the University. Throughout the night, each community will have various activities going on, such as trivia, ice cream socials and possibly even an open mic night. After a stressful day why not take a breather and just relax in your room.