Cheap Beer and Saving Money - A Practical Guide to an Inexpensive Nightlife

Most college students and twenty-somethings are nothing if not cheap. On the contrary, nightlife is painfully expensive. How is it, then, that many college students can afford to have a fantastic social life and go out nearly every weekend? They've learned the tricks of the trade when it comes to an inexpensive night on the town. What follows are guidelines on how to party the night away without breaking the bank.

Travel in Packs
Cheap clubbing is a numbers game: 1 draft beer may be $2, but one pitcher that holds 4 beers may be only $5, thereby saving patrons $3 (chump change, maybe, but that's a beer and a half to the frugal). With enough people, you can all pitch in and drink the pitchers quickly enough so that the beer doesn't get hot or go flat, and have enough left over for a hefty tip for the bartender.

Tip Your Bartender
Besides the fact that this is just common decency, tipping your bartender well can lead to free drinks - and maybe even a number or two, but don't push it. The fact is that most bartenders do not care how much money the club makes, but rather how much money they make.

Ladies' Night
For females and good female impersonators, ladies' night is the end-all to cheap clubbing. Usually there is little to no cover charge, plenty of guys to dance with, and free drinks.

Happy Hour
Clubs and restaurants are always advertising cheap drinks and free cover for a limited time. Some bars will offer "sink or swim" specials, which basically just means that the patron pays a small price, usually $10 - $15 to receive an open bar on promotional liquors. There are also the infamous "Bladder Busters", where everyone receives free beer or a promotional liquor until someone has to go to the restroom.

Expand Your Budget
There are two ways to end up with more money at the end of the month: cut back, or make more money. Since time is money and most of us only have a limited number of hours in the day to make money, the best idea for most people is to cut back. The price of two venti nonfat caramel mocha whatnots will pay for at least a cover charge at an upscale club. One super-size Big Mac with extra fries is comparable to a tall rum and coke. You get the idea.

Every city is different and some are definitely more expensive than others, but by applying these steps to your clubbing routine, you can minimize your expenses and avoid going into debt from going out and having a little fun. Have fun, be safe, and of course be responsible when out and about.