Going out on the cheap

Being young is supposed to be one long party, but what happens if you're skint? The Mix finds you some cheap ways to go out and have fun.

So, who's getting the next round in?

Get on the guest list

Ring up your favourite club in plenty of time for the night out and ask for a group of you to be put on the guest list, it could be for a ‘hen night’, ‘birthday’ or maybe you’re all from a ‘new club review site’. Whatever reasoning you come up with, sell it, and sell it well.

But it’s my birthday

Birthdays bring out the best in restaurant and club managers. Be 18 or 21 again and enjoy the free dessert, champagne, or VIP entry it gets you. Get a mate to call up and sort out the birthday surprise beforehand then go along and enjoy. With enough clubs and mates, you could use this one every week!

Gatecrash a corporate or launch party

Aim for a big company so that you’ll blend in with the crowd better. Always ask people which department they are from first before you claim to be Debbie from accounts or Steve from shipping. Take advantage of the free food and booze, and if it’s not really happening there, go somewhere else.

Blag it baby

Get the gift of the gab and talk your way into top clubs, parties and openings like a true star. Follow The Mix’s guides to blagging into pubs and clubs.

Don’t drink alcohol

You don’t have to get wasted every time you go out you know (or ever for that matter), and wouldn’t it be great to remember the night for once? If nothing else you’ll have blackmail material for years to come, the beer fairy won’t have stolen all your money and there’ll be no hangover. Hurrah.

Happy hours

Pubs and bars often have happy hours from work kick-out time until 7pm or 8pm. Remember to eat first and then go and take advantage of the offers. You could just stay for a couple, but an even better way to take advantage is to order all your drinks for the night at cheapo time: good for wine and pitchers of cocktails, but not for beer. You could then go onto a club early, where entrance is often free or very cheap before 10pm and they have drinks promos galore. Just take it easy if you want to last the night.

Drink before you go out

Start the night at home with your mates. Gather at a chosen house, have a few cheap drinks, listen to some upbeat music and fight for mirror space in the downstairs loo.

Don’t buy rounds

If you’re skint don’t offer to buy rounds or, if you feel like scrounging, let others buy you drinks all night before hiding in the loo when it’s your turn. If mates know you’re poor and want to buy you beer fine, but know your pint etiquette.

Get your mate to throw a party

Convince a mate it’s high time they had a party and help them sort it out. That way they can shell out for the expense and you can enjoy the night for little more effort than an offer to help set up and clear up. Sorted.

Go online before you go into town

There are plenty of special offers available if you know where to look. Check out Vouchercodes.co.uk, myvouchercodes.co.uk, everydaysale.co.uk and Moneysupermarket.com for money off theatre tickets, meals, drinks and much more.