Best Places to Party at Johns Hopkins University (During Your First Year)

You are first year out of high school, and you probably still have a little bit of the SATs on your mind, so we’ll use a little analogy to get this started.

HIGH SCHOOL : STUDYING :: COLLEGE : PARTYING

Okay, so there is some studying and meeting people mixed in there too, but college students are known for their devil-may-care attitude and authoritative knowledge on how to get down, get down, jump up, jump up, and finally, get down.

• Greek Life: Ah, the good life. Well for some the Greek equals good, while for others, the thought of it makes their stomach turn (and not because they had too much to drink). But whether you’re at you’re Greek freak or can’t stand the reek, it’s worth attending some parties for the experience. Frat parties are the best way to meet tons of people at once; especially first years that are underage like you. If you’re not planning on pledging to frat, don’t fret—JHU frats are open to anyone who wants to attend. Just note, the second semester is when they start focusing on pledges, so the party scene may fade out.
• 18+ Clubs: So, you're under 21 and you want to hear some great music, dance a bit and meet new people? Here are a few clubs and bars that will let you in--you just can't drink alcohol. You don't have to have a fake ID and try to sneak in; that's illegal anyway, but some of the clubs might charge an extra cover charge. I'm sure you already know, or maybe you don't, that it is legal, in Baltimore City, to allow patrons under 21 are not allowed to drink, but are allowed to be inside an establishment that does server alcohol.
  
  Keep in mind that some of the clubs have special nights or certain portions of the club may be off limits to those that are under 21, but the best thing to do is to give them a call to be sure of their policy on the evening you choose to trip the light fantastic!
  
  Bohager's
  701 S.
  Eden St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-563-7220
  Palm trees, tiki bar and colorful lights make you think it's a vacation! This Fells Point club holds a "Mardi Gras" night on Thursdays. Guys are given two strands of beads to give away, and the girl with the most beads at the end of the night gets $500. The cover charge is a bit steep at $20 for those ages 18-20.
  
  Club Orpheus
  1002 E. Pratt St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-276-5599
  Now, this club is definitely not for mainstream types, and might want to stay away. They hold an Industrial Goth Fetish event, but if chains, leather or latex aren't your thing, well...you may want to move on. Cover charge is less if you are dressed in fetish garb.
  
  Club 1722
  1722 N. Charles St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-727-7431
  This is the only members-only, after-hours club that allows nonmembers 18 and over on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 a.m. to close, which is usually around 6:00 a.m. No drinking is allowed after close--even those 21 and older. There is a dress code. The guys must wear shirts with collars and no jeans. The ladies should dress nicely and sexiy. Cover charge varies.
  
  Generation Xtremes
  410 York Road
  Towson. MD
  410-828-9699
  This club caters to the under 21 exclusively! There is often a long line of teenagers on Friday and Saturday nights, just waiting to get in. For those who do not dance, there is a basketball game, air hockey, and pool tables. The cover charge is discounted if you arrive before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
  
  Hal Daddy's
  4119 E. Lombard St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-342-3239
  You'd think you were in someone's basement with the wood-paneled walls, but they definitely offer more than the rec room! The club features local bands and rock and roll which draw patrons of all ages. Be careful of your actions; photos are taken of you "having a great time" and will land on the club's Internet site.
  
  Hammerjacks
  316 Guilford Ave.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-234-0044
  Expect to hear the latest pop music and dance hits on Thursdays as this night is designated for 18 and over and dubbed "College Night." Free juice and soda for those under 21. Hours are 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
  
  Paradox
  1310 Russell St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-837-9110
  The sound system booms loudly enough to make your teeth ache. Great wooden dance floor in this spacious warehouse. Fridays is for ages 18 and up. They feature hip-hop music and use Baltimore DJs.
  
  The Vault
  401 W. Baltimore St.
  Baltimore, MD
  410-244-6000
  This nightclub is housed in a 100-year-old former bank building and features rock and pop music. Most shows have a $2 extra cover charge for those under 21.
   
• Houses: The classic “house party" is usually thrown by student organizations or fraternities. Make sure that you go with someone who knows someone who lives in the house (unless you’re particularly attractive). It really also helps to go with someone who knows how to find the house. Expect a small fee at the door to help the house cover their beer costs (and finance any damages). Scope out a few exit points so you're ready to make a quick departure if an angry neighbor calls the cops.
• Apartments: These parties are usually more intimate. Parties in apartments are much more difficult to slip into because the person who rents the apartment will probably be handling the door. If you’re invited to an apartment party, definitely take it up, as the relaxed atmosphere will be a great change from the hustle-and-bustle of house parties or clubs.
• The Dorms: Okay, so maybe partying in the dorms isn’t really a party, but it’s pretty common. If you’re smart, you’ll keep the numbers down to six or less, because more than that creates a lot of noise, and that will probably attract the attention of an RA. Use the dorms to pre-drink, if you're legal and not driving, as it will be a more quiet way to get a buzz going and it is safer than having a bunch of people over. Make sure no one catches you though.

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