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Freshman Guide: The Club Scene

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Suffolk chapter.

Incoming freshman, you have made the right decision in choosing to study in Boston. You will never have a dull moment in this city. Fabulous shops, restaurants, and busy clubs will now be “in your backyard.” There are countless clubs in downtown Boston. Most of the clubs are within walking distance of campus or maybe a short train ride away. Below is a list full of everything you need to know about the Boston club scene:

What clubs are there downtown?

RISE is an 18+ club that is perfect for freshman or anyone who wants to have a good time. The club is open on Friday, Saturday, and some Sundays from 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. Like most clubs, there is a cover charge of $20, but with a student ID, you can probably get a discount. This place is known for being an “after-hours” club, because it is open much later then most other clubs in Boston.

Throwed is another popular 18+ club. It is open downstairs on Tuesdays at The Middle East and Thursdays in Worcester at Club Universe from 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Throwed is ideal for those who enjoy electronic and dubstep music. 

The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub is a trendy 18+ club in Cambridge with upstairs and downstairs levels. Monday-Wednesday and Sunday the club is open from 11 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Thursday-Saturday the hours are 11 a.m.-1:45 a.m. The cover varies depending on the night, or if there is a special event.

Splash Ultra-Lounge is one of the hottest clubs in Boston on a Wednesday night. The entry is usually free, unless there is a special DJ or event. Just make sure you have your ID to enter, as it is a 21+ club. Splash is open from Wednesday-Saturday from 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. On Saturdays there is a day party that many people attend from 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. If you stay for the summer, the rooftop is also open.

Club Machine is a gay and lesbian bar in Fenway. You must be 18+ to enter on most nights, but make sure to double check before going, as the age requirement varies depending on the night or event. Machine is open Monday-Friday and Sunday from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. The dress code is casual.
 

Bijou Nightclub and Lounge is a newer club in Downtown Boston. To enter, you must be 21+ with a valid ID. Bijou is one of the most stylish clubs downtown with a pricey entry free of $30. The club is open Thursday-Saturday from 10:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. There are two different luxurious lounges at Bijou, the Onyx and Gold Lounge. Each lounge has bars and tables throughout with colorful lights.

 

Rumor is a 21+ club right in the middle of the city. The crowd is diverse, with people from all over the world. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. are the hours of operation. Saturdays are usually the busiest and most popular nights to go. Celebrities such as “The Situation” from Jersey Shore have even been spotted at this trendy club!

Next to Rumor is Venue, another 21+ club. The line is always really long outside, even for those on the guest list or table list. It is certainly worth the wait. Many college students attend this club on Friday nights. Venue has the same open days and times as Rumor, as they are situated right next to each other.

The Estate is within walking distance of the majority of the other clubs in the center of downtown. The club is open Thursday-Saturday from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. As with most of the clubs, you must be 21+ to enter. The most social and crowded night is Friday. Estate is unique with two floors and cage dancers hanging from the ceiling. This is definitely a club to go to.

*There are more clubs around Boston, but these are some of the most popular and trendy clubs in the city.* 

What is the dress code for the clubs?

The dress code varies depending on the club you go to. However, the majority of the clubs have a strict dress code. Girls usually wear heels, a skirt or pants, with a cute top, or a dress. No hats or sneakers are allowed. I do not recommend carrying purses. Only carry your cell phone, money, and your ID. If you are not sure about the dress code, you can always check online.

What time should I go?

The lines are usually really long so I would advise you to go about thirty minutes after the club opens. Although, if you are on the guest list or a table list, it is okay to go about an hour or so after the club opens.

Who should I go with?

Never go anywhere alone at night, especially not to a club. Go with a group of friends that you trust.

Do all the clubs have entry fees?

The majority of clubs have entry fees ranging from $10-$30. It would be wise to double check before going and carry cash because you can’t pay with a card.

How should I get to and from the club?

Take a cab. Most of the clubs are close by, so the cab fare will be quite inexpensive. Taking the train is also an option, but keep in mind that the train stops running after 12:30 a.m. If you decide to walk, do not walk alone.

Always remember to be careful when you go out. DO NOT leave anything unattended, even for a minute. Also, make sure to make smart decisions regarding drinking. Another piece of advice, if you meet a guy at a club that you don’t know, do not leave with him. Give him your number, and leave with your friends. One last thing! Make sure you have a fantastic time when you go out. Dress up, dance, and have some fun. After all, freshman year only comes around once in a lifetime, so make sure to enjoy yourself and make the most of it!

About the Author:
Name: Catherine Elizabeth Edwards.
Year: Junior 
Astrological Sign: Libra
Major/Minor: English major, education minor

My favorite part of being a student at Suffolk is the location. Suffolk is right in the middle of the city which is amazing because there is always plenty to do and see. There is also a diverse atmosphere at Suffolk, with students from all over the world. Students are able to learn about a bunch of other cultures. Overall, Suffolk is the perfect University to attend in my opinion.

 

Originally from Connecticut, Erica attends Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a senior, majoring in public relations, and minoring in marketing. She founded Suffolk's chapter of Her Campus along with co-Campus Correspondent, Mackenzie Newcomb. has interned at a few start-up companies including Quincy Apparel and Good to Go Organics. She was also a public relations intern at Regan Communications Group, and is currently the advertising/marketing intern at The Improper Bostonian Magazine. Erica also works on Newbury Street at Jack Wills University Outfitters, a British clothing company that is expanding across America. She is very interested in the world of fashion, and hopes to make it big doing marketing/PR for a fashion magazine or as a publicist in New York City or LA upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, reading, writing, and dancing.