There are plenty of ways to spend your 21st birthday here in State College. There’s the common Phyrst celebration, the not-so-common chill night at home, and the always obvious get plastered and forget everything that happened situation.

I went for the first option, and it’s the one I suggest.

The Pre-Game:

Plain and simple, you’ve got to have one. Facebook events definitely help this out (People might know your birthday, but forget the whole midnight celebration the night before). This is the prime opportunity for your friends who can’t go with you to the bar (because they’re underage, because they have class the next day, etc) to celebrate with you. Don’t drink Natty — it’s your birthday, and that just isn’t fair.

This can happen one of two ways: you can get a good buzz, or you take entirely too many “OMG YOU’RE 21” birthday shots and don’t make it out the front door. Take the high road and just be happy to get to the bar.

The Phyrst:

It’s small, but it’s got character. It’s the place to be at midnight of your 21st birthday. For one, you get an awesome green hat. Sure, that’s to let people know not to give you any shots, but it makes you stand out on your birthday (along with whichever tiara/sash combo you’ve got going on) and sometimes results in a free drink or two. You’ll also get your picture taken to get put on their wall, and that’s always fun to point out in the future.

This is where you (understandably) take all of the “first legal drink” and “holy crap I’m in a real bar ordering real alcohol on my own” pictures and post an artsy one of the Miller Lite bottle on Instagram (don’t act like you didn’t do it).

In addition, the Phyrst isn’t too overwhelming. It’s the perfect size and atmosphere to get you comfortable enough to order your own drink (although you shouldn’t have to order any drinks because it’s your birthday) while jamming out (dancing like a fool because you’re hammered) to the live music. It’s definitely a solid place to kick off your birthday.

Once again, this can go one of two ways: you can walk home easily, or you can get kicked out for puking in your green hat.

The Finale:

For the love of God, eat something. Whether you beg the guys at Grillers for a free grilled cheese or you stumble over to McDonald’s for some McNuggets, get it done. You’re going to be ridiculously hungover the next day and probably bail on any and all plans you had, but it’s better to try and prevent it as much as you can.

In the end, make sure your 21st birthday is a night you’ll always remember, even if you don’t want to.