To all the new students who just arrived, let me be the first to welcome you to Wake Forest. I know the question on everyone’s mind (after “Should I really have brought my life-size Ashlee Simpson poster?”) is “Where’s the best place to party?” Never fear, The Student is your handy guide to life both on and off campus.

More often than not, most of the parties are going to be on campus in different fraternity’s lounges. When parties are on campus, it’s easy to hop between them and visit them all for a while. However, if you’re looking to get your groove on somewhere away from ‘the bubble’ of Wake Forest , Winston has three popular local bars conveniently located within walking distance of one another: Ziggy’s, Freddie B’s, and Brew Ha Ha’s. All are on Baity Street , just a little over a mile from campus, going south on University Parkway .

Brew Ha Ha’s: The biggest party venue is probably Brew Ha Ha’s. It's the first bar on the street and is the one that has the most parties at the beginning of school. Brew’s is the bar most typically rented by fraternities and sororities, so it’ll become pretty familiar to those that frequent off-campus parties. As far as a party venue goes, Brew’s is an excellent choice. It has a big, open dance floor and a long bar off to the right. Just be careful walking down the brick stairs onto the dance floor, as they have seen better days.

Normally the parties are emceed by a DJ, but bands do play there occasionally. On the upside for freshmen , you don’t normally need an ID to get in, as they’ll take Wake ID’s. Also, unless the fraternity decides to charge a cover, it’s usually free- a perk for the continually broke college student!

Ziggy’s: Ziggy’s is just a little further down Baity street, and is more of a concert venue than a party bar, though it does double duty occasionally. Three tiers inside aid concert viewing, but break up the dance floor, making the venue feel smaller than it actually is. Beer is served in the main concert area bar, and liquor is served in the “members-only” area in a different section of the building. While this may sound exclusive, a membership isn’t hard to get—all you have to do is go to the liquor area of the bar and pay $5 for a lifetime membership. There is a perpetual drink special of $2 PBRs, as well as changing daily drink specials.

For it’s rather unimpressive exterior, Ziggy’s has boasted big-name bands like Sister Hazel, Perpetual Groove, and O.A.R. Artists come back time and time again because of the homey atmosphere and intimate setting. You can check out ziggyrock.com for the concert schedule (P. Groove is coming September 10 th ).

Freddy B’s: Last, we have Freddie B’s. People do have parties at Freddie B’s, but it is more of a basic bar than anything else. It has pool tables, a foosball table, and a bar in the middle but not much of a dance floor. Definitely a cool place to throw back a few, Freddie B’s is more of a place to hang out and shoot some pool than dance and go crazy, though some parties there do allow for that. There is not much room for a band there, but occasionally one is squeezed onto the patio area. While it is more of a bar than a club, Freddie B’s is still a cool place to go if you’re under 21. You can get in at 18, and meet both upper and underclassmen who are regulars there. Freddie B’s also features drink specials and a limited menu for snacks and burgers.

So there you have it: Freddie B’s, Ziggys, and Brew’s; the three bars most often rented out by Wake students. Get to know them well, as chances are you’ll be visiting them more than once during your tenure at Wake. You also might want to store the Willard’s Cabs number (336-725-CABS) in your phone so you can get home safely and free, since they take Deacon Dollars. Well, enjoy the bars, I’m sure you’ll see me out there. Of course, if you get bored of the bars, you’ll always have frat parties, where at least the beer is usually free…