Everything you need to know to successfully party like an Asian in Cov

Have you ever wondered what Asian international students do on a night out? Does it puzzle you that the majority of them band together with zero intention of becoming friends with UK students?

I can assure you that we aren't all grade eight pianists that lock ourselves in our bedrooms and study all night. We aren't all quiet, goody-two-shoe students that are coerced into following our third cousin's career successes. That image is shattered the moment we enter university, you just have to look in the right places to see it.

We have karaoke rooms and drinking games that far surpass the bland amusement of Never Have I Ever (which we all lie about anyways) and Ring of Fire. Yeah, the Brits can keep their Jäger and Spoons. I know which I'd prefer.

Karaoke (KTV)

Starter-pack: green tea, a bottle of liquor and dice

As a fresher and a BBC (British Born Chinese), my expectations of get togethers of the alcoholic sort were low, if not non-existent. Unlike our British counterparts, clubbing is not the main event of the night. Rather, an Asian night out is motivated by a quick boogie at JJs (never Kasbah) and ultimately calling an Uber as soon as possible to the nearest karaoke bar. We don't end 'til the sun rises.

I certainly won't be the first to admit Cov is lacking in options for just about everyone, but have no fear you'll find solace in China Red and Red Panda both conveniently situated in in town. If you're looking to expand your horizons, Hana Moon by the Arch also offers the same karaoke glory.

Best enjoyed in a group of at least 10 people, karaoke is the easiest way for international freshers to make friends. A large bottle of expensive alcohol and a box of bottled green or lemon tea is the usual order. They are mixed together in a pitcher and yes, it does taste good.

Booking a room can be pricey and a waste of time, especially if you aren't willing to down those drinks. Tone deaf? Doesn't matter. If you aren't prepared to belt out your favourite song, this activity isn't for you. Stay at home and be a melt on your own.

Dice games

You know what they say, you learn by drinking (they do say that right?) Karaoke bars under Chinese management equip every room with cups and dice. Liar's Dice is notably the most popular game; a fast paced Chinese game that tests your ability to deceive your opponent.

First timers, like myself, have such a hard time memorising the rules. The main principle is simple. If you can't bluff, take a pass. You'll never win. You'll probably end up drinking your body weight in JDs mixed with green tea (a cup is downed every time you lose).

Clubbing

On the few occasions that a Coventry Club actually offers a decent Asian event, you'll find near all of us in Catch 22 or JJ's with a booth and a bottle of booze and a sparkler. When we go out, we go big and we don't go home until at least one person chunders.

Unfortunately Cov DJs don't deliver quite the effervescence we're used to. JJ's provides us solely with remixes and fuse Korean bops with electronic music. Sometimes a few English songs are played. As soon as Despacito comes on, you know it's time to head out and find that karaoke bar, the DJ's are really just grasping at straws by now.

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it

Kids, gather around. If you're looking to find new companions to waste hours away instead of writing up that 2k coursework, don't worry. During Freshers week, there are plenty of events especially held for Chinese students to meet other fobs (fresh off the boat).

The one I – by some random stroke of luck – crashed had an "emoji" theme. A sticker with an emoji was given to each person and you were told to find a person of the opposite gender with the same one by going through each room and socialising. Tell me your standard British night out – where you go home at 1am after five cans of dark fruits and spending an hour freezing in Kasbah smokers – sounds more fun than that. It doesn't.