If you've come to London from somewhere without an established gay scene, you're probably itching to get out and see what it has to offer. Just before you do, though, take a minute to read our advice. It'll make you that bit more confident, safer, and more streetwise.

The London gay scene is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, which is great; it means that whatever your tastes, there's bound to be something that you like. Sometimes however, finding that bit of the scene that suits you can be difficult. If you're arriving in London for the first time, there are a few things you can do to orientate yourself. It's useful to know as much as possible about the venue you're visiting before you get there, to avoid any nasty surprises. Here are a few suggestions for launching yourself onto the scene.

The LGBT Society is a good place to start, but then we would say that. Seriously though, we provide other people to go out with, and friendly advice. And whilst we may not organise trips to every club in the city, if you attend a few events, you're bound to meet up with people who like the same kind of venues you do. Our website also has listings for a fair number of clubs and loads of bars - look at our London Guide.

The gay press is useful for listings and more, even if many of the publications are targeted at men only. Pick up Gay Times, Attitude or girl's Diva in newsagents, or the light-hearted Boyz for free from gay stores, bars and clubs. The internet does actually have gay content other than porn (not that we're objecting to a bit of... oh, sorry...) Sites such as Rainbow Network have great guides to all things gay, from fashion and health to club listings.

Personal safety need not be a great concern if you're sensible and follow a few basic rules. Generally, the dangers come not from the venues themselves, but from the journey to and from walking alone through a remote part of London at four o'clock in the morning is not a great idea, especially if you don't know the area.

Inside clubs and bars, if you're approached by someone you don't know, and whose attention you don't want, then summon up your courage and be firm, be bitchy, tell them to go away! Or, if you feel particuarly threatened, alert a member of the venue's security or bar staff - that's what they're there for.A mobile phone is not only a very good way of tracking down those you're meant to be meeting up with, but also a very effective security device. If for whatever reason you're going out on your own, then take it with you!

If you're going home with a new friend then let your friends know you're leaving, and keep your phone switched on! If at any time you don't feel comfortable, then just get out.

Top Scene Tips

• Don't be confused if you see men using what appears to be a ladies' toilet, or if there doesn't seem to be a gents' in the place! Just go ahead and do what everyone else is.

• Take your NUS card wherever you go. In many circumstances it'll save you money - especially on club entry fees, and is the one card that everyone accepts as proof of your student status.

• If there seems to be a huge huge queue for the gents' toilet, and you only need to piss, then barge past it - this queue is bound to be for the cubicles!

• In London, few clubs have strict dress codes. If you're from outside London, you may be used to bouncers enforcing 'no jeans or trainers' rules and the like. Generally - and this goes for boyz and girlz - you can dress pretty casually if you want, or get completely tarted up; it doesn't matter, and you can be sure there will be others wearing similar clothes to you.

• Clubs and bars have varying attitudes to admitting straight people. You may wonder how doorstaff can possibly tell who's gay and who isn't, but they do have a knack of knowing, and at the end of the day, it's their decision that's final. If you're going to encounter problems, it'll probably only be on very popular nights with a gay-majority door policy. You may never be challenged, but it's something to bear in mind when out with straight friends.