I can't fully remember the first time I was drunk but from what I re-call we were having drink after drink and I felt completely normal until a little bit later and it just hit me. It was at a house party and I was with good friends so I knew I was safe anyway.

Aslong as you're with trustworthy people then it's fine. For 'first timers' I would advise laying off the stronger spirits as you're pretty likely to throw up, also, you probably wont like the taste unless it's mixed in with something else.
Try to not get too crazy, you don't want to do something you'll regret when you're sobre.

Morning after the night before: Lots of water and neurofen's always handy.