Since you've never had hard alcohol before, it's pretty safe to assume you can benefit from this advice:
DON'T BE A STUPID IDIOT AND ASSUME YOUR TOLERANCE IS JUST AS GOOD AS EVERY OTHER ALCOHOLIC AT THE PARTY.
I am sick and tired of stepping around vomit, having parties broken up by an ambulance, and seeing stupid freshmen make all-around fools of themselves. Seriously, if you are one of those people that say 'I've never had a hangover', then these parties will be very dangerous to you. Just because Joe Bob is on his 7th beer does not mean you'll be fine if you only drink 5 beers.
My recommendation: drink yourself under the table when you're with friends you can trust. After you know what a hangover is like, then you'll know how to avoid them.
BTW, you'll probby be most interesting to girls at around 2-3 beers since you'll be willing to talk to them and be funny without being so self-conscious. Girls are a lot easier to get after they've had 2-3 beers. If you see a sloppy girl (too drunk), avoid her. You'll probby be cleaning up after her if you stay with her too long.
At a college party, you can pretty much expect anything. If you want to be the life of the party (if it turns out to be a boring party), bring a deck of cards. Read the rules of Asshole... and start a drinking game. Nothing gets girls naked like becoming President and stating 'All girls must get naked.'