Uni student bassist getting practice with bands/small gigs?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Got a gig question for all you performing/working bassists.
I am a university student and bassist. Recently I've thought about trying to practice with some bands/doing a few small performances. What is the best way to do this and how can I ensure I'm not going to get messed about?
I'm fairly free in terms of time and travelling but I am concerned that my relative inexperience will stop me from getting anything good.
Any sort of advice is good!

[Jimbob Jones]

Find a gang of mates who play something and like your kind of music. Then jam a bit and get relatively good at a few numbers, then just invite a gang of non musical mates round and play your set in your front room. Then take it from there, be the act (or supporting act) at the next official student gathering, see if any pubs will take you on. The trick is to never give up. If the first set of people you take on turn out to not be what you want, try again, be patient and never stop trying.

and most improtantly, have fun!!

good luck and all the best

JBJ