First-time Drinking tips

Hey everyone, so Ive left my religion(islam) almost a year ago, but getting drinks is practically impossible where I live because 1- its extremely inaccessible where Im from 2-I still live with my religious family. Ive lived(still living) my whole life in the middle east, but I recently got the chance to travel to the US as an exchange student and Im gonna be here for the next few months, so Im gonna take this as a chance to have a good drinking experience before I go back. The thing is Im not really sure how to start, what to drink, and most importantly when to know its time to stop. Would appreciate any help!(p.s Im mostly gonna drink in social gatherings as Ive made friends with a group of people who go to bars and drink in game nights, idk if that changes much)