Not eating first is just a really bad idea, at uni I generally only bother having dinner, but if I know im drinking I'll of least try to fit some lunch and a couple of snacks in before. The main reason I do that is because if I drink on an empty stomach I peak too early, because if I'm out with the lads on a night out I will drink, give or take 8-12 pints, but I'll still try to do the same amount on an empty stomach which is just a messy idea, you get drunk too quick. Also when I drink on an empty stomach I find I get more bloated because if you don't eat before your stomach isn't expanded.