im not any pro photographer but what i realise when i first started is for night photography, you definitely need a good and sturdy tripod! no doubts abt that.
Next, you need to shoot at the lowest ISO possible to have the best image clarity your camera/lens can offer. at night, longer exposures. but taking note of the factors that come with that. Trees, water surface, moving vehicles all will have certain effect when exposing for long.
With that said, thats more for still objects. (landscapes, architecture etc) if you wan to shoot events as in clubs etc, definitely an external flash and if possible a 'fast' lens. (f2.8 or lower) or maybe some lens with VR/IS.
Some swear upon a f2.8 over a VR lens. well, i guess its personal preference.
Just my 2cents worth. Pros out there, correct me if im wrong.
Congrats to those with newly acquired dSLR!! Cheers.. Happy new year!