Why Did I Ever Miss Varsity?

Until I joined cheer in my second year at university, I remained almost oblivious to the events of Leicester v DMU Varsity in first year, which I can’t even contemplate now.

Varsity happens in the Spring Term every year and is a really exciting time for sports societies to showcase half a year’s practices, as well as bringing an amazing sense of community across the universities! Being in cheer last year meant I could participate in cheer’s varsity and we also had the added bonus of being able to cheer at other varsity matches (with free entry!). There’s really nothing like the atmosphere and the pride it gives you!

Last Wednesday, I went to Rugby Varsity (not as a cheerleader… although I was wearing my bow), which is pretty much the pinnacle of varsity events in Leicester. The event is held at Leicester’s Tigers Stadium which makes it extra special, and my friends and I always manage to nab a few branded Tigers plastic cups and jugs for memories! This year, Leicester won Rugby Varsity within a minute of the end of the match! From prideful chants to shared tension to spotting friends and fellow supporters across the crowds, the atmosphere was incredible! I’ve learnt that the collective celebration and pride for university sports teams is a pretty unmissable part of the university experience.

Since Rugby Varsity always falls on a Wednesday, the weekly society night at the O2 ‘Let’s Disko’ is the perfect end to an amazing day. This year, I was also celebrating the fact that I’d completed two presentations that week and, since this is my final year, that I had completed my last official undergraduate lectures and seminars. So, celebrating UoL pride in the same place where I had spent my first proper night out in Freshers almost three years ago was a truly perfect night.