Student Daisy Lang shares their experience of Varsity.
As the days get longer and the air fills with anticipation, one week takes centre stage in every UCL student’s calendar: Varsity Week. The long-awaited showdown between UCL and KCL is almost here, bringing with it an unparalleled sense of excitement and pride.
It’s 19th March, the Wednesday before Varsity. I’m at Phineas with my friends for Sports Night, wearing purple as a sign of support. We’re sipping on Varsity cocktails before heading over to Scala, dancing the night away in preparation for the big week.
21st March. The first day of Varsity. We’re at the Hanger, debating which merch to buy: t-shirt, scarf, or both? After much consideration, I go for the shirt, proudly adding it to my ever growing collection of UCL gear. Later, we head home to make our signs, our laughter mixing with music as blue and purple paint stains our hands. When we finish, the table is covered with signs and bold slogans: “Bleed Purple!”, “Let’s go UCL!”, and “UCL > KCL!”.
26th March. The plan is simple: Phineas. The bar is packed with students all here to watch the basketball screenings. We squeeze into a table near the bar, drinks in hand, as the game begins. Every score is met with cheers, groans, chants, and cries, the room buzzing with energy as we live and breathe every moment of the match. The final whistle blows… UCL wins! Drinks are raised, cheers are exclaimed, pride filling the air; Varsity is well and truly alive.
27th March. The excitement isn’t over. Face paint on and signs in hand, we head to the SkyEx Community Stadium for one of the events I’m most excited for: football. The players move with precision and speed, every pass and interception met with roars from the crowd. Free kicks, penalties, goals––the tension is high. UCL and KCL are neck and neck, and I grip my friend’s arm in anticipation. When UCL scores the final goal, the stands erupt, a sea of purple jumping to their feet.
As the day winds down, we head on home, voices hoarse and adrenaline still pumping. Varsity isn’t just about sports, it’s about spirit, unity, and the unforgettable moments that bring us together. And with the final day of it on the horizon, we know the celebrations and shared experiences will stay with us long after the final match.
