by Regretful Participant, Illustration by Francesca Corno
As a first-timer, Carol was truly an eye-opening yet traumatising experience. True, I was mentally prepared for the upcoming fun and challenges the day would offer. However, up to today, I still question the decisions of my fellow society members and me.
To begin with, travelling to zone 2 for a 7 am “breakfast” was not a smart choice. Although I did not have a choice as I had a 9 am class that I could not miss (classic LSE student). Despite missing the predrinks experience, I didn’t want to walk into the SU Venue sober. It was simply unacceptable. Getting tipsy on campus was a challenge, considering the security was on high alert that day. A few of us still managed to have some fun in the Marshall building…
To paint the scene inside the Venue, instead of exposing my own embarrassment, it seems more entertaining to disclose other people’s misery. To put it mildly, one could say that the outstanding costumes, mediocre music and strong smell of alcohol, are not something you often see on campus. A poor guy with a green sickly face was laying on the floor. Considering his companion had a throwing-up bag ready for him, I can only assume that he had to tap out at 10 am.
Speaking of tapping out, the myth of only a few being able to stand until the last round of clubbing surprised me at first. I would consider myself a resilient individual, despite my alcohol tolerance being less than high. I was arrogant enough to believe that I would last until midnight (again classic LSE student). Clearly, that did not happen.
After the first round of dancing, screaming and more drinking, I went to my friend’s house for a second round of predrinks at noon. To be honest, the only highlight was the frozen pizza as it really saved my stomach. Yet, I was not smart enough to take a nap or stop drinking. To be very honest with you, my memory is not clear enough to provide further details such as: how I got to the club, how the club felt like or how I went home. However, I vividly remember the terrible headache I suffered for the rest of my night.
Nevertheless, for those who are considering participating next year, I would highly recommend it. In fact, I would say that Carol is a must-try experience. Lastly, apart from apologising to those who I talked to that day, I would also like to express my appreciation to those who made it to the end. You guys definitely deserve a first.
