Varsity is back!
It is once again that joyous time of year - Varsity is right around, and the corner and anti-Cardiff sentiments roam the air all over campus!
If you aren’t familiar with the term ‘Varsity’, let me briefly explain
Varsity is an event held once a year where Swansea and Cardiff universities go head-to-head for the Varsity Shield and Cup by competing in over 30 sports.
If you are anything like I was in my first year, you may have thought that Varsity is nothing more than a glorified sports day but that is where you would be wrong. Once you attend your first Varsity it quickly becomes clear that this day is about more than just sports, Varsity is about celebrating our vibrant and talented student body as well as relishing in our universal disdain for Cardiff!
There's nothing quite like Varsity
You will never feel more pride and passion for people you have never met - simply because they're wearing the same green t-shirt as you. Varsity is a staple of student life and even if you think that sports isn't your thing I guarantee that when you are screaming for the Swansea Rugby team without even knowing the rules of the game, you will think otherwise.
So here we are, hopefully, you are now ready to join the Green and White army to battle in Cardiff this April, equipped with your loudest chants and cheers and whether you are a first-year or a seasoned Varsity veteran, here is the ultimate guide to tackling Welsh Varsity like a pro.
Get your ticket
This is arguably the most important step, No Ticket = No Varsity!
Tickets can be picked up from COVE nightclub on Singleton Campus on Wednesday 2nd April between 10:00 - 18:00.
Remember that Varsity is on the 9th of April and you should check your ticket for the timings of the day, where to be and also what coach/train you may be on! Be on time and don’t get left behind!
What to wear
If you're not wearing your Varsity T-shirt what are you doing? Whilst they are not the most fashionable T-shirts around they are a staple in Varsity culture and also very important in identifying the enemy.
Wear these shirts with pride, it’s one of the only times in your life when matching outfits with thousands of other students is not only socially acceptable but also stylish!
While some of you may want to alter and modify these shirts, make sure you are fully committed to doing so as once you go in with the scissors there is no turning back ...
While the T-shirt is the main event of your outfit, remember that you are in Wales and a rainy spell is never too far away, so a jumper or coat is always recommended!
The Day Events
Now that you have secured your ticket and perfected your outfit it's time for the fun part!
Varsity has so many different sporting events from fencing to football and of course the main event, the infamous rugby showdown. Whether you’re an avid sports fan or just have an extreme fear of missing out, I’m sure you’ll find something that takes your fancy during the day, even if that is the burger van or the badly poured pint ...
To make the most of Varsity I would encourage you to go and watch a sport you’ve never watched before for a few reasons:
- To learn more about a sport and maybe find the inspiration to try it for yourself
- To support our amazing athletes who have trained super hard
- To see if anyone in your lectures has been hiding the fact that they are a pro athlete
Even if you have no idea of what is happening in your chosen sport to watch, just cheer when everyone else does and you will be fine. Just make sure you cheer for the right team.
The Rugby
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the rugby showdown, the question is - can you handle it?
There are a few important things to know to maximise your rugby experience, the first is to locate the nearest toilets and your escape plan for halftime. Trust me when that whistle blows you'll be glad you did.
The second important thing to know is the chants, knowing a chant or even starting one off yourself will show all the people around you that you mean business and that you know what is going on (even if you don’t). However, if you somehow find on the day that you don’t know any chants then you could potentially make one up, a good anti-Cardiff rhyme is always a good start and is guaranteed to get some merry men to join you.
If you are like me, you may struggle to understand some elements of rugby. If that is the case, the biggest bit of advice I can offer you to have more of a grasp of the game is to watch the rugby boys and observe what they do. Firstly, to locate this kind, look for boys wearing suits and green stripey ties. These people are the best way to know what is happening during the game as they make their thoughts very clear. If they cheer, you cheer! However, if they begin to do anything other than cheering, it is probably best to avoid copying them.
One final piece of advice, if you hear everyone suddenly yell ‘heads’ you better take cover. Whether it's a rugby ball or a flying pint you’ll be glad you sought refuge.
So, whether you're a passionate sports fan, a student looking to support your university, or simply someone who loves a great event, Welsh Varsity is a great event that showcases incredible talent and fierce university pride. Beyond the games, Varsity is a chance to make lifelong memories, connect with friends, and be part of one of Wales' biggest student traditions! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out.
Ready to go? Tickets below!
https://www.swanseavarsity.co.uk/
