YOLO is the most sought out club in student culture, with cheap drinks, good music, and the go-to club choice of many societies.
Although, the new ticketed entry system has forced YOLO’s hand to become a night of social survival, with people fighting to get tickets to join those weekly socials.
Those who are lucky are tasked with enduring the chaotic ordeal inside and surviving the arena of the week. But getting into YOLO is only the first battle of the night.
Having successfully paraded as tributes of YOLO through Cathays, in our themed outfits, we found ourselves stuck at the back of the queue, with little alcohol to suppress the cold.
At that moment, we got a chance to see all the coordinated outfits of different societies, setting a high standard for the highly anticipated YOLOWEEN.
As we made our way up the stairs, the queue behind us seemed to get longer and longer, with more people eagerly waiting to be let in. Although, before we can enter, we’re tasked with Student ID checks.
Those without their ID immediately get eliminated from the arena, forcing them to retrace their steps and join the never-ending line of people.
Security stand at the doors to Y Plas, onlookers to the frantic assembly of students, taking the position of Peacekeepers (just without the violence).
At first glance, YOLO seems like any other night out in Cardiff. The familiarity of groups dancing near the DJ, loud music blaring in your ears, and people drinking together.
However, we come to realise that the true fight begins at the bar. There’s a frenzied look in people’s eyes as they discreetly claw to make their way to the front of the disorderly queue, scrambling towards YOLO’s Cornucopia.
Pushing an arm in to stake a claim near the card reader and stare at the bartender until you meet their eye to order. The queueing system is unlike the order enforced by security outside, here it’s a free for all!
Nevertheless, the system works. After grabbing our drinks, we headed straight towards the dance floor, entranced by the music blasting from the DJ booth.
The night carries on, drinks start flowing, and more people join the dance floor.
Everyone around gets whisked away into the thrill of the night, trying to forget the 9am lecture we have tomorrow morning and snapping pictures of each other.
But, as more people get let in, the crowd of people get busier.
People are bumping into one another and dancing with strangers we’ll likely never see again. Although, that’s the true test of social survival, embracing the people around you and letting loose with the people you arrived with.
As the night came to an end, we pushed our way through the sea of people and, although failing multiple times, we found the exit of the building.
The cold air of the night is refreshing to say the least after braving the crowded, sweaty arena.
It’s met with the aroma of the burger stand perfectly placed at the bottom of the stairs, the true saviour of the night.
The real victors of YOLO are those that survive the night out and embrace the chaos inside.
Taking the victory tour of Cathays leaves us already mentally preparing for next Monday afternoon, ready to start the fight all over again.
May the odds be ever in your favour.