“What makes me cold is waiting outside Lava.

Tamar Ayres is a first year Communication and Media student at Bournemouth University. At least
she has got one thing right. Wednesday nights in Bournemouth are all about LavaIgnite, the town’s
biggest nightclub.

“No it’s not the cold that makes you ill, it’s the viruses,” Amba swiftly corrects her.

They pause for a second almost expecting an answer from me. I’m not entirely sure and seek refuge
with my hot chocolate, staring at the white lid of my Costa cup, hoping for a distraction. Lauren a
fellow first year student diffuses the situation, “Lectures are harder to concentrate on in the morning.”

That’s true. The Atrium at Bournemouth University can be a lonely place on Wednesday mornings.
The bleak white surround mirroring the crisp frost outside echoes the few footsteps within. Intramural
sport dictates university life mid week and it shows. Four students, hidden upon a green sofa sit,
huddled around the solitary light of a laptop, discussing work or more likely last night’s football
results. The highlights will be online.

Sport has now manifested on the far side of the room. Bournemouth University Boat Club are rowing
for 48 hours and are accompanied by the mechanical screech of the machine and a heavy bass line. My
head throbs in time to the beat before James Blunt rudely interrupts. Being quickly moved on, his
music is not wanted amongst the electronic plethora of pace setting noise. With the room momentarily
lit up by the song, surprised at its presence, the lyrics of the chorus disappear, the return of trance no
longer matching the shuffling students, draped in colourful scarves and throws.

It’s warm in here, and whilst there may be few in number, watching the Student President scuttle
towards the rowing event creates a sense of unity. Donned in an anti-cuts tee, the stark red contrasts
brightly against bare white pipes and plaster, adding to the pleasant glow of the surround.
Bournemouth University students may come from afar to the pleasant beaches of the Jurassic Coast
but we’re here together, working in unison yet striving for individual excellence, proving the worth
and credentials of young adults nationwide.

There is where we belong. We belong together.