- Bars:
- There are five bars in the main union building. There are also bars at the St. Mary's site (medical school) and Charing Cross. Some are described below:
Da Vinci's - Situated in the main SU building, this bar has recently undergone a refurbishment. It is also a café and, as a result, is busy during the day, as well as at night. The standard of the food is fairly good.
Union Bar - This has more of a pub atmosphere and is situated close to Da Vinci's in the SU building. It is more popular with certain sports teams than mature clientele (only joking guys...), especially on sports night.
dBs - This is the 500 capacity venue bar, which is open on the major ents nights. Other venues include the Great Hall (700) and the Concert Hall (430)
Union Dining Hall - This isn't a bar, but we thought we had to mention it. The oak panelled Dining Hall is on the first floor of the SU, and is used for certain big dinners etc. Clubs and Societies can also hire it for funtions.
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- Functions:
- Friday is the largest night, with a range of functions happening in the different rooms within the Union. XS happens on a Wednesday night (and is frequently taken literally) when there is a midnight bar and most of the sports teams have returned from playing matches. There is an Ents section of the SU website, but it is not updated regularly (the last time being Easter 1999!), so it is best not to look there for what is happening. The price of Ents ranges from £1.00 - £2.50, which is good for the University of London colleges.
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- Major Social Events:
- Imperial College has two big balls…(now, now ladies; none of that!)…annually. The first is the Fresher’s Ball, where if you remember it, you haven’t had a good enough night!
However, by far the most prestigious event on the Imperial social calendar is the Summer Ball, which takes place in the West Hall and Palm Court of Alexandra Palace. Black tie of course, it includes a Champagne drinks reception, a three-course meal, and dancing until 2am. There is also a 40ft. Ferris wheel, bouncy castles, and dodgems. Don’t expect to do anything constructive for days afterwards!
Many clubs, societies and departments also hold formal functions, and it isn’t rare for these to be held at large London hotels. There are also carnivals every year.
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- Clubs & Societies:
- Imperial is represented very well with clubs and societies. It’s sports clubs range from Rugby to Shotokan, and there is even a Frisbee Club, and a Yacht Club. All major international and religious groups are represented, including a Persian Gulf Society and an International Tamil Society.
As for leisure societies, many of them seem to highlight the scientific background of Imperial, for example, the Linux User Group (how techie!!), and the Micro Computer Society. There are, however, fun ones like the Real Ale Society and War Games.
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