Faced with an outpouring of fruit emojis and slightly creepy images of Barbies in bathing suits on Instagram, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Arcsoc’s latest foray into the Cambridge clubbing scene. Not usually big into clubbing myself, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Here’s how it went …

“I was only disappointed not to see any crocs on the dancefloor …”

Following such alluring themes as “pic’n’mix” and “glitch”, Arcsoc: Resort promised a whole new host of creative outfits to brighten up the gloomy Cambridge winter nights. Characteristically eccentric Instagram captions advertising the event promised costumes along the lines of “Aqua Barbie, a palm tree, lifeguard, beach balls, aperol, dolphins, starfish, shells, ice lollies, the sun (?), the sea (?), that one flip flop you lost in 2007.” And those that turned up certainly didn’t disappoint; though the long line for the cloakroom was perhaps a little ironic, Arcsoc guests nonetheless pulled out all the stops for the summery theme. The cold weather seems to have deterred few: Hawaiian shirts and flower necklaces galore, sunglasses of every shape, from hearts to pineapples, and even the occasional bikini showed true dedication. I was only disappointed not to see any crocs on the dancefloor …

The makeup was no less beguiling, with enough glitter, rhinestones, and psychedelic swirls to make the cast of Euphoria jealous. One guest even rocked the “sunburnt” look, showing up with a full face of blush. If Arcsoc nights are anything, they’re certainly Instagrammable.

The decoration, though more understated, was still a source of amusement — one inflatable plastic palm tree particularly took to my fancy — that is, until its tragic demise towards the end of the night. A beach ball passed around the dance floor also offered something of the summery theme. It wasn’t quite Malibu, but the strong ventilation (a requisite of Miss Rona, I’m sure) did evoke something of the tropical sea breeze.

Floating between the bar, the dance floor, and the quirky alleyway smoking area of MASH, there was lots to catch the eye.

“If Arcsoc nights are anything, they’re certainly Instagrammable”

All this was set against the backdrop of a steady stream of house music, which aided the tropical vibe. One of the highlights of Arcsoc are its DJs — an antidote to the mindlessly repetitive playlists that some of the other Cambridge clubs are so well known for.

Though I did miss some of the classic cheesiness of Lola’s, it was nonetheless highly danceable throughout the night, and there were certainly some top class Cambridge dance moves on display. While the heart of the dance floor offered the authentic mosh-pit experience, there was enough space in other areas for some bodacious boogying — thankfully without the pushing and shoving that characterised the Lola’s overcrowding scandal of Michaelmas 2021.

All in all, we can always count on Arcsoc club nights for a fun night out of good music, original outfits and an artsy crowd. Though we bid farewell to the faithful MASH, teasers for the next Arcsoc night point to the exciting new era of Arcsoc club nights at the Cambridge junction, starting with WAKE UP, The Arcsoc Cabaret.

Tickets for ARCSOC’s next event “ARCSOC Cabaret: Wake Up” are still on sale. You can buy tickets here: fixr.co/event/863347177. Find more information about ARCSOC (The University of Cambridge’s Architecture Society) and future events here: https://www.facebook.com/arcsoc.cambridge