Vanessa on Samuel:

Going into the date, what were you hoping for?

I wasn’t expecting much because, honestly, I’ve just been so distracted by exams, and I completely forgot about it. So I thought, I’m sure I’ll just make a new friend and it’ll be a nice break from my revision. All I was thinking was, ‘oh, I hope I don’t know this person’.

What were your first impressions of him?

I could tell he was a jokester. Which he was! He was really nice. He bought the drinks, which I didn’t think was necessary, because obviously we’re both students.

How did it go from there?

We had a really good conversation. No awkward silences, I would say. If I met him in a lecture, I would think, I want to be this person’s friend.

Did he live up to the jokester energy?

He said that he makes terrible jokes, but I don’t think they’re terrible. I think they’re just British jokes, which I appreciate.

How would you describe him in three words?

Multilingual, because he speaks French. Gentlemanly, if that’s a word. British humour vibes.

What do you think he thought of you?

I’m not sure. I think he was intrigued by my accent. I think he thought we got along well, which I thought as well.

“Whether or not they wear a helmet, that’s what’s important”

Did you debrief with your friends afterwards?

I did, because I went straight to my friend’s room to study. But I didn’t tell many people about this because it’s exams. So I don’t want to be too interesting! My friends were very excited about it though. They were more excited than me.

Were there any good anecdotes you have to share with your friends?

I asked him, do you wear a helmet when you bike? And he said no and that’s a deal breaker for me. I say this very seriously. It really is a litmus test for me. I see it as a make or break thing for me. Who cares about their other values? Whether or not they wear a helmet, that’s what’s important.

Was there a romantic spark, or was it just platonic?

It was more platonic, but I think that’s because I don’t like people immediately. I think we did say we’d meet up again because he really likes gardening, which I find fascinating.

What was the most interesting thing about him?

The fact that he goes to the Botanic Garden everyday. I respect that. I like the consistency. He has very strong interests in gardening. But unfortunately I’m not that great at gardening.

How would you rate the date? Maybe give it a degree classification in the spirit of Easter Term?

I’d probably say a high 2:1. I think I was so distracted the whole time by exams, so I didn’t really process it. But it was a really good break from exams.

Would you recommend Varsity blind dates?

I would recommend it to anyone who likes to side quest.

Samuel on Vanessa

Going into the date, what were you hoping for?

I was hoping to meet someone very likeable, someone very pleasant. You know, have a good conversation with someone.

How were you feeling once you were there?

I was a bit nervous at the start, but once the conversation got going it was very easy to speak to her. She’s incredibly pleasant so it was easy.

What were your first impressions?

I got there about 10 minutes early and I was walking around Coe Fen, and I saw this girl walking around. And I thought, could that be her? I saw her go up to one of the cows and pet it. So my first impression was very positive. You know, the fact that she’s down to Earth, just going up to the cow and petting it.

Did you feel like it was like platonic vibes, or did you feel a romantic spark between you?

That’s a tough question. And you can only look at it from your perspective. I feel as though I’d need to see her again to sort of figure that out, to be honest. I think it could lead towards that, but meeting someone for a drink for two hours is probably not enough in and of itself.

Were there any awkward moments?

No, it was very pleasant. It was only awkward when I basically forgot what I was supposed to say at some points.

How would you describe her in three words?

I’d say charming. I guess caring’s another one. When I mentioned that I don’t wear a helmet when I’m cycling, she was concerned. Down to earth as well, although that’s multiple words.

“I saw her go up to one of the cows and pet it”

What do you think she thought about you?

That I was a jokester, that I was reckless. That I’m socially awkward, but I don’t think I was that bad. She compensated.

What was your defence about not wearing a helmet when you cycle?

Life’s about risks.

Would you like to see her again?

Yeah. I mean, if she’s up for it, sure. I suggested we could go down to the Botanic Garden after exams.

Did you debrief the date with your friends? Did they have any thoughts?

They were more excited than me. They kept on asking me the day before: are you nervous about it? I think they were more nervous than me!

What would you rate the date?

If I give it a high score, am I being presumptuous? I think it went well. She was very pleasant to talk to, and I think we got along very well. So the fact that we tepidly talked about doing something together again, I think that’s a positive first. Let’s be optimistic.

Did the date meet your expectations?

Well, I was expecting to embarrass myself more.

Would you recommend us to a friend?

I already have.

Would you describe yourself as someone who likes to go on side quests?

Does the main character go on side quests?