…excercise your body instead.

You know what’s one of the greatest things about Imperial? Its Ethos. No, I don’t mean the spirit (although that’s not too bad either). I mean Ethos, the sports centre. Most of the current students students will probably know most of this stuff already, but let’s write something useful for prospective students this time.

What can be more relaxing than spending your lunch break in a gym, doing some weight training, and then relaxing in a spa pool or a sauna? That is how many of my days look like. Ethos is one of the things that everyone loves, and the fact that it’s free (at least the gym and swimming pool) is just extraordinary. I believe that Imperial is the only uni in the country that provides its students with a free sports centre and, since it was built only a few years ago, it’s also apparently one of the best equipped ones. In his recent interview in Felix, the Rector announced that it will remain free next year.

Considering its price (or the lack of it, for that matter), you could think that Ethos is packed for most of the time. Wrong! I’ve been to both the gym and the swimming pool, and there was never a time at which I found no available swimming lanes, space in the spa pool or free weights. Sure, some times like Wednesday afternoon are more busy than others, but it is not bad at all. I guess Imperial students have other exciting things to do – most likely playing World of Warcraft or other MMORPGs.

I know the whole post sounds like an advertisement, but it actually is. If you are a prospective student and you are in doubt about choosing your future university, then you have an answer – go to Imperial for the free gym, and make sure you make good use of it.

(The photos attached are not mine, they’re taken from the Imperial Image Library. Ethos doesn’t allow cameras inside )

‘Hey, what’s your name?’
‘Wait, I think I know what you mean…’
‘You’re right. Now, you’ll die!’

No, this is not a quote from a B-class gangster film. It is a conversation I’ve heard last week at Imperial. And again, I don’t imply presence of any hitmen at our university. It’s just how one of the best societies at Imperial works. The Assassins Guild.

The game started last Monday. Having prepared my weapons some time before (and I wanted to have a weapon for every occasion), I was able to proceed to plan my assassinations. I received two targets, together with their names and photos. A bit of subtle Facestalking gave me some background information, including the place of residence of one of them (“Tizard 2nd floor” and similar groups are perfect for this), I had a plan in my mind. I wanted to lure them to a secluded place, by offering them some freebies. And then perform a spectacular double kill, catching everything on camera. It sounded perfect.

While I was waiting for the right time, I witnessed another assassination. My friend saw his target in JCR, identified her by her necklace, and killed her without much resistance. I recorded the event, but I laughed so hard that the only thing I managed to film was the sky.Then, I accompanied my other friend in his attempt. He knew where his target is going to be. And he waited for him to leave the lecture hall. What my friend did not predict, was that his assassin also came out of the same lecture hall. The conversation I mentioned before occurred, then my friend started to run, losing his shoe during the process. The fight was equal, but the opponent was quicker. I intended to record this one as well, but this time I was rolling on the flooring laughing by the time I grabbed my camera.And then it was my big day. Everything was planned. I went to the toilet in order to be perfectly ready for the assassination. While I was going to wash my hands, I felt something poking me. Immediately after, I heard the words ‘You’re dead’. My assassin followed me. To the toilet. And waited for me. What a humiliating death… But well done, assassin (if you’re still alive).

Now, I’m dead. But I shall return in my second life as an inquisitor. My role will be to kill misbehaving assassins. So, if you’ve broke the rules, be ready – new sheriff’s in town.

The game is really fun, and it’s biggest plus is that it’s free. You can just join it as any other society. A definite must-do at Imperial.