On Friday, 16 October, the ground floor of Building B came alive with the traditional welcome LAN party organised by the Department of Computer Science. The event brought together students, alumni and teaching staff for an enjoyable evening of gaming, friendly competition and informal socialising. What began as an evening gathering eventually turned into a gaming marathon lasting well into the night.
There was something for everyone throughout the evening. Visitors could watch League of Legends matches on large projection screens, while Minecraft and a variety of other popular titles were played on laptops. Virtual reality also proved to be a major attraction, giving participants the opportunity to try experiences such as the rhythm game Beat Saber, sports simulations and many other VR activities. A dance mat was also available and provided plenty of entertaining moments throughout the night.
The highlight of the programme was a Just Dance competition, which attracted enthusiastic participation both on and off the dance floor. Those looking for a break from digital entertainment could join a selection of board and card games, offering additional opportunities to relax and get to know other participants.
However, the LAN party was about more than just games. Above all, it provided an opportunity to meet in an informal setting, connect with people across different years of study and strengthen the department's community. The atmosphere throughout the evening confirmed that events like this continue to play an important role in bringing people together and creating opportunities for new friendships, networking and shared interests.
We would like to thank everyone who took part for helping to create such a welcoming atmosphere, as well as the organisers for making the event possible. We are already looking forward to the next edition.
