7 things that will make University of Leicester graduates nostalgic

If you went to the University of Leicester, brace yourself for a little wander down rose-tinted lane as UoL graduate Joshua Finch takes you through seven nostalgia-inducing things you're definitely missing. Especially Red Leicester Wednesdays.

The Paternoster 
 
Upon first mentioning this to outsiders you invariably have to explain in entirely unintelligible terms: ‘it’s like this lift thing... but it’s not a lift... and it’s got like these open booths that you step in... and it never stops... kind of thing’.

break-v1

An alien concept to most, but to Leicester students – or at least humanities students – the Attenborough building paternoster strangely holds fond memories, even if it was often a fraught relationship. Why couldn’t we get on/off at ground floor? What is the ‘booth’ etiquette on sharing with strangers? (incidentally the answer is: do not share)

Richard III (Having absolutely no prior interest until York tried to steal him) 
 
If you were a student at Leicester in 2012 and didn’t hear of the discovery of the remains of Richard III then you must have been deeply unconscious or drunk for 6 months. Undoubtedly most of us had, thanks to the incessant updates (harassment) from the university press office. Granted, all this was quite exciting but once the fanfare passed we all got on with our lives (maybe not the archaeology department). But when York started throwing its weight around demanding his body be retuned we responded by seemingly all becoming experts on the matter and vehemently defending Leicester’s right to the body remaining in Leicester. It was a weird period on campus.

Clarendon  
The middle class dream. You only lived here if you got your shit together fairly early on. If not, the alternative was...

Evington  

With regular reports of burglaries, literally rotting houses from the sixties and takeaways of disputable quality, Evington has perhaps not unfairly garnered a bad reputation amongst Leicester students. Yet whilst it isn’t the most pleasant place to live, you’re not going to see a Sikh festival parade past your house in Clarendon on a Sunday morning. Swings and roundabouts – almost.
  
In and Out 
The absolute, unadulterated joy on the rare occasion bossman gave you extra chicken. What a time to be alive. I sincerely hope that place is still open.

Red Leicester 
 
For some it was something of a religious institution and conversely a last resort for others. Whether you loved it or loathed it, it was nigh-on impossible to resist the magnetic lure of Red Leicester on a Wednesday when you decided on a well-deserved night out after enduring three hellish hours of your six-hour week. Nothing need be said about Thursday mornings.

break-v1

Mary Gee Halls 
 
Admittedly only featured for my undying love for this place, but don’t we all have an affinity for our first year halls? I’m certain Mary Gee conjured images of third-world living for those who lived in Oadby and depending on your need for basic amenities you might agree. Yes, this place was f*****g dilapidated and as far away from luxury living as you could imagine, but Christ it was fun.