In keeping with what might be OUMSSA’s most sacred tradition, the committee kicked off the Michaelmas calendar with the ever-popular Welcome Back Drinks. Returning to the stately halls of Harris Manchester for a second time, the event as an opportune time for everyone to meet up after a long vacation, amidst an array of delectable snacks. With no end in sight to the supply of good food and drink (that most hallowed of Singaporean obsessions), conversation went on well into the night as everyone took the chance to catch up with friends old and new.
Mmmmmmmmmmm.
On display was an even wider selection of drinks than before, catered for both the discerning connosieur and the casual drinker. A whole range of mixers was available for the more daring and experimental, complemented by Singaporean tidbits brought back by generous society members. So whether you were a fan of bagua or Bacardi – there was something for everyone to reminisce over. And making its triumphant return was the now-familiar sight of the kaya toast stand, with our tireless Secretary Yu-Jia resuming her post to dish out lavish servings of kaya and butter (now flanked by helpful committee members to meet the inevitable demand).
The King's Speech: OUMSSA edition.
But perhaps the main attraction, as always, was the people. With frenzied finalists and wide-eyed freshers both making the rounds, the stage was set for fantastic conversations. Old friends caught up and lamented the horrors of collections, while the newbies exchanged Fresher Week stories of terrifying tutors and nights out on the town. Summer vacation stories were swapped, with the more adventurous regaling others of their sojourns through Europe, while others rattled off an envy-inducing checklist of Singaporean foods they feasted on while back home. OUMSSA families got the chance to reunite too, with ‘kids’ already seeking advice on how to survive the dreaming spires from their battle-hardened ‘parents’.
It was a fantastic start to what will undoubtedly be another exciting year in Oxford – so check out some of our photos below, and look forward to more to come as your Committee enters its next term!
Nicholas Tan
Nicholas Tan