Most of us Bobcats have visited Toad’s Place at least once so far. It is the go-to Saturday night ritual for Quinnipiac students. Personally, I kind of had a love-hate relationship with the place, and I’m sure many of my fellow Bobcats will agree.
First of all, there’s the shuttles. My friends and I have gone to Toad’s a few times since freshman year and every time, we’ve spent more time waiting for the shuttle and in transportation than we have at the actual club. Once on the shuttle, it’s a blast, though. So. much. fun.
Getting off the shuttle and walking through the Green to Toad’s is another adventure entirely, which you all probably know too well. You have to walk through the streets of New Haven and try to beat the massive cult-like crowd to the line at Toad’s, which is always a hit or miss. Either you get there just at the right time and beat the rush or you’re waiting on line for an hour.
Then you’re finally in Toad’s. You’ve paid your cover charge and you’ve walked in, and again, at this point there are a few options: 1) You’re there insanely early and the dance floor is completely empty except those few girls who have no shame dancing by themselves; 2) There’s a good amount of people on the dance floor and you can jump right in and dance; or 3) There are so many people on the dance floor that you actually consider just leaving.
At last, you have infiltrated the dance floor. You are bouncing/swaying/jumping/fist-pumping to the music (which, depending on the night, could be really good or just so, so bad) and you’re having a pretty fun time…for the moment. The first hour to two go great. You’re dancing with friends, and perhaps even some strangers.
And then, at one point during the night, the dance floor gets ridiculously crowded and you can’t even move. This is when the chaos ensues. The floor is soaked with alcohol and who knows what else. You’ve probably had a drink or two spilled on you. Girls are taking off their shoes. There are glass bottles and cups on the floor, and it is just about time to leave.
At this point, it’s probably between one and two o’clock and you’re outside, probably more thankful for fresh, cool air than you’ve ever been in your life. You walk back through the Green and try to avoid the stumbling girls and guys (or maybe you’re the one holding them up). Normally, this is the time I take to reflect on the night and observe my fellow classmates. This usually consists of girls hysterically crying and guys yelling and screaming about the “awesome night”.
The shuttle ride back is probably my favorite part of the night. It’s usually pretty quiet, with the exception of a little chit chat between friends here and there. It’s a good time to close your eyes and chill for the rest of the ride.
Another classic part of the night is finally arriving back at your dorm, taking the longest, hottest shower ever, scrubbing the “X” off your hand and at last, collapsing in bed with no alarm set the for the next day…just the sweet bliss of knowing you’ve survived your night at Toad’s.