Campus supermarket became a rave party for two hours: ‘Students always find a way to party’

On a sunny Tuesday at midday, the university’s convenience store became a small rave to promote the arrival of a new drink on offer. More than a hundred students flocked to the shop, squeezing each other through the sweet, healthy crackers and crisps aisle to be as close to the DJ as possible. Some excited for the rave, some oblivious to it, or just to get a protein snack for their long day of studying.

With a booth set on the far-left corner of the store, the party started. Soon, David Vunk, Michel de Hey and Benny Rodrigues started spinning a selection of electronic house and techno music, attracting a continuous stream of students. Valeria, a MISOC student, had an exam on Monday, and has a final presentation on Friday. “It’s a great way to take a break”, she said. An avid rave enjoyer, this was a new experience for her. “It’s cool as fuck. I’ve never been to a supermarket rave and it’s different to the ones I’ve been to.”

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Promotion

This rave’s DJs are all on the list for a festival happening at Kralingse Bos in July, giving students an amuse bouche of what’s to come. Cumayt is an ambassador for the event. “We’re trying to promote it for people. Last time we organised a rave at a coffee shop, and now we’re doing it in a Spar supermarket. It’s a super unique way of promoting the festival, and I’m really liking it”, he said, whilst dancing side-to-side with chocolate bars and healthy crackers in a supermarket alley.

Prior obligations

As the rave inched closer to lunchtime, the store was invaded by its more common clients: hungry students on a lunch break. With the crowded DJ set blocking the usual path to the checkout, students walked back through the entrance and then to the self-checkout machines, whilst enjoying a premium view of the DJs spinning tunes right behind them.

Prat, an Economics student, had no idea about the rave. “I saw the spark machines outside the entrance, and I heard loud electronic music from inside and I didn’t know what was happening”, he said.

Raresh, a Business Administration student, took a short break from work. “I walked in and wondered ‘what the hell is happening today?’. I just wanted my protein snack. He is shocked by the ‘unique vibe’ in the Spar. “It’s so cool to see a place we all go to so often be transformed into something most of us love doing.”

Some students were neglecting their study obligations by attending the rave. Economics student Macarena wasn’t one of them, ‘but my friends who are here with me are staying and forget about studying’.

Same music, different atmosphere

On regular days, the supermarket’s festive music choice is often loved by students. When Raresh goes to the store for a snack, the music always stays with him. “It gives me a quick energy boost. Its always good music mixed with good vibes.” Macarena agreed. “The music is always like this. It’s always a happy place. When you’re bored of studying and need a break, you go to SPAR to get a nice snack and enjoy the nice beats.”