Students enjoy first night out in ages: ‘It’s iconic, being here right on day 1’

Even though the club wasn’t scheduled to open until 11pm, quite a few people were queuing in the car park in front of Annabel’s by 10pm. Many students had been unable to get a ticket for the evening but showed up anyway, in hopes that they would be allowed to enter the club.

Econometrics student Jonathan was enjoying a beer outside while waiting for the club to open its doors. He just returned from exchange in Spain and came to Annabel’s to protest the coronavirus-related restrictions in force in the Netherlands. “Spain reopened a lot more places a little while ago, so I think our government should consider relaxing the restrictions sooner as well. That’s why I’m here tonight. Obviously, I’m here to have a fun night out, but I’ve also come because I oppose the current restrictions.”

No tickets

“I’m definitely here by way of protest”, said Fabian, a medical student. “If the police show up tonight to barricade the door, I will simply break through.” He believes that going out is one of the best ways for students to meet others, and he opposes the lengthy closure of clubs. He had been queuing since 10.30. When the doors finally opened, he ran after his friends, so as not to lose them in the crowd.

Not all students who came to Annabel’s did so to protest the restrictions. Some just grabbed an opportunity when it arose. “We were having dinner together and thought: let’s just go for it”, said Jase, who studies Business economics. He and his friends tried to get in without any tickets, which proved harder than they expected. “But thankfully, there’s a pretty good vibe outside.”

First time

Jase wasn’t the only student who came to Annabel’s mostly because he enjoys a night on the town. Econometrics student Jasper invited some friends who don’t live in Rotterdam to the club. “It’s kind of iconic, being here right on day 1. I assume the clubs will receive a pretty steep fine. I’m very curious to see what the night is going to be like.”

“I can’t even remember the last time I was in a club. It’s definitely a problem”, said Ton, who studies Psychology. “It’s about time after two years. We need our emotional release.”

Party outfits

Law student Sylvie couldn’t wait to go out. Like Tasha (who studies educational sciences), she was one of very few people who had actually managed to get hold of a ticket. “It’s been too long since I last spent an entire night in a club. So I bought tickets as soon as I was able to and obviously put on my party outfit.” She thinks it’s too cold to show her outfit. “But it’s warm enough inside, so it’s not for nothing.”

Economics student Luis-Daniel hadn’t been able to get in yet, but that didn’t bother him. “I wasn’t all that well prepared. I have neither tickets nor a party outfit, but the atmosphere outside is electric.” A group of people had started dancing in the parking lot, and even the police officers in attendance seemed to be having a good time of it.