By Eric Clipperton – Contributor

Going all the way back to my very first days on campus, back in 2019, there were two words that rang synonymous: partying and the Gait. Now, in 2024, those words still ring true, but I just do not know if I feel the same way. Early on in my time at Bishop’s, I found myself a regular at the Gait whether for a simple Thursday night out (even if I had a dreaded 8:30 a.m. class on Friday) or for one of the many amazing themed Gait nights, like Two-Year’s Eve. Nowadays, I am not sure whether it has been a change in myself, or with life on campus and the Gait, but Gait nights just aren’t “hitting” like they once did. 

Over my years at BU, I have had a front-row seat to watch groups of people come and go. With that, the culture in a community will shift accordingly. Now, I feel like the Gait inadvertently panders to those who party way harder than over making it a fun and enjoyable evening for all. This is in part because long wait lines outside and inside the bar mean people feel compelled to drink more before arriving. 

I am well aware that the Gait is club-like, it’s not very big, and it is rather popular. But, after standing in line for 45 minutes to get in, to stand in a deformed huddle for another 45 minutes just to get a single drink – it is really not all that appealing as it could be. I am one to enjoy a drink or two with friends while getting ready to go out to the Gait, but I feel encouraged to drink even more before arriving, knowing how long it will be until I am able to get another drink once in the Gait, a thought process which I feel is not unique to myself.

Pre-drinking is a way to save a buck or two on a night out, but when it gets to the point that people are getting drunk prior to showing up, it has a tendency to weigh down the night for others around them. 

Now, I am not oblivious that COVID-19 impacted the social life of the school for a few years. But now, with absolutely no COVID regulations left, there was hope that maybe that spark that drove me to the Gait on white lies night or beach day, would return. Sadly, this has not been the case in part because of the long waits. 

Over the years, thankfully, one thing that has not changed about the Gait is people’s love to join everyone on the dance floor. The dance floor is the one thing drawing me back in, even with all of my other apprehensions.

Will the Gait go back to what it was before the pandemic? I hope not, because I felt there were a slew of other problems running rampant then, now remedied with the increased security presence, along with moving the line inside and mandatory coat checks. These elements have added a level of comfort to the outing as there are just a few extra steps of protection for those who want to have a good innocent time dancing and hanging out with friends.Will I go back to the Gait? Probably not, but that’s my decision to make.