Jane College’s Dining Hall looked a little different at its latest Formal Dinner, when students and staff transformed it into the Great Hall for a night of Harry Potter-inspired food, costumes and theatrics.
Your Hogwarts acceptance letter has arrived
Preparations began well before the dinner. Each resident received a Hogwarts acceptance letter, sealed with a custom Jane College wax seal, inviting them to dress in their best Hogwarts-inspired look.
On the night, students entered the Dining Hall to Hedwig’s Theme and were greeted by Jane’s Senior Residents and the Sorting Hat. Each student drew a house to decide where they would sit, joining one of four long tables representing Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Welcome to the Great Hall
The Dining Hall was decorated with house banners, candelabras and twinkling lights, with an owl watching from the lectern.
The tables featured themed menus, Harry Potter glasses, lightning bolt tattoos and a special Jane College edition of The Daily Prophet. Students sorted into Slytherin could also add a Death Eater tattoo to their look.
Jane staff embraced the theme too. Dean of Students Sarah Hopkins became Professor McGonagall for the evening, while Dean of Academics Sally stepped into the role of Professor Sprout.
Sarah led the planning for the dinner, working with a team of students on everything from the Hogwarts acceptance letters and table decorations to the props and performances.
Butterbeer ice cream and a little mischief
After the main course, chef Paul Foreman made liquid nitrogen Butterbeer ice cream in the centre of the Dining Hall. A Hogwarts Express-inspired lolly trolley stood nearby, stocked with toppings for students to add to their dessert.
There were also several student-led surprises during the evening, including a warning about a troll in the bathroom, an appearance from Dobby and one student speaking Parseltongue.
A Hogwarts-themed photo booth, complete with a backdrop and props, was a popular part of the night. Students used it to capture plenty of selfies, group photos and some very committed costumes.
College life at its best
Formal Dinners have long been part of life at Jane, but no two are quite the same. Some mark important moments in the academic year, while others give students the chance to do something a little different together.
Events like this are part of the residential college experience. University life does not only happen in lecture theatres and libraries. It is also found in shared traditions, unexpected experiences and the friendships formed outside the classroom.
At Jane, that might mean formal dinners, intercollege sport, live music, student-led events or simply sharing a meal with friends.
On this occasion, it meant entering the Great Hall, being sorted into a Hogwarts house and enjoying a little mischief together.
Mischief managed.