Traditions
Organised by the University Administration with the Student Council, and kept, in most cases, for well over a century.
01
Autumn — Château de Lumière
St. Estè's most prestigious social occasion, held each autumn to commemorate the founding of the university in 1786. A formal black-tie evening of live orchestras, dining and dancing attended by alumni, benefactors and distinguished guests.
02
Michaelmas term — Campus-wide
The university's largest celebration of school spirit: athletic rivalries, pep rallies, society showcases, concerts, food festivals and community service, culminating in the annual football classic at Dragon Stadium.
03
Dragon Week
An inter-society competition of academic, athletic and recreational challenges. The winning house holds the cup in its hall for the remainder of the academic year.
04
Winter — Swiss Alps
A weekend excursion of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, mountain hikes and bonfires at a partner resort above the valley, organised for students of every year group.
05
Spring — Campus-wide
Student exhibitions, theatre productions, concerts, poetry readings, film screenings and fashion showcases transform the campus into an open-air gallery.
06
Spring — Inter-house
The four Greek houses compete in a university-wide philanthropic rivalry of auctions, fundraisers and community initiatives, with both reputation and prestige on the line.
Enduring customs
Every freshman begins the year by touching the bronze dragon in the Central Courtyard, a ritual believed to bring good fortune for the whole of their studies.
Before graduating, every varsity captain signs the wall within their own stadium or arena, leaving a permanent mark of their leadership.
