The UWCS Guide to LANs

A quick overview of our LAN Parties

In computing, the term "LAN" stands for Local Area Network. In our case, it refers to our flagship gaming event where we gather a bunch of computers and hook them together to one router and play games together for an entire weekend (a full fourty-eight hours, to be exact). These usually take place once every term.

Bringing a device

We cannot accept any liability for the security of personal devices or their data at LAN, so if at any point you plan to step away from your device, no matter for how long, please ensure you use its screen lock, if possible.

We welcome a wide range of devices at LAN, from gaming laptops, to consoles old and new, to gargantuan desktops! If you plan on bringing a device with you, be sure to let us know on the Discord, and we can give a helping hand and/or some general advice on getting your setup from your place to ours. You don't have to bring a device with you to join in on LAN, but as the saying goes, the more the merrier!

We'll provide cables for networking, i.e. Ethernet, but anything else you'll be expected to bring yourself. This includes monitors, cables, power bricks, controllers, and so on. Don't be that one person who forgets their mouse!

Got Desktop?

We will typically aim to provide some sort of pick-up service to help you get to LAN. Please check the announcements on our Discord to check if we're offering this. Failing that, we provide desktop tower carrying cases, monitor bags and trolleys to help you out. No doubt you'll also want to bring a monitor too, but bear in mind you're limited to one monitor per desktop or console unit. Additionally, please don't bring speakers: we would instead recommend you bring headphones.

What else to bring

Even though you're not required to bring any computer hardware to join in on LAN, there are still a few things we recommend you bring, notably some snacks (because there's no way we'll have a sufficient amount of snacks to feed everyone), some cash if you want to pop to the local shops or order food for yourself, and a pillow to help make yourself comfortable. Please also make sure you bring yourself, in an orderly state, i.e. please make sure you've showered the night before the event, are wearing suitable clothes, have put on deodourant, etc.

Also, LAN is a strictly sober event. Please do not bring alcohol to the venue otherwise you will be asked to leave. You will also be told to leave if the exec team believes you are in an unfit state to participate. Outside of potential damage to very expensive equipment, there have been notable incidents involving alcohol at LANs in the past: we do not wish to replicate them.

What we bring

We'll do our best to ensure there's something for everyone, so we'll haul over the equipment we usually bring out for our Friday Night Gaming events, such as the Nintendo Switches, VR Headsets, etc. We recommend using the #lan channel on our Discord to find out what people are planning on bringing, so you can plan ahead. In very lucky circumstances, we may have additional PCs from sponsors, but this is rare.

We'll also have our own in-house music server, Amphi, running, where anyone in LAN can submit audible horrors their favourite music. Amphi was brought to life by none other than the amazing Alex Dixon (Yes, the same Alex who teaches CS141)!

Lastly, we typically provide a small array of snacks at least once across the event, and might (just might!) get pizza for everyone at some point.

What we do

First and foremost, we game. And we eat our fair share of junk food.

But we also host special events throughout the LAN which aim to get anyone and everyone involved. Here's what you can expect from a typical LAN...

• Tournaments - From Mario Kart to Super Smash Bros, put your skills to the test!

• Film Nights - Why not take a break from gaming, sit down, and watch a couple of classic films?

• Quizzes - Teams of four, five-or-so rounds, ideally get as many questions right as possible.

• Society Collabs - We've done Smash with NinSoc, Ultra Hardcore Minecraft with MineSoc... the list goes on!

But this is not an exhaustive list. Be sure to check our schedule to see what exciting events we've got going on!

Where we LAN

Typically, LIB2 at the Library is our go-to spot for LAN. We understand that most people aren't familiar with this room's whereabouts, so we'll do our best to explain. First, be sure to check its location on campus.warwick.ac.uk.

Facing the front of the library builing, go down to the right side, past the Café. You'll see a sliding door with a card reader, so you'll need your Student ID card to enter. Once you're inside, go through the left-hand set of doors, then straight ahead. Congrats! You've just made it to LAN!

Note: The door to LIB2 will reject your card after 10pm. Don't worry if this happens, there will be at least one exec member available to let you in, just let us know you're here on our discord.

Frequently asked questions

Aaah! I'm at LAN and something's broken!

Um, that's not a question, but don't panic! We'll have members of the exec team to hand who can lend their help (plus maybe some tools) if your computer encounters any issues at LAN.

Can I sleep at LAN?

We wouldn't encourage it. Generally speaking, security gets upset when people do this, but regardless, we doubt you'd be able to sleep comfortably in the room. Instead, maybe head home to catch up on rest or just neck down some pure caffeine in true gamer spirit.

If I go, do I have to stay for the entire LAN?

Nope! Feel free to head out if and when you need to eat, sleep, or just go outside (highly recommended actually, vitamin d go brrr). We will always have at least one exec member inside the room to make sure your stuff stays safe during the event. That being said, if you'd like to head off early, that's totally fine.

Is there a limit on how many devices I can bring?

While we don't have a hard limit on devices, we suggest that people are sensible about the devices they bring. We would recommend one computer or console, plus a monitor, hence using two sockets.

Can I bring an extension cord?

Yes, but please only use it on the outlets on the walls of the room. DO NOT plug extension cords into the electrical leads coming down from the ceiling, as these are not designed to handle them, and doing so could lead to potential fire risk. These should provide more than enough plugs anyway.

I still need help!

No worries. Hop on our Discord and ask any member of our current gaming exec team if there's anything else you'd like to know about LAN. I promise we won't bite. You can also send us an email at gaming@uwcs.co.uk, or follow our Instagram for updates.

In fact, Discord tends to be our best source of info regarding events in UWCS, so be sure to join to get the very latest updates on our various happenings!

We look forward to seeing you at our next LAN!