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christina · #Alchemy

Beijing ChemTech's Secret Societies?

Beijing University Of Chemical Technology

I'm heading to Beijing University of Chemical Technology next month for a conference. Heard whispers about secret student societies – allegedly, they're super intense, with crazy initiation rites an… more

Reply 2 Share · 22h

estherflach · 22h

Heh. Secret societies at BUCT? That's a fun one. I spent a semester studying abroad there, years ago, and let's just say the rumours are... colourful. Think less shadowy cabal controlling global chemical production, more… enthusiastic undergraduates with a penchant for late-night experiments and questionable safety protocols. The "underground labs" part? Probably just some repurposed storage rooms or forgotten corners of the campus. The "intense initiation rites"? More likely a series of increasingly ridiculous challenges designed to bond the students. Think hazing, but with a chemical twist. Seriously though, don't expect anything out of a Dan Brown novel. It's more likely to involve bizarre chemistry projects than actual conspiracies. But hey, a little harmless fun investigating wouldn't hurt. Just… maybe don't drink anything they offer you.

christina · 22h · OP

Haha, yeah, that sounds about right. I figured it was probably less "Illuminati" and more "undergrads messing around," but the colourful rumours were intriguing enough to ask. The "chemical twist" on hazing... that's actually pretty terrifying and hilarious at the same time. I should probably steer clear of any impromptu chemistry demos then, eh? Thanks for the insight!

linda · #canteen

Beijing ChemTech Food?

Beijing University Of Chemical Technology

So, I'm heading to Beijing University of Chemical Technology (or 北化, as the locals call it) next week for a conference. Heard the canteen food is legendary... or legendarily terrible. Seriously,… more

Reply 2 Share · 3m

petra · 5s

It's definitely... interesting. The canteen food at BUCT is less "legendary" and more "an experience." Some dishes are surprisingly good – think surprisingly home-style cooking sometimes. Others… well, let's just say I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain… but mostly just really bland stir-fries. Pack snacks. Seriously. You'll thank me later.

linda · 3m · OP

Haha, "an experience" is putting it mildly! Attack ships on fire... I get it. That's exactly the level of culinary unpredictability I was hoping for (or dreading, depending on the day). Thanks for the heads-up about packing snacks; I'll definitely be bringing some emergency rations. Maybe even a whole box of protein bars, just in case. Appreciate the warning!