UEA’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER
FREECRIBS TICKETS
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND 2009
ISSUE 231
THE BUMPER GIVEAWAY EDITION
WINFREE DISCOUNT VUE VOUCHER 18
PALGRAVE POCKET STUDY GUIDES TO BE WON
TRUFFLE SHUFFLE CLOTHING
FRESHER FINANCE FIASCO N
2
EWS
Death of Free Education
Hundreds of UEA students without loans. Student Loans Company: “situation is reasonable”.
Internships Fail to Impress Graduates
Nick Church
Students Steal Broadband
than just being able to make the
Ministers Attack ‘studentification’
grants at the start of the term, with the Student Loans Company (SLC) saying full payment of loans and grants will
INTERNATIONAL 8 *NEW
I’m just hoping this is all sorted in The SLC are failing to process all Loans Company, Ralph Seymouropening more phone lines with 24-
News for the delay in loan payments
UEA International Student Survival Guide The SLC maintains that all students
One International Student’s Long Journey to UEA
OPINIONS 10
these range from missing documents
NUS or NOT? Can 10:10 Save the World? around to doing anything with my
BNP’s Hold Over the North of England
applied through the new system this requests of documents or scanners
a ridiculous form in the post (rather
CONTINUED PAGE ON 2
UEA AT THE CUTTING EDGE Miha Klement
The Director of the project, Martyn Newton, is hoping the
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
electrical and heat energy on campus from renewable wood chip; And just
18
Perfect Freshers’ Recipes
A plant of this sort - more than
certainty how much money the
are doing their best to complete
FOOD Zest Opens Late Night Pizza Service
hope that the knowledge gained will
TURN TO TURF PAGE 21
Cocktail of the Fortnight
2 NEWS
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
CONTENTS NEWS
FINANCE FIASCO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
UEA’s Green Revolution
1
Bar prices rise again
2
Death of Free Education? NUS drop no fees campaign
3
‘Studentification’ fears
4
Emoprincess steals internet
6
INTERNATIONAL
An international student’s voyage
NUS
President,
UEA LONDON CAMPUS CONCERNS
Wes
Nick Church
8
COMMENT & OPINION
Should we affiliate with the NUS?
10
Norwich North by-election results
11
FEATURES
The seven deadly fresherduck sins
12
Norwich UNESCO city of literature bid 14
LETTERS & EDITORIAL 15 TRAVEL
University, Home and Away
16
Norwich travel highlights
16
FOCSOC Ultimate frisbee spins to the fore
17
Nexus resurrected as Livewire TV
17
FOOD
Perfect freshers’ recipes
18
Zest opens late night pizza service
18
Cocktail of the fortnight
18
LIFESTYLE
Post-LCR hangover remedies
TURF
Inside a Kenyan slum
SPORT
19
21
Concrete’s guide to sport in Norwich 23
‘Concrete’ and ‘Event’ Logos courtesy of Mr George Bennett
SNAKEBITE SPARED Nick Church DRINKS PROMOTIONS
REPRESENTATION ‘SACROSANCT’
NEWS 3
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
10:10 - Will it work and will you cut your emissions by 10%?
GRADUATE UNEMPLOYMENT WOES Nick Church
DEBATE OVER TUITION FEES RUMBLES ON David Churchill DEATH OF FREE EDUCATION?
Key Facts and Figures of NUS Model
POLICE PRESENCE ON CAMPUS Gordon Malloy
4 NEWS BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2009/10
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
STUDENT HOUSES TO BE RESTRICTED ACROSS BRITAIN Ministers to restrict ‘studentification’ in local communities Nick Church Ministers are pressing for
THE YOUNG ONES
6 NEWS WI-FI WONDER network could once again
the proposer of the idea, is currently in discussion with local business leaders -
service will be free to the public or require a small
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
“STUPID, CLEVER” STUDENTS STEAL BROADBAND Hamish Newman
FIRST BUS PRICE HIKE Nick Church
Students in Norwich have hacked into a neighbouring family’s broadband and downloaded thousands of megabytes of data running up a bill of over £120 in the process. The bill is well in excess of its monthly £20 charge, due to the family’s 10 gigabyte cap being exceeded by 60
The annual student pass for First Bus has seen a price
are frequent complaints. transport
across
the
city
last year. The student pass currently stands at £180 - vastly cheaper than the unsubsidised yearly pass for non students at £560 - in a large part due to
MONOPOLY
subsidised year pass. Dawn Dewar,
Lib Dem candidate, Simon Wright, recently referred
Norwich became one of
Norfolk OpenLink venture was launched in 2006, giving the public access through small
RENT ROCKETS
predominantly downloading movies and pornography. Sean Laver, who is
described what the students “This is bad news for the
highlighted Norwich as one of have again increased. The report, commissioned
that muggings would have on
com, found that private student rental prices have risen to an average weekly
INNOVATIVE
18% over the past four years. The average student weekly rent currently stands at £56.27 in Norwich,
which
STUDENTS SATISFIED among mainstream English
The survey carried out by
experience using a range of guideline phrases. agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “Overall,
survey shows a dip in overall
pay top-up fees when the cost
networks but it seems that this is not secure enough to prevent the students from taking advantage of her access to broadband. Mr.Laver, who has dealt with thousands of similar incidents previously, says that asked to look at a case of WiFi hacking. “The students have done something clever but very
protected access with preis
commonly
used
remain anonymous, said she
are not always aware of…but won’t tar all students with the
First
up to one free replacement pass as well as a ‘photocard’ format which will help to
Simon Wright said: “Students are being hit hard, just as everyone in Norwich, by steep
the punishment is community
“DISGUSTING”
can be sent to prison. This will once again open the debate on illegal downloading in wake of the government’s recent claims that they will restrict internet access to those who abuse the system.
Over a thousand students have joined a Facebook group
pledged to cut their carbon emissions by 10% during next year as part of the 10:10 scheme launched in September. The Union were one of the
complaints
are
directed
of Edinburgh University and
Many students were taken aback by mammoth queues
award for our outstanding
“When our new biomass
to think about how they might be able to reduce their carbon emissions. Students have asked us, as their
of Estates and Buildings added; “We applaud the Students’ Union’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
our bit and we’re taking that
addressed environmental concerns for more than 18
capacity this autumn, it will reduce our carbon emissions
our own emissions by 10% the aim whilst encouraging
CUE THE QUEUES Hannah Livingston
years…that is why we have been shortlisted for this
in a scheme to address climate change at a base level.
union signing up to the project
services hasn’t always led to the best deal for passengers, as the market is dominated
describing the price hike as
UNION JOINS 10:10 CLIMATE REVOLUTION Davina Kesby
hikes’ in recent years.
queue waited hours to secure
For more on the 10:10 campaign turn to page 10. current arrangements mean that freshers must move in on the weekend before term
the pub on the day. This move was appraised that the large queues “prove that we need a full freshers and
a social circle and study at the
within an hour and thousands over the three days. many freshers missing out on
‘a lot more organised this year’ when compared to previous
week of term. Monday morning’s queue for Freshers’ Week saw students stretched from
held on the Saturday and Sunday before term. This was mainly due to older students
from those in the larger Monday queue, however.
Waterstone’s and to the end of the Dean of Students. The queues took hours to dissipate. Those at the front of Monday’s
limited exclusively to freshers
“the problem is that it didn’t
Queues reaching as far as the Dean of Students
8 INTERNATIONAL
concrete.international@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
International Arrivals
Welcome....
To the brand new international section
Filipa & Qingning
An international student’s A long and difficult journey, but here I am survival guide at UEA! Filipa Mendes
Find out about Student Services
Qingning Wang
Get to know flatmates & classmates
Get to know Norwich Join a club or society
Do you want to write for us? fun!!
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10 COMMENT AND OPINION
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Is 10:10 really going to save the world? With the Union of UEA Students embracing the new scheme designed to cut carbon emissions, James Craske offers his views on the effectiveness of the campaign.
cult to communicate its monumental
10:10 at a glance
his House of Lords lecture suggests to
The UK accounts for
important issues. The hope of Franny Armstrong (organiser of 10:10) and
2% of world emissions.
simplicity and the achievability of this
The 10:10 campaign has already had several thousand people sign up, in-
Union. Its general concept is to encourage people to cut their emissions by 10% in the next year, thus combating, in a micro-form, climate change, and perhaps most importantly counthe year 2050.
“Moreover, it could rejuvenate our democracy”
than from second-rate science.” And if this and projects such as 10:10 to enlighten our consciousness and prompt able endeavour. bolic form. Firstly, if it is successful, it
For the majority of people, the ies such as or the more recently released The , a documentary-based
cide to join, it means greater pressure can be forced onto the government -
internet through mediums such as -
the UK only contributes to 2% of the
If you want to sign up -
yourself, you can do so
“It delivers a nudge towards learning to live a greener and less wasteful lifestyle”
at http://www.1010uk. org/ You can also follow the campaign on twitter.
is currently dictated by consumer
-
Search for ‘tentenuk’ has been restricted to just the scien-
and you should be able to find it!
-
change for progress to be made.
Should we affiliate with the NUS? Dan Youmans
across the years have voted to disaf-
-
ampton, usually subscribe to one (or more) of the above complaints about
Far from it. But it can change, and it is broad-
things. -
conferences, and it recently underacross the country. Five million.
mismanaged, monolithic, overly-exBut for me, our Union should re-
“Collective action and unity is one of the few tools we, as students, have”
also hosts four autonomous cam-
ply is not possible outside a union as
-
“The National Union affords our union a range of facilities and opportunities”
-
have.
-
COMMENT AND OPINION 11
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
BNP not for me
Norwich North by-election results
After the BNP gained seats in the recent European Parliament elections,
Davina Kesby
James Wardman takes a look at why the rise of the BNP has occurred
-
predominantly in the North of England. -
-
-
-
“It is easy to understand why these deprived people would be a perfect target audience for the reactionary messages of the BNP”
-
-
-
-
-
-
“As a proud Yorkshire lad myself I must express the shame felt when the election results came in”
-
-
IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT OR OPINION THAT YOU WANT TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST ON ANY ISSUE, THEN THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. PLEASE CONTACT CONCRETE.OPINIONS@UEA.AC.UK AND WE’LL GET YOUR VOICES HEARD!
12 FEATURES
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
FEATURES 13
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
The Se7en Deadly Fresher(duck) Sins Procrastination the midnight oil to meet never-ending deadlines, through the constant laughs pub and with a buzzing social life, it is all too easy to fall into the student cycle, but be warned once you are sucked in, it is hard to pull yourself out. With
will come to realise that it is the best decision you will ever make. Soon UEA
taking precedence and staring you in the face, it is hard not to completely
computer screen, with new photos on
Healthy body, healthy mind, right? Well, with that spanner in the works, screwed. With all those ready-made meals gleaming on the shelves of supermarkets, or a takeaway menu only an arm’s stretch away, why bother cooking? If you plan to live by this mantra,
warm duvet cover, surrounded by boxes containing last night’s half eaten takeaway, watching Jeremy Kyle, get yourself along to your lectures! Unless you have a good excuse, of course….. and, no, a hangover doesn’t count.
contaminate the air; when the rubbish what, you will be surprised how quickly you pick up these basic household skills. Remember, on some occasions you may be sharing that living space with nine other people so always be considerate of that fact and as a word of advice, do everything you can to
can be nerve-racking. With the usual ‘what is your name?’, ‘where are you from?’ and ‘what are you studying?’ keep the cleaner on your side! Nobody likes to be woken up at 8 o’clock in the
a couple of Apple Sourz shots and a VK blue or two later, you will bond with
night, to the sound of an aggravated cleaner emptying/slamming the bins around.
all - always a good thing since you will be living with these people for the
will be a euphoric swirl of drinking games, partying randoms.”
add you on Facebook, only for you to never speak again. If you survive a couple of rounds of Fuzzy Duck, Arrogance and Beer Pong, be certain that you will lose in ‘I’ve Never’; an intrusive game which gives away your darkest secrets at the swig of a vodka.
there actually aren’t many). If you are feeling a bit adventurous
With so much to do it is all too easy to see the large sum of the new loan in your bank account slowly disappear as a marathon shopping spree with the debit card commences. Many students
for a daytrip to the beach or a nearby
the second semester struggle incredibly
is one that we second and third years miss dearly. Those lazy days of rolling out of bed and strolling two minutes to the UFO, Zest, The Blend, Lecture Theatres and most importantly the Union Bar were indeed a luxury; pure bliss. With everything you need and want on campus, exploring the rest
and great people, even those beloved
energy which could be spent on more important things like….drinking, for example. However, it is well worth
- check out
schedule to explore what the city and
taking the train.
made dinner. Cooking is not only costor not, it can also be fun! It is only a and try out some new recipes. For www.sainsburys. co.uk/food/food_ideas_homepage. htm.
Extravagance
Isolation
so much so that the cleaner refuses to even come into your kitchen; when a euphoric swirl of drinking games,
semester. The odd takeout is a treat
“With all those ready-made meals gleaming on the shelves of supermarkets, why bother cooking?””
“Whilst here adopt that wise old philosophy - work hard, play harder.”
from personal health and well-being issues to academic problems - www. ueastudent.com/advice. Remember, most people only get one shot at Uni so whilst here adopt that wise old philosophy - work hard, play harder.
Binge Drinking
living. However, don’t worry; once the
do it at some point in their university career and a few missed lectures can’t do any harm right? Wrong. Lectures form the basis for seminars and the material learnt in these sessions usually crops up weeks later.
your deadlines and avoid last minute panic. Here at UEA, the University
For most of you, this will be your home and so you may not be fully
– to undertake a degree in your chosen subject area, whatever that may be. With the Lecture Theatres only a walk across the main campus square, even a couple of hours out of your day seems like a mission and so the best way to overcome this is to skip the work
Gluttony
university life, it would be worthwhile
E4 - with Scrubs, Family Guy, The OC, Friends and Hollyoaks in student line-ups, I’m sure you’ll agree. As the day suddenly becomes
Filth
So, we have covered everything from what to expect from the social aspect that not-so-minor fact of why you are
tomorrow, there is a party tonight and because you have wasted the whole day watching re-runs of great and not-so-great TV, talking to mates on MSN (even if they do live upstairs) and indulging in some innocent Facebook the clock.
Welcome Fresherducks!
Idleness
situated in Riverside has links to most out of your university experience
limits. Check out www.guardian.co.uk/ money/2002/sep/30/studentfinance. for advice on some very
well and are people and broadening your friendship circle - once registered on the UEA network go to www.employability.uea. ac.uk/ for upcoming work. But, never
key to handling your loan is budget,
“It is all too easy to see the large sum of the new loan in your bank account slowly disappear as a marathon shopping spree with the debit card commences. “
have fun but it is important to set some
Rebecca D’Souza
14 FEATURES
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Norwich to be literary homeland? News has reached us here at Concrete that Norwich has entered an application to be UNESCO’s City of Literature. Melissa York explains what this means and why you should be excited about it. What is UNESCO?
So why Norwich? has 193 member states and it’s based
also has a fabulous, state-of-the-art library in the shape of The Forum; and publishing houses; a quality,
peace and respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights as
programmes focusing on literature in
writers from all around the world;
phasising our shared values through literature, science and cultural diversity.
What does ‘City of Literature’ mean?
ing and it has also produced prizeMelbourne in 2008. The aim is to cre-
awarded to any city belonging to a Music and Design. Sir Malcolm Bradbury
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
Calling All Potential Student Ambassadors Student Ambassadors are probably one of the most important aspects of the work carried out by the Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach teams at the University. Ambassadors are current students who are employed for their enthusiasm about their University experience and their ability to communicate this with others. The Outreach team organises
become a Student Mentor or an Aimhigher Associate alongside the Student Ambassador role. Student Mentors work on a one-to-one basis with Year 10 students in local high schools who have the ability to progress to university but who are not yet reach-
dents. Student Ambassadors provide
went to school in the local area and
visit and open days, mentoring young people in local schools, working at student life talks and providing campus tours. versity students an opportunity to meet new people, gain invaluable students and develop transferable skills, all while earning £7.90 per hour. Student Ambassadors are required to work a minimum of 24 hours across the academic year, but it is up to each student to decide when they have want to get involved in. There is also the opportunity to
sociates will provide support to Year 10 students for 15 sessions of threefour hours each across the school year. For the Associate role we would par-
year’s cohort of Student Ambassadors. If you are friendly, approachable, University experience then why not think about applying? Full training is provided for all student accepted onto the Scheme. We’re keen for the Student Ambassador cohort to be representa-
groups: male students; those who attended high school in the local area; and those who can empathise with backgrounds.
‘Drop in’ interviews will take place between Friday 25th September - Thursday 1st October. A limited number of pre-booked interview slots
please visit www.uea.ac.uk/outreach and click on the Student Ambassador interview guidelines, and terms & con-
the Mentor or Associate role is also for you. If you have any queries contact ambassadors@uea.ac.uk.
LETTERS AND EDITORIAL 15
concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
EDITORIAL
Editor concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Hannah Livingston
Letters
Editorial I sit here, on the editor’s
Deputy Editor concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett Chief Copy Editor concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Denise Bartlett Proofreaders Ailsa Bristow News Editors concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Nicolas Church Reporters Miha Klement, David Churchill, Gordon Malloy, Hamish Newman Davina Kesby, Hannah Livingston
materialised. It’s been a
Dear Sir, On Wednesday 3rd June, arriving at UEA to attend a talk in Lecture Theatre one at seven in the evening, there were an unusual number of students gathered on the newly refurbished steps. On leaving 90 minutes later, most of the students had gone but an appalling amount of litter was strewn all over the area. A number of bins had been provided. One wonders at the state of a person’s mind who can walk away leaving such squalor.
Food Editor concrete.food@uea.ac.uk Edward Leftwich Writers Danie Hadley, Hayley Hurrell Lifestyle Editor concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk Samantha Lewis Writers Felicity Darling Turf Editor concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk Rebecca Wiles Writers Miha Klement Sport Editors concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Danny Collins Writers Robert Schatten
lighten your way through the trail fairly well. We’ve tried to cater for your every need as a fresher or returning student: if
with as many of you as possible at socmart, our ‘Big Meet’ at 3pm on Monday
be clothed in £50 worth
E.M Potter
journey, Palgrave Macmillan study evening at the cinema seeing a Monty Python exposé or in the LCR watching Cribs. And
Something you want to write about? There are many ways to get in contact: ~ Come to the Concrete office upstairs in Union House. ~ Email a section you’re interested in writing for. ~ Email Hannah at concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk.
FocSoc Editor concrete.focsoc@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett Writers James Murray, Bea Bradshaw, Josh Butler
for you to read the paper and that, despite all the doom and
social that evening.
Opinions Editor concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk Davina Kesby Writers Dan Youmans, James Wardman
Travel Editor concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Rachel Conquer Writers Kirsty Mair, Rachel Conquer, Tom Hunt
Concrete and Event. I hope that the new layout
Yours Sincerely,
International Editor concrete.international@uea. ac.uk Filipa Mendes, Qingning Wang
Features Editor concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Melissa York Writers Rebecca D’Souza
and I have travelled down, meandering and chartering our own path through
the best part is that all of that would cost you nothing! Just
Concrete PO BOX 410, NORWICH, NORFOLK NR4 7TJ 01603 593466 Concrete is published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2009 Concrete. ISSN 1351-2773 Letters should be addressed for the attention of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Letters must include contact details, but we will consider anonymous publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity as necessary. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name The Event is by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Printed by Archant.
NON-EDITORIAL Chief Photographer Greg Mann Distribution Avril Hall Logo Design George Bennett
Hannah
16 TRAVEL
concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
University, home and away
Local travel: Norwich
After taking a study year abroad at the University
Rachel Conquer
of Kansas, fourth year
When you think of Norwich you might think of many things. For us students it will primarily be UEA and student life: the LCR, amazing friends, as well as the odd spot of work now and then. But Norwich holds many more treasures. Whether you are a
American Studies student Kirsty Mair explains how university life in America compares to that of
you have seen everything that there is to see or do everything that there is to do in Norwich, let alone Norfolk. Being a historical city, there are
England and what she thought of it. When boarding the plane that began my study year abroad in America last August, my head was full of rugged cowboys, Hollywood celebrities and sunny beaches. This was the America I had seen on the television and in movies – this was the America I knew. So as the plane touched down in the ‘Land of Plenty’, and more specifically the wonderfully wacky state of Kansas, I knew that the next 10 months would be different to any I had previously known. Having chosen the University of Kansas as the destination for my time abroad, I arrived in search of small-town America and a completely different world to what I was accustomed to in Norwich. Driving down the main street on campus in the dry heat of summer, I immediately knew that in my selection I had achieved exactly that. Whilst the campus had all the usual features - the football pitch, the gym, the union and the library - in true American style, everything was bigger and, well, more ‘American’. The football pitch was built in a 52,000 capacity stadium, there were two gyms (one for the exclusive use of student athletes), the union housed a ballroom and a bowling alley, and there were no less than 5 libraries. Whilst I held strong allegiance to my beloved UEA, even I had to admit that this new land 4000 miles from home was pretty impressive. The surprises kept coming as the weeks went on and I realised just how different my UEA life was to the new one I was becoming immersed in. College sports are absolutely huge in the States (hence the on-campus stadium), and in Kansas American football and basketball took the limelight. The players
were treated like homegrown celebrities, and when I arrived the basketball coach had just reached legendary status after signing a $30 million 10-year contract and visiting the White House! Whilst UEA sports teams sadly struggle to gain the attention and support of even half the student body, the whole Kansas University and local townspeople pack the stadium every weekend in loyal
“Can you imagine making your way along St Stephen’s street to see all the OAP’s decked out in their UEA garb?” support of the university teams. This dedication filters into the local clothing trends as well, with it being a common sight on the town high street to see beer-bellied men and middle-aged housewives proudly wearing t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, hats and scarves, all emblazoned with the university name. Can you imagine making your way along St Stephens Street to see all the OAPs decked out in their UEA garb? No, neither can I. Other than the surreal communal obsession with the sports teams, there were other strange concepts that I had to learn about, the strangest of these being the Greek life. The campus was littered with several fraternity
and sorority houses, basically the huge mansion homes of girls and boys who have made their pledge to be true to their sisterhood or brotherhood. My weirdest memory is from my first week in Kansas when I walked past one of the sorority houses only to find 50 tanned and manicured girls clapping and singing on the steps of their mansion. Think Legally Blonde and you’re halfway there. If the sports teams were campus royalty, the sororities and fraternities were definitely the next tier down on the social ladder. These are only a few examples of the new culture I experienced during my time away, and despite finding some aspects of US life really weird (the fact that Thanksgiving is celebrated more than Christmas, for example), each day was a learning curve and I genuinely loved every second. Now back in England and preparing for my return to Norwich, it is strange to think how easily absorbed into American life I became. Coming home I was a different person, thinking in dollars, spelling in American English and talking about the ‘President’ Gordon Brown. Life across the pond was certainly a different world, and although the campus was large, the accents were loud and the meals were supersized, I am now more than excited at the prospect of settling back in and enjoying my final year in Norwich. I hear the LCR calling…
The cathedral for example has been standing for over 900 years and is loved by not only the people of Norwich, but of Norfolk too. The for free, ideal for us students. There are even some occasions when you can visit the cathedral whilst choirs and orchestras rehearse atmosphere when you walk around this incredible building.
during their trip into the city,
historic
monument
of
Norwich,
visited. Unlike the cathedral, entry isn’t free, however if you want to visit it on a budget, you can as one hour before closing entry is just £1. Norwich is also home to its own football club. Norwich City FC, also known as the Canaries, regularly play games at Carrow Road Stadium. Located near the Riverside complex, it’s within easy reach of both bus and rail links, meaning there is no excuse not to cheer on your local team. If you don’t have the luxury take you to many places whether
an hour so you can see the sea even easier than you thought! These are just a few of the many things that you can do in Norwich, so you have no reason to say that you are bored. Norwich is a
InterRailing: explore Europe! Tom Hunt If you are stuck for somewhere to spend your holiday next summer, why not try inter-railing? As I found out when I caught the train across Europe this summer, an the budget backpacker. Rather than being stuck in one place you are free to hop from country to country and pace. A route doesn’t even need to be decided on, as you can board a train to wherever you fancy at a whim, although it’s best to ensure
trundling along the tracks each night in a cramped cabin of six, trying to sleep through stops and starts, clicks and clacks and the frequent rap on
Romania, the tranquil valleys of the Czech Republic and the craggy mountains of Switzerland. All of this over on a plane.
one country or region, exploring it in detail, or embark on an epic trip to the near reaches of Asia, on a 10 European train to any of the dozens
you travel are up to you. So whether it’s the bakeries, bustling streets and Belfry of Bruges or the eye-aching splendour of the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia of Istanbul calling, you can pay a visit to either on an inter-
During one month of the summer between.
FOCSOC 17
concrete.focsoc@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Spinning free What puts the ‘ultimate’ into ‘Ultimate Frisbee’? A curious FocSoc investigates... James Murray You’ve probably seen guys and girls at the beach or at the park with a Frisbee in hand, throwing it in all
guy/gal learn to do that?’ and it’s likely you’ll hear that they
not being allowed to run with the disc, and looking to score points by
sessions and we’ll teach you all you
Nexus Resurrected as Livewire TV The new look for a seasoned society is unveiled
Bea Bradsell & Josh Butler
Other partnerships in the works won various awards at the Nastas, the had regular content broadcast weekly the Blue Bar, but what has always been
invite new and old students to bring
or behind as writers, directors and
television obviously relies on its
Want to see your society in FocSoc? Email Alice Violett: concrete.focsoc@uea.ac.uk.
18 FOOD
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Freshers’ fare
3 parts peach schnapps
Pasta in a cheese and black Tuna mayo on toasted bagels pepper sauce Mayonnaise
Pasta
broccoli.
Cheese and tomato omelette Cheese tomato
together.
Concrete’s drink of the fortnight
For four:
Recipes
Oil Cheese Black Pepper 1 pint milk
Zest’s new late-night pizza
concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Confessions of a UEA student Selin Kocagoz tells Concrete about her transition from Turkey to study Modern
LIFESTYLE 19
How’s it hanging? Feel like your mouth is as dry as the bottom of a bird cage, banging headache and waves
Global hangover remedies:
of nausea combined with the munchies? All classic characteristics of the hangover. With Freshers’ week in full flow, Concrete investigates ways to alleviate symptoms of the morning after the night before.
Sam Lewis
Languages at UEA
Top student accounts Felicity Darling
Decorate your digs If you opened the door to your new flat and felt particularly uninspired, Concrete has a few tips to make everything feel a little cosier and more like home.
Sam Lewis
t.
TURF 21
concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Inside the biomass centre This year UEA sees the arrival of a revolutionary new Biomass generator. Miha Klement reports on the benefits this will bring to the University. Returning students to UEA this au-
winter when the heat from the engine
No water - life in Kibera slum Bex Wiles
Turf’s environmental product of the fortnight
that the worst that I have to endure worth of water is wasted per day due
“Ten litres: the amount used to flush a standard UK toilet”
Hippo
fridge to avoid having to run the tap
the
Toilet
Water
Saver
22 SPORT
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Canary Corner
Five minutes with... Emily Neilan Danny Collins catches up with the UEA Athletics President, charity fundraiser and long-distance runner.
Ian Hobbs Welcome to Canary Corner, a new feature for Concrete Sport. Here is the place for students to keep up to date with the latest from East Anglia’s
Despite a 4-0 thrashing of Yeovil in the Carling Cup 4 days later, the
Hollie Rowland has run 34.23 minutes for the 10,000 metres –
He was at the reins for the worst spell in the Canaries’ recent history,
ular session.
UK for the road race 10K and is the novices and serious athletes.
Norwich’s fall from grace, UEA commitment to the cause, he was the latest in a line of managers whose kit colours and a certain Mrs Delia Smith at the helm, so to get the full to check out Canary Corner every fortnight.
-
and fans could not compensate for
tween; they are a very important the one that faced Alan Shearer at Newcastle. Rather ironically, and perhaps controversially, it was the man who
I was always more interested in dancing than running, and it was ally enjoy long-distance running. It’s
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We aim to run 1,000km in races this year and raise £1,000. This chal-
appointed as Norwich manager: We compete in the East Anglian X-Country League throughout the playing experience to Carrow Road having accumulated 40 Scotland
It the
For a team that had graced the Premiership a mere four years previously, this came as a culture shock, to say the least. The Canary had fallen from its perch, so to speak.
An impressive 5-2 victory at home
the race - every km counts, so no
from Cheerleading took me along last year. The track season sees us compete against Essex, which is always a great day – we drew 1-1 last year. We also have the Indoor and Out-
appears, however, that honeymoon period usually
to the Canaries’ season in England’s On the 3rd May this year the worst fears of Norwich City’s unfailingly loyal support were realised when they were relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship to League 1,
the Freshers’ social, Christmas meal,
What is it about Bolt that has reinvented a sport that was universally seen as being on the decline? I would say it’s his jovial spirit; he maican culture to the track.
cause. We will also hold a fun run when Sports Relief takes place.
some of the top athletes in the coun-
Circuit training on a Monday is a ATHLETICS
home: a 4-1 loss to Sunderland in the Carling Cup, and a 2-1 loss to League
Lotus revival boost for Norfolk
at MK Dons, the Canaries slipped to their third defeat of the season.
and look forward to a purposecompleted soon at Malaysia’s Sepang
compete in F1, who drove for Minardi seven years ago. Away from the track, the team
LOTUS WILL RETURN to Formula 1
make a fresh start, and manager and
themselves in the cockpit next season One of the most legendary names in F1, Lotus have not competed in the series since 1994, and despite
less than 12 signings throughout the summer.
appointments. Tony Fernandes, a Malaysian entrepreneur will act as Team Principal, while the vastly
Although Fernandes is an F1 rookie, rivals Colchester in an opening day sell-out at Carrow Road. A mixture of defensive lapses,
24 minutes.
the fourth highest point-scorers in F1 history. Their successes included six with the giants of the English game.
championships
Carrow Road is a new sense of
Then, the team were famously run out of small garages and workshops in
a
period
of
India – is an astute operator who will immediately.
The
announcement
detriment, failed to discover, the
Chaos ensued. Norwich went on to their 107 year history.
in
in Walsall.
of Malaysian entrepreneurs, the Malaysian government and car company Proton, ‘Team Lotus’ will return to the F1 paddock
run from Norfolk in the long-term, it is expected to maintain a presence in the county through the indirectly related company Lotus Cars, which is is Alex Yoong – the only Malaysian to
SPORT 23
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2009
Ruthless Capello reinvigorates the ‘Golden Generation’ Remember where you were on the night of September 9th, 2009? Ac-
perform to their best for their coun-
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“With two games remaining, against the Ukraine and Belarus, England should fancy their chances of seeing out the qualification group with that one hundred per cent record intact”
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Concrete’s guide to sport in Norwich Danny Collins
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Clubs Watching Sport
bers with the opportunity to open
Sportsmart -
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The Sportspark
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Sport in the City