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Home of the wonderful UEA Sport semester Ronaldo Martins
Home of the Wonderful Editor
As the UEA get into the groove of a new semester, a handful of the University’s resident sports societies are gearing up to offer a fresh round of free taster sessions for students looking to take part in something new. From archery to trampolining, there is bound to be something for anyone wanting to find a new social group, get some exercise or just find some direction to balance the stress of their academic career. As known by many involved in the sports societies across UEA, the benefits to taking part are plentiful; there are
clubs kick taster
the obvious advantages of physical exercise, but on top of that, you are brought out of your comfort zone. You meet new people who you have to establish coordination and teamwork with, who can become close friends, and any long-standing commitment or leadership roles can provide good cannon fodder fowr a CV. Mia Pepperdine, media representative for the UEA Netball Society, spoke to me about the importance of getting involved and the benefits of taster sessions and the opportunity that they bring: “As a club, we believe it is so important to give students another chance to try netball… as we know that in September,
Image: Ronaldo Martins for Concrete
particularly for freshers, there is so much going on and so
“When students are more settled and confident... the opportunity is there!” many different things to get involved in that some people may have missed the sessions. We also understand that when joining university, it can be extremely overwhelming and daunting to attend events where you might not know anyone there. Therefore in
The new
the second semester, when students are more settled and confident to attend our sessions, the opportunity is there!” The Netball Society are particularly interested in promoting men’s netball, reporting a higher than ever interest from male students at UEA. They are keen for new members, regardless of previous experience and partake in a variety of drills and exercises in their sessions, as well as the opportunity for match play. For any further questions about the Netball Society, reach out to them at ueanetball on Instagram or uea. netball@uea.ac.uk via email. On the 15th of February, the Kayaking Society will be
second sessions
offering a taster session from 12 noon to 2:30 pm from Suffolk Terrace. If water sports aren’t particularly your thing, the Trampolining Society will be offering an introductory session between the 16th and 20th of February at the Sportspark, both of which are free. For more information, check out the events tab on ueasu.org, the UEA Student Union website. All of February’s taster events are offered from the 7th to the 19th of February. Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend, but all are free, courtesy of the sports societies offering them. Follow the University’s spirit… and do something different!
Warren: the “organic
Silver Constantinides
Home of the Wonderful Writer
I write this article in a new setting—UEA’s latest social space, The Warren. Upon entering for the first time, the atmosphere is welcoming. Friends cuddle on brown armchairs with coffees, chatting as they study. Readers curl up in the corner against art from a UEA featured artist. Most importantly, there are a cluster of students avidly making their mark on the already colourful chalkboard. Immediately, I can see the appeal of a new social space at UEA. As a second year who lives too far from campus to justify going home during the hours in between my lectures, it makes sense for me to stay and get some work done. The Hive is constantly too busy for me to find a seat, let alone focus. The weather is too unforgiving for a lake reading session. The library
Image: Prakrita Rahman for Concrete
off
14th February 2023
forbids a hot meal, too strict on their rules for those wanting a more informal study session with friends. Now, students can bring food and drink from anywhere and spend time how they please in a warm room until 11pm. Although lots can be said on the fact that students are resorting to stay on campus for warmth, unable to heat their own homes, I like that UEA have offered The Warren as a small solution. I am fortunate enough to speak to Alice Ladbrooke, a staff member who spearheaded the opening of The Warren. “We always knew The Warren was going to be social space but how this develops going forwards is really a collaborative process.” she tells me. We have seen a fantastic response to The Warren since it opened, and going forth, we want to encourage student clubs, societies and groups to get in touch to book The Warren for their own needs too! Why not hire a projector
UEA’s space”
from SIZ and book a movie night with your course mates?” However, not every student is on board with this new development. I spoke to a student who wishes to remain anonymous. They comment “It seems a bit lazy, as after all, the library and The Hive are both open until late. I know the motivation is to have a warm space, but it’s ironic that UEA are enticing students to stay late so they’re more likely to spend more on campus. How does that save us money?” The Warren has been promised spaces for activities and guests, features of more UEA artists and creatives and sales. Personally, I look forward to seeing what how this new space develops over the years. But for now? I’m off to draw on the chalkboard! You can follow the Warren’s development and what they’re doing on Instagram at thewarren_uea.
