nu:life Magazine Issue 22

Issue No.21 2011

FREE to a good home

The Official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union www.mynsu.co.uk

Your Monthly Student’s Union Magazine Filled with News, Gossip and Advice from around Northumbria Campus.

RECORD BREAKING COURSE REPS TRAINED!

RAG RAISES £27,437 Plus Spotted, Horoscopes, Fashion and loads more.

Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine.

contents NSU NEWS SU:News 4 Oh! What’s Occurring? 5 Sabb Banter 6-7 SAD? 8 Hot & Not 9 The RAG Team! 10-11

editor’s words Hey Everyone!

FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad 13-17 We Will Remember Them 18-19

GET INVOLVED Happy Holidays - Safety First 20-21 Bespoke Brits’ Green Fashion 23

LIGHT RELIEF Spotted - RAG Special 24 - 25 Fuss Free Renting 26-27 Horoscopes 28 WriSoc Serial - Part 4 29 Academic Advice 30 The Agony Aunt Team 31 Hot Topic: St James’ Park VS Sport Direct Stadium 32-33

STUDENT CULTURE Occupy Newcastle - A Student Perspective 35 Campus Style 36-37 House Christmas Dinner 38 Xmas Shopping Nightmare 39 Festive Flicks 41

TEAM NORTHUMBRIA Northumbria Cycling 42 NFL Heads to Wembley 43 Rugby World Cup 44-45 Is Sky Killing Sport? 46 Zambia Project 47

Special thank you to; Matt Dinnery & Harry Marshall for Photography, Kim Buffery for Academic Advice & Vikki Myerscough for sorting my dreadful spelling!

Editor Holly Seabrook holly.seabrook@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer Design www.ellenlonghorn.co.uk

Welcome to the last edition of 2011!

As always November has been a mental month, but we wouldn’t have it any other way here at nu:life. With loads of things to get you up to speed with this edition has more relevant content than ever before!

If you didn’t notice the herds of Orange around Campus then you must have been walking around with your eyes shut! Check out the team and how much money they raised for some of the most amazing charities on page 10.

This month we focus on the effects of Abusing Alcohol and look at some ways of balancing a good time with being safe. Delve in with us from page 13 and find some interesting facts about Alcohol and how you can still enjoy drink minus Excess!

Safety First: Remember to lock up your House over the long Christmas holiday! Get some experienced tips on page 21.

Have a great Christmas and an amazing New Year!

Holly x Contributors SAD Melissa Hancock Hot & Not & Campus Style Rachel Sturdy The RAG Team! Michael Potter Drink Aware Errin Kerr (thanks to Mike Squire for Quotes) We Will Remember them Josh Hood Happy Holidays - Safety First Aurelie Cregut & Emma Whiteley Bespoke Brits’ Rachel Charlton- Dailey Fuss Free Renting Julia Bond Horoscopes Minela Huremovic WriSoc Serial - Part 4 Fran Swallow The Agony Aunt Team Anna Scatchard & Amy Terry Hot Topic Kate Taylor & Jacob Turner Occupy Newcastle Kate Taylor Campus Style Charlotte Harris & Rachel Sturdy House Christmas Dinner Danielle Cross & Kate Taylor Xmas Shopping Nightmare Jacob Turner Festive Flicks Callum Gibson Northumbria Cycling Simon Rushworth NFL Heads to Wembley Jamie Durent Rugby World Cup Tim Andrews Is Sky Killing Sport? Rebecca Flitton Zambia Project Lois Frankland nu:life 03

NSU News

RECORD NUMBER OF COURSE REPS TRAINED! On the 26th of October 2011, the biggest event in the Students’ Unions Calendar had finally arrived and we couldn’t believe how fast it had approached.

IT WAS COURSE REP CONFERENCE 2011 DAY!!!

The Day began at 9am and all of the course reps were extremely excited and asked lots of questions about the day.

Kate Bradshaw, Vice President Academic Affairs opened the conference, followed by a speech from the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, Paul Croney about the importance of representation here at Northumbria. The morning went really well, with everyone giving amazing feedback on the sessions they had attended.

Feedback confirmed that all the sessions were useful and that course reps were enjoying all of them!

The Tweet wall that had been set up was put to good use and comments included...

“Very informative and interesting day at NSU Course Rep Conference 11 Go Course Reps! Wahoo”; “Brilliant day at nsucourserepconference11;” and finally...

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”nsu course rep conference 11 lack of chicken and bacon sandwiches disturbs me...”

With a lack of chicken and bacon being the only criticism of the day, we know the event was a success!!!.

In the afternoon sessions were given to all Course Reps about our new Education Policy. It’s a brilliant policy designed to make huge improvements over the next three years. Our message to the Reps was that it’s their policy and we want them to take ownership of it and help us make the changes on the ground.

Usman Ali (Vice President Higher Education at NUS) came along to close the day and gave the most inspirational speech ever heard, all of the reps commented on how brilliant he was.

That night, we realised that in just a few days, we had trained more reps than ever before.... Even in a full year!

Oh! What’s Occurring?

NSU News Oh! Whats’s Occurring?

PEOPLE AND PLANET SOCIETY AT NSU! People and planet is the largest student network in Britain campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment. The network consists of 70 UK university societies and groups filled with people just like you that want to make a difference and have some fun along the way.

Come along to our initial People and Planet workshop to get involved on :

Tuesday 6th December 2011 5pm - 6pm Training Room 1&2 (Ground Floor of the Students’ Union)

Christmas Vintage & Craft sale!

7th December: Reds 11am-4pm Northumbria’s Women for Women International society are holding a Christmas Vintage and Craft sale on Wednesday 7th December in Reds. Perfect for doing some festive shopping or just an excuse to treat yourself, there’ll be local retailers selling jewellery, knitwear, vintage clothing, and stocking fillers!

All funds raised from the day go towards sponsoring women in war torn countries; Women for Women International aim to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives, putting them through a programme so they can support themselves and their families financially. The Northumbria WfWI society are aiming to raise funds to sponsor at least 3 women this year (£890), and raise awareness for the cause.

There’s no admission fee, and Reds will be open during the sale too, what better reason to have a cuppa and a cake while you’re browsing! It’ll be on from 11am until 4pm so come along a get in the festive spirit!

CALLING ALL POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS Do you see problems in your School that you think need addressing?

Is there something in your School you think is great and should be shared?

Do you think you could represent other students on these topics and see changes made?

Do you want to gain invaluable new skills?

If so, apply to be a PGT school Rep NOW! Visit www.mynsu.co.uk and search for become a school rep or email su.coursereps@northumbria.ac.uk You could be making the changes that are affecting your academic experience!

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE UNION! This year we are putting on two events for you to celebrate the festive season.

Kicking off with Dirty Disco featuring DJ Fresh on Friday 9th December tickets are just £12 but if you bought a wristband for welcome week then you get a ticket absolutely free! Just bring your Student ID to the Students’ Union Welcome desk and we will issue you your free ticket straight away!

Friday the 16th Of December we have the Countdown to Christmas all day fling at the Students’ Union, and this one’s free to everyone!! So grab your course mates, flat mates and any other mates and head down... you could be sitting on Santa’s knee in no time!

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NSU News Sabb Banter

SABB

BANTER It’s Christmas time and your sabbatical Officers are all looking forward to a relaxing Christmas Holiday after the madness of the last few months, but first they answer your questions!

Remember to check our fortnightly Sabbatical vlogs at: www.mynsu.co.uk/sabbaticals JO RHODES President What have you been up to this month?

So much! NUS Conference elections, RAG week and Safe in the City week as well as all my usual University meetings and Sabb Team co-ordination! Phew what a month!

What Part of Christmas are you looking forward to most?

Christmas Eve! It’s definitely the best day! That and I’m looking forward to a little bit of rest time!

What was your favourite moment in RAG Week?

Seeing so many people get involved! Cheesy, I know – but it’s just so great to see the hard work and commitment that our volunteers have been putting in!

Only half a year left now...what will you be doing with your time?

That’s a scary thought! I’ll be busying myself with creating more wins for students and improving your experience as much as I possibly can! Time is running out and these hidden fees won’t shift themselves!

What will Santa be putting in your stocking?

An orange! Of the Terry’s chocolate variety though! jo.rhodes@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUPres

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HOLLY SEABROOK Vice-President Communications & Involvement What have you been up to this month?

As always this month has been crazy, getting ready for the Referendum “Are students consumers?”, and then going out and getting as many students to vote as possible is always a challenge but an exciting one at that!

What Part of Christmas are you looking forward to most?

Landing in Spain on Christmas Eve to see my family, knowing the weather will be oh so slightly warmer then here.

What was your favourite moment in RAG Week?

Taking the big mega team picture! It always makes me smile when you see that many people smile, as well as watching the team bar chart grow, that’s Fab also!

Only half a year left now...what will you be doing with your time?

Really building up to the elections to make them the best yet!

Also working with staff to create a contingency plan for student media, the direction its going means it will be huge soon!

What will Santa be putting in your stocking?

He always gives me a few chocolate Roses, but I swear he takes them out of the living room tin, Bad Santa! holly.seabrook@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer

KATE BRADSHAW Vice President Academic Affairs What have you been up to this month?

I have been recruiting more of my reps so that we can have a really strong team, I have held forums with my Postgraduate Research reps and school reps to find out what issues you might be facing.

What Part of Christmas are you looking forward to most?

I somehow managed to agree to cooking the Christmas dinner at my house this year for seven hungry people so I am hoping I have no major disasters.

What was your favourite moment in RAG Week?

The balloon launches were definitely a highlight, it looks so amazing to see 1000 balloon in a sea of orange make their way out into the big wide world.

Only half a year left now...what will you be doing with your time?

I hope to hold an amazing advanced skills day for Course Reps and to see all School Rep positions contested and I want to improve the bus service at Coach Lane and run an effective advice campaign What will Santa be putting in your stocking?

If I could have one thing in my stocking it would have to be tickets to something, the Christmas presents that lead to new memories are always the best ones.

HANNAH HORNE Vice President Welfare & Equality What have you been up to this month?

I’ve been busy planning and delivering Safe in the City Week! This included the Not if, but when... campaign, self-defence classes, freebies and more! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as me.

What Part of Christmas are you looking forward to most?

Spending some time at home with the family. Christmas Eve is my favourite as we always have a carpet picnic in front of the Christmas tree What was your favourite moment in RAG Week?

The team celebration once the total was announced!

Only half a year left now...what will you be doing with your time?

I will really be focusing on the work of all my Reps – many campaigns and events to come! My aim is that each of them will have an achievement by the end of the year.

What will Santa be putting in your stocking?

As long as it’s not a lump of coal I’ll be a happy bunny!

hannah.horne@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUWelfare1

kate.bradshaw@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUAcademics

ANDREW CHEUNG Vice President Activities & Development What have you been up to this month?

I’ve been working on an Employability campaign, which is aimed to raise awareness of the importance of employability skills, gained outside of academic studies.

What Part of Christmas are you looking forward to most?

I am finally going home for the first time in two and a half years, so I am looking forward to seeing my family, putting my feet up, and enjoying the holidays!

What was your favourite moment in RAG Week?

My favourite moment was seeing the total we have raised for charity so far, it is astonishing and it truely reflects the quality of our volunteers.

Only half a year left now...what will you be doing with your time?

I have my employability campaign to go out, hopefully this will help our students be more employable, and make a positive impact on our students’ lives. Volunteer Northumbria week is to come in February, so make sure you guys keep an eye out for that!

And if you have a question for us or just fancy a natter, shoot us an email or pop up and say hello on the first floor of the Students’ Union.

For all you Students at Coach Lane, don’t worry about coming to see us over here, we all like to come and visit you at Coach Lane once a week.

Monday Afternoons: Holly Seabrook Tuesday Mornings: Andrew Cheung Tuesday Afternoons: Kate Bradshaw Wednesday Afternoons: Hannah Horne Thursday Afternoons: Jo Rhodes Just pop in and see us on your way into Coach Lane Students’ Union.

What will Santa be putting in your stocking?

Hopefully Bernard’s Watch!!! andrew.cheung@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUActivites1

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NSU News SAD?

SAD?

We all may feel a little down when the winter blues start to set in. Evenings are darker, nights are colder, and the likelihood that you fall over in public massively increases. But for some, winter blues are more than just a few weeks of feeling glum before the festive season kicks off. It is months of sleepless nights, comfort eating, and depression.

Sufferers of SAD usually begin to feel the symptoms around September, worsening in December. Symptoms to look out for are; • Feeling low and negative with no motivation • Feelings of hopelessness or despair, and occasionally the inability to feel anything • Oversleeping and needing to sleep more often • Difficulty staying awake through the day, to the point normal day-to-day activities cannot be complete • Waking up through the night or extremely early • Over-indulging on carbs and sweets • Concentration or memory problems • No desire to socialise or be around people • Heavy and tired limbs with cramps and aching muscles • Headaches, dry mouth and stomach problems • Sweating, heart palpitations and hyperventilation The severity of the illness varies from person to person.

For some (around 17% of the population), it can be a mild condition causing discomfort, known as ‘winter sadness’.

However for the 7% who develop SAD, it is an awful experience, causing the individual to be unable to resume normal functioning without medical treatment. SAD is thought to occur mostly in younger people, especially those in their early 20’s.

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Although many will argue it is a psychological issue, SAD has been linked to the decrease in sunlight being received by our bodies, creating less serotonin, a hormone in the brain which promotes happiness, balance and calm, and less melatonin, the hormone in our brain which promotes sleep. One treatment many look at is the use of a ’light box’, available from amazon, which fills your room with light through the morning so your body wakes up naturally.

SAD for university students may be worse than the everyday individual. As Christmas approaches, many often feel homesick or lonely, wanting nothing more than to be with family and friends. The onset of SAD can increase these feelings, meaning you may not want to leave your house and neglect your studies (and we all know how dangerous that can be.) If you’re worried you may be suffering from SAD, and require more information, visit www.nhs.uk/ conditions/Seasonal-affective-disorder

By Melissa Hancock

NSU News Hot & Not

Fenwick’s Christmas Window

HOT

40 years of Christmas themed stories in one window. What’s not to love? Getting you in the festive spirit with all your favorite childhood characters, it’s impossible to be a scrooge this year.

Northumberland Street at it’s best, let’s crack out the patterned Christmas jumpers!

Home Comforts After a long and tiring semester, it’s time to look forward to the upcoming journey home. Cozy Christmas films by the tree, celebrating with friends from home, and being pampered to the max, it’s a student’s favorite time of year. Cringe at the cracker jokes, stuff yourself with far too much Christmas pud and nap on the couch. What could be better?

Christmas Market & Ice skating Indulge in the treats that the Christmas market has to offer this year with mulled wine, mince pies and what’s been described as Christmas in a cup...the gingerbread hot chocolate. Follow this with a trip to the ice skating rink for the perfect festive day out and show off what you learnt from this year’s strictly.

Anton Du Beke, eat your heart out!

New Year’s Resolutions With a new year approaching, we’re all looking back over 2011 and thinking how horrifically last year’s resolutions went. Most are lucky if they last till February...MUST do better this year. So what’s it to be: lose weight, get fit, quit smoking, get famous, or break all your resolutions?

Soggy Feet Everyone loves the perfect winter wonderland setting with untouched snow glistening on the ground, for about a day! Fog, miserable drizzle, slush and icy pavements leave us unhappy with our soggy feet or with bruises when we flew flat on our backs. It just makes leaving the comfort and warmth of your duvet that much harder.

Deadlines at Christmas?

NOT

When everyone else is getting in the festive spirit with Christmas shopping and socializing, assignments and revision are the last things you want to be doing and facebooking is what you’re probably doing more of. Christmas revision timetables may put a dampener on your mood but will keep you on track to getting those all important top results.

By Rachel Sturdy

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NSU News The RAG Team!

Raggie, raggie, raggie!

RAG Week 2011 kicked off in style with over 1000 orange balloons being launched into the sky filling the sky with a raggie orange.

This beautiful sight was just one of many from the week as our 200 strong volunteer team fundraised all week for six amazing charities: The British Legion Becoming Visible (a local charity helping deaf people) Friendship Works Dreams Come True International Rescue Corps Barnardos The week ended with a mega raid with students from all over the country coming to newcastle to collect.

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Following from February’s amazing grand total of £27,065.35, Northumbria set an ambitious total of £50,000 for the academic year but because of the students dedication, we had already raised nearly £10,000 before RAG Week even began and after the massive success of RAG Week bringing our total to a massive

£27,437 The energetic efforts of the team were truly inspiring and touched the hearts of everyone in Newcastle. RAG is just one of the many reasons why I’m so proud to be a member of Northumbria.

By Michael Potter.

NSU News The RAG Team!

Joanne Kelly “Having so much fun all for some great charities.”

Andrew Cheung “I’m privileged to be head of RAG for our volunteers who are the heart and soul of it.”

Michael Potter “I’ve loved looking after my team, keeping them motivated so we can raise as much as possible.”

Sarah Warren “Shockingly shivver-ful, bare banter, fabulously fulfilling and wonderfully colorful. Yippy!”

Laura Heaps “An amazing feeling knowing how many people you are helping and contributing to a huge total.”

Aidan Blenkinsop “RAG has been the bee’s knees and my team are the cats pajamas.”

Tim Patchett “A great experience to get to know new people and help charities.”

Katie Cullen “RAG is pretty much my life, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A special thank you to Accenture for RAG t-shirt sponsorship

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SAFE CITY IN THE

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COM PL E T E AND E S S E NT I AL OF STUDENT LIFE

5th - 9th D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

www.mynsu.co.uk

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FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware - Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad

DISCUSS: DRINK AWARE - DON’T LET A GOOD NIGHT GO BAD llenerate u C e i kat t & Coop ven MA E ment ge Mana

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Drink awareness – And your health.

Many of us are guilty of having had a little too much to drink every now and again, but ‘a little too much’ means different things to different people.

After only a couple of drinks people become more sociable, a loss of inhibitions may mean you feel more confident within a group of people you don’t know well, you might use alcohol to help bond during a girlie chat or a night out with the lads.

But how much do we really know about the effect that alcohol can have on us in the long term?

Many of the effects of alcohol wear off after a night out but some can stay with you long term, even stick around to end your life.

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FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware - Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad

Short term effects: * * * * * * * * * *

FEELINGS OF RELAXATION LOSS OF INHIBITIONS LACK OF CONCENTRATION CO-ORDINATION PROBLEMS LOSS OF JUDGEMENT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY IS LOST MIXING ALCOHOL WITH DRUGS CAN HAVE UNFORESEEN NEGATIVE EFFECTS BURRED VISION CHANCE OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND EVEN DEATH DUE TO ALCOHOL POISONING.

Long term effects come in many shapes and sizes...

Physical effects include increased risk of cancer (rectum, breast colon and rarer cancers) liver damage, heart and blood disorders, stomach problems, brain damage, and damage to the reproductive organs. Binge drinking can dramatically increase blood pressure and the risk of stroke.

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Just for the girls: Us ladies know that we shouldn’t try to keep up with our male counterparts on a night out, but that doesn’t always stop us trying. The fact is that women cannot handle alcohol as well as men, this isn’t some uninformed sexist claim, it really is true.

Emotional effects alcohol can cause depression which can then effect relationships such as family and love issues. A recent survey by the British health association found that people who suffered from anxiety or depression were twice as likely to be heavy or problem drinkers.

Scientific evidence suggests that most women weigh significantly less than men, this means there is less tissue available to absorb alcohol. Women also have a proportionally higher fat to water ratio than men, this means we are less able to dilute the alcohol that enters our system.

Social problems excessive alcohol intake can lead to problems with poor work performance, financial problems and legal issues.

Excess alcohol intake over a long period of time can also cause damage to the reproductive system.

Alcohol intake during pregnancy can also lead to still birth, miscarriage and cot death after birth.

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So next time you’re trying to down your pint with the boys think twice and consider these facts.

FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware - Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad

Drink awareness – And anti social behaviour.

Most students come to university to have a good time as well as get a great degree, but one thing that student’s don’t come to university for is a criminal record.

Student’s can sometimes feel that because of all the hype of university living that we are somehow outside of the law. For example living in an area which is heavily populated by students may influence someone to behave in a different way than they would if they lived on a family heavy street in their home town.

Also the excitement of fresher’s week and the pressure on students to get drunk and have a ‘good time’ can lead to some taking part in activities that they wouldn’t normally.

But the law still stands, Jesmond and Heaton are still examples of ‘residential’ areas, and the consequences of crime during fresher’s week are the same as throughout the year.

The police department of Newcastle take ASB (anti social behaviour) very seriously and have taken various steps to ensure that the city is safe for all of us.

What is ASB? Lots of things that might sound familiar to many of us are considered ASB, these include house parties, drunken behaviour and antics on the way to or from a night out and other loud noise late at night.

The most common instances of ASB that the police deal with are * NOISY NEIGHBOURS AND HOUSE PARTIES * THREATENING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR * DRUNK AND ROWDY GROUPS * DRUG RELATED ISSUES * CRIMINAL DAMAGE Please be aware it is a common misconception that you are ‘allowed’ to be as noisy as you like up until 11pm and after 8am. This is untrue. Noise is a nuisance at any time of the day. Not everyone works from 9am to 5pm – shift workers, night workers and those with small children to name but a few – all these people are likely to be home during the day and probably trying to sleep.

Because Jesmond and Heaton are areas highly populated by students, they see a larger amount of anti social behaviour, to tackle this Jesmond ward, Newcastle and Northumbria University have funded two extra police officers to patrol the streets three nights a week. This is called operation Oak and the police officers are additional to the exisitng police presence.

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FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware - Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad

The implications of taking part in Anti Social behaviour are real and vast and can affect your life well after the hangover has subsided.

You could be arrested, have to spend time in prison, be convicted or receive a formal warning from the authorities.

In all cases, your University will be informed and will take further action. Consequences can include being asked to leave the University.

Your future employment could be at great risk if you want to become a – teacher, solicitor, barrister, youth worker, social worker, doctor, nurse, midwife, or a member of the armed forces.

Drink aware – Don’t let a good night go bad.

We all know the difference between a great night out and a night you would rather forget.

You might have noticed the posters all around our Student’s Union building urging you to follow some simple tips to make sure a night out doesn’t turn sour.

We just want to make sure that you stay safe wherever you are in the city at whatever time of the day, but we recognise that the dangers that you might face on a night out especially are worrying.

No one wants a night out to end up in a hospital, or in a situation that you don’t feel comfortable with, because alcohol can help you lose your inhibitions, it can also lead you into situations you wouldn’t normally find yourself in.

Please remember that your decision making process is effected intensely by too much alcohol.

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FEATURES Discuss: Drink Aware - Don’t Let A Good Night Go Bad

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Try following these tips and see how different you could feel on a night out, and the day after: Try making every third drink a soft one, or even a water. One of the main effects of alcohol is dehydration. Drinking water throughout the night will ensure you can keep well hydrated, limiting the effects of alcohol and the hangover the next day.

Stick with the friends that you went out with. This will ensure that you stay safe, that you can all look out for each other and also that you have lots of fun.

You can share gossip and plan the next night out.

Often the best part of the night is the after party, so stick together.

Stay alert. Drink spiking is a real and scary issue in any city, so don’t leave your drink on a table while going for a dance or to the toilet. It isn’t safe to drink after you have left it unattended. Keep an eye on friends as well, if someone seems a lot more out of it than they should be after only a couple of drinks, keep an eye on them, and if the situation worsens let someone know.

Don’t go home with anyone when you don’t feel yourself. The decisions you make when you are drunk can effect the rest of your life. If you are too drunk you cannot know that the person you think is your new best friend or soul mate isn’t someone who you would think the same of if you were sober.

Walter

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What eff you, a ect does dr nd is t inking ha h “Its pa rt of b t a good thin ave on eing a got to g? stu d work t o it! The nex dent, you’v e hroug t day y h beca o use yo u just u have to.”

Remember to charge your mobile phone before a night out. You may not be able to hear it ring in a club, but getting a message late is better than never.

If you lose a friend on a night out, don’t assume that they’ve just gone home, try to get in touch to make sure. Also text friends to let them know that you have got home safe.

Go out with a full stomach, that old story about a glass of milk before you go out is true. A glass of milk can line your stomach and help slow down the flow of alcohol into your system. A full stomach also means that there is something in your body to soak up the alchol before your bloodstream does it for you!

A glass of water. The best preventative for your hangover is a glass of water before you go out, some more when you are out and a glass when you get home. This will help fight dehydration and help fend off your headache!

By Errin Kerr (Quotes Provided by Mike Squire)

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FEATURES We Will Remember Them

We Will

Remember Them The eleventh of November marked a significant time of year - one we should all reflect upon. Armistice Day is an occasion on which to pause, and honour the memory of those who have fallen for Queen and country. At this time, we invest in a poppy, and adopt a meditative mood on the eleventh hour.

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Yet, the occasion can be lost amongst a post-Halloween hangover, and pre-Christmas headache. So, as the three hundred and eighty-forth British combatant fell in Afghanistan, in early November, I spoke to Northumbria’s own officer cadet - Harry Wright - to rediscover the day’s importance in all of our lives.

You’re currently an officer cadet; what inspired you to follow this path into the army?”

HW: “I’ve been involved in the army, to some degree, for the majority of my life. I started to seriously think about working in the forces when we (the UK) were committing soldiers to the Middle East.”

You’re studying mechanical engineering and are involved in The British Army. That’s a big commitment - what do you hope to have achieved by the time you complete your degree?

HW: “I think the sacrifice will be worth it. Hopefully, I can leave Northumbria with a solid degree and all of the necessary skills to equip me for a successful career in the army.”

Armistice is billed as a time for reflection, and is often honoured with age-old town centre marches. But those whose memories we honour aren’t solely from bygone days are they?

HW: “I was involved in the march in Newcastle on Remembrance Sunday. Traditions involved in the ceremony have their roots in the Armistice Agreement, ending the First World War in 1918. But not only should we remember those of the Great War, but those in all wars involving British soldiers, most recently in Afghanistan.”

Why do you think it is important for everyone to invest in a poppy during this period?

HW: “We should all show our support for the British forces in some way. Buying a poppy is accessible to everyone and anyone.

British soldiers are often injured or killed in battle - the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal helps to finance the building of rehabilitative units for injured personal, as well as continued support for bereaved families.”

By Josh Hood.

With thanks to Harry Wright.

nu:life 19

GET INVOLVED Happy Holidays - Safety First

Happy Holidays

Safety First Well it’s that time of the year again. The Christmas lights are going up, we cover our houses in everything Christmassy from Poundland, and blast Christmas music out of our speakers, not to mention guiltily watching the Fenwick’s window display every time we walk past it, no matter how old we are!

However Christmas can bring its problems, so here is some advice: Imagine trudging through the cold foot snow in stilettos, and accidently breaking one of your new heels as it gets stuck, is it really worth it? Why not try wearing flats, you’ll have a much better night out and I promise the girls in heels will be jealous as you will be on the dance floor all night long while they sit down and complain that their feet are hurting!

Or why not get everyone together and go out in wellies for a laugh.

Speaking of wellies, I speak from experience when I say make sure you buy some early, because there will be a mad rush and last year, the cheapest you could get were for £20 from Fenwick’s.

To have a safe night out, make sure you pre order a taxi, not many people will fancy walking into town when it’s cold and perhaps even snowing, so think ahead and book early.

Also forget the Geordie law of ‘no coat’ why not take a coat or jacket with you when you go out instead of braving the cold? The last thing you want is to be shivering when queuing outside a club for hours to get in, and there are always cloak rooms available to hand your coat in to, so take advantage of this in this cold season.

20 nu:life

As always be drink aware, yes even at Christmas, never leave your drink unattended and stick in groups when going home.

Christmas is always an expensive time, as we know, so try and not let Christmas make you forget about your studies, Try and have some balance between work and Christmas shopping, which includes budgeting!

Also, Why not get kitted out with some warm wintry scarf’s hats and gloves? Primark has some great ones in at the moment! Or why not go out and buy a popular Onesie?

By Emma Whiteley

GET INVOLVED Happy Holidays - Safety First

SAFETY FIRST!!

Here we are!! The end of the year, Christmas, and of course, holidays! A lot of us are going back home for a few days, so our residences are going to be pretty empty!!

Thieves love this time of the year: empty houses, no one home for days… if you don’t prevent them, they just have to come in and help themselves!!

The worst thing that could happen in these times, after spending nice holidays with your friends or family, or just relaxing, is to go back to your accommodation, only to find out that you’ve been robbed or worst!!

Here are some tips to prevent you from having a bad surprise when you come back, so you can enjoy your holidays and party all you want, with complete peace of mind!!

First tip don’t forget to lock your door (of course), AND your windows!!! Even if you live in the top floor of your residence! It’ll take you only seconds to check it before leaving, and will save you a lot of time and money!!

Next don’t tell everybody who is listening you’re leaving, giving dates and times, and don’t write it on Facebook either!! It would be you inviting the robbers to come to your place when you’re not!

And last thing just have a look in your kitchen before closing your flat door for three weeks. It would be really sad to come back after Christmas to find out that you left the iron on, or forgot to turn off the oven, or the cooking space, and because of that, there was a fire in your apartment!!

So, go home safe, and don’t forget to celebrate!!

Happy holidays!!

By Aurelie Cregut

nu:life 21

Visit mynsu.co.uk/volunteer Log on to the Volunteer Database Scroll down to Community Volunteering Click on ‘VN Team Member’ or ‘VN Team Leader’ Click sign up and you’re on the team! mynsu.co.uk/vnweek

Bespoke Brits’ Green Fashion Hits

GET INVOLVED Bespoke Brits’ Green Fashion

The fashionista set are a big part of the Northumbria culture - you just have to walk around the design building to see an array of well dressed, highly planned looks that show their personality every day - but now they will be taking over Reds bar as well.

For one night only on 11th December 2011, fashion lovers will be given a night out with their conscience in mind.

Volunteer Northumbria’s newest project, Bespoke Brits, is an environmentally friendly fashion event. There will be a fashion show featuring second-hand clothes donated from the British Red Cross and the audience will have the chance to buy the catwalk outfits in a charity auction after the show, with proceeds going to the British Red Cross. As well as that, there will also be a swap shop giving everyone the opportunity to recycle their unwanted clothes for pieces from other people’s wardrobes. And not forgetting local businesses: selected local vintage stores and sellers will be selling their wares in the venue on the night, letting you love their recycled items.

Other activities taking place during the night are “Customisation for the Nation” where you can take your clothes which you think are lacking that bit of flare to add something too, with help from design students. The other extras will be a raffle of prizes donated by the event sponsors, DJ sets and an after show party.

The event is being planned and implemented entirely by Northumbria students who are taking fashion, design and business degrees. They are generously giving up their time to volunteer and they have put their skills to good use, which range from promotional and public relations work, photography, right down to model scouting, styling and designing. The project is headed up by Elle Jodrell-Gregson who studies whilst also working at the Union. Elle told us, “I think it’s a challenging project, which is rewarding when we create new ideas and achieve goals! I am thoroughly enjoying having the chance to project lead such an amazing event that will benefit the environment and a very worthy charity, the British Red Cross”.

The event takes place at 12th December 7.30pm -10.30pm It is a FREE event, though VIP goodie bags will be available.

By Rachel Charlton-Dailey nu:life 23

24 nu:life

Our RAG Team were out in the cold for one whole week collecting money for six amazing charities - here are just some of the highlights!

Photos Provided by Matt Dinnery & Harry Marshall

nu:life 25

GET INVOLVED Fuss Free Renting

Fuss Free Renting Renting? Your first time? No idea what you’re doing? Panicking a bit?

Well take two minutes, have a read and calm yourself it’s not too bad.

Firstly, sit down and discuss with your potential housemates what distance you would like to live from uni, a ten min stroll or a 30 min powerwalk? Bear in mind potential for the dreaded 9am lectures and your ability to wake up.

Do some research about the potential areas that you want to live in, the main student areas are:

Go for a walk around the shops, assess the amenities, have a drink in a bar and get a feel for the area. A good idea is to see where the supermarkets are, as do you really want to be hauling shopping for over ten minutes?

Money matters! So make sure you talk about it, work out how much you’re willing to spend per week or month excluding bills, don’t forget to consider how much you spend of food, going out and transport each month. Be realistic, can you really afford £100 a week just on a house?

Also, talking about money such as, how much the budget will be and how bills will be paid will ease the transition of moving in together and hopefully avoid the many arguments that the unprepared renters occur.

Sandyford Once you’ve worked out your flatmates, budget and area, look in magazines and online to get an impression of the type of house, flat, maisonette you might want.

Jesmond

Heaton

City centre

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Go to a student rental estate agent with your impressions, ideas and how far away from Uni you’d like to live so they’ll be able to narrow down what types of property will be good for you.

Also tell them your price range and be firm. If you have time go to more than one estate agent to get a wider view and range.

GET INVOLVED Fuss Free Renting Don’t forget to ask the agent about their fee’s and make sure you don’t get ripped off. It should not be more than £120 - £150. If you’re feeling cheeky haggle over price – a few pounds off a week is an extra drink in your hand.

Make sure you set up your direct debit payments properly and on time! Get your finances sorted and a deposit down as soon as you possibly can when you find your house. It builds a good relationship with your landlord and it’ll make it easier if you need to call them when your bathroom floods or oven stops working.

When viewing check for any signs of damage and make a note of it and check the showers to see what they are like and if they are powerful enough to shift your Smurf body paint.

But, perhaps more importantly check for damp and mould which is notorious in student properties.

Use these simply tips: * Can you see any ‘black spot’ mould? * Can you see a damp stain above the skirting board and are they damp or rotten? * Are the walls or floor visibly damp? * Is there wallpaper falling off the walls? * If you spot the latter three of these DO NOT RENT THIS PROPERTY! It will make you feel ill and if you have issues with asthma it will make it significantly worse.

Don’t forget before you rush into getting a house to choose your flatmates carefully.

Also read your rights as a tenant before you go hunting! It will help a whole lot. Find them online at: http://england. shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold

THE FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING. Get in early! Do you really want to be in the flat with mouldy ceilings and wall paper sliding down the walls?

Thought not. If you’ve already decided who your living with get your arse in gear!

Take a camera! With the amount of houses you’ll see they’ll all merge into one. Take pictures of each room, the condition that they are in and oddly the halls (it’ll help you remember where everything is).

Ask lots of questions! Potential price of bills. Does it have central heating? A washing machine? Dishwasher? Decent fridge and freezer? What are the showers like? Where the stopcock is (essential if you have a flood)? Are the windows double glazed? Has the property any damage and find out what they will do to fix it before you move in (get this written down in a letter before you handover any money so they have to do it).

Don’t get a taxi there - WALK. Why? To see how long it’s going to take you to get to Uni. You may find the perfect house, but if it’s an hour’s walk in are you really going to want to live there?

Take all potential housemates Make a time when you can all attend there’s really no point otherwise and make sure you can imagine living there.

Happy hunting!

nu:life 27

LIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes

HOROSCOPES Capricorn 22 December 19 January You’re feeling mischievous this month and your sense of humour is shining through.

You’re going to be the life and soul of all the parties you attend and your good humour will lead to an improvement of a close relationship.

Cancer 21 June - 22 July Stressed is the word that comes to mind. It’s good to work hard but take some time out to relax , after all, everyone should be happy at this time of year!

Celebrity: Kate Moss 16th January.

Virgo 23 August - 22 September Mars moves into your sign which means you’re going to be in the spotlight. Make sure you’re ready to impress people!

Aquarius 20 January - 18 February The full moon brings with it a new decision and it’s important that you make the right choice for the year ahead.

Pisces 19 February - 20 March The month starts with a wobble but with Christmas coming up, look out for mistletoe because romance is on the horizon!

Aries 21 March - 19 April Winter weather means that you’re feeling a bit low this month but cheer up, the New Year is going to bring lots of surprises with it!

Taurus 20 April - 20 May This is your favourite time of year but careful you don’t go to wild!

Remember what’s important and you’ll have a great month.

28 nu:life

Gemini 21 May - 20 June You’re starting to feel annoyed with the cold dark nights so invite some friends round for dinner or a sleepover and inject a bit of fun into the long evenings!

Leo 23 July - 22 August It’s not been your month but cheer up; it’s looking a lot more positive.

Look out for new opportunities at work or uni, they might change your life!

Libra 23 September - 22 October You’re getting on fabulously with friends but you feel like something’s missing. Keep your eyes open because you could find it this month.

Scorpio 23 October - 21 November You’re dealing with dramas almost every day. Try finding new friends or different ways to have fun to make sure you have a drama free new year.

Sagittarius 22 November 21 December You love this time of year and it promises to be amazing. Enjoy yourself at parties but being with your family is going to make it even more special.

By Minela Huremovic

GET INVOLVED WriSoc Serial - Part 4

WriSoc Serial [part 4]

If I didn’t sense the gravity of the situation, I did now.

I had never run so fast in my life before. By the time we got to the library I thought I would throw up – not from exhaustion but from fear.

Natalie nodded, though her appearance said otherwise. “I’m fine. Just need a little rest.” I watched as she sat down on the floor. “Go,” she snapped.

“Where do-?”

I was tired too, but Natalie knew what she was doing more than I did. I walked between the shelves, my eyes desperate to see the book. It seemed my uneducated prayers were answered: a large book with a red covering was in front of me. I rushed forward, only to see the covering change from red to green.

“Sub-basement. Hurry.” Natalie whirled round and slammed the doors closed. She muttered words and I heard the doors click, signalling the lock.

I rushed down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet. The sub-basement was empty save for the journals. I felt a flash of desire to examine the historical documents, but it was instantly quelled when Natalie stepped forward. “This is where the magical books are?”

“Don’t be stupid,” snapped Natalie. By now she was at the back wall. She pressed two hands against the bricks. Right before my eyes the bricks moved apart, just like a scene from Harry Potter. My limbs froze in surprise. I could not move, but Natalie didn’t wait – she shoved me through the wall before following. The bricks closed behind us, plunging us into darkness.

I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t even speak. The slight hangover that I had was now a full-on migraine. I collapsed to the floor, shaking.

I heard Natalie moving around. A burst of light appeared out the corner of my eye. Natalie held a candle out of me. Her angular face looked paler than usual. “You need to find a big red book. Gold lettering. Cursed Magic and its Affects.”

“Damn it,” I swore. I glowered at it. “Stupid book.”

The book seemed to take offence; a second later it pushed itself off the shelf and hit me square on the nose.

My cry was muffled by a booming voice right in my ear. “Come out now – or the library burns.”

Before I could even think I heard Natalie behind me.

“Was that the Professor?” I could hear myself babbling as I turned to face her. “It was, wasn’t it?

Where is he?”

Natalie gave me a look that made me stop in my tracks. I saw she was leaning heavily against a shelf as though she was having trouble supporting her own weight. “We need to leave now.”

By Fran Swallow

“Are you okay?”

nu:life 29

LIGHT RELIEF Academic Advice

Acdemic Advice ACADEMIC PROBLEMS LARGE OR SMALL, OUR KIM CAN FIX THEM ALL! KIM BUFFERY IS YOUR EDUCATION CASEWORKER, ENSURING YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL REPRESENTED WITHIN ACADEMIC ISSUES.

Hi Kim,

Hi Kim

I’ve been focusing on an essay for one module and have fallen behind with my work for another - we have to do surveys and interviews with people to gather original data. If I just make up some of the references and questionnaire results, is there any way my lecturers will find out? It’s not actual plagiarism so it won’t come up on Turnitin.

I was out on the weekend and my mate was involved in a fight. It was nothing too serious - nobody was really hurt - but the Police were involved and we were all taken in for questioning. I was given a verbal caution for being drunk and disorderly, but the officer told me not to worry, as it was only a minor thing. The trouble is, I’m on a professional programme at Coach Lane - should I tell my lecturers? I don’t see the point in all this hassle when I’ve got assessments to be getting on with and, as the officer said himself, it’s not really a big deal.

Anna Hi Anna,

Dave Making things up is still Academic Misconduct - in the Assessment Regulations, it’s called Falsification. So yes, it’s not Plagiarism, but Falsification is just as serious. The markers won’t check every bit of data, but they’ve seen every trick in the book and will investigate if they suspect foul play. Making up references? The markers are subject experts, so if they see texts name-checked that they’ve never heard of, they’ll get suspicious. If you’re caught out, you’ll get a formal written warning and a flat mark of 0 (or at best, a capped Pass mark). We can represent you if you’re called in to explain your work, but we can’t guarantee to get you off. If you’re struggling, speak to your Guidance Tutor – but don’t cut corners. The penalties are just too great.

Kim

Hi Dave, In short - you absolutely must come clean with your Guidance Tutor. A range of programmes that lead to professional registration, including Teaching, Nursing and other Allied Health Professionals, have strict Codes of Conduct which state that you have to be honest about any involvement with the police at all. Once you’ve informed the Guidance Tutor, you will probably have to attend a Professional Suitability Board where a decision will be made on whether you can continue on the programme.

The University’s difficulty is that, even with a very minor caution, it can be difficult for them to arrange a placement for you if there’s anything at all on your CRB. This doesn’t have to be the end of your University career - you can sometimes get a place on a different programme.

Kim

If you have an academic problem...

you would like to discuss with me just shoot an email to su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk and I will be back in touch with you within 48 hours.

Alternatively pop to the base information desk on the ground floor and the staff will arrange a good meeting time for us.

Or Pop in and see me at Coach lane 10-11am on Wednesdays!

30 nu:life

LIGHT RELIEF The Agony Aunt Team

The AA Team Amy & Anna To the rescue Dear Amy and Anna,

I’ve got a problem. A few weeks ago I saw my housemate as she got out the shower, since then I can’t stop thinking about her. It doesn’t bother me that I keep thinking of her, it’s just I already have a partner. And my housemate is a WOMAN!!! Does this mean I’m not gay any more?

Please help!

Mike x Dear Mike, Try not to worry about this as it is pretty common for people to question their sexuality throughout their lives most commonly in their teenage and early adulthood years. Maybe as it doesn’t bother you that you think about her, you should think about your relationship with your partner. Are you completely happy with them because if not then this might be the reason why you are looking elsewhere? We suggest that you have a good think about what you want before making any decisions. But whatever you chose make sure that it is completely the right choice and that it will make you happy.

Dear Amy and Anna, I’ve just had to pay £1800 in rent and I struggled to pay it. Now I have no money to buy any food with or anything. I have been living off rice and beans for the last week and a half and I now feel I am at an all time low. I really just don’t know what to do.

Love Francesca Dear Francesca, That is an awful lot of rent to be paying!! Have you spoken to your landlord? It may be that they have requested too much money from you. Do you have any savings to live off for the time being or could you get an overdraft on your account?? Or a part time job to see you over? If all of this fails then speak to the Student advice and Wellbeing department, it may be that they have some funding that could help you. Do make sure that you keep your lecturers updated as they obviously want you to do the best you can and they are there to offer you support. If you are still struggling don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Love Amy and Anna x

Love Amy and Anna x

If you have a problem that you want us to answer, please email The AA Team at su.problems@ northumbria.ac.uk and we will be more than happy to help you! nu:life 31

LIGHT RELIEF Hot Topic: St James’ Park

HOT TOPIC: St James’ Park VS Sport Direct Stadium.

With all the uproar around it recently it’s hard not to have heard. St James Park is being renamed the Sports Direct Arena, despite opposition from the fans, the local council and pretty much the entire city of Newcastle. It’s a controversial issue, with Newcastle City Council allegedly refusing to repaint signs with the new name. Our two NU:Life writers battle it out to decide if it’s commercialism gone too far or just a big fuss over nothing.

3 FOR I’m just going to come out and say, in what will probably be a staggeringly unpopular move that I am for renaming St James’ Park. It’s not that I think the Sports Direct Arena is a particularly catchy name, or that I don’t feel for the Geordies who’ve had a big part of their local identity bought by a big corporation.

It’s just that… it’s only football. Get some perspective. We are currently in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, a time when unemployment and suicide rates rocketed, where whole swathes of farmland turned to dust, where in Germany inflation was so bad money was replaced by a system of bartering food and objects, i.e. two eggs for a haircut, causing hardship so severe it allowed the Nazi party to get a foot in the door by exploiting the desperate. Our recession isn’t over yet by any means and may actually get worse. Does the name of a football stadium really matter at this point?

“If Newcastle Library was bought out by Amazon and suddenly had much better facilities, would I stop going there? “ Maybe I’m biased because I don’t like sport. But I like art and so far as I’m concerned the Baltic could change its name to whatever it wanted if it meant it got its hands on something by Picasso or Da Vinci out of the deal. Or if Newcastle Library was bought out by Amazon and suddenly had much better facilities, would I stop going there? No, I’d probably go more.

And maybe art and literature aren’t a part of local identity as much as football is and this isn’t the place to argue that they should be. But we live in a world where people have got so fed up with democracy they are literally camping around Monument until Christmas, where riots and looting explode out of nowhere, where higher education is once again becoming the domain of the rich by the brilliantly simply method of charging astronomical amounts for tuition fees. Don’t we have better things to worry about than football?

By Kate Taylor

32 nu:life

LIGHT RELIEF Hot Topic: St James’ Park

2 AGAINST Football is a huge part of many people’s lives. Our national sport, supporters take pride in following their club, often even making an event of going to watch them play at the teams’ home stadium.

Football fans are both loyal and passionate and give so much to the team they support that the club owes so much to. Newcastle supporters I have spoken to are not happy about their team stadium name changing from Saint James’ park to Sports Direct Stadium. Lifelong supporters believe that tradition is tradition, where there is a lot of football history associated with the name Saint James’ Park, as it has had this name since football was first played there in 1880. Some fans are also sceptical about the decision to change the name after it was announced that it has been re-named to attract buyers for naming rights deals in the New Year.

One supporter I spoke to was very vocal about expressing his views, upset by a decision he believes doesn’t benefit the club or squad saying, “The club aren’t benefiting from the name change so what’s the point in it!” It seems that football fans are keen on tradition and why shouldn’t they be? The name Saint James’ Park is associated with Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne starting out as a player, Newcastle’s 5 – 0 home victory against Manchester City in which Peter Beardsley scored his first hatrick and Alan Shearer’s record £15 million signing under legendary manager (and former player) Kevin Keegan. If a team with so many achievements loses its original name it is in danger of becoming a product of commercial industries branded by businesses rather than triumphant glories achieved by local legends.

By Jacob Turner.

“It seems that football fans are keen on tradition and why shouldn’t they be? nu:life 33

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STUDENT CULTURE Occupy Newcastle - A Student Perspective

Occupy Newcastle

A Student Perspective Although people are pretty much used to them by now it’s hard not to notice the small tent city that’s sprung up around Monument earlier this autumn and has pledged to be there until Christmas.

‘What’s with those people camping around Monument?’ is a question I’m used to hearing: What are they protesting and how is camping around Monument going to get it? But if nothing else it’s been gratifying to see an example of peaceful protest done right. The protestors are polite, strictly non-violent and have pledged not to drink alcohol on the site. A pair of city rangers I spoke to about them had only good things to say about them, praising their willingness to cooperate. I spoke to Northumbria University English and Creative Writing third year Student James Bell about his experiences in the protest.

Most of us find balancing deadlines with a social life hard enough: imagine if on top of that you’re spending your days picketing Monument and your nights sleeping on what I can only imagine is very hard ground in typical sub-Arctic Newcastle winter weather.

“Apathy is an enemy. If you believe in what we stand for then join us: if not then you defeat yourself.”

I say I imagine because James didn’t complain, preferring instead to talk about the reasons why he and the other protestors are there.

There are “people from every possible persuasion”: students, people with jobs, the unemployed, the self-employed, the homeless…

These people are united by a set of demands that are difficult to put into words but easier to summarize: a fairer society with more jobs, fairer distribution of wealth, a more responsible banking system and less influence from large corporations on the political sphere.

Fairer society or not, this seems like a big ask of someone in their third and crucial year of university. James told me it was a matter of balancing work against the protest, usually at the expense of his social life.

As someone heavily involved in societies, volunteering and RAG missing out on the student social life seemed to me to be a big price to pay but James maintains it isn’t about him: “In the grand scheme of things, the purpose of life for every human being should be to make life bearable for every other human being.”

One person’s social life, or even one person’s degree, is irrelevant on a global scale.

James requested I include this short quote in his own words: “Apathy is an enemy. If you believe in what we stand for then join us: if not then you defeat yourself.”

It would be hypocritical of me not to add that I will not literally be joining the protest but I have a great deal of sympathy for the movement, especially after learning of how passionate and dedicated the protestors really are.

By Kate Taylor

nu:life 35

STUDENT CULTURE Campus Style

CAMPUS STYLE

It’s that time of year where the leaves are turning brown, there’s a chill in the air and the festivities are brightening the mood. There’s a winter wonderland approaching, and as we pack away our sandals for another year and get cosy in front of the fire we shouldn’t forget about fashion.

If you’re more interested in comfort, steer towards a fur trimmed ankle boot. These beauties are both stylish and kind to your tooties! Whichever you choose, your feet will look fabulous!

Top tips from the fashion team at NU:Life are fur collars and headbands for the winter mornings and adding a touch of glamour and sparkle on an evening with beading in golds, silvers and purples.

This month’s students are showing that weather does not dictate your fashion and that wellies are well and truly in.

Far from being a time where style takes a side step; winter brings us the chance to show off a whole new wardrobe. Yes, we must sadly wave goodbye to our favourite straw hat but say hello to a whole new collection of delight! Make way for those chunky knits, fluffy mitts and woolly tights and embrace the coming cold with utter panache.

Drop the drowsy clothes and add some colour to your wardrobe this month with rich purple, deep auburn and sumptuous golds. Whether it’s adding colour with tights, jewellery, a scarf or a bag, it’s easy to stay on trend this season.

But with rails upon rails of knitwear, how can you choose the right thing for you? Keep it simple! Go for a statement piece like a cosy pair of knitted shorts or a chunky, wild print jumper, and dress it up from there. Try, perhaps, a pair of patterned knee socks or a knitted hat? Peacocks offer a fabulous range of colours at prices you just can’t refuse.

Finally, make space for the classic winter shoe. If you want to stand tall and mighty, try some suede wedges; a winter take on a summer classic, this shoe looks wonderful with any winter outfit.

36 nu:life

EMILY r Business tfit 2nd Yeaf vintage, Emily’s oubrogues

n A lover o le. Brow asual sty da exudes c , a tube scarf an rtie the day to d d from Be a jacket all ith a country w Barbour wn look to ter with d aroun this win rm a w y utfits edge. Sta s to finish your o e rv a sc soft y. perfectl ish list? stmas w our chri y I can n o so s s t’ e Wha eadphon ing my ears h ig b f o p “A pair hilst kee music w listen to warm!”

CHLOE 1st Year Law

The perfect ou tfit to wear for lectur es, Chloe layers knit, fu r, chiffon and leather fo r the ultimate dayt ime look.

Transforming her Uggs with fur topp ers gives a wintery feel, if you’d like to do the same we’re loving Hunter’s knitt ed patterned wellie socks th is season.

What’s on yo ur Chris wish list? “Mak tmas e up and essentials. As a student, I’m running out pr etty quickly!”

From our style hunt this month, it just goes to show that adding the right accessories can make an outfit.

Wellie toppers, fur collars and chunky scarves are the way forward this season. The fashion team would like to thank all participants we met on our fashion hunt this month and make sure you look out for us on campus as you could be the next style superstar of NU:Life.

VANES S

2nd Ye

And something for the boys…

Guys, don’t be seen dead this season without a statement scarf. From long and knitted, to chunky and patterned, all are a fantastic addition to your wardrobe. Teamed with a long, classy winter coat, you’ll look both practical and trendy. Girls won’t be able to resist and I bet your mum will approve too!

By Rachel Sturdy & Charlotte Harris.

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STUDENT CULTURE House Christmas Dinner

House Christmas Dinner Christmas Dinner for the Flatmates!

Take a trip to your local fruit and veg store, they are generally cheaper and usually a lot better quality than what you can pick up at the supermarket!

Under buy! Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it! Chances are you will have more than enough!

DIY party food! Ditch the pricey party platters and replace them with dips and breadsticks! Remember, you want to fill up on your Christmas dinner, not the starter!!

Don’t be sucked in by fancy packaging! The cheap supermarket value alternatives are usually just as good!

Get creative and bake your way to a cheap Christmas! Things like mince pies are guaranteed to be cheaper than buying pre-packed ones!

For the Veggies Because just about everything on the menu at Christmas has meat in it somewhere and, because it’s a special occasion, people invariably find ways to put meat in new and exciting places.

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Like roast potatoes cooked in goose fat. Or vegetables cooked with the meat so they absorb all the juices and render them inedible to vegetarians.

You’d think that the desert would be meat free but no: the jelly in most trifles contains gelatine (made from cow’s or pig’s feet and the reason I can’t eat Haribo).

Mince pies contain suet in the pastry and the mincemeat as standard, even the red food colouring used in icing a lot of Christmas confectionary is made of cochineal (that’s crushed beetle to you and me).

There are vegetarian alternatives to all of these things but with relatives who occasionally forget you don’t eat meat bringing parts of the meal it’s easy to get overlooked.

So think of them when you’re tucking into your Christmas turkey. If nothing else it’ll keep your mind off the ground up hooves you now know are in your trifle.

By Kate Taylor & Danielle Cross

STUDENT CULTURE Xmas Shopping Nightmare

Xmas Shopping Nightmare When it comes to buying Christmas presents I’m guilty of rushing out and doing it all the week (or often day) before Christmas.

That’s why this year I decided to make an early start and buy the gifts I know my family and friends want.

I set out to buy my Mum a new mobile phone. Entering the famous chain store I have to stroll past the posters and cardboard cut-outs of the newest handsets festively decorated in tinsel, baubles and all things Christmassy.

How are mobile phones Christmassy again? Oh right, how silly of me I’m forgetting about the age old tale of the Holiday Blackberry offering good tidings to all.

Approaching the service desk I see there is a customer being served by a male member of staff and another member of staff next to him with no customer in front of her. I guess she’ll be serving me so I stand and wait for her to call me over or at least acknowledge me with some sort of eye contact. I continue to wait as she taps away on the computer, her eyes fixed on the screen. I glance back at her male colleague serving the customer but he’s tapping away on his computer too, barely looking up or making verbal communication towards the lady I can only hope he’s helping.

Looking back and forth to both members of staff and I see they’re both frantically engaging with the computer in front of them as if in competition with each other. “They’re not playing a two player console game are they? The cheek!” I decide to stay patient.

Hurray! Hope comes along in the form of another male colleague; just like the one currently playing Tekken, he’s mid-twenties with light brown hair massaged in to create carefully constructed spikes. He steps behind the desk and I breathe out a small sigh of relief. He’s here to serve me so that I can move on the next. Hang on though.

What’s this? Oh no he’s picked up a mobile and started tapping away on it.

At that moment original bloke stops typing.

Halleluiah! But what’s this? He’s picked his mobile up too! I stare at the two almost identical men standing mere feet.

In the end I lose the will to live and decide to buy the phone nearer the time. After all, if I do return to this store on Christmas Eve they’ll probably be playing Mungo Jerry In the Summer time and have iphone’s cooking burgers on a barbeque.

Possibly.

By Jacob Turner.

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STUDENT CULTURE Festive Flicks

FESTIVE FLICKS Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And you know why? Because everyone was at the pub getting blitzed. Yup, that’s why. Christmas is again upon us and it’s all very exciting, no? The time of year when it’s borderline acceptable to get utterly fudged with your workmates, classmates, schoolmates and any other mates that you can get your hands on... and all in celebration of the birth of our Lord and saviour.

Anyway, when you’re not out shotting whisky for the birth of Christ, be sure to hit the cinema. There are a whole slew of flicks just coming out for the festive season.

Here’s a couple of the best.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Dec 30th, TBA) A while ago I reviewed the original millennium trilogy and gave the whole thing a great big five stars, and so I wait for David Fincher’s with a mix of trepidation and excitement. How can it be better than the original? How will the new cast (including Daniel Craig) possibly better the performances of their Swedish counterparts? And what have they done to change the ending? I’m not sure, but after an awesome trailer – a work of art in itself – here’s hoping that it’ll be worth the wait.

We Bought A Zoo

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

(Dec 23rd, TBA) Cameron Crowe directing Matt Damon in a film where the trailer is enough to make a grown man cry (No, it wasn’t me. It was, um, a friend of mine... No, really!). To say I’m excited about the pairing is an understatement. Damon is at the top of his game, Crowe never disappoints, and when can you enjoy a good ol’ heart-warmer if you can’t at Christmas? Tis the season, after all.

(Dec 30th, TBA) Brad Bird (The Incredibles) takes the reins of the franchise in his live-action film debut as Tom Cruise returns as IMF’s most agile agent, Ethan Hunt. When the Kremlin goes boom Hunt takes the fall. It’s up to him, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames to find out what really happened, and shoot the baddies.

Also, this December sees the return of the Latin-lover cat Puss In Boots (Dec 9th), Robert Downey Jr in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and, of course, everybody’s favourite dancing penguin in Happy Feet 2.

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By Callum Gibson

TN Northumbria Cycling

NORTHUMBRIA CYCLING Annie Simpson came within touching distance of bagging the latest BUCS Hill Climb title after a terrific ride from the Team Northumbria scholar.

Endurance specialist Simpson had targeted a top 10 finish in the first major event of the new University season.

And the Yorkshire star exceeded all expectations with a stunning display of focus and determination to take joint second spot.

Simpson finished 24 seconds behind winner and local favourite Sarah Byrne, who made the most of riding on her home course at Derbyshire’s Curbar Gap. But the result has given Northumbria Cycling a massive boost going into what promises to be a terrific 2012.

In the men’s event Ross Creber claimed joint 16th spot in the 144-strong field - finishing less than a minute behind winner Henry King from Leeds.

And Northumbria’s Ben Newman bagged joint 53rd in the main event triathlon competition to complete a promising day for the University’s cycling scholars.

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Performance Sport assistant Heather Steel said: “All three of our scholars performed exceptionally well and the results prove their hard work is paying off.

“I don’t think anyone – Annie included - expected a secondplace finish in the women’s Hill Climb and everyone at Northumbria is delighted with the result.”

By Simon Rushworth

Simpson finished 24 seconds behind winner and local favourite Sarah Byrne, who made the most of riding on her home course at Derbyshire’s Curbar Gap.

TN NFL Heads To Wembley

NFL HEADS TO WEMBLEY Few could argue that bringing the NFL to Wembley has not been a roaring success The recent Chicago Bears v Tampa Bay Buccaneers encounter brought the glitz and glamour back to London that had been missing for 12 months.

American Football as a sport has many a critic, especially in the UK. Its stop-start nature and similarities to Rugby turn fans off the latest American import.

Murrayfield in Scotland or the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff would be perfect hosts, and it would help bring the NFL to a different audience.

If the NFL wants to become a global brand it should do everything to maintain its status as an American sport, rather than forcing a country to adapt it as its own.

By Jamie Durent

But can its popularity in the UK be debated when the International Series games continue to be well-received?

Britain got its first taste of the sport came when Channel 4 began broadcasting NFL coverage in 1982, and for many this was their primary source of keeping up-to-date with the league.

London had its own eam from 1991 until 1998, the Monarchs giving the country a team they could call their own. But the level of competition in the ‘World League of American Football’ or NFL Europe as it became, couldn’t compare to the NFL. Bringing a franchise back here just wouldn’t be feasible. The biggest selling point of bringing the NFL to Great Britain is that opportunities to witness a live game are so rare that tickets are snapped up like hot cakes.

If regular games are staged here, interest would likely wane and it would become financially impossible to run a franchise. Football is the country’s sport of choice, and even their attendances have suffered due to the economic climate.

A British team would struggle not just in securing regular fans, but convincing them to pay big money to travel thousands of miles to watch their team on the road.

If they want to expand their UK fan base, a workable solution would be to bring another game to a different part of the country.

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TN Rugby World Cup

RUGBY

WORLD CUP Having returned from the IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, you’d expect Northumberland referee Dave Pearson to want some substantial down time after a gruelling six-week long tournament. Not the case.

Pearson resumed refereeing duties only three days after returning to the UK, using Team Northumbria’s North One East fixture against Middlesbrough as a warm up for his AVIVA Premiership commitments.

“I knew three weeks ago that I probably wouldn’t referee at the World Cup after the quarter-final stage,” said Pearson.

“I had Leicester against London Irish as my first game back, so I needed a warm-up game. I contacted the Northumberland Society and that was the game I was given.”

He was amongst only 10 World Cup refereeing officials selected to officiate in New Zealand and was one of two Englishmen asked to preside in a tournament that is the pinnacle of any referee’s career.

“Was I nervous? Before the first game – yes,” he admitted.

“I was nervous until there was about 10 minutes to go before Scotland vs. Romania. When I blew the final whistle, I thought ‘I’ve done it! I am a World Cup referee!’ It was great. Romania probably should’ve beaten Scotland - it was a superb game.

“Because I’d done it, everything else fitted into place for the next three games. I relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the tournament.”

As first reserve touch judge for the final in Auckland, Pearson wasn’t called upon and was given an opportunity to enjoy a game in which the All Blacks defeated France 8-7.

“I knew the lads weren’t going to get injured so I sat on a plastic seat on the halfway line,” he said.

“I probably had the best seat in the house!”

A Newcastle Polytechnic (now Northumbria University) Chemical Engineering graduate, Pearson was dropped by his coach at Seghill RFC when work for Proctor & Gamble took him to Europe during the week, meaning that he was unable to train.

This proved to be a fateful decision. Pearson took up the whistle instead - he is now entering his 16th year of officiating and has overseen more than 25 internationals and 150 top flight matches.

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Pearson believes that 2015 World Cup Hosts England can learn from the New Zealand tournament, which he hopes will invigorate the sport at all levels.

“What they did brilliantly in New Zealand was sell the fans the minor games,” he added.

“I did a game in Palmerston North, which is about the size of Blyth. They have two mayors – one for the city, one for the rural area.

“I was nervous until there was about 10 minutes to go before Scotland vs.

Romania. When I blew the final whistle, I thought ‘I’ve done it!”

“For Romania against Georgia, both mayors agreed that the city would support Georgia and that farmers would support Romania and they got everybody involved.

“They sold out the 15,000 capacity ground half in yellow, half in red – and they were all Kiwis. It was outstanding.

“If we do as good a job as New Zealand have just done in promoting the smaller games in the smaller venues, then player numbers will go up and spectator numbers should go up.

“In my job, referee numbers will need to increase because obviously we need more officials for more players.

“It should pull rugby up to another level.”

By Tim Andrews

Pearson believes that 2015 World Cup Hosts England can learn from the New Zealand tournament, which he hopes will invigorate the sport at all levels.

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TN Is Sky Killing Sport?

IS SKY KILLING SPORT? When Sky first started televising live sports matches many believed it was a great idea.

There were those who thought it could encourage a whole new audience to engage in a variety of sports. But a few years on and critics insist it is more of a help than a hindrance.

In the pre-Sky days the only way to know what was going on in your local football team’s mid-week away game was by listening to it on the radio or actually attending the game.

Now, Sky broadcast matches every week. But just why is this a bad thing?

Well, are you going to travel more than 100 miles, paying for your ticket and travel (never mind the few bevvies en route) when you could be sat in the pub watching it for free on Sky? No, I didn’t think so either.

Attending a match is what being a sports fan is all about - the excitement and emotions you share with the crowd. The chanting, the shouting and the cheering is all part of the match day experience and these aren’t things that can be replicated in your local pub, watching the match on Sky. It’s not just football that Sky affects. It also has had a dramatic effect on Rugby League, for example.

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As a rugby fan myself, I’ve seen Sky’s influence over the game most prevalent in the past few seasons. Depending on how well a team is doing matches get moved about fairly frequently so they can be televised. My team this season have decided to change back to Sunday afternoon matches from last season’s Friday night games but if we do well this season then half of these fixtures will change.

Of course it all comes down to money. Sky give teams a large cheque for televising their matches - something that any club board welcomes. And until the sports start defending their match day experience against Sky, this situation won’t change fast.

By Rebecca Flitton

Well, are you going to travel more than 100 miles, paying for your ticket and travel (never mind the few bevvies en route) when you could be sat in the pub watching it for free on Sky?

TN Zambia Project

ZAMBIA PROJECT Northumbria University is planning its seventh year fronting the popular Zambia project after recruiting next summer’s batch of student volunteers.

The Zambia I.D.E.A.L.S scheme aims to use sport to engage with local children and encourage them to lead positive lifestyles and ultimately inform them about AIDS/HIV. Northumbria is involved in partnership with seven other universities in the UK in this popular programme and all share the same aim: to make a difference.

Jen Rudin, Northumbria Community Sport Manager, believes passionately in the cause and this year had first hand experience travelling to Zambia.

She said: “At risk of sounding cheesy, the project really is a massive learning experience for everyone involved. It’s a great challenge.

“The kids love being coached by our students. They find it amazing that they have travelled so far to come help them and in return children attend sessions they otherwise wouldn’t have.

“I was lucky enough to join the students on the programme this summer and it was a real eye opener. It’s almost surprising the difference that can be made.”

Next summer’s recruits are second year students Luke Wilson and Tom Bodley, both specialising in football coaching, along with journalism student Danny Cousins, focusing on the media aspect.

Joining them are third year students Josie Pointon and Beth Telfer, captains of the first and second teams of Northumbria’s netball respectively, also hoping to pass on their knowledge.

With many of the children unable to speak any English, the students communicate with them through the universal medium of sport and so the best sports coaches have been selected.

The project relies on donations to make a difference, with fundraising for the project already underway.

Without public support it would not be where it is now.

Jen Rudin added: “We are always looking for people to get involved, whether they want to help fundraise or if they just have ideas they want to share with us.”

Donations to the Sport Northumbria Foundation can be made on the JustGiving web page at http://www. justgiving.com/sportnorthumbria or alternatively contact Jen Rudin at jen.rudin@northumbria.ac.uk.

By Lois Frankland

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