nu:life Issue 27

Issue No.27 2012

FREE to a good home

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

Your Favourite Student Magazine Filled with News, Gossip and Advice from around Northumbria SU

YOUR NEW SABBATICAL TEAM Winning for YOU Are you addicted to the gym?

Northumbria Overheard Plus: Fashion, Advice, Spotted and everything you need to get involved!

Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine!

The ONLY official and approved student letting agency of Northumbria.

We act in the interest of the tenant, finding quality housing by reputable landlords.

we guarantee

NO AGENCY FEES

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

No Tenant Fees Student Friendly Competitive Rates Campus Based Quality Accommodation Reputable Landlords Knowledgeable Staff

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm *Subject to change

www.nulets.co.uk

contents editors words

Hey guys, Welcome to this year’s first edition of nu:life. I hope everyone had an amazing summer and you’re ready to have the year of your lives. Treat nu:life as your guide to find out everything about your Students’ Union and what it can do for you – whether you want to become an Equality Rep or get involved with Volunteer Northumbria, there is sure to be something for you.

Find out what your Sabbatical Officers have been up to over summer, familiarise yourselves with their lovely faces and follow them on Twitter to make sure they are representing YOU as best as they can.

Make sure you read up on all the gigs coming to the SU and find out about all the opportunities, you have living in Newcastle (the best city in the world!)

Whether you’re a brand new student or a returner, I’d love to know what you think of the magazine by emailing me at mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk, or if you want to write for the magazine then get in touch or come along to an editorial meeting on the 24th of September!

Happy Reading Mike xxx

Contributors SU:News Rachel Smith Page of Praise Hannah Boyd Hot or Not, Gig Goers Julia Bond Discuss Erinn Kerr EcoNSU Emma Davidson Join The Green Army Laura Tipping Equador Rebecca Richardson Agony Aunts Emily Sait & Julia Bond #Birksky’s Top Tips Chris Birks Things to do in Newcastle Suzie Harker Student Savers Caroline Innes Fashion Rachel Charlton-Dailey 10 Films To See Before You Graduate Beth Long

NSU NEWS Sabb Spotlight 4-5 SU:News & Page Of Praise 6 Upcoming Events 7

FEATURES Hot Topic! - Welcome Week 8-9 Kim’ll Fix It - Academic Advice 11 Discuss - Gym Addiction 12-13 GET INVOLVED EcoNSU And Join The Green Army 15 Society Special 16 Become A Rep For Your Students Union! 17 Get Involved With Student Council 18 LIGHT RELIEF Northumbria Overheard 19 Spotted 20 - 21 Newcastle & Beyond - Ecuador 22 Agony Aunts 23 #Birksky’s Top Tips 24 STUDENT CULTURE Student Savers 26 Making The Most Of Your Time In Newcastle 28-29 Gig Goers 30 10 Films To See Before You Graduate 31 Fashion 32-33 CAMPUS SERVICES Inspired By 2012? Our Campus Sport Offer Is Huge 34 Fuelling The Student Day 35 Interview With Eagles’ Fab Flournoy 36-37 Variety Is Key To A Successfull Fitness Regime 38-39

Special Thank you to; Maeve Mounsey, Michelle Berry and Victoria Myerscough for helping me get to grasps with the first issue.

Editor Mike Potter - mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer Design www.ellenlonghorndesign.co.uk nu:life 03

NSU News SABB Spotlight

SABBSPOTLIGHT Over the last few months your brand new Sabbatical Team have been trained within an inch of their lives to ensure that they are the best that they can be, for you.

All 5 were democratically elected with a record 4255 votes back in March. Over Summer they set priorities of which direction the Union should be going in but make sure you pop along to the beautiful new Sabbatical Office on the first floor to say hello and get answers to any burning questions you might have.

Make sure you keep up to date with what they’re doing by following them on Twitter and watching their fortnightly vlogs at: www.mynsu.co.uk/sabbaticals

JO RHODES President What is your role?

It’s all about leading the Students’ Union! I’m here to be your first point of contact and to represent you on all levels! Oh and I lead my lovely Sabbatical team too!

What have you been up to this summer?

So much! Training, meetings and more training! It’s been quite the I wish I could say just chilling out but it’s not entirely true! I was lucky enough to see loads of final years graduate in July (awesome!) as well as LOTS of training with the new team! We’ve planned anything and everything and I promise it’ll be an amazing year!!

What’s your biggest priority for the year?

It’s all about NU:Lets which is our brand-spanking new lettings agency that is totally student focussed. We aim at providing the best service in Newcastle without charging silly fees. I’m really excited about this because it’s another way we can engage with you and provide you with an essential service, making us more relevant and more focussed on your needs than ever before! So sign up and we’ll help you house hunt!

If you could pick any campaign for the union to support what you it be?

Well it’s not just for me to decide! What campaign do YOU want to see happen? Got a great idea and want to tell me? Pop along on a Friday afternoon to the Sabb office (Escape – 1st floor of the Students’ Union) and we can have a chat about it or come along to Student Council to see how we can make it happen!

What’s your first memory of the union?

The second I got to Northumbria I had these very enthusiastic, too happy and slightly tired people move me into my halls (Glenamara!) they were so fast, so efficient and so friendly that I’ll always remember them! jo.rhodes@northumbria.ac.uk NSUPres me

04 nu:life

NICOLE PEGG Vice-President Academic Affairs What is your role?

I lobby the university on academic provision on things such as feedback and timetabling through committee meetings and take the lead on academic related campaigns. I am also the Sabb mentor and support for Course, School and Postgraduate Reps.

What have you been up to this summer?

I have been in a lot of training for this role so that you can get the best out of me as a Sabbatical Officer and myself and the team have set upcoming priorities for the year... so watch this space!

What’s your biggest priority for the year?

To continue the fight for more adequate and detailed feedback, so you can make sure your assignments improve each and every time.

If you could pick any campaign for the union to support what you it be?

Well going on the last question a campaign for better feedback but also, longer opening hours for City Campus East.

What’s your first memory of the union?

My first ever memory of the Union was Welcome Week, myself and my flatmates came to Reds on the first night for a few drinks and to get to know each other better. nicole.pegg@northumbria.ac.uk me NSUAcademics

Remember to drop by our Coach Lane Office and see us at our second home Mike Monday Afternoon Andy Tuesday Morning Nicole Tuesday Afternoon Hannah Wednesday Morning Jo Wednesday Afternoon

NSU News SABB Spotlight

MIKE POTTER Vice-President Communications & Democracy

HANNAH HORNE Vice-President Welfare & Equality

ANDREW CHEUNG Vice-President Activities & Development

What is your role?

I oversee all the different media opportunities here at Northumbria such as this very magazine as well as the amazing, NU:TV. I am also the lead officer for Student Council making sure it is run democratically along with any elections within the Union. I also am lead officer for Coach Lane Campus!

What is your role?

On top of being a student representative for 36,000 students, my remit is to promote the wellbeing of students and to champion equality and diversity across the university. I lead all our community, hall and equality reps to campaign for changes to improve your student experience.

What is your role?

As Vice President for Activities & Development, I oversee all the student activities, so our Welcome Team who have been moving you in to halls, RAG fundraising, Volunteer Northumbria, EcoNSU, and Societies! I also look at student development, such as employability.

What have you been up to this summer?

While everybody has been sunbathing abroad, I’ve been in Newcastle all summer going through some intense training so I can be the best Comms Officer, I can be.

But don’t feel too sorry for me, training has taken me further afield to Lancaster and South Shields.

What have you been up to this summer?

I’ve been getting to know our new Sabbaticals, going on further training events and writing plans and reports for the year. This has included research into Nightline and following up from our Halls Survey by writing recommendations.

What have you been up to this summer?

As well as being away volunteering at the Olympics, I have been co-ordinating the Welcome Team, and all the daytime activities in addition to preparing for the year ahead campaigns planning etc. And of course, lots of training and induction with the new Sabbatical Team. It is looking to be a very exciting year!

What’s your biggest priority for the year?

I intend to make your student councillors much more visible so you can speak to the people who can directly make change for you. I also am really passionate about setting up a student radio station for you guys as we are currently one of the few unions that do not have one.

If you could pick any campaign for the union to support what you it be?

I honestly don’t know, the union has ran some amazing campaigns over the last few years including Hidden Fees, Anoymous Marking and the 24 hour library campaign. These all came from asking students really needed so as a student representative, I should be acting on what the students at Northumbria really want.

What’s your first memory of the union?

The first Saturday during Welcome Week, I came with my flatmates completely unaware that it was a UV party so ended looking like a highlighter by the end of the night. Not particularly ideal when I needed to get my photo for my smart card taken at 9am the next morning. mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk NSUCommsOfficer me

What’s your biggest priority for the year?

There are two! I’d love to see NSU introduce Nightline - a night time peer support and listening service. There are many implications to consider to ensure it is run safely, and so I’m going to be doing a lot of research. Secondly, I’m going to be overseeing NU:Lets (our brand new lettings agency) in its first year to ensure it gets off to a flying start!!

If you could pick any campaign for the union to support what would it be?

I think that feedback on assessments is an area that could be improved for the benefit of all students. In order to improve, students need detailed and typed feedback so that you know where you went wrong and you can clearly read it!

What’s your biggest priority for the year?

When I was a student, I dedicated a lot of my time to volunteering, and now I am very passionate for students to be able to get their volunteering recognised academically, contributing to their degree, and appearing on their transcript.

If you could pick any campaign for the union to support what would it be?

As the university is such a big recruiter in international students, I believe that their needs should be met. Currently our prayer space is too small for the amount of students that uses it, and I would like the union to campaign for a bigger prayer space.

What’s your first memory of the union?

I remember the busy welcome fairs with all the free goodies (including pizza) and signing myself up to societies!

What’s your first memory of the union?

My first memory was during my Welcome Week, coming to the UV night.

This was before there union underwent its 9 million refurbishment!

hannah.horne@northumbria.ac.uk me NSUWelfare1

andrew.cheung@northumbria.ac.uk NSUActivities1 me

NSU News SU:News & Page Of Praise

NSU News New Sabbs

Library Campaign Wins for Students

While you students were away, your new Sabbatical officers were hard at work, preparing for the start of term, ensuring that they were helping to bring you the best university experience possible. The new team were raring to go, taking up their positions in July, and have worked tirelessly all summer attending training, meeting key university staff and preparing for the arrival of new and returning students. They also have a big, shiny, new shared office at the Students’ Union on the first floor in Escape. Feel free to pop in and say “hello” and find out how to get involved, or if you have any problems/questions - they don’t bite.

One of the biggest campaigns led by the SU last year was the ‘Bigger is a Better Library Campaign’ – a campaign led to increase the space in the library.

The campaign was launched and it saw nearly 1,000 student views collected in a day and a flash mob of the library! After all the hard work put into the campaign the university has committed to at least 140 extra computers by the end of next year, which will make it easier for students to work during busy assessment periods. Photo of library flashmob Rachel Smith

Page Of Praise Rachel Smith

Trent Cannon Trent Cannon has been involved in the Union throughout his University life and has been integral into making Volunteer Northumbria what it is today. His successes are too numerous to name but his national award of a Green Oscar from PEA (People Enviroment Achievement) speaks a thousand words. Trent was awarded the prestigious title of NSU Lifetime Achievement award in May for his unforgettable contributions to the Students’ Union. For anybody wondering what life at NSU without Trent is going to be like, don’t worry as he has recently been appointed as our RAG Co-ordinator - he’s too much of a good asset to lose.

Rachel Smith has a mass amount of experience when it comes to volunteering with the Students’ Union, she’s been a RAG Team Leader, your women’s representative and a Lay Student Councillor among much much more.

One of her many achievements was single handily organising a fashion show for International Women’s day with all the proceeds going to Refuge. She was awarded the title of NSU Volunteer of the Year earlier this year.

Hannah Boyd

NSU News Upcoming Events

Upcoming

Events SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

24th September RAG Team Applications Open

3rd October Enhancing your Placement Conference

Want to have the best week of your life while raising money for charity? Join our RAG (Raise and Give) team to for the greater good and make some friends for life while you’re at it. If you fancy yourself as a leader make sure you apply by the 12th of October and team member applications close the following week. Sign up you won’t regret it!

Issue No.27 2012

FREE to a good home

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

Your Favourite Student Magazine Filled with News, Gossip and Advice from around Northumbria SU

YOUR NEW SABBATICAL TEAM Winning for YOU Are you addicted to the gym?

Northumbria Overheard Plus: Fashion, Advice, Spotted and everything you need to get involved!

Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine!

24th & 26th September Nu:Life editorial meetings If you’re studying a journalism course, have aspirations of getting into media or just love writing - nu:life is for you!

Come along to an editorial meeting, pitch your idea and the next this you know you’ll be reading your article in this very magazine.

Are you studying a course that requires a placement? Or do you just want to enhance your employability by doing one?

Come along to Coach Lane Campus at 12 – 5 to learn new skills, learn about companies that you could work with and address any fear about an upcoming placement.

10th October Our first GOAL day of the year!

We’ll be sending cohorts of people into campus to find out issues affecting you. Look out for us and tell us what you need - our Go Out and Listen days are perfect for you to get stuff of your chest and allow us to act on your behalf afterwards.

22nd October Student Council Want to come along and have your voice heard? Maybe you fancy running to be Chair of Student Council? Whatever your reasons, feel free to pop along to Domain at 5pm to be a part of major decisions that really affect all students at Northumbria.

nu:life 07

FEATURES Hot Topic! - Welcome Week

HOTORNOT WELCOME WEEK

The kick off to any self-respecting student’s university life in a celebratory rite of passage into higher education? Or simply binge drinking, recklessness and generally a waste of time?

FOR I must say the first two weeks of my university life have blurred into colours and shapes and obscure memories I think one of my favourite being dancing on the kitchen table wearing a traffic cone on my head in my pyjamas and I was one of the good ones….

When I arrived at university I had been bitten by ‘the going out’ bug and proceeded to let my hair down for thirteen days straight before climbing into bed on the fourteenth a little worn out and with the massive desire to hang up my dancing heels for a few days at least. To be utterly honest I did see it as a rite of passage a celebration after working to get my A levels and also into a new found sense of freedom, as it was down to me how I looked after myself. I needed those days to rid myself of the need to get so mortal it seemed like a good idea to put a traffic cone on my head out of my system as next up I had piles of books to read and an assessment rearing its ugly head around the corner.

08 nu:life

These first few days allowed me to make friends and to get used to cooking, cleaning and tidying up after myself. It was definitely a shock to the system, but it allowed me and quite a large percentage of the rest of the new student population to acclimatise to the new living situations we found ourselves in, without the friends and family we usually relied on. I think without the Welcome Week freedom we were provided with in contrast to the other option of being launched straight into learning, books and assessments many would have found it harder to cope with the transition into uni life.

Welcome Week was for me fun, frivolity and filled with generally silly affairs. However, I feel it is needed as a rite of passage for each individual first year to provide them with a chance to create some sense of security, to be able to branch out and learn about themselves. Not forgetting the ultimate aim, to have a rather damn good time and celebrate for arriving at uni after all that hard work.

FEATURES Hot Topic! - Welcome Week

AGAINST Everyone raves about Welcome Week; however I for one am not a fan. Over seven days in a row I felt obligated to go out with my new found flatmates and to surface every morning to find pools of vomit in the corridor and kitchen followed by a daily grumble for their loss of brain cells before repeating the whole sorry procedure all over again.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like a night out as much as the next person. I just don’t feel the need for pointless binge drinking to excess for a sustained period of time; it just seems a little pointless and rather destructive. Most universities partake in some form of welcome week; however, not all provide a week in which there are no lectures or notions of responsibility. I wondered if welcome week would perhaps be better if there were no formal lectures as such but the introductory lectures that are given in the first and second week to be initiated, to ensure that all sections of the course get covered.

Also this prevents the shock that I saw many first years experience at the prospect of their first piece of assessed work, many of which had not really prepared for and rushed it the night before.

What else concerns me is the impact of the level of drinking some new students aspire to. One too many is perhaps okay now and again, and the plucky young fresher being introduced to trebles for the first time is always going to get a little messy admittedly. However, drinking a whole bottle of vodka to yourself is far beyond what anyone should be considering and many do not realise the long term impact such drinking can have on your health. Plus, you will probably end up passed out somewhere in a pool of your own vomit, hardly attractive or fun or a great way to make the best first impression to your new friends.

I’m not saying we should get rid of fresher’s week, but perhaps find a more constructive introduction to university life that has remarkably less vomit and perhaps a more cautious approach to drinking.

Julia Bond

What else concerns me is the impact of the level of drinking some new students aspire to. nu:life 09

FEATURES Kim’ll Fix It

Feedback is essential for “feeding forward” - in short, making sure that you learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones again! etailed The more d u receive, yo feedback ced you la p r te et b the ntrol of co ke are to ta ing... rn a your own le

Hi Kim,

Hi Kim,

Why do our lecturers bother writing so much about what we did well and what we didn’t do so well on the feedback sheet on the front of our assignments? Surely I can tell what I didn’t do well by the mark I got?

I am an international Masters student and have great difficulty in understanding the lecturers (more precisely, the small jokes they make in class). Where do I begin?!

Ellen

Han Chao Dear Ellen, Hi Han Chao, Feedback is essential for “feeding forward” - in short, making sure that you learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones again! The more detailed feedback you receive, the better placed you are to take control of your own learning - work out what you need to focus on, which skills you need to prioritise developing and where your strengths lie.

Gaining this kind of self-awareness is what university study is all about. A mark on its own doesn’t tell you very much. The Students’ Union has actively lobbied for more good quality feedback for students on their work for these reasons. And if your lecturers spend so much time writing it, surely it’s common courtesy to read it?

Kim

Don’t let the fact English isn’t your first language knock your confidence - the English you learned probably sounds a million miles from Geordie! You could ask your lecturers to speak slower, let you record them or forward you the PowerPoint - or sign up for ASK (Academic Skills - International) at the English Language Centre in Squires Workshop, City Campus. These sessions will help you develop the skills to communicate confidently in a range of University life situations. As for lecturer’s jokes, British ‘irony’ is a core part of British culture.

However, one of the fantastic things about being at an international university like Northumbria is that you get to share banter with people from all over the world - whether that be India or Islington. Don’t be shy!

Kim nu:life 11

FEATURES Discuss - Gym Addiction

DISCUSS:

Fitness Addiction The one thing you will have struggled to avoid this summer is sport, good GOD was there a lot of sport! What with Wimbles, Tour de France, Euro footy something or other and of course that quiet little event - the Olympics. I don’t know about you but I got tired just watching all those athletes squeeze into skin tight lycra and push themselves to impossible realms of sporting success.

One thing that all this sporting action did do though, was kick my (could be smaller) butt, into action. I did it, I joined a gym, and not only did I join a gym, but I went to the gym, I went regularly and I’m still going!

But what I wanted to talk/write about now, is that I’ve become troubled by some of the behaviour that I’ve witnessed whilst fighting the fight to get fit, and with news that a 24 hour gym will open in Newcastle in January, just in time for New Year’s resolutions and the good old “New year new me” mantra, I, like many others am becoming concerned that some young people may be using the gym not just to fight the flab, but to fight themselves.

BBC Newsbeat made calls in 2009 to the fitness industry to do more to help monitor those with eating disorders after studies showed that a whopping 75% of young people with eating disorders also exercised more than was deemed healthy, and that links could be made between eating disorders and exercise addiction.

Although exercise addiction and eating disorders in women are more publicized than in men, and

12 nu:life

we may think that we could spot someone with an addiction to weigh loss, what about someone who was determined to build their bodies up, someone who wanted to put on weight and was willing to burn away hours in the gym to get the perfect physique?

Bigorexia or muscle dysmorphia refers to someone who becomes obsessed with the idea that they aren’t muscular enough although sufferers are usually above average when it comes to muscle mass. Both anorexia and bigorexia are diseases that thrive in a gym environment, where could you feel more pudgy or less defined than surrounded by those who make it their mission to look and feel their best?

So that’s why I find the idea of a 24 hour gym, which I can only assume will have the lowest staffing levels legally possible at 3.30am, a bit unnerving, especially since depression has been linked to exercise addiction and insomnia, and with magazines like Company promoting the idea that a 24 hour gym is a good substitute for rolling around all night with no sleep then I have to wonder if enough is being done to help those most in need? When I signed up for my gym membership I was asked if I had any heart conditions, asthma etc. but I wasn’t asked if I had a history of eating disorders or exercise addiction.

Of course it has to be remembered that for most

It is best to complete a proper gym induction and if possible complete a session with a personal trainer...

gym users, exercise is a great stress relieving tool that is an essential and enjoyable part of of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise releases ‘happy hormones’ called endorphins that make us feel good about ourselves, that’s why exercise can become addictive as some gym-goers strive to reach new highs from tougher or more frequent work outs. For most however, these endorphins bust stress, increase your energy levels and help us sleep better so that can only be a good thing!

If you are considering joining a gym, especially one that might not have a lot of staff available at some times, such as those open 24 hours, it is best to complete a proper gym induction and if possible complete a session with a personal trainer to compile a sensible and attainable exercise regime, these are available free in some gyms.

FEATURES Discuss - Gym Addiction

“I think practices should be regulated and checked more, in larger gyms with hundreds of clients and rotating staff I appreciate it is far more difficult however some sort of system needs to be put in place to protect those against themselves” Julia Bond.

“I would say gyms rarely monitor their clients but I don’t know if they should or to what extent. But I don’t really think it’s the gyms job to step in even if they noticed someone coming say several times a day every day” Nick Seymour “A couple of years ago I went exercise crazy, it was my way of channelling my energy in that sense it can be dangerous. I was at a great local gym which came up with a plan for me but they never did anything to stop me exercising too much” Rachel Charlton Dailey.

Erinn Kerr

Exercise releases ‘happy hormones’ called endorphins that make us feel good about ourselves, that’s why exercise can become addictive... nu:life 13

GET INVOLVED ECO NSU And Join The Green Army

“Music in the club still ringing in your ears?

Can’t really remember any names of the people you met the night before? Why not head down to Northumbria Students’ Union’s City Campus, escape the flat and enjoy a variety of activities hosted by ECO NSU Committee? All the events are free, a way of meeting other students and the chance to find out a bit more about what EcoNSU does.

For those who are interested in the environment, want to make a difference or just want to build up their CV, look no further than the ECO NSU Committee. We offer a range of opportunities for individuals to get involved in projects, as well as providing funding for those who want to start their own. Successful projects in the last year included; Garden Makeover, Beach Cleans, Ouseburn Farm and “No Car Superstar” campaign.

You could become the future Vivienne Westwood in our ‘fashion fix’ or the next Jamie Oliver by ‘growing your own grub’ Or for those who simply want to relax, come join us in the red room and get yourself a free drink, popcorn and a hilarious movie night.

Emma Davidson

We hope that this coming year we will engage in new projects and provide amazing opportunities to all those involved. You can find us online, at the Student Union or in Welcome Week at “Freshers Fair”. Hopefully we will see you soon!”

We offer a range of opportunities for individuals to get involved in projects

Join The GREEN ARMY! Now don’t get me wrong I understand your body’s water content has probably turned to 80% vodka, your parent’s pleas to stay safe and drink a glass of water between rounds is a long forgotten dream and you’re beginning to tire of the 9p noodle diet. And I’m just talking about the veterans of university. BUT, In all seriousness, if you could open your blinkers and (fingers crossed) not find the room spinning, I’m sure you’ll see some lovely specimens of humanity in green tees around campus this Welcome Week.

We are the very nice folk who make up Volunteer Northumbria, an endless myriad of opportunity. We only ask one thing of you. That you swap a few back to back episodes of Jezza Kyle to spend time with us, helping improve the lives of people in this Geordie community. You can dive straight into the front line and join one of our projects, lead the frontline into battle by becoming a project leader, or even become one of the cogs in the well oiled green machine like myself. VN has helped fuel my passion for marketing and gives me great opportunities like talking to you lovely people. So don the green and sign up to the Volunteer Database today!

Laura Tipping

nu:life 15

GET INVOLVED Society Special

SOCIETY Special Whether you are a new student or returning after your summer why not add to your student experience and join a Northumbria Students’ Union Society?

With over 53 societies we really have something for everyone!

16 nu:life

HOW DO I JOIN? All you need is the membership fee and your student number...

Come along to the Societies and Volunteering Fair 19th September Buy membership online by visiting mynsu.co.uk/societies At the info desk in the Students’ Union

SET UP A NEW SOCIETY Can’t see anything that suits you?

Got a passion you want to share?

Then set up a new society - drop us an email su.societies@northumbria.ac.uk and we will support you through it!

GET INVOLVED Become A Rep For Your Students Union!

get involved

become a rep for your Students Union!

With the new academic year, we’re looking to recruit new reps to provide a voice for students.

Our reps improve the student experience, meet new people, and build a range of new skills. They also report that they enjoy their roles and find them very rewarding. With benefits including the following, why not get in touch to see whether becoming a rep might be just the thing for you?

•

Make a difference to your peers and your University

•

Meet new people and make new friends

•

Boost your CV with voluntary experience

•

Build on your skills - especially leadership, relationship building and communication

•

Get access to volunteer rewards – like advanced skills training, the Global Citizenship Award and volunteer lunches

•

Receive full training and support throughout your time in the role

We’re looking for people to fill the following roles.

To find out about any of them, please contact daniel.carr@northumbria.ac.uk:

SCHOOL REPS & POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT REPS Work alongside senior managers in your school to provide a voice for all students and improve the student experience for everyone. Support and lead your team of course reps.

COMMUNITY REPS Promote the impact of students within the community, build relationships with community groups and councillors, and work to secure positive changes for students within Newcastle.

HALLS REPS Provide a voice for students within halls and build relationships with your halls manager to secure positive changes; work with students in your halls to improve the student experience.

EQUALITY REPS Represent students in the following groups during their time at Northumbria and work with the Union and University to secure improvements on their behalves. The following equality rep positions will be elected in November 2012, and anyone who selfdefines within these groups can stand for election: DISABLED STUDENTS’ REP EU STUDENTS’ REP STUDENTS WHO LIVE AT HOME REP STUDENTS WITH CARING RESPONSIBILITIES’ REP

nu:life 17

GET INVOLVED With Student Council

get involved

STUDENT COUNCIL

with Student Council

A key part of what we do here at NSU is representation.

Every year you will encounter a mob of people begging for you to vote for them because they want to represent YOU. Successful candidates will become Sabbatical Officers, Lay Student Councillors or Equality Reps and will sit on Student Council in order to make key decisions on your behalf. Other Councillors will be appointed such as School Reps.

Council is the place where policy is set and debated, and the work of the officers can be scrutinised to ensure that your needs are being met. We have such a diverse range of students here at Northumbria so we try our upmost to make sure everybody is fairly represented so our councillors range from International to part-time students..and so much more.

Council consists of 5 Sabbatical Officers, 5 Lay Student Councillors, 10 Academic Representatives, 12 Equality Representatives and 3 Interest Groups Representatives. Lay Student Councillors are selected to represent all types of students while Equality Representatives are there to ensure that the voices of minorities are heard.

Sabbatical Team 2012 - 2013 consist of: President Jo Rhodes VP Academic Affairs Nicole Pegg VP Communications & Democracy Mike Potter VP Welfare & Equality Hannah Horne VP Activities & Development Andrew Cheung Your Lay Student Councillors are: Tom Bromwich, Sophie Chilton, Tilly Smith, Mike Squair & Lauren Teague.

18 nu:life

Your Equality Representatives are: BME (Black & Minority Ethnic) Students’ Rep Bryce Moore Caring Responsibilities Currently Vacant Disabled Students’ Rep Rebecca Farren European Union Students’ Rep Currently Vacant International Students’ Rep (x2) Gaurav Jain & Parasuram Thampi Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay & Trans Students’ Rep Fritha Galley Mature Students’ Rep Aaron Bergin Part-Time Students’ Rep Mark Thorn Women Students’ Rep Erinn Kerr Coach Lane Students’ Rep Jackson Douglas Students that Live at Home Students’ Rep Carl Johnson Your Interest Groups Representatives are: Community Rep Currently Vacant Environmental Rep Currently Vacant Halls of Residence Rep Currently Vacant In terms of Academic Representation, we have a councillor from every school chosen to represent their entire school on council - alongside a PGT (Postgraduate-Taught) and (Postgraduate-Research) Rep who will be selected at their first forum.

Also this year we’re offering the unique opportunity for one student to become chair of Student Council, just come along to the first session the the 22nd of October in Domain and tell us why you’d be great at it – it’s great experience and great for your CV. If you want to learn anymore about Student Council, please don’t hesitate to email mike.potter@ northumbria.ac.uk and if you want to ever come and observe our council, feel free.

LIGHT RELIEF Northumbria Overheard

Whilst walking through Northumberland Building

Overheard at Houseparty

“Eddie Murphy is the lead singer of Queen, right?”

Overheard at City Campus East

When I went travelling I visited Viagra Falls

“You’re Scouse?

So you’re from Birmingham?”

Two male students in Claude Gibb Girl in Lipman Café Guy 1: Apparently 50% of women poo Guy 2: Do you mean during childbirth?

Guy 1: No, just in general

Overheard in Habita

Is it just me that thinks your own farts smell nice?

“I love seafood, especially duck”

Heard something stupid and want to humiliate your friends? (anonymously, of course) drop an email to mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk or tweet me at @NSUCommsOfficer with hashtag #northumbriaoverheard

nu:life 19

20 nu:life

Just a few highlights of NSU 2011 - 2012. Make sure you get involved this year!

Special thanks for some photos Š Harry Marshall, www.marshallphotos.com

nu:life 21

LIGHT RELIEF Newcastle & Beyond - Ecuador

Newcastle & Beyond Ecuador Deciding to go travelling this summer was definitely the right decision! I wanted to do something memorable with my last free summer before graduation so when the opportunity arose to go to Ecuador this July to do volunteer work, I was all over it. Having heard plenty of hype about travelling from my friends I wanted a taste of it too.

After spending the majority of the year fundraising by the time it came to summer I was packed and ready, pretty nervous but excited waiting at Heathrow airport. Perhaps not quite prepared enough for the 40 hours travelling it took to get to the small town we were staying in but it was worth it.

The first week was activity based in the Amazon rainforest. We stayed in the village of the Quichua people, learning about their culture and the surrounding area (which meant meeting the local tarantulas and snakes... it’s one way of getting over your phobias!). A definite highlight was white water rafting in the Andes, a brilliant idea if you’re a thrill seeker who loves being thrown from a rubber dinghy!

22 nu:life

After a week of fun it was down to work. Building toilets for a small village who didn’t even have a supply of clean water, as well as teaching English to the children. Meeting the families there was life-changing and a real eye-opener as to how lucky we are (cliché I know). Whilst we carried out our work the villagers had got together to build another school building, there was definitely a strong community spirit even though resources were low. I’m not going to lie, the construction work was hard going... especially in 30degree heat. But my group was amazing and we supported each other; weirdly, when you’re stuck in a 7ft hole half full of dirty water the banter is actually quite good!

It was a once in a lifetime experience and it was so worth it. I made friends for life and had an unforgettable time. All I can say is if you’re thinking of travelling then go for it!

Rebecca Richardson

A definite highlight was white water rafting in the Andes...

LIGHT RELIEF Agony Aunts

Julia & Emily say ‘Ask Us Anything’!

Hiya, it’s my first month at uni and I’m already beginning to feel a bit homesick and I don’t know what to do as I feel down quite a lot of the time, but I can’t tell my flatmates because they will think I’m some kind of loon who can’t deal without their parents. Help?!

I cheated on my girlfriend when I was drunk and I don’t know if I should tell her. I feel really guilty about it, but she doesn’t go to Northumbria so there is little chance that she will find out if I don’t tell her.

What should I do?

Nigel

Gemma Don’t worry it is completely normal to feel homesick when you first move into university as it’s a huge change to your lifestyle and a step into a new life with responsibility. To be honest we don’t know one person who didn’t feel a bit down in their first few weeks at uni, so don’t worry about talking to your flatmates about feeling this way. We would recommend trying to get involved in activities with your friends or people in your flat cook meals together, or if you fancy branching further afield the union has loads of activities that you can get involved with.

Also don’t forget you can always call home and talk to your parents, perhaps arrange some visits in advance so you can look forward to seeing them. If none of this helps, the university has counsellors that can help at Student Support and Wellbeing (in Northumberland Building) who are available for you to talk to and are really helpful. Things will get better soon, don’t worry.

Nigel, it’s a very difficult situation that you have put yourself in, perhaps try and put yourself in her place and see how she would feel, or imagine that if she cheated on you would you really want to know?

We always maintain honesty is the best policy, but she may leave you if you tell her, which she is entitled to do as you’ve broken her trust and the truth always does find its way out. Ultimately nobody can make the decision but you, but you must prepare to face the consequences of your actions what ever happens.

Julia & Emily Emily Sait and Julia Bond

k

n was dru when I d n ie r girlf her. d on my ould tell I cheate w if I sh o n k ’t n o and I d

Emily & Julia

nu:life 23

LIGHT RELIEF #Birksky’s Top Tips

#BirksysTopTips...Freshers Hey, I’m Chris, a 4th year law student who wants to pass on to you a few tips for the forthcoming year.

F

RIENDS Make lots of them. It’s easy and you’ll do so without realizing. Join the universities societies and sports teams and check out all the activities put on by your Union, it’s the best place to start.

R

RESEARCH University is different to sixth form/college in many ways. Research will become a vital part of your academic life. Talk to people if you’re stuck, everyone is in the same boat as you and lecturers are here to help. They don’t mind if you ask a question, however silly you think it may be.

E

XPERIENCE Newcastle has lots to offer, and not just the nightlife you see on Geordie Shore! The city is full of history and culture, from the Baltic to the castle.

Take a break from your studies and check it out.

S

PEND WISELY You only get one student loan so don’t go to the casino and put it all on red! Set yourself a weekly budget that covers your essential food and drink, and a little extra for a night out or two.

H

EALTH Signing up to a doctors is a must incase you come across any health problems. Newcastle is home to several hospitals, walk in centers and a GUM clinic for all your health needs.

E R S

NJOY! You’re only here once so make the most of every second!

RELAX Set yourself enough time to chill after a day of lectures. Head to Habita for a few drinks or kick back and head to the cinema to catch a new release.

SAFETY Nothumbria’s own security will make sure you’re safe on campus 24/7. Taxi’s are a great way for safe travel but if you’re short of change, hand the driver your student card and pay your fare at the Union the next day! (available with Budget taxis) Chris Birks

24 nu:life

Scrumptious Table Service Food

Opening Hours

Starbucks Coffee

Monday to Friday 8.30am until late Saturday and Sunday 12pm until late

Amazing Drinks Offers

Why stay at home when you can get amazing offers at the Students’ Union?

Remember all the money you spend in the Students’ Union is recycled into better facilities and services for YOU!

Quizzes, Karaoke and more...!

Note: Alcohol served from 11am weekdays

Big Screen Sport Outside Sun Terrace

Funky Resident DJs

STUDENT CULTURE Student Savers

The money you spend is put back into representation, services, activities and entertainment for you.

Spending £12 on an NUS extra card could save you hundreds of pounds if you use it properly. However, if you’re being cautious with money, there are other options. Student discounts are available almost everywhere - here’s a few tips to find the best ones:

CLOTHES When it comes to ordering online, ASOS are definitely the winners. Free delivery and free returns - it’s like taking the clothes into a changing room.

There’s 10% discount for students who have signed up to UNiDAYS www. myunidays.com/or own an NUS card.

Top Tip: Sign up to the ASOS newsletter - they often have flash sales and sometimes give up to 25% discount for students, so watch carefully!

A lot of shops also offer student discount, usually 10%. Being a student in Newcastle means you are near Eldon Square too so keep an eye on the posters inside for any student shopping nights which give you exclusive, limited time discounts and freebies. Urban Outfitters also regularly host student shopping nights offering 20% off and free goody bags with any purchase.

26 nu:life

DINING OUT Dining out isn’t actually that expensive, and can be fun with lots of friends, you just need to know when to go. Restaurants often send vouchers via email if you register, but you can also find most of these vouchers on sites such as www.studentbeans. com. These vouchers are usually only valid during the week.

Top Tip: Always Google the restaurant before you go just in case there are any vouchers online!

Both Revolution and Slug and Lettuce have 50% off all food on Mondays, which is a huge saving.

If you have an NUS card, the choices for food are endless - go to http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/ discounts/ for the whole list.

TRAIN TRAVEL The best way to travel home is usually via train. However, train tickets can be expensive, so you need to book as far in advance as possible! Train tickets are released 12 weeks in advance and get more expensive nearer the travelling date. A railcard will get you a third off most train journeys, but if you use the Transpennine Express site to book online, you can get up to 50% off with a railcard. NUS also give you an 11% discount on railcards.

Caroline Innes

STUDENT CULTURE Making The most Of your Time In Newcastle

Making the most of your time in

Newcastle Uni is supposed to be one of the greatest experiences of your life, but it will only be amazing if you make it amazing! Choosing to study at Northumbria is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make; not only is the city of Newcastle a cultural hub, we’re proud to officially have one of the best SUs in the country! Here are 10 ideas on making the most of your time in Newcastle.

Visit The Angel of the North Just a bus ride from the city centre, the Angel of the North is arguably the cultural icon of Newcastle. Impressive as it is on the drive past, there is no comparison to standing at the bottom of this 66ft tall masterpiece and looking up.

Great for a day out with the flatmates!

Go to the seaside It’s often easy to forget how near Newcastle is to the coast given its big city atmosphere, but jump on the Metro and within 20 minutes you could be at Tynemouth, South Shields or Whitley Bay munching on fish and chips with your toes in the sand!

The Millennium Bridge is especially impressive when it opens!

28 nu:life

The Angel of the North

Millenium Bridge

See a gig with the Metro Radio Arena, the O2 Academy City Hall and of course our own SU on your doorstep, you have the opportunity to embrace the music scene from huge acts to up and coming musicians, and all within walking distance at often reasonable prices (especially at the O2). City Hall always has great comedians performing.

See a match at St. James’ Park (or the Sports Direct Arena as it’s now known). Living in the hometown of one of the best football teams in the country is definitely something to enjoy. Even if you’re not a football fan or a rival team supporter, the sheer size and impressive design of the stadium, and the passion of the astonishing 50,000 fans, is an incredible experience to take in.

Join a society With over 50 societies on offer here at Northumbria, you can enjoy finding the one for you! Make sure you don’t miss the societies fair during Welcome Week, and sign up to anything and everything, it doesn’t mean you have to go, but it’s great to keep your options open. Societies are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests to you and a fun way to take your mind off uni work when exam and assignment stress are getting heavy.

The Baltic Centre

Eldon Square

Visit the Quayside The famous Newcastle, on the River Tyne Quayside is perfect anytime, with lots of places to eat or drink, but seeing it on a night when all the bridges are lit up is a must. The Millennium Bridge is especially impressive when it opens! The Quayside is also perfect on a Sunny day, with its chilled atmosphere and lots of places to sit outside with a drink.

Shop Not only is there Eldon Square in the city centre which is easily big enough to spend a full day (and a full student loan!) in, we also have Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, the Metrocentre, just a short train ride away. These are also great spots to bag a part time job to earn some extra pennies when the loan runs dry!

Visit the Baltic As Newcastle is becoming more and more known for its art and culture, The Baltic Centre for contemporary art on the Quayside, as well as the Laing Art Gallery in the city centre, showcase some of the best international artworks there are. Even if you’re not an arty person, the stunning views from the Baltic are worth the trip, and an easy day looking at artworks isn’t too difficult on a hangover!

St. James’ Park

Look out for/avoid the cast of Geordie Shore Okay, so this one’s just a cheeky bonus option, but joking aside there are often celebs spotted in your new hometown!

HMV on Northumberland Street often has big name signings and you’re bound to see a footballer or local celeb on one of your many nights out over the next three years! One to tell your friends and family back home.

Enjoy yourself! Being here is an opportunity which doesn’t come along every day; so have fun, stay safe and MAKE THE MOST OF IT! Suzie Harker

With over 50 societies on offer here at Northumbria, you can enjoy finding the one for you!

Jump on the Metro and within 20 minutes you could be at Tynemouth, South Shields or Whitley Bay munching on fish and chips with your toes in the sand!

nu:life 29

STUDENT CULTURE Gifg Goers

Prepare yourself.

It’s going to get

loud and live.

After the hype and drama that is Welcome Week it can seem a little quiet around without your week cram packed with events and live music, but never fear Northumbria Students’ Union will be able to provide you with enough live music for you to shake a stick at. The line up for the first semester alone boasts an eclectic mix of rap, classic rock, hardcore and smooth indie acoustic singer songwriters, which is certainly enough to suit almost anyone’s palette. All tickets are available from the welcome desk and start at just £12, which is not a great stretch for anyone’s bank balance so why not try out something new and expand your musical horizons?

My picks for must sees at the Union have to be Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Architects. Leftwich’s smooth acoustic sounds will slip into your soul with warm echoes of the indie styles of Ben Howard and Bombay Bicycle club. The soft buttery vocals he croons off his debut album ‘Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm’ will spark a smile to every face and its already been described as a night ‘not to be missed’. Remember to bring to this - your lighters, your arms to sway and an open heart.

Now for something a bit more energetic. Brightonborn, Architects are a lively hardcore screamo band with a kick of rock on the side, who have already made a considerable name for themselves in the UK underground scene. The band combines traditional scream style vocals with underlying melodies and are perfect for fans of Bring me the Horizon, Exit Ten and We Are the Ocean. With high energy songs combined with the bands notorious stage presence, I foresee lots of jumping, an impressive night out. Warning - a call for sensible shoes is recommended – girls, this is not an event for heels unless you want to really damage your feet.

The Union has your music needs covered for the upcoming semester with known and hidden talents to be gracing the stage and I predict it being rather spectacular

Machine Gun Kelly September 29 2012 Hugh Cornwell October 6 2012 Benjamin Francis Leftwich October 9 2012 Terrorvision October 19 2012 Architects November 15 2012 30 nu:life

Julia Bond

STUDENT CULTURE 10 Films To See Before You Graduate

10 FILMS TO SEE

BEFORE YOU GRADUATE Sometimes you just need time to switch off and have some ‘you’ time. The assignments are piling up, lecture notes need writing up and there are only so many hours you can spend in the library, before you start to see books in your sleep. The best way to relax, is by sticking on a DVD with a brew and a pot noodle. Here are 10 films that you have to watch at least once, whilst you still have the luxury of calling yourself a student.

THE GOONIES (1985)

JUST FRIENDS (2005)

Whether your 10 years old or 20, The Goonies encourages that everybody is entitled to one last adventure whilst you are still young.

This one is obviously for the girls on a hangover day. Ryan Reynolds wearing nothing put a towel around his waist. Need I say anymore?

TOY STORY 3 (2010)

HOW TO LOOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS (2003)

When you finally leave for University, it’s not just your friends and family that you have to say goodbye to. Your childhood toys will miss you too.

LEGALLY BLONDE (2001) That girl who twiddles her thumbs and checks out her manicure at the back of the lecture theatre, could well be the next female Prime Minister. Looks can be deceptive.

HARRY POTTER (2001-2011) Everyone in our generation has seen at least one or all of the Harry Potter films. A day off is the perfect excuse to relive those childhood memories and to dream of going to a school like Hogwarts.

Kate Hudson gives very helpful hints and tips on how to get rid of the guy you met last week. Definitely worth a watch, just incase.

FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986) Ferris Bueller is the legend of all students. By borrowing a Ferrari and performing in a street parade, Bueller has made skipping classes look effortless. All because he just wanted a day off like you.

THE HANGOVER (2009) It’s part of the ‘Uni Experience’. You need to have that one night out where you suffer from short-term memory loss the following morning.

But try not to steal anyone’s tiger.

FINDING NEMO (2003)

AMERICAN PIE (1999)

Ever felt like a little fish in the big bad sea? Eventually, you’ll toughen up and find your way around…or to the nearest bar.

Embarrassing moments at Uni happen to the best of us. Just think, in 10 years time you’ll be able to laugh about it. “That one time, at Uni…” Beth Long nu:life 31

STUDENT CULTURE Fashion

So you’ve moved in to uni, you’ve met your flatmates, you’re getting to know the area well and your calendar is suddenly full. From inductions and socials to Welcome Weeks and interviews, your wardrobe needs to see you through everything university life is going to throw at you. Well here I can help you my friend.

The capsule wardrobe is a term that’s been bandied about by Gok Wan and the likes for some time now and to be honest before I started university I was always sceptical- “how can so few items show my individuality and style?” I asked the TV- but it became a necessity when I realised how much smaller my halls wardrobe was to my home one. If you are staying at home I haven’t forgotten you, I live back with my folks now too.

This will help you no matter where your wardrobe is situated my friends.

The first thing to think about is the basics, the things that will see you through day to day; I’m talking vests, skirts and trousers these can be in any colour you like but its best to have the neutrals too, black, white and grey remember we’re in the north so you’ll need layers.

Places like Primark do vests for as cheap as £2. A good cotton black skirt will go with almost anything from a hoodie to a nice top and heels for a night out. Jeans are a sure fire staple and with there being so many styles you are sure to find the one to suit you, I prefer skinny fit or boot cut as they flatter my derriere without making it look huge!

If you’ve come from anywhere south of York you will probably think Newcastle is freezing in the autumn and it will of course get worse in the winter. For this reason you need to invest in a good coat, they can often be pricey but they’re worth it, a little jacket just won’t cut it and I don’t want you all getting sick. There are so many styles available and popular at the moment from a big waterproof parka to a woollen coat. I got mine from Jane Norman four years ago and it has seen me through some harsh winters since then. Colour wise black is of course classic but what about an arctic white, a deep red or a bright turquoise to bring some colour back into the drab season.

There are so many styles available and popular at the moment from a big waterproof parka to a woollen coat...

32 nu:life

Then there are events, during Welcome Week and the first few months there are an abundance of opportunities to dress up and the cheapest way to do this is to use what you already have available to you.

Big fancy dress trends are always Where’s Wally, back to school and golf so keep those stripy jumpers, white shirts and jumpers. Fairy Wings will never see you wrong and if you want to be more experimental raid the cheap shops and customise what you already have.

My next point is very close to my heart, I want to talk to you all about tights. Now many think tights are plain black thick things or wafer thin panty hose, this is not the case at all. There are is so much variety in the way of tights nowadays from the understated diamond check to bright colours and bold patterns. A bright pair of tights adds a shot of colour to a neutral outfit whilst on the opposite side black tights can bring a bright outfit together whilst acting as a good cover up. But that doesn’t just apply to black tights, try navy grey and brown tights too; I wear navy as much as black tights as they add that subtle extra. Another great Primark bargain are their super thick comfort tights which come in a variety of colours to keep you looking great through the winter.

A great tee works brilliantly with jeans, a skirt or shorts; H&M do a great range of vintage inspired ones as well as local vintage shops the high street. A lot of actual vintage tees can be high necked so I always snip these and sew into a rounder or v neck.

Shoes are vital- namely so you know you’re not walking bare foot- but it’s great to have a variety. I’d suggest a pair for every day, so trainers for exercise, a nice pair for nights out and a stand out pair. Mary Jane’s, ballet pumps, Converse and a union Jack pair of Irregular choice shoes make up my uni shoes.

So there you have it, experiment, enjoy mixing and matching your clothes and let us know what you come up with.

Rachel Charlton-Dailey

A bright pair of tights adds a shot of colour to a neutral outfit...

nu:life 33

TN Inspired By 2012? Our Campus Sport Offer Is Huge

INSPIRED BY 2012?

OUR CAMPUS SPORT OFFER IS HUGE At Northumbria University we know that all study and no play is no fun at all so this year we have expanded our Staff and Student sport programme, “CAMPUS SPORT” once again, making it even bigger and more exciting than ever before.

Choose from Start, Develop and Advance. 185+, 5 week courses in a range of sports from £10 for a 5 week block!

Intra Mural sport is open and accessible to all and is an ideal way to keep active and have some fun in friendly competition with your friends and other students. 11 Intra Mural leagues will be on offer each semester running over a period of nine weeks in 7 different sports.

Sport Sessions from Ball Hockey to Powerlifting – pay upfront for weeks of weekly sport!

Activities and Events ever changing! Look out for seasonal offers and new things to try.

In student and staff / campus sport at www.nusportcentral.com

34 nu:life

“The Intra Mural League is hands down the best thing I’ve ever done at uni!! Over 6 years almost everyone I’ve got to know has been in some way through the league, be it some of my best mates from the original team, the younger lads coming through.

Plus with no training and guaranteed matches it’s all banter without the hassle”. Alex Musgrave – 2 Litres of White Lightning, Captain “It was clear that the students were passionate about football.

It was nice to see both domestic and international students coming together with different styles and skills on the pitch. I was guaranteed a chat every week with players about modern day football.” Peter Charlton – IM Football Referee “I have enjoyed being part of the Start & Develop programme this year and I had lots of fun at the badminton. What’s more it offers a good opportunity for students, especially international students to meet more friends and have a good time on Campus.” Liu Yuanyuan – Sport Activator

TN Fuelling the student day

Fuelling the student day...

After a long summer break it’s tough to get back into the student routine. The Go team, however, have got you covered for (nearly) all eventualities...

8:30am Up and out for the first lecture of the day.

You’ve hit the snooze button far too many times before rushing onto campus without so much as a pen.

No problem. Head to one of our nearby student shops (which you’ll find opposite the library or within the SU). They’ve got all the student essentials and Suzanne and the team will be happy to help you stock up. If you’re a designer on the lookout for something a bit more bespoke, head to the student shop in the Design school where we stock everything from portfolios to Posca paint pens.

11.00am First break of the day. Need a pick-me-up to help ease you back into the world of study?

Get along to Northumberland Café, Habita or City Campus East for a Caramel Macchiato, Americano or a simple flat white - skinny, de-caff, soy, grande, tall - you could try a new coffee combination every day (and don’t forget the yummy cookies!).

12:00

It’s lunch time. You’re starving! But you need to go steady to avoid the afternoon food slump as you meet your new lecturer.

Pop into one of our cafes, delis or restaurants for your lunchtime snacks. If you need to pep up those energy levels for the afternoon ahead, try one of our tasty jacket potatoes and watch out for our daily specials. There’s also sandwiches, hot dishes, fruit, crisps and cakes. Take your pick!

4.00pm

Lectures are up. Time for a dip in the Sport Central pool to refresh before heading across to Habita bar for a social. It’s an early one so you need to line your stomach for the night ahead.

Share one of our delicious pizzas, tuck into nachos or a tasty cheeseburger to keep you going – or combine all the varieties for a social dining experience!

Need to stock up for the flat? You’ll be unpopular if you forget your contribution to the first milk rota round!

Drop into the on-campus Londis shop (open Monday to Friday 08:00 - 19:30 or Saturday and Sunday 08:30 to 19:30) for all your grocery supplies. Londis stocks everything from sandwiches to cereals, milk, soft drinks, wine, beers, chocolate, sugar, ready meals and more!

nu:life 35

TN Interview With Eagles’ Fab Flournoy

INTERVIEW WITH EAGLES’ FAB FLOURNOY Northumbria University is gearing up to welcome back British Basketball League (BBL) champions, Newcastle Eagles, on Friday 21st September.

After a hugely successful season where they bagged all four pieces of silverware, followed by Coach Fabulous Flournoy’s much talked about Olympic commentating role (and a well-earned rest for the team), the Eagles are ready to defend their title at our very own Sport Central Arena.

We put Bronx-born Fab in the spotlight.

NU Life: The Olympics might be over, but we’d still love to know more about your experience. How was it playing an important part in our most memorable sporting event?

Fab: It was very rewarding and it was a privilege to be given the opportunity to watch some of the most amazing athletes and sporting legends compete to try and achieve greatness. Also having the opportunity to commentate and have an opinion on the games that were being played was an honour. To witness first hand the atmosphere, the energy and being a part of the biggest event for any basketball player was amazing.

36 nu:life

NU Life: Tell us a bit about last season - how did it feel to win all four of the BBL prizes?

Fab: Last year was a truly remarkable season and the team had achieved something that could not be duplicated. Although we had achieved the clean sweep in 2006, the fashion and the manner of the teams performances night in and night out was outstanding. It was the perfect season, not only how we played but in terms of how strong each player’s belief was in their team mates and how we always stepped up to every obstacle that was put in our path.

At different points of the season we had different players making plays that put us in to a position to win games and trophies. It was almost unbelievable that it was happening to the point that once we had won the play-offs we were all shocked that we had achieved our ultimate goals. This was making HISTORY. NU Life: And the 2012/13 season is just around the corner - are you feeling confident?

Fab: I feel extremely confident but I also know that we have to work 100 times harder than last year as everyone will be gunning for us. It is easy to succeed but harder to stay successful.

NU Life: How do you prepare for a game?

Fab: As a player and coach I have many traditions, superstitions and habits which are all game rituals.

Number one, the game starts the night before with a video session of our opponent and team tactics on the strategy to win. Also I personally make 30-50 free throws to feel comfortable with the ball so if the situation arises that I have to step up to take a vital shot I am fully prepared. Number two is simple, I eat properly! I make sure I drink plenty of water and have a good night’s sleep. On the morning of the game it is vital that I have a solid breakfast and revisit the game plan to focus my mind on the task at hand. At lunch time I meet with my assistant coach on the game plan to go through all game tactics to make sure we are both on the same page and to make any last minute adjustments. I eat lunch and prepare dinner for after the game because it is essential too that my body has the necessary fuel before, during and after games.

After this I re-watch game tape of our opponents and then take a power nap, snack, arrive at the arena and fully warm up to prevent injury. I give my team talk and finally go to battle with my team mates to WIN NU Life: Can you let us in on the secrets of the pre-game team talks? How do you get everybody mentally prepared?

Fab: Unfortunately the words that I use are a bit too explicit for this and should only be listened to with caution because of high decibels. Eye plugs may be needed. HA HA HA NU Life: We have lots of new students on campus.

How would you describe the atmosphere of an Eagles game to them? What can they expect?

Fab: They can expect fast end-to-end action, drama, excitement and most importantly to be entertained.

Our games have a great atmosphere and cannot be summed up in words, it is only something that you can witness and falling in love with the game of basketball is inevitable. This is the ultimate way to start your weekend.

NU Life: Would you say you have to understand basketball to enjoy the game?

Fab: It helps to have a basic idea of the game but is easily picked up as the rules are pretty self explanatory. Most people played basketball at school when they were growing up and a lot of the rules are very easy to understand but when a player dunks the ball or makes an impossible shot from half court there is nothing to understand apart from it being electrifying.

NU Life: How do you all celebrate after a home win on a Friday night?

Fab: It depends on if we have any other games that weekend because on average we play twice a week over three days so we could have a home game in Newcastle on Friday then potentially have to travel as far as Plymouth the following day. If we only have the one game the team might arrange to go out for food and just unwind after a hard and stressful week.

NU Life: And finally, what was your sporting highlight of London 2012?

Fab: My highlight of the London 2012 Olympics was the Great Britain men’s basketball team coming within two points of beating Spain who are ranked as the number 2 team in the world. To do that was a great achievement! Also I was able to witness the 100 metre sprint final which Usain Bolt smashed and silenced his critics.

Don’t miss out on the first game of the new Eagles season - Friday 21st September. Tip off 7.30pm.

Tickets are available to buy from Sport Central reception. Food and drinks including pizzas, nachos, wraps, beer and soft drinks are available from Sport Central on the night.

nu:life 37

TN Variety Is Key To A Successfull Fitness Regime

VARIETY IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS REGIME London 2012 Olympic Swimming athlete, Hannah Miley, recently discussed how she incorporates climbing and boxing into her training programme, in the hope of improving her overall performance in the pool. Adding variety to a training regime - be it for a performance athlete, those taking part in the Great North Run or simply people wanting to keep fit and stay fit - is something that we always try to encourage with our clients at Sport Central. Northumberland Rugby Club used our climbing wall as part of their training programme for rugby, and, in addition, Metro Radio presenters have recently undertaken a wide range of activities as part of their Sport Central Great North Run training plan - including gym work, group exercise, climbing, swimming, personal training and team sports. The variety helps with commitment and focus. Having an open minded approach to your training can have a really positive effect on your performance - whether your goal is to get faster, stronger or just to improve overall fitness.

Having an open minded approach to your training can have a really positive effect on your performance...

38 nu:life

For example, climbing teaches the body to work as one integrated unit, challenging the musculoskeletal structures as well as the neuromuscular system responsible for innervating movement. In short, it will work on areas that could be missed if focusing on just one particular sport throughout. There are other types of benefits that can be gained through mixing things up a bit too. In our group exercise classes, we tend to find that people push themselves harder to keep up with the group – and the social aspect is also likely to keep participants loyal. Whilst the goal may be to succeed in a particular discipline, the enjoyment and more thorough body workout gained through taking part in a diverse programme will ultimately achieve greater success in your chosen sport.

If you’ve not already tried it, check out what’s on offer at Sport Central, the University’s £30m flagship sporting facility - you won’t believe how much there is going on inside one building!

Fitness Centre With 150 Stations 25m Pool Climbing Wall Golf Simulators Squash Courts Sports Halls Arena Indoor Sprint Track Group Exercise Classes Holistic Therapies

Northumberland Rugby Club used our climbing wall as part of their training programme for rugby...

Plus, further indoor and outdoor fitness and sporting facilities can be found at Coach Lane and Bullocksteads.

For further details, visit www.nusportcentral.com Peter Hartley, Senior Health & Fitness Instructor, Sport Central

nu:life 39