Issue No.32 2013
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
GOODBYE TO NORTHUMBRIA CAN STUDENTS AFFORD TO LIVE ON £53 A WEEK?
How to have the best student summer... Plus: Northumbria Overheard, Advice, Spotted and everything you need to get involved!
Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine!
www.mynsu.co.uk
contents editors words Well guys, This has been the fastest year of my life – I’ve loved every second of being your editor and am so pleased that I get to do it for another year (with help of some lovely subeditors that I’ll be recruiting soon – to give them the same amazing experience too). For some of you, it’ll be your last few weeks here at Northumbria so good luck for the future. The big wide world is a scary place but you’ll all be excellent. For others, you’ve only just got started so make sure that you savour every last minute of being at Northumbria by getting involved. But also make sure you have a break and have an amazing summer. Usually this would be the time that I say that your next nu:life will be available in September but don’t worry – nu:life online is here so you can get your fix throughout summer at www.nulife-online.co.uk . Make sure you keep up to date all year round and if you fancy getting involved just drop me an email at mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk to find out more about seeing your name in print Happy Reading
NSU NEWS Spotlight 4-5 SU:News & Upcoming Events 6 Harlem Shake 7
FEATURES Goodbye Northumbria 8-9 Discuss - Could You Live On £53 A Week? 10 What Were You Thinking? 12 - 13 GET INVOLVED Academic Advice 14 Trustee Recruitment 15 Council 16 Welcome Team Recruitment 17 LIGHT RELIEF Northumbria Overheard 19 Spotted 20 - 21 How Safe Is Your House 22 - 23 Six Faces Of Northumbria Library 24 - 25 STUDENT CULTURE Music Festivals 26 - 27 How To Survive Exams 29 I Know What You’ll Be Doing This Summer 30 - 31 Diary Of A Third Year 32 Recipes 33 CAMPUS SERVICES Start Boxing 34 - 35 Sport Internships 36 Never Forget Retail 37 Accommodation For Graduation 38
Mike Contributors Goodbye Northumbria: Mychealla Rice 6 Faces, Musical Festivals, Diary of a 3rd year: Suzie Harker Could You Live On £53 A Week?: Erinn Kerr What Were You Thinking? I Know What You’ll Be Doing This Summer: Cameron Giles Harlem Shake: Julia Bond Q&A With A Student Trustee: Sarah Ellis Welcome Week: Adam Crawley How To Survive Exams: Rebecca Pearson
Special Thank you to; Victoria Myerscough proofread this edition Editor Mike Potter - mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer nu:life 03 Design www.ellenlonghorndesign.co.uk
NSU News SABB Spotlight
SABBSPOTLIGHT
So this is the last edition of Sabb Spotlight with this current team but don’t worry you can still find us on the 1st floor of the Students’ Union (you can’t miss our office, our faces are giant on the wall) so if you’ve got any questions about what we’ve been up to feel free to pop in and ask what we’ve been up to...or even just to say hi. We promise we don’t bite.
NICOLE PEGG Vice-President Academic Affairs What is your role? My role is lobbying the university for better provision regarding anything that is academic, e.g group work and resources to give a couple of examples. I also take the lead on any campaigns that involve things like this and I am the sabbatical mentor for all of our academic reps here at Northumbria!
JO RHODES President What is your role? I’m the leader of your Students’ Union, changing things and making life better on your behalf – anything you need, just give me a shout! What are your priorities for the last few months? Finishing off the Student Charter which is an important part of the culture of Northumbria, it is a statement of intent and should give you and prospective students an idea of what to expect from your time here. I’ll also be doing the review of the very recent Elections and getting my successor ready for taking on being President and hit the ground running! What is the best thing you’ve achieved this year? Definitely improving the financial support students will receive, you can’t get better than getting the University to agree to giving up to £4,000 to over 5,000 of our students! I really think this will have such an impact on many student lives and can’t wait for it to come into force! Do you have any exciting plans for summer? YES! I’ll be going on a much needed holiday to Australia and New Zealand, I literally cannot wait! I’m definitely going to make the most of it! jo.rhodes@northumbria.ac.uk PH
NSUPres
Remember to drop by our Coach Lane Office and see us at our second home
Mike Monday Afternoon Andy Tuesday Morning 04 nu:life
Nicole Tuesday Afternoon Hannah Wednesday Morning Jo Wednesday Afternoon
What are your priorities for the last few months of term? Well I guess the main thing is to plan campaigns for the coming academic year since you haven’t got rid of me quite yet :p. Another priority is getting a new team of good quality faculty reps in place, to ensure that you have the best possible academic representation whilst at the uni. What is the best thing you’ve achieved this year? Wow, there are too many things to name! The successful launch of the Student Led Teaching Awards, City Campus East being open longer in the assessment period with help from my wonderful business reps and how seriously the University is taking the report that came out of the feedback campaign I conducted. In my opinion, all of the above are fantastic achievements and I would struggle to pick just one of them! Do you have any exciting plans for summer? Unfortunately not many, I’m going to V festival, my first ever festival this year, so that should be exciting and if anyone wants to whisk me off somewhere exotic then please do! Other than that I am looking forward to bonding with the incoming sabbatical officers and getting set for another year, although I will be sad to see Jo, Hannah and Andy leave - If you see them around make sure to say thanks very much for all of their hard work and dedication to Northumbria Students’ Union over the past couple of years. nicole.pegg@northumbria.ac.uk PH
NSUAcademics
MIKE POTTER Vice-President Communications & Democracy
HANNAH HORNE Vice-President Welfare & Equality
ANDREW CHEUNG Vice-President Activities & Development
What is your role? I look after student media, elections and student council. I also look into how we communicate with students and really engage with students because communication is a two way thing and we need to know what your issues are before we can help you as a union.
What is your role? I’m here to ensure all students can succeed in their studies without any external factors, such as housing, health, finance, getting in the way. So I champion all campaigns on these subjects and mentor our welfare representatives, namely Halls Reps, Community Reps and Equality Reps.
What is your role? I oversee our community, environmental, fundraising, and societies bits of student activities, alongside the student committee. I also organise and deliver Welcome Week Team, RAG Week, and Volunteer Northumbria Week. I also look at how we can develop our existing volunteers and students and enhancing their employability.
What are your priorities for the last few months of term? A lot of my planning is really putting stuff in place for next year. After being re-elected, I’ve already started looking into my manifesto point that students voted me for and starting to put things in place to make sure they are possible. This includes a podcasting service, ensuring that the Sabbatical officers are coming to you and also subeditors for this very magazine. What is the best thing you’ve achieved this year? As much as I loved writing for this magazine when I was a student, I always felt slightly limited (because printing is expensive) because writers were only allowed to submit an article or two so I think the best thing I’ve achieved is implementing nu:life online because not only does it enhance the experience for the writers but also allows us to shout about all the stuff we’ve been doing – even more. Do you have any exciting plans for summer? Probably planning for Welcome Week to be honest – it’s a hectic yet exciting time, it’s probably best – being ginger I fry in the smallest amounts of sunlight.
What are your priorities for the last few months? My biggest priority is finalising everything for Nightline to launch in September, including organising the training weekend for the volunteers in May. Others include getting my Halls Report recommendations imbedded in the University and writing the report on the faith space provided in the University (along with Mr Cheung). And of course, preparing a wonderful handover for Mr. Jamie Thompson! What is the best thing you’ve achieved this year? Setting up Nightline! Although I won’t see it up and running, the foundation work has been done, hopefully so the service can blossom and really help our students. Do you have any exciting plans for summer? Marbella baby!! Just relaxing as life as a Sabb has been pretty hectic. I’ve loved every second though! hannah.horne@northumbria.ac.uk PH
NSUWelfare1
What are your priorities for the last few months of term? Working with Hannah, to collate all our research data in regards to the University’s religion and faith provisions, and producing a report. Depending on the findings, we may be lobbying the University for Better Facilities and services for our students with a faith or religion. I will also be carrying out training for our new leadership committee, and assisting the handover process between the incoming and outgoing committees. What is the best thing you’ve achieved this year? Firmly putting employability on the agenda of the students’ union, that it is now a core theme of the new 5 year plan, with many ideas set out to be achieved in the next 5 years. I have also successfully run an Employability Awareness campaign, and ran an employability conference for students. Do you have any exciting plans for summer? I’m currently looking for a job, so I hope I get one! If so I’ll most likely be working and saving up, to go travelling the year after!
mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk PH
NSUCommsOfficer
andrew.cheung@northumbria.ac.uk PH
NSUActivities1
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NSU News SU:News & Upcoming Events
NSU News RAG WIN
REGIONAL AWARD! RAG have done it again, winning a Regional vInspired award for their hard work. The RAG committee headed to the London to receive the award and were treated to a performance by the Saturdays. Alongside this, RAG have also been given an award by the Royal British Legion for raising over £11,000 for them this year.
Upcoming
Events
MAY
May 2nd Annual Awards Our volunteers do so much throughout the year so now it’s our turn to treat you in a night of celebrations. Come along – you might even win an award or two.
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to be a u sign up o y e r u s ome Team lc e Make W s ’ r his yea part of t Before May 16th Welcome Week Applications Want to make sure you have the best week of your life this September? Make sure you sign up to be a part of this year’s Welcome Team on the Volunteer Database before May 16th.
NSU News Northumbria Did ‘THE HARLEM SHAKE’
Northumbria Did
‘THE HARLEM SHAKE’ The Harlem Shake, the craze that swept the world in its crazy gyrations, ‘specialised’ dance moves and general insanity captured the intrigue of Steven Mullaghan at Northumbria University who made it his mission to get Northumbria on the Youtube map with their very own video. In just over 24 hours he managed to, get approval from the university, staff members on board and summon masses of students in fancy dress to produce a video. On a quite nippy day in February I walked into a room filled with the strangest collection of fancy dress I have ever seen including several superheroes, living sleeping bags, a space cowboy and not forgetting the favourite online – one fully suited and gas masked army man. Everybody crammed into the lecture room, standing, lying on desks, pretending to be bananas in the aisles and doing the creep across screen. In just over an hour we had filmed something exceptionally crazy and hilarious at the same time. The experience for me showed how much students want to support each other, the drive behind students, the support that the university provides in all our crazy endeavours and has once again confirmed to me how creative Northumbrians are when they dress up. The popularity of the video spread rapidly, being reported on local radio, television and newspaper, but its greatest impact was online, featuring on ‘The Harlem Shake’ official Facebook page and on Youtube’s home page. Currently the viewing figures sit just below 240,000, and make it one of the most viewed UK University Harlem Shakes, which is pretty impressive for just over one day’s work.
‘The Harlem Shake’ official Facebook page and on Youtube’s home page. Currently the viewing figures sit just below 240,000...
So what did those that took part make of the experience? ‘it was a bit of an overwhelming experience, how quickly everyone got on board and how much of a success it became. I spotted the trend in the US, before it reached the UK, I thought we could do that! So went to the right people at the right time and it happened. It couldn’t have happened without the effort and willingness of everyone involved.’ Steven Mullaghan ‘I was really impressed with how quickly Northumbria joined the Harlem shake craze, it was such a good turn out considered how last minute it was it was and it was the atmosphere in the lead up and during that made the Harlem Shake so enjoyable.’ Heather Grant ‘It was surreal! I have never seen so many people dressed up so strangely with only about a day’s notice. It feels pretty good to be involved in something so big and seen by so many people!’ Joe Temple If you have an idea for a video and want to make your mark on making Northumbria better known in the social media sphere or just want to organise something that everyone can be a part of why not contact a su.marketing@northumbria.ac.uk with your idea? nu:life 07 Julia Bond
FEATURES Goodbye Northumbria
GOODBYE NORTHUMBRIA As last semester draws to an end, for one third of Northumbria students it is the final stretch of University. Many choose not to think about it, but within a few months most of us will be pushed (in some cases shoved) to the harsh reality of finding a job and living in the real world. However, whilst we have all this to look forward to... we can still hold on to our memories of three (or four for some lucky people) years spent at Northumbria University. Some of the best memories you’ll ever have will be from your time spent at University. Below are some things that you may or may not miss.
FIRST YEAR One of the best memories that everyone can share is the time spent in first year. New to Newcastle, being fresh on the scene was not easy but with Northumbria Welcome Week there to help, with experienced students to guide you through this process it became very easy to slide into life in Newcastle. You explored the Newcastle nightlife of clubs that have now shut down. During Welcome Week you became indestructible with up to 7/8 nights out in a row and if you weren’t, you still carried on. The perks of first year continue throughout the year, new course fresh start, new people everything seems great and it was. With only 5/6 lectures and seminars a week, the occasionally day or two off solely dedicated to guilt free days spent lying in bed and watching TV, it was perfect. Most people create some of the best memories from University in first year. Students like myself who are sat in the library with endless amounts of essays, presentations and dissertations often think, in some cases out loud, ‘I wish I was back in first year.’
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ST PATRICK’S DAY That one day of the year where everyone wants to be Irish and flock to the Students’ Union for a day of Guinness drinking, Irish dancing and a lot of fun. St Patrick’s Day is one of the most anticipated days in the social calendar of Northumbria University. A day where all students come together to celebrate and the true spirit of Northumbria is revealed.
LIBRARY Okay, you won’t miss it that much or at all. But your time spent at Northumbria the majority of it was spent in the glorious surroundings of the library cramming for exams, writing essays and assignments or the all-time favourite, the allnighters to finish an assignment, surrounded by cans of red bull and endless amounts of chocolate and crisps. As much as you want to deny it the library played a large role in your degree and University life, but I doubt we will miss it.
HABITA Habita the place you go when you’re thirsty, hungry or killing time between lectures. It provided the best food and drinks and we will miss it.
RAG WEEK RAG week is one week of the university year where people come together to raise money for various charities. Last year RAG teams throughout the UK raised £57,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust, Water Aid and Toma. RAG week is a brilliant way to meet new people, have lots of fun and raise lots of money for charities.
THE DISSERTATION Enough said Northumbria University has provided us with some of the best memories. It is a stage of our life that we will never forget, and can look back upon in years to come and smile, laugh or possible cringe at. Goodbye Northumbria, you’ve been the best. Mychealla Rice
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FEATURES Could You Live On £53 A Week?
Could You Live On
£53 A Week? The man responsible for work and pensions in central government, Iain Duncan Smith, has recently caused uproar among many and confusion among some, when he claimed that he could live off £53 a week, the amount one man on benefits said he had left to play with after rent and bills. But what of us students, are we better off? Some argue that baked beans on toast, cans of cheap cider and the odd mad night out, characterize student life, but some of the behaviour I’ve seen whilst at university tells a very different story. There are many among us who don’t seem to be living the ‘typical’ student life, save sleeping for most of the day and dabbling in what might otherwise be called risqué behaviour some just don’t seem to be living the same life. Some students seem to be struggling while others fail to feel the pinch on their bottles of Grey Goose and high-end fashion.
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To Ian Duncan Smith I want to say, yeah that sounds fair enough, that is roughly what most students seem to be living off after rent and bills. Assuming you have a part time job and you are careful with your money, university can be an enjoyable taste of independence. To find out more I joined a discussion on thestudentroom.com where members were arguing about how much money a student needed to get by every week. Some statistics suggest that a typical student living solely from their loan and living in mid-priced accommodation in Bristol has just £17 a week left to spend on food and socialising while some of those engaged in the debate online suggest that this figure could be much higher. While I’ve been at university I have come across people who claim that their loan doesn’t cover their rent, while others claim to be living completely independently of parents or other family members. So while it can be argued that a typical student could live off £53 a week (after rent and bills) it could also be true that while university is a taste of the real world, the truth is that if disaster were to strike, there would be someone in the family with a credit card ready to help you get through.
FEATURES Could You Live On £53 A Week?
£53 seems reasonable if you consider living ‘hand to mouth’ for short periods of time and while bills and rent are covered, but what if your washing machine were to break down? What if you needed to travel to a job interview or by a suit or dress for an event? You could certainly live off £53 a week, or maybe even less, but you would be doing just that, and getting by, if you needed to fork out for anything else you would have no savings to fall back on, and certainly couldn’t afford to splash out on your weekly budget, you would be left helpless and hopeless.
So yes, while we could all get by on £53 if we HAD to, and some of us claim to get by on less, what would we do if disaster were to strike? After all, I’ve just found out that robes for graduation are £45 to rent for a few hours! Disaster! Erinn Kerr
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FEATURES What Were You Thinking?
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Things freshers thought they needed... but clearly didn’t Everything to the right was moved in by welcoming volunteers at Northumbia or at other Unis, and perplexed them so much they got in touch.
1) A Hat Stand Ok, so you have lots of hats, put them in a cupboard or drawer, you clearly don’t need this in halls. 2) Cross Trainer This might sound reasonable at first, but how much of your tiny room do you want to give up when you live about five minutes from Sports Central? You know it won’t get used anyway. 3) Shoe Stands That’s right, “shoe stands” plural, now don’t get me wrong I understand some people need more shoes than my two pairs, but do you really need the capacity to store 40 pairs?
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FEATURES What Were You Thinking?
4) A Sofa Bed This one annoyed me. Ok you’ve brought a sofa, that’ll take up half your room on its own, but you’ve just told me you got your parents to buy a sofa bed especially, do you know how much floor space you’re getting or do you want me to break it to you? 5) Six 18 Piece Dinner Services Yes eighteen different dinner, salad and bread plates, saucers and vegetable bowls... oh and look you’ve been generous and brought some for all your flatmates, so now I have to carry 108 pieces of crockery inside. 6) College Folders Right you did your degree subject at A level, you may want to read back on some things to refresh, but you’re doing a Literature degree, why in the world do you have your Chemistry notes with you? Cameron Giles
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GET INVOLVED Academic Advice
With Semester 2 flying by we’re at that time again when everyone’s in it together – assessments, assessments, assessments! Time to bring all of those new found skills and knowledge together and show what you can really do. It may involve a few long evenings, possibly all-nighters for those of you that work in long-stint fashion, but just keep the general goal in mind, getting the great degree which will lead to, well...bigger and more exciting opportunities of course! Here at Team Advice and Rep we’ve been working hard to make sure that we are on hand to answer any questions or queries that you might have as you progress through your studies. At this time of year there are a range of answers and support which students may find themselves in need of whilst working on their assignments and revision. We understand that with the return of assignments and marks for the year, there may be some anxieties around results. Our Advice page at www.mynsu. co.uk is under the Advice and Representation tab. ‘I Need Advice’ contains guidance literature around student appeals, complaints, disciplinary advice, academic misconduct and submitting personal extenuating circumstance forms. If you feel that you require more specific advice on any academic issue, you can also download our Student Advice Form and submit it to su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk.
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Our Education Caseworkers Kim Buffery and Ashleigh Blackwood are here to advise and represent on academic issues. This month we have rolled out new online resources to assist students to access the help and guidance that is most needed. Our STAR Reps are also out on campus assisting our Caseworkers to help students with their issues across the Faculties. STARs have been a great addition to our team and are supporting and winning for students!a
For Appeals, these can be made within 20 working days of your exam board decision being made. The first step is to discuss your concerns with the person/s most closely involved with your circumstance. An informal meeting provides you with the opportunity to voice your concerns in a professional manner and seek out a resolution. If you are in any doubt about academic queries submit an Advice Form to our confidential Advice Service where Kim and Ashleigh will be happy to help!
If you have an academic issue and would like to discuss the problem, send an email to our Caseworkers at su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk and your email will be answered within 2 working days. Alternatively, pop into the Information Desk on the Ground Floor, Northumbria Students’ Union to collect and submit a Student Advice Form. Forms are also available online under Advice on the NSU website.
GET INVOLVED Q&A With A Student Trustee
Q&A
with Sarah Ellis Student Trustee What does it mean to be a trustee? As a student trustee my role is to sit on the Board of Trustees for the Union along with 3 other student trustees, the Sabbatical Officers and 4 external trustees to ensure that the union is acting in the best interests of the students. I attend six meetings a year where we discuss a wide range of different proposals and topics ranging from the monthly accounts to building leases, The Big Ideas Plan and the budget for the forthcoming year all with the aim of providing the best for the students.
How does being a trustee benefit you? Being a trustee allows you to gain a different insight into the union and I think having the opportunity to gain a different understanding of how organisations work and are run has definitely a great benefit to me. It’s something different to talk about when going for graduate job interviews, which is always helpful when you don’t want to use situations every other student has probably faced. On a more personal level though, being a trustee has definitely helped me grow more as a person and become more active in discussions and group work.
Are there any additional opportunities for you as a trustee? There’s the option to sit on different sub-committees; HR and Remuneration, Audit and Risk, and Elections. I sat on the audit and risk committee, which involved looking into the accounts and risks of the business in more detail, as well as setting the budgets and forecasts for the future. As I want to be an accountant after graduation this was a great opportunity for me to get some real life finance experience.
Why should students apply to be a trustee? It’s a great opportunity, you get to meet new people, help make some big decisions, gain some different experience and is a good way to give something back to the union and help make the student experience more enjoyable Sarah Ellis
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GET INVOLVED Student Cuncil
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council aims to ensure that everybody is fairly represented whilst at University and is a way of making sure that your Sabbatical Officers are working effectively for you. For example: if you are having problems with a specific area of your course, you could mandate the Vice President Academic Affairs to investigate a solution to this.
Student Council is the where students can debate, discuss and make decisions on behalf of students. Some of your representatives are elected in March (I’m sure you remember the people coming into lectures begging for people to vote for them), of the these successful people now sit on Student Council. Some other people are elected from within their groups: ie: School Reps.
We’re coming towards the end of the academic year so thanks to all the people who’ve sat on Student Council this year. But looking towards the future we still have 4 Equality Rep positions that need filling for 2013-14 so if you self-define as a Mature, EU, International or BME student (and will be a student next year) then get in touch.
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We elect our reps because then we can be safe in the knowledge that students wanted them to be elected because they believed in their ideas and have cleared engaged a lot of people so will be truly capable of going out and asking students what they want to need. If you’re interested in becoming an Equality Rep and want more information – email mike.potter@ northumbria.ac.uk about running in our election in September. This is your chance to represent thousands of students – grab the opportunity now.
GET INVOLVED Welcome Week
Welcome Week The Most Exciting Time of Year! If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that you’ve either done Welcome Week or wondering what it’s like. If you want to make new friends and experience the week from a different point of view, then be sure to sign up as a Team Member or Team Leader for Welcome Week!
For the newcomers at Northumbria University, Welcome Week is the first impression they get of their new lifestyles so it’s important that it’s done right! Northumbria University offers a huge range of chances and activities to get involved with. The Students’ Union hosts fairs for sports, societies and many other opportunities. It gives new students the chance to get involved, meet new people, pursue old hobbies or find new ones. When the sun goes down, the Union packs away the stalls and becomes the number one night-out in Newcastle! It puts on events every night, from UV parties to Silent Discos. Every night promises to leave you with good memories and new friends. All of this could not be done without the hard work from the Students’ Union and it’s army of volunteers. Hundreds of students, remembering how good Welcome Week was when they first came to Northumbria, give their time and energy to ensure that the next Welcome Week beats the last (which is easier said than done!).
Over the course of the week, these volunteers work in a team to help the new students settle in. They start the week by moving the Freshers into their halls. After that, the volunteers help pack goody bags, supervise events, advocate the Union and become a point of contact for the new students. The hours are long and the work is hard (I’ve carried flatscreen tellies up endless flights of stairs!) but is paid back tenfold by the awesome experience of it all. Being part of Welcome Week not only looks good on your CV but also allows you to expand on skills such as communication and teamwork. Moreover, you earn free access to all of the events the Union puts, giving you a chance to relive the fun free! Speaking from my own experience as both a Fresher and a Team Leader, I can guarantee that taking part in Welcome Week is an experience well worth doing. As a volunteer I’ve made new friends and have made some memories worth cherishing.
So, what’s stopping you? If you want to get involved, sign up and prepare for the best week of your uni life! Adam Crawley
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LIGHT RELIEF Northumbria Overheard
Overheard in Sports Central “I really want to see that film, Book of Moron” “Do you mean Book or Mormon?”
Overheard in Clapham House “I live in a really posh place, we have children there” “As opposed to other places?”
Overheard in Squires Building “It’s interesting that those who say they drink the most always get the most drunk” Overheard in CCE “Turns out Frosty Jack’s isn’t a breakfast cereal”
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
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It’s been an amazing year at NSU this year. Here are just some of the highlights.
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LIGHT RELIEF How Safe Is Your House
HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOUSE? Living out in the community is very different to living in Halls. When you are in a rented property with your friends, it is your responsibility to keep your house/flat safe and secure. Last academic year, there were 230 burglaries to student properties across the City. In the majority of cases this has happened because students have left their doors and windows open, not just unlocked, but wide open – this is just an invitation to offenders! Take this test to see how safe your house is 1. a) b)
Do you have contents insurance? Yes No
2.
Are your doors (bedroom, front and back) always shut and locked? Yes Not always
3. a) b) c) d) 4. a) b) c) d) 5.
a) b) 6. a) b) 7. a) b) 8. a) b) c) d)
Are your windows always locked? Yes I leave them open when I’m in, locked when I’m out I sometimes forget to shut them when I pop out for a short while Often I, or my flatmates, leave the windows open Are any of the locks on your property broken or weak? No, this place is like a jail One is, but I have raised this with my Landlord and is being dealt with Yes, and my Landlord keeps ignoring my requests to fix them Yes, one good kick and these doors would be down! Do you keep your backdoor and window keys in the same place where you found them when you moved in? Yes No Do you ever leave any valuables lying in view of a window? Yes No When you go home do you make sure your valuables are locked away? Yes No Do you sometimes leave your bin out in the street, even when it is not bin collection day? No, we bring it in as soon as the bin man has been! Occasionally we forget! Most of the time I can’t be bothered to bring it in. That’s where it’s meant to be kept isn’t it?
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9. a) b)
Have you ever had a house party with guests you don’t know very well? The more the merrier right? Only if they are on the guest list
10. Do you have yale locks (locks which automatically lock) on the doors of your house? a) Yes b) No
Heard something stupid and want to Add up your score (written below) to give you a percentage on how safe your house is! humiliate your friends? (anonymously, of course) drop an email to mike.potter@northumbria.ac.uk or tweet me at @NSUCommsOfficer with hashtag #northumbriaoverheard Scores: 1A) 10 1B) 0 2A) 10 2B) 0 3A) 10 3B) 5 3C) 0 3D) 04A) 10 4B) 5 4C) 1 4D) 0 5A) 0 5B) 10 6A) 0 6B) 107A) 10 7B) 0 8A) 10 8B) 2 8C) 0 8D) 0 9A) 0 9B) 10 10A) 10 10B) 0
a) b)
LIGHT RELIEF How Safe Is Your House As students you are targeted - If you think like an offender, gaining access to a student property with normally 5 to 8 students living there, takes just one risk for multiple gains as all are likely to have a laptop, phone, iPod etc. each! Just locking your front door is not enough – many burglaries take place through open first floor windows, back doors and windows and doors that are shut but not locked, and wheelie bins are used as a step up straight into your yard! Don’t put yourself more at risk than you already are and use this quiz to ensure your house is 100% safe.
We’d thought that our property was fairly secure but hadn’t realised that we had left our wheelie bin outside meaning that they could use it to hop over our fence...
Here are some real stories from Northumbria students: A few days after coming back from Christmas Break in my second year, my flatmate and I came home to find that the back pane of glass in our backdoor had been smashed. As I thought that my property was fairly secure, neither of us had bothered to lock our bedroom doors which resulted in the theft of our laptops and cameras. We’d thought that our property was fairly secure but hadn’t realised that we had left our wheelie bin outside meaning that they could use it to hop over our fence, despite the gate being locked. I think more people should be aware that as students we are targeted, so we need to protect ourselves as much as we can. Mike, English Language Student Just before Christmas, one of my flat mates had lost her front door key somewhere in the house, and was using the back gate to get in. As a result the back door was also left unlocked. The lock on the gate was not particularly secure and the gate blew open in the wind. A man who was walking past, took full advantage of this, and walked straight into the flat. We were lucky because there were people in the flat at the time to get him to leave. But it could have easily gone differently and it certainly made us aware about how easy it is to break into a house if you are not careful. Living in areas that look like student streets mean people know we have lots of valuables each, making us easy targets. We were lucky - we all know people that weren’t! So be careful. Tilly, Biomedical Science Student
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LIGHT RELIEF Six Faces Of Northumbria Library
The Six Faces of
NORTHUMBRIA LIBRARY The uni did such a good job of extending our library and making first floor a bit nicer at the beginning of the year, but around this time it’s still virtually impossible to get a computer between the hours of 9am and 7pm. But who’s taking up that space you want so badly? After three years, I think I’ve finally got the different types of library student sussed.
1. The night rider Giving ‘working 9 to 5’ a whole new meaning, the night rider claims they work best between the hours of 10pm and 6am, fuelled on Relentless and coffee. Before the library opened 24 hours a day, great essays just didn’t happen. Pros: you always get a computer. Cons: zombification.
2. The lone ranger This guy or girl simply cannot work with people without getting distracted. It takes strict motivation to sit away from your friends, who are having a good time working together on a different floor, but unless you’re alone, nothing gets done. Pros: it’s much easier to find one computer than five. Cons: You can practically hear the giggles of your friends through the floorboards as you sit miserably alone.
3. The raver iPod full blast, humming, mouthing the words, head bobbing, back on YouTube every three minutes choosing the next song, you know the type. So fun when this is you, not so fun when it’s the person next to you. Pros: if you’ve forgotten your iPod you can rock out to the person on your left’s. Cons: risk of getting told to turn it down, which, I can tell you from experience, is mortifying! 24 nu:life
LIGHT RELIEF Six Faces Of Northumbria Library
4. The Social Network
6. The one in denial
This person is the embodiment of all things social media. Spending more time on Facebook and Twitter than Microsoft Word, and constantly surrounded by noisy friends. Yet the 2000 word essay seems to get done, somehow.
If you’ve read this article thinking ‘well I’m none of these’ the chances are you’re definitely at least two, if not four or five! Sometimes library politics are even harder than the work itself, and you have all this to worry about alongside being captured on Facebook’s ‘spotted’ page, nightmare!
Pros: never a dull moment. Cons: Work will eventually get done, but probably not quite so fast.
Suzie Harker
5. The hogger This role takes serious dedication, as you have to get up early to secure a computer in your desired spot. After that, the hard parts over, and you can leave your computer with an unwanted scarf and some random sheets of paper scattered around it, then it is untouchable. Pros: guaranteed computer anytime you need it. Cons: the early start, and the risk people will just move your stuff and log you off.
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STUDENT CULTURE Music Festivals
YOUR GUIDE TO
MUSICAL FESTIVALS 2013 It’s that time of year again (finally). The nights are lighter, the clocks have gone forward, the sun is shining (well, sort of ), and many of us have an instant craving for sitting in a field wearing wellies AND sunnies (the only place where this is the norm), drinking a cold fruity cider, with the sweet sounds of our favourite musicians in our ears. That’s the blissful part; the hard part of festival-going is deciding which one to go to out of the gazillion choices, so hopefully this handy guide will help you out…
Leeds and Reading Whilst Green Day and Biffy Clyro have been announced as the headlining rock acts this year, Leeds and Reading have taken a turn towards electronic sounds, with the likes of Chase and Status, Skrillex and Magnetic man, whilst also bringing hip hop to the festival, with third headliner Eminem, and smaller acts like ‘212’ star Azealia Banks gracing the stages. Up-and-coming star Jake Bugg is also set to play, who will undoubtedly pull in a big crowd as he gets more popular by the second. Weekend tickets are pricing up at £210 with booking fees, whilst day tickets are £90. If you were hoping for the heavier sound Leeds has offered in the past, Download may be the festival for you this year…
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Download Download really can be cited as the new Leeds and Reading this year, on its 10th anniversary. Whilst in earlier days headliners would include the ‘big 4’ of metal (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax), hardcore metal fans will be disappointed this year as the stages feature rockier sounds from acts such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Limp Bizkit and Queens of the Stone Age. Like Leeds and Reading, they’re also featuring electronic acts this year such as Enter Shikari, indicating this sound is more popular this decade than the alternative rock phase the 2000’s saw. Tickets are £195 for three nights, and £205 for five nights, so you may as well pay the extra tenner to get that full festival experience.
Glastonbury Where to start with Glastonbury?! I always knew it was more than just a music festival, but whilst doing my research for this article I was blown away with just how much the festival has to offer. Whilst it isn’t just about the music, the big name acts playing this year are astounding, from U2, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Beyoncé, Fatboy Slim, Ke$ha and Labrinth, there really is something at Glastonbury for everyone! And if none of these or The Streets, Jessie J, Mumford and Sons and more don’t take your fancy, explore the other side of Glastonbury. With areas including a theatre and a circus, art and design exhibitions and Greenpeace fields where you can learn how to truly save your planet, nobody could say they don’t fancy Glastonbury this year or any other! Tickets are £216 for the weekend with booking fees. Sounds pricey, but you won’t find any better value for money at a festival this year with all that Glastonbury has to offer.
STUDENT CULTURE Music Festivals
V Festival and T in the Park As the two more mainstream festivals of the summer, both offer a similar repertoire of performers, equally as impressive as each other. Whilst V has the absolute honour of featuring Beyoncé this year, it also boasts performances from Kings of Leon, The Script, Emeli Sande, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, to name but a few. Over the border, T in the Park showcases incredible talent from Rihanna and The Killers to Snoop Dogg and Dizzee Rascal. V also boasts a comedy tent, which are always good fun and you’ll probably see someone set to be huge in the near future. Tickets for V can be bought at £195 for the weekend (two days) or £100 for a day. T in the Park will cost you £195 for the full weekend (three days), and around £90 for each day (varies depending on which day). If you’re more into top 40 than anything else, these festivals are the ones to look into.
Benicassim If you’re facing the tough decision of a festival or a holiday this year, I have the perfect solution! Situated in Spain, Benicassim offers you both, as well as an amazing line up of performers. Headliners this year are The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age, whilst Dizzee Rascal, Jake Bugg and the Kaiser Chiefs also make an appearance. 4 day weekend tickets are just £150, but of course you have to think about flights and accommodation costs. There is a camping option, but the festival strongly suggests hotels due to the immense summer heat over there, and they offer reasonably priced flight and hotel suggestions on the website.
If you’ve missed the official ticket sales, it’s always worth looking on eBay or keeping an eye out for Facebook and Twitter posts closer to the event, as people often change their mind, or buy tickets especially to sell on nearer the festival. Otherwise, look out for local festivals which can be lots of fun and good value for money. Wherever you decide to go this year have fun and stay safe. My top tips would be; wellies and sunnies are a must, go and see smaller acts you’ve never heard of as well as your faves, and take lots of loo roll because you won’t find much there! Suzie Harker
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STUDENT CULTURE How To Survive Exams
HOW TO SURVIVE EXAMS Unfortunately, exam season is getting ever closer. For me and many other students this means weeks of practically living in the library, not getting much sleep and becoming a stressed out wreck. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips which will help you avoid this.
Prepared You’re bound to be stressed if you don’t start revising until the day before the exam! Plan at least a month ahead. Make a revision timetable you know that you’ll stick to, working around when you work best. Find out what you need to do to prepare for the exam, and when it is so you have a timescale to work with.
Take Regular Breaks Reward yourself for studying! Taking regular breaks makes studying seem less of a chore as you know you’ve got a break coming up, so it will power you through revision sessions that otherwise seem endless. Plus, if you want to have a total break for part of or a whole day, you can work this into your revision timetable.
Support System These can be a real help. The best place to start is studying with people on your course. Then if you’re stuck, ask your lecturers for help. If the stress gets too much, maybe consider making an appointment with the Counselling Service. Sometimes just knowing that you have a support system available if you need it makes stress seem easier to handle.
Believe in Yourself You can do these exams. You wouldn’t be in university if you couldn’t. Breathe. Relax. Believe in yourself and your ability to do well and there will be no way stress can get the better of you! Good luck in those exams! Rebecca Pearson 28 nu:life
STUDENT CULTURE I Know What You’ll Be Doing This Summer
I Know What You’ll Be Doing This Summer With Summer on the not too distant horizon (even with the current weather), here’s just a few ideas of what to do with the impending free time.
Travelling It’s the first thing that comes to mind isn’t it? But instead of jetting off to a sunny beach for seven nights, consider a UK holiday, the south west coast often beats Spain on the thermometer and you can get some great deals on travel with a student rail card or (if you’re willing to) coaches. Hostelling Should really come under travelling but I think it deserves a section of it’s own, there are loads of great Hostels around the UK and across Europe. Rather than staying in one place whilst you’re away consider backpacking, combined with an InterRail card see how far away from Blightly in a week, then race to get back. Learn a Language Can’t afford to get away? Then immerse yourself in the culture from home, learning a language will not only look great on your CV but allow you to watch quirky foreign films or read great classics. Whilst you’re still around, check out the languages section of the library, it’s full of language lesson CDs.
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TV If you’ve been missing the Sky TV whilst you’re stuck at Uni with Freeview, then take this as an opportunity to buy the box-set and have a marathon. Whether its Grey’s Anatomy or Glee, Big Bang Theory or How I met your Mother you can now enjoy it back to back and avoid a week’s wait to see what happens next. Visiting Friends – The old and the new So you’re back home and miles away from the people you’ve spend every waking moment of the last six moths with, take the opportunity to visit them in their home towns, not only might you hear all their embarrassing stories from childhood friends, you’ll also have a tour guide for wherever you end up. On a similar note, if your contract starts early, rather than letting the keys to your new houses sit in a drawer until September, convince all your Friends from college to go on a grand tour of everyone Uni cities – using your new places as mini hotels – why not you’re paying for them? Cameron Giles
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STUDENT CULTURE Diary Of A Third Year
DIARY OF A 3RD YEAR… RE-VISITED You probably don’t remember me, but I was the stressed out, panicking, nervous wreck who wrote an article at the beginning of the year about all the trials and tribulations I was about to face as a third year student here at Northumbria. The end is fast approaching, and I thought I’d report back to you and reflect on whether all that worrying was really necessary. My excitement for joining as many societies as possible was unstoppable last time, but I did ask the question, will I stick to them? I regretfully have to admit that other than writing articles for NU:Life, and doing research for NU:TV, I haven’t managed anything more. I couldn’t keep up with the dance society like I did in second year, and it’s safe to say sky diving didn’t get a look in! It’s so important to throw yourself into societies during first and second year while you have slightly more time, and any third years who have managed it, I salute you! I also embarrassingly admitted to being excited to start my new modules and I’m about to cringe again, because that excitement actually hasn’t stopped. The option modules offered to us this year have meant most things we’ve studied have been fun and interesting. The hard part, the essay writing, has arrived, but having an interest in what you’re writing definitely helps. As for dissertation, which was my main worry last time, it is so important to choose a topic you are genuinely interested in, so you don’t get bored of it over the six months you’re going to spend on it. I think I chose wisely and my tutor has been really helpful. If you’re not happy with your allocated tutor when it comes to your time, don’t be afraid to approach another member of staff for help, as it’s so important to get the support you deserve through the project.
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As predicted, big nights out have become a distant memory, but cocktail bars have become favourable over crowded clubs, which has been nice. Meals with your flatmates or course friends are also a great release from uni stress, and you usually don’t have a massive hangover to face the next day (until it becomes meal AND drinks)! Overall, third year hasn’t been the traumatic experience I imagined at all, and it has absolutely flown! Leaving will be bittersweet, I will miss the lovely friends I have made, and my inner geek will miss learning, but getting out into the world of work and earning money will definitely have its positives! Whatever year you’re in now, make the most of the rest of your time at this amazing university, seize the opportunities you’re given and enjoy every day. You know what they say, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. Suzie Harker
As predicted, big nights out have become a distant memory, but cocktail bars have become favourable over crowded clubs,
STUDENT CULTURE Get Your Support STUDENT From Newcastle CULTURE Recipes Council
RECIPES As soon as people start talking about summer I immediately get excited for the long days, picnics, beach visits, barbecues, the ice-cream van, fish n’ chips and generally not having to go out in wellies and a giant coat! Although I know these things are available at any point in the year if you really wanted – barbecue in the snow anyone? - the summer makes it acceptable! Of course the English summer can be well, rather unpredictable, so this months recipe is perfect for the actual sunny days and also the days we can only dream of a bit of sunshine! It’s my twist on the classic Cherry Bakewell; if you don’t like cherries it works just as well with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or anything else you fancy, enjoy...
CHERRY BAKEWELL CAKE 400g fresh cherries (halved and without stone) 150g wholemeal self-raising flour 3 tablespoons soya milk (or regular milk if you don’t like soya) 180g unsalted butter 145g Caster sugar 2 Free range eggs 100g ground almonds 1 teaspoon almond essence flaked almonds & icing sugar to decorate METHOD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Pre-heat the oven to 160ºC and line a medium cake tin with baking paper (or grease with butter if you have none) Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy – you can use a processor for this if you have one. Add the soya, eggs, ground almonds, almond essence and flour, mix well until combined. Carefully stir in most of the cherries, keeping some for decoration. Pour the mixture in the cake tin, sprinkling the rest of the cherries and almonds on top. Bake for around 1 hour – 1 hour 15mins, or until a knife comes out clean. Be careful not to burn! Leave to stand for about 5 minutes, then remove from tin and place on a wire rack to cool – it is best eaten warm! Dust with icing sugar before serving.
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CAMPUS SERVICES Start Boxing
Start Boxing From novice to champion in just 18 months . . . Second year Psychology student Robbie Pyle, overcame adversity last month when he brought a bronze medal home from the annual BUCS Boxing championships. After narrowly missing out on a place in cWT ]P[ [^bX]V Qh P bX]V[T _^X]c \PY^aXch at Coventry University – Robert is still pinching himself and looking back at how far he’s come. The young boxer took up the sport a mere 18 months ago, after signing up to a Start Boxing programme at Northumbria University’s Sport Central. Since then he has achieved bronze at BUCS and gained the win for Northumbria at the English Universities Boxing Series - which has subsequently become Team Northumbria Boxing’s most successful season to date. Not bad for a young novice boxer who has less than two years’ experience under his belt.
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“Until I signed up to the Start Boxing course at Sport Central, I hadn’t so much as stepped inside of a ring before,� Robbie said. “It was a completely new experience for me. And now, it’s taken over my life!� Sport Central’s Start, Develop and Advance programme offers Northumbria University Students and Staff the opportunity to try out new sports in a fun and relaxed environment. This year Sport Central has offered its biggest programme to date, which includes introductory sessions in over 9 sports. Over 2,146 participants have attended, all of which have been able to choose from over 120 sessions in a range of courses, from Boxing to Swimming to Cheerleading and more. After joining the Start Boxing course it soon became apparent that Robbie had talent. He was already an active member of the Snow Sports Society and an avid weightlifter who thrived in the competitive environment.
CAMPUS SERVICES Start Boxing
B^ PUcTa P QaXTU PQbT]RT WT aTcda]TS VWcX]V c X] BT_cT\QTa Wd]Vah U^a WXb abc VWc A^QQXT \PST his debut at the Northumbria vs Portsmouth Boxing show at Northumbria Student Union; where he lost a close decision to an opponent from Middlesbrough. The loss spurred Robbie on to set the record straight, his drive and determination was no less than inspirational to the rest of the club. Mark Telford, Team Northumbria Boxing Coach said,
However Robbie’s hectic timetable began to cast doubt on his capability to commit to the club.
‘What Robbie has achieved in just 18 months has been truly incredible. To think, a year and a half ago he stepped into the gym through our “Start Boxing� programme, with no boxing experience. He’s really gone from strength to strength and is a perfect example of what our Start, Develop and Advance programme is about. It’s never too late to start something new!�
“I was really busy and at first, found it hard to juggle all of my extracurricular activities. I had to consider what was really important to me outside of my university work. I’d been given such a fantastic opportunity in Boxing and decided I just couldn’t give it up. It was tough but I made it work.� To discover the range of courses available through Sport Central’s Start, Develop & 0SeP]RT _a^VaP\\T ^a c^ ]S ^dc W^f h^d RP] VTc X]e^[eTS _[TPbT eXbXc
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CAMPUS SERVICES Sport Internships
Apply now for
SPORT INTERNSHIPS 2013/14! Opportunities available in Events Facilities Media Sport Development and much more! Closing date: 10am Friday 3rd May 2013
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For further information visit or call Sarah Stephenson on 0191 243 7501 36 nu:life
CAMPUS SERVICES Never Forget Retail
Class of 2013 =TeTa 5^aVTc You’ve come a long way. From fresher’s UPXa c^ abc PbbXV]\T]cb c^ ]Tf Pcb P]S new friends. Your university experience is one that you will no doubt never want to forget. So why not pop into one of our Go Shop outlets and choose from a wide choice Northumbria University branded gifts and branded clothing to commemorate your time at university forever! From hoodies to pet’s clothing to teddies - we’re sure there will be something to suit you
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CAMPUS SERVICES Accommodation For Graduation
ACCOMMODATION FOR GRADUATION! Are you trying to find suitable accommodation for your graduation?
Then look no further - we’ve got rooms available right here on your doorstep.
ACCOMMODATION CLAUDE GIBB 0ePX[PQX[Xch) CWdabSPh "cW 9d]T ! " <^]SPh (cW BT_cT\QTa ! " Traditional on-campus accommodation. Rates: (VAT inc) Â&#x160;"$ 1TS P]S 1aTPZUPbc <^]SPh Bd]SPh All single rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, wash hand basins and iPod docking stations.
There are 12 rooms to a corridor sharing shower and toilet facilities. Common areas include a dining room, TV room, vending machine and shop. 1aTPZUPbcb (full English or continental) will be served in the Claude Gibb dining hall at the following times: <^] 5aX) & " P\ (P\ BPc Bd]) 'P\ P\ Lunch and evening meals can also be arranged for groups (Min. number of 20).
C^ ]S ^dc \^aT R^]cPRc cWT 4eT]cb P]S 2^]UTaT]RT CTP\ ^] 0191 227 4024 or email bd\\TabcPhb/]^acWd\QaXP PR dZ Alternatively you can book online at fff [PcTa^^\b R^\ or fff ]TfRPbc[Ta^^\b R^ dZ, simply search for Claude Gibb. 38 nu:life
Student life is about to go up a level En suite rooms in self catered flats featuring high speed internet access, fitness suite and outdoor running route. Landscaped private outdoor space with unparalleled views of Newcastle and Gateshead. All situated above a brand new shopping and leisure development with multiscreen cinema, bars and restaurants. Trinity Square from Northumbria University. Welcome to the new centre of your student life.
Coming Autumn term 2014. To ďŹ nd out more or register for updates, email trinitysquare@northumbria.ac.uk
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