NSU Life edition 1 by Emma Gordon

CONTENTS 4

#TRENDING

28 YOU SAID, SU DID

NUS AFFILIATION DEBATE LIVE

30 WHAT TO SEE & DO IN NEWCASTLE

FRESHERS ADVICE

32 MACMILLIAN COFFEE AFTERNOON

MEET THE SABB TEAM

34 TRINITY SQUARE

COFFEE HOUSE SESSIONS

35 CASHLESS SYSTEM

WELFARE WONDERINGS

36 QUATAR STORY

8 THINGS YOU SAID YOU WOULD DO THIS SUMMER BUT DIDN’T

ABSEIL DOWN THE LIBRARY

NSU/MEDIA

SUMMERTIME

SPECIAL THANKS

NIGHTLINE

Thanks for helping get my first issue off the ground!

5 TIPS TO BEAT HOME-SICKNESS

NSU SOCIETIES

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT STUDENT COUNCIL

EDITORIAL

Hello, I am the new editor of this fantastic magazine. The name ‘editor’ kind of bugs me, because this is, and always will be a student run magazine. It’s full of articles by students about whatever they want to write, and that includes you too! Maybe you’re a budding writer or

NSU/Life Committee All the staff at NSU Sarah Price Cathi Watt

maybe you just like films and want to tell someone – no matter what it is, this is the place to share your story with over 30,000 students. If you are a true veteran of Northumbria, you may notice a few changes with the magazine – I was elected back in March on my

manifesto, which promised to shake things up for student media. After all, the student population changes every year, and I hope this magazine will reflect that. Thanks for picking up a copy, I hope you enjoy reading it! Tom Bromwich

MAGAZINE DESIGN BY WWW.CATHIWATT.CO.UK

#TRENDING WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE HALL

Caffeine!

Apps Organise your uni life – get your social and academic diary in order with Any. Do – a versatile app for any to-do list lover.

The only thing better than a Starbucks coffee is a discounted Starbucks coffee. Head to Habita and get your cheap caffeine fix.

Electrodash 5k 2014

G is for:

Come, rave and run at the hottest event of the year. Book now and you’ll never forget Saturday 18th October 2014.

The addictive thriller novel has been made into a film – you won’t want to miss it! Out in cinemas on Friday 3rd

Gone Girl

B is for:

D is for:

F is for:

H is for:

Budget

Desserts Delivered

Fresher’s Week

Hangover hell

Chart-topping DJs live on stage, a headphone disco, Masquerade Ball, comedy from BAFTAnominated comedians and so much more all at Fresher’s Week 2014 at Northumbria Students’ Union.

With Newcastle known for its lively nightlife, you are not going to thank yourself in the morning… Why not start off your night at Habita? You won’t get anywhere cheaper…

Budget now, thank us later. It’s no fun to live on own brand baked beans and tap water for 2 months – manage your money, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.

E is for:

C is for:

A is for:

What could be better than cake, ice cream and brownies delivered straight to your door? Nothing, the answer is nothing.

I is for:

Iggy Azalea She’s the hottest thing to come out of Australia since Kylie and there isn’t any stopping her now this time she’s joined forces with Rita Ora, with end of summer tune, Black Widow.

O is for:

#Omg

K is for:

M is for:

Krispy Kreme

Maroon 5

If you haven’t visited their cafe in Eldon Square yet…why?

They’re back with their brand new single, Maps - out now!

Tinder fans are going to love the Mallzee app – swipe right if you like the dress, and left if you aren’t impressed and buy the outfits you want at the end – what could be more perfect?

J is for:

L is for:

N is for:

P is for:

Jess Glynne

Lady Gaga’s artRAVE

Northumbria University

Procrastinate

The artPOP Ball at Metro Arena – Everyone will go gaga on 22nd Nov as the pop princess herself bursts into town…

Work hard, play harder. Get ready to have the best time of your life whilst studying here at Northumbria.

The red headed beauty who you will recognise from Clean Bandit’s major no1 summer tune is going solo. Have a listen to her debut track, Right Here…

With websites such as StudentBeans and Hello Giggles, how is it even possible to not get distracted from studying?

S is for:

Q is for:

Scandal

Quilliam Brothers Tea Room

If you have not heard of this US TV series yet, where the hell have you been? Catch it on Sky Living or binge watch on Netflix immediately.

A quaint little tearoom in the city centre, beautifully served at very reasonable prices - you can even play a board game as you sit and relax!

Wey aye man!

Unbelievably good book

Can you come to Newcastle and not watch (or cringe) at Geordie Shore? We think not… Tues 10pm on MTV

Dear Daughter by Elizabeth Little is going to take the world by storm, with a Gone Girl meets Gossip Girl feel, get your mits on it, quick!

R is for:

T is for:

V is for:

X is for:

Rolling back the clock

Travelling Man

Vintage baby!

X Factor

This small independent book store in Newcastle is the place to be for any comic lover.

Not likely to find it unless you know your way around, Royal Vintage of Newcastle is a little known boutique, with a fab range of one off pieces which you’ll never find on the high street.

Chezza’s back, Simon’s back and Louis’ still not retired – coming to a screen near you this Autumn

Don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour on the night of 25th Oct – who’s up for an extra hour in bed? We definitely are!

W is for:

U is for:

Y is for:

Yoga, Pilates & more! Head to Sport Central for a huge variety of exercise classes at fantastic student prices

And finally Z is for:

Zorbing The latest craze for all you adrenaline junkies out there, get yourself to County Durham Zorbing arena – you don’t want to miss out!

Affiliation Debate LIVE WRITTEN BY CAMERON GILES

In January Northumbria students will get to have a direct say on the students’ union’s membership of the national union of students for the first time in over five years. NUS acts as a figurehead for national student campaigning, linking Northumbria to hundreds of other students’ unions at universities and colleges across the country, NUS is lead – much like Northumbria – by a president and vice presidents, alongside a national executive council, all elected by representatives of students’ unions at an annual national conference. This conference also gets to set policy for NUS, whilst NUS can’t dictate what individual students’ unions do, individual unions can submit proposals to conference and send delegates to speak on them. Last year Northumbria submitted ideas on NHS fees, postgraduate teaching and students in the local community, all of which became national policy. Meanwhile, some of the more controversial motions NUS debated last year were on opposing UKIP,

campaigning for free education and the general election in 2015. Membership of NUS also has other benefits, access to training for the unions officers and staff, and membership of a retail group which allows the union to buy (among other things) alcohol for places like habita at a bulk discount. However, this comes at a cost, most straight forwardly a membership fee of over £30,000 paid by Northumbria each year, but there are also other argued disadvantages, some NUS policy can have an impact on Northumbria students, such as the national no platform and gender balancing policies, NUS can also seem to have much different priorities compared to students on campus. The last time NUS made front page news was during the tuition fees debate of 2010, the national demonstration in London that year was the leading story on news programs in the time around the vote by MPs to raise fees to £9000 a year, but ultimately NUS lost that battle and subsequent demonstrations such as the generically named demo 2012 have made little impact and generally been seen as without a main purpose. I honestly don’t know where I sit on this debate, whatever I decide to do with my vote, it’s important that all Northumbria students get to have one, that’s why I proposed this referendum at our student council, it’s also why I’ll be speaking at the upcoming NUS referendum debate this month, it’ll give us the opportunity to discuss the balance between our union’s independence and campaigning with the bigger picture in mind, and that why I hope you’ll come along.

The NUS referendum debate will be on the evening of Monday September 29th in Stage 2. The voting days are yet to be announced but will be sometime January 2015. 7

FRESHERS’ ADVICE Don’t sleep with your flat mates

The temptation will be strong, you’re both in the same situation you will find comfort in that – but remember you will still have to live with this person. After the deed is done you will start to see a different side of them, and the rest of the year will be super awkward. Proceed with caution.

Do something, or find a hobby

Make the most of your time as a fresher, come next year you will be swamped with coursework – a hobby may just keep you sane. From football teams to drama and performing societies there really is something for everyone. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people for when your flat mates start to annoy you.

... ing l l Ca um M

It’s ok to call your mum

It’s probably the first time you are living away from home, it’s normal to get a little bit homesick. Make sure you keep in contact with home, no one will think any different of you for having a cheeky Facetime every once in a while.

Keep a track of your money

The temptation of spending the entire lump sum of your student loan on Haribo and takeaways will be really hard to control, but remember – you need to live for the entire semester. There is loads of advice on the internet about ways to save money as a student, but lets face it – you will get the hang of your new student lifestyle in due course. 8

Your flat mates don’t have to be your only friends

You will no doubt think you’ve found your soul mates after just a few days, but don’t feel like they have to be the only people you hang out with at uni. Go out, talk to some one new, I guarantee you will learn something and everyone needs friends! Someone once told me that the people you meet at university are the ones you will stay friends with for the rest of your life.

Freshers Flu is a thing

No doubt by now you will have heard of freshers’ flu and many will tell you that it is just a glorified hangover. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. University draws students from all across the world, which can make the first few weeks a breeding ground for illness. Don’t worry, you’re not likely to get anything serious but switching that bacon sarnie for a fruit salad may save you a nasty cough or cold. Its really easy to avoid, just drink plenty of water and remember that berocca is your new best friend.

Buy books second-hand

Before you spend extortionate amounts of money on new textbooks, it’s definitely worth trying to find second-hand ones from previous students. Some textbooks will be completely useless after you’ve finished your first term of modules, so it’s a big waste to buy them new. The library will have all of the textbooks you need – you may not be able to take them home but you can always study there.

It’s all right if you don’t know anyone

We all know the type – the positively inseparable people at your school who are going to university together. You want to laugh at their lack of adventure, but secretly you’re terrified that not knowing anyone at your university is going to leave you lonely. Thankfully, not true. There will be lots of other people there who don’t know anyone. 9

Sabb team 2014-15

Sabbatical officers are elected by students every year to run the Students’ Union. Were here to make the changes that you want to see, in the university, the union and in Newcastle. Over the summer we have all been intensively trained to better represent you, and help you with anything you may need whilst at Northumbria. So, don’t hesitate to come and see us!

“As President I am the key link between the University and the Students’ Union, representing your views in order to influence and make change. I meet with key staff in the University in order to ensure that the student experience at Northumbria is as good as it possibly can be. My key priority is to be here for students so if you’ve got any concerns that you want me to address then get in touch.” TEL 0191 227 3708 MAIL n.hodgson@northumbria.ac.uk

UNION PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

“I’m here to make sure you have the best education possible, working with thousands of reps to make your courses work for you. I sit on many different committees and build relationships with university staff, speaking on your behalf on issues that matter to you.” TEL 0191 227 3708 MAIL j.holt@northumbria.ac.uk

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

“Its my job to make sure your voice is heard whilst at university, whether that’s through one of our media channels or through student council. I oversee our student led TV station, Radio Station and I am also the editor of this magazine. I make sure all elections are fair and accessible to all students, in both national and campus elections.” TEL 0191 227 3701 MAIL t.bromwich@northumbria.ac.uk

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY

“It’s my job to make sure you have fun and develop yourself whilst here at Northumbria, making sure that when you graduate you have the skills you need to stand out from the crowd. I oversee Welcome Team, RAG (Raise and Give), Eco NSU, Volunteer Northumbria, Fast Friends and Give It A Go. I also look after societies - which means you can meet people with the same interests as you- we have over 90 societies so get involved!”

VICE PRESIDENT ACTIVITIES & DEVELOPMENT

TEL 0191 227 3711 MAIL n.mckenzie@northumbria.ac.uk

“I’m here to ensure your time at Northumbria is one that you feel happy and safe with. I cover a huge range of issues within my role from housing, mental health, sexual health, travel and oversee our Nightline service. I mentor equality, halls and community reps, which campaign for changes and improvements to your accommodation, facilities and better support on campus.” TEL 0191 227 7683 MAIL j.thompson@northumbria.ac.uk

VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE & EQUALITY 11

Ever wanted to see your favourite artists perform intimate acoustic performances on your breaks from lectures? Coffee house sessions brings the biggest acts right here to Northumbria every single week. Over the past year we have been graced with acts including Hudson Taylor, Stephanie Fraser, Sam Brookes and Ellie Rose. This year, with the tour almost doubling in size, its set to be the biggest yet! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great event to grab a cup of your favorite blend, sit back and enjoy some music in our daytime bar Habita.

Every Thursday afternoon from 2:30pm, in habita Starting on 9th October 12

Welfare Wonderings

WRITTEN BY JAMIE THOMPSON

What is Community?

argue that this is the most integral part of the student experience – feeling part of the student community.

I sometimes wonder what The student community is about community actually means. Is it a togetherness, friendship and a sense location or something deeper than of equal rights and being comfortable that; an emotion or feeling? I’ve with who you are, no matter grown to learn it’s that and where you come from or your so much more – it’s a target. “...accept and cultural background. It doesn’t

love yourself discriminate or hate but breeds good will and hard work towards As a Students’ Union we do a lot the way you a shared goal of inclusivity and of work in the local community – are, even the happiness for all students. from volunteering projects which If I could ask one thing of you make the area look even better to parts of you this year it would be to accept live in to ensuring that students that maybe you and love yourself the way you are represented and play a part in don’t like...” are, even the parts of you that key decisions that affect the local maybe you don’t like – and learn area. As a student I thought this to love others in the same way. was as far as community went and felt quite under prepared for this side of my It’s the first step to building the sense of community and community spirit. Your time role. as a student could be the best time of your Community means different things to life – do your bit to make it that way. different people – and I would actually 13

8 THINGS YOU SAID

YOU WOULD DO THIS SUMMER

BUT

DIDN’T GET AROUND TO

1. 2. 3. 14

WRITTEN BY CHARLOTTE HALL

READ All that free time is ideal to dedicate to all those books that you’ve never got round to actually sitting down and reading, right? But then suddenly it’s September and the only thing you’ve read since finishing university in May is your Twitter news feed and the instructions on the back of a microwave meal…

EXTRA STUDYING

Being the dedicated student that you truly are, you promised yourself you would power through that reading list and be the epitome of knowledge on your first week back… Do you even know where that reading list is now?

SAVE MONEY I mean, this just speaks for itself doesn’t it. Praise the lord for student loan month.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

NOT BINGE WATCH TV Netflix is the devil and we simply cannot be held accountable for our actions whilst on it. That 15 second gap between episodes is the deciding factor of whether you will either have a productive day, or spend the whole summer in bed. We all know the answer to that conundrum don’t we…

GET FIT So much time to go for runs, have lengthy stints at the gym and get super fit for the start of term… But why exercise when you can eat?

LEARN TO COOK After a year of pasta, pizza and pot noodles, you tell yourself that you are going to learn to cook, whatever it takes. But after burning rice and setting off the fire alarm on your first attempt, the prospect of microwave meals for the next 2 years maybe isn’t as bad as you first thought…

PRODUCTIVE DAYS You were not going to spend your whole summer in bed. You were going to set your alarm, have productive, worthwhile days and maintain a healthy, normal sleep routine. But then Youtube happens and you find yourself watching cat videos at 4am and the next thing you know, you wake up at 3pm, needing food and a nap.

FIGURE OUT YOUR FUTURE Every time you sat down to start thinking about your career and life after university, you would get heart palpitations and cold sweats so instead would just close your eyes, make a wish to be 9 years old again and pray it comes true. Seems reasonable to us! 15

WRITTEN BY RAG COMMITTEE

So you’ve just started Northumbria… or maybe you’re a returning student but you still fancy doing something cool this Fresher’s week, right? Why not take a break during induction lectures on Wednesday 17th September and come hang out with RAG (Raise and Give) as we abseil down the city campus library raising money for the Northumbria Sport Foundation! RAG is a great way to get involved and make the most out of your university experience, from crazy conga lines down Northumberland Street to fancy dress socials we love encouraging student fundraising - we’re quite good at it as well, so far we’ve raised over £70,000 for our chosen charities since RAG started! If making new friends, improving your CV whilst having a good laugh all at the same time sounds like something you’d be interested in, then get yourself signed up for RAG by emailing su.activities@northumbria.ac.uk . We have a full year of exciting events

planned kicking off with our legendary abseil; the details are below so why not get involved? Wed 17th September: RAG Abseil (8am to 5pm) - £25 minimum sponsorship required, £10 payable to Welcome Desk in the SU building to secure you’re place with the remaining £15 to be raised by the day, however limited tickets will be available on the day. Please email su.activities@ northumbria.ac.uk for more information. Can’t make the Abseil but would still like to be a part of RAG? Come to our social in Habita on the 25th at 7pm!

Welcome to Launches 2nd October 2014

Student media has always had individual groups, a TV team and a magazine team. As a student I found this to be a barrier, could I write an article and also make a video? When I stood for election back in March I said I wanted to change this, to make volunteering with media more accessible, to break down barriers and offer more opportunities – as Northumbria students, you agreed! This brings us to today, converging all of our media ‘strands’ into just one simple brand – a media team that will include presenters, photographers, writers and so 18

much more. Welcome to NSU/ Media. 7 years ago saw the first year of student media at Northumbria, with one of my predecessors setting up a magazine, and now years later it continues to provide our students with news, reviews plus loads more. That magazine is the one you’re reading, and is now completely written by students – full of stories, reviews and articles that they want to write and hopefully you want to read! We have a TV station, which covers everything that goes on within the university and Newcastle, including

events and gigs, sports and student life. With a wide range of equipment including GoPro’s and Canon DSLR’s, were always looking for students to book out a camera and film anything you want to. This year sees the launch of our brand new radio station, which will feature both live and pre-recorded shows. We have everything from Smooth Jazz to cheesy 80’s pop, so if you have a passion for music, or dream of being a chat show host then simply email me or drop into the union welcome desk.

week and around campus. To celebrate this new start for student media, we’re hosting the very first student media launch party. Live music, hairstyling, and free desserts. Plain and simple, it’s a huge party to set the standard for student media at NSU – so what are you waiting for? - VPCD

Look out for our media team at union events, throughout fresher’s

summmertime:

Adventure!

A Time for

WRITTEN BY ADAM CRAWLEY

Every year, hundreds of students all around the country are counting down the days until the summer finally arrives. The thought of having two months to yourself to do absolutely nothing at all seems like a dream. Once exams are done, we all have a little celebration with our mates before heading back to our homes to get our washing done and free meals and then we keep ourselves busy until September comes back around. However, as nice as it all sounds, after a week or so of getting back home, it tends to get a little wearing and the summer seems to go on forever. Before too long, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re counting down the days until your course starts again 20

and you can get back into Uni life. Every year, hundreds of students all around the country are counting down the days until the summer finally arrives. The thought of having two months to yourself to do absolutely nothing at all seems like a dream. Once exams are done, we all have a little celebration with our mates before heading back to our homes to get our washing done and free meals and then we keep ourselves busy until September comes back around. However, as nice as it all sounds, after a week or so of getting back home, it tends to get a little wearing and the summer seems to go on forever. Before too long, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re counting down the days until your course starts again and you can get back into Uni life.

The options are stay at home and get bored out of your skull or try and find something to fill those long summer months. I decided to do the latter. In the summer of 2013, I applied to an agency to work at a Camp in the USA. After months of planning and paperwork, I travelled all the way to New York to work at Camp Monroe as the Dramatics Instructor/Musical Director. After that, I travelled down the East Coast of the USA, visiting Washington D.C., Charleston and New Orleans en route. I thought that was the best summer of my life so it was only natural that I decided to do it again. This year, after camp, a friend and I hired a car and drove down the length of California. It sort of goes without saying that watching the sun go down over the Pacific beats being stuck in a little cottage in the back end of Cumbria any day of the

week. It may sound like a lot of hard work but there are loads of agencies that can help you organise a summer abroad. If the sound of working at a camp isn’t for you, volunteering opportunities are aplenty. Not only will you get the chance to travel, it looks fantastic on a CV, so there’s no real reason not to have a little adventure. It’s never too early to start looking. Summer may seem a long way away now but trust me, it’ll come round before you know it. So, have a look around and see what you can do with your summer and come back next year with a story to tell!

NIGHTLINE

A confidential listening service Your time at university is guaranteed to be the best years you will have. The amount of friends and experiences you will have will stay with you for the rest of your lives. At the end of the three years, or however long you have at university, you’ll be leaving Northumbria with a good degree and memories to match. Even with all this great stuff going on, we all need some support every now and then. We all get stressed sometimes: by our workload, by balancing commitments or by any number of reasons. Sometimes, things just don’t go according plan and we miss our home comforts. Despite having a fantastic time at uni, we can all end up on a downer at one point. For this reason, Northumbria has set up Nightline. This is a confidential listening service ran by students for students. All of our student volunteers are trained to listen to any problems that you may have.

Don’t be nervous about calling; we are there to listen. If you don’t want to call us, then we also have an IM service that runs from 8pm – midnight every night so we will be there for you. Also, email us anytime at talktonightline@ northumbria.ac.uk with any queries or questions you may have. For more information, visit the website at http:// mynsu.northumbria.ac.uk/ welfareandequality/Nightline/ If you have any problems at all, ranging from stress to homesickness or even just wanting to talk to someone, we will be there.

Call us between 8pm - 7pm, on 0191 227 3737

Here to listen, #OwlNightLong 22

5 TIPS TO BEAT HOMESICNESS Amidst the anxiety of results day and excitement of accepting your place at university, some people may underestimate just how big a change in your life you’re about to endure. Moving to university is a huge step, monumental in fact, and often, this can be quite overwhelming. In a completely alien environment, you are bound to be nervous and it would almost be strange if you didn’t at some point, begin to miss home. YOU ARE NOT ALONE - please don’t think that you are the only person to ever have felt this way. Thousands of students each year feel homesick and it is a completely normal reaction to moving away from home, where you are most comfortable. Northumbria have so many services available to support you if you feel like you need to talk to someone, such as Nightline, the Students’ Union anonymous telephone service, and the Student Support & Wellbeing department, so please don’t suffer alone. DON’T HIDE AWAY - The last thing you may feel like doing is socialising with your flatmates but it really is so important to not lock yourself away in your room - it really doesn’t help the situation. Push yourself, make conversation and you’ll soon see that making friends is much easier, and a lot less daunting, than you first thought.

GIVE IT TIME - Even if you think that university just isn’t for you, please give it time. As time passes, and you become busy with lectures, studying and socialising, missing home becomes a distant memory, as you fully immerse yourself in student life. Don’t waste all those torturous hours sat revising for your A-levels to then give up at the first hurdle - you’re stronger than that and you know it - so give it a fair try and if you finish semester 1 and still feel the same way, then reevaluate.  KEEP BUSY - In Fresher’s week especially, you will have a lot of free time so try to keep busy. Go shopping, explore Newcastle, attend events put on by the Students’ Union and socialise with flatmates. Whether it be grabbing a coffee in the city centre, or sightseeing at the Baltic Centre, take your mind off home and keep busy.  CONFIDE - Whether it be crying down the phone to your mum, or talking to a flatmate, don’t bottle all of your feelings up. Chances are, your flatmates are feeling the same way so help each other through and you’ll look back and smile at how things have changed so much. University is one of, if not the, best time of your life so don’t think that those awkward conversations at pre drinks last forever. Embrace the the student life and a year from now, you’ll look back and laugh(and probably cringe) at those freshers memories… 23

Northumbria Students’ Union (NSU) Societies are where like minded people get together to share and celebrate a common interest or activity. Joining a society is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, get involved in activities that you like, try something new and most importantly, HAVE FUN!! NSU currently has 85 different societies that you can join. They range from Book Club to Psych Soc, African Caribbean to Dance. We are proud to say we have something for everyone and just in case we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can help you to set up your own society!! NSU has: • Performance Societies such as 24

drama and Music • Course based societies which link to specific courses for example Criminology and Grey (Law) • Sport societies including Equestrian, Snow Sports and new this year Capoeira • Faith and Cultural societies such as Islamic, Christian Union and Malaysian • Special Interest including Jac-Dan and Meditation • Affiliated, Charity and Campaigning societies such as Human Rights and Feminist. Joining an existing society is easy, you can visit the website www. mynsu.co.uk/societies and have a look at our A-Z list or browse through the categories mentioned above. There is a fee to join societies set by the committee who run each society.

This can be as low as £1, most are £3 with a few costing £5-£10. The money from membership fees help to fund the society’s activities it is not taken by the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union gives additional funds to societies in the form of grants. These also go towards funding the activities organised by the society.

that you’d like to continue and involve other students such as poker, fishing or origami. Whatever the activity, NSU can help you set up the society. Simply email su.societies@northumbria.ac.uk and we’ll take you through our very easy set-up process. You can find more information about this on our website www.mynsu. co.uk/societies

If we don’t have the society you are looking for, then you can easily set up your own, new society. You may want to start a society based around your home country or culture for example, German Society or South American Society. You may have a hobby or interest 25

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT STUDENT COUNCIL

WRITTEN BY CAMERON GILES

If you’re new to Northumbria, or even if you’ve been around for a while, the Students’ Union can seem a bit unusual, here’s 7 things you may not know about one of the key parts of the SU. 1. It sets the direction of the SU. Council is the highest decision making group in the Students Union, alongside the trustees who have responsibility for financial and legal matters, which means Council decides which issues the union should push to improve for students. 2. Like its name suggests, its student led. Council currently has 34 seats, consisting of the five sabbatical officers who completed their degrees last year and were elected by students, and our team of part time officers including equality reps, faculty reps and the lay student councillors. 3. What it does is a little more complicated. Most of council is quite simple to understand, at meetings people discuss ideas and then there’s a vote to decide what should go ahead, but council is also responsible for making sure the sabbaticals are held accountable. Whilst some of this can seem complex at first, our chair of council will explain what’s happening during the meetings and we’re always happy to answer any questions. 4. But it’s not just the elected reps that come along. Any student can attend council, and speak on what’s important to them, it’s been made much easier for students to submit proposals using the new petition scheme.

Email su.democracy@northumbria.ac.uk if there’s something you’d like to see discussed. 5. It’s gonna get high tech This year will see Council get updated with electronic voting, and a new streaming service which will enable you to follow what was said at council without having to attend. 6. But it doesn’t do everything Council plays a crucial role in running the Students Union, but its not the only piece on the board, council fits into a bigger picture involving course reps, society and leadership committees, and the forums – which are now open to all students – the forums act as a discussion ground for the Students Union on everything from education to welfare, how students do in halls and the local community and equality issues. 7. There are plenty of ways to get involved As well at attending council, or the student forums, and speaking on what the SU should be doing for you. You can also have a say by joining council yourself, in the coming months there will be a by election for several roles on council which are currently open, there’ll also be the election for Northumbria’s NUS delegates, a team who take Northumbria national and work alongside council to make the changes that students want to see. If you’re really keen, come along to our first meeting on September 25th in Domain, and you could run to be our Chair of Council 2014-15. Information on all of these roles and more can be found at mynsu.co.uk or email su.democracy@northumbia.ac.uk if you want to find out more about getting involved. 27

You Said SU Did is our way of communicating back to you how we fight to make your time at university the best it can be. It covers a whole range of things, with some changes affecting a small group of students right through to issues that affect the entire student population. We are they key link between senior university staff who can make the change, and you, the students, who want the change. Every year we have ongoing campaigns to find out the student opinion on key problems. Recent examples are asking students about 24/7 hour opening in their university buildings, and how they feel about group work affecting their final degree mark. Some changes are a case of just asking the right people, but others mean running larger scale campaigns with help from you guys. It’s our job to make the changes you want to see, and this year we will be out every week asking you what you want. Throughout continuous asking we 28

have now secured water fountains in most buildings, and extra capacity on the Coach Lane Shuttle Bus at peak times. These things may seem minor, or not affect some students at all, but together they make Northumbria a better place to be. No matter what your problem is, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a problem your course rep can solve by speaking to a lecturer, right through to a university-wide campaign to make institutional change. Not everything can be done overnight, but getting in touch with us to talk about your issue is the first step in making Northumbria University your university – so what are you waiting for? • Contact details for your course reps can be found on My Northumbria • Contact details for equality reps can be found by emailing su.democracy@northumbria.ac.uk • Contact details for Sabbatical Officers can be found at the beginning of the magazine

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University News

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN

NEWCASTLE WHAT TO VISIT: CULTURE If daytime TV is already growing old, why not widen your horizons and explore some of the cultural attractions that the city of Newcastle is filled with? 1) BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art Not only does it hold exhibitions from leading contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, but the gallery also provides fantastic platforms up on the top floors, with panaromaic views across the whole the NewcastleGateshead cityscape. FREE 2) BODYWORLDS Vital; International Life Science Centre Catch the BODYWORLDS exhibition at the life science centre before it finishes on November 4th. Bringing together a collection of real human bodies, specimens, organs and body slices, BODYWORLDS Vital is an unforgettable experience. £9.50 pp 3) Beamish Museum Experience a real sense of your past and discover what life was like in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times at the living, working 30

Beamish Museum. £13 pp 4) City Sightseeing tour buses From from grand Georgian architecture to the iconic quayside, tour buses run regularly from key points across NewcastleGateshead, offering a hop-on hop-off service so visitors can take in the most popular sights and tourist attractions with knowledgeable insight and stories told in audio. £6 pp 5) Laing Gallery If you’re growing tired of GIFs on tumblr, the Laing gallery is always worth a visit for its impressive permanent collections of art and sculpture.

FREE

WHAT TO DO: LEISURE  The first couple of weeks can be quite overwhelming, so why not get out of the house and relax, whilst seeing what Newcastle has to offer? 1)Shopping Whether it be Eldon Square or the Metrocentre, Newcastle has a fantastic

array of shops, guaranteeing your student loan will be well spent…  2) Cinema With SaverDay Tuesdays at Vue cinema at The Gate, catch the latest films to hit the big screens without fretting about your bank balance!  3) Theatre Royal One of many theatres across Newcastle, Theatre Royal has played host to the biggest names in dance, drama, music and comedy. If watching a film just isn’t cutting it, why not book a few tickets with your friends and have a slice of live theatre in your life? 4) Jesmond Dene & Jesmond Vale parks Two of the five parks that make up Ouseburn Parks. Jesmond Dene is a beautiful wooded valley with much to see and do all through the year. Visit the animals in Pets’ Corner, stroll along the river, and enjoy the wildlife and many historical features in the park. 5) Sport No sports fan can be bored in the toon whether you’re cheering on Newcastle at St James’ Park, feeling adventurous at Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre or take a trip to Durham County Cricket Club, there’s always something to do in the North East.

WHAT TO EAT: RESTAURANTS  You can never go hungry in the

city of Newcastle – here are some of our favourite places to grab a bite… 1) The Herb Garden In an intimate setting, with unusual décor, this Italian will not disappoint. The pizza is fantastic and it’s reasonably priced – do you need anymore reason to visit? 2) Olive and Bean Tucked away in the city centre, this café sell some of the best cakes you may ever have laid your eyes on. Not the cheapest place you can go but once you take that first bite, you’ll know it’s so worth it. 3) Jam Jars The Jam Jar in Jesmond is housed within a contemporary space inspired by industry. With creatively displayed cocktails, and to die for American and UK food classics, you have to give this quirky food and drink venue a try. 4) Zapatista Burrito bar At Newcastle’s first ever Burrito bar, you’ll find some of the most delicious and fresh Mexican inspired food, that you’ll have ever tried. With the choice to eat in or take out, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your hunger in between lectures! 5) The Great British Cupcakery If you like cake(if you don’t – why?), then you have to visit this quaint coffee shop on the quayside – the only problem you might find is choosing which sweet treat to buy first… 31

Coffee and cake afternoon Wed 24th Sept 2014: Coach Lane Students’ Union Fri 26th Sept 2014: City Campus Students’ Union In aid of Macmillan, Northumbria Students’ Union are hosting a coffee and cake afternoon at both our City and Coach Lane campuses. Not only are we raising money and awareness for a fantastic cause, but it is guaranteed to be a great afternoon of coffee, tea, cakes and treats as well as games and great company! The only thing that is missing is you! Every coffee sold and every cake eaten will support the great work that Macmillan nurses do and help give someone facing cancer the support they need to feel more in control of their life! So come on In aid of:

and join us and take a break with some coffee and cake!

WE NEED YOU!

If you are a budding Betty Crocker and want to get involved and try your hand at baking, we would love to hear from you! So get in touch via email or facebook! Contact: Jenna: j.ingoe@northumbria.ac.uk Matthew: m. auden@northumbria. ac.uk our f: Macmillan Coffee and Cake Afternoon at Coach Lane f: Macmillan Coffee & Cake morning at NSU

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TRINITY WELCOMES FIRST STUDENTS INTO ‘LAP OF LUXURY’ Almost 1000 Northumbria students are settling in to the brand new Trinity Square development in Gateshead – and they’re already anticipating a student experience like no other.

The 993 bedroom accommodation has proved a popular choice among new and continuing students, which is no surprise considering the range of facilities and lifestyle on offer for Gateshead’s first student community. Prior to opening, the media were given a sneak-peek inside the self-contained flats and studio apartments, with the Evening Chronicle reporting that: “Students moving into the new Northumbria University accommodation in Gateshead this month can expect to live in the lap of luxury.” The media preview was also attended by one of Trinity’s first student residents, Rachel Kemp, a 2nd year Childhood Studies and Early Years student. Rachel said: “The main reason that I chose Trinity Square was the social aspect of it. There are so many facilities to use, such as the student hub, the gym and the outdoor space. The views are also fantastic.” 34

“The transport links to Newcastle and the city campus are also fantastic. Gateshead interchange is right on the doorstep meaning you can get to wherever you need to go.” The social spaces at Trinity Square were designed in consultation with Northumbria’s Students’ Union, who arranged focus groups with students to ensure that the designs reflected their needs. Jamie Thompson, VicePresident, Welfare and Equality said: “We wanted to make sure our students could be part of the excitement and tell us exactly what they wanted to see in student accommodation, and due to our partnership with Campus Services this was made possible. “The result was a huge mix of social spaces – quieter study and reading areas but balanced with media and gaming and even a cinema space. I think that students are going to have a fantastic time there and it can only encourage friendship building for our students – with something for absolutely everyone. I have no doubt the student community at Trinity Square will be one of the best at Northumbria.” The wider Trinity Square development, immediately below the accommodation, also features a Vue Cinema, Tesco store, Frankie and Benny’s, Nando’s and local skateboarding shop, Skate Shack – giving students access to a mix of high street and independent retailers. For more information about Trinity Square’s availability in 2015, please email: rc.accommodation@ northumbria.ac.uk

INTRODUCING UPAY – THE SMARTER WAY TO PAY ON CAMPUS Pay for food, drinks and shopping at Northumbria University using your Smart Card or Smart Phone For use across restaurants, delis, cafes and shops on campus* £5 FREE when you sign up and load £20 into your account Earn points towards further savings Students will be able to pay for food, drinks and shopping on campus using their University Smart card or Smart Phone from the start of the new academic year. UPAY - a free, convenient and easyto-use system eliminates the need to carry cash around and works by uploading money from your bank account to your UPAY account accessible via University Smart card / Smart Phone.

1. Click REGISTER MY UPAY CHILLI ACCOUNT 2. Enter ‘NORTH’ as the affiliate ID 3. Enter your University computer user ID 4. Shop! Crediting and managing your account Once you have opened your account, the quickest and easiest way to top up is online at www.upaychilli.com where you can also: • view your statement and current balance to keep track of your spending • set your credit or debit card to automatically top up your account when your balance reaches a pre-determined limit, so that you always have money in your account • set an email reminder to be sent when your balance reaches a predetermined limit If you need help with obtaining your User ID, please contact Campus Services at: cr.hospitality@ northumbria.ac.uk For further information on UPAY Chilli please refer to the UPAY user guide & FAQ available online at: www.upaychilli. com *Not available at Londis or Habita

Parents can even transfer credit to your UPAY account on your behalf. Once you have signed up to this safe and secure new service, you will be able to manage your account quickly and easily via your mobile phone and online.

Four simple steps to open your account at www.upaychilli.com

University News

HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES! BACK OF THE NET FOR NORTHUMBRIA GRADUATE Tom Pilkington has scored for his dream job after graduating from Northumbria University - helping with the design of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup stadiums. The Building Services Engineering graduate joined engineering firm AECOM UK team after leaving University last July. Working with Zaha Hadid Architects, AECOM are designing the Al Wakrah stadium for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and this became Tom’s first project for the firm. “They say you always remember the first project of your career and that couldn’t be more true in my case,” said Tom. “I’ll certainly never forget working on a FIFA World Cup stadium.” Hosting the World Cup in Qatar has attracted a lot of media attention already, with news reports expressing concern over the high temperatures the players will have to endure. Tom has been involved in the strategy and design of the cooling systems within the stadium, which will emit cooler air across the playing surface to aid the players. Northumbria’s Building Services Engineering degree specialises in designing the systems which buildings need to operate effectively, including heating, lighting, air conditioning and electrical systems. 36

Tom credits his time at Northumbria as preparing him for work in this competitive industry: “My course definitely set me up for work in the architectural engineering sector. “As part of my degree, I had the opportunity to go on a placement year and I would recommend it to anyone – it definitely made me more employable after graduation as well as improving my final year grades. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the industry and set yourself apart early in your career.” Lawrence Hughes, Programme Leader for Building Services Engineering, said he is very proud of Tom’s achievements: “Tom is one example of how graduates of the programme are highly valued within the industry. It is extremely gratifying to hear that Tom is playing an important role in such a major project within a year of graduation.” Northumbria works with 560 employers and 60 professional bodies to ensure students, like Tom, are given the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience and boost their employability. This is just one of the reasons why Northumbria is Top Ten in the UK for the number of graduates entering professional employment. For more information about Engineering programmes at Northumbria University go to: www. northumbria.ac.uk/engineering