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Our NEW lifestyle pullout
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epigram
Fortnightly September 27 2019
est. 1988
Issue 340
Epigram / Will Charley
The University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper
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he first ‘Meat Free Monday’ took place in catered accommodation on Monday September 23 for the second breakfast and dinner served since new students arrived for Freshers’ Week. Instead of the usual meat and two veg, students will be offered only vegetarian and vegan meals on this day of the
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Bemrose pledged in his manifesto to ‘work with the University to reach their goal of being Carbon Neutral by 2030’. According to Darren Tooley, Acting Head of Catering for the University, the meals offered on Mondays have smaller carbon footprints than those with meat and the cost of the ingredients hasn’t changed. ‘We have thought about doing
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Policy now in all Uni accommodation as part of sustainability drive week, with meat substitutes, such as jackfruit, tofu and banana blossom, featuring heavily on the revamped menu. September 30 is also the first Monday when no meat was served in Bristol SU’s Balloon Bar. This change comes after the University declared a Climate Emergency earlier this year and SU Student Living Officer George
News Digital Editor
Meat Free Mondays for a while, but it was George Bemrose’s advocacy which made us decide to go for it. He really pushed for the policy and has plans to promote it so that it would be a success.’ ‘Having the scheme start from the beginning of the year was so students can get used to it, as was using posters to explain why we’re doing it.’
Meat Free Mondays in catered halls
News Subeditor
Olivia Beatson
Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that on average students at the University of Bristol wait 52 days to access support, while the national average is 15 days. Former health minister and mental health campaigner Sir Norman Lamb revealed that in the academic year of 2018/19 University of Bristol students waited three times longer than other students to gain support for mental health problems. The FOI revealed that the national average waiting time was 15 days, whereas at Bristol Uni this rose to 52. Speaking about mental health at a panel discussion at the University, Sir Norman called for a mental health charter and a ‘zero suicide’ pledge to be made by the University of Bristol. The FOI revealed an increase in referral rates for mental health problems in Bristol from 2,141 in the academic year 2014-15, to 3,287 in 2017-18. At the same time Bristol saw a decrease in counsellors employed by the University from 8.6 in 2015 to 7 in 2019. Despite this however, there was also an increase in the University’s spending on the provision of student welfare.
‘Green Generation’: Bristol students protest with schoolkids and residents as part of the first global climate strike, page 6
Ellie Brown
Bristol Uni counselling waiting times triple average
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Editorial
epigram 27.09.2019
Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor
Imogen Horton Patrick Sullivan Will Charley
Digital Editor Tom Taylor Deputy Digital Editor Bethany Marris epionlineeditor@gmail.com
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very year, a few thousand students are welcomed into Bristol. Little do you know, you will fall in love with this wonderful, quirky city. It is a fast moving, desirable space which is rapidly growing - no thanks to the student population. Our university is the second fastest growing city in the UK and plenty of graduates stay here after their degrees too, all for the perfect balance of cultural activity, green spaces, and urban convenience, topped with a sprinkle of everlasting Bristolian independence. As this growth continues, debates continue as to whether this swelling city can withstand the barrage of interest spilling out of London. The accommodation story on Page 8 stemmed from a Reddit post Isaac sent me titled ‘Homeless Fresher’. When I arrived here as a fresher in 2015, I didn’t think twice about my place in halls, but I noticed the stark contrast between those on the streets compared to my deadbeat Midlands hometown. While ‘homeless’ is a sensational adjective to use, it’s a reminder of a problem beyond students and also proves the importance of ‘home’ especially during such a big move to university. The rotation and confusion of the phrases ‘home home’ and ‘uni home’ will persist throughout first year, but somewhere between then and now being in my fifth year, I dropped the ‘uni’ and Bristol became simply ‘home’. It’s the little things that will help you get there and feeling comfortable with flatmates and your halls is one of them. Finding both staff and fellow students you can open to is another, and a theme throughout this first edition of the newspaper. Coincidently, it was only after a year in industry working in Cwmbran - living in the now relevant Newport - when I returned with the confidence in my place at university. I’d always loved Bristol as a city and enjoyed my part-time work, but it took a year of far-too-peaceful confinement in the Welsh valleys to appreciate the level of opportunities within university life. Therefore my greatest recommendation to anyone starting: find your home comforts and then get stuck in as early as possible!
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he start of anything new can be scary. Exciting too, of course, but being thrown into a place unfamilar, with unkown people always brings its challenges. Although I’m not starting University, this year I have my own ‘new’ hurdles: becoming co-Editor of Epigram, preparing for my dissertation and final year and a new house. These little things can make even the most confident among us uneasy so with all the celebrations of Freshers’ remember that its perfectly normal to feel out of your depth and even more normal to have no idea what you’re supposed to be doing - I certainly didn’t! In the spirit of celebrating all things new, we’re introducing the latest change to the Epigram brand - our first ever A4 pullout. Although the whole team is immensely pleased with the final product there’s still nerves about changing something thats been in production for 30 years. They may say ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, but I think no matter how good something is, whether your schooldays or the the middle pages of our paper, there always comes a time when it’s right to move on. Life’s too short not to experience everything you can, so as scary as new things can be try to take that leap of faith and just immerse yourself in everything the coming years have to offer. Looking forward, once the nerves have disappeared, these next few years will be some of your best. Make the most of the new places and new people and in this first issue - you’ll find more than enough ideas. From trying the best student deals (page 9) to deciding if intramural sport is the one for you (page 32), from music to film, we’ve (hopefully) included everything you might want to try. Epigram is the independent student newspaper of the University of Bristol. The views expressed in this publication are not those of the University or the Students’ Union. The design, text and photographs are copyright of Epigram and its individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission. Printed by: Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd. Winship Road, Milton Cambridge, CB24 6PP
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Goldman Sachs to fund Bristol Uni students resilience training •
One in three Bristol students have experienced mental health problems Students’ mental health will be prepared for the workplace
Isaac Haigh
Investigations Correspondent
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he University of Bristol is to receive support from a new programme called ‘Mentally Healthy Universities’, delivered by mental health charity Mind and funded by Goldman Sachs. The scheme will be delivered to 6,000 students across ten universities in the next two years. Students will receive training focusing on developing skills and resilience to address transitional moments in students’ lives that can bring added challenges and pressures. Final year
students will receive ‘workplace wellbeing workshops’ and ‘resilience training’. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the number of students who disclosed a mental health condition almost doubled between 2012 and 2015 to nearly 45,000. However, national figures suggest that mental health difficulties within higher education are currently underreported as just one in 125 students and around one in 500 staff have disclosed a mental health condition to their university. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said they are ‘really excited’ to be working with Goldman Sachs. ’We know that both students and staff face many pressures unique to the university environment. This timely opportunity allows us to deliver a
programme that responds to the needs of university communities, building on good practice within
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Students will receive training focussed on developing skills and resilience to address transitional moments in students’ lives.
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the sector, to ensure everyone with a mental health problem receives support and respect.’ This comes after a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) submitted by Sir Norman Lamb revealed the average University of Bristol counselling waiting time is 52 days, over three times above the national average of 15 days. The University-wide,
anonymous wellbeing survey completed by 5,700 students in 2018 revealed that one in three Bristol students have experienced a diagnosed mental health problem. It also found that 80 per cent of students had visited a doctor since starting their degrees and that poor mental health was more prevalent in marginalised groups. Richard Gnodde, CEO of Goldman Sachs International, stated the transition into the workforce from university is ‘often a challenging and pressurised time’ for young people. ‘We believe employers have an important role to play in changing attitudes towards mental health through providing support, resources and open conversation around an often stigmatised subject. We look forward to supporting Mind and
these universities in launching this critical programme.’ Goldman Sachs is a major recruiter of graduates from the University of Bristol. The programme is being funded by a significant group of Goldman Sachs partners in Europe, through the Goldman Sachs Gives programme, who have committed £1.5 million in initial funding with an intention to scale up over time. Bristol University’s Pro ViceChancellor for student experience Sarah Purdy said: ‘We hope that by equipping students and staff with the tools and knowledge needed to support their mental health we’ll be helping them to have the best university experience possible, as well as giving them vital skills for after they graduate.’
‘It is completely unacceptable
Bristol SU part of national Student some unis are cutting funding’: mental health waiting Minds Programme • •
Bristol is pioneering a new programme, with seven other universities In partnership with students’ mental health charity Launched at Leeds University
Maggie Sawant
Students’ Union Correspondent
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ristol SU is one of eight Students’ Unions across the UK that have become early adopters of Student Minds’ new support programme. The three-year programme aspires to define and develop the role SUs can play in improving student mental health. It seeks to establish a mental health and wellbeing network, a selfaudit framework, and an in-house support programme, which aim to foster a unified approach to mental health and wellbeing across the participating SUs. The early adopters will create and test different approaches that aim to improve student experience. George Bemrose, Bristol SU’s
Student Living Officer, travelled up to the University of Leeds for the launch of the programme. ‘Being a part of this exciting new project will really allow us to help transform the support for student’s mental health and learn from other Unions across the country. The launch event was super useful to
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The three-year programme aspires to define and develop the role SUs can play in improving student mental health
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be able understand the different approaches, opinions and even the problems that other Students’ Unions face. I’m looking forward to working with Student Minds and the other Students’ Unions throughout this year.’ Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. It aims to give students the knowledge, confidence
and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and provoke change. Ellie Leopold, Chair of Bristol SU Wellbeing Network, also attended the event and is looking forward to working with Student Minds. ‘The launch event opened my eyes to the scale and severity of the nationwide need to effectively and compassionately support students with their mental health. ‘Bristol is not alone in the problems that the University has, and continues to, face. ‘In spite of this, I felt empowered and excited by the number and diversity of people that I met at this event alone, that were all completely committed to making a difference.’ ‘I really believe that together, with the help of Student Minds, Bristol and the ten other SUs engaged in the early development of a toolkit for supporting student mental health, can and will be instrumental in forming a new way for society to look at how we look after ourselves. I hope that with this toolkit, all SUs across the country will also be empowered to make a difference.’
times
Continued from front page... ‘When the prevalence of mental ill-health among students is increasing, it is completely unacceptable that some universities are cutting funding. We should be seeing sustained increases - after all, mental health has historically been way underfunded,’ said Sir Norman, speaking about his research and the national situation. Many of the 110 universities that responded to the FOI said that they did not keep a record of statistics such as waiting times or budgets, meaning that the national picture might be different in actuality. On Monday September 16, the University of Bristol revealed that it has signed up to a new £1.5 million
programme created by the national mental health charity MIND with the intent of helping 3rd year students complete their final year and transition to the working world. The University also stated that reducing waiting times is a priority and hope that the introduction of the Wellbeing Advisors and a Residential Life model will enable this. ‘The mental health and wellbeing of our students is a key priority,’ The University of Bristol stated. ‘Our whole institution approach aims to support our students’ wellbeing during their transition into university life and throughout their time with us, as well as helping them build life skills and resilience to cope with pressures they face.’
epigram 27.09.2019
4 News
‘We felt there was a clear mandate Bristol Big Give has big success from the student body’
Continued from the front page...
‘It’s important that students don’t feel they’re being denied something for no reason. ‘The chefs are enjoying the challenge of cooking without meat. There are more opportunities to be creative with it, and some have been having competitions.’ ‘As well as the University’s own sustainability targets, we felt there was a clear mandate from the student body to introduce the policy.’ Results from the SU’s ‘Food For Thought’ survey in 2018 said a third of Bristol students did not eat meat that year. Meanwhile only 24 per cent thought the University catered for their dietary requirements. George Bemrose told Epigram these findings also influenced the decision to go ahead with Meat Free Mondays. George Bemrose said: ‘When I started my role, I thought I would have to really fight for this policy. I was surprised and delighted by how supportive the
lunch that day [since weekday lunches aren’t provided by catered halls].’ There are currently no plans to formally measure the success of the scheme, although Bristol SU agrees that
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Annual city-wide campaign Over £330,820 raised by Bristol students 184,700kg waste saved from landfill
Isaac Haigh
Investigations Correspondent
The chefs enjoyed the challenge of cooking without meat. There are more opportunities to be creative with it, and some have been having competitions
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this is needed. Catering menus operate on a five-week cycle, so there could be a delay before any negative feedback is addressed. Overall, George Bemrose is confident in the policy: ‘Due to the climate emergency, attitudes to meat eating have changed in the last couple of years. Young people today are much more understanding than other generations. ‘Hopefully this will improve students’ awareness of the sustainability issues surrounding meat and show them that it’s possible to reduce their intake – even if it’s just two meals a week.’
he Bristol Big Give is an annual city-wide campaign organised by a partnership between the University of Bristol, University of West England, Bristol City Council and Bristol Waste Company. Targeting over 50,000 students across the city at the end of the academic year, donation points were placed across campuses, halls and residential areas. High numbers
of students provided donations such as clothing and books. Over £330,820 was raised during their latest campaign and 184,700kg of waste was prevented from going to landfill following the fifth year of the campaign to reduce waste and fundraise for charity. Each week, 11 million items end up in landfills with one new shirt emitting more, on average, than driving a car 35 miles. Three-fifths of all clothing items end up in an incinerator or landfill within a year of being produced. Donations will go to the British Heart Foundation amongst other charities. The money raised is enough to fund 13,232 hours of research at the British Heart Foundation.
Epigram / Shona Murray
News and Features Subeditor
University of Bristol
Ellie Brown
staff were, and didn’t expect it to be introduced so soon. ‘There is always more that can be done of course. Other universities, such as Cambridge and Goldsmiths, have removed beef and lamb from all catering outlets on campus. ‘There are motions at others to ban meat completely – although personally I think this would be too radical. ‘Meat Free Mondays are a more gradual change. Though it does reduce the carbon emissions of catering at halls, and students affected will only be having two meals a week without meat. If they feel they’re missing out, there is always the option of having meat for
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• Move encouraged by Bristol SU Officer, George Bemrose • Catered halls to serve no meat on Mondays to residents
Four Bristol SU Living Rooms to be launched in halls across the city Maggie Sawant SU Correspondent
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ollowing the success of the SU Living Room in Senate House, new Living Rooms
will be opened in four university halls in time for Freshers’ Week. The new Living Rooms will open in University Hall, Clifton Hill House, Manor Hall and Hiatt Baker. Each will have comfortable seating,
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The success of the Bristol SU Living Room in Senate House has shown us that students really need and want spaces where they can relax
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Bristol SU
‘Bristol SU is committed to providing students with more student owned space at the University and the creation of Living Rooms in residences is part of this initiative. ‘Many students in halls of residence do not have a communal space to relax or socialise in their halls and we also want to provide students with more alcohol-free spaces to meet one
space for activities and access to tea and coffee making facilities, as in Senate House. Ellie Brown, a third year Politics and Sociology student, told Epigram: ‘I loved going to the SU living room last year. The bookshelves, plants and cushions give it a really chilled vibe and it’s a great place for societies to
another.’ The SU Living Room is very popular, meeting the demand for a place on campus where studying is not the focus, and for more spaces to eat food brought from home. There are also plans to enable those who live in halls without the new living rooms to access them, though these plans are yet to be confirmed.
hold events.’ A spokesperson from Bristol SU said: ‘The success of the Bristol SU Living Room in Senate House has shown us that students really need and want spaces at university where they can relax, unwind and just “be”.
Bristol SU
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Four Bristol SU Living Rooms to be launched in halls Living Rooms to be available to all students living in halls
Bristol SU
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27.09.2019 epigram
News 5 Bristol University engineering University of Bristol sees unprecedented growth course ranked best in the country The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
since cap on recruitment lifted in 2015 • • •
UoB second most expanded uni in the UK since 2015 New entrants rose by 14% New applicants rose by 6%
Isaac Haigh
Investigations Correspondent
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he University of Bristol is the second fastest growing university in the country by number of new undergraduates following the University of Exeter. In 2015, the Conservative Government uncapped university places. New figures in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 suggest Bristol University has expanded significantly since then. This year, new entrants were up by 730 students, a rise of 14 per cent, whilst applications were up just six per cent. This follows the news this September that over 200 first year students were unable to be offered accommodation after the University ran out of space. Last week, it was announced that
all students had been offered places in halls, either in Bristol or at the University’s veterinary campus in Langford. Many students are also doubting whether or not libraries or lecture hall spaces can keep up. The University has also pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. At a University Management Team meeting in July this year, the minutes state that the Admissions team were ‘asking Deans and Heads of School to consider stretching numbers on individual programmes where space, student experience and other factors means we can accommodate more students.’ This summer, Epigram found that 90 courses were offered through Clearing including Chemistry, Physics and Classics. Bristol University is currently building the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which will house 953 more students. The University of Bristol was not available for comment at the time of publication.
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Bristol University now 15th best university in the UK UoB has risen fourplaces nationally UWE Bristol beat UoB in student experience and teaching quality
Will Charley Deputy Editor
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he University of Bristol has risen four places to become 15th best university in the UK, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. It has also risen two places to become 49th best university in the world according to the same source. By contrast, Bristol’s other university, the University of West England (UWE) has remained 58th best university in the UK and 751st in the world. The University of Bristol was also awarded Silver by the Teaching Excellence Framework for student satisfaction for overall experience and for teaching quality, both of which have improved since they were rated last year. However, the Guide noted that ‘low levels of student satisfaction… [was] the University’s undoing’, although it did note that this was an issue across much of the
industry. Engineering Design at Bristol University was also rated the best general engineering course in the UK, beating all others around Britain. Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, among others have courses in this category. The Bristol course received 100 per cent student satisfaction in the National Student Survey, run earlier this year. The Good University Guide 2020 also ranked Bristol University 4th for graduate prospects, 5th for Firsts and 2:1s, and 6th for research quality. By contrast, UWE was ranked 64th, 63rd and 69th respectively. Bristol University also performed well for its ‘completion rate’, coming 7th in the UK with a percentage of 95.8. However, the Guide revealed that the University does not succeed
as well as UWE in student experience and teaching quality. Whereas UWE was rated 6th for student experience and 11th for teaching quality, Bristol University was marked up as 87th and 89th respectively. The Good University Guide 2020 is based on nine indicators. These are student satisfaction with teaching quality; wider student experience; research quality; graduate prospects; entrance qualifications held by new students; degree results achieved; student/staff ratios; service and facilities spend and degree completion rates. Full information can be found on The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 website. The University of Bristol was not available for comment at the time of publication.
‘Deeply disappointing’: Bristol University bottom ten in England and Wales for social inclusivity • • •
34.1% of UoB students are privately educated 4.6% of UoB students are from ‘deprived areas’ Bristol University was ranked 110 for social inclusivity
Will Charley Deputy Editor
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ver a third of students at the University of Bristol are from independent schools, according to figures obtained by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. The Guide ranks Bristol University as one of the ten least socially inclusive universities in England and Wales. This year the University consists of 52.9 per cent of students from state schools. The University of Bristol also has more than double the number of students from independent schools than grammar schools. Whilst 13 per cent of students attending the University are from grammar schools, 34.1 per cent are from independent schools. Bristol University also has fourpoint-six per cent of students from ‘deprived areas’, according to the
Guide. These statistics on diversity and inclusion mean Bristol University is number 110 on the rankings, and in the bottom ten in the Guide’s social inclusivity table for England and Wales. By contrast, Bristol’s other university, the University of West England (UWE) is ranked 74 for social inclusion. Of UWE’s 28,789 students, just sixpoint-one percent attended private schools. The vast majority of students at UWE are from state schools, totalling 90.6 per cent. A further three-pointfour per cent are from grammar schools. The University of West England’s student body also contains more individuals from ‘deprived areas’, with 14.8 per cent, more than triple the number at the University of Bristol. Last weekend at the Labour Party annual conference, members voted for the party to include a higher education social inclusion pledge in their manifesto. Specifically, members voted for universities to accept independent
school students only in proportion with the national average- currently seven per cent. This is hoped to improve social inclusion amongst the higher education industry but Rob Porter, President of the Bristol University Conservative Association has called it ‘spiteful’ and ‘insane’. Alice Chancellor is President of The 93% Club Bristol, a group seeking to represent non-privately educated students at the University of Bristol. She told Epigram that: ‘It’s deeply disappointing to see that once again, the University of Bristol has failed to improve the socio-economic inclusivity of its student intake. This embarrassing statistic highlights the continuation of an admissions process that actively discourages students who do not
fit the well-established UoB profile; namely that of financial privilege and a private education. ‘While this is a systemic issue found in Russell Group universities across the country, it is clear that UoB urgently needs to implement measures to improve the diversity of its student body. ‘The 93% Club is currently working to improve the experience of state school students at the University and encouraging local teenagers from low-income schools to have the confidence to apply to university.’ A spokesperson for the University of Bristol said: ‘In the five years to 2018/19, there has been a 93 per cent increase in the University’s intake from students attending the lowest performing
schools (637 to 1,230). We expect to be welcoming 1,578 students from these schools over the next week. ‘In addition, pupils from state schools are expected to make up 71 per cent of our new undergraduates for the upcoming 2019/20 academic year – an increase of 3.6 per cent on this stage last year - and our flagship two-grade lower contextual offer is having a transformative impact on the social diversity of our student community. ‘While state school numbers are an interesting marker, we have made the decision to prioritise school performance rather than school type in our admissions system as we recognise the large discrepancies in performance at state schools.’
epigram 27.09.2019
6 News: In Pictures
Bristolians take to the streets in first Global Climate Strike Will Charley Deputy Editor
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Epigram/WillCharley
Epigram/WillCharley
Epigram/WillCharley
Epigram/Topaz Maitland
n Friday September 20, Bristol city centre was swamped with colourful and creative marchers calling for climate justice. Environmental protesters marched across Bristol, making speeches on College Green and by the Victoria Fountains. The protesters called on the Government and ordinary people to ‘act now’, reducing the harmful effects of global warming. Those campaigning in Bristol were part of a wider movement, which held protests around the world today. This is the first globally organised climate strike. A second protest is planned for Friday, 27 September. The movement is known as the Global Climate Strike and claims to have produced environmental protests in 150 countries. Below are a selection of photos taken by Epigram’s editors from across the city. A student who dropped out of Bristol University to focus on Extinction Rebellion gave a speech at the protest. ‘We are in a World-War-Two-like situation, we need to pull up our sleeves and get to it, we need to be digging up gardens and growing our own vegetables.’
Tokyo World: Ravers avoid rainfall Olivia Beatson Digital News Editor
Epigram / Livi Player
Epigram / Livi Player
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astville Park was transformed last weekend, 21-22 September, for the annual Tokyo World Festival. Those attending on Saturday had the sun on their side with temperatures reaching up to 24 degrees. Headliners on the first day of the festival, a favourite among students, included Gorgon City and Hannah Wants. Despite forecasts of heavy rain, Sunday was not a wash out, and festival goers were able to watch Craig David and My Nu Leng and remain relatively dry. Boasting five stages of live music, a range of food stalls and bars, Tokyo World is one of the biggest events of the year for Bristol. Some photos taken by Epigram’s editors who attended the event illustrate the size and popularity of the festival.
27.09.2019 epigram
News 7
Student lawyers Homeless charity to provide free donations go legal aid at inquests contactless • •
‘New tap-to-donate scheme is a great initiative’ New donation site on Queens Road Replaces need for cash
Caitlin Price Chief Proofreader
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new contactless donation point for homeless charities has opened up on Queen’s Road. With cards replacing cash for many people, the initiative may prove to be a breakthrough for supporting the homeless of Bristol. Nationally, the use of cash payments has been rapidly falling and is predicted to fall further in the years to come. According to The Guardian, in 2006 cash accounted for 62 per cent of all transactions, with this falling to 40 per cent in 2017 and by 2026 cash is expected to account for only 21 per cent of all purchases. In 2018 The Guardian reported that Bristol’s Rough Sleeping Partnership (RSP) reacted to the changing spending habits of the public by opening two contactless donation stations in the city’s shopping area
that receive donations of £2. The partnership led by St Mungo’s and including the Julian Trust, Crisis Centre Ministries, Caring in Bristol and the Golden Key Programme later established a further donation station on the waterfront. Kathryn Lacy, a regional funding manager for St Mungo’s informed The Guardian that ‘from May to November [the terminals] raised, on average, £370 each a month. That’s considerably more than a small cash collection tin would have been able to do.’
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The new contactless payment site aims to broaden the reach of the initiative across Bristol
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The new contactless payment site, located outside Waitrose and opposite Beacon House on Queen’s Road, aims to broaden the reach of the initiative across Bristol, tapping into the increasing use of cards over
cash. It is in a convenient location for University of Bristol students and the Bristol Homelessness Society commented that ‘the new tap-todonate scheme is a great initiative, as it makes donating to homelessness charities so convenient, especially for students who don’t know how else they can help. Donations go straight to charities who are focused on preventing homelessness rather than just treating the symptoms of it, which is another step in the right direction for Bristol, as the mission is always to reduce the number of people on the streets.’ Epigram reported in March the number of individuals coming into contact with Bristol City Council’s rough sleeping teams rose 23 per cent from 2017 to 2018, which is a higher rate of increase than the national average of 14 per cent. In 2018 there were a reported 951 rough sleepers in Bristol. The contactless donation points aim to ensure that the homeless charities of Bristol continue to bring in enough donations to support their work, despite the overwhelming move from cash to cards.
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Free legal aid will be provided to families The move is the first of its kind at a UK University It is hoped the offer will allow those who may not have usually been able to afford to seek justice to do so Students will be supervised by a specialist qualified solicitor, Sumayyah Malna
Benjamin Salmon Deputy News Editor
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he University of Bristol’s student-run Law Clinic will start providing legal advice and representation for bereaved families at inquests. In a move that is a first of its kind at a British university, the Clinic aims to provide free legal counsel to families who have lost students and has already taken on its first case. Supervised by Sumayyah Malna, a qualified solicitor and specialist in inquests, law students will provide the advice, which is not automatically available during inquests.
Speaking to The Times, Ms Malna said ‘We hope our team will address this imbalance, and look forward to receiving any referrals or expressions of interest from potential clients.’ It is hoped that the offer of counsel will encourage bereaved parents who would not have otherwise pursued cases due to financial constraints to feel they can access justice. Matt Bennett, a law postgraduate and participant in the project, also said that government legal aid cuts created an ‘uneven playing field’ where families often find it hard to find answers after the death of their loved ones. ‘We hope that by using this experience to launch this new service, we will improve access to justice for bereaved families.’ The University of Bristol’s Law Clinic is one of the largest in the South-West and is a growing source of pro bono legal aid for many across the region who would not otherwise be able to access expensive legal counsel. In the 2017/18 academic year, the Clinic received 300 enquiries and took on over 200 cases.
University running events to help students with final move from Google •
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Google accounts will be closed from October 15 Final help session on October 2 to assist safe migration of files Affects all students who started in 2017 or earlier
Now though, attentions have been turned to protecting the work of students stored on their University Google Drive accounts
Patrick Sullivan co-Editor-in-Chief
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niversity of Bristol Google accounts will be closing for current students on October 15 with the University offering help sessions to minimise the risk of losing work. Digital Bristol, the University team organising the switch from Google to Microsoft services, will host a Q&A
style session on October 2 to help students manage the transition, with less than two weeks before the closure of Google accounts on October 15. Back in December 2018, Epigram reported on the IT migration plan of older students after new entry
students in 2018/19 were not provided with Google accounts. Over the course of the year, students who started in 2017 or earlier switched from Gmail to Outlook but they have still been able to access other Google services, such as Google Drive.
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In July, Digital Bristol performed a ‘forced’ migration on all students remaining on Gmail after many failed to take up earlier opportunities to move across at a time of their choice. A spokesperson for the team said the mass migration was a ‘smooth
exercise’. Now though, attentions have been turned to protecting the work of students stored on their University Google Drive accounts. There is guidance available online but many staff are worried students are unaware of the impending closure of accounts. Digital Bristol ran multiple information sessions throughout the last academic year, and resumed them on September 25. The next one on October 2 will be the final session and students can expect help on using services such as Takeout Transfer to move all their documents to another Google account, their University OneDrive or another storage solution.
8 News in Brief
epigram 27.09.2019
Patrick Sullivan Co-Editor in Chief
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n 9 September, Epigram reported that over 200 new undergraduate students were still looking for accommodation after missing out on University of Bristol owned or managed halls of residence. The University offered them places on their Langford campus, outside of the city, and in a third party ‘Commute and Save’ residence in Newport, Wales. After the article was published, representatives from senior management and Bristol Student’s Union supported the Accommodation Office in efforts to secure appropriate accommodation for each student affected. The University told Epigram that by September 16 all first-year students
were offered places in Bristol or Langford and that ‘unless a student has chosen to stay in Newport they will not need to consider this as an option’. Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro VC Student Experience, said: ‘For a very small number of students the accommodation offer we make will be a temporary solution but in the coming weeks, as we receive further student deferrals and withdrawals, we will be able to offer long-term accommodation to this small group.’ At a House Search event hosted by the Accommodation Office on September 17, attendees were supported in finding and applying for private rentals by University staff and SU Living Officer George Bemrose, who has been in contact with affected students throughout and attended to ‘support students through this horrible situation’.
Bristol Labour Students disaffiliate from Labour Students National group SU Correspondent
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he University of Bristol’s Labour society has chosen to disaffiliate from Labour Students National alongside at least 12 other university groups, in protest of how the organisation handled their recent elections at the AGM in May. Bristol Labour Students described the annual elections for Labour Students National committee members as a ‘sham’ and the handling of the vote as ‘undemocratic’. Only 250 of the organisation’s 20,000 members were able to vote. Bristol Labour Students also said they ‘received next to no support or communication from them in years’ from the national group. Labour Students National is the autonomous student wing of the national Labour Party. It consists of affiliated college and university clubs, known as Labour Clubs. Since more than 13 Labour Clubs have disaffiliated due to discontent, less than a third of University Labour Clubs across the country remain attached to Labour Students National. In addition, the few students in eligible Clubs were required to pay an additional fee to Labour Students National in order to cast their vote. Bristol Labour Students also claim that the elections were run to ‘tight deadlines’, that details of the process were ‘incredibly poorly communicated to local Clubs’ and that many of those who registered did not receive a ballot. Labour Students National are said to have acknowledged these electoral
failings yet have not provided an explanation. They have also refused to publish both the turnout of the elections and a breakdown of the votes. Bristol Labour Students (BLS) asserts that these elections are the ‘final straw’ for the Club, stating that the organisation has provided only limited support over the years, has failed to run ‘tangible campaigns’ and does not ‘serve any observable purpose’. Brody Anderson, a BLS committee member, told Epigram: ‘Our decision in no way affects our relationship with the Labour Party, local Party branches, and other University Clubs. We look forward to working with these groups in the months to come. ‘We will continue to collaborate with fellow University Labour Clubs to organise events and campaigns, in the hope of driving for a national organisation which can represent student members fairly, pushing for equality and social justice.’ On September 17 Jon Lansman, the founder of Momentum, led a successful bid to effectively abolish Labour Students. The motion said Labour Students had not paid affiliation fees but this was disputed by Rania Ramli, Labour Students’ chair, who stated this was not the case. It is expected that Labour Students will legally challenge this decision.
Will Charley
Bristol club that is swapping cash tickets for political signatures. The owners of Deputy Editor Lakota were unavailable for comment ours before the event ‘B*llocks at the time of publication. to Boris’ on the September Rob Porter, Chairman of the Bristol 30, the club announced a University Conservative Association, ‘change of plan’ on its Facebook page, told Epigram: ending the sale of monetary tickets for ‘At an event called “B*llocks to Boris!” the night. Rather than charging the £3 it is perhaps not hugely surprising that plus booking fee that some club-goers Lakota turns out, shock horror, to not had already paid, Lakota made entry be the biggest fans of the Conservative free on condition that attendees signed Party. [...] Sadly, it’s a bit of a waste of a petition calling for a reversal of the time given that the anti-prorogation Conservative Government’s decision to petition won’t be able to be debated prorogue Parliament. because Parliament will be prorogued. Currently, the petition has over ‘We look forward to the inevitable 1,723,518 signatures. The constituency “B*llocks to Corbyn” event. We’ve even Bristol West has the largest numbers seen a petition that could go alongside of signatures, with 12,084 at the time it. “Jeremy Corbyn in Love Island”. It of writing. Whilst this is in line with might give him some semblance of previous anti-Brexit petitions such being relevant.’ as ‘Revoke Article 50’, where Bristol Lakota does not have any upcoming V Cars Bristol Uni Epigram 131x170mm.pdf 1 17/09/2019 09:58:35 West again had the highest numbers of explicitly political events showing on signatures, Lakota appears to be the first their website.
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Uni spend £20k renaming Senate House John Stack
Second Year, Maths and Philosophy
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Freedom of Information request by The Mail on Sunday has revealed that the renaming of Senate House cost the University at least £20,000, despite the name remaining the same. Nearly all of the money spent by the University is believed to have been used on external consultancies. The design and delivery of a student ‘street survey’ cost £9,656.50 and was outsourced to a ‘strategic management’ firm. Around £10,000 is also believed to have gone to a communications agency, for its ‘specialist support’ and research. Around two per cent of the student population took part in shortlisting popular potential names. A street survey of five per cent of the student population resulted in Senate House being chosen by 22 per cent of surveyed students, followed by Student Hub (11 per cent), Jo Cox Building (10 per cent) and Campus Heart (10 per cent). In partnership with:
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Maggie Sawant
Epigram / Maggie Sawant
Over 200 students affected ‘B*llocks to Boris’: Bristol club enforces anti-government by lack of accommodation petition
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Bristol’s best student discounts!
We give the lowdown on all the discounts and free offers available for students around Bristol and online
Oliver Cohen Digital Editor
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pending £9000 plus a year on an education can make you wince at the thought, not least if you are taking out student loans. Luckily, however, there are a few ways to get the most out of your new-found status as a student and all the benefits that entails. They probably won’t take that numb sensation away, that goes along with dropping almost 10k on what can often be a self-guided reading session for some degrees. They will, however, make your remaining years here that little bit more enjoyable and ever so slightly cheaper.
Media Whether you need to gain the knowledge for the hounding of questioning at financial and consultancy job interviews or want to read for pleasure, news can be a staple part of your relaxing routine. Luckily by using your Bristol student email, you can sign up to the digital version of The Financial Times to gain access to their articles behind
the paywall, including online and on their mobile platform. This gives you the wealth of their content without any payment. Moreover, while not specific to Bristol, both The Economist and The Times offer discounted student subscriptions to their paper, whose content is almost exclusively all behind a paywall.
Food & Drink While at Bristol it might be wise to eat at some point. There are many options available and a few hidden gems that come with the added benefit of a student discount. The Burger Joint offers 15 per cent off the burgers that give their name. In the same burger vein, Three Brothers Burgers (7) offers a £5 student lunch deal to compliment your riverside culinary experience. Dominoes also offers various promotions throughout the year starting with their mass voucher giveaway at freshers fair, and a constant buy one get one free. Student favourite The Apple with their freakishly strong cider also do student discounts for half-pints (you can’t buy a pint in one go – for a good reason…) with valid student ID. Wetherspoons offer a large student discount book for discounts at the many spoons dotted around Bristol, grab one in freshers fair or make friends with someone who
did. For some less local chains, McDonald’s do free food along with selected meals when you show valid ID and Pizza Express (1) do 30 per cent off the menu at selected times. Both Yakinori and Wok to Walk (10) located on the triangle offer 20 per cent off for students. Bristol SU’s own Balloon Bar (11) does 10 per cent off for students with a Totum Card. For other drink options, the White Harte, King Street Brew House and Steam (12) offer various deals on drinks including a free t-shirt with some pints at Steam.
Retail
If shopping for essentials or “essentials”, you have a few discounted options. Rymans (2) offers a 15 per cent student discount with a nearby shop on the triangle for all your stationery needs. Down the hill in Cabot, Illustrate, the art collective, offer 15 per cent off their range for students. Venture to the Bristol Shopping Quarter (Broadmead, The Galleries, The Arcade and Cabot Circus) and there are plenty of student discounts, as well as student sessions, a discounted shopping day with music and free giveaways. Highlights include up to 25 per cent off at the Odeon (8) cinema at selected times, 20 per cent off Superdry online, 10 per cent off Scribbler and 10 per cent
off Office’s extensive selection of shoes.
Hair
For when you have to visit your barber/salon of choice many in Bristol will give discounts to students. Shotgun on Cotham Hill offers around 25 per cent off for students. The British Barber Co (9) with three locations across Clifton and White Ladies among others do a haircut for students for £13. Toni & Guy in Trenchard street also does a discount of 15 per cent for students and Hobbs on Park Street offers a 50 per cent student discount but be warned it’s only valid Tuesdays. The other places share such restrictions with some discounts only valid between certain times/days. This list is entirely unexhaustive so check with the place closest to you if they do any deals.
Activities
If you’re looking into doing something with your free time off when you’re not stuck in lectures, there are some great options. The RWA (5) offers entirely free entry to Bristol University students so for budding artists or just those looking to relax; it makes a very tempting and importantly free option. A little down the road Bristol Museum And Art Gallery (3) also offers free entry for general admission for
all, and specific exhibitions are free on a Wednesday for students as well. We The Curious (6) the local and feature-packed science museum also does a student discount gaining your entrance for a few pounds cheaper to the variety of science exhibits as well as their well-loved planetarium nights (for a few pounds more). If you want to go a bit further flung from Bristol, The Tate Collective is a free account you can create to gain access to £5 events and exhibitions at their galleries. For something to watch, Jazz at Future Inns do a half-price entry, and The Tobacco Factory Theatres do various discounts depending on the specific show. For the aquatic animal lovers out there Bristol Aquarium (4) do a few pounds off their usual ticket price for students, making it an exciting day out to see sharks, seahorses and everything in between.
Misc All offers stated here are correct as of the 20th of September.They may be subject to change so please check with the business at the time to get the most up to date offer. Many offers require proof that you are a student; specific companies have different definitions for what this proof may be. For many, a TOTUM card or Bristol University ID will suffice but check with the business in question.
10 Features
epigram 27.09.2019
News Subeditor
B
ristol student Aniqah Rawat has had her story published as part of a new collection of short stories by Rife, a Bristolbased magazine. The book, Rife: 21 Stories from Britain’s Youth, features a diverse range of voices and attempts to capture the experiences and struggles of young people today. Aniqah’s story focuses on the tension between the teachings of her Muslim upbringing and her own changing ambitions. She spoke to Epigram about writing the story and her experience at Bristol so far.
How did you hear about the opportunity?
‘I was on my Gap Year – classic Bristol student – as I hadn’t got the grades I wanted and didn’t really want to do the courses I’d applied to. I met someone at an audition who said she was doing this thing with Rife. So, I followed them on Facebook, and later on saw a callout type post (for stories for the collection.) I thought “hey why not give it a shot, there’s no harm in it.”
What was the writing process like? ‘A big learning curve! It’s such a personal essay and you’re getting constructive feedback on it, so I had to learn that what Nikesh (Shukla, co-editor of the book and author of The Good Immigrant) was saying wasn’t anything against me or my
The story you wrote for the book, ‘Playing the Part’, ends before you go to university. How has your experience of Bristol been? ‘Like any university there are going to be issues - it’s been up and down. I’ve had struggles with my own mental health and admin errors in the system meant I didn’t necessarily get the help I needed [the health service took a year to respond to her email]. ‘Being away from my parents, having this opportunity to live my own life under my own roof with my own morals has allowed me more freedom and helped my relationship with them. I’m allowed to do my own thing and if I need help they’re just a phone call away. But University and home are two very different worlds.
When I visit my parents, I don’t do things they wouldn’t approve of in the house or when I could be heard.’
Faith is a big part of your story for Rife. Has being Muslim affected your experience of university? ‘Not massively, because I don’t outwardly practice my faith. I have been raised to follow a religion, and
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This opportunity to live my own life under my own roof with my own morals, has allowed me more freedom
though I hesitate to now identify with that, it’s definitely a part of me. I’ve known it for 18 years of my life, it was there while I was growing up and is part of my family home. It’s quite complex and there’s a lot of inner conflict. But if someone looked at me, they wouldn’t think I’m a Muslim girl – I have bright red hair, I wear shorts and crop tops. ‘Bristol is a diverse city but it’s also very segregated. The university community is quite white, especially my department and theatre societies. I sometimes wonder if I am a token person of colour or if I’m here because I’m talented. This is the first year I think that I’ve explored within my degree practitioners, writers, creators, choreographers, etc. that
aren’t white.’
In the story your dream is to be an actor. Have your ambitions changed since coming to Bristol? ‘A lot has changed with my career plans and goals in two years. I want to go into research and help decolonise education. I can’t do this straight away, which is what I want to do, so I’m going to work for 3-5 years first and start saving up for my post-grad. ‘Acting is great and there’s a lot you can do with it, but I think my voice and my skills would be better suited to research. Especially if I want to start making social change and having an impact, the best way for me to do it is to get involved with what I’m actually passionate about. A theatre degree isn’t drama school – you study at all sorts of things you wouldn’t expect to. ‘I know my parents would be a lot more comfortable with me doing this than being on stage, but I’m not doing this for them. If I still wanted to be an actor I’d go and be an actor. But it’s not what I want to do anymore.’ Rife: 21 Stories from Britain’s Youth is out now.
Epigram’s guide to UoB Getting climate into the curriculum:
Understanding environmental law: Environment & Energy Law Society
Learning about renewables and the energy sector:
‘Healthy Planet raises awareness of the effects of the climate crisis on human health. We campaign for medical schools to include this in their curriculums and carbon reduction strategies in medical institutions. We also attend climate strikes, put on events for our members, and run Schools Projects where volunteers can teach the next generation about sustainability. If you want to play an active role in combating the climate crisis, we are the society for you!’
‘Our society is passionate about all things environmental with a special focus on how the law and environment intertwine. ‘We have a number of exciting events planned for the upcoming academic year, ranging from engaging guest speakers and career events, to debates. As a new law society there is so much potential scope for all of our student members to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for the benefit of the world we all share.’
‘The Energy Society is an academic society for students interested in the energy industry and wider environmental issues. ‘We aim to enrich the commercial knowledge of our members through interesting articles and organising guest speakers. ‘We also inform our members of local energy conferences and talks going on. New members are encouraged to like our Facebook page and join for free through the SU website.’
Esme Hedley
Nicole Hilton
Jake Connor
Healthy Planet Bristol
Photo courtesy of Roots
Ellie Brown
story. I also learned to make what I was saying digestible, a conversation with the reader. Though not having written essays before, it actually was quite easy for me find that shape. ‘There were so many different drafts, some of them 7,000-word long pieces. The first one I wouldn’t even call an essay, I’d call it ‘an artistic mess’ – it’s not bad, just not something you’d publish. ‘I was focusing on two years of my life as well as wider themes, so trying to fit all of that in was difficult. Nikesh is really experienced so he knew which bits to pull out and expand on and which bits to discard. I’ve learned so much, I feel much more comfortable to just bang out articles for different magazines now.’
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Epigram / Aniqah Rawat
‘I sometimes wonder if I’m a token person of colour’: student writer opens up
Communications Lead
Co-Founder and Vice President
Bristol Energy Society
President
Features 11
27.09.2019 epigram
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Unusual paths to success: How some of the University of Bristol’s alumni ‘made it’
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Julia Donaldson
I think we all start out the same in the beginning: young, dumb, broke and full of ambition to do something, even if we have no idea what that something is. James Blunt is a prime example of that. When he accepted his Honorary degree in Music in 2016, he revealed that he spent much of his first month at Bristol University sleeping on beanbags and playing his guitar in the Hiatt Baker music rooms. If that doesn’t make him super relatable, then his confession to switching courses to Sociology from Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering because he couldn’t spell it makes his former student persona all the more endearing. In this case, there was no cosmic energy pushing him towards fame and success, but rather it was his passion for music that became the key - something he did to relax from studies and to annoy his flatmates. To put it in perspective, it wasn’t until he was already a multi-award-winning artist that he obtained his degree in music. The important part of his journey was his ability to change his mind and try different things, even if it didn’t seem clear what he wanted to do. In some ways, your experience at UoB will shape the person you become to a greater extent than the actual degree you get.
Steve Kay, a triple University of Bristol alumni, is now recognised as a world leading scientist for his work on genes and circadian rhythms. However, the University of Bristol was not initially a part of his plan to achieve scientific success. After leaving school, Steve went to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, but after one term he realised he was going down the wrong path. Taking a leap into the unknown, he left and joined Bristol University’s Biochemistry course. Now, having published over 200 scientific papers, he still fondly reminisces over his years at Bristol University. In an interview with the University he recollected his frequent walks across the Downs to and from Will’s Hall, as well as picking up cider from UoB’s very own ‘Department of Pomology’. After being initially dispirited by his change in direction, he now reminds students ‘to embrace the wrong turns, dust yourself off and get right back in there’. To any UoB freshers who are perhaps discouraged by not getting into their first choice university, you can look to Steve Kay and see that living in a city and studying at a university which in his words ‘dares to be different’ is truly a blessing in disguise.
The twisting career path of former England rugby player and University of Bristol graduate Josh Lewsey is testament to the unavoidable unpredictability of working life – an especially daunting prospect from a student perspective. While studying at university, Josh also played professional rugby at the highest level, for both Bristol and the England Rugby team. The University even gave special dispensation for him to sit his final exams in Australia, so he could participate in England’s 1998 ‘Tour of Hell.’ Lewsey’s career took a different turn when he became a commissioned officer in the Royal Artillery in 2001. His stint as an officer did not last however, with conflicts between the army and rugby forcing him to resign his commission. He continued his prolific professional career in the sport, which from 1998 eventually spanned a decade, and saw him make 55 appearances for the English Rugby Union team. His focus shifted to financial sector management positions after his rugby career. The step from university into employment should not be feared by students - a step in a new direction or career, whether caused by obstacles or passion, will often be beneficial, as exemplified by the career of Josh Lewsey.
Julia Donaldson graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Drama and French in 1970. Born and bred in north London, she started her University of Bristol journey in halls at Clifton Hill House, which was then a strictly female accommodation. A student of drama, she took part in several student drama pieces, including the somewhat obscure play, I am not the Eiffel Tower - where, as is stated in her nomination for Doctor of Letters honoris causa, she played the role of ‘Chief Tree’. Alongside her degree she also played the guitar and busked, a skill she took with her during her period abroad in France. She also met her husband, Malcom, during her time at Bristol. Today, Donaldson has written almost 200 books. She is probably best known for her third book, The Gruffalo (1999) which has gone on to sell over 13.5 million copies worldwide. Her writing is well-loved by children and adults alike. However, she did not write her first book until she was 45, when one of her songs, A Squash and a Squeeze (1994) was rewritten as a book. For those of you who are unsure yet of what you want to be ‘when you grow up,’ may Donaldson’s tale remind you that it is perfectly okay if you haven’t yet found your niche.
Elaura Lacey
Georgiana Scott
Jack Charters
Robin Connolly
Second Year History
Features Investigations Correspondent
Features Deputy Editor
Features Editor
sustainability societies ‘People & Planet is a humanitarian and environmental activism society that believes money talks. This year, we plan to hold the University to its ongoing promise of divestment from the fossil fuel industry, as well as continue to negotiate with the University over issues with the border. ‘Students should join if they want to get involved in how the University lives up to its ethical promises – all experience levels and commitment capacity welcome!’
Grace Carroll Outreach Officer
Eco-friendly style: Fashion Forward ‘Fashion forward helps students maintain a sustainable wardrobe. Students will get to know the slow fashion industry, promote sustainability and be join a fun, creative community!’
Fashion Forward Member
Getting back to nature: Roots Community Gardening ‘Roots is making Bristol greener by maintaining green spaces in the city and helping students to get outside and meet people in a relaxed environment.’
The Roots Team
Travelling the UK: Bristol University Conservation Group ‘If you like the outdoors, wildlife or just eating biscuits the BUCG is the society to join. We have many trips around Bristol and further afield including Brown Sea Island, Anglesey, and Berrow Dunes. Our society began in 1972 and has achieved the Bronze Balloon Accreditation Award. Our committee runs regular socials: pub quizzes, game nights and plant pot decorating. This year we are planning to do more talks on conversation and increase the number of residential trips.’
Laura Reeves Co-President
Courtesy of People & Planet
Holding institutions to account: People & Planet
epigram 27.09.2019
12 Features
‘A modern reaction’ to isolation at university: Umii the app
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It’s easier and more natural now to hide behind your phone than spark a conversation
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During his final year of an Ancient History degree in 2018, Elliott first started noticing the problems of isolation and disengagement within the university environment. Out of the 450 students Umii asked how often they meet a new person on campus, 60 per cent said ‘barely ever’ or ‘never’. ‘We want to increase the number of interactions between like-minded people at university, but also instil behavioural patterns that prevent isolation from occurring,’ Elliott said. ‘Without that first introduction ever taking place, such as in the library or cafe, there’s no form of meaningful friendship which can
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Some universities have reservations around students getting confused with too many apps or digital platforms on offer
more than just their Facebook profile picture - you’re likely to feel settled a lot quicker.’ The clarity with which Elliott talks about the situation, you would think every University would take Umii up on the offer to work closely together on developing the solution. That has not necessarily been the case. The start-up has a new, exciting partnership with the University of West of England (UWE) but the University of Bristol is one of the many universities from whom they have received little response. Elliott and his team reached out to every university in the UK and ‘only had conversations with just over half’. That number is reduced further for universities Umii are now partnered with. The app was launched at Nottingham Trent University in January Umii
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The University of Bristol is one of many universities from whom they have received little response
something new. The actual person who works at a university might just not be bothered to try it, even if you give it to them for free. ‘That’s why UWE is great, because they’re obviously looking to try new things, which is really important given the problems they have had in recent years with student mental health. ‘I think universities notice the problems. Some have reservations around students getting confused with too many apps or digital platforms on offer. These are funny because when you speak to students they say the exact opposite. They’ve grown up in a world where they understand that you’re going to have hundreds of apps on your phone. There’s a disparity between what the students think is good and what the university thinks is good. ‘When you speak to Students’ Unions, who talk more to the students directly and are often recent students themselves, they think, “This is great!” That’s all well and good, but it’s got to be run through the university, and they might have a 50 year old staff member who doesn’t think it will work. To them, I say: go talk to your students and find out because when you do, I think you’ll
Photo: Umii
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hen I was first introduced - an e-introduction of course - to Elliott Perks, recent graduate and co-founder of Umii, he outlined his problem statement using three statistics: university dropout rates have increased three years in a row, 40 per cent of dropouts are because of social factors, and 78 per cent of students said they experienced a mental health issue in a NUS survey back in 2015. These statistics are why he started Umii with Horatio Palamountain last year during their final terms at Edinburgh and Exeter University respectively. The concept is simple to grasp. The app is exclusively for university students and connects people on campus based on their nuanced interests. They specifically aim the app at new students to ‘aid the transition into university life by providing students with a peersupport network of like-minded others’. Every day, at 6pm, the app recommends ten people who match your interests, before giving you 48 hours to start a conversation.
this year and also has links with the University of Liverpool, London Met, and the University of Buckingham. For each university, they recognise the campus differences and tailor the app, for example adding specific halls, to maximise the success of any friendship matches. ‘No university ever wants to be the first one to make a move,’ Elliott said of their struggles to secure formal commitments. Every university has tried some kind of app or digital platform that’s gone badly, especially made by recent grads that they’re hesitant to try
get a different response.’ ‘I think one thing that’s been good over the past few years is universities being more open to looking at third party solutions, instead of trying to fix everything in house, because they’re just not going to have the staff to do it, or the sort of expertise - they can’t be great in every department. Yeah. There’s been a rise of companies like Big White Wall and mental health platforms that enable students to get counseling online or to speed up speaking anonymously about the troubles they’re going through.’ The way the app works certainly will not be confusing to students, as it will be familiar to those who have used dating equivalents minus the swiping. While Umii’s algorithm is bespoke for friendships and there is a greater focus
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Without that first introduction ever taking place, there’s no form of meaningful friendship which can develop
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Co-Editor-in-Chief
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Patrick Sullivan
develop. That’s a large reason why we see isolation or loneliness be a cause of dropouts and mental health problems in first and second year. It is clear that when we’re most suited to help is right at the beginning of university when people just want to meet others and there’s nothing really on offer in a digital sense. ‘Obviously you’ve got Facebook and 74 per cent of new students try to reach out to another student there, just to find anyone they can know before they start, but Facebook groups are set up by club promoters and other third parties looking to take advantage of students. We think this is the best time the university could provide a digital means for students to connect because they’re calling out for it. 80 per cent thought their university should be providing them a way to connect before starting. No university is currently doing it. It’s a pretty simple fix, which could make a massive difference. ‘If you start university already talking to people in the same position as you, chatted with them, know more about them and what they’re interested in -
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Elliott Perks graduated only last year and is now on a mission to boost first time interactions between students with Umii, the app he co-founded
on specific interests rather than pictures, the 48 hour first message deadline is a similar tactic to Bumble, which also has a setting for finding friends as well as romance. ‘[Society has] looked at using apps for dating, and it’s taken off and obviously works. To take it to the platonic
sense, it’s something that hasn’t been successful. I think one of the problems is that the idea of meeting someone via an app is so heavily linked to dating now. And then dating apps try to push platonic means which can ruin the idea [by associating it with the same space as non-platonic interactions]. I think it’s actually the style of the future for how people will meet.’ I point out to Elliott that his proposed solution also contributes to causing the lack of first interactions: mobile phones. Can a digital product really help satisfy our craving for human engagement? ‘We can’t deny the fact that this is the way life is now,’ he responds. ‘It’s easier and more natural now to hide behind your phone than spark a conversation with the person next to you. That doesn’t mean that phones can’t bring back those norms. I think they’re a great tool. ‘I think it’s a modern reaction to the modern way of starting university. People are now going online to try and meet other people before Freshers’ Week. They’re using Facebook, they’re using tools that aren’t great, but it’s all they’ve got on offer. It could be done way better through something that’s specific for students [like Umii]. If you can create a culture of like-minded students meeting right at the beginning and provide a very simple digital solution for it, then you can normalise behavioural patterns, increase those interactions, and prevent isolation.’
Opinion
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Sabrina Miller Kofo Ajala Elisha Mans
EpiCartoon: The evolution of the Bristol student Our first cartoon of the year looks at how students develop their intellect at one of the UK’s finest educational institutes
George Riley Fourth Year, Physics
Fancy yourself as a budding cartoonist? Send in your submissions or ideas via email to opinion.epigram@ gmail.com
An open letter to Freshers
Daniel Harris Fourth Year, Spanish and Portuguese
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s the summer draws to a close and September arrives, it is now time to start thinking about the imminent start of the university year. For final years like myself, we very much know what to expect by now. For freshers, however, starting over in a new environment is probably a nauseating mix of excitement and fear. It will, as things do, almost definitely end up okay in the end, and part of the experience is making your own mistakes. That said, here are some really basic tips that might just help you on your way. I know that they really helped me:
Go beyond the Triangle
Now, everybody needs to go to Lizard Lounge at least once. Lola Lo’s and Gravity (it is still called Bunker, everyone) have their good qualities. But remember there are so many brilliant clubs outside of the triangle; something I failed to discover until
the end of my second term. Even if Drum and Bass is not your thing, Lakota, Blue Mountain, Motion, Cozies, Black Swan, Full Moon and Attic Bar, and Trinity Centre (just to name a few) offer something you can’t quite find on the Triangle.
great way to get to know people in second or third year. Make sure not all of your friends are freshers! All of these societies will be represented
Try to say yes Simply put, go out and have a good time. Even if you’re a bit tired or hungover, make the most of every time somebody knocks on your door and asks if you want to go for a walk, explore the city or go out to meet some new people. You may actually find that Freshers’ Week doesn’t have to be the hungry money pit that people typically assume that it is. But, even if you can be a bit stingy like myself, let loose just a little; it can be expensive, but it is money well spent.
Sign up to societies It seems like a pretty obvious one, but it is amazing how many people do not take advantage of the multitude of societies on offer in Bristol. Whether you’re a serious sportsman or musician, or you just want to talk to other people about cheese and wine, societies are a
university, so definitely do not expect to be close friends with the first big group of people you meet. This is all part of the university experience, and just remember to take it with a pinch of salt. You will find amazing friends, just maybe not straight away.
Don’t panic about houses Gravity
Dear Freshers, I have some tips and tricks for Freshers’ week
at the Freshers’ Fair, so make sure you head on down to find out about these societies, learn more about Bristol and nab some freebies. A lot of people tend to find that one gem of a society, filled with like minded people who you almost seem destined to have meaningful friendships with. Which leads me on to my next point:
Freshers’ friends don’t last
It would be lovely if those three people you went to your course registration became your best friends. And for some people, perhaps this is true. However, you are going to meet a lot of people in your first week of
The cause of much anger and friendships ending during my first year, sorting out housing is a fickle and difficult process. Firstly, you do not have to sort it before Christmas – period. Secondly, remember that you have only known most of these people for a couple of months. Take your time, find out who you really get on with, and just stay relaxed about the whole situation.
How to get a job If you want jobs, check the uni website for student jobs. Whatever your economic situation, this is a really good source of part-time work, flexible around university term times.
Explore Make sure to check out: Harbourside, Clifton, Ashton Court,
Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower, The Downs.
Back up your work
Don’t be that person that somehow loses their essay the night before submitting. Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox can be set up from your computer to auto-update.
It’s okay to not be okay
University is tough and first year is a rollercoaster. Speaking personally, I’ve made some incredible friends, had some great night’s out, loved and hated my course, played some great music and had my fair share of arguments. Know that you are not alone in this experience and although everyone may appear to be having a great time, all the time, they are almost definitely feeling those some nerves and struggles that you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from whoever you feel comfortable with. The University offers a wide range of support systems, from the Student Wellbeing Service, Student Counselling Service, Big White Wall and the 24/7 Residential Life Advisers. Just remember, be yourself.
14 Opinion
epigram 27.09.2019
Brody Anderson
Second Year, Politics and IR
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t was revealed that Boris Johnson wanted to stop students voting. It is time that universities and student groups highlight the importance of students joining the electoral register. Analysis by YouGov of the 2017 General Election showed that only 59 per cent of those aged 20-24 voted, with turnout even lower for those aged 18 and 19 (57 per cent). In stark comparison, 84 per cent of people aged over 70 voted. The discrepancy between the turnout of young and elderly people in General Elections is widely known. Universities must take responsibilty and encourage more students to participate in democracy. The need for a more active approach to engagement has been acknowledged by Bristol SU. At Student Council in 2017, a motion was passed to integrate voter registration into the enrolment process at UoB. The motion recognised a ‘systematic failure to involve young people in the political process’. This is a really positive step, however much more
must be done to enforce this motion, and push student registration. The University and Bristol SU must start an extensive communications campaign that promotes registration. Official University channels must more prominently highlight the register to vote webpage beyond the registration page which practically disappears from thought and sight once you’re done. The University should also have readily available information on registration on their websites – akin to what is provided by other universities like Exeter. Heightened national political activity, coinciding with a new term, gives the ideal opportunity for UoB to promote a simple message: register – it takes 5 minutes. Students will (probably) check their emails: it wouldn’t be too taxing for the SU to include a one-line reminder at the bottom of each university-wide email.
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It’s time to seize that oppurtunity and get people registered
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We must do more to promote voter registration on campus
Alongside this, UoB must use the communications resources available in Halls. This is where the chance to make the most substantial impact lies: if first years are informed and
Courtesy of NUS
Student votes are vital: register before it’s too late
encouraged to register, not only will they have the chance to participate in any upcoming election, registration in subsequent years will be more likely. The NUS and YourVoteMatters, have provided freely available resources to inform and encourage registration, and was particularly impactful in the #GenerationVote campaign, which was run in 2017. It is strange that in a politically active city like Bristol, UoB hasn’t done more to promote democracy. Bristol SU must centralise democratic engagement for thousands of potential voters when they move to Halls. A meaningful effort to foreground registration in students’ minds through some visual messages, as simple as a poster in every kitchen, would show that UoB and Bristol SU are serious about participation. JCRs and senior residents must also be effective. During the first weeks of term, freshers will undoubtedly be bombarded with information regarding student clubs, events, but
will almost certainly not be told faceto-face that as students, they are able to register to vote at both a home and term-time address. Whilst registering might not be the most interesting of activities for first years, it may turn out to be one of the most important. There is no reason why steps like these couldn’t also be beneficial for UoB and the SU – an allencompassing operation at the start of term will provide a chance for positive exposure and good press – something which can often feel in short supply. Whilst formal steps by the university and SU would be an improvement, it is not enough to simply expect all responsibility to lie with those in management roles at UoB. Student groups too have a central part to play in promoting registration. At Bristol Labour Students, we have already taken action to inform our members of the various registration and voting methods. Yet all politically engaged
societies must now be at the forefront of a university-wide, organic, student-led call to register. Student leaders should head the charge and must recognise that encouraging enfranchisement collaboratively is beyond partisanship. A coordinated campaign above political boundaries, working with the SU when necessary, would not only heighten the number of students able to actively play a part in our democracy; but would grow the profiles and visibility of groups on campus, enhancing their support. As opposition parties have blocked a general election, we have the chance to organise and have all members of the University community to come together and engage in national politics. It is time to seize that opportunity, get people registered, and move on to the next, bigger challenge – ensuring that UoB students turn out when an election is inevitably called.
Unsplash / Element 5Digital
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ake a shot every time someone mentions ‘sober’ and ‘Fresher’s Week’ in the same sentence without a negative. It’s an impossible game because a) it’s an impossible condition and b) we can’t drink anyway. This time two years ago, I was frantically google searching Freshers’ Week Guides, and a quick check again this year sums it up: ‘Bristol Freshers’ Week Guide 2019 – Clubs, Bars, and What To Do.’ As a student of faith, being a fresher but feeling excluded from fresher culture can feel quite isolating. Unfortunately, the timetable of ‘drink club sleep repeat’ that the last week of September brings doesn’t quite have scheduled prayer breaks. And even when nobody is drinking the alcohol, they’re talking about it. Favourite clubs, favourite drinks, favourite pubs… it seems to be the only way students know how to make conversation. What is it about being sober
that makes people think you’re a killjoy? Maybe it’s the word itself. Even not in the context of alcohol, bad news or disappointment is a ‘sobering experience’. Doesn’t quite cover renting a bike at 12am with a group of hijabis and riding along the harbourside! Controversial as it sounds, you can have a great time without drinking, I promise. You can even, dare I say it, have fun having faith - quite proud of the alliteration there. You just have to find people who believe you can too. That’s the solution – it’s about realising you’re not the only one and finding the people that feel the same. And there are so many groups to find once you start looking. In fact, some of my favourite experiences have been at freshers’ events with the Islamic Society, and Muslim Medics. Going to a screening of
for Global Health was another society I became involved with, and even if I can’t remember every statistic that the first speaker said, it got us talking. I’ll always remember the spontaenous trip to Taka Taka afterwards, because we’re Bristol students after all.
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My faith kept me grounded
Faith was never something that held me back in freshers. It actually enhanced it. Without my faith, it would have been far harder to find groups of people to get to know and activities to do. It gives you a discussion point, a common cause. There’s a guarantee you’ll find someone to go and find the nearest
Epigram / Khadija Meghrawi
Third Year, Medicine
Four Lions (2010) and trying not to chuckle at the offensive jokes, then looking around and realising the three people behind you are laughing too. Getting lost on the way to the Multifaith Chaplaincy with those same people for the next event but finding out luckily that you made it just in time for the free pancakes. One of the guys getting way too invested in the game of laser tag and ‘accidently’ headbutting another girl. Even without alcohol, you don’t miss the full fresher experience, including trips to A&E in this case. And faith isn’t the only thing you can have in common with people. The great thing about students is that they’re passionate about all sorts of weird and wonderful things. Students
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Faith never held me back in freshers Khadija Meghrawi
Epigram / Khadija Meghrawi
Faith in Freshers’: ‘It doesn’t need to hold you back’ halal takeaway with (priorities). And yes, there are the more serious issues that you become more aware of as a faith student. Islamophobia, Antisemitism and other forms of discrimination that even if subtle are important to stay vigilant of. But this doesn’t mean alienation from student culture, instead you become a part of it even more. You join a movement alongside others from so many walks of life all in solidarity against all forms of prejudice. And my faith kept me grounded. Instead of downloading a trendy wellbeing app, I was praying five times a day, and it really never fails to clear my head from the anxiety that the constant freshers buzz can sometimes build up into. So, at first glance, having the best student experience and the best faith experience seem like two roads that fork into separate directions. You might feel like forging a path for yourself in between will be a lonely effort. But to your surprise, if you look down you’ll find it already there: trodden, more well-worn than you expected. Look up and there’ll be a map, and some helping hands to guide you.
Opinion 15
27.09.2019 epigram
An Open Letter from JCR Committees on ResiLife
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Committees found organising events to be harder than in the past
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week on JCR-related tasks, including planning events for residents, organising meetings and dealing with financial and administrative work. Students volunteer to do this, often for little public recognition, because they believe in serving the residents who elected them to the best of their abilities. A demanding job even in the best of circumstances, it was made far more challenging thanks to the failings of the system over the year. This is often to the detriment of academic and social commitments, and to members’ mental health.
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Nobody denies the Warden system required improvements
accounts, a task for which we were not trained or even informed of until late in the year. Furthermore, signatories to the account are personally liable for the account’s funds, a fact not made apparent to many members by the University prior to signing. The University should not be placing this burden on untrained students. A formal, public apology from the University, acknowledging that their system was fundamentally flawed from the outset, and a commitment to implementing changes as detailed in this letter. All of us want the Halls and the JCR Committees to succeed, but we cannot succeed under the current administration. Once again, the news that Resilife is being given even more responsibility, this time over catering bookings, means that we can no longer stay silent. We hope that this letter is well received by the University management and taken in the serious and constructive spirit with which it is intended. We feel that our input would be effective in addressing potential remedies to the current system’s problems, and we would be very happy to engage in dialogue with the University to this end. This letter was endorsed by the JCR Committees of: Clifton Hill House, Manor Hall, Northwell House, Orchard Heights, Winkworth Hall. It has been edited for suitability to be published by Epigram.
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ou have settled your plans for the biggest and best week of your life. Perhaps your Freshers’ plan, like many other 18-year olds across the country, might look something like this: Go to the best club with a Z-list celebrity appearance on the biggest Fresher’s event on the wristband. Play Ring of Fire until you are so drunk that you can hardly see what card you’re holding. Meet all of your friends who will inevitably become your lifelong soulmates.
1. 2. 3.
And all of these things may well come true. Yet, that is not to say that Freshers week is necessarily going to be all you have ever dreamed of. And that is okay. Whilst Freshers week is full of some great (and often hazy) memories, it is important to remember that it is not only a week of drinking, but also a massive change in your life. Sure, some people settle in with absolutely no problems, but if you need some time to yourself, or you feel overwhelmed, that is fine.
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Freshers can be amazing if you do it how you want.
When our parents’ generation reminisce on the good ol’ university days, they may often hark back to the freshers fun that is not dissimilar to our own expectations of partying and socialising. But, with the addition of social media, Freshers’ Week comes with added pressures. You will likely have school friends right across the country who
Bristol SU
Deputy Opinion Editor
are all sharing their great drunken adventures on snapchat. You will see the girl you sat next to in maths class having a huge night out in Newcastle, or the boy you fancied in Year Seven dancing on the worktop of his grimy student
kitchen in Birmingham. But would you Snapchat your homesick moments of just sitting on your bed? Or share the times where all you want to do is call your Mum? There is such a high, and often unrealistic, standard for Freshers’ Week to be the best week of your life that it can become overwhelming. Added to that, the fact that you are seeing the week’s highlights from friends across the country can make you feel like you are doing it all wrong. This pressure to fulfil everyone’s expectations of what Freshers’ should look like can make feel like you are lonely despite being surrounded by all your new flatmates and the crowds of the first Gravity Monday. Perhaps the most important thing to do is, yes, get out there and meet new people and have some great times, but also listen to yourself. If you need to take a night off despite what everyone else is doing and just binge watch some bad TV, then do it. Everyone needs their own time at some point. That said, Freshers’ really can be one of the best weeks of your life if you do it how you want to. You can meet some fantastic people (even if you never see some of them again post-Freshers), you can enjoy the best of what Bristol has to offer during the day and night. If you want you can start your university journey, like all your fellow students, with a Freshers’ Flu that will last until December.
Lizard Lounge
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he intention of this letter is to highlight the shortcomings of the imposed Residential Life (Resilife) system. This unpopular and dysfunctional scheme, implemented at the start of the last academic year as a consolidation measure, was designed as a successor to the Warden system that had operated in our Halls for decades. Now that even more systems and procedures have been placed under the Resilife banner, we feel we must speak up. Nobody denies that the old Warden system required fundamental improvements, and we commend Resilife’s actions regarding student pastoral support where it does great work. However, when it comes to the JCR Committees, Resilife increased bureaucracy, shifted financial liabilities onto students on the JCR Committee, and made the jobs of Committee members infinitely harder. During Welcome Week in September 2018, some previous Committees found organising events to be a lot harder than in the past, a fact they ascribed to the new system in place. The majority of Committee members spend several hours a
be adhered to’. The Constitution was presented to us as inviolable law: it is obvious that the University is only interested in enforcing its own rules when it is convenient. More support with setting up banking systems. During the summer exam period of last year, many JCRs had still not received their social fee income - £50 contributed by every resident in their first rent payment. Committees were made responsible for setting up their own bank
Elisha Mans
Gravity
Various JCR Committees
As members of our Hall’s JCR committee, we have seen first-hand the effects of these changes and have a deep understanding of the problems. It is clear to us that what some called “teething problems” were deep-rooted issues and for this reason, we urge fundamental changes.In light of the new system’s many and varied flaws, we believe the following reforms are necessary: A streamlined process within Resilife to minimise bureaucracy and paper-pushing. This would enable the JCRs to get on with staging events as we were elected to do, instead of being bogged down in the small print of endless forms. While of course an element of paperwork is unavoidable, the current system saddles untrained students with mountains of obscure forms to find, read, fill out and send off, taking away from time that should be spent organising events and causing us needless stress and worry. A clear hierarchy of roles and responsibilities within Resilife, including names and contact information, to be disseminated to all relevant staff and JCR members, and better staff training for their roles. A major problem for us this year has been not knowing who to go to for help, and for the staff members on duty not being able to answer our questions. Better training for the JCR support staff is a minimum requirement; we would like to see every hub Hall to have a staff member exclusively responsible for JCR support. Allowing Committees to make amendments to their Constitutions, instead of being issued an ultimatum between signing an unfit-forpurpose document drawn up with no input from us, and being cut off from funding. At present, the Constitution is a one-size fits all document that ignores the variations between Halls, and more broadly the realities of what life in Halls is like. Adding insult to injury, when pointing out inconsistencies in the document JCR Committees are told that ‘in reality [certain inconvenient rules] won’t
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2018/19 JCR committees have written an open letter to the University about the issues they faced last year
There is such a high and unrealistic standard for Freshers’ Week
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Epigram / Patrick Sullivan
The pressures of Freshers’ week
16 Opinion
epigram 27.09.2019
BUCA
Bristol Labour students
Debate: students decide who’s to blame for the current political chaos
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no-deal. When offered the chance to vote on a deal they refused to do so; three times. Lib-Dem, Labour, Change UK, or whatever they’re called, talk a big game of not liking Brexit and not liking May’s Brexit deal but they are unable to generate any parliamentary majority for an alternative as demonstrated via the indicative votes. Every single one of
We must leave the European Union!
around to millions of Britons, who are already deeply unhappy with the political system, and say, ‘we didn’t mean it, you were wrong, you were misled, you were too stupid’ and so on, is outrageous. The fact that people claim it won’t be unbelievably divisive is absurd; in fact, I think it would be downright dangerous. That is why, no matter people’s individual preferences, we must leave the EU. I hope it will be with a deal, but we’ve had three years of obstruction from MPs who never wanted us to leave in the first place and have done everything to thwart Brexit and frustrate the process. The government must now finally get on and leave the EU.
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Boris Johnson cares nothing about working people
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t 2am on Tuesday the 10th of September, Boris Johnson prorogued Parliament. Now, MPs not due to return to the House of Commons until at least the 14th of October, perilously close to the date of the UK’s exit from the EU on the 31st of October. This action was met with protest in the House of Commons as the formal prorogation ceremony began, and even the Speaker John Bercow noted that this is not a standard prorogation. This is one of the longest prorogations’ for decades, and to many in the House and across the country, this act is viewed as an attack on our democracy. The Conservatives loyal to Boris Johnson, however, argue that proroguing Parliament is a normal occurrence when a new government wishes to put forward a new legislative programme in the form of a Queen’s Speech. They claim that there is nothing out of the ordinary about this prorogation, and no ulterior motive. In my opinion this is nothing more than a thinly veiled excuse used to cover up Boris Johnson’s complete disdain of our Parliamentary democracy, and the people’s right to have a voice. On the 11th of September this breach of power was confirmed by Scottish judges who called Johnson’s prorogation of parliament “unlawful”. It is standard, yes, to have a threeweek recess at the end of September for party conference season, and for Parliament to be prorogued for a short while before a Queen’s Speech. But, firstly, this five-week suspension is unprecedented; since the 1980s prorogation has typically lasted only a week. And secondly,
preventing Parliamentary scrutiny of the documents released which clearly state that the Government is preparing for rising food prices and medicine shortages in the event of a No Deal Brexit. His unlawful prorogation of a igr Ep parliament has meant that legislation that was essential to pass before Brexit have been dropped. Our reckless Prime Minister is running scared from the voice of Parliament, and ultimately, the voice of the people. There is no mandate for a No Deal Brexit, and so Johnson should face up to Parliament, not cower behind a prorogation that shuts down the workings of our democracy when it is most needed. Boris Johnson needs to ask the EU for an extension to Article 50, given that he appears to have no plan in place to secure a deal, and then come back to the people with a choice. A chaotic No Deal Brexit under a Prime Minister who cares nothing about working people in this country and does not even command the confidence of the Commons, or a government led by Jeremy Corbyn. A government which will mark an end to austerity and will put power back in the hands of the people. A government which will protect the most marginalised in our society. A government that would take No Deal off the table and return to the people with a final referendum on a deal versus remain. We as students have a huge role to play in building this better future. It was revealed that Boris wanted an election before 31st October to prevent students from registering to vote in their University cities. Do not let him take away your voice. Register to vote in both your home town and here in Bristol, and let’s take the fight to Boris for a brighter, fairer future for us all. /R uth D
President of Bristol Labour Students
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Ruth Day
surely our elected representatives should be in Parliament at such a time when our country’s future is on a knife-edge, and No Deal Brexit is looming large? Surely Parliament should be heard on what is arguably one of the greatest issues that has faced our country in recent history? Having lost his precarious majority and removed 21 rebel Conservative MPs from his own Party, Boris Johnson wants to do all that he can to prevent Parliament from taking action against his illegal attempt to crash the UK out of the EU without a deal by refusing to ask the EU for an extension to Article 50. He
Epigram / Ruth Day
Stopping Brexit would be unbelievably divisive
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Epigram / Robeert Porter
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/R ober t Porter
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here are lots of people at Bristol who will blame the Conservative Party for the current mess the UK is in. I honestly don’t blame them. Theresa May’s red lines boxed the UK into a negotiating corner with little room for manoeuvre. Her disastrous election lost the Conservatives their majority, forcing them to rely on the DUP who seem happy to diverge with the UK on abortion and women’s rights, but not so happy to diverge on regulatory zones. Strange priorities. Some Tory MPs refused to accept any Brexit deal that doesn’t create some sort of metaphorical DMZ between us and the European Union. All of these groups have played their part in this mess. BUCA at the time, with the idealism of being students, said we should reject May’s deal. I think we were probably wrong. But it takes two to tango. One thing that infuriates me is the lack of introspection from the other side of the argument. Labour MPs voted to initiate article 50, yet they harp on about their passionate desire to stop
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Chariman of BUCA
Boris Johnson is unfit to lead; Corbyn must give power back to the people
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Robert Porter
them failed to pass. Those that completely reject Brexit have done as much to stoke division and divide than the most ardent Brexiteers. Yes, a igr Ep Brexit in Bristol is not popular. Students overwhelmingly voted against it, but students’ views are no more legitimate than those of any other voter, and when the country was asked by the government; they instructed the government to leave. The idea that three years down the line, the government should turn
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Brexit must be delivered and the Conservatives are the only party willing to do this
IIIIIIdylka
SciTech
Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor
Vilhelmiina Haavisto Isobel O’Loughlin Topaz Maitland
Shoot for the stars in Bristol’s scientific start-up boom
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Bristol is culturing an innovative environment where scientific start-ups can thrive
The founder of Spin-up Science and organiser of the Rocket Factory program, Dr Ben Miles, told Epigram that the main goal was to ‘give [participants] a very lightweight direction of how to get the company up and off the ground - not necessarily to hold their hand along the way too
guarantee that the product will work; one has to make the product feasible, engaging and economical.” Another participant told Epigram that participating in Rocket Factory is “a must…if you are really serious about building a business. If you put in the effort and use your resources to your advantage, you can get a lot out of it…if you have difficulties or challenges, it’s all the better for your character building. I have learned a lot during these 8 weeks. It’s totally worth it!” Overall, the Rocket Factory was a success. It will run again next summer, and Dr Miles plans to take in more participants and make the program more ordered, as well as raise prize money for the winning teams. Spinup Science was incorporated in 2018 and until recently, focused on training
Flickr / AJC1
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here are plenty of opportunities for science and technology graduates, but many may be overlooked. Graduate schemes and internships at big-name companies can be awesome; however, they usually give you little influence over the company’s future directions. But what if you do want to make a difference, or have an idea that is just begging to be made a reality? Bristol has seen an incredible boom in science and technology start-ups recently, largely due to support from the University of Bristol and incubators like Unit DX, founded by Ziylo CEO Dr Harry Destecroix, which filled to capacity in under two years and announced a second site, Unit DY, in partnership with the University earlier this month. There are plenty of ambitious up-andcoming start-ups around. In 2019, an astonishing 57% of nominated companies at the Launch: Great West Awards were incorporated within the past two years. Bristol is culturing an innovative environment
much’, which he believes to be ‘the opposite of entrepreneurship’. The participants were introduced to the mechanics of getting a business up and running; Dr Miles adds that the process ‘should not be scary and [participants] should’ve gone through them before, in kind of a ‘practice round’”. It’s OK to make mistakes,” he asserted. The participants pitched a start-up idea at the end of week eight. As this was a pilot program and less than ten people were selected to participate, only two groups were formed. Nevertheless, one group created an idea named BandLess which they are now taking to the next level. The team behind BandLess shared their journey with Epigram, explaining that ‘one of the team members came up with the idea…a device the size of any fitness tracker which measures your blood pressure instantly.” They noted that conventional devices are “prone to disturbances and take up to five minutes” to give a reading; they plan to achieve the same outcome “in under 30 seconds”. “We are currently in the end stages of building a fully functioning hardware prototype” said one team member. Spin-up Science still mentors the BandLess team, who say that their most valuable takeaway was understanding that “coming up with an innovative solution doesn’t
Unsplash / Perry Grone
Third year, Biochemistry
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Anastasia Gurskaya
where scientific start-ups can thrive. Nevertheless, getting a business off the ground is no small feat, especially if you’re fresh out of university. But with a bit of help? This past summer saw Spin-up Science, a Bristol-based science start-up incubator, launch its pilot Rocket Factory Program aimed at undergraduates with interests in scientific entrepreneurship. It ran for eight weeks and covered topics including ideation and market analysis. These sessions were delivered by Spin-up Science, local entrepreneurs, professional solicitors, patent attorneys and accountants. Participants also visited local incubators including Unit DX and SETsquared.
Unsplash / George Pagan III
Science and technology start-ups are flourishing in Bristol, and can offer attractive opportunities to graduates
and wevents for PhD students and post-docs interested in areas such as business and entrepreneurship. The idea to work with undergraduates is new, and there are plans to engage more with them and the University of Bristol in the future. The Rocket Factory initiative was supported by and promoted through the Careers Service, which organised an event to introduce interested undergraduates to the program. It is a truly exciting time to be a scientist in Bristol. The growing community of scientific start-ups welcomes people with innovative ideas and the determination to make those ideas work. If you have what it takes, keep your finger on the pulse and look out for opportunities - there are more of them than you think.
Third year, Cancer biology and immunology
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In the UK, women make up just 11 percent of senior lecturers in STEM fields
Other events took place over the summer, including Changemakers. The event was proposed by data scientist and Bristol alumnus Elena Hensinger and organised by the University of Bristol’s Jean Golding Institute (JGI) with the aid of the
Flickr / AJC1 Images courtesy of University of Bristol Press Office
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oapbox Science, a public outreach platform launched in 2011, aims to promote women in science and their research. Their annual events originally only ran in London, but now they have been extended to over 14 major cities, including Bristol. The events are inspired by the traditional Hyde Park speakers’ corner; transforming public spaces into an area of public speaking, debate and discussion, all in the name of science. The event took place in Broadmead shopping centre, where twelve leading female scientists from across
Department of Computer Science outreach team and Bristol-based women working in the tech industry. Changemakers involved female students aged 14-17 forming teams and collaborating in order to develop a tech project to assist a social or environmental campaign. Over five days, the students attended seminars, gained industrial insight and learned new skills. Professor Kate Robson Brown, director of the JGI, commented that “in these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that young women have a voice and are encouraged to develop the skills they will need to tackle some of the big issues humanity is faced with.” According to the University of Bristol, in the UK women make up just 11 percent of senior lecturers in STEM fields, and less than 8 percent of professors. The UK has an annual shortfall of around 40,000 STEM workers, which could be remedied by encouraging more women to enter and stay in science. Research by the American Association of
University suggests that stereotypes and implicit bias are both important factors contributing to the deficit of representation of women within STEM fields. One of their
Unsplash / Trust “Tru” Katsande
Zoe Lee
the South West took to the stage, hoping to engage and interact with the public about their work using non-conventional methods such as props. The sessions lasted one hour and featured four speakers each. Soapbox is funded by many notable organisations including L’OréalUNESCO For Women in Science, and has made significant impact by supporting other initiatives such as Athena SWAN.
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In the heart of Bristol, several educational events were held over the summer to promote women in STEM, in an effort to tackle gender disparity in such fields.
Unsplash / Pim Chu
Bristol’s summer of women in STEM
recommendations is to spread the word about the achievements of girls and women in maths and science, which is exactly what these events in Bristol have aimed to do.
18 SciTech
epigram 27.09.2019
Genevieve Clapp Second Year, Medicine
for Orkambi. Nonetheless, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the US invested heavily in the development of Kalydeco, which is also known as Ivacaftor. Ivacaftor just happens to be one half of Orkambi, meaning that a significant portion of the research was publicly funded. This has been used as one of the main arguments against Vertex and makes the high price especially upsetting for CF suffers in the US. In June, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust led protests around the UK begging Vertex’s CEO, Jeff Leiden, to make the medicine more affordable. Although the protests didn’t affect Vertex’s pricing, it did win the support of MPs, in particular Conservative MP Bill Wiggin, who is backing calls for a Crown Use License. Invoking a Crown Use License means that the UK would ignore Vertex’s patent and start manufacturing a cheaper
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Vertex is asking for just over £100,000 per patient per year – an amount the NHS could never afford
version of the drug. Although this sounds like a good solution, it would break down trust between the NHS and pharmaceutical companies, potentially preventing future sales of
other medications to the UK. NHS Scotland has already deemed the drug too expensive, throwing in the towel with negotiations on August 12th. The question now is whether NHS England will be able to come to an agreement with Vertex, or whether billions will have been spent developing a drug that no-one can afford. Amid negotiations, 7,880 packets of this lifesaving drug went out of date and had to be destroyed; this was called a “desperate waste” by David Ramsden, head of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The wastage has increased the public’s anger towards Vertex and makes negotiations even harder. Robert Long, whose nineyear-old son Aiden has CF, wrote a Guardian article saying that he
became so desperate that he’s been paying Vertex £8000 per month for access to the medicine for his son. In some ways, the media coverage of this issue has posed more questions than answers, with there being conflicting information of just how much the drug cost to develop and how successful it will be. But regardless of whether Vertex’s board members are being honest, two problems have been highlighted that need to be immediately addressed: transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, and the cost of developing drugs. The necessity of the billions invested in drug development, and how this affects prices, is a hotly debated topic, and it is worth getting involved as this is an issue that will likely affect us all in our lifetimes.
In the lab at UoB
by Isobel O’Loughlin
Collaborative research between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England has been able to make robots learn swarm behaviours on their own, using artificial evolution. They took advantage of recent advances in mobile computing to build their custom-made robot swarm. These could be useful where robots need to be in the field for long periods, as they could learn and adapt to changes.
The first systematic evidence for the influence of climate change on river profiles has been generated by research at the School of Geographical Sciences. It appears that river long profiles, their paths from source to mouth, are straighter in drier regions and more concave in humid regions. The research has resulted in a valuable database of river profiles across the globe, and clearly showed that river profiles differ between climatic zones.
by Isobel O’Loughlin by Isobel O’Loughlin Flickr / Joe
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London have genetically engineered a line of artificial red blood cells. These changes made the cells resistant to invasion by Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. This research will potentially lead to new ways to treat the disease, which currently causes half a million deaths per year.
Robots mimic Nature’s swarms
Unsplash / James Wainscoat
Climate change observed in river records
Fighting malaria with artifical red blood cells
Flickr / Zeiss Microscopy
H
ow much would you spend to save a family member? I’m sure most of us would say “everything I could”, but what if that was still not enough? This is the problem facing the families of around 10,500 cystic fibrosis sufferers in the UK. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that causes viscous mucus to accumulate in the lungs and digestive tract, which makes it very easy for bacterial infections to develop. Due to the frequency of infections and poor lung function, the average life expectancy for someone with CF in the UK is under 37, not to mention the fact that the quality of their life will be significantly reduced. Since 2018, the NHS has been attempting to forge a deal with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a company that manufactures the world’s most promising CF drug. The drug, Orkambi, would tackle the root cause of CF by decreasing the activity of the mutated protein which causes the disease, and increasing the
activity of the effective protein. It is an incredible breakthrough that performed very well during recent clinical trials; unfortunately, the deal hasn’t been straightforward. Despite having sole ownership of the patent for Orkambi, meaning they will have no competition when it comes to sales, Vertex is asking for a staggering over £100,000 per patient per year – an amount the NHS could never afford. The company even turned down an offer of £500 million for five years’ access in 2018, the largest offer in NHS history. Many have taken this to be an act of greed, and evidence that the pharmaceutical industry is fuelled by capitalism. This is an easy assumption to make when a paper published this June by Professor Aidan Hollis from the University of Calgary revealed that Vertex is set to make a £17 billion profit from Orkambi and an earlier drug called Kalydeco. However, Vertex have said that the cost is justified because they invested £9.58 billion in the development of CF medications. They claim that without the sums that they are suggesting, they will be making a loss and that the development of new products will be hindered. It is also important to note that this £17 billion profit includes Kalydeco, which is already available to the NHS and saw a huge increase in revenue between 2017 and 2018; meanwhile, there was actually a fall in revenue
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What good are life-saving medicines if we cannot afford them? The NHS and Vertex are at odds about the price of a life.
Flickr / Simon Hammond
Life-saving drug unaffordable for 10,000 British patients
27.09.2019 epigram
SciTech 19
Carissa Wong PhD Cancer Immunology
W
Open Bionics Open Bionics is a company offering the bionic ‘Hero arm’ to limb-different children over 8 years
Ziylo
Unsplash / David Clode
ith Brexit on the horizon, UK-based start-up companies promise to play an important role in driving the future economy. The South West is home to more than 10,000 tech companies and in Bristol, the tech sector forms the fastest-growing part of the economy. Bristol-based tech companies receive the third most investment of all UK cities, behind only London and Manchester. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are thought to be among the hottest tech trends of 2019; research at the University of Bristol (UoB) and the University of West England (UWE), in combination with the city’s science incubators places for start-ups to find their feet - are enabling innovation to thrive in these areas. Here, we look at the start-ups emerging within the Silicon Gorge that deal in everything from bionics to leak detection.
of age living across the UK, US and France. The Hero arm is a belowelbow device that is custom-built to fit the individual, and provides a functional hand powered by longlasting batteries. Sensors detect muscle movements and transmit electrical signals down the bionic arm which can lift up to 8kg, while being the lightest of its kind on the market - the largest size available weighs less than 350g. Artistic covers inspired by movies such as Frozen transform the assistive devices into cool, beautiful and reliable hands which can transform the lives of their owners. Open Bionics received the James Dyson Award for Engineering in 2015, and an award for Hottest Startup Founders in Europe at the Europas, a tech start-up awards event. Joel Gibbard, the founder of Open Bionics, told the BBC after winning the Dyson Award that the Hero arm is “at the lower-end of the pricing scale and the upper end of functionality.” Open Bionics was began as a crowdfunded endeavour, with support from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, a UoB-UWE partnership that has become the largest centre for robotics research in the UK.
This 2014 spin-out company was co-founded by UoB PhD student Harry Destecroix, and was famously sold for over £600M to the Nordic leaders in diabetes research, Novo Nordisk. Ziylo have developed a
synthetic glucose-binding molecule that binds to glucose with a strength that varies depending on local glucose concentration. This enables dynamic regulation of blood glucose levels for diabetes patients, and gets around the problem of hypoglycaemia, where blood glucose levels dip too low. Hypoglycaemia can result from conventional treatment using insulin injections. The founders of Ziylo soon set up the incubator space Unit DX after realising that Bristol lacked facilities for tech start-ups to develop. Their new business Carbometrics was created at Unit DX to continue development of their potentially lifesaving diabetes treatments.
Gapsquare Gapsquare is a start-up that uses machine learning and AI software to help close pay gaps based on ethnicity, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. Statistics are used to process human resource (HR) and payroll data and the results are
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In Bristol, the tech sector forms the fastest-growing part of the economy
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The technology sector in Bristol is evergrowing; here’s our introduction to the scene.
presented in graphs and narrated by the software in user-friendly reports. This enables businesses to critically analyse how their HR system can be changed to reduce bias and
Pexel / rawpixel
Who’s who in Bristol’s bustling tech scene?
discrimination during recruitment and when giving out bonuses. Zara Nanu, founder and CEO of Gapsquare and Visiting Fellow at UWE Business School, did not come from a traditional STEM background – it was her work on women in the criminal justice system and with the Government Equalities Office on new gender pay gap legislation that inspired her to think about how technology could be used to tackle inequality in the workplace. Sian Webb, VP Partnerships & Growth at Gapsquare, rightly notes that “just because you have not done a degree in IT, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go into IT in later life and do well at it.” Gapsquare software is now used by nearly 200 companies worldwide.
Inductosense Based at Unit DX in Bristol, Inductosense develops non-
destructive sensors to monitor corrosion or erosion of structures, free of human error. These sensors can be attached to materials; from there, they send out ultrasonic signals that are reflected back and detected by the same sensor. This data is transmitted from the sensor to a hand-held data collector when the collector is brought in close range, and a special software can analyse the results. Benefits of this device are that measurements can be reliably made, long-term and at the exact same spot in the material. Science incubators such as Unit DX and the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC), combined with business development support from companies like SETSQUARED (based in the Engine Shed), help entrepreneurs to nurture start-up businesses by providing lab and desk space, investment opportunities and mentoring.
Topaz Maitland Digital SciTech Editor
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Already, 85 actions have been taken by organisations and 214 actions taken by individuals
Already 85 actions have been taken by organisations and 214 actions taken by individuals supporting Going for Gold. There are plenty of food projects
already underway in Bristol - here are just a few examples: The event took place at Windmill Hill City Farm, which is a community farm in the heart of the city run by local residents. It’s a surprisingly large area, and they serve most of what they grow in the cosy cafe, as well as running a daycare centre. They also run rehabilitation programmes for the most vulnerable members of the community, aiming to ‘help people grow’ by bringing them closer to the earth. ‘Going for Gold’ is supported by the Bristol Food Network which aims to support, inform and connect those working to make Bristol a sustainable food city. It’s a great first stop for anyone who would like to get involved! At the event, we also heard about the amazing work of Fareshare, which is the UK’s largest food waste redistribution charity. They take food which is perfectly in-date and good to eat, that would otherwise
Flickr / AJC1
T
he Sustainable Food Cities Network is a national programme that promotes better food practise by encouraging communities to improve their approach to food. In 2016, Bristol became the second city in the UK to achieve Silver status, and now Bristol aims to be the first city to achieve Gold status. Those who are already getting involved are very excited about the city achieving this goal. ‘Bristol is Going for Gold because there is a collective energy calling for food that’s good for people, our planet and our city to be made available to
everyone in Bristol,’ a spokesperson from Going for Gold said. There are six key areas where major improvements need to be made for Gold status to be achieved, including taking actions to buy better, eat better, reduce food waste, grow in the city, support the food community and promote food equality. Individuals and Organisations taking part can register actions taken on the Going for Gold website.
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Bristol aims to be the UK’s first Gold Sustainable Food City by 2020, and the city has recently launched their ‘Going For Gold’ campaign.
be thrown away, and re-distribute it to organisations including school canteens and homeless shelters. Last year they provided ‘enough food for 46.5 million meals’. How can you get involved? There are many opportunities to volunteer or raise money and awareness to support your local community gardens, farms, or food
Epigram / Topaz Maitland
Bristol aims to be first Gold Sustainable Food City
redistribution schemes, so have a look around! Spread the word by following the Going for Gold website or the Instagram account. There are also events run by the Going for Gold team and events run by Bristol Capital Partnership where you can meet and hear from people working on sustainable projects of all kinds across the city.
Introducing
BRISTOL SU
Hello and welcome to Bristol (and welcome back to any returning students)! Bristol SU is an organisation for all students, led by elected student representatives working together to get the best from your time here. We’re independent from the University, but they work closely with us. This is some of what we do: • Support over 400 societies, sports clubs, groups and projects • Elect representatives to be your voice for all aspects of your student life • Organise hundreds of events throughout the year. Everything from club nights to quizzes and talks • Offer services for students, like academic advice and a letting agency • Run multiple venues, including the Balloon Bar (one of Bristol's cheapest bars), gig venue The Anson Rooms, two theatres, music rooms, activity and study spaces
Get in touch bristolsu.org.uk/officers
We work for the best student life and you can see some of what we've done for students at bristolsu.org.uk/impact We're always open to new ideas and want to make sure you have the best student experience amongst the street art and hot air balloons of Bristol.
JASON
AMY
JULIO
UNION AFFAIRS
GEORGE
Equality, Liberation & Access
Sport & Student Development
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CHRIS
JULIUS
Undergraduate Education
Postgraduate EducatioN
INTERNATIONAL
Film & TV
Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor
Leah Martindale Louie Bell Laura Aish Tom Goulde
Kevin Maher on how his university magazine made his career Co-Editor in Chief
The thing that saved my life is that I wrote for a university magazine
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20 or 30 letters and one got back: an MTV produced publication called Blah Blah Blah. The phone went and it was the editor, he said, “I need 50 words on this new film.” I had to run to the newsagent to get it faxed. I wrote more for Blah Blah Blah: some bigger film reviews, a couple of features. From there, I went on to write for The Face. ‘The Face was amazing: writing for them was like a passport. I could just phone newspaper editors and
say, “It’s Kevin from The Face,” and they’d go, “What is it?” and you’d pitch them an idea. In terms of my professional biography, take out The Face and it’d have been a bit shaky. ‘In 2001, I took just over a year off and went to live just north of the Moray Firth in Scotland, having had my first kid. After that, I lived for about four months in Somerset and then eventually ran out of cash and the dream of leaving the metropolitan nightmare actually turned out to be limiting. The first week I was back in London I phoned the Arts Editor of The Times, who’s still there now, and said, “Hi, it’s Kevin from The Face,” and boom, I haven’t stopped writing for The Times since. ‘It’s funny, in retrospect, I think it was those initial student articles and The Face which were the passport and these key stepping stones. It made writing for The Times relatively straightforward.’ Since being appointed at The Times, Kevin has continued to slap his opinion down on the table with his work, often berating a universally well-received film or praising one which is being slated. He believes being truthful to yourself is an important trait for all young writers to maintain, whether injecting yourself into columns, reviews, or other forms of writing. ‘I feel very lucky to have such a nice balance. It’s all writing and the fundamental thing you’re doing is just trying to be honest. Being truthful can be very hard in film criticism because there’s so much pressure. Firstly, you’ll notice I don’t sit with other critics but completely on my own. We do these first night reviews, and everyone rushes out to a cafe and they’re all vibing off each other when it should be a very personal thing. Invariably, you pick up the papers and everybody’s got a three star review or thereabouts.
That’s to be avoided because it really interferes with your writing. The other thing is the marketing tsunami that you’re faced with, especially the big Hollywood movies. All these low level stresses try to interfere with this very simple thing where you go to have a relationship with a piece of art. You don’t expect that. You’re like, “Being a film reviewer must be really cool, you get to go and watch films,” whereas it’d be amazing if you just had to watch the film and didn’t have to deal with the PRs and the expectations of peers.’ In an era of cinema where big blockbusters are dominated by comic
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There is this complex way of looking at films and how they interpenetrate with the culture relevance
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Epigram / Patrick Sullivan
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met Kevin in October 2018 at the London Film Festival. As one of the few full time film critics left, his schedule was understandably packed and it took us until March to arrange a date for this interview. Based in The Times’ London office Monday to Thursday, Kevin watches and reviews all the new films for the week, regularly working from 7am to 1am. Kevin graduated from University College Dublin in 1994 with an MA in Film and by 2002, had worked his way up to The Times, where he has since been appointed Chief Film Critic. The last decade in particular has seen Kevin become regarded as one of the UK’s sharpest voices in film criticism. He’s interviewed a vast majority of the world’s finest filmmakers, yet he still cites his experience in student journalism and early magazine opportunities as a key entry point into the profession. ‘The thing that saved my life is that I wrote for a university magazine and it was published in a glossy edition. I met some friends from London [who also did the MA in Dublin] and that’s why I came over. [Those three articles were] all I had in terms of ammo. I remember going to W H Smiths, buying £60 worth of magazines and I just blitzed every commissioning editor with a photocopy of my student articles. I must have sent off
book adaptations and streaming services, I find it compelling how Kevin views the current market with far less panic than other commentators. ‘2018 was the most successful year at the US box office on record, with over $11 billion [in takings]. People are going to the cinema like never seen before. They’re mostly going to see franchise blockbusters, but that’s a virtuous circle as the money goes everywhere. I’ve been writing about films since ‘94, professionally since ‘95, and there’s been so many periods where people are like, “Oh my God, everyone’s stopping going to the cinema.” Dogma, Soderbergh making a film on a digital camera, films going straight to DVD, they said people will never go to the cinema then but that was rubbish as well. This feels like it’s a boom time for cinema. I report on independent cinemas and Curzon
are thriving. As multiplexes get more multiplex-y and blockbusters get more blockbuster-y, arthouse cinemas are salvation places for people with an interesting pallette.’ Funding independent British movies, however, is increasingly tough. Still, Kevin highlights Carol Morley and Joanna Hogg as the two best upcoming British filmmakers, as well as Lynne Ramsay for continuing to produce outstanding work. ‘To me, the interesting work is being done by women. I had a discussion with Morley about this a couple of weeks ago [in March]. I was trying to be honest and say, “I’m not super PC, I’m not Mr Woke, I’m left and I’m right on loads of issues,” but it just seems obvious to me films directed by British women are far more interesting. Morley’s argument was that what you’re seeing [in the films] is not an essential female perspective; you’re just seeing the work of someone who’s working really fucking hard to get everything. I think she’s got a point. When you watch You Were Never Really Here (2017, dir. Ramsay), that’s not a lazy film. It’s a film that’s been really thought about. There’s nothing in that films that seems: “Okay, let’s do a wide shot, then a close up, then let’s go to the hammer.” I thought the same about Hogg’s latest film, The Souvenir (2019). It was amazing! I thought Berlin was awful this year, but I think of the triumvirate of Ramsay, Morley, Hogg and I can’t think of any exciting young male [British] filmmakers like that.’ For anyone studying film, it was during his degree when Kevin developed his critical eye and started to understand the true impact of cinema within culture. He credits his Masters as one of the separating factors from a lot of other critics. ‘Throughout the MA, I felt there
wasn’t one angle of attack in studies that hadn’t been covered. It opened my eyes to films like The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920), The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), films that were amazing and realising it is a language. It was like some sort of satanic cult where you suddenly got all the right prayers. There is this dense and complex way of looking at films and how they interpenetrate with the cultural relevance. By the time you’re 18, you’ve seen the American canon - Citizen Kane (1941) etc. - so the exciting thing about university studies is you have to fill in the blanks.’ Despite all the verve and intellect he has surrounding the subject of film, Kevin didn’t always want to be a critic and instead set his eye on being the artist receiving the reviews himself. In 2013, the first of his two novels, The Fields was released to rapturous reviews and Kevin saw a new path to the career he always sought. ‘There was a low level bidding war in 2012 and I was like, “Wahoo, I’m out of this bullshit film criticism and I can finally be who I want to be artistically!” But it was a huge flop and, because of that, I’m not going to diss being a film critic. There’s a brilliant quote from a New Yorker critic who says, “Anybody who’s a journalist can’t do the job without knowing how ridiculous it is.” I feel that times a million for film criticism. I feel half the time I can be really engaged culturally through the screen but fundamentally, you’re sitting in the dark doing nothing. It’s also marginally parasitical; you’re sitting behind really creative
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It’s also parasitical; you’re sitting behind really creative people and commenting
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The Times’ Chief Film Critic travelled to Bristol to speak to Epigram about his experience in film criticism Patrick Sullivan
people (sometimes not) and you’re trying to see what they’re doing and commenting. If you’ve got a single creative bone in your body, you think, “Shouldn’t I be doing something more like that?” Still, it has way more interesting things about it than the nagging sensation that you are picking on a dead carcass.’ I think I speak for all Times readers when I say that whatever medium Kevin writes in, it’s not going to be boring.
epigram 27.09.2019
22 Film & TV
Epigram / Milo Clenshaw
Top five things for Bristol film fans
1. Watershed Situated at the entrance to Bristol’s harbourside, the Watershed cinema introduced me to independent film and has since become a staple of my student life here. It shows a huge range of films for very reasonable prices - under-24s get in for just £5! - cult classics, modern avantgarde and foreign film, as well as retrospectives on directors’ careers and some more mainstream titles are all on show. The venue also hosts Q&A sessions with filmmakers that provide invaluable, intimate perspectives on the industry. I seriously recommend joining their mailing list, and definitely collect loyalty points - it won’t take long to earn free cinema tickets!
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This relatively new film festival does not operate in the standard way; it has events throughout the whole year with the aim of taking films out of standard cinema settings. They pair classics with wine tastings, screen sci-fi in the planetarium of We The Curious, and this autumn their season of horror movies are shown in a cemetery and the Redcliffe Caves. It is a unique way to present films, and much more fun than the standard outdoor screening affair. Another film festival worth mentioning here
3. InFilm One for aspiring filmmakers, Inflim is the University’s only society entirely dedicated to all aspects of creating films, from writing to editing. I have personally had opportunities I never would have even attempted to find by being involved with InFilm, and have not needed the experience which can often make filmmaking an exclusive hobby. Whether you want to act, direct, are fascinated by the technical side of film production or would just like to see what working on a set is actually like, InFilm, which runs several projects a year alongside workshops, is a good place to start.
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HBO / Will Hart
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t can be really hard to find your feet in a new city, and keeping up with the interests you had back home can sometimes be a bit difficult without knowing where to look. For those with an interest in film though, there are tons of great things to do in Bristol. I’ve loved getting involved with the city’s film community and these five things are must-dos for any film-loving fresher:
Another important independent cinema in the city is the Cube Microplex, tucked away in an old glass-recycling depot at the back of artsy Stokes Croft, run entirely by volunteers as an act of pure love for art and performance. You won’t be able to just drop into the Cube and see what’s on though, as their showings are sporadic with limited runs, but make an effort to get along to one of the movies they carefully select to put on their singular screen; it is a genuinely heartwarming experience. Despite only being opened in 1998 the screen itself has a Victorian cinema feel to it, and the DIY cafe sells own-recipe cola. The Cube is a wonderful example of what Bristol can be at its best: accessible, accepting and artistic.
4. Bristol Film Festival
The Cube is a wonderful example of what Bristol can be at its best: accessible, accepting and artistic
InFilm
Third Year, Psychology
2. Cube Microplex
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Do you love film? Have you just moved into Bristol? Here’s a rundown of some cinematic must-dos to keep you busy. Ellie Fernyhough
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4 Map data ©2019 Courtesy of Google
is Bristol Rebel Film Festival, part of a growing collection of festivals across the UK and beyond, aiming to showcase independent shorts and features. More of a traditional festival format than the Bristol Film Festival, it takes place over the last weekend of February and is a great opportunity to see otherwise-overlooked talent and there is also a chance to submit your own shorts for screening!
5. Film journalism
I could not recommend this enough; getting involved with any of the student publications like Epigram or external blogs and magazines is a really wonderful way to increase your own engagement with the film world. Not a film student myself, I had never considered my own ability to review films or share my opinions about people within the industry who inspired me. However, it’s so accessible to take part in journalism as a student - a field not so open once you leave university - that you can throw yourself into it and give it a go. To me it was confidence-boosting, as well as giving me time to think more about my takes on film, and reason to burrow deeper into topics I found fascinating. Aside from the perks of getting press passes to opening nights or festivals, it’s a rewarding experience and from my time at uni, writing and editing a student publication will stand out as something I was glad to have tried.
27.09.2019
epigram
Film & TV 23
With Freshers’ Flu and homesickness lurking, here are some foolproof pick-me-ups. Milo Clenshaw Third Year, Film and English
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reshers’ is the most exciting week in the student calendar, when deadlines are in the hazy future and your biggest worry is which triangle club to stumble out to that night. That being said, it can be pretty overwhelming, especially in first year with all the pressure to enjoy yourself, make new friends, join societies and survive without burning your flat down making spag bol. So whether you’re curled up in bed with the mother of all hangovers or just taking a breather from communal kitchen chats, these films are for you.
Juno (2007) dir. Jason Reltman The ultimate feel-good indie flick, Juno provides just the right dose of coming-of-age angst, plenty of jokes and a great soundtrack to boot. Michael Cera is his classic goofy self, this time fumbling about our screens in gold running shorts for the majority of the film. Ellen Page’s performance can’t be beaten though,
commanding attention with her 5ft1 frame, navigating the uncomfortable, funny and ultimately compelling world of teenage pregnancy. What strikes me most of all is the film’s amazing script, with lines like ‘That ain’t no etch-a-sketch. That’s one doodle that can’t be undid, homeskillet’ engraved on my brain forever. I first saw Juno as part of my sex education in high school, so maybe it’s also a topical reminder for anyone getting wild at freshers’ that it’s worth using protection, even with the weedy ones.
Mamma Mia! (2008) dir. Phyllida Lloyd It’s Meryl Streep. It’s a beautiful Greek Island. It’s Pierce Brosnan reaching the limits of his vocal capacity. More importantly than any of that, however, it’s ABBA. What else could you ask for to cure those freshers’ blues? Everyone loves ABBA, and those who say they don’t are either pretending or hate fun (Sorry dad, but it’s true). As soon as Amanda Seyfried hits those first few notes of ‘Honey, Honey’, you know you’re in for a good time, and I for one just can’t stay sad by the time it’s got to ‘Chiquitita’. Some people stay away from musicals because
IMDb / Universal Pictures
Feel-good Freshers’ films
they’re often not taken as seriously as other films, but the sheer joy Mamma Mia! can bring on a drizzly Tuesday definitely makes up for its somewhat dubious plot. If you’re willing to commit to the cheese, you too can be a dancing queen.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) dir. Jonathan Demme Granted, this is a bit of a wild card compared to my other choices, but I think we can all admit to Netflix binges of enticing serial killer documentaries from time to time. It has enough Oscars to give it some credibility, being the third film ever to win in all top five categories, and is the only film I know of to have a
moth wrangler listed in its credits. It’s immersive enough that you will forget all about missing your family dog or worrying about whether you packed enough pants - but just make sure your flatmates are in for when it is over; you will not want to be walking into dark rooms any time soon. After all, if making friends in a packed lecture theatre seems a bit daunting, just remember that Clarice Starling had to be pals with a known cannibal as part of her FBI training. Perspective.
My Neighbour Totoro (1988) dir. Hayao Miyazaki Like all Studio Ghibli films, My Neighbour Totoro’s animation is
utterly breathtaking. Combine this with a playful plot about friendly woodland spirits and you have the perfect film for watching in bed with a cup of tea and a packet of hobnobs (other nobbly biscuits are acceptable). Miyazaki is a master at capturing childhood nostalgia, and the bear/rabbit-like Totoro comes straight from your eight-year-old imagination. It is not just a kid’s film either, containing a strong ecological message about living in harmony with nature that’s even more relevant 30 years on. The last on my list, this is the film I would recommend more than any of the others if you’re feeling a bit fragile; it never gets too serious, and you can drift away on its whimsy from the madness of freshers’.
Editors’ Picks IMDb / IAC Films
IMDb / Working Title
IMDb / DisneyPixar
IMDb / MGM
IMDb / Working Title
For our first issue of the year, editors choose their ultimate feel-good film
Leah Martindale Editor
Louie Bell Deputy Editor
Laura Aish Digital Editor
Tom Goulde Deputy Digital Editor
Siavash Minoukadeh Entertainment Sub-Editor
Legally Blonde (2001)
Finding Nemo (2003)
Bean (1997)
About Time (2013)
Lady Bird (2017)
Women supporting women, the defiance of stereotypes, self-acceptance; Bruiser the gemini vegetarian chihuahua, costume comebacks, the bend-and-snap. Has any film been as life-affirmingly, era-definingly feel-good as the 2001 classic Legally Blonde? The film centres around fashion queen sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) following her ex-boyfriend Warner to Harvard Law School, in an attempt to prove she is serious enough for him. What she learns far surpasses law, however, as she makes unlikely friendships, conquers sexism and stereotypes, and learns to love herself. There is nothing more feelgood than that.
The best-selling DVD release of all time, Finding Nemo remains as charming and emotionally-charged today as it did when released. Even with its superb animation, deeply-affecting soundtrack and stunning visuals that draw you into the vastness and loneliness of the ocean setting, its core story of a father and a son on a literal and emotional journey to find one another is so enticing, genuine and beautifully realised that it never fails to comfort me when feeling homesick, tired or miserable. Funny, touching and packed with a stellar cast voicing strange and wonderful characters, Finding Nemo is my ultimate feel-good film.
Picking one film is always difficult as there are so many amazing titles out there to choose from - it is especially hard as a film student! For me, a film that never fails to make me smile is Bean (1997) with Rowan Atkinson. Although the film might seem a little dated now, Atkinson’s weird and wonderful characterisation and humour in Bean still remains as funny today as it did when he first arrived on our screens. From sick bag explosions to doodles on classical paintings, the gags are silly but they’re still sound. If you’re looking for a feel good film - then Bean will most likely do the job and bring a smile to your face.
About Time is a typical Richard Curtis film, featuring both tearjerking moments intertwined with heart-warming scenes. By the end of the film you’ll be using tissues to wipe tears of both joy and sadness. With superb performances from Bill Nighy, Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson exhibiting sublime chemistry, especially that of the complex fatherson relationship between Nighy and Gleeson, it makes me so much happier. On a rainy day when I’m feeling low or stressed I’ll switch on About Time and instantly be engrossed and forget about all my problems. For all these reasons, it’s one of my feel good films.
There’s a lot in Lady Bird that you can unpack if you want, but at its core, Greta Gerwig’s debut is a warm, relatable coming-of-age story. What’s great about it is how none of the characters, from the eponymous protagonist played by Saoirse Ronan to Timothée Chalamet’s sulky Kyle, are perfect. If you’re ever struggling with moving out or homesickness seeing Lady Bird go through the same will reassure you that it’s not just you. Watching Lady Bird is like catching up with some friends for a bit. sit back and watch them all stumble into adulthood, with jokes, tears and slip-ups along the way, just like us.
Arts
epigram 27.09.2019
@epigramarts
With the new term brings a new wave of writers, and a new team of editors too! I’m excited to see what you’ll bring for us this year, Autumn. As the winter months approach, the days get shorter and colder, but Spring is not far around the corner. But Autumn we’ll always remember you as the start of it all. You’re our new beginning to our new year, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
Arnolfini is located in the heart of the harbourside and is one of the most prominent arts venues in Bristol. Identifying more as an open public space than a conventional visual art gallery, it has a more contemporary feel and features a range of artsy events, including spoken word poetry, performance art, and visual exhibitions such as ‘STILL I RISE’, an
Lee
Autumn, you see, you are a period of reflection to me. A time to start afresh, and with a new season brings a new term. Sort of like New Year’s resolutions in reverse. Promises of attending that 9am and going to the library hang humorously in the air. Pledges to eat well and go to that gym class, to not stay out too late and not leave everything to the last minute like we usually do. But we’re only students after all! And don’t worry I’ve got my swanky new pastel highlighters and coloured pens at the ready.
Arnolfini
exploration of female liberation. Make sure you book tickets for upcoming events on their website - there’s a zine making workshop on the 9th October! Tickets are mostly free, and if not, rarely exceed £15. 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA Open 10am-6 pm daily
Spike Island Epigram Arts
Housing over 70 creatives, Spike Island provides multiple gallery spaces that serve as a platform for emerging and established artists. They pride themselves on a strong sense of community within Bristol, providing a diverse range of arts ranging from open studios, to gallery tours, workshops and artists' talks. Events - such as the monthly novelist talk sessions - are often free or usually offer reasonable student concessions. 133 Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6UX Open 12pm-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Centrespace An intimate exhibition space down a small side street in the heart of the city, Centrespace houses contemporary works by a thriving community of craftspeople. It hosts various workshops and events, as well as a gallery space that is available to hire. Events are sometimes sporadic, but are nearly always a n fi free. It’s a great space to check out era /S m if you’re in the area. a r g Epi 6 Leonard Ln, Bristol BS1 1EA Open 11am-6pm daily Le e
With love,
/S era fina
Hello again my friend! How long has it been? A year? I have so much to catch you up on. Summer packed his bags and left for the year, to make room for all your boxes I suppose.
am igr Ep
The Last Bookshop
With friendly, helpful staff and a large variety of books - from science fiction, to philosophy, to classics, to food - you’ll be able to find whatever you’re looking for in this charming little store! There are records and posters for sale as well, and if you’re not already convinced, it’s worth
mentioning that almost everything costs £3! Located on Park Street, this is an easy one to get to on your way to uni. 60 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JN Open 9:30am-6:30 pm daily
St Nicholas Market A popular and well-known destination in Bristol, St Nicholas Market is a cultural hub of independent market stalls selling artwork, food, clothes, and a vast array of other trinkets. In 2016 it was named Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market and it’s not hard to see why! Strolling through the
Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft At the heart of Bristol’s vibrant, alternative scene, the bustling Gloucester Road leads into Stokes Croft and hosts the longest stretch of independent shops in the UK. Brimming with charity shops, vintage shops, cafés and pubs, Stokes Croft is a colourful experience, and particularly famous for its street art. Graffiti and stencil art are even encouraged by some businesses! Keep an eye out for its impressive vintage market - located opposite Blue Mountain - which is a great place to head for clothes and furniture. If you’re looking for a bargain, be sure to head down to see what you can find - prices are usually reasonable.
The Loco Klub Located in the tunnels underneath Bristol Temple Meads, The Loco Klub is an emerging and particularly atmospheric underground Arts venue. It functions as both a social and creative hub, hosting anything ram from student theatre g i Ep productions, to spoken word poetry evenings, to live music, to club nights, and even Circus Cabaret. Get your hands on tickets for its upcoming event ‘Hidden: The Lost City with Josh Butler’, which will take place on the 28th September. Opposite Yurt Lush, Clock Tower Yd, Bristol BS1 6QH Opening times dependent on events
Watershed
More than your average Cineworld, Watershed is an independent cinema which focuses on innovative projects and creative workshops, and also presents a diverse programme of local films. Situated on the scenic waterfront of Bristol’s beloved harbourside, it boasts both a buzzing atmosphere and the rare find of £5 student tickets! It will be hosting the Encounters Film Festival, Bristol’s largest international film festival, from the 24th -29th September - so don’t miss it this Freshers’ Week! 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX Open 10am-11pm daily
Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol’s oldest art gallery is conveniently located just off campus on Clifton Triangle, in an impressive grade II* listed building. RWA places an emphasis on opening exhibitions by leading contemporary artists and prioritises engagement and learning m a igr through their workshops and Ep courses, all of which are open to the public. They host free gallery tours every Tuesday, and are currently exhibiting ‘The Joy of Flowers: Nature’s Living Gems’ until the 20th October. Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX Open 10am-5pm Tuesday- Sunday
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Stokes Croft is a colourful experience and is particularly famous for its street art
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Second Year English
An eclectic little bookshop with a beautiful interior, Bloom & Curll is an independent store that prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere. Books are stacked almost chaotically, but there’s a certain charm to its haphazardness. Stocking a variety of works, from Brontë to The Hungry Caterpillar, the owner is always happy to take book suggestions from customers. 74 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BB Open 12pm-5pm TuesdaySaturday
Georgian arcade is a must for any student new to the city. Whether it’s cultural food you’re after, or homemade ornaments to decorate your new student room, St Nick’s is the place for you this Freshers’ Week! The Corn Exchange, Corn St, Bristol BS1 1JQ Open 9:30am-5pm Monday to Saturday
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Tasha Nuthall
Bloom & Curll
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Digital Deputy Editor
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Serafina Lee
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Livi Player Imogen Howse Will Maddrell Serafina Lee
Artsy spots to visit this Freshers’ Week
A letter to Autumn ear Autumn,
Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor
ram Epig
a in raf e /S
Arts 25
27.09.2019 epigram
Creative societies to join this Freshers’
Livi Player
shows - there are plenty of ways to try your hand at comedy this Freshers’!
Arts Editor
Imogen Howse
Spotlights
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anked as The Guardian’s fourth most inspiring city, beating both London and Paris as a result of its vibrant arts scene, Bristol is the perfect place to flex your creativity. Below is a handful of the many artistic societies available here at Bristol University for you to get involved with this Freshers’ Week!
Bristol Revunions
The University’s sketch comedy troupe, Bristol Revunions provide a supportive environment for anyone to come and try out sketch and stand-up comedy, no matter your previous experience. With weekly workshops, writing sessions, and stand-up nights, as well as their main
One of the two major theatre societies at Bristol, Spotlights prioritises contemporary theatre, focusing on student written plays and performances utilising experimental techniques. They provide plenty of opportunities for new writers to get involved throughout the year - you can write anything from a fifteen minute showcase to a full length production.
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Develop your artistic abilities or simply relax with a group of likeminded people
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Deputy Arts Editor
They run weekly writing workshops and provide the opportunity for industry feedback as well as professional mentoring through various connections. Offering opportunities in any and all aspects of theatre, there’s no reason not to give Spotlights a go this Freshers’!
Fine Art Society
The Fine Art Society gives everybody the opportunity to be creative, hosting a wide variety of classes from life drawing to mixed media workshops with local artists. A popular choice is their 8x8 course, where you learn eight new art techniques in eight weeks, at the end of which you produce an exhibition in a local art space. Whether you’re looking for the chance to develop your artistic abilities and get your work put on display, or to simply relax with a group of likeminded people, you’ll be able to find a place in the Fine
Describing themselves as a welcoming, laid-back, and sociable society, the Pottery Society is a great one to to get involved with if you want to try something a little new - or develop past skills. They have access to a fully equipped Pottery studio in the Student’s Union, providing the perfect place to become fully immersed in creativity and develop skills in hand building, sculpture and throwing. They offer special courses for beginners and cater to all abilities - there’s no reason not to get involved!
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Bristol is the perfect place to flex your creativity
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Bristol Revunions
Pottery Society
Poetry and Creative Writing Society
The Poetry and Creative Writing Society provides a platform for students and local writers to showcase their creativity in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking to write or perform, the society puts on events ranging from writing workshops to spoken word evenings and poetry slams. There are also plenty of opportunities to work alongside some of Bristol's top spoken word artists and writers.
society for you. With access to lots of professional equipment, including the Full Adobe Creative Suite and a Mac with film scanners, there’s no limit to what you can do. Equally, if you’ve never tried photography before, PhotoSoc offers regular studio workshops designed to teach anyone in the art of lighting and professional portraiture. There’s also the chance to go on a range of trips - both locally and internationally - providing the perfect opportunity to spark inspiration.
Magic Society
If you’re looking to develop an impressive new skill to take home at Christmas time, the Magic Society is the one to join. You can try your hand at a vast array of card tricks and illusions - no previous experience required. That being said, if you’re already proficient in magic, there are plenty of new tricks to try in addition to weekly, informal competitions to get involved with. Make some magic this Freshers’!
Epigram/Magic Society
Art Society.
PhotoSoc
Calling all photographers of all abilities! Whether you are a darkroom fanatic or digital whizz, PhotoSoc is the
Book Corner
Livi Player
Imogen Howse
T
ilarious and heart-breaking, Adam Kay’s This Is Going To Hurt narrates the rewarding highs and devastating lows of life as a junior doctor. Interwoven with both amusing anecdotes and personal reflections on the current state of the NHS, Kay strikes the perfect balance between comedy and raw emotion. As sarcastic as it may be, at the memoir’s heart is a moving love letter to those who may at any moment be holding our lives in their hands. Whether you’re planning on following in Kay’s footsteps or steering clear of an NHS career, this is one everyone should read. And that means everything - the footnotes, endnotes, and the acknowledgements. Trust me!
Arts Editor
wenty-nine year old Eleanor Oliphant is a social misfit. She leads a simple life from pop star crushes, to vodka infused weekends, to lonely meals for one. Her life follows routine and order, but is completely empty. Eleanor’s isolation takes centre stage in Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, an important modern theme that doesn’t often take the spotlight. Although Eleanor may not be entirely likeable at the start, she’s undoubtedly hilarious as you watch her character blossom in spite of her dark past. A lighthearted and completely captivating novel from start to finish, you won’t be able to help falling in love with Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Deputy Arts Editor
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Will Maddrell Digital Editor
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emaining mostly unseen since it was first written in 1952, Mary Ventura and the Ninth Kingdom was finally published for the first time earlier this year. This coming-of-age short story is an eerie, strange tale of a young girl leaving home on a train for the first time, heading towards an unknown destination. Fast-paced and rich with tension, we are left thinking not only about the concept of oblivion, but also about our own mortality, independence and the choices we make. As Plath writes, ‘the passengers are so blasé, so apathetic that they don’t even care about where they are going.’ This is essential reading for all Plath fans.
Photo courtesy of The Official Website of Dan Brown
Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster
Photo courtesy of Waterstones
Photo courtesy of Waterstones
Photo courtesy of The Book People
Introducing Epigram Arts’ new feature: your go-to for our top book recommendations
Serafina Lee
Deputy Digital Editor
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f you’re interested in writing creative non-fiction or personal essays, then this will be your bible. Phillip Lopate is encouraging, humourous, and ready to share his own trials and tribulations within his literary craft, proving him a fantastic teacher as well as a renowned essayist. Reading this will make you want to reach for your notebook and start scribbling. As someone who usually opts for a novel instead of an essay, I was surprised by how readable this curated collection is. His ruminations left me with a deeper respect for the less popular and neglected realm of the personal essay. Overall, a very insightful read and one well worth picking up!
Daisy Farrow Croft Editor
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he Da Vinci Code changed my life. Literally. I know everyone says that about at least one book, but in this case it’s completely true. It’s so clever and so mind-blowingly complex that it will completely challenge what you once thought about religion, history, politics and more. Everything. With startling truths and intricate puzzles, this adventure through some of the cultural hotspots of Europe will keep you on your toes and get your heart and mind racing. If you are not put off by a little bit of French dialogue every now and again - you can just Google it anyway - then you should definitely give this mystery thriller a go.
epigram 27.09.2019
Music
@EpigramMusic epigram_music
Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor
Francesca Frankis Guy Marcham Joe Boyd Will Snelling
A Freshers’ guide to Bristol’s music scene 1
Thekla
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Trinity Centre
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SWX
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Motion
By Guy Marcham, Deputy Music Editor
By Siavash Minoukadeh, Entertainment Subeditor
By Francesca Frankis, Music Editor
Not only is Thekla one of Bristol’s best live music venues, it’s also one of Bristol’s most unique - it’s on a boat! Having just been refurbished over the summer, Thekla is thankfully back up and running. The former cargo barge has become an iconic venue in the city, having hosted some of the biggest names in both pop and indie circles such as Florence + The Machine, The xx and The Horrors. Expect much of the same this year, with the boat playing host to the likes of Mercury Prize nominee Little Simz and complex indie folk singersongwriter Rozi Plain. The boat also boasts an infamous Indie club night for lovers of The Smiths and Arctic Monkeys as well as a shameless pop night full of infectious grooves and group singalongs. However, it’s not just big names that have made Thekla a Bristol darling - so too has its intimacy, with the size of the venue meaning that you get a great view of the bands even if you’re stood at the back. There is a separate bar upstairs and a cosy place to have a drink before the music starts.
Set in the remains of an old renovated Grade II listed church Trinity Centre is a gig venue like no other. From the crackled hip hop samples of Loyle Carner to the euphoric melancholy of Frightened Rabbit, Trinity Centre is known for hosting an immense and diverse range of acts. Nestled at the top of Old Market, Trinity Centre is the best place to go to experience a spellbinding set while surrounded by the sparkle of stained glass windows.
You might have first heard about SWX as being home to club nights of varying quality but it also boasts an impressive programme of gigs. Although it may not be as intimate as venues like The Fleece or The Louisiana, it makes up for it with its effects. They make good use of their space, expect wild lighting, booming acoustics and backing dancers. If you’re looking for a gig that’s as visually stunning as it is musical, SWX is a venue you should definitely keep an eye on.
Motion has secured a place in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs list for the past few years and has housed some of the biggest names in the industry. Located by Temple Meads in an old warehouse, it is undoubtedly Bristol’s biggest venue, with a capacity of around 4000. Motion is an essential
What’s on @ Thekla: whenyoung - 12/10/2019 Since the release of ‘Actor’ and ‘Silverchair’ last year, this Dublin indie trio have gone from strength to strength, releasing EP Given Up in November and then their debut album, Reasons To Dream. The band are heading on a UK tour with Bristol being their final date. Influenced by Irish rockers like The Pogues, front woman Aoife Powers sings dreamily about isolation and homesickness. Think Wolf Alice meets The Cranberries.
What’s on @ Trinity Centre: Tinariwen 12/11/2019 The nine-piece political desert rockers from Mali return with their glorious ninth album, Amadjar. The band will be celebrating its critically acclaimed release with an evening of heartfelt defiance and unifying Saharan desert blues. Adorned in Tagelmust veiled robes – the legendary band offer a unique and artistic experience, transporting you from humble Bristol to a mystical desert landscape.
to check off your list if you are new to Bristol. It’s also worth visiting Marble Factory, which is located on the same site but is considered a separate venue. Whilst Motion tends to welcome big names in the electric and dance music scenes, Marble Factory is more suited to slightly more intimate gigs. Expect indie artists and jazz bands for a unique live experience in this industrial setting with a mezzanine level balcony.
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By Siavash Minoukadeh, Entertainment Subeditor
What’s on @ SWX: Deerhunter & Cate Le Bon 05/11/2019 Atlanta indie band Deerhunter are back with their latest album Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? which boldly tackles the subject of isolation in the digital age. Their influences are broad, ranging from electro-psych to folk. As always, make sure to get there in good time for the support act, which on this occasion, comes in the form of bilingual Welsh alternative folk rocker Cate le Bon. Image: Google Maps
Foreverland returns to Bristol again this year and is set to be a night full of huge headliners including Preditah and The Artful Dodger. There is a whole array of crazy stuff lined up such as inflatable props and confetti canons, throwing you headfirst into the eclectic Bristol music scene.
Epigram /Patrick Sullivan
Epigram /Guy Ma
Facebook/Nicholas O’Donnell
rcham
What’s on @ Motion: Foreverland - 04/10/2019
Music 27
27.09.2019 epigram
The Fleece
By Joe Boyd, Digital Music Editor
Located on the notorious Stokes Croft, Crofters Rights offers an intimate gig space at the back of an old school style pub boasting an impressive 17 keg and cask, beers and ciders. Presenting anything from punk to spoken word you are sure to find something that suits you. A small enough venue that you are sure to bump into the infamous Bristol gig goer, Big Jeff. Some recent acts to have graced the stage at Crofter’s include indie singer songwriter Adult Mom and infectious punk thrashers, Swearin’. Crofters Rights is also home to Ray’s Neapolitan style pizzas if you are looking for a bite to eat before the gig.
What’s on @ The Crofters Rights: Hot Flash Heat Wave - 26/10/2019
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The band dart between dreamy soundscapes and jittery guitars
Nestled beneath the ascent of Park Street and conveniently neighbouring Orchard Height’s Student Accommodation, is Bristol O2 Academy. Whilst unassuming from the exterior, Bristol’s O2 boasts a capacity of over 1,600, and plays host to a variety of artists and events. T h e likes of Jorja Smith, James Blake and NAO having played in the past year.
Over 250 years after starting its life as a jail in 1740, Fiddlers was transformed into a music venue in 1994. Located south of the river in Bedminster this intimate gig space has welcomed the likes of math r o c k e r s Black Midi and lo-fi songwriter Homeshake. It’s certainly one of a kind for seeing your favourite acts up close and personal.
What’s on @ O2 Academy: Slowthai 17/10/2019 British rapper Slowthai, has made waves this year with his mercury prize nomination and politically charged performances. The release of his critically acclaimed debut album, Nothing Great About Britain saw him collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry including Skepta and Mura Masa. As a part of his ‘bet ya a £5er’ tour, all tickets are priced at a reasonable £5, this definitely isn’t one to miss.
What’s On @ Fiddlers: KOKOKO! - 26/11/2019 Bursting out from Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KOKOKO! present an eclectic blend of LCD Soundsystem infused synths and danceable African beats. Fongola, their euphoric debut album released this year offered a 40-minute stream of dancefloor ready tunes. The collective are all the more joyous live – dressed head to toe in yellow boiler suits and outrageously rattling their DIY instruments made from recycled parts. A boisterous and unique experience that will certainly not disappoint.
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Canadian trio Loving are set to play The Louisiana this October. The band’s debut self titled album made waves through the indie scene and saw their nostalgia inducing ca vo sound gain notorieO in Gav ty. Make sure to catch them as they make a long anticipated trip across the pond.
By Francesca Frankis, Music Editor
Epigr
A post-punk buzz band hailing from Dublin in 2019. The Murder Capital strike a monstrous wall of screeching guitars and John Keats inspired poetry. With their explosive yet poignant blast of energy and unsettling Nick Cave inspired darkness, the band are certainly ones to catch.
What’s on @ The Lousiana: Loving 06/11/2019
Psychedelic indie trio, Hot Flash Heat Wave from San Francisco will be taking the stage this October. HFHW take a more unique approach to most contemporary indierock bands with all members sharing lead vocals with remarkable fluidity. Be sure to catch their angular psych riffs and chilled dulcet tones as the band dart between dreamy soundscapes and jittery guitar.
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What’s on @ The Exchange : The Murder Capital 07/10/2019
Fiddlers
By Bethany Marris, Deputy Digital Editor
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Hailing from Pennsylvania, Progressive death metal giants River of Nihil made their mark with 2018 album Where Owls Know My Name. Their live shows are technically impressive and full of energy; if metal is what you’re into, this isn’t one to miss.
O2 Academy
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What’s on @ The Fleece: Rivers of Nihil 30/09/2019
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First opening its doors as a sheep farm in the 19th century, The Fleece is now a staple in the alternative music world and Bristol’s largest remaining independent venue, offering club nights and live music seven days a week. Being a Grade II listed building it offers a unique experience, with a cobbled floor, rock and roll décor and walls plastered with posters of previous legendary acts to have walked through its doors. Including the likes of Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Muse and Queens of The Stone Age. This is the venue you want to check out if you’re interested in the heavier world of music!
Epigram/Bethany Marris
By Gail El-Halaby Entertainment Subeditor
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It would be wrong to not include The Louisiana on this list. This intimate venue located in the upstairs of a pub just past Harbourside has igr gained quite a bit of Ep a legacy over the years. With the likes of Muse, Amy Winehouse and The National having all played here at the start of their careers, it’s the best place to catch exciting new buzz bands before they breakthrough. The Louisiana welcomes a whole array of artists, and provides a unique cosy setting for personal gigs.
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The Lousiana
By Francesca Frankis Music Editor
M ar cham
Just a short walk from Cabot Circus is a Bristol hidden gem. The Exchange opened its doors in 2012 and has become an important part of the local music scene. Having housed a range of acts such as The 1975, Four Tet and George Ezra. During the day, a record shop opens upstairs and a vegan café serving homemade delicacies resides downstairs. It not only houses the best of a diverse range of musical talent seven days a week, but unique events including punk music yoga run frequently. It’s one of the friendliest little venues around and is definitely worth checking out.
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The Exchange
By Gail El-Halaby Entertainment Subeditor
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epigram 27.09.2019
28 Music
Guy Marcham Deputy Music Editor
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f course, his lyrics are going to be something either otherworldly, religious or dark!’ Pixies drummer, David Lovering exclaims of his fellow band member and frontman, Black Francis. For legendary alternative rock icons Pixies are back and for all their hiatuses and unexpected departures – they’re still the very same band they’ve always been. It’s hard to know where to start as the iconic drummer, David Lovering, picks up his phone on a sun drenched LA early morning to discuss with Epigram Music his much celebrated and adored 30-year alternative rock legacy. As part of Pixies, Lovering has contributed to countless acclaimed albums such as 1988’s Surfer Rosa and 1989’s rock behemoth, Doolittle. For a man often highlighted as the influence behind Dave Grohl and the gnarly yet melodic angst driven sound of Nirvana, Lovering comes across as firmly grounded and down to earth. Any utterances of legacy and being part of a band of mystical proportions are rightly quashed, especially when pressed on how he feels about being constantly plastered with the ‘legendary’ tag by audiences and music journalists alike. ‘It doesn’t affect us at all. Not anybody. We couldn’t care less about it. It’s a wonderful appreciation and I do love that, but I don’t ponder on it’. A reluctance to dwell on and philosophise about former glories and past achievements is evident. The band instead look to the here and now. Lovering gleefully describing his ability to shut up and play the god damn music his “shtick”. ‘We feel that we are a viable band. This is what we love to do. Play and record. We’ve done it long enough to think that we know how to do it alright. That’s why we continue.’ The drummer seems straight talking and eager to kickstart life again as part of the Pixies, starting with their upcoming 7th studio album (3rd without their much-loved former bassist Kim Deal) ‘Beneath the Eyrie’ (out on September 13th). The band released their two fero-
cious and hard rocking lead singles first, entitled ‘Catfish Kate’ and ‘On Graveyard Hill’. The latter representing a return to form for the Massachusetts based band, with its discordant shrieking guitars and pulsating bass culminating an instantly catchy, fiery and gothic chorus. Beneath the Eyrie is very much a storming no nonsense rock album, an escapist offering during an ever-turbulent period both here and in the U.S. ‘It really wasn’t a concept or anything like that, as far as a formula.’ Lovering makes the recording and creative process behind the album seem effortless. A back to basics Pixies album that’s bound to please their already die-hard fan base. It seems to Pixies, everything tends to come easy. With over three decades of experience making music and playing momentous shows and headline sets at the likes of Coachella and Reading Festival – who can blame them? Before heading off on their upcoming European and UK tour (in which they headline London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace) the band would have had only one rehearsal. ‘That’s the way the Pixies operate’ Lovering beams. ‘When we get into
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We’ve been doing it long enough for it to be seamless
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Alternative rock legends talk to Epigram Music about Doolittle and their 30 year history as band.
the studio for that day everybody goes I haven’t touched a guitar in 7 months!’ Yet, Lovering can be viewed as the band’s workhorse. Keeping the show on the road after all these years. The drummer is constantly finding ways of bettering himself when performing live. ‘We’ve been playing ‘Where Is My Mind’ forever, and about three years ago I heard it on the radio. I realised, wait a minute, there was a high hat in the song. I thought, I’ve never played that before!’ Much unlike his fellow bandmates, Lovering practices alone every day for 90 minutes. A dedicated routine that enables the band to delve deeper into their influential back catalogue while playing live, airing otherwise hidden gems and racing through song after song. ‘Our shows are never the same. We have an 80-song list. 80 songs we pick and choose from. We’ve been doing it long enough for it to be seamless.’ A lot has previously been said
Facebook/Travis Shinn
‘We’re the Grateful Dead of Alternative Rock’: In conversation with Pixies
about the departure of former bassist Kim Deal. Some fans regard this latest incarnation of Pixies as ‘version 2.0’. Yet Lovering and the rest of the band paint a vastly different picture. ‘I don’t even know the difference’ explains Lovering, ‘it’s just been great and like nothing has changed.’ Lovering even notes that the introduction of their new bassist, Paz Lenchantin (who has worked with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Silver Jews) has propelled the band to new heights. ‘The wonderful thing about Paz is she’s a wonderful player and has made me play better as I don’t want to be embarrassed around her (…) It’s great that we have a rhythm section that is kickass.’ The band and Lovering in particular see themselves as in their prime. In a year in which Doolittle is
celebrating its 30th anniversary – the band definitely aren’t thinking of retiring and giving it all up just yet. Lovering is instead spurred on by a new generation of fans who attend their gigs in enormous numbers. The veteran drummer talks enthusiastically about the ‘seas of kids who weren’t even born when our albums came out.’ ‘From 2004, every show we do we have a lot of young kids, and I’m sure we’ll get more with this new album, who will know more off the new album than they do of the old stuff. I’m not kidding! It’s crazy! We’re very fortunate that the band have quite a diverse age group. I’d call us the Grateful Dead of Alternative Rock. This is what gives us a kick in the pants! We feel like we are still a viable band in our age. All we want to do is play and record and this propels us forward.”
For a band so steeped in musical history and legend, Lovering and Co. resemble an entirely different beast. Over the phone they present themselves as somewhat normal, without an air of pretentiousness and entitlement. For all of Francis’ dark and twisted lyrical imagery and Doolittle’s crowning adoration and influence, the band only seem focused on one thing - ‘this is just our schtick, playing the music.’ After 30 years of being a band, they sure know how to do it.
Editor’s Picks from Pixies 30 year back catalogue 1. Gigantic 2. Where is My Mind? 3. Monkey Gone To Heaven 4. Catfish Kate 5. Debaser 6. Heres Comes Your Man 7. On Graveyard Hill 8. U-Mass 9. Dig For Fire 10. Hey
Puzzles
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Same crossword, Two clues, Two answers Bristol Freshers Credit: Patrick Sullivan, co-Editor-in-Chief
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2. Bristolian slang for ‘very good’ (4,4) 4. The colour of Bristol’s signature glass (4) 5. Former Prime Minister and the University’s longest standing Chancellor (9) 6. The name of Bristol’s covered market (2,5) 7. Avon & Somerset public service; first in UK to be connected to burglar alarms (6) 8. Adjective describing activities outside of university; ‘outside walls’ in Latin (10) 10. South Carolina swing dance, Bristol holds the only festival in the UK; common bird near South West waters (4) 12. Neighbouring area to St Paul’s in Bristol; St ___ (5) 14. The forename of JK Rowling, born in Yate, 12 miles northeast of Bristol (6) 18. In December, eight UoB students were ________ in London while protesting for climate change action (8) 19. Vast green space between Clifton and Stoke Bishop (3,5) 20. Stoke Bishop first year accommodation (6,4) 22. Bristolian bodybuilder, David Prowse, was Darth Vader’s body in the original trilogy, but what is the name of the Supreme Leader in the 2015 and 2017 Star Wars films? (5) 24. TV show, 2003-05, starring Bristol alumni David Walliams and Matt Lucas (6,7)
Keziah James Fergus Ustianowski
Across 2. House in Stokes Croft always threatened; Broadway musical (8) 4. Home of 10 before 10 and Exhibition cider; The ___ Tap (4) 5. Harbourside independent cinema (9) 6. Triangle nightclub, host of BED (7) 7. The former name of the answer to 6 across (6) 8. Anonymous confessions page and UoB’s greatest advert (10) 10. Lifestyle choice; long night, usually referring to drug or alcohol consumption (4) 12. ____ Island, a triangular patch of unexplainable land and 4am folklore in Stokes Croft (5) 14. Nightclub outside which England cricket hero, Ben Stokes, was arrested for affray (6) 18. Greek chain of Bristol restaurants; rare late night, Michelinworthy food (4,4) 19. U1 bus driver, social media famous for their friendly persona (8) 20. The inspiration for iconic Triangle kebab van appeared in 559 episodes of this long running soap opera (10) 22. Unique pub-slash-bar-slash-club-slash-bowling-alley in City Centre; The _____ (5) 24. City Centre accommodation burned down in 2015 (7,6) Down 1. Joyful Uni cleaner who received much love online last year (6) 2. Stoke Bishop first year accommodation (5,5) 3. Clifton _____, a natural chamber and also a cinema (5) 7. The colour of the mountain resuscitated in February after three weeks of pre-death parties (4) 9. University building renamed after itself in Summer 2019 (6,5) 11. Verb; your flatmate’s worst bathroom hobby; also the main activity of the Bristol Suspensions (4) 13. Late opening pub with a dancefloor, The _____ Pig (5) 15. Bristol students raised £1500 to send the answer to 1 on holiday to visit family in this country (7) 16. Reptilian lounge in which Sports Night is celebrated (6) 17. Online learning environment requiring maintenance at your least convenient moments (10) 21. Cheap campus-based cafe and greasy brunch spot, replaced in 2018 by new study centre (9) 23. _____ Rooms, SU gig venue (5) 25. Riverside cider sold in 1/2 pints due to lethal nature (abbr.) (3,1)
Down 1. Engineer, famed for SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Temple Meads Station (6) 2. Nearby city and the name of the road supposedly with the longest row of independent shops (10) 3. Controversial E4 TV show following Bristolian 6thformers, 2007-13 (5) 7. Sci-fi comedy, 2011, starring Bristol alumni Simon Pegg, after whom a SU theatre is named after (4) 9. The University’s postgraduate students and academic staff are regarded as world class ________ (11) 11. River running through City Centre (4) 13. Verb; to register for a university course (5) 15. Bristol based animation studio known for Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run (7) 16. Bristol Zoo is home to two rare red pandas, whose diet consists mainly of bamboo __(6) 17. Bristol Hippodrome is home to these traditional Christmas theatre shows (pl.) (10) 21. Low key Bristol gig venue/pub, played by Coldplay . and Kings of Leon early in their careers; US state (9) 23. Welsh county the other side of the Severn Bridge (5) 25. Kaya Scodelario played this character in the TV show answer to 3 (4)
Word Ladder Change one letter to form a new word on each rung to reach the final rung.
Wills
Files Solutions will be posted online at: epigram.org.uk/tag/puzzles facebook.com/epigrampaper If you would like to submit ideas for Puzzles, email epigram.puzzles@gmail.com
WHAT'S ON Give it a go 30 September – 13 october Spoiled for choice with which societies and sports clubs you should join? Want to try something different but not sure you'll enjoy it? Give it a go is your opportunity to try something new before you commit to buying membership. bristolsu.org.uk/giveitago
#WeAreBristol Give it a Go Day Saturday 28 September, 9am, Centre for Sports, Exercise and Health
#WeAreBristol Colour Run, Saturday 28 September, 4pm, Coombe Dingle Sports Complex
Welcome Week Film Club: Spirited Away, Sunday 29 September, 7pm, Winston Theatre
Find the sport and activity session that's right for you! From rugby to korfball, try something new for free - and meet loads of new people.
Welcome to the first #WeAreBristol event of the year! A fun 3K run…walk, crawl, hop or skip where everyone can get involved and get colourful! Included with your ticket are: • Entry to the event • A Colour Run t-shirt • A pair of chic sunglasses!
Welcome week isn't quite over... join us for a fantastical animated adventure based on Japanese Folklore. Critically acclaimed and generally fun, Spirited Away is a classic!
BME Mingle: Black History Month Launch Party, Tuesday 1 October, 7pm, Balloon Bar
Jo Whiley's 90s Anthems, Friday 4 October, 9pm, Anson Rooms
This is the perfect opportunity to meet other BME students in the Bristol community – come say hi and start off Black History Month!
ESDR presents: Bob's Comedy Funhouse, Thursday 10 October, 6pm, Anson Rooms
David Olusoga: We Need to Talk about Windrush, Friday 11 October, 7:30pm, Anson Rooms
A feature length evening of comedy from the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 and friends!
In this talk as part of Black History Month Professor David Olusoga places the Windrush Scandal within the context of Black British History.
Bringing you all the best tracks from the greatest decade for music... think Blur vs. Oasis, Fatboy Slim, Primal Scream, The Chemical Brothers, and a whole lot more. Undoubtedly the biggest night out you’ll have all year, whether you were living it large in the 90s, wish it was still the 90s, or can’t quite remember the decade…
For more information on all upcoming events see bristolsu.org.uk/events
Sport 31
27.09.2019 epigram
Cheyenne Denny-Walker Third Year, Pyschology
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he attitude towards drinking within university sports societies is condemning, with the perception that members are forced to partake in this ‘essential’ activity. This common misconception derives mainly from social media. You are more likely to see pictures of sports members on the dance floor than at training, which is partially due sports at university having partnerships with clubs and bars, so it is natural for this to be showcased. However, when you look at the social media accounts of sports clubs, you can see that drinking and going out only makes up a small proportion of what they are about. Drinking is not the defining factor of a sports club. The actual sport is what primarily brings people together. Training and gamedays allow people to realise that they have more shared interests than their sport, transcending to realise that they have more shared interests than their sport, transcending
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Drinking is not the defining factor of a sports club
whenever you please. The advantage of this is that no one is excluded or left out. Often, a lot of sports societies have different teams competing at different levels, meaning that training sessions are separate for different teams, and people travel to different locations on game days. Thus, pre-drinks are a good chance to socialise with other members of the club that you may not have had the chance to due to this. It is also
a lighter environment than training and game days, so you have a greater chance of meeting and bonding with new people. Sports societies create a positive space and an abundance of opportunities to make friends beyond house and course mates, giving people a chance to feel like they belong – especially because it is easy to feel isolated as a fresher in a new setting. It can be comforting to continue participation in a sport you may be familiar with, but also to try something new. It is also easy to become lazy at university with the change in environment and pressure of academic work, so sports provide an opportunity to stay fit and release stress. University is the perfect chance to broaden your horizons, and sport is the ideal way to do that. Ultimately, drinking and sports societies do not go hand-in-hand. More often than not, this is a false impression that the media is quick to show and therefore it should not deter you from joining a sport. Once you do join, you will realise that there is so much more to sports societies than drinking. What people may perceive to be a space that allows peer pressure and promotes obscene nightlives is in fact a close knit community, with many social opportunities to engage within.
Sport defines university life Becky Bealing Third Year, History
‘J
for students. Not only this, but there are sports available for every ability and interest, from rock-climbing to surfing and from complete beginners to professional players. There is a joke amongst the University of Bristol Women’s Football Club, and I imagine many other clubs, that those staying on for a master’s are really just unable to say goodbye to their sports teams. This highlights just how beneficial sports can be to our university experience, social life and mental wellbeing. As a final year student, I could not recommend joining a sports club enough. m Whether you are highly passionate about the sport you are joining or would just like to try something new and create friends at the same time, then joining a club is definitely one way to enhance your university life. :S to Ph o
o sp iff
rts
oin a sports team’ is one of the many infamous straplines preached to Freshers, yet a cliché I nearly ignored. Having given up playing sports before A-Levels, I presumed the standard of University sport would be beyond my abilities. Nonetheless, I attended a ‘Give It A Go’ session in my first term which went on to define my university experience. Being part of a sports club has provided unexpected but vital insights and wisdom. For example, misunderstanding the term ‘tinnie’, I showed up to welcome drinks with two tins of macaroni rather than two beers… I haven’t made the same mistake since. On a more serious note, as a first year, university can feel overwhelming but being involved in a sports club allows you to mix with students of all ages and from all subject areas, who are able to provide advice for a host of problems. Socially, being surrounded by a large
group of individuals with a shared common interest has furthered my passion for sports. An interest in football is relatively niche amongst women however, nowadays, it is a struggle to find a living room with enough sofas for all of us who want to watch the game together. Being part of a sports club also means there is always a social event to attend, whether its pub quizzes or day trips. Admittedly, I hadn’t consciously noticed the dual impact sport has, at least for me personally. The endorphins from physical exercise definitely made a difference to my state of mind whilst the sense of trust and belonging from being part of a team provided me with the confidence and resilience to tackle problems off the pitch. Sport at university does not necessarily need to be undertaken with a club, as there are both tennis and squash courts available to hire
The reality is that intramural can help you rediscover your love of sport Andrew McNey Third Year, History
‘That means you haven’t known the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of [intramural] football’ - Archie Andrews, Riverdale Intramural sport at Bristol no doubt has been one of the biggest influences on my experience at university, and rightly so. Looking back on my long career of Sunday league fixtures in youth teams, I would have to say that intramural football stands out. It possesses something that has so far been unrivalled by any other football experience that has graced my 20 years of age. Although it may not be as glamorous as playing for the university, there is one thing that intramural football possesses in abundance; passion. Passion is what drives this culture of football at Bristol and passion is what gets the hungover student out of bed on a Wednesday afternoon. A passion for the sport and love for the team you represent is why I continue to play without referees, why I am happy to settle a penalty decision on a game of rock, paper, scissors and is why I witness my team captain planning possible formations in the last Tuesday lecture every week before gameday. To understand my relationship with intramural we must start at Fresher’s Week. Sharing the desire to play football at university, me and my flatmate had set our alarms for the morning of the try-outs for the University football team, however having spent much of the week being exposed to Bristol’s nightlife it came as no surprise when both of us slept through three sets of alarms. Still determined to play football we looked for other options, until we discovered intramural. Somewhat sceptical, but hopeful of what the camaraderie on the team’s Facebook group seemed to suggest, I boarded the number 3 bus to the Downs.
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There is one thing that intramural football possesses in abundance: passion
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Second Year, MA Law
their relationship from teammates, to friends. The idea that sports cultures are predominantly about drinking exacerbates the importance of alcohol within these friendships. Once you do become friends, it is inevitable that you will participate in other activities together that do not involve drinking, even something as simple as watching Bake Off at someone’s house. Even though there are events that will be more drinking-orientated, they do not exclude people who do not necessarily enjoy drinking. For instance, predrinks are typically held at a location that is accessible for all; you are more than welcome to attend and go home
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The drinking culture of sports teams receives wide criticism but is it really the case? Camilla Sameur
Intramural: Blood, sweat and Chai Pani
I was initially surprised not just at the quality of football, but also at the level of commitment to what I had presumed to be just a casual midweek league. Within my first 3 weeks of intramural football an ambulance had been called, one player had been carried off the pitch and the first social had claimed its victims. I learnt much in my first year, one lesson being that
the loudest substitute bench won any decision, courtesy of the lack of referees. However, most importantly I learnt what intramural was. This wasn’t just a casual league for those who couldn’t make it to the big leagues of University football, it was a community of likeminded students who would seemingly die for their respective teams. However, it was time for something new in my intramural career, something different. It was now time for the big move. Plans had been unveiled for this 1st year accommodation team to evolve into a larger club with a greater future and I wanted to be a part of it. As tough as it was breaking the news of my transfer to the captain of the team I had spent my first year with, I was excited to get involved with a new side. The second year of my intramural football career delivered all that I could
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Intramural sport has, without a doubt, been one of the biggest influences on my experience at university
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Opinion | Uni sport is far from the ‘pressured drinking’ myths
have expected and more. Entering an entirely new team into the intramural football leagues carried with it a sense of ownership and belief. A shared faith in the possibilities of this new club would bode well for its future. Not only did we win a few games; we competed in our first international fixture, delighted in a broad selection of very varied and creative socials, enjoyed a formal awards evening, secured a kit sponsor, designed our own club badge, gained a substantial following on our club Instagram page, exhibited multiple kit reveals, and were even presented the ‘Spirit of Intramural’ Award at the University of Bristol Sports Awards Evening. The growth of this club in this year not only embodies the passion that surrounds intramural sport and those who play it, but it undoubtedly shaped my second year at university. With many more plans for the future I remain optimistic about intramural and am excited to return to the Downs for another year of quality mid-week football. The upcoming year seems very promising, with the organisation of an intramural cup and I’m sure the same passionate spirit that it harnesses year after year. I am but one among the many students who await eagerly for the return of the drizzly Wednesday afternoons on that hallowed turf and the promise it holds for a chance at fame and glory. It is unknown what the next year of hungover, yet passionate, football holds for the teams of intramural but it will surely be great things.
Sport
Editor Digital Editor Student Sport Correspondent
India Gay Tymoteusz Suszcyński Edward McAteer
UOB Women’s Football
An intense but successful pre-season for UoB
Sports Editor
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re-season is essential for any athlete no matter what. Teams do not only improve their physical ability, but strength and conditioning also prevents common injuries such as sprains which often occur with inadequate training in the offseason. At the University of Bristol, most teams, particularly those who have earned Performance Sport, take pre-season seriously with multiple sessions each day for two to three weeks before term starts. With coaches and personal trainers on hand, all teams who participate receive the best preparation that they
can, to ensure a successful season in all sports and at all levels. I spoke to multiple club captains who all discussed how their preseasons were panning out and how they were preparing for the new season. Men’s football’s Joe Williams said ‘it’s been a strong start with the numbers high and the intensity levels setting an optimistic precedence for the upcoming season. The tone and culture that we have created in these first sessions looks like the club could be even better this year.’ Likewise women’s football club captain, Phoebe Tate, said: ‘With the loss of many players due to graduation, its safe to say we have a tough season ahead of us. However, with the endless pre-season effort already being seen and the addition of strength and conditioning sessions I’m sure it will enhance our performance and help us construct the platform for women’s football
that it thoroughly deserves.’ However, pre-season is not geographically limited to Bristol, demonstrated by men’s rugby who travelled to Cardiff to complete their annual sand dune fitness session. When back on home turf, they are completing two gym sessions and an outdoor skills session each day. Club captain, Will Sharp said, ‘with over 80 people signing up for pre-season, the teams are sure to be fit for the upcoming friendly games and the new season.’ Meanwhile, women’s rugby is pushing to be a top sport this year and it is certainly reflected in their dedication to pre-season. UBWRFC’s Frankie Woolfe said, ‘we have been working really hard building up for the season ahead with challenging rugby sessions alongside strength and conditioning four days a week.’ Men’s lacrosse have received an unprecedented level of engagement for their pre-season this year with
‘nearly 40 players training twice a day since the 2nd September, the longest one to date.’ VC, James Clemetson, discussed the particular excitement around the upcoming season due to growing numbers and success of the club from last year. Preparations are not only occurring
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It’s been a strong start with numbers high and the intensity levels setting an optimistic precedence for the upcoming season
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With summer over, many Uni sports teams have started to get back into shape with gruelling, pre-season sessions India Gay
on the pitch, but in the water also. Swimming and water-polo club captain, Henry Redman, discussed how their pre-seasons schedule, with some members swimming up to 8 times a week, has been intense but just what they need in order to showcase to the new freshers the level
of commitment. ‘Our first teams are looking to win the premier divisions of men’s and women’s BUCS and we’re hoping for the best for our brand new women’s third team!’ With facilities not as accessible as other sports, the University Boat’s Club finds pre-season as a great opportunity for rowers to get stuck into the sport at a stress free time of the year. Club Captain, Anna Roe, highlighted the chance in pre-season to clock up miles on the water, put some hours in the weight rooms and to welcome any new first years who are keen to get involved. The University hopes to maintain the successes of its clubs from last year, whilst continuing with the undeniable levels of enthusiasm, dedication and passion. With all clubs engaging fully with pre-season, there is already high hopes and an abundance of positivity as Bristol University move towards the new season.