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Student voice
EUSA Unions get a facelift
After a summer of intense renovation, EUSA is proud to present our new student shop and the Mayfield Bar at King’s Buildings
It’s a new academic year and a new look for some of our university buildings, as many have undergone transformations over the summer. Perhaps the most dramatic changes can be seen in King’s Building’s (KB) Mayfield Bar where everything has been redesigned and moved around, from more seat and tables for people to gather around to extra power points for those needing to plug in their laptops. Even the menu has been revamped with a new range of healthier food and a more prominent deli counter to add to the variety of meals now available at King’s Buildings. It has been widely acknowledged that the bar was due
LATEST NEWS BEST BAR NONE The Library bar has been voted the number one bar used by students in Edinburgh. The venue faced plenty of competition from the city’s other top venues, but managed to beat Revolution off the top spot thanks to its unbeatable food and drinks promos and student-friendly prices. Why not check it out!
a makeover and now the “cruiseship décor” is no more. The EUSA shop in Potterrow has also been refurbished; shoppers can now pick up more essentials, including lunches and stationery, at student-friendly prices. Also plans are afoot to install new sound equipment and lighting in the Pleasance Theatre in time for Semester two. Students at King’s Buildings will also notice further changes in the newly revamped JCMB café and Blackford Lounge. Think KB needs a new identity to match its interior transformation? If you have any suggestions for a new name for the Mayfield Bar please email them to EUSA. [Anne Miller]
TRADING TEXTBOOKS
Before
The 2009 Rectorial Election will
Looking for textbooks but would rather not have to spend a fortune in Blackwells? Or do you have some course books lying about that you no longer need? Well, why not take a look at the EUSA Book Exchange. It’s a great way to either bag a cheap second hand book or make some extra cash flogging off last semester’s. Visit www. eusa.ed.ac.uk/bookexchange to upload or search for a book today.
COMEBACK KIDS
After
Luxury Living for Freshers
Students arriving at Pollock halls for the first time in 2009 will be able to experience the benefits of a redeveloped John McIntyre Centre (JMC) and the brand new John Burnett House, after a summer of intense building work. But, does all this renovation justify the fact that Edinburgh’s accommodation is more expensive than what many LSE students are paying in central London? Ed Morrison certainly thinks so. The John Burnett House has 148 new accommodation places, reducing the chances of a repeat of the over-subscription fiasco, which saw many 2008 Freshers start their university life in a hotel. The new block has state-of-the-art facilities and includes a variety of single and double rooms, most of which are en-suite. Also, all 2009 Freshers will be privileged to have access to a newly redeveloped canteen at the JMC. The beige walls and dated counters have been replaced by a modern, brighter environment. Aside from the aesthetic improvements the range of food has been increased and new freshly roasted coffee machines have been installed for the benefit of those struggling with an early morning.
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The JMC has also been enhanced, with the construction of a new EUSA-run shop, which is considerably larger than the one it replaced. The shop stocks many of students’ basic needs from snacks, toiletries, cut-price newspapers and stationery to a range of alcoholic drinks. The Freshers of 2008 suffered the heart-wrenching blow of the closure of Centro, the JMC bar, after their first term. But this year, you will be able to make use of the refurbished bar and can expect a raft of promotional offers during the first few weeks. Newcomers to Pollock Halls should spare a thought for the previous year’s residents who had to live with a reduction in the size of the canteen and a very leaky ceiling during the refurbishment. They also endured the myriad of loud, irritating noises that accompany major building work all so that the current crop can enjoy shiny new facilities and enjoy the start of their university experience. If you’d like to learn more Edinburgh’s accommodation services visit: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services [Ed Morrison]
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Returners Week is back from Saturday 19th September. The chance for all second, third and fourth years to unwind with a week of outstanding entertainment provided by your very own Unions. Be prepared for cheesy nights at Potterrow, quizzes and comedy at Pleasance and even more outrageous fancy dress than you managed last year. And don’t miss everyone’s favourite Irish pop group, yes, the girls from Bewitched will also be appearing. Full event listings can be found on page 8. [Alexandra Taylor]
The Voice: Contributors Editor: Alexandra Taylor
Design: Matthew MacLeod
Welcome to the voice
First off, I hope you enjoy our snazzy Freshers’ edition of The Voice; the only publication that voices the issues that really matter to students and gives you an inside look at how EUSA is working for you. In this installment, you’ll find everything from how to make the most of living in this vibrant city to how you can get involved with us (all the info is on page 5). Like you, I was going through this only a year ago and my one piece of advice would be to seize every opportunity Uni throws at you and hopefully you’ll be able to have a first year experience as unforgettable as mine! [Alexandra Taylor]
Writers: Ed Morrison, Sam Fleming, Anne Miller, Laura Hayward, Jess Long, Alice Cummings, Nicki Papadopoulos, Carys Notley, Laura Jayne Baker
hype@eusa.ed.ac.uk
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Student voice
Sabbaticals Uncut
You said, EUSA did
The Voice had a quick chat with the new Sabbs to find out exactly what they think about university
You said that EUSA forget about Kings Buildings and that our Advice Place was never open when you needed it. EUSA did: we gave KB Advice Place it’s own permanent advisor so that you will be able to get professional, confidential advice every day from 11:00-2:00.
Name: Camilla Pierry Position: VP Societies & Activities Year: Just finished 3rd Studying: History One interesting fact: I wanted to drop out of university and become a horse rider.
So, lets start with the big question on everyone’s minds…is Freshers’ Week really the best week of your university life? Camilla: I’d say no… Evan: You can’t say that! C: You can, I mean Freshers’ Week is really good, but I’d be really sad if I said it was the best part of my university career, seeing as you are here for four. It set me up for the best four years of my life. Thomas: I’d agree that it’s not the best week of your life but it does allow you to meet loads and loads of people, some of whom will become your best friends and some of whom you’re never going to see again. For a lot of people Freshers’ Week isn’t as exciting as everyone makes out and really most people have a better time throughout the rest of their degree. E: Yeah, university is all about the experiences you pick up, the people you meet, the ideas you encounter and you can’t fit that into a week, however much excitement there is in that week.
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Name: James Wallace Position: VP Services Year: Just finished 4th Studying: Law One interesting fact: I’m the only Scottish sabb...
Name: Thomas Graham Position: EUSA President Year: Just finished 3rd year Studying: Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science One interesting fact: I like to go kayaking in my spare time.
Did you do anything scandalous in your Freshers’ Week?
J: I did nothing!
four year degree, so it gives you so much more time to settle in because the first two years for the majority of students won’t influence your degree classification. Also, the fact that everyone raises their eyebrows when you tell them you go to university here, because they think you must be really clever and slightly quirky.
Sure...moving on swiftly then! So we’ve talk about week one, but what would you say the best thing about the University of Edinburgh is on the whole?
E: It’s also quite a small city that, as a student, you are able to have an impact on, beyond the scale of what you’d be able to have an impact on in somewhere like London.
T: I think my favourite thing is getting to choose your course over the first two years. The fact that you get to the flexibility to pick and choose different subjects and just to try some really random things like Metrology is just really great. I hope people get the chance in Freshers’ week to go and have a look at the academic fair because it one of the most important parts of the week that people don’t talk about much.
J: I would agree with Evan that it’s the city, the culture and environment you’re in, it’s not just what goes on within university. The Hogmanay party, the festival – everything makes up the experience and being a student in Edinburgh, well that’s unique. You don’t get that anywhere else.
C: For all the people who aren’t Scottish, coming to Edinburgh is really really good because it’s a
T: To make sure students’ views are heard by and represented beyond the University. Our jobs are about
E: No! I was an exemplar of good behaviour. C: What about James ‘the slag’ Wallace [laughing]
Ok, so why do students need Sabbaticals at Edinburgh University?
Name: Evan Beswick Position: VP Academic Affairs Year: 1st year postgrad Studying: I’m doing a Masters in International and European Politics One interesting fact: I play the harmonica!
everything from offering services that people want to giving vital independent support to helping with any academic problems to talking to the council – there’s a massive range of stuff that we do to represent you. E: And the more students that get involved and tell us what they want, the more useful we become to them and we can go into meetings and say things like: ‘We have this many students saying they want their lectures to be recorded on podcasts and you should put money into this.’ C: Also, as the University is a very complex institution, teaching undergraduates isn’t its main focus all the time, but by making it interested in what students have to say the end product experience of being a student really improves. T: Fundamentally, we are run by students for students and you can get us to do what you want. So if you wanted to see Teviot painted pink with fluffy cushions and bunnies outside, then James will be very unhappy, but, if enough of you say so then we’d try our best to do it! [Alexandra Taylor]
You said that the library wasn’t open long enough at the weekends for masters students finishing off their dissertation or revising for a resit. EUSA did: we got the library opening hours extended from being closed on a Sunday and only open from 10:00-1:00 on a Saturday to being open from 10:00-8:00 on a Saturday and 12:00-8:00 on a Sunday.
You said that prices were too high in your bars. EUSA did: we’ve lowered prices across our outlets, by up to 25% in some instances. Some pints will cost £1.80 across our buildings, and £1.50 during the day in Potterrow.
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Features
Top Spots Refreshing Thoughts EUSA’s rough guide to making the most of Edinburgh
From strolling around the city to lounging leisurely in the Meadows or exploring the many shops, restaurants and cafes available, Edinburgh is a beautiful city and there is plenty to enjoy. Whether this is your first visit to Edinburgh or if it welcomes you back as an old friend here are some gems just waiting to be discovered.
ESSENTIALS If there is anything you didn’t realise you would need until you arrived then head for Edinburgh Bargain Stores. Located at 5-9 St Patrick Square EBS is an Aladdin’s Cave of all things household and you can pick up anything from lamps to drawing pins to vacuum cleaner bags, storage boxes, frying pans and everything in between. If your student diet could do with a taste of luxury then head for Peckhams, located conveniently between George Square and Pollock Halls at 49 South Clerk Street. With a large selection of biscuits, jams, wine and a deli counter serving cheese, pate, olives and ham there is always a reason to visit this family owned company with its shops which often stay open until midnight. One of the main draws is the fresh cakes section where you can choose a slice of something exciting from the ever-changing selection. It also has an excellent restaurant underneath and a Bruntsfield Branch conveniently located for students living in Bruntsfield and Marchmont.
COFFEE AND A CHAT Located at 104 Nicolson Street you will find Kilimanjaro, a coffee shop boasting a tasty lunch menu, snacks and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Peter’s Yard, on the other side of George Square, is a Swedish bakery serving big bowls of soup with huge hunks of bread, a selection of sand-
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wiches, snacks and some mouth watering valrhona chocolate muffins for a sweeter treat.
EXPLORING There’s always something to see in Edinburgh but if you’re keeping an eye on the pennies head to Arthur’s Seat with its glorious views over the city and its surroundings or stroll along the Crags and you’ll end up by Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth at the end of the Royal Mile. If you’re after something a bit unusual, Rosslyn Chapel (as seen in the Da Vinci Code) is just a short bus ride away and Camera Obscura on the Royal Mile offers some mind-boggling fun with illusions. You can spend many an hour in the city’s numerous museums and art galleries. If you head to the Museum of Scotland on Chamber Street pay a visit to their rooftop garden from which you can see far across the city and the conveniently placed signs explain which attractions and historic building you are looking at. Edinburgh Castle stands impressively on the cliff face towering over Prince’s Street, it is worth a visit but keep an eye out for promotions during the year. In 2008 Historic Scotland made admission free during the last weekend of November to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. If you’ll be nearby then remember the one o’clock gun, which has been fired almost every day (not on Sundays or during the World Wars) since 1861 when it was used as a time signal for ships.
CITY GUIDE This year EUSA have produced a student City Guide which is packed full of ideas and places to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Happy exploring! [Anne Miller]
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A day in the life of a Freshers’ Week Volunteer
The only thing that is better than being a Freshers’ Week volunteer is actually being a fresher! Your Freshers’ Week team is very important, as they’re the ones you’ll be having fun with throughout the week. Your team leader is also very important, I got on really well with my team leader last year - LauraJayne, who, as it happens, is this year’s Freshers’ Week Coordinator. So what really goes on? Well, during the training you are able to
select the events that you’re going to help with - anything from trips to the zoo or ambling up Arthurs Seat. One of my days started on the Royal Mile with a tour about all the secrets of the street. Then we had a tour of George Square to pass on all the important, and not so important, information about the university campus. I then went on a welldeserved coffee crawl, to stock up on caffeine for the night ahead, and to chat to some of the new Freshers
about university life. The Freshers’ ball was amazing to work at, having banter with people in the queue whilst feeding them sweets. Also, my team and I were even able to have fun at the ball ourselves, courtesy of our Freshers’ Week vouchers. The best thing about being a Freshers’ Week Volunteer is being able to make it your own. All in all, it will be an amazing week. [Sam Fleming]
thevoice on come oin j and the party We’re looking for:
Writers Photographers A listings editor Getting involved with The Voice is easy – all you need to do is contact the Editor, Alex at student.voice@eusa.ed.ac.uk to join our mailing list or speak to us at the Societies fair. And don’t forget to come along to our first weekly meeting of the semester <PLEASE PUT A DATE HERE>
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Features
Living The American Dream Your essential guide to making the most of your summer
Unlike friends, whose summer plans went as far as trying to nab a job at the local supermarket or befriending a beercan at a festival, I wanted summer 2009 to be one worth remembering. My criteria for achieving this consisted of three things; travelling, making money and meeting people. Luckily, finding this ideal turned out to be easier than I thought. The Camp America programme offered all three of these things and more. But, as this was my second year participating on the scheme, I wanted to see if there would be any benefit, other than the higher wage to doing it all again or if it really was just a once in a lifetime thing. Landing your dream job works in stages. Firstly Camp America help you find a placement at one of thousands of summer camps across the continent and assist you through the whole visa and
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“My CV really benefitted and the advantage of a second year at camp was that I had some idea of what I was letting myself in for so I could really make the most of every single day”
application process. Most camps tend to run for about 8 weeks and you work either as a camp counselor, sports specialist or part of the support staff. My Camp was located in a remote wooded area of Pennsylvania (where it wasn’t abnormal to hear of bear sightings) and catered for children aged 6-16. I lived in a wooden bunk with 2 other counselors and 10 kids and worked as a circus specialist. This position involved me getting on a trapeze everyday, somersaulting and performing in circus shows. All this on the back of telling someone at the recruitment fair the previous year that I had been part of a trampoline club in the past! But learning new skills is only half the fun. Camp becomes a home away from home and the people you live and work with, who come from places as far as Israel, Austra-
lia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe and of course America, will become like family; bonding with a total stranger on 3-hour bus journey becomes the norm. In addition to the daily activities of the camp schedule I was also able to enjoy big trips to theme parks, relaxing days’ off shopping for bargains and an intense ‘Aliens’ vs USA soccer game. Not to mention the huge final competition ‘Colour war’. You feel like you really make a difference to the kids’ lives, even if they don’t always act like they appreciate it! Also you get to experience a culture like no other; you’ll leave accustomed huge portion sizes, with hints of an American accent and a wodge of cash that you can be used to travel with. So was it worth doing twice? Definitely, My CV really benefitted and the advantage of a second year at camp was that I had some
idea of what I was letting myself in for so I could really make the most of every single day. Also its great being part of a community, in which you feel like you really belong, which explains why most of the kids will do ten years at camp and then end up becoming counselors themselves! And when all your conversations seem to start with phrase “This one time at camp…” you know that you’ve had a fantastic experience that you will want to repeat time and time again! So if your ready to start planning your best ever summer visit the Camp America website at www.campamerica.co.uk or call 020 7581 7373 for more information about the programme. If you would like any more information with summer jobs, volunteering and internships visit the University Careers Service. [Alexandra Taylor]
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Student Services
Wise Words
THE BIG THREE Important services that you need to know about this week. The Main Library The main library is situated on George Square, a location, which will eventually feel like a home away from home for many of you! The library is accessed using your matriculation card, and undergraduates can borrow up to 15 books at a time, including a maximum of 3 reserve items. The very handy reserve section is a collection of material set aside by lecturers and tutors particularly of use to your course, which may be borrowed for maximum of three hours. Books marked ‘short loan’ may be taken out for one week, whilst ‘standard loan’ books for up to four. Remember to stick to the time limits else face some nasty fines! You can find the all the books, journals and manuscript your require using the catalogue search engine or by asking the reception desk. To contact the library call the helpdesk: 0131 650 3409.
EUSA’s resident problem-solver, Auntie Alice shares her tips on how to survive the opening week of university Freshers’ Week: the allsinging, all-dancing, make new best friends for life start to your days at Uni. Well, for some, but not everyone! If hard partying, staying up till dawn, pulling a random fresher and feeling hungover for a week is not for you then don’t panic! There’s lots of other stuff to do and lots of people to meet. Just try and get out there. It’s tough, I know, but well worth it. If you are determined to experience all that Freshers’ Week has to offer, then please be sensible. Not everything has to centre around alcohol and partying. By all means have fun - Freshers’ Week is all about acclimatising yourself to Edinburgh, the university and student life, but you don’t want liver damage or an STI, so keep yourself safe. The end of Freshers’ week can feel like a bit of an anti-climax for everyone. It’s time to start being a student properly, the whole reason you’re here! Those lovely people you met during the week may never cross your path again, or you may feel you haven’t really gelled with anyone and are feeling a bit lost and lonely. This is perfectly normal, trust me! Being away from home without many of your friends from school or your family can seem like a scary prospect. Things will settle down. You really will get to know people in your halls or flat and, once classes
start, you’ll soon start to feel comfortable with others in your lectures and settle into the routine. If you’re feeling unsettled during the first few weeks, try and work through it if you can as it’s what almost everyone else is going through, even though they may not show it. If it’s really bad, speak with someone - either your Director of Studies or us here at the Advice Place. We’re here to help. The Advice Place is the independent confidential advisory service of the Students’ Association. Based in 3 locations (Potterrow, Kings Buildings and Holyrood). Run by trained volunteers and professional staff, the service is available as a drop-in service providing information and advice on a wide range of issues. As an example of the type of queries we deal with, we can give support and guidance on financial issues, tenancy rights, academic appeals, and basic immigration advice. We also operate the C-Card scheme offering free condoms. This is not an exhaustive list; in fact we can deal with most issues students bring to us! If specialist support is required we can usually find the right person for you to speak with, or contact information if it’s outside the University. Check out our service at: www. eusa.ed.ac.uk/advice for details of locations and opening times. Finally, welcome to Edinburgh University and Good Luck! [Aunty Alice]
The Pleasance Gym
Helping you help others Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal’s (ESCA) slogan, ‘Helping you, Help others’ sums up exactly what we do. Whatever charitable cause you want to dedicate your efforts to, we’re here to help and support you. It can be any charitable event or activity you want to organise or get involved in. ESCA was founded in 1867 when a group of Edinburgh University students took the initiative to make a difference to the lives of those living in conditions of poverty in Edinburgh. They collected old clothes and rags for those in need and so began the oldest university charitable tradition in the UK, ‘Rag week.’
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Over the past few years ESCA has helped students to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. Now that you are at university, get involved! Do something enjoyable and rewarding! Want to organise your university’s first Charity Ball? Fancy getting involved with the largest student-organised marathon in the UK? Have a new idea for an event or fundraiser? Come and speak to us! Drop in to our office in Potterrow any time or come and chat to us this week at the ECSA funfair, Tuesday 15th September in Bristo Square! A great place to join the team whilst eating candyfloss on dodgems!!
Hoping to keep fit this semester? If so, here’s some exciting news: The University of Edinburgh has 5* rated sports and exercise facilities! The amenities available include a fantastic state of the art gym, sports halls, squash courts, boxing base, swimming pool and exercise classes, all located just a ten minute walk from George Square. Unlimited access all year round to the gym costs around £95; whilst off peak membership (Mon-Fri 0730-1430 and all weekend) will only set you back £60. This fee includes access to the gym, swimming pool and all the exercise classes. To contact the CSE call 0131 650 2583.
The Doctors The University Health Centre is open 8am till 6pm Monday to Friday and is conveniently located on Bristo Square (next to George Square). But first you must register, simply by filling out a couple of forms and handing them in at the practice. Consultations may either be made by appointment or, alternatively, the surgery runs an open access surgery from 9am till 10am. There is also a nurse led service offering contraceptive advice, comprehensive travel clinic and asthma clinic. To contact the practice or to make an appointment telephone: 0131 650 2777. [Carys Notley]
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Student activities
Get Your Kit On! How you can get involved in sport at the university This Freshers' Week, as in any Freshers' Week, Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU) will be running our Freshers' Sports Fair in the CSE Pleasance Gym. If you are interested in sport for competitive, social, friendly, keep fit, new challenge or any other reason for you, then this is the place to head. At the Fair, you will be able to sign on to Club mailing lists, find out information on any trials that are held and get a chance to talk to a member of all 66 of our Clubs. It is the Wednesday and Thursday of Freshers week, 10am to 4pm, but for people interested in Hockey, Rugby Union, Football and Netball, it is wise to come early on the Wednesday because trials are on the Thursday or Friday of that week. The large majority of competitive clubs host trials for their teams but also are open to as many new members whatever their standard! If you want to find out more about clubs before the Sports Fair make sure you visit www.eusu.ed.ac.uk. Scared of trials and things? Don’t worry, there are many social clubs and of course our legendary Intra-mural programme. At the fair you can also join the Pleasance gym, easily the best value and best stocked gym in Edinburgh (it only costs £1.83/week). So come on down to the Sports Fair. University is the best time to try new things, so make sure one of our 66 clubs is one of the new things that you get involved in! [Laura
Society Drop Out Can a second year really change their non-committal ways? Everyone always tells you societies are the perfect way to meet new people and find new interests and this is particularly true at Edinburgh. With 223 recognised societies, you are guaranteed to find something that suits. With everything from ballroom dancing to the juggling society you’re pretty much offered any opportunity you could imagine. I turned up to the societies’ fair in fresher’s week, extremely keen, over-excited and totally overwhelmed by the amount going on. As someone who has always been incredibly indecisive, it was only natural that the same would apply to choosing societies, which
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led to me promptly signing my name up for the mailing list of a ridiculous amount of societies, some of which I’m still receiving emails, never having found out how to sever ties with them. Obviously there is no way you can possibly join all societies, but I would recommend trying as many as possible. I took myself off to countless meetings, discarding most after the first attempt, or even before, depending on how hungover I was that day. A few stuck though. I tried my luck as a cheerleader for a couple of months, before deciding I was not suited to being thrown through the air – something I should have figured
out sooner, given my acute fear of heights! Towards the end of first year it did suddenly dawn on me that I had gone from the keenest of all my friends, up for giving anything new a go, to a total society drop-out, something I do regret. But, I’ll be there next year, at the fair, most likely giving my email address to thirty different representatives, which really is the best way to see what you enjoy. Even though I ended up not actually committing to anything for longer than a couple of months, it was fun trying and I know next year that I’ll find something I’m really passionate about and am able to dedicate my time to. Hopefully. [Jessica Long]
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Listings
What’s on this fortnight? Sat 19–Sat 26 September 2009 Sat 19 The Big Cheese feat. Girls Can’t Catch Potterrow 9pm-3am Free with Freshers Pass or Gold Card, £5
Saturdays will never be the same again! The Big Cheese will shape your uni lifestyle and things will never feel the same again! The Big Cheese starts you off with 3 amazing line ups – Booty Luv on the 12th, Girls Can’t Catch on the 19th and Ms Lynch (Keavy and Edele from B*Witched) on the 26th – just an introduction to the most memorable nights of your life! The Official Freshers Ball
Teviot 8pm-3am Free with Freshers Pass, £5
Kilted Ceilidh in the Debating Hall, Chappers and Dave (DJ SET) in the Debating
Hall, GARY POWELL (DJ SET) at Going Underground with JACK BUTLER LIVE, casino, photographers, chocolate fountain and more! Tequila, Funk & Blues with the Black Diamond Express Pleasance from 8pm-3am Free
Sun 20 Teviot Quiz in the Library Bar 8pm Free
Our Quizzes are legendary, in fact – the Pleasance Quiz is the biggest quiz in the UK! Get your team name, pens and clever hats at the ready and join in: Sundays in the Library Bar, Mondays in the Pleasance Canaret bar and Tuesdays in the Mayfield bar at KB House.
Mon 21 ESCA Party at Potterrow 9pm – 3am
Fresh Air DJs in the Dome Potterrow 12-4 Free
Welcome Back to Edinburgh with Fresh Air DJs in the Library Bar Teviot from 8pm
Welcome back to Edinburgh. Welcome back to the Library Bar. Say hi to some old friends and maybe make some new ones. Free Pleasance Quiz in the Cabaret Bar Pleasance, 8pm Free
Tues 22 CHV Speed Dating in the Dining Room Open Mic Night in the Library Bar Teviot from 7.30pm Free
Tuesdays has the Library Bar transformed into a hub of musical talent. Come along and show off your genius with Rory at the weekly Open Mic Night. Comedy at the Cabaret Bar
Pleasance from 7pm Free with a Gold Card, £4 students/£5 non students
With Holly Walsh & Patrick Monohan. The Pleasance is probably the most famous comedy venue in the UK – and you lucky lot get to enjoy it every week! Make your way down early and enjoy a drink in the cabaret bar before the fun starts. KB Quiz at the Mayfield Bar
Kings Buildings House from 6pm Free
Wed 23 Cocktail Masterclass in the Loft & pre-club drinks
Teviot from 7pm-1am Free
The Loft is Teviot’s best kept secret, but when you have found
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the amazing outside decking it is bound to become your new favourite place! Monthly Wednesdays brings a lucky few of you the chance to learn all about cocktail mixing with one of the cities most talented mixologists – you even get to drink your creations… why would you miss that? For Returners week we have mixology talent from ‘Element’ mixing, shaking and tasting fabulous creations! Wednesdays makes me think cocktails, good music, relaxing atmosphere, outside decking… hang on – THAT’S WHAT WE’RE DOING!!! Get yourself there, you will LOVE it. Folk Club in the Cabaret Bar
Pleasance from 8pm
Thu 24
Shuffle feat ROB DA BANK
Potterrow from 9pm – 3am Free with a Gold Card, £2/£3
Kicking off in Freshers with the mighty Westwood – our weekly MASH UP of electro/disco/mainstream/funk will have wishing the weekend started early. Our very own prince of hip Hop – Shuffle resident NASTY P (Soul biscuits) will be dropping his best beats every week proving that Potterrow is the only place in the city worth going on a Thursday. Returners Week brings us ROB DA BANK, who is guaranteed to bring you the newest beats of the summer after months of trawling the festivals with style that only he could bring. It is going to be amazing, so be sure to get in early. Fresh Air DJs in the Library Bar Teviot from 8pm Free
7 Days, 7 Ways The things you definitely don’t want to miss out on this week Freshers’ Week is awesome but with over 800 events it is difficult to choose how to spend your time and flicking through the guide might seem overwhelming. You need to make the most of it as before you know it, you’ll be your sitting in a lecture, familiar with the area, part of several societies and going for drinks with a group of people you feel like you have know for years. It all happens so quickly, but that is the nature of Freshers’ Week! So after a weekend of settling in and making your room your own here are some suggestions of one thing to do each day for the next seven days. Monday 14th
Secrets of the Royal Mile Walk, 2pm meet at Bristo Square Point A
Fri 25 Jay P & FineArt in the Library Bar
Teviot from 9pm Free
Acoustic Music in the Mayfield Bar Kings Buildings House from 5pm Free
Sat 26 The Big Cheese feat MS LYNCH (Keavy & Edele from B*witched)
Potterrow 9pm – 3am Free with a Gold Card and before 10pm, £3 before 12, £4 after
Going Underground feat FOUND
Teviot from 9pm Free
Those of you who aren’t flirting with the idea of dancing your Saturdays away to the likes of Chesney, B*Witched and the Foundations may want to try our our weekly INDIE night in Teviot’s Underground venue. Our Residents pas-
sionately bring you the best in Indie music from Joy Division – the Rakes, The Strokes – MGMT, the Stone Roses – Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this is the coolest spot to hang out on a Saturday, with the additional bonus of your getting union bar prices – how can you miss this? To somehow top this, we will be bringing you’re the best in local live music every week. Returners Week brings us FOUND – One of Edinburgh’s best and most loved live acts, and this is just a teaser to what will be coming your way in Semester One. If you live live music and great tracks – this is the spot for you!
Sun 27
Teviot Quiz in the Library Bar
A great way to get to know some of the city’s most famous areas and learn some interesting facts about what will be your home town for the next 4 or 5 years.
TueSday 15th
Mini Fairground, 12 noon-6:30pm Bristo Square
The delights of a mini fairground, dodgems, fairtrade candy floss, charity fun stalls, fairground food, balloon artists….all on your doorstep in Bristo Square.
Wednesday 16th
Cocktail masterclass and pre-club launch, 7pm Teviot Loft Bar
Learn how to shake up some fab cocktails to a cool DJ set from MAX and OB of Hollyoaks Fame.
Thursday 17th
UnMasqued Ball, 9pm Teviot Debating Hall
An evening of mask making, performance, poetry and live music, to promote an open dialogue about sex and uncover the myths of Freshers’ Week sex along side lots of dancing!
Friday 18th
Welcome to Edinburgh Teviot Live, 9pm Teviot Debating Hall and Potterrow
Bringing you some of Scotland’s best live bands, ‘Lost in Audio’, ‘Lead by Example’, ‘Poor Edward’ and ‘The Rainy Day Project’.
Teviot from 8pm
Saturday 19th
Semester 1 Comedy 22/09 29/09 6/10 13/10 20/10 27/10 3/11 10/11 17/11 24/11 1/12 8/12 15/12
Holly Walsh and Patrick Monohan Alan Francis and Tom Stade Joe Wilkinson and Geoff Boyz Joe Rowntree and Gary Delaney Joe Bor and Hal Crutteden Matt Reed and John Gordillo Danny Ward and Christian Reilly Steve Mould and Mark Olver Charlie Baker and TBC Pippa Evans and Miles Jupp Jimmy McGhie and TBC Maff Brown and TBC Joey Page and Sean Percival
Freshers Week Ball, Big Cheese feat. ‘Girls Can’t Catch’, 8pm Teviot and Potterrow.
An absolute must, get out those swanky clothes put on your boogie shoes and lap up the delights of your union entertainment.
Sunday 20th
The Dirty Weekenders Freshers Week Project, 10am CSE
Do your thing for your community, learn how to plant, dig, saw, and pave in the beautiful open air surroundings of Scotland. (perhaps not what the title of the society suggests!) Laura-Jayne Baker
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk