THE FUSE MAGAZINE
fUSE
THE FINAL CUT MEET FASHION’S RISING STARS
GOING OUT-OUT WHERE’S BEST FOR A NIGHT ON THE TOWN?
BRILLIANT BEACHES
CORNWALL’S FINEST: YOUR PULL-OUT GUIDE
MAKING IT WORK
TOP TIPS TO EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Avivi Aharon
Jake Baggaley
David Blanks
Clint Bustrillos
Ben Catchpole
Matt Grocutt
Rhys Hurd
Matt Jessop
Ian Kingsnorth
Irene Lasus
Jory Mundy
Katie Murphy
Andrea Oakes
CM Productions
James Ram
Max Willcock
Lucy Williamson (Lucy Sian Photography)
… and welcome to THE FUSE, a whistle-stop guide to life at Falmouth. In the following pages you’ll find a round-up of the coolest things to uncover here and a snapshot of the colourful, creative community that makes up our town and University.
There’s so much to squeeze into your time at university that it can be difficult to know where to start. There’s no right way to do it –everyone’s journey and experience will be different. The only advice we’d give is to arrive with an open mind, ready to plunge in and seize the opportunities in front of you.
If you choose to study at Falmouth, you’ll find these pages
packed with inside info and advice on everything from how to get involved with activities to the top beaches and bars to try. We’ve included practical tips, fascinating features on our staff and alumni and stunning examples of student work. We think life here is pretty special. Falmouth consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the UK and it’s not hard to see why.
Whether you’re planning to start here in September, or still thinking about it, enjoy THE FUSE. And remember, if you have any questions in the run-up to your first term – or at any time throughout the year – there’s always someone on hand to help.
THE FUSE TEAM
FANTASTIC FALIFORNIA
WITH PALM TREES, ENDLESS COASTLINE AND A COOL CREATIVE SCENE, THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE UNIVERSITY LOCATION. READY TO DIVE IN?
University at Falmouth is an experience like no other. While we can’t guarantee eternal sunshine, you’ll find a warm welcome and creative inspiration by the bucketful. Sea swimming before lectures? Beach drinks at sunset? You bet. Our spectacular setting has inspired adventurers, pioneers and explorers over the centuries and now it’s your turn.
If you’re new to the town, it won’t take you long to find your bearings. Most locations are within walkable distance and nearby Penryn is just a short bus or bike ride away. We’ve outlined a few places you’ll want to explore, but the fun is in finding your own Falmouth and adding your favourites to the list.
BEACHES
The south side of Falmouth town boasts four great beaches: Gyllyngvase, Swanpool, Maenporth and Castle Beach. The pride of Falmouth Bay is Gylly, as it’s known by the locals (find out more in our pull-out guide on page 29). This sandy crescent is a hub of activity with swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, a surf life saving club and beach volleyball.
FALMOUTH CENTRAL
At one end of town is Events Square, home to the National Maritime Museum and a collection of bars and restaurants. At the other end is the Prince of Wales Pier, where ferries leave for St Mawes, Flushing, Trelissick Garden and even Truro on a high tide. In between is a jumble of one-off shops and galleries, many tucked away on tiny side streets leading to the harbour – such as an art shop housed in a sailors’ jail dating back to 1666. The focal point at festival-time is The Waterfront; drop by during Falmouth Week or the Sea Shanty Festival for pop-up bars, live music and street food.
THE OLD HIGH STREET
With a Scandi store, the Time & Tide tattoo studio and a miniature museum of folklore and magic with its own ‘cabinet of queeriosities’, this street is a little bit special. Here you can browse second-hand books, flick through retro vinyl or stop by at Stones for freshly baked treats. Falmouth’s most colourful bar, The Chintz, brings the Old Brewery Yard alive at night.
THE MOOR
In the middle of town is The Moor, home to Falmouth Art Gallery and where buses leave for Penryn Campus. Indie cafes and classic pubs nestle among bigger names including Wetherspoons and Domino’s. The 111-step Jacob’s Ladder leads off from The Moor. At the top, your reward is a pub with the same name.
PRINCESS PAVILION
This small concert hall punches well above its weight with live music, theatre and comedy, but it’s more than a night-time venue. The surrounding Gyllyngdune Gardens are a semi-tropical paradise just made for lounging and free to enter year-round. A rose garden and a secret grotto lead to the seafront, with spectacular views of Pendennis Castle.
PENDENNIS POINT
Follow the scenic coastal path to the headland for a blast of fresh air and an almost 360-degree panorama of the Fal Estuary and Falmouth Bay. Stop for a wellearned ice cream and watch the yachts and working boats, or the bigger ships on their way to the docks nearby. You might spot seabirds and seals – and perhaps even dolphins, basking sharks or whales.
Our colourful town is definitely more one of a kind than run of the mill, peppered with imaginative shops and unique businesses. Here’s where to find what’s funky, alternative and original.
@beerwolf_books 1 2 5 4 3
Roma Surf
@romasurf
The newest of several surf shops in town, Roma stocks wetsuits, accessories and prestigious board brands including Bos and Toy Boat alongside its own. There are branded tees, caps and tote bags for those on a tighter budget, plus pop-up pizza nights with music and drinks where the surfing tips are free.
Jam Records
@jamrecordshop
Offering a winning combo of coffee and vinyl, Jam has championed oldfashioned records for more than two decades. With an eclectic range of preloved and new, this little corner of culture is where you’ll find everything from the latest indie releases to classic soul and jazz. Meet store hound Rufus and get lost in music!
Salt Art Supply
@saltartsupply
Be inspired by the quality art supplies, stationery and ‘how to’ craft books at Salt Art. This sophisticated space is the work of two Falmouth Illustration graduates, who draw on their expertise to curate the very best tools and materials for your projects and create their own colourful papercraft window displays.
Enjoy Clothing
@enjoyclothingfalmouth
Upgrade your wardrobe at this technicolour vintage, retro and restyled clothing boutique, stacked with treasures ranging from sari dresses and seventies swimsuits to corduroy flares, cowboy boots and one-off reworked sweats. It’s Falmouth’s go-to style destination, whether you’re after spangles or denim – or both.
Beerwolf Books
Tucked away in a small side alley, the back half of this characterful pub is a bookshop – crammed with contemporary and classic literature, graphic novels and thoughtprovoking non-fiction. With a warm atmosphere and a fine array of ales and ciders, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours.
EAT UP!
Gone are the days when Falmouth and Penryn could offer little more than pasties and fish and chips. You’ll still find the very best of these (prepare to join the big pasty debate – Ann’s, Pips or Denzil’s?*), but there’s now so much more to explore.
“There’s such a colourful and diverse food scene here in Falmouth,” says Martha, a Fine Art BA graduate now establishing herself as a creative in the county.
“Whether you’re after a home comfort from your favourite chain or want to try something new at one of the many lovely independent eateries, ranging from the super-affordable to a little more fancy, there’s something for everyone.”
*Top tip: try one from the Dog & Smuggler.
“ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS IS STROLLING DOWN THE HIGH STREET OF AN EVE AND TAKING IN ALL THE DELICIOUS SMELLS AND TWINKLY LIGHTS. I LOVE BEING PART OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE.”
VEGAN BREAKFAST @GOOD VIBES
BUBBLE TEA @PANCHI, CASTLE BEACH
ROAST DINNER @GYLLY BEACH CAFE
1 2
Harbour Lights
@harbourlightsfalmouth
Pizza Jockeys
@pizzajockeys
Alongside great food at great prices on both campuses, you’ll find a thriving cosmopolitan food scene in Falmouth and Penryn. Treat yourself – book a table with friends or take a meal home and tuck into flavours from around the globe.
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Bisty’s
@bistys_grilled_cheese
Pick up a ‘proper’ grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough bread from Falmouth’s American street food truck. Find Bisty’s near Castle Beach on Cliff Road and order your toastie with gouda, gherkins or whichever tasty fillings take your fancy.
If you love fish and chips, the awardwinning Harbour Lights runs great deals all year round. You can eat on the quay, in the restaurant or in The ‘Front bar beneath. There’s also a vegan tofu ‘fish’ fillet, wrapped in Nori seaweed and deep fried.
Feast on fresh pizza from the Cornish dough spinners. Options include the spicy Sgt Pepper and the roasted aubergine and pine nut Hey Zhoug!, served with a tuckshopthemed cocktail or a coke float with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
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Wilder
@wilder_kitchen
Look for the all-seeing eye on Falmouth’s Upton Slip (or follow your nose) to this popular plant-based Indian kitchen, which serves a different platter of delicious dishes – called a thali – each week. Fans are also raving about the sticky puddings.
IN A HURRY?
5
Sabzi
@sabzideli
Enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of the Middle East at Sabzi, founded by a MasterChef quarter-finalist, where seasonal salads, hummus, flatbreads and dahl star alongside homemade Persian Love Cake and cinnamon and tahini buns.
Whether you want to kickstart the day, catch up with friends or spend some quiet time with a good book, you’ll find no end of quality cafes in Falmouth and Penryn. We’ve picked a few of the best for great coffee and guaranteed good vibes.
@espressini 1 2 5 4 3
Situ
Beside the Grays Wharf arts venue in Penryn, near the bicycle repair shop, this calming space is ideal for study or socialising – serving speciality coffees, masala chai, handcrafted hot chocolate and a menu fusing Gujarati, Ugandan and British flavours. The team also runs a cool mobile cafe from a Piaggio Ape van.
Beacon Coffee
@beacon_coffee
Run by true coffee connoisseurs (one of them a Falmouth photography graduate), Beacon is dedicated to sourcing and serving coffees from worldwide roasters. You can also buy coffee supplies for a home brew and treat yourself to cake, to eat in or take away – or a tub of lush Mr Whippystyle espresso ice cream.
Rubicund
For good coffee and likeminded company, make a beeline for Rubicund, a radical bookshop, vegan cafe and lending library tucked away in St George’s Arcade. The shelves are full of interesting reads, including titles on gender issues and sexuality, politics and social theory, art, photography, poetry and more.
Espressini
Watch the baristas at work at Falmouth’s bright-pink artisan coffee hub, where they source the best beans from independent global growers and brew them to perfection. The interior is cosy and the cakes are divine, from creamy Portuguese custard tarts to indulgent specials such as Ferrero Rocher doughnuts.
Tidal Coffee Van
If you’re down at Gylly beach and in need of refreshment, this revamped horsebox in cheery blue is the place to go for hot coffee and homemade biscotti. If the sun’s out, make it an iced mocha frappe. Takeaway only, of course, and with limited opening days in winter, but you can be sure of an inspiring view.
OUT OUT LET’S GO
OUT OUT
AS THE SUN SETS ACROSS FALMOUTH AND PENRYN, THE STREETS START BUZZING THANKS TO A PLETHORA OF BARS, MUSIC VENUES AND CLUBS.
Whether you’re into local brews, big tunes or cosy pub rooms, you and your crowd will be spoilt for choice when heading into town. Here are some of the top places to try when you’re going out-out.
THE BOATHOUSE
If you want to start your night on a high, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Boathouse. Perched on a hill at the end of Falmouth’s Old High Street, this is a pub that’s full of life as soon as the doors swing open. You can relish some of the best views in Falmouth from their heated terrace, which looks out along the Fal Estuary and towards the Carrick Roads. Lively music nights on the terrace are a regular occurrence, as is their cosy weekly pub quiz. Extra points for being one of the most dog-friendly pubs in town – ideal if you want to make some four-legged friends.
@theboathousefalmouth
THE CHINTZ SYMPOSIUM AND UNDERLAND
No Falmouth night out is complete without a venture down into our town’s very own Wonderland. A true Falmouth institution, The Chintz Symposium is an eccentric haven full of mirrors, secret rooms and endless inspiration. Once you’ve soaked up the surreal surroundings (made even brighter in winter by the roaring fire), head downstairs to Underland for some serious entertainment: live music and poetry open mics jostle with comedy nights and jazz clubs to make this affordable hangout one of the most eclectic in town. You’ll find The Chintz and Underland nestled in the corner of Old Brewery Yard, a charming space home to independent makers, food pop-ups and regular courtyard parties.
@thechintzbar
SOLSKINN AT THE POLY
Iconic in every sense of the word, The Poly on Church Street has been a hub for the arts, sciences and Cornish history since the 1800s. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they welcomed Solskinn into their lofty Grade II listed space. Serving up artisan cocktails and coffees in stunning Scandinavian surroundings, Solskinn (literally translated from Norwegian to English as ‘sunshine’) has quickly become one of our town’s most popular spots. Stylish and simple, Solskinn is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-show drink if you’ve got tickets to a Poly performance or film screening, or if you and your friends are looking for something a little swankier on your night out.
@solskinn_haus
CORNISH BANK
If there was ever a venue to epitomise Falmouth, it’s the Cornish Bank. Inclusive, lively, surprising and soulful, the Bank has become our town’s creative epicentre. Their ‘pay what you can’ ticketing makes enjoying local and eclectic live music accessible, and with a soaring international reputation, it’s attracting renowned acts down to Cornwall too (Squid, The Pharcyde and Billy Nomates are just some of the big names to have taken to the stage). With a grassroots and community-centred ethos, there truly is something for everyone, whether you want to dance the night away, get crafty at an artist-led workshop or grab a bite at the not-for-profit community canteen.
@cornishbank
THE ODDFELLOWS ARMS
Classic and cosy, The Oddfellows Arms is a proper community pub tucked away just off Falmouth’s bustling Arwenack Street. A fine, affordable drinking establishment for students and locals alike, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome and vast choice of refreshment. If you’re lucky enough to bag the back room, you’ll be in for hours of fun playing pool and board games. The monthly pub quiz is the cherry on top of this beloved local.
@TheOddiesPubFalmouth
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
FIVES
Local cider taps, TVs screening big sports fixtures, a buzzing beer garden playing tunes into the evening and an underground venue hosting wild multi-genre club nights… it’s no wonder Fives is a favourite student haunt. Taking over one of Grove Place’s famous townhouses, this fun-loving venue is certain to inject some energy into your night out yet is equally ideal if you’re looking for an easy-going spot to spend a few hours with friends.
@fives_cyderhouse
VERDANT TAPROOM
Since Cornwall’s inventive Verdant brewery set up a taproom just a stone’s throw from Penryn Campus, it has become a hive of creative activity. Serving up 20 lines of their award-winning vegan craft beer alongside specially selected spirits, wines and alcoholfree offerings, the spacious and sleek industrial interior is the perfect place to hang out. Throw into the mix the taproom’s regular DJ sets, vinyl nights, discos and film screenings, and you’ve got the recipe for a seriously memorable night.
@verdant_taproom
THE THIRSTY SCHOLAR
Pubs don’t get much more classic than The Thirsty Scholar in Penryn. This former coaching house packs a punch when it comes to character and is a crowd-pleaser all year round thanks to its open fire and idyllic beer garden. The staff are friendly, the drinks are free-flowing and its location – just a short walk from Penryn Campus – makes it the perfect place to start any pub crawl. Or simply gather around the fire with friends and settle in for the evening.
@the.thirstyscholar
THE FISH FACTORY
You can’t miss Penryn’s Fish Factory, a bold and colourful space on the busy Commercial Road. Once you’ve discovered the delights in store, you won’t want to miss it. A trendy shop, vegan cafe and artist studio space by day, and a diverse events venue by night, The Fish Factory is the place to discover the local punk scene, dazzling burlesque shows and much more. And if that wasn't cool enough, it also houses an inclusive recording studio, a contemporary gallery and an experimental photography collective.
@fishfactoryarts
THE UPPER DECK
Described as Falmouth’s ‘hidden gem’ and with good reason, The Upper Deck has it all: great food and drink deals, dreamy marina views, regular live music and open mic nights. Tucked away in plain sight on the outskirts of town, this new venue on the block is garnering rave reviews.
@rocktheboat_ud
THE KILLIGREW INN
There’s truly something for everyone at one of Falmouth’s most beloved pubs. It may be halfway up the steep incline that is Killigrew Street, but it’s more than worth the climb: cheap drinks, quality pool tables, live sport and some of the best independent live music in town. If punk and alternative tunes are your jam, check out their insta page for the latest shows.
@killi_events
1. The Eyelids at Underland; 2. COSM at The Upper Deck; 3. The Cornish Bank; 4. Idle Tongues at Fives; 5. Verdant Taproom; 6. The Fish Factory; 7. The Native at the Cornish Bank.
FESTIVAL FRENZY
TOP 5
2 1 4 5 3
THE CORNWALL FESTIVAL SCENE JUST GETS BIGGER AND BETTER, AS THE COUNTY HOSTS BRILLIANT BEACH PARTIES, THEMED EVENTS AND THE VERY BEST IN UPCOMING AND ESTABLISHED ARTISTS, BANDS AND DJS. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR TOP FIVE…
The Great Estate
@great_estate_festival
Throw yourself into the “totally rambunctious” happenings at this late-May mix of music and madness, a short bus ride from Falmouth. Stars on stage this year included The Stranglers, The Darkness and The Beatles Dub Club, with events ranging from safari walkabouts to hiphop karaoke and Madame Wong’s Drag Race. A cool beer at the Korev Bar rounds the day off nicely.
Boardmasters
The Masked Ball
@themaskedball
The big one – a celebration of sun (sometimes), surf, music and beach life on the cliffs at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, where a pop-up town emerges to accommodate a five-day riot of indoor raves, open-air parties and watersports fun. Boardmasters is home to the UK’s biggest silent disco and boasts headliners this year including Sam Fender, Stormzy, Becky Hill and The Streets.
Wanderfal
@boardmasters @cornishbank
Wander between stages and genres at a two-day community music-fest in April, which sprawls between top town locations. Legendary local venue the Cornish Bank invites favourites such as Snapped Ankles, Flamingods and Martha Tilston, plus emerging and international talent. From silken soul to psychedelia, synth-driven party rhythms and garage rock, expect the unexpected.
Enter a dystopian horror land for the Halloween masked ball at Los Flambardos theme park, where you’ll find no end of mischief and mayhem to revel in. Expect acts ranging from 80s pop to drum ‘n’ bass (and everything in between), fire-eating and fairground rides, spectacular stage sets and incredible costumes at this all-night party. Book early to bag your place on the bus.
Sea Shanty Festival
falmouthinternationalseashantyfestival
Here’s one you won’t find elsewhere! As this free nautical knees-up takes over our University town in June, the streets fill with the sounds of more than 70 shanty groups –recalling the days when Falmouth was the first safe port of call for deep-water sailing ships. Look out for the Barnacle Buoys, local favourites The Oggymen and the world-famous Fisherman’s Friends.
THE BIG PICTURE
THE FOCUS IS ON PHOTOGRAPHY AS WE SHOWCASE SOME OF FALMOUTH’S FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS AND THEIR STAND-OUT IMAGES.
Viviana Almas, Photography BA
With theatrical staging that places otherworldly figures in desolate locations, Viviana created alternative realities for Three Associations, a series of spontaneous works featuring a looping Super 8mm film, photographed performances and found objects. “The unknown is what occurs in the transitions between wakefulness and sleep,” says Viviana, by way of introduction to this mesmerising collection.
From our Marine & Natural History Photography BA:
Elfo Zoccheddu (above)
The natural glow during the first and last hours of the day illuminates Falmouth’s Victorian cemetery in Elfo’s project The Garden of Light and Death, which explores the themes and cultural symbols surrounding mortality.
Daya Verdding (opposite, top)
Daya’s project Langar invites us into the aromatic atmosphere of the community kitchen at London’s gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, telling the story of first-generation Punjabi females who cook together to connect themselves to their roots.
Emily Quilton (opposite, left)
Digital manipulation and screenprinting are used to challenge colour and create a new way of seeing nature in the multimedia project Frequency. When understood as a matter of physics and psychology, colour becomes an optical illusion, explains Emily.
Finlay Apps (opposite, right)
“Cornwall holds the spirit of mining and long-lost prosperity within its culture and landscape,” says Finlay, whose collection Veins questions the potential ecological impact of a second mining age in a county rich in lithium and unmined tin deposits.
Bailey Carswell-Morris, Marine & Natural History
Photography BA
Bailey’s work revolves around the captivating personalities of insects and the worlds they inhabit, such as this bronze leaf beetle (below), and a demoiselle, or damselfly (right), caught on camera before sunrise.
Abigael Wilson, Commercial Photography BA (left)
Artists including Picasso inspired the still life series Nature’s Play, which experiments with scale and explores the manipulation of living forms through set design.
Alice McDonald, Press & Editorial Photography (bottom left)
In Chapters, a celebration of streetwear, meticulously planned studio shots jostle with more spontaneous street photography.
Tom Pearce, Commercial Photography BA (above)
The heat of the midday sun: Tom’s study in cadmium yellow captures the timeless vibe of van-life in Fuerteventura, the Canary Islands.
THE FINAL CUT
FROM THE DRAWING BOARD TO A CATWALK COLLECTION: GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OUR FINAL-YEAR FASHION STUDENTS.
With themes ranging from the natural beauty of the Cornish landscape to the criminal underworld, the runway collections at Falmouth’s 2024 fashion show represented the finest work of our career-ready design students. We followed four budding designers as they sketched and stitched, worked with fashion photography students on stunning look books and added the finishing touches to their creations.
GRACE
Reflecting the rhythmic nature of life and the lore of the triple goddess, Maiden, Mother, Crone is a collection designed for use throughout the ritual year. “We once lived in a perpetual, immediate connection with the cycles and seasons, interacting as one with nature as opposed to against it,” explains Fashion Design BA student Grace Stephenson, whose garments enveloped the models to depict the growth of a flower, from bud, to bloom, to seedhead and into gradual decay.
Inspired by hedgerows in the wilds of west Cornwall, Grace chose fabrics to blur human form with plantinspired structure. “I used a combination of hardened wool over light cotton and linen cloth, gathered and cut to encourage structures that cocoon and sheath the wearer,” she says. “There’s a key focus on layering, exploring the use of fabric manipulation to encapsulate the subtlety of change and portray the thread of continuity in organic growth.”
“THE COLLECTION RE-ROOTS ITS WEARERS IN THE EARTH, YET EMBRACES THE EBB AND FLOW OF CYCLICAL CHANGE.”
KATIE
Seeing flower-laden balconies on a visit to Italy planted the seed of an idea for Fashion Design BA student Katie Waller, who used her love of knit to create her collection The Sky Garden. “I researched the flowers, each chosen with care to bring a different spiritual meaning to the homeowner, and these colours and textures inspired my knitted patterns,” says Katie, who was awarded the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters’ Knit Bursary 2024. “Working with the Natural Fibre Company in Cornwall, I used 100% pure wool – Guernsey, Shetland, Merino and Valais Blacknose, either dyed with no bleaching or harsh chemicals, or in their natural state.”
Like each of our featured designers, Katie worked with a fashion photography student to plan a look book shoot. From ideas sessions to hair styling, makeup and into post production, the teams collaborated through each stage of the process. “My collection encapsulates me as a designer,” she adds. “Sustainability is a big thing for me. I want my garments to be loved, cherished and handed down.”
LUCIA
Worshipped as the goddess of salt water, the Roman divinity Salacia presided over the depths of the ocean. For her eveningwear collection of the same name, Lucia Trabazos was inspired by insulating shapes, the push and pull of the tide and the silver glint on the water’s surface. “I was also fascinated by what lies beneath the ocean’s surface and how that mirrors what we wear underneath our clothing,” she adds. “For these reasons, Salacia is full of sheer fabrics, strange cutouts, different layered pieces and metallics.”
Lucia, a Fashion Design BA student, has a passion for designing swimwear and underwear and merging this with luxury evening wear. “I incorporated this idea and designed pieces that could be worn to the beach but also to award shows, by creating classic and elegant looks with a playful twist,” she says. “I loved seeing my collection come to life during the runway show.”
Fahsion Show photography by Wisny Cardoso, Fashion Photography
JOSH
For his collection The Heist, Joshua Cowap entered the mindset of a fictional criminal gang, designing functional, luxury workwear to meet the physical and emotional needs of gangsters to complete their task as a team. Each garment is targeted at an archetype: hidden pockets for The Thief, emergency handcuff keys for The Driver and a physique-enhancing drape for The Muscle. A dirt-splatter motif runs throughout to disguise staining and distract the eye, so the gang blends into a high-class crowd with ease.
Based on a foundation of creative pattern cutting, Josh’s collection reflects skills learned on Falmouth’s Sportswear Design BA and during a six-month internship with adidas last year. “I started with a toile, a version put together in plain calico, before making small samples of key areas and creating the final garment in my chosen fabrics,” he explains. “The show was a great way to round off the past four years, although at the same time it felt very much like the beginning of the next.”
WITH THE LONGEST COASTLINE IN THE COUNTRY, CORNWALL IS HOME TO MORE THAN 300 BEACHES – FROM SECRET COVES JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED TO SPECTACULAR SANDY STRETCHES AND EPIC SURFING VENUES THAT ARE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD.
We’ve picked four of our favourites to get you started. As a student here, you’ll find one of the best just a short walk from Falmouth campus. Picture yourself strolling there after studies with a towel tucked under your arm and your shades on – it really is that close!
As you find your feet, you can share transport or travel by bus to these blockbusters further afield. Whether you want to catch a wave, take a dip or just stroll along the shore and enjoy a refreshing blast of salt spray, there’s something for everyone.
GYLLYNGVASE
FISTRAL
PENRYN CAMPUS
FALMOUTH CAMPUS
GODREVY
Considered the home of British surfing and a mecca for thrill-seekers and global competitors, this iconic beach is close to the lively town of Newquay. Nearby, the mighty Cribbar reef wave is revered as England’s biggest and most deadly. BEST FOR: A full-on surf scene with big swell, local bars and buzzing festivals – including the legendary Boardmasters.
On a vast stretch of sand with a stunning skyline, Godrevy and neighbouring Gwithian are a go-to for surfing, bodyboarding or simply seeking inspiration. The view from nearby St Ives to Godrevy Island prompted Virginia Woolf to write To the Lighthouse. BEST FOR: Spotting seals at nearby Mutton Cove and the dramatic cliffs at Hell’s Mouth.
GYLLYNGVASE BEACH
Known to locals as ‘Gylly’, this is the place to be for beach volleyball, summer barbeques and swimming year-round. Boasting Blue Flag status, this perfect sandy crescent is lifeguarded in the season and home to one of the UK’s leading surf life saving clubs. BEST FOR: The takeaway kiosk on the beach. A bacon bap always goes down well after a dip.
KYNANCE COVE
In a picture-postcard setting with clifftop footpaths that wind their way down to a magical cove, Kynance is cool for stunning sands at low tide and pounding waves at high water. Home to serpentine rock formations and a mysterious Mermaid’s Pool. BEST FOR: Picturing the scene – Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon was filmed here.
FISTRAL BEACH
GODREVY BEACH
STAY SAFE
Enjoy the beach safely and happily by taking a few simple precautions. Be aware of tide times and rip dangers and follow advice from the lifeguards about local conditions. Unless you’re a pro, be realistic about your surfing ability. The Students’ Union (SU) club Fal Surf will help you progress, whatever your experience.
For those who want to do more than bask in the sun, there’s plenty to do at the beach. The sea doesn’t just make for a great backdrop – it’s an aquatic playground where you can enjoy a range of water-based activities.
SEA SWIMMING
Studies suggest that immersion in cold water, along with time spent in nature, is not only a great way to stay active but it can boost mental health and the immune system. Our local beaches, Gylly, Swanpool and Maenporth, are all great places for sea swimming, or wild swimming as it’s known, as the water is usually calm. There can occasionally be surf and rip tides, however, so get to know your chosen location and always check that it’s safe. If you haven’t swum in the sea before, it’s a good idea to get a swimming buddy or join a local group. Sensible measures include a brightcoloured cap, goggles and a tow float, to help you see and be seen, acclimatising to cold water and getting dressed and warm as soon as possible afterwards. You’ll find safety advice online at sea swimming sites or rnli.org
KAYAKING
The SU Kayak Club runs weekly skills sessions, as well as weekend trips paddling and surfing the coast. In and around Falmouth, you can hire kayaks from Swanpool, Gylly Beach, Mylor Harbour and Loe Beach.
SCUBA DIVING
The local waters offer some spectacular diving with great visibility, wrecks and sea life aplenty. Fal Dive is a student-led club that helps to keep the costs down. You can also try the Cornish Diving Centre in Falmouth or Seaways in Penryn.
GIG ROWING
Originally working boats that would race out to guide the ships into the harbour, the 32ft-long wooden gigs are now raced for fun. Falmouth boasts one of the most successful clubs and runs novice introduction sessions from the Watersports Centre in Falmouth.
SUP
Explore the coves and beaches around Falmouth on a stand-up paddleboard (or SUP). Check out local clubs and hire centres online.
SURF LIFE SAVING
Improve your water confidence and endurance with a sport based on surf rescue techniques, combining swimming, running and board paddling. While the emphasis is on fun and fitness, some local clubs compete and also offer the opportunity to train and qualify as a beach lifeguard.
TOP 5 GIVE IT A TRY
Step out of your comfort zone with a new hobby or an adrenalinefuelled adventure. If you’re already a pro, join the local scene. But don’t worry about being a first-timer –you’ll be among people only too happy to share their expertise.
Baseball league
Take a swing at baseball with up-andcoming team the Truro Blue Jays – no kit or experience needed. This inclusive and very sociable club practises indoors in winter and offers free taster sessions at various venues. As players progress, there’s chance to take part in baseball leagues in the West Country and beyond.
4 3
Indoor skatepark
@loveparkuk
Work on some new tricks at Falmouth’s indoor skate park. Open every day, with a women’s night each Tuesday and lessons available from Skateboard GB certified coaches, LovePark features ramps, rails, hips, ledges, a driveway and a wall ride – ideal for practising the basics or for a more challenging skate.
@trurobaseballuk 1 2 5
Circus school
@cirkhes
Trapeze, tight rope, aerial silks and hoops – master these skills at Cirk Hes, an exciting new school in nearby Helston offering circus classes for all abilities, with student concessions. Learn, train and perform with the pros. Just imagine astounding your friends and family with your ability to unicycle, juggle or walk on stilts.
Via Ferrata
@viaferrata_cornwall
Meaning ‘iron stairway’, this climbing, high wire and zipline adventure takes you around the quarry cliffs before you cross the chasm on a 70m long single strand of wire. Find your Matrix moment by leaping from the cliff edge on a zipwire finale. You can also try freshwater coasteering, watersports and archery at this cool out-of-town venue.
Mountain biking
cornwallmtb.co.uk
With the tagline “Get out, get fit and get muddy”, Cornwall MTB club is a fun way to explore the county by bike. Weekend rides range from a relaxing “smooth and flat-ish” to hardcore routes with “relentless steep downhills”. Trips to venues such as Bike Park Kernow, with its technical tracks, will keep your riding skills sharp.
GAME CHANGERS
PURE ENTERTAINMENT – OR A POTENTIAL MEANS TO SOLVE THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES WE FACE? WE LOOK AT HOW FALMOUTH IS USING GAMES TECH FOR THE COMMON GOOD.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, our renowned Games Academy staged its biggestever Expo to showcase our students’ finest work. Among the fun and games, which included Expo award winners Petal, Sugar Siege and Goblins Go Boom, innovative research projects and prototypes demonstrated Falmouth’s pioneering approach to the creative use of gaming technology.
“Gaming has long been associated with entertainment, but at the Games Academy we’re exploring how this versatile technology can reshape the world,” explains Dr Daniel Zhang, a lecturer
in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
“There’s significant potential within the broader field of serious games. Designed for purposes beyond entertainment, serious games are emerging as powerful tools for social change. By combining engaging gameplay with educational advancement, training or social impact initiatives, these games tackle real-world challenges in innovative ways.
“Serious games can revolutionise education, offering interactive and immersive experiences that make complex subjects more accessible and enjoyable,” says Daniel, adding that games can also promote inclusivity and effectiveness, enhance rehabilitation and offer therapeutic experiences for mental health issues. “At Falmouth, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these trends – opening new avenues for creativity and problem-solving across disciplines."
REEFS AT RISK: SEEKING SOLUTIONS
How does a real fish called Dr Seuss fit in at our Games Academy? This bird-nose wrasse lives in a high-tech tank where Falmouth lecturer and Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence PhD student Sokol Murturi is using machine vision to monitor the growth of Indo-Pacific reef-building corals. Sokol, who teaches computer science, has applied machine vision and other AI techniques to create a system to photograph and monitor coral to detect changes.
Growth can be identified by counting the number of tiny polyps on the coral, its colour and the calcite structures at its edges. In the case of an issue, a robot makes easy work of testing the tank water for an imbalance of elements including phosphates, nitrates and ammonia. “This technology could be adapted to monitor reefs at risk in the ocean, perhaps as a device placed in situ,” says Sokol, explaining that the prediction of ‘stress events’ could allow us to remove coral and replant it once the emergency has passed, to regenerate wild reefs. “We’re always looking for creative applications for technology and how AI can be used in a positive way.”
TAKING TO TWO WHEELS
The everyday tasks that able-bodied people take for granted assume a whole new meaning in a wheelchair. A student-led team offered players a taste of this in their virtual reality game A Day in a Life. “The potential audience is unlimited,” says team member Osian Zarach, who feels the game could be an exhibit in art spaces and museums or used as a tool for accessibility planning.
CREATIVE WAYS WITH MOTION CAPTURE
Expo visitors saw Falmouth dance students demonstrate the latest motion-capture technology, which can serve as a springboard for developing choreography. Students on a variety of courses at Falmouth have the opportunity to explore the potential of mo-cap suits – not just for gaming, but for applications including performance analysis for sport and physiotherapy.
HOW GAMES CAN PROMOTE PEACE
Games have a strong link to war and military planning – in fact, many modern games technologies originated within the military. Falmouth’s professor of digital games Dr Tanya Krzywinska aims to create games that can be used in the pursuit of peace, prompted by a United Nations prediction that climate change will generate increased global conflict as resources become scarce and land ownership is contested.
“We first need to persuade funders and stakeholders that games can help,” says Tanya, who is working in collaboration with the Cambridge Peacekeeping, Climate and Conflict Lab. “While games can be used for strategy planning and training, they can do more; they offer compelling stories and have the potential for problem-solving through the act of creative play. Our research has so far focused on gaining a better understanding of how games could be used to promote peace and how mechanics from the games we know and enjoy can help us to model and plan for the effects of climate change.”
IT’S TURN! YOUR
COSPLAY & COMIC CON
A heads-up for gamers, movie fans and cosplayers: while the county’s gaming extravaganza GeekFest searches for a new base, Comic Con and Gaming Festivals run by UKCGF are taking place throughout the year at South West venues including Wadebridge, Truro and Exeter. Fans of anime and manga can check out Animangapop, a colourful one-day convention at Plymouth each February.
@gukcgf
@animangapopuk
DID YOU KNOW?
WONDERING WHAT THE SCENE IS LIKE FOR GAMES FANS AT FALMOUTH? WITH SOCIETIES, GAMING STORES AND COSPLAY GET-TOGETHERS, YOU WON’T BE BOARD. (SEE WHAT WE DID THERE?)
VIDEO GAMING
If you love electronic entertainment, try the Students’ Union (SU) VGSoc. Based around the community and culture of video games, this popular club runs events and meet-ups to cater for all, from tournament-ready gamers to the newest of players. You’ll find beginner-friendly favourites, such as Mario Kart and Mario Party, and those for experienced gamers: Guilty Gear, BlazBlue and many more.
ESPORTS
Try out for an Esports team and compete in weekly tournaments for NUEL or NSE. “We have a few teams, depending on skill levels, from the high-ranking Phoenix players to the mid-ranking Dragons and Lions,” says Esports & Livestreaming BA student Raven Weston. “The Wolves and Drakes are climbing their way through scrims and matches. It’s a lot of teamwork and fun.”
FALMOUTH IS ONE OF THE TOP 20 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOLS IN THE WORLD FOR GAME DESIGN, ACCORDING TO THE 2024 PRINCETON REVIEW.
BAR & BOARD GAMES
Open till midnight, every night, The Games Room in Falmouth is where you’ll find snooker, darts, pool, giant Jenga, table tennis and board games galore. There’s even shuffleboard (think Olympic curling, on a slightly smaller scale).
@gamesroomfalmouth
GAMING STORES
Stock up on supplies and get to know the local gaming community. Many stores run events such as workshops and tournaments. Favourites include A Toy On Titan and Stan’s Games in Falmouth, and Warhammer and Geek Retreat in Truro.
@a_toy_on_titan
@StansGames
@WarhammerTruro
@geekretreattruro
ESCAPE ROOMS
Can you break out of the Kernow Escape Rooms in Falmouth? Pit your wits against the mind-bending challenges, which include Adrift, The Nocturnal Alchemist and a very messy experience called The Demon Masseur of Market Street
@kernowescape
ANIME & MANGA
Enjoy movie and games nights, dubbing sessions and manga drawing comps with the Anime and Manga Society. “We run themed events, such as sci-fi, fantasy and 90s, and trips to conventions and cinema screenings,” says Game Art BA student Kane Dunn.
TABLETOP GAMING
Roll the dice with the SU Tabletop Gaming Society. Sociable games nights with fellow tabletop fanatics revolve around board, war and card games – including Warhammer 40,000, Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
EXPO & GAMES JAM
Level up at the University's Global Games Jam in January. And don’t miss our epic Games Expo in May, where industry giants, expert staff and games fans network and celebrate as students showcase their finest work and compete for awards.
TAKING ACTION
WONDERING HOW YOU CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT IN UNCERTAIN TIMES? OUR UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR JAKE CAUSLEY OUTLINES SOME IDEAS.
The times we’re living through carry an emotional burden, whether that’s accelerating climate-related disasters, shocking trends in nature or social inequalities. It can feel hard to know what we can do, but making a new start as a student in Falmouth can provide a wealth of opportunities. Today’s world
is fast-paced, focused on artificial things and disconnected in many ways from natural rhythms and cycles. We’re lucky in Falmouth to have nature right on our doorstep, from rivers and reservoirs to local woodlands and the Walled Garden at Penryn Campus. Whether we’re taking a moment to listen to birdsong, breathing in some sea air or lying in a flowery meadow, spending time in natural spaces helps us reconnect with the environment – allowing us space to rediscover our passions and values and helping us focus on the changes we’d like to be a part of.
BREATHING SPACE
Understanding how issues such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss make us feel is the first step towards being able to take action. The University’s Breathing Space initiative is creating spaces for just this, bringing together likeminded people and eco-anxiety facilitators to learn more about our emotions and how we can use them for good. It can be useful to focus on specific, high-impact areas, such as buying secondhand – you could
grab a free item at our on-campus Swap Shop events, rummage through Falmouth’s plentiful charity shops or find some refurbished tech at sites such as Back Market. Why not join the SU Vegan Society or the local Loveland community allotment to learn more about plant-based meals? Figure out what your daily commute will look like and whether you could do this by foot or bike, which will not only cut carbon and reduce local pollution but can make you feel healthier and happier.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Meeting and being with people will help you feel part of something bigger and has huge potential for creating greater collective impact. In Falmouth, we’re spoilt for choice. Alongside our own University clubs and societies, you’ll find local branches of national groups as well as communities unique to the area such as the Repair Cafe and Surfers Against Sewage. It’s all here to discover.
CREATE YOUR OWN INDIE PUBLICATION WITH LITTLE MORE THAN PAPER AND PEN
Creative comic, tiny book, tool of protest… the zine stands proudly independent in the world of commercial publishing. With roots in the 1930s sci-fi scene, a rebellious history and a lack of rules, this folded or stapled mini magazine (or ‘zine’) is an easy, immediate and very imaginative way to spread your message.
According to Falmouth graphic design lecturer Steve House, the do-it-yourself nature of zinemaking encourages experimentation and innovation, challenging traditional design approaches. “The influence of zines on visual
culture is profound,” he says. “The aesthetic is often characterised by cut-and-paste graphics, typewritten text, hand-drawn illustrations and photocopied production – a rough and quick approach that emphasises authenticity and individuality over polished perfection and resonates with audiences seeking genuine, relatable content.”
Check out the work of some of our student zine-makers and then turn the page for tips on creating your own.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Alice Mawdsley used her signature reportage style to bring Malaysian food culture to life. Now working freelance from Barcelona, the Illustration BA graduate says: “The imagery and text were inspired by my drawings on location in Kuala Lumpur and conversations with locals.”
DOING IT FOR THE DONKS
When creating a screenprinted zine for Cornwall’s Flicka Donkey Sanctuary, a team of Illustration BA students chose a tactile concertina format. “We used a visual, interactive approach, with maps and activity pages, to appeal to a younger audience,” says Tom Yarunin Pavey.
ROCK POOLING
This fact-packed guide to rock pools, starring an array of underwater inhabitants, serves as a handy pocket-sized spotter’s guide. The zine team, a group of Illustration BA students, created hand-drawn diagrams to add character and bring their sea creatures to life.
GOING FREESTYLE
“I love to share people’s personalities and stories, particularly those that are out of the ordinary and defy conventional norms,” says Illustration BA student Amy Anderson, whose cut-out cover and colourful pages celebrate the pioneering female Mexican lucha libre wrestlers.
BACK TO BLACK
Artist and Graphic Design BA graduate Joshua Marshall, AKA Scannerdaddy, has created the zine series ISH. With themes such as Brit-ISH, Cornish-ISH and Death W-ISH, his hand-made zines feature punk and grunge-inspired analogue design, some doubling up as a fold-out poster.
A ZINE FOR GEN Z
OFF TO A FLYING START
By collaborating through shared page templates and digital brush techniques, Rosa Blinkco and fellow Illustration BA students created a cohesive risoprinted birdwatching guide. “I think a visual approach helps readers to engage with a topic as beautiful as nature,” says Rosa.
“Everyone in the class found characteristics, interests and fears shared by Gen Z,” says Graphic Design BA student Charlotte Dixon. “I used digital collage on the back cover, to show that this young generation has the responsibility of the world but also endless possibilities and hope.”
INSPIRED TO MAKE YOUR OWN ZINE? HERE’S HOW…
FORMAT: our guide above, using an A3 sheet, is a starting point for a standard zine. But choose your own size and pagination – some zines fit in the palm of a hand, others measure 25cm high. Fold, cut, staple… it’s up to you.
WORKLOAD: will you collaborate, or go solo? You could ask for contributions or make it a team effort. “We played to our strengths when dividing up the work,” says Tom Yarunin Pavey. “I used my Photoshop knowledge, for example, to experiment with our colour scheme, while Jess [McElligott]’s previous screenprinting experience came in handy for the print process.”
CREATIVE DIRECTION: from art to poetry, writing to Polaroid photos, there are no rules about presenting your ideas, stories and perspectives. It’s all part of the appeal. “Zines have often served as a platform for marginalised or unheard voices, offering a space for radical ideas and subcultures that mainstream media sometimes overlooks,” says Steve House. “The total freedom to say whatever is on your mind enables a very personal expression, often fostering a sense of belonging and community among readers and creators.”
DESIGN STYLE: try hand-drawn or digital, or mix up the two. “Zines are a manageable format for exploring different opportunities, such as layout, composition, colour choice and binding,” says Alice Mawdsley. “Play around with short narratives and the relationship between image and text, to share your illustrative voice and your message or story.”
PRINT: keep it simple with photocopying or check out more creative techniques. “Risoprinting uses eco-friendly inks and allows for high-speed production – perfect for a zine print run,” says Amy Anderson. “I knew that the bright colours available would work perfectly to capture the energy and drama associated with Mexican lucha libre wrestling.”
DISTRIBUTION: you can give your zines to friends or even sell them at art fairs and festivals. Another option is to make a pdf available for DIY printing. Just remember to credit any content that’s not your own, then spread the message and show the world your amazing work.
TOP 5 ARTS FILM &
With one of the country’s leading art galleries, an open-air theatre in a spectacular cliffside setting and an abundance of homegrown talent, you’re never far from an inspiring installation, exhibition or performance in Cornwall.
The Minack
The Poly
Located in the heart of Falmouth, the Poly was founded in 1833 ‘to promote the useful and fine arts’. This popular venue continues that ethos today – screening a mix of independent and new films and hosting workshops, talks and live performances, as well as providing a space for art and craft exhibitions.
@polyfalmouth 1 2 5
Tate St Ives
@tatestives
St Ives has long been a haven for artists, drawn to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean by the quality of light. Tate St Ives is worth the journey, with its striking architecture and exhibitions by local and international artists. Make a day of it and visit the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden as well.
@phoenixfalmouth 4 3
@minacktheatre
You may need a friend with a car, but a trip to The Minack is essential. Perched on granite cliffs and overlooking Porthcurno Bay, this is a venue like no other. Wrap up warm for an open-air concert or a play, with the outdoor setting adding an other-worldly dimension to an already dramatic performance.
amata.org.uk
Located on Penryn Campus, the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts (AMATA) is more than a learning space. This purpose-built performance centre and professional venue hosts international music, theatre, dance and comedy from leading acts. There’s a real creative vibe, a great cafe and discounted tickets for students.
The Phoenix
We have more than our fair share of arts and retro cinemas in Cornwall, such as the small but characterful Phoenix in Falmouth. Other favourites include the Art Deco-style Regal in Redruth and the Filmhouse near the fishing harbour in Newlyn, where a ‘no crunching or rustling’ policy will please film buffs.
ENTOMOLOGIST COCKERILL STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
It’s fair to say that the Falmouth lecturers are an inspirational bunch. Alongside lending their expertise to our budding creatives, they’re out there leading the way – exploring the polar regions, writing acclaimed novels, directing BAFTA-winning films and breaking new ground in the gaming industry.
Entomologist (insect specialist), broadcaster and photographer Tim Cockerill, a lecturer on Falmouth’s Marine & Natural History Photography BA, documents and communicates the spectacular diversity of life on earth – working as a scientific consultant and ‘insect wrangler’ in TV and film. Here, he discusses his wildlife favourites and a fascination with fleas.
Starting small is important. Growing up in suburban east Yorkshire, I was amazed by the sheer diversity of insects around me. The secret is taking the time to look for them. That slippery entomological slope led to a PhD in tropical insect ecology at the University of Cambridge. I’ve since fronted BBC documentaries, appeared with Professor Brian Cox on BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage and worked with David Attenborough, but it all started with rummaging through the foliage in a suburban garden.
The job of communicating science and natural history is that of translator. The storytelling is ultimately the same – we’re just translating the science into a slightly different language. My recent show A Real Bug’s Life is a collaboration with National Geographic and broadcast on Disney+, so we’re bringing natural history to a completely new audience.
I discovered an insect completely new to science – an incredible moment! The species, Megaphragma cockerilli, is from a diverse but physically tiny group of insects related to the bees and wasps in our gardens. I found a single specimen at the top of a 40m-high tree on an expedition to the humid rainforests of Borneo. It was named after me by taxonomist Dr Andrew Polaszek, from London’s Natural History Museum.
My two favourite creatures are at opposite ends of the spectrum. The devil’s flower mantis from East Africa is a spectacular insect that looks like what might happen if you asked a surrealist artist to design the craziest creature imaginable. From the same habitat, the African elephant is a last representative of the giant animals that roamed the planet before early humans made their mark. Spending time with elephants in the wild is always a profound and humbling experience.
Photographing insects is a constant challenge, requiring specialist lenses, lights and techniques to capture things so tiny and fast moving. At that scale, even the smallest gust of wind is like a hurricane. But insects are hugely biodiverse, despite being so often overlooked, so there’s never a shortage of stories to tell. One of the fundamental things we teach on the Marine & Natural History Photography BA is that learning about the animals and habitats we’re photographing is just as important as learning how to use any particular lens or photographic technique.
CAN A FLEA BE TRAINED?
“Good question,” answers Tim, whose website features footage of a flea jumping through a hoop on his command. “There are certain secrets I can’t give away, but it’s definitely possible to train insects – and there’s a long history of scientific study on insect learning. They’re surprisingly intelligent, in their own way. I use this skill in my TV work, for example by training a bumblebee to land on exactly the right spot in front of the camera so we can get the perfect shot. The performing flea is real. It’s hard to believe until you’ve seen it, but it’s true!”
“I’VE BEEN FACE TO FACE WITH DEADLY SNAKES, STAMPEDED BY ELEPHANTS AND INFESTED WITH SPECTACULAR PARASITES.”
Tim on his animal encounters
HIDDEN TALENT
THE SKILLS OF OUR ACADEMIC STAFF STRETCH BEYOND THE EXPECTED. WE ASKED SOME OF FALMOUTH’S FINEST MINDS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE.
HOW
TO: INSPIRE AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD
“Most of my best ideas come when I’m outside and offline,” reveals seafarer, author, environmental historian and Falmouth lecturer Dr Huw LewisJones, who proves that good old-fashioned storytelling retains a timeless appeal for primary school children. Since 2021, when he started writing them, 14 of his junior books have been published internationally – with Clive Penguin about to launch in America. “I teach by day, write by night and in my holidays lead expeditions, guiding people in wild environments such as the Arctic and Antarctica,” he says. “I like encouraging readers young and old to be curious about nature, to pay attention and to see the wonder in their back gardens as much as in wild places.” So how does he appeal to his youngest fans? “With real-life knowledge, but also humour,” explains Huw, whose best-sellers feature a hungry crocodile, a befuddled
badger and whole cast of ursine characters in Do Bears Poop in the Woods? “You have to take being silly seriously…”
HOW TO: BE A DRESS DETECTIVE
Are you keen to unlock the secrets of a vintage garment? Fashion historian Dr Kate Strasdin looks for vital clues: repairs, alterations and damage in the form of stains and tears. “Makers' labels offer origin stories and pockets might reveal something hidden,” she says. “Even measurements can tell us about the wearer’s physicality.” Fascinated from childhood by old clothes, Kate has appeared as a BBC Sewing Bee expert, commented on royal dress trends and published books including The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes. “We have a wonderful archive at Falmouth with lots of as yet untold stories,” adds Kate, who lectures in our Fashion & Textiles Institute. “Clothing is often stored in attics and trunks, locked away for years. There are still gems to be found.”
HOW TO: TRAVEL THE WORLD FOR £500
When his Journalism & Creative Writing BA students set him this challenge in reading week,
DR HUW LEWIS-JONES
DR KATE STRASDIN
DR KIT CHAPMAN
Dr Kit Chapman ticked off Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and Serbia for the grand sum of £462. His secrets? “Put your departure airport and dates into Google Flights and set your destination as ‘anywhere’. This will show you every possible flight, so add a budget and start looking for bargains.” Science journalist Kit also suggests not being afraid to take an indirect route or wander off the beaten path. “Travel is a means to see the amazing ways that other cultures live. As a writer, the more experiences you have, the more of these little details you can draw upon.”
HOW TO: BEFRIEND A JELLYFISH
This is a tricky one, admits Gina Goodman, an experienced diver and lecturer on Falmouth’s Marine & Natural History Photography BA, who explains: “Jellyfish don’t have hearts, brains or blood, for that matter. While this may make them appear simple creatures, the truth is they’re anything but.” Gina, an award-winning underwater photographer, eagerly awaits the return of the jellyfish to our waters each summer. “I understand that not everyone feels the same way, but I think we can all look at them through a friendlier lens,” she says. “What intrigues me is the way they move: they’re utterly in tune with their environment and at the same time at the mercy of it. The more I learn about them, the more they fascinate me.”
HOW TO: CHANGE THE CONVERSATION
We can all make our voices heard, says Visual Communication (Online) BA tutor Eliza Hatch, whose experience of harassment – dismissed by male friends as ‘flattery’ – prompted her to take pictures of friends with similar stories and share them online. Seven years on, her award-winning platform Cheer Up Luv has a community of 160,000-plus followers on social media and combines art with journalism, activism, education and events to facilitate meaningful discussions around everyday sexism and gender inequality.
“My advice would be to follow your passion, your rage, your discomfort and see where it takes you,” she says. “When you get there, use ‘soft skills’, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamworking, as well as ‘hard skills’, such as art and design, to communicate this in a way that’s most authentic to you.”
HOW TO: WIN AT MONOPOLY
Slay the opposition with help from Dr Doug Brown, our Dean of Screen, Technology and Performance and a veritable board master when it comes to Monopoly. To win, he recommends seizing the orange and red property sets. “This is where players are most likely to land, so make lopsided deals to amass these,” says Doug, who advises using the probability that two rolled dice will total seven to target certain squares.
“According to research, there are four types of gamers: explorers, achievers, socialisers and killers," he adds. "Monopoly is designed for killers, who take pleasure in defeating others, so to approach the game in any other fashion would be a mistake.”
“I FIND THE IDEA OF CLOTHES WORN BY PEOPLE SO LONG AGO COMPLETELY MESMERISING – LIKE SEEING A COLOURFUL GHOST.”
DR KATE STRASDIN
ELIZA HATCH
GINA GOODMAN
DR DOUG BROWN
FALMOUTH’S FINAL-YEAR ILLUSTRATORS CREATE THEIR OWN INTERPRETATION OF A PHRASE LOADED WITH LITERAL AND METAPHORICAL MEANING.
An exciting next step, or the brink of the abyss? The crossing of barriers, physical or psychological, or the relentless environmental or technological change in an age of uncertainty? Our graduating Illustration BA students responded to a theme of ‘The Edge’ to create our new print compendium, showcasing their conceptual skills as they set forth into the constantly evolving creative industries.
See The Edge at bit.ly/theEdge2024
“AM I STILL YOUNG? CAN I DREAM FOR A FEW MONTHS MORE?”
Eleanor Easter (opposite), exploring themes of nostalgia and longing for a place outgrown
“IN THE QUIET SHADE WHERE ECHOES CEASE, I SEEK REFUGE, A FLEETING RELEASE. AWAY FROM THE CROWD’S RELENTLESS HUM, SOLITUDES EMBRACE, WHERE I CAN BECOME.”
Harry Hart
"THE BRINK OF LIFE. SACCHARINE, SACRED AT THE ALTAR, SWEETNESS IN FLESH EMBEDS TEMPTATION IN HIM… THE HORNED CREATURE."
Alanna Gannon
“WE INTERRUPT YOUR BROWSE TO INTRODUCE THIS ONE-STOP, QUESTIONABLY FLAVOURED JUICE, WHICH WILL BLOW THE BARRIERS OF YOUR CREATIVE BLOCK AND UNLEASH YOUR NEXT FANTASTICALLY CREATIVE IDEA.”
Emma O’Gorman
Sophie Duez explores the nuances and challenges of altered perception, as a result of living with double vision
MY PRIDE
THE FALMOUTH CELEBRATION THIS SPRING – CORNWALL’S 50TH PRIDE EVENT – FEATURED THE BIGGEST PRIDE FLAG IN THE WORLD. FOR CREATIVE ADVERTISING BA STUDENT THEO, THE DAY HELD SPECIAL MEANING.
When I came to uni in 2021, I wasn’t sure what to expect with regards to the queer community. I’d joined the freshers group chats and talked to different people, but I still didn’t really know what I was getting into. I’m now in my third year of my Creative Advertising BA, but to be honest in my first two years I didn’t participate in anything LGBTQ+ focused. Now I’ve found a queer family in Falmouth filling almost every letter of the acronym – and we attend it ALL.
My involvement with the LGBTQ+ community has been through a lot of the work I produce; in fact, my proudest projects have followed this theme. But still, despite consistently working and bending briefs into something queer, I was scared to get involved in person. I’ve written articles, designed campaigns and created work for all sorts of different queer events, themes and products, but I couldn’t go to an event myself. This fear stopped me from getting involved for two years. That’s two Prides I haven’t attended, two queer Christmas parties I haven’t gone to, two gay Halloween events I’ve avoided…
In reality, Falmouth is one of the most LGBTQ+ accepting places I’ve ever been. Not once have
“WALKING THROUGH FALMOUTH DURING PRIDE MAY BE OVERWHELMING – BUT FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.”
THEO, CREATIVE ADVERTISING BA STUDENT
I had an issue with being accepted due to my sexuality or gender expression. If anything derogatory is said, there’s always a million people jumping to my defence (including people I don’t even know). The truth is, my hesitance to join Falmouth’s queer life led me to waste two years.
One of the highlights during my time here has been this year’s Pride, the first Cornwall Pride I’ve attended, and it didn’t disappoint (despite the bus ignoring us and driving straight past…).
The people, the atmosphere, it all adds up to create a unique experience. All of Falmouth got involved, including businesses that had nothing to do with the event.
One of the best queer nights out is ‘Queer The Decks’ at the Cornish Bank. They host a queer party almost monthly, including a massive Pride afterparty. There’s the Kernow Drag Collective, a creative “queer Cornish collective of drag kings, queens and things” who perform at a multitude of different events, showcasing some of the most unique Cornish talent. This community extends into University as well, with the Pride society. A place everyone can get involved, Pride Soc arranges events with varying degrees of formality. Movie screenings, socials and artistic events mean there’s always something you can attend, even if you don’t feel like being overly social.
All in all, Falmouth feels like one of the best queer safe spaces around. Embrace it!
Community spirit: Theo feels at home in Falmouth
Showstopper: Roberta Calamari lights up the stage
Festival
Falmouth Pride
FIND
JOINING A SOCIETY IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF YOUR ACCOMMODATION, COURSE AND YEAR GROUP. MAKE TIME TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE, FIND A NEW PASSION OR TRY SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER CONSIDERED BEFORE.
SPORTS
Choose from a wide range of racket, ball and recreational sports clubs. Alongside the staples such as rugby, football, netball and hockey, you’ll find the likes of lacrosse, athletics, gymnastics and tennis – plus the Multisport Society if you’d like to try a bit of everything.
Join the Expedition Society for weekend and residential walks at locations around Cornwall or take up the reins and go horse riding. Enjoy a foam darts shoot-out, scale new heights with Falclimb for indoor and outdoor climbing challenges or have a go at the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do. How about joining Cornwall’s only Ultimate Frisbee team?
MUSIC AND DANCE
Join the Jam First Big Band, dance the night away with hip hop or tap fans, or take centre stage with the Tremough Follies Musical Theatre Society.
MEDIA AND HOBBIES
Flex your writing muscles with the student-run publishing house Penryn Press or host your own show on the award-winning student radio station Surf Radio. Try poetry, pole dancing or knitting and crochet, or scare yourself senseless at film screenings with the Horror Soc.
FAITH AND CULTURE
Societies such as Asian, African Caribbean and Cornish Language & Culture, open to all students, aim to celebrate their heritage and educate those inspired by it. You’ll also find a diverse range of political and campaigning organisations.
NATURE AND GREEN
Get to know our coastal wildlife and habitats with MarineWatch, which runs a busy schedule of boat trips and beach cleans. The popular BeeSoc is buzzing with activities, from practical bee-keeping sessions to craft get-togethers. Nature lovers, green activists, foraging fanatics and gardeners can sign up to Green Living, EcoSoc and the Vegan Society.
PEOPLE YOUR A-Z
With more than 130 clubs and societies run under the Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union umbrella, we’d like to think we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a selection here, but you’ll find the full A-Z at thesu.org.uk
WATERSPORTS
Splash out with our water-based societies such as Fal Sail or the Kayak Club, for sunrise harbour paddles and beach BBQs.
YOUR POTATO
THANCHEAPERCHIPS RECIPES TOTRY
THE HUMBLE SPUD IS A STUDENT’S BEST FRIEND WHEN IT COMES TO EATING WELL ON A BUDGET. PACKED WITH HEALTHY GOODNESS, NOTHING BEATS A POTATO ONCE BAKED AND DRESSED FOR DINNER. BORED WITH CLASSIC CHEESE ‘N BEANS? JAZZ UP YOUR TOPPINGS WITH THESE EASY MEAL IDEAS.
TAKE ONE BAKED POTATO*…
*Wondering how to do this? Wash your potato and prick it with a fork (to avoid explosions), then bake it in a mediumhot oven for 45 minutes or so (reduce this time for an air fryer). A microwave will do the job in a matter of minutes.
WE'VE GOT BEEF
Make a hash of things: fry some chopped onion in oil until soft, then scoop out your baked potato into to the pan and add tinned corned beef. Fry the mixture for a few minutes more and pile it back into the skin, topping it with a fried egg.
BEST SPUDDY
Keep it green by heating some oil in a pan and throwing in a handful of spinach leaves. When they start to wilt, crack in an egg and scramble it. Stir through grated parmesan (or a cheaper hard cheese), then halve your potato and pile it all on.
THE MEXICAN
Spice it up with a sweet potato. Scoop out the baked insides and fry briefly in a pan with tinned black beans (rinsed first in water), then stir in some salsa, put the potato filling back in its skin and top with sour cream. You could also add crunchy tortilla chips.
FISHY MCFISHFACE
Oven-bake or fry some fish fingers till crispy, then chop them up and mix with the fluffy insides of your scooped-out potato – adding cooked peas and plenty of grated cheese. Heap it all back into the potato skin and slather with ketchup or mayo.
Season your potato with salt and pepper to taste.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO FIND A PART-TIME JOB WHILE YOU STUDY? READ
ON FOR OUR GUIDE TO EARNING AS YOU LEARN
Once you’ve settled into student life, you might be keen to secure some part-time work. The benefits are endless; apart from the cash, you can make new friends and build valuable experience, while developing additional skills for your CV such as teamworking, time management, problem solving and communication. We talked to Alex MestertonGibbons from the University’s Employability team for the lowdown on making it work…
THE FUSE: WHAT KIND OF PART-TIME JOBS ARE OUT THERE?
ALEX: Cornwall continues to rely on students to support local businesses and staff seasonal roles. Jobs in hospitality, retail, tourism and care will always be in high demand, but we’re also seeing an increase in remote roles based locally and regionally. These are more flexible with lecture schedules and include tutoring, content creation, writing, coding and survey work.
IS FREELANCING AN OPTION?
Developing an understanding of self-employment avenues is a valuable tool that will give you options both as a student and beyond. Ask us at Employability for advice and support on setting up as a freelancer and how to market your services. This could give you a head start even before you reach graduation.
WHAT’S THE CURRENT MINIMUM PAY?
National living wages increased in April this year, bringing the bracket of earning for students aged 21 and over to £11.44 an hour. National minimum wages have also increased to £8.60 an hour for those aged 18-20.
MAKING WORK IT
ARE THERE PAID ROLES ON CAMPUS?
Yes! There are opportunities to work as a Student Ambassador, or in campus cafes and stores. Recruitment happens at the start of each academic year or as roles become available. Just remember, it’s important to find a balance between work and study. Chat to the personal tutor you’ve been assigned if you’re worried about the potential impact on your academic work.
WHAT’S A MICRO-INTERNSHIP?
It’s a chance to complete a 30-hour paid project with a local employer, remote or onsite, either during the academic year or the holiday break. All roles are paid at the national living wage and offer practical job application practice. The microinternship scheme is targeted to support students from unrepresented backgrounds, across any course, to gain experience, so check your eligibility on our Employability platform Handshake and apply for roles advertised. It’s a fabulous way to gain real-world experience and apply the skills you’re learning in the classroom.
HOW ELSE CAN EMPLOYABILITY HELP?
It’s so important to network at university and engage with the local community; you never know when the next opportunity will present itself. We can help you feel prepared and confident to take your next step, with advice on making speculative applications and learning how to take the initiative in approaching potential employers. Many of the opportunities out there are hidden from common search engines, so engage with the Employability team early on in your studies and stay ahead of the game.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
What’s life really like at Falmouth University? Here’s a round-up of some of the year’s happenings to give you an idea of the great place you’re coming to. Check out our socials for the latest news and views, along with individual course pages to keep up to date with all that’s fresh from Falmouth.
@falmouthuni
IT TAKES A TEAM
Fashion and business students share the backstage buzz at Cornwall’s Eden Project before models take to the runway. Our budding creative events managers masterminded a fashion show at Anthropy 2023, featuring designs made from waste and donated products.
ALL THE MATTHEWS
DRESS REHEARSALS
WHAT’S MY LINE?
Felix Klein musters his method acting skills with fellow third-year Games Academy student Blue Probert, as the pair record lines for Cosmic Cowboy. The team later worked with third-year Acting BA students to give voice to a range of characters in their space Western narrative.
gone to so much effort,” says lecturer Matthew Morgan-Stevens, whose Acting BA students turned up to their last-ever class dressed as him – with beanie hats, beards, specs and the obligatory coffee mug.
final-year students. But it’s not just the performers on stage who showcase their skills. In the countdown until the curtain rises, the final touches are added to lighting, sound, choreography and costume.
TRELISSICK TIME TRAVEL
a period drama filmed by students in our School of Film & Television. “Every day on set was a learning experience,” says Television BA student Ellena Ross. “Our cast and crew put in so much work to bring it to life.”
Cornwall than meets the eye – and a whole lot more than we could fit in the pages of THE FUSE. But then we don’t want to reveal all our favourite spots and deny you the pleasure of discovering them!
Falmouth is a unique place where you can truly be yourself. Your time as a student here might be full of barbeques on the beach, dancing in the streets and sea shanties in the
your surfing skills and keeping fit in the amazing natural adventure playground on our doorstep. Whether you want to game, get active or go wild, the choice is yours.
At Falmouth, you’ll be welcomed into our warm, vibrant and creative community, whatever life you seek. We promise you'll leave with memories that last a lifetime.
THE FUSE TEAM
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
You’ll soon settle in once you start at Falmouth University. Here’s a useful list to help you on your way – keep it somewhere handy…
GETTING AROUND
Bus
Dedicated University buses run between the two campuses regularly throughout the day.
Train
With multiple stations in Falmouth and one in Penryn, it’s easy to hop on a train and explore Cornwall or travel further afield.
Bike
You’ll find secure cycle storage facilities at both campuses, along with free showers and changing facilities for cyclists. Look out for rentable electric Beryl bikes at locations around town.
Car
Car parking permits for Penryn Campus are available at an annual cost if you meet certain criteria. There are electric vehicle charging points at our Penryn Campus. fxplus.ac.uk
Taxis
Abacus: 01326 212141
A2B Taxis: 01326 317898
Falmouth and Penryn Radio Taxis: 01326 313131
STUDENT SERVICES
Student Services are here for you through your time at Falmouth University with a range of specialist services and information. Our handy central helpdesk The Compass is a great first port of call for any questions you may have and can point you in the right direction for help and support.
studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk 01326 370460
SUPERMARKETS
Along with a variety of corner shops and local markets, you’ll find these major supermarkets in Falmouth and Penryn:
ASDA (Penryn)
Lidl (Falmouth/Penryn)
Sainsbury’s (Falmouth) Tesco Express (Falmouth)
VISITOR INFORMATION
There’s a great Visitor Information Centre on Falmouth’s Prince of Wales Pier. The staff are full of local knowledge and can give you tips for exploring the local area and beyond.
info@falriver.co.uk 01326 741194
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
In the event of an emergency, contact the police, ambulance, fire services or coastguard by calling 999.
Assistance from Campus Safety and Support: 4444 (on campus) or 01326 254444
NHS Medical Advice Line: 111 Samaritans: 116 123
You can call the Samaritans for free at any time and talk about issues big and small.
STUDENT HEALTH
There are surgeries in both Falmouth and Penryn. If you register with the Penryn Surgery, you can see a doctor at the Student Health Centre on Penryn Campus.
