Fresh Direction Summer 2013

NEWS • MUSIC • FASHION • FILM • GAMES • TRAVEL • BEAUTY • SEX • ADVICE

OUT S U K C E H C o.uk

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THE UK’S Nº1 STUDENT MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2013

SUMMER JOBS

EAT YOUR WAY TO VICTORY

It pays to earn

Why breakfast is key to exam glory!

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER

FESTIVAL FRENZY!

Make the most of your three months off

Where to go, who to see, what to do!

Stooshe

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Three is the magic number this summer!

e k a m o t r a e g b a f !

W IN e l z z i s r e m m u s r u yo £250 SHOPPING SPREE WITH ASOS

BLU-RAY PLAYER AND DJANGO

The ultimate post-college survival kit

12 NIGHT TOUR WITH TREKAMERICA

PLUS: Backpack Essentials

The best tech to take on your travels

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CONTENTS

Fresh Direction Summer 2013 student365.co.uk

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47

24 NEWS • MUSIC • FASHION • FILM • GAMES • TRAVEL • BEAUTY • SEX • ADVICE

CK US OUT

CHE .co.uk student365 ONLINE!

THE UK’S Nº1 STUDENT MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2013

SUMMER JOBS

EAT YOUR WAY TO VICTORY

It pays to earn

Why breakfast is key to exam glory!

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER

FESTIVAL FRENZY!

Make the most of your three months off

Where to go, who to see, what to do!

Stooshe

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Three is the magic number this summer!

WIN! fab gear to make le your summer sizz £250 SHOPPING SPREE WITH ASOS

BLU-RAY PLAYER AND DJANGO

The ultimate post-college survival kit

12 NIGHT TOUR WITH TREKAMERICA

PLUS: Backpack Essentials

The best tech to take on your travels

Official Partners

Summer’s back!

It certainly took its time, but the sun is strutting its funky stuff once more. For students this chiefly means two things: exams, with all the revision that entails; and the much-needed holidays that follow. With that in mind this latest issue of Fresh Direction is jam-packed with features to help you make the most of the summer term and beyond. Want to know what breakfast will set you up for a hard day’s studying?

Or what festivals you should attend this summer? Then read on. Plus it’s combined with our usual selection of news, reviews and fantastic competitions. Log on to student365.co.uk, let us know what you think on our Facebook and Twitter pages - and enjoy the issue!

20

FRESH IN

15 Technology

02 Summer Calender

What to do and where

ENTERTAINMENT 04 Music Reviews

Summer is the time for dancing in the streets!

05 Film & DVD Reviews What to watch at the cinema and at home!

06 Stooshe The London trio talk J.Lo and cooking skills 09 Festival Guide Now is the summer of our disco tents 13 Books What to read while soaking up the rays

WHAT’S HOT 14 Gaming

Games that can help with revision - no, honestly!

Gap year gadgets 17 Competitions Win lots of stuff for free!

18 What’s Fresh From eReaders to flip flops

Eat healthier, study better

42 Party People

Organise the best party ever!

44 Accommodation

Find the best student pad

LOOK FRESH

TRAVEL

20 hot style essentials 24 Beauty Stay beautiful!

54 Working Abroad

20 Fashion

STUDENT LIVING 26 Health

Don’t let stress beat you

28 Sex & Relationships

Avoid any unwanted STDs while on holiday!

31 Sport/Fitness Find right sport for you

LIVE FRESH

34 Food/Cooking

47 European Festivals

Be part of the Euro jet set

Broaden your horizons

58 Backpack Essentials

What to pack in your pack

EXAMS & JOBS

59 Revision Advice Ace those exams

62 Careers/Internships

Are you experienced?

64 Postgraduate Courses

Staying on makes sense

71 Graduation Guide

Uni’s out for ever - what do you do now?

A breakfast for champions!

FRESH DIRECTION IS PUBLISHED BY

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37 Brain Food

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W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 1

IS THE SUN YES, THAT OKING AT! LO E ’R U YO

HE’S THE FIRESTARTER, THE TWISTED FIRESTARTER!

THE WHEEL WAS TUN ED TO HEART FM

How to make sure your summer’s jam-packed with fun

THE 1920’S EY’RE RANG: TH HAT MISSING A

Upfest: Europe’s largest street art festival (Bristol) Hundreds of urban artists will descend on Bedminster, Bristol for Upfest 2013. This FREE bank holiday festival invites you to see world class artists and illustrators at work painting 20,000sqft of surfaces including a New York subway train, alongside music stages, pop-up cafes and street parties.

May 25-27, Free upfest.co.uk

YOU’VE BLOWN A GASKET, MATE

The Great Escape Festival (Brighton) Europe’s leading festival for new music, The Great Escape is considered by the music industry to be Britain’s answer to the US’s South By Southwest Festival, serving up legendary shows in the bars and clubs of Brighton. Showcasing totally up to the minute new talent and hosting seminars and contributions from industry-leading figures.

The line up for 2013 includes: Bastille, Klaxons, Everything Everything, Billy Bragg, Tom Odell, The Strypes, Iggy Azalea, David Rodigan, King Krule, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oddisee, Tribes, A*M*E with lots more to be announced nearer the time too.

May 16-18, Three-day tickets start at £45 escapegreat.com

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Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Edinburgh) The Edinburgh Festival Fringe caters for everyone from the biggest names in showbiz to emerging performers and covers all sorts of art forms such as - deep breath! - theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and a litany of street performers.

May 25-26 edfringe.com British Kitesurfing Championships (Cornwall) What is the event all about? There will be six fast paced races each day as close to the shore as winds will allow. Cornwall, and especially Marazion, is regarded as a top kitesurfing destination. There will be free come-and-try kite sessions, provided by local kite schools. On Saturday evening there is music in The Station House Pub from 9pm till late. The prize giving and party will take place on Sunday from 7pm at Penzance Sailing Club, Albert Pier, Penzance.

May 25-26 11:00am-5pm Saturday, Sunday visitcornwall.com JUNE

Beach Break Live (Newquay) This year the festival has a brand new location - Newquay. Acts include Jake Bugg, Aluna George, Devlin, Shy FX, Scratch Perverts and Foreign Beggers. But the thing we’re most excited about is the luxury accommodation.

For just £99 (with student discount) you get four days access including accommodation in a caravan stocked with double beds, kitchen, hot showers and heaters, that’s our kind of music festival.

June 20-24, £84-£119 for full access. beachbreaklive.com

PHOTO: IStockphoto WORDS: Aissetou N’gom

MAY

Relentless House Party (Manchester) Relentless Energy Drink is putting on three House Parties across the country this summer kicking off in Manchester on May 16. Relentless will collaborate with a headline music icon from all three cities. Guests can expect live performances, DJ sets and installations from the cream of each city’s artistic talent.

May 16, Tickets £5 relentlessenergy.com/RHP

EVENTS I SAY, THIS AC ID HOUSE MUSIC IS A JO LLY GOOD WHEEZE ISN’ T IT?

THE DAY-GLO, MULTICOLOURED, POP-UP POP ART EXPERIMENT

THE INFLUENCE OF SNAKES IN A PLANE WAS EVERYWHERE

Grillstock (Bristol and Manchester) The UK’s hottest BBQ and music festival, Grillstock is back for 2013 with two sizzling events coming to Bristol and Manchester, combining a low ‘n’ slow barbeque competition with international music, a cooking academy, unique craft beer bar and chilli eating and rib eating competitions.

May 11-12 (Bristol harbourside) June 8-9 (Albert Square, Manchester) Tickets are £10 per day or £15 per weekend grillstock.co.uk

phenomenal circus performances.

July 26-28, Free bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Summer Solstice (Stonehenge) Access to the stones themselves is expected to be from around 7pm on Thursday 20th June until 8am on Friday 21st June. There's likely to be casual entertainment from samba bands & drummers but no amplified music is allowed.

Sunrise is at around 4:45am.

June 21, Free

Wordpress workshop Google Campus (London) Brush up your CV with this workshop. If you’re embarking on a career in the media the skills you’ll learn will be invaluable. It’s also a great chance to network as it’s held in London’s tech centre, Google Campus.

Attendees must bring their own laptop and everyone is given a demo account that they work with during the workshop.

Most Saturday mornings this summer between 10am-12pm. Free campuslondon.com/events

Taste London (London) For four days, Regent's Park will transform into a foodie wonderland. Create your perfect menu from the capital’s finest restaurants as they serve their best dishes for the ultimate alfresco feast.

June 20-23, £24 Includes entry into the festival, access to the features (master class, theatres, demonstrations) tastefestivals.com JULY

Bristol Harbour Festival (Bristol) Bristol’s biggest FREE event will once again transform the city’s harbourside, with three days of cultural celebrations. The festival attracts thousands of visitors to explore the two mile stretch of harbour featuring seven areas including dance, music and

The London Graduate Fair (London) The biggest and best national graduate recruitment fair in London with everything you need under one roof for the next step in your career!

June 19-20 12pm-5pm, Business Design Centre summer.londongradfair.co.uk

Vintage Festival (Glasgow) Festival goers can go glam with decade specific hair and beauty makeovers from the Vintage Salon or simply take in all the wonderful vintage shopping on offer. There will be opportunities to get creative in one of the many art, design and Make Do & Mend workshops, experience exclusive catwalk shows, sample brilliantly conceived food and cocktails, or join one of the daily dance classes lead by expert dance instructors.

July 27-28, £15 per day vintagefestival.co.uk 

YES, CHEF THAT IS SPAGHETTI!

FRAZZLES CRISPS GET EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 3

WOODENBOX

MUSIC

END GAME • Out May 27 Despite the name, there’s nothing wooden about Woodenbox; their music is lively and kinetic, evoking warmth and character. Their second album is dripping with hooks too – removing tracks like ‘King’s Liar’ and ‘Everyone Has A Price’ from your head is near impossible – and despite their Scottish origins, there is a stream of Americana and Mariachi influences running throughout, creating a cunning cocktail of influence and inspiration. The album title, meanwhile, is another misnomer. End Game? Hardly.

Championed by the likes of 6 Music tastemakers Steve Lamacq, Marc Riley and Huw Stephens, this seems like just the beginning for Woodenbox.

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LITTLE BOOTS

THE UPBEATS

JAMIE CULLUM

AIRBOURNE

NOCTURNES • Out May 6

PRIMITIVE TECHNIQUE • Out now

MOMENTUM • Out May 20

BLACK DOG BARKING • May 20

2009 was some year for Little Boots.

Hands, her debut album of electronic pop, was critically lauded. So, what does Little Boots of 2013 sound like?

Well, a bit flat, unfortunately. Shake impresses with a serious groove, but there’s little else to recommend, despite a collaboration with Jeppe Laursen, who wrote the Lady Gaga’s Born This Way - a track with almost more chutzpah than this entire record.

Music is the soundtrack to our lives, and sometimes, you just need something to boost the body as well as the mind. The Upbeats’ fourth studio album Primitive Technique does just that, resplendent in drum’n’bass vigour that has just enough experimentation to impress those who sneer at dance music. Try One Step for that perfect pre-club blast of energy.

Jamie Cullum is an intriguing sort.

His tunes straddle a number of styles and his new album, Momentum, is no different, making a musical salad out of his customary jazz, pop, R&B and dash of soul. Try Love For $ale for an example of his impressive deviation, with a hip hop groove, a funky jazz keyboard solo and a rap from guest star Roots Manuva all showcased in the space of five minutes.

Let’s not beat around the bush.

Airbourne sound like AC/DC... a lot like AC/DC. But that’s not a bad thing, right? There’s some serious cap-doffing to Angus Young and co coursing through every riff and rudimentary drum smash on this album, such as in the grooved-up Firepower. But hey - grow your hair long, grab a can of beer and bow down to the sound of classic rock.

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FESTIVAL PIC

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Eminem Reading and Leeds festivals The colourful US rapper is famed for spitting belligerent rhymes and this rare headline slot is not to be missed by fans of hip hop.

Justin Timberlake Wireless The pop icon resumed his music career this year and is set to wow Wireless with his only UK festival show of 2013.

Beyoncé V Festival Beyoncé is one of music’s biggest stars and her V Festival set - hot off the back of a sold-out UK tour - is highly anticipated.

Kraftwerk T in the Park Check out the legendary German electronic pioneers as they play a surprise slot at Scotland’s T in the Park three-day beano.

Mastodon Download Mastodon are one of metal’s top acts, impressing with their pummelling rhythms. Not for the faint-hearted but die-hard fans will love this gig.

REVIEWS

Preview the hottest music, film and DVD releases, out this summer DVDS

The Romantic Night In

Magical Night In

Silver Screen Night In

Creepy Night In

The Lads Night In ©Disney

HITCHCOCK

I GIVE IT A YEAR

STOKER

Anthony Hopkins stars as one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century. The film deals with the personal and professional dramas surrounding the making of Psycho, Hitchcock’s most famous - and chilling - film. If you enjoyed My Week With Marilyn, chances are you’ll enjoy this too.

Months after getting hitched Nat and Josh begin to suspect they made the wrong choice. But as they both agree to try and make a go of it, Nat begins to fall for the charms of one of her clients, and Josh realises that he still has the hots for his ex Chloe. Definitely worth a watch, especially for Stephen Merchant’s comedy genius.

After India’s father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother. Soon after his arrival she comes to suspect this mysterious, man has ulterior motives but instead of feeling outrage, she becomes increasingly infatuated. Seriously nail biting stuff.

Unsuccessful circus magician Oscar Digg (James Franco) finds his way to the land of Oz, where three witches tell him he’s destined for greatness. However, before he can realize his potential, he must come face-to-face with the problems that haunt the fantastical land. A fabulously fun film.

Mark Wahlberg plays former New York cop turned private eye Billy Taggart, When he’s hired to follow mayor Russell Crowe’s wife (Catherine Zeta Jones), he uncovers a city-wide conspiracy of corruption, sex, and murder.

With his life threatened Billy finds himself faced with an impossible choice. Ravishing, sinister, and unmissable.

OUT: June 3

OUT: June 3

OUT: June 24

OUT: July

OUT: June 24

Films To Celebrate End of Exams!

THE HANGOVER PART III Bradley Cooper and the gang are back for the comedy trilogy’s final chapter. Phil, Stu and Alan hit the road for a wild adventure that includes pigmasked bandits, psychotic Mr Chow dressed as an officer of the law and booze-fueled crimes in Las Vegas. One thing’s for sure, we’re certainly in for a memorable conclusion.

OUT: May 24 AFTER EARTH One thousand years after humans have fled Earth, a father and son crash on the planet. With General Cypher (Will Smith) injured, it’s up to his son Kitai (Jaden Smith) to find a way to signal for help on a planet reclaimed by nature, and containing the alien creature that escaped from their craft.

OUT: June 7

WORDS: Claire Norman

THE INTERNSHIP Two recently laid-off men in their 40s try to make it as interns at a successful internet company where their managers are all in their 20s. They must compete with a group of the nation’s most elite, tech-savvy geniuses to prove that necessity really is the mother of re-

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

BROKEN CITY

FILM

THE HANGOVER PART III: RECREATING THAT ABBEY ROAD COVER IN LAS VEGAS

invention. Starring Vince Vaughn, Own Wilson and Will Ferrell.

OUT: July 4 NOW YOU SEE ME FBI agents track a team of the world’s greatest illusionists who are known for their mind-boggling stunts. The con artists scale new heights when they rob a bank, showering the stolen profits on their audience.

An exhilarating thrill ride with an all-star cast.

OUT: July 5 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY This prequel sees Mike and Sulley during their days at university when they were just young adult monsters getting a degree in (what else?) scaring.

However, back in their college days, Mike and Sulley weren’t always the best of friends, constantly competing to try and prove who was the best monster on campus. The perfect film to watch with a hangover.

NOW YOU SEE ME: THE LIGHTS ARE ON.

OUT: July 12

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INTERVIEW

“My mum’s chicken recipe is great.

I make it with rice and dumplings.

That seems to go down well!”

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LONDON CALLING

STOOS HE FLA

Stooshe’s SH! n Slip, is ou ew single, t on May 13.

Their alb um w out on M ill be ay 27.

diva antics, messy t ou ab us ll te e sh oo St London trio of your summer! t ou t os m e th t ge to w mates and ho

The new single, Slip, has a real Motown feel - tell us about that...

Karis: We all love Motown, and it’s a sound that we’ve always been inspired by - but with Slip, we’re really pushing it to the limits.

The styling for the video is amazing - your natural look fits really well with the retro American vibe. Did you get to pick out your outfits?

Alex: As soon as we heard it was going to be in a bowling alley, we knew it needed to have a vintage feel, so we worked really closely with the stylist to figure out how the thing is going to look.

Did you get to go bowling?

Courtney: No - and we were gutted! We were hoping to get a quick game in, but there wasn’t really time.

Karis: We did try, but we got told off!

Alex: I did pick up a ball and go for a strike, but the people on set made it pretty clear that there wasn’t going to be time for messing about. It’s a shame - we’d all love to go bowling, but we haven’t been for ages!

Do you think you’ll head to Megabowl on your next day off?

Courtney: To be honest, my favourite things to do on a day off are eating and sleeping.

Alex: It sounds silly, but when you’re in a band you never get to go to the movies. Films come out, and you think “I really want to see that” - then when you get a chance to spend an afternoon in the cinema, it isn’t on any more.

Karis: You do get recognised when you’re trying to do normal stuff too. Hopefully the cinema would be OK because it’s dark, but I’ve been spotted in Tesco before. When I’m on my own, I get people peering at me - you can tell they’re thinking “Is that her...?”...

Alex: ...Then one of us will turn up and they’ll know.

If the three of us are out together, we get recognised by the backs of our heads!

You’ve toured with Nicki Minaj - was she as you’d expect, or was there anything surprising about her?

Courtney: She’s a very private person.

Karis: If she doesn’t know you very well, she’s not very chatty. In fact, at the start of the tour, if she was walking around, she’d shut down all the corridors so no-one could see her offstage.

Alex: We had a chat with her towards the end. She was really lovely and told us she’d handpicked us especially. She’s really nice, and really good at what she does - but we didn’t really see very much of her.

Courtney: But then we toured with J.Lo, who was completely different.

Alex: She’d walk to the stage with us, and just chat about normal things, like what we were doing for Christmas. It was surreal!

Courtney: She didn’t smell of her perfume - she used to work out before a show, so she smelled a bit sweaty.

Do you have any advice for students about sharing houses, or students working out who to live with next year?

Courtney: Well, we all live separately, but Karis’ house is the Stooshe base - so we kind of share that.

Alex: Karis is the messiest - but she’s also the best cook. Living with messy people is unavoidable, so you’ve got to make sure they can do something that makes up for it.

Karis: My mum’s chicken recipe is great. I make it with rice and dumplings. That seems to go down well - the others don’t mind my messiness when I’ve fed them!

You’ve got loads of festival appearances and gigs lined up for the next few months - how can students get the most out of their summer?

Alex: Festivals are great, but they can be really expensive. You might have more fun picking small events and going on day trips. See what’s happening in your local area.

Karis: If you head to London for a day, there’s loads to do. You can check out the Notting Hill Carnival at the end of August.

Courtney: On a sunny day, spending time at a market can be really good fun.

It makes you feel like you’re on holiday! 

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BOOST is a registered trademark of Boost Drinks Limited. BOOST UP YOURSELF TM

B0471319_Boost_Lamppost_Fresh_Direction_297x210.indd 1

28/03/2013 15:01

LIVE MUSIC

Find your

FESTIVAL Your guide to getting your groove on, and more, this summer

SUN? CHECK; GUITAR? CHECK; VEST? CHECK; JEEZ, I’M ON STAGE! THE LAD IN THE YELLOW T-SHIRT WAS OVERCOME WITH FESTIVAL FEVER

T

here are as many different festivals as there are people.

Big ones, small ones, fancy ones, imaginative ones and foreign ones - the sheer amount of choice can be overwhelming. But if you find the one that’s right for you, you’ll have a summer that will never be forgotten.

Here’s a guide to what’s going on to help you pick - good luck!

PHOTO: IStockphoto

THE BIG ONES

Choosing a festival can be a bit of a gamble, but these big hitters are the events that give you exactly what you pay for - and with typically higher ticket prices than smaller offerings, you’re entitled to expect a lot for your dosh.

Fans are often happy to bet on big names, and buy tickets before the line-ups are even announced - but it’s usually possible

to come by last minute returns and cancellations from independent retailers.

Glastonbury, Worthy Farm, Pilton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset; June 28 - 30

This long-running festival attracts so many legendary acts that it has become a legend in itself. There’s a band for everyone, with the Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal set to play alongside the Rolling Stones and The xx. The car park is notoriously difficult to escape from on Monday morning, so if you’re heading there, look into a lift share.

V Fest, Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire; August 17 - 18

V has pulled off one of the coups of the season by booking Beyonce as a headline act. Ticket holders also get to enjoy Kings of Leon, Two Door Cinema Club,

Beady Eye and The Vaccines. If you’re a Virgin customer, you might be entitled to some exciting perks in Hospitality - get investigating.

Carling Weekend, Branham Park, Leeds and Richfield Avenue, Reading; August 23 - 25

Rock fans will be keen to check out the one festival that focuses solely on the music, with headline sets from Eminem, Biffy Clyro, and Green Day. Phoenix, Haim, Skrillex and Bastille keep things edgy. If you don’t fancy camping, day tickets are available.

Creamfields, Daresbury, Cheshire, August 23 - 25

Pretty much every major name in dance music descends on the North West for this threeday electronic extravaganza, featuring The Prodigy, Benny Benassi, Richie Hawtin, Skream, Benga and more. The organisers W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 9

LIVE MUSIC

“HANDS UP WHO CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE A SHOWER?”

RANDOM IMPULSE: WAITING FOR THE OFFERS TO ROLL IN

understand that camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it - hospitality packages are available to keep you comfortable while chilling out.

Bestival, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight; September 5 - 8

The event that set the standard for boutique festivals is fully grown up. Visitors to the Isle of Wight can expect to see Fatboy Slim, Snoop Dogg, MIA, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, and hotly anticipated headline act Sir Elton John. If you fancy a break from the music, check out the Roundhouse Poetry Collective stage or the Polka Tent.

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

Boutique festivals are a relatively new addition to the summer circuit - but they’re taking over.

When every event boasts big bands, boutique festivals ensure your festival experience is extra special. Expect bespoke camping options, comedy tents, fire breathers, magicians and mandatory fancy dress. These events might be done on a big scale, but ticket availability is typically kept low to make sure the festivals feel exclusive - you’ll want to get in there quick!

Larmer Tree, Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire; July 17 - 21

Running for a full five days, the organisers of Larmer Tree set out to create a separate, verdant universe and aim to make the festival experience as relaxing as possible. Expect to catch Van Morrison, Dexys, Larkin Poe, Seasick Steve and more. If you’re feeling brave, why not try a Spoken Word Workshop and put on a performance of your own?

The big hitters give you exactly what you pay for - you’re entitled to expect a lot for your dosh Latitude, Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk; July 18 - 21

At this festival, comedy and poetry are just as important as music - so as well as hotly anticipated sets from Kraftwerk, Steve Mason and Foals you could catch big name performers like Dylan Moran, Daniel Kitson and Carol Anne Duffy.

Gottwood, Anglesey, Wales; June 20 - 23

One of the newest and most exciting boutique events of the summer, Gottwood presents the hottest dance and electronic artists of the moment, including Extrawelt, Move D and Detroit Swindle. It’s also well worth checking out the winner of the Gottwood Student DJ competition, who will be playing a set as well as a series of podcasts.

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Secret Garden Party, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire; July 25 - 28

The original boutique festival is not the place to wear your unwashed band T-shirts - the dress code dictates glitter, feathers and carnival masks. As well as headline sets from Soulwax and band of the moment Bastille, festivalgoers can catch colourful conspiracy

theorist-cum-author David Icke and astrologist Jonathan Cainer.

Beacons Festival, Heslaker Farm, Skipton, Yorkshire; August 16 - 18

An event with a unique approach to arts, culture, theatre and fun. As well as checking out Ghost Poet , Oneman, Savages and the unforgettable Django Django, check out the pop-up fancy dress boutique, healing quarter and Into The Woods guerilla theatre.

End Of The Road, Larmer Tree Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire; August 30 - September 1

Arguably the most indie festival in the UK, End Of The Road gathers together top guitar and folk performers from all over the world.

It’s worth going just for a rare performance from Nashville’s girl of the moment Caitlin Rose - but stay for Sigur Ros, Belle and Sebastian, Dinosaur Jr and Warpaint.

Festival No 6, Portmeirion, North Wales; September 13 - 15

A very rare headline set from the Manic Street Preachers means this festival is an unmissable event for many. You can also catch I Am Kloot, James Blake, Carl Craig and John Cooper Clarke. Portmeirion is an incredible destination in its own right, designed as an Italian village by Sir Clough William Ellis and made famous as the setting of cult 60s TV show, The Prisoner.

CAMPING FREE ZONE

For some people, sleeping in a tent is an adventure - for others, it’s something you’d only do if your house fell down and there

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GET OFF THE BEATEN FESTIVAL PATH WITH ZIG-ZAG T Where to find something a little different...

here are now more festivals than ever in the UK, which is great news if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Millions of people flock to the big name events, but there are plenty of festivals that cater for those who want to experience something away from the mainstream. Even the coolest festivals still require a kit bag, and if you’re heading somewhere that none of your mates have heard of, you’ll need to stock up on essentials like Zig-Zag rolling papers.

The people at Zig-Zag have been creating papers since 1894, when a French soldier (also known as a “Zouave”) had his clay pipe broken by a bullet and then had the brilliant idea of rolling his tobacco in a piece of paper torn from a bag of gunpowder, so their products are designed by experts who know you like freedom when you roll. With special features such as rounded corners that allow you to make the perfect cigarette without making a crease, the papers are created to give you the best smoking experience, whichever tobacco you choose.

The Zig-Zag interleaf system was invented by the company founders, and means that as soon as one paper is pulled from the pack, the next is instantly available - so you can concentrate on your friends, the bands and the festival atmosphere. If you’re looking for an event off the beaten track, why not try out one of these....

DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL

Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham 24-26 May dottodotfestival.co.uk With a line up that travels so you don’t have to, head to

Manchester, Bristol or Nottingham to check out some of the hottest emerging new acts in the UK. Past-featured bands have included The XX, The Rakes and Ladytron, so when everyone else is excited about next year’s crop of headliners, you can say you saw them first at Dot To Dot in 2013.

BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL

Various venues in Brighton 4 May-2 June brightonfringe.org One of the best places in the UK to see new or unsigned acts, the variety of performances at the Brighton fringe makes it worth visiting the coast for. It’s an open access festival, so anyone can put a show on - and it can be art of any form.

Look out for emerging talent Carly Tree.

GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL

Anglesey, Wales 20-23 June gottwood.co.uk The greatest parties always happen by the sea, and Gottwood proves the rule, combining a magical forest setting with some spectacular ocean views.

This year, the festival’s theme is Where The Wild Things Are – and it’s open to interpretation however your imagination sees fit.

GET TO GOTTWOOD FOR FREE!!!

Fancy going to one of these festivals but all that’s left in your piggy bank is 23p and a couple of buttons? Fear not…

We’ve got a pair of Gottwood weekender tickets along with this really cool Halfords Zone Festival 2 Man Tent Pack to give away to one lucky reader.

All you’ve got to do to be in with a chance of getting hands on the fab prize is log onto student365.co.uk and follow the links through to the competitions section where full entry details can be found.

www.zigzag-papers.net www.facebook.com/ZigZagPapers

LIVE MUSIC

WHO WANTS TO BE SQUASHED BY THIS GIANT BALLOON?

FESTIVALGOERS ASK WHERE ALL THE OTHER TENTS HAVE GONE

was no room at Travelodge. Here are some festivals you can enjoy without brushing your teeth with a bottle of Evian in the morning.

Head South to catch an eclectic one-day line-up, including Starsailor’s James Walsh, The Lost Waters, MC Devvo, Laurie Wright and The Lost Souls Club.

All proceeds from the event go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, so you can get your summer off to a great start by supporting a very worthy cause.

CrookFEST, Millfield Football Ground, Crook, Durham; May 5

This cover band-based event is loved by locals - and it’s so much fun that people make the pilgrimage from all over the country in order to attend. This year, Magic, Kind of ELO and Bon Jovi Forever will be among the 30 bands entertaining the crowds.

Field Day, Victoria Park, London; May 25

This little festival keeps getting bigger and bigger, with Beyonce’s little sister Solange taking to the stage. You can also see Django Django, Bat For Lashes, Four Tet, Guards,

DANCING IN THE DARK IS STILL THE BEST GAME TO PLAY AT FESTIVALS

Egyptian Hip Hop and other go-to artists from the BBC 6 Music playlist. The food is pretty fabulous too - don’t miss the churros.

Wireless, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London; July 12 - 14

Some of the biggest names in music head to the capital for the chart-focussed festival.

Music fans will find it tough to pick a day, with Justin Timberlake headlining on Friday, and Jay Z heading the line-up on the Saturday. If you’re really torn, the pair will be performing together in a “Legends of the Summer” event on the Sunday.

Lovebox, Victoria Park; July 19 - 21

The Groove Armada curated event has been loved by dance aficionados for over a decade. Created to “celebrate idealism”, the festival boasts mainstream and off the wall acts like Annie Mac, Hot Chip, Toddla T and more. 

PASSPORT TO FUN, SUN AND MEGA TUNES Why not mix your love of music with your love of travel and jet off to a foreign festival? planetfestival.co.uk offers an exciting range of European festival packages, sorting out travel, entry and accommodation for events like Melt, Tomorrowland, NDour, Sonisphere, the Unknown festival and more. You could find yourself in France, Spain, Germany or who knows where?, with good times, top tunes and sunshine guaranteed! Well, more likely than in the UK anyway!

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If you’re going to have the best time possible, you’ll need the best kit you can get hold of. These festival essentials will make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Record Pop Up Tent, £50, Eurohike, available from blacks.co.uk Easy to put up, and easy to find after a few beers, thanks to its distinctive, music themed design.

Barracuda solar torch, £14.95, Powerplus, available from lake-renewableenergy.com No batteries?

No problem!

Kodak Playsport Shockproof HD camera, £64.49, available from amazon.co.uk Make sure you don’t forget the weekend, with this camcorder that was built to work at big events.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Dumbfest, Phoenix Theatre, Bordon, Hampshire; May 4

Carr y on camping

BOOKS

SIZZLIN’

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SUMMER READS Books to keep you going by the pool this summer 1. THE GREAT GATSBY

5. FIRST SIGHT

By F. Scott Fitzgerald One of the definitive Great American Novels, The Great Gatsby is a brilliantly realised evocation of the Jazz Age and the roaring twenties (and, of course the subject of a recent Hollywood adaptation starring a certain Mr DiCaprio). A memorable tale that takes in excess, desire and money, money, money.

Publisher: Alma Classics Out now, price: £6.99

By Danielle Steel You know that old adage, “all the good ones are already married?” What if you’d lost your son to cancer, been through a divorce and several superficial, meaningless relationships before finding The One, only to discover he’s very much off the market? Steel’s newest novel showcases her proficient flair for writing emotional material – tissues at the ready!

Publisher: Transworld Out July 18, price: £18.99

WORDS: Claire Norman

2. THE ROAD BETWEEN US

By Nigel Farndale A dual timeframe novel that effortlessly switches between World War II and the present-day conflict in Afghanistan.

Farndale’s novel tackles thorny issues such as homosexuality in 1939, and the confused feelings of a man who meets his grown-up daughter after a decade away.

With elegant prose and cracking suspense, this book certainly delivers.

Publisher: Transworld Out June 20, price: £18.99

By John Lucas Gang warfare is explored in Hackney-raised Lucas’ coming-of-age tale - a timely subject given the summer riots of 2011. Faced with choices that mean the difference – literally – between life and death, 15-year-old gang member Jay is forced to choose his future, the repercussions of which will be felt forevermore.

Publisher: Random House Out June 6, price: £6.99

3. MAGGOT MOON

7. THE BUNKER DIARY

By Sally Gardner In a world where everyday life is governed by the all-powerful Motherland, Standish Treadwell sees the world very differently to everyone else, due to his dyslexia.

Deciding to hunt down his missing best friend, this is a story of courage, passion and one boy’s fight against a corrupt political machine. Heartbreaking, beautiful and original.

Publisher: Hot Key Books Out now, price: £7.99

By Kevin Brooks Try to keep your heart rate in check with this one. Brooks is a former crematorium worker (really) and something of a master of suspense.

In this gripping cat-and-mouse story, his petrified protagonist faces his worst nightmare – after stopping to help a blind man, he ends up being kidnapped and left in a doorless, windowless, underground bunker with no means of escape....

Publisher: Penguin Out now, price: £7.99

4. PAPER AEROPLANES

8. I AM NOBODY’S NIGGER

By Dawn O’Porter The wife of funny man Chris O’Dowd shows that he isn’t the only talented one in their marriage, with this her poignant debut novel of teenage friendship. Whilst studious Flo and extrovert Renee couldn’t be any more different, the ups and downs of their friendship are described with remarkable insight and heartfelt sincerity, all set in the girl power-era of the mid 90s.

Publisher: Hot Key Books Out now, price: £7.99

By Dean Atta If you love powerful poems as well as stirring prose, performance poet Dean Atta’s mesmerising debut collection is definitely for you. Its emotive title hints at the subject matter contained within - covering everything from race to one-night stands. Atta is a literary force to be reckoned with, and his praises have been sung by established poet and ‘Grumpy Old Man’ Lemn Sissay.

Publisher: The Westbourne Press Out now, price: £7.99

6. TURF

THE BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD READ Inferno By Dan Brown Conspiracy theorists rejoice, as everyone’s favourite Harvard professor is back STAR for a fourth round of READ super-sleuthing. The Lost Symbol wasn’t as good as the first two books, but Brown is back to his cryptic best here, delving into the symbolism and mysteries of Dante’s work of the same name.

Publisher: Transworld Out now, price £20

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T PRE

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COOL BIOSHOCK INFINITE: A LOT OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

STUDY

HIP GAME

GAMES

Includes a number of ways to justify gaming instead of studying THE LAST OF US: IT’S BEHIND YOU. QUICK! LOOK! BEHIND YOU!

GAMES TO HELP YOU REVISE The video game has always been the natural enemy of the examination candidate, but if you choose your games wisely you can get your kicks and revise at the same time. Here are three insight-packed titles guaranteed to propel you to exam success.

(Warning: games will not propel you to exam success.)

BioShock Infinite (PS3, 360, PC) 2007’s BioShock introduced a generation to Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism via the medium of underwater geek-shooting. BioShock Infinite does the same for American exceptionalism, segregation, and eugenics. Modern history students and political philosophy students alike can gain an insight into the ideas that shaped the 20th century and beyond, while at the same time killing geeks in a floating city. (Warning: not a source of insight will be gleaned from playing this game.)

COOL GAME PLAYING IN FOR THE SUMMER

The Last of Us (June; PS3) Taking its cue from post-apocalyptic fiction like The Road, The Last of Us is a survival horror set in the US after an epidemic lays waste to civilisation. You’ll play as a survivor trying to get a young girl to safety in what’s sure to be a thrilling and moving game from Naughty Dog. Saints Row 4 (August; PS3, 360) Saints Row has acquired a distinctive identity characterised by celebrity criminals and laser shoot-outs on Mars.

Saints Row 4 will mark the point at which the series finally descends into full insanity, as the US is invaded by an alien called Zinyak. That means you’ll almost certainly get to fly a spaceship!

Animal Crossing: New Leaf (June; 3DS) Just as SimCity allows you to see what the world would be like if you had total control, Animal Crossing allows you to see what your life would be like if you lived in a village with talking animals. In the latest in this charming series you start off living in a tent and by the end you’re hopefully running the whole town.

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God of War: Ascension (PS3) The latest in Sony’s blooddrenched action-adventure series is Ascension, and if you’re studying the classics (you know, Clash of the Titans and all that) you should look on this as a core text. (Warning: not suitable as a core text.)

SimCity (PC) Urban geography is a complex science, which is where SimCity comes in. It lets you establish a simulation of a real or imagined place and identify potential problems with traffic flow, crime, and so on. As long as you’re sensible – it could prove to be a sound revision tool. (Warning: not a sound revision tool at all.)

Also try: The Grading Game (iOS), Writer Rumble (iOS).

Also worth looking out for: Remember Me (PS3, 360, PC), Company of Heroes 2 (PC), Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist (PS3, 360, PC)

WORDS: Rob Hearn

The summer months are usually a wasteland for video game releases. However, we’ve uncovered a few summer titles to keep you going until September. Or at least until the sun comes out again...

TECH KNOW HOW

GAP YEAR GADGETs Travelling doesn’t mean leaving behind the latest tech products as Adam Hartley discovers.

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e live, as Madonna ohso-cleverly noticed in a material world, with apps and gadgets the new currency fuelling our tech-obsessed consumer fetishism.

Yet for every single “killer app” or genuinely useful gizmo, there are hundreds more shoddily developed wastes of money cluttering up your smartphone or tablet screens or just biding time before heading to that dreaded bottom drawer in the kitchen - the place where pointless gadgetry goes to die…

Which is exactly why we have decided to be helpful sorts and provide a highly necessary service, cutting through the noise of the app stores and the confusing, cluttered shelves of your local electronics emporium to let you know which apps, tech and gap year gadgetry you really need when circumnavigating the globe.

HAVING THE LATEST TECH WILL MAKE GETTING LOST ON YOUR TRAVELS A THING OF THE PAST

PHOTO: IStockphoto

LOST IN TRANSLATION APPS Apple’s Siri, (1) the iPhone’s talking digital assistant, carried so much promise when it (she?) first launched. So far it has failed to deliver the ultimate dream – of offering a “Babel fish” style digital translating machine that will enable us to have what could be termed a global conversation. Douglas Adams would turn in his grave. Or, more likely, posthumously pen a stunning comic novel, with Siri as lead character. We can but wait for technology to catch up with our imagination.

Back to reality and, more recently, Google has made great strides with the latest version of its own Google Translate app, (2) which even lets you take pics of signs or newspaper headlines and translates these texts for you.

Useful, for sure, but still highly limited in scope, particularly when it comes to the somewhat patchy voice-recognition technology. Still, with 60 languages supported (and full dictionaries available for 30 of those) we can only hope that Google keeps pouring development cash into this awesome free app.

Perhaps most exciting of all is the potential of the new S Translator app built into Samsung’s new S4 smartphone, (3) It promises the most effective voice translation service on any mobile device to date. Early previews of Samsung’s new mobile translator are also hugely positive, so this is one translation app that could well be, to use that muchabused tech world phrase, “a game changer”.

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COMPUTERS WEARABLE TRAVEL TECH In a crowded marketplace where new gadgets are invented every day, the £100 Pebble smartwatch (1) companion is unquestionably one of the biggest wearable tech success stories of the last year. Billed as “the first watch built for the 21st century”, Pebble connects to your Android or iPhone and lets you control a range of keep fit, music and entertainment apps on the move. Far easier than clumsily reaching into your jeans’ pockets every time you want to skip to the next track or whatnot.

Pebble’s overnight success on crowdfunding site Kickstarter has clearly kicked off a trend, with Apple, Samsung, Google and other major tech companies all (apparently) rushing to develop a new generation of smart “iWatches” – perhaps in five or ten year’s time we will have ditched our touchscreen tablet computers and smartphones and will simply control our digital lives via our watches or fashionable pin badges on our lapels. Or perhaps not.

1 Returning from the clouds, our clear winner in this year’s wearable travel tech stakes is the gadget-carrying wonder that is the Baller’s Bag (2) Ostensibly a high-end sports rucksack, this superb man-sack will not only carry all of your stinking/wet sports kit, it will also safely transport your laptop, tablet, digital camera and other tech bits and bobs in a separate, secure compartment.

A must for techie travellers who aspire to stylish status rather than geek chic cool.

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1 For the intrepid traveller who plans to spend a year or more away from home and college, there are three essential pieces of portable hi-fi and camera kit that we would heartily recommend investing in this summer. After all, music is the food of love. And what’s the point of going off on a gap year if you don’t have thousands of the best quality digital pics to prove it (and, of course, show off on Facebook)?

First up are these dinky little portable speakers from Music Angel Friendz (1) Small, but impressively powerful, portable pocket loudspeakers that are compatible with all smartphones and tablets, with 120 hours of playback from a three-hour charge via the USB port on your laptop. Never 16 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

4 again be annoyed by mindless idiots on buses blasting out poor-quality R&B from an aging Nokia. Simply plug one of these £30 beauties into your smartphone and beat them at their own game.

Audiophiles who want more meat from their music will certainly crave one of these dinky StreamPort Universal boxes (2) from British start-up Bayan Audio. For a mere £60, this magic black box turns any phone/laptop/tablet into a portable music streaming system (and will plug into any hi-fi amp or speaker output system). Magically, the sound quality is superb. It’s basically a cheaper way of doing what Apple offers with its Airport technology and what wireless hi-fi specialists such as Kleer have been

developing for high-end audiophile kit from the likes of Arcam and Sennheiser in recent years. Be sure to carry the dinky StreamPort around with you on your travels, as it lets you stream your music in quality hi-fi sound, wherever there’s an amp or a system to plug into.

Finally, in terms of decent value digital cameras, Fujifilm’s sturdy and ultra-resilient new FinePix XP200 (3) is certainly worth a look, particularly for the more adventurous explorers out there, while the same brand’s new Wi-Fi enabled 44x optical zoom S8400 bridge camera (4) is ideal for those hopelessly addicted to updating their social media feeds every second minute of the waking day. 

WIN COOL STUFF WIN! TECH21 IMPACTOLOGY™ APPROVED

HOW TO ENTER 

APPLE IPHONE 5 CASES - 10 UP FOR GRABS!

Tech21 Impactology™ approved cases have been developed over many years of intensive research, including the study of impact protection. Using a unique polymer material, D3O®, each Tech21 case provides maximum protection but still gives access to all the functionality, ports and buttons.

Winning one of these great prizes is just a mouse click away! To be in with a chance of nabbing a prize log onto student365.co.uk and follow the links through to the competitions section for entry details. Remember - the judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

WIN! HAYNES

STUDENT GUIDE

Worried that you’re not going to get through three years of student living - the money! the food! the nights out! then this is the book for you. We’ve got 5 copies to give away - consider it essential bedtime reading!

WIN! IPANEMA FLIP FLOPS

If you can’t make it to Rio this summer, fret not. Brazil’s best flip flop brand Ipanema has 10 of its unisex feet huggers to give away, so Rio can come to you. Sunshine guaranteed. We hope!

FD FAVE

WIN!

SCHNEIDER SLIDER PEN SET

Give your music the professional touch with ACID Pro 7.

Next year Glastonbury!

When it comes to revision you need pens.

Pens of varying colour to boot. How else can you have a system that tells you what is most vital for that impending exam? We’ve got 10 Schneider Slider Edge Boxes to giveaway. Each contains eight colours.

Something of a result!

WIN! SONY SOFTWARE BUNDLE

Give your home videos and music the professional touch! One lucky winner will win a copy of Sony’s Vegas Pro 12 and ACID Pro 7. Use Vegas Pro 12 to create professional looking movies.

Use ACID Pro 7 to record, remix or create a professional sounding demo. One runner up will win a bundle of Movie Studio Platinum 12, ACID Music Studio 9 and Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 – a powerful production suite on your computer.

WIN! BLU-RAY PLAYER AND WIN! DOODLE BAGS

Fancy a customised canvas tote bag to carry all your festival essentials in this summer? Of course you do. 25 winners will be able to select any bag up to the value of £20, which includes all of its customisable range.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

Tarantino will take your mind off exams!

We have one Blu-ray player and a copy of Django Unchained to give away to our lucky winner, plus 5 copies of the Blu-ray movie for runners-up. © 2012 Visiona Romantica, Inc. All Rights

WIN!

GRADUATION GOWN AND CAP

Graduation Attire is giving 5 lucky students the chance to win their very own graduation gown. Enter now and you could have your gown and cap delivered to your doorstep before you know it!

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SHOPPING The Body Shop Born Lippy £2, The Body Shop Make sure your lips are hydrated with The Body Shop’s new Born Lippy range. These yummy treats come in six different summer fruit flavours from Satsuma to Raspberry - yum!

Student Summer

essentials Everything you need to stay fresh on and off campus this summer

The Kobo Mini £59.99, WHSmith This super small 5” eReader is a great way to access all your books on the go. It fits easily into a handbag or coat pocket making it perfect to take with your straight from the library to the pub. And at only £59.99 it’s a bit of a bargain.

SuperTooth Disco 2 speakers £79.95, amazon.co.uk and johnlewis.com These freestanding portable wireless speakers will connect easily to any Bluetooth A2DP device allowing you to listen to your music with friends anywhere. Perfect for playing music from a smartphone or tablet when out and about. Ten hours of music can be enjoyed from a two hour charge.

Mid Year Personal Organiser £16, Paperchase This beautiful dark brown personal organiser is perfect for those wanting to cast off the unflattering image of the disorganised student. Running from July to the end of next year, it has a whole 18 months - count ‘em! - worth of organisation. It also includes a nifty little inside pocket with card holder.

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Quiksilver Covina floral towel £35, Quiksilver Don’t get caught out at the beach or at a festival – if you’re planning on spending any time outdoors this summer, you’ll need something stylish to sit on. Monochrome was all over the catwalks this season, so you might as well have it all over your towel. The red and orange detail will warm the dullest day.

Tie Dye Wayfarer £12, ASOS This fun take on the classic Ray Ban will brighten up any sun worshipper’s look this summer.

Timex Watch £39.99, timex.co.uk Make sure you never miss a lecture - or that hot date! - with this bold interpretation of a classic digital chronograph alarm watch from Timex Originals.

FD CHOICE

Get on your bike this summer. Keep fit and look cool!

The Eastpak Padded Pak’r Bag £45, eastpak.com Great for just chucking everything in on your way to lectures or for lugging around a festival. This bag combines a fresh style with a robust build that can easily handle whatever you need. The padded back and ergonomic shoulder straps make it seriously comfy too.

Boost Energy Drink £0.55, 250ml, Boost Energy is specifically formulated to ramp up your energy levels and increase alertness, whilst tasting great and not zapping you of all your hard earned cash! How, you ask? Well, here’s the science... Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamins B6 & B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, while the stimulants (Caffeine and Taurine) are used to increase energy levels, focus and alertness.

Mango Bikes £300, mangobikes.co.uk Mango Bikes was born when students Ben and Jez wanted to find a customised bike to get them to and from uni. When they couldn’t they decided to do it themselves.

Since then the boys have appeared on the BBC’s ‘Be Your Own Boss’ and the company has gone from strength to strength. You can even design your own beautiful single speed bikes online!

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FASHION

SPRING INTO a R E M M SU

Say goodbye to the longest winter in history with these summer essentials

Sunset bikini, £8 top, £4 bottoms; George at Asda

Toy Watch, £165; toy-watch.com

J by Jasper Conran hat, £26.50; Debenhams

essential items 20 Lottie Loves leopard wedges, £18; theoriginalfactoryshop.co.uk

Flip flops, £16; ipanema.uk.com

Play suit, £65; wesco.com

Sunset surf scarf, £25; roxy-uk.co.uk

Luxury crafted stacked bracelets, £40 each Shimlar.co.uk

Ocean Pacific Shorts, £6.99; Sports Direct

Rihanna Nude Perfume, £29.50; The Perfume Shop

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Lottie Loves hat, £6; theoriginalfactoryshop.co.uk

Retro sunnies, £15; Debenhams

Lacoste tee, £75; House of Fraser

Alphabet bags £13; Alphabetbags.com LOOK HOT IN THIS BIKINI AND SUNGLASSES, £5 AND £2; BOTH PRIMARK

Flamingo swimsuit, £35; ASOS

Jellyfish Shorts, £17.50; House of Fraser

Bright spike bracelet, £12; River Island

Bright floral heels, £30; BANK

FD CHOICE Look stylish in and out - of the water!

Lipsations lip shimmer, £1.99; Superdrug

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FASHION Dope hat, £15; River Island

Beautiful tee, £15; River Island Boom tee, £14; River Island

Bazinga tee, £20, Topman

statement items 10

Bazinga tee, £20; Topman

OMG clutch bag, £28; ASOS.com

Geek Chic tee, £16; BANK

Wear what's on your mind this summer...

Hulk tee, £17.99; truffleshuffle.com

Choose Life tee, £19.99; truffleshuffle.com

Ron Burgundy tee, £24.99; truffleshuffle.com

Ibiza vest, £18, BANK

GET READY FOR RIO WITH IPANEMA FLIP FLOPS!

DON’T GO ABROAD WITHOUT ANY OF THIS LOT:

Whether you’re heading to Brazil or Brighton, you need the hottest beach accessory of the summer…

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ld school actors claim they can only play their parts if they’re wearing the right shoes for the character. What you put on your feet can completely change the way you’re feeling, which is why IPANEMA flip flops are a summer essential.

With designs ranging from the sporty to the sexy, this footwear will put a spring in your step and get you invited to the hottest beach parties around.

And they’re not just a fashion accessory. The team at IPANEMA has a strong commitment to the environment which is why its sandals are made from sustainable materials. Unlike many other sandal brands, the flip flops are made from 100 per cent recyclable PVC – not rubber from Brazilian rainforests.

So you won’t just have fashionable feet, but a low carbon footprint to boot.

Flag (Blue/White), £15

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Bicolour (Orange/Blue), £18

1 IPANEMA FLIP FLO PS Bring a few options – ther e are over 30 styles to choose from! Our read ers can get a 10 per cent online discoun t when they enter the code ‘fresh’ at checkout.

Offer ends July 31 2013. Visit ipanema.uk. com/fresh for more details.

2 PASSPORT Terrifyingly easy to forg et.

3 BOOK Kindles are brilliant. Les s brilliant when they fall in the sea!

4 CAMERA Get on Instagram and document those sunsets – and your style choices.

5 SUMMER SKINCARE Flip flops are great for showing off tanned feet, but tan safely.

Indulge in PRECIOUS OILS ALL OVER

Our Beautifying Oils can be used on body, face and hair giving you an all over natural glow that will leave you looking and feeling great.

The special blend of 3 nourishing lightweight nut oils is instantly absorbed into the skin, banishing dryness and restoring softness without an oily residue.

Available in 12 delicious fragrances.

NEW

20% OFF PURCHASES IN-STORE

Terms & Conditions: Customers who present this voucher in participating stores are entitled to 20% off purchases excluding purchases of (1) gift cards, (2) Love Your Body™ memberships and (3) charitable items and (4) pre-discounted store made gifts. Offer is valid until end 31st July 2013. This offer cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other promotion or offer, or with the Love Your Body™ membership discount. This offer may only be used once for one in-store transaction. The voucher cannot be exchanged for cash, has no cash value and must be given up at time of redemption. Photocopied, damaged and defaced vouchers will not be accepted. This offer is not available in the The Body Shop Outlet stores or Horsham or Hove stores. ®

STORE CODE: 38848 © 2013 Copyright is owned or licensed to The Body Shop International plc. All rights reserved. Absolutely no reproduction without the permission of the owners. ® Registered trademark of The Body Shop International Plc.

BEAUTY

HAIR WE GO!

Now the Arctic spring is finally over, it’s time to get creative on campus and have some frizz-free fun.

1. BOOTS COCONUT AND ALMOND LEAVE-IN-CONDITIONER

TAYLOR SWIFT

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£1.39; Boots Avoid any unwanted hair trouble and apply this leave in conditioner to your locks.

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2. LOVE LABEL GHD’S £45; very.co.uk Achieve Taylor’s super sleek look with these GHD’s, reaching temperatures hotter than her recent Brits performance.

3. BUMBLE AND BUMBLE FINISHING SPRAY

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£9.50 for 60ml; Boots Show frizz that you’re never getting back together, by applying Bumble & Bumble’s shine on finishing spray.

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4. SNAG FREE PONY BANDS £1.65 for 50; Boots Comb through fully and tie up in a smooth ponytail with Boots snag free pony bands.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THOSE EYES AT ME FOR?

1. UV GLOW INSTANT COLOUR HAIR SPRAY

PERRIE EDWARDS

2

£3.05; Superdrug For those wanting to add a Little Mix to their hair, without going the whole hog, simply add a touch of this wash out spray.

2. BOOTS EXTRA FIRM HOLD HAIRSPRAY

1

3

£1.65 for 450ml; Boots Spray all over with Boots’ extra strong hold weather resistant hairspray to keep that finely coiffured hair in one direction.

4. BOOTS GRIPS

MUST HAVE CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND ALL THE BOYS WILL BE ASKING ‘HOW YA DOIN’?’

24 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

4

£1.49 for 50; Boots Back comb gently, before pinning in to a messy bun using these hair grips.

Pull through a small section from the front to form a quiff, gently back comb and finish with more hair spray.

PHOTOS: Rex Features WORDS: Kelly Holgate

3. REMINGTON PEARL WAND £24.93; Argos Then pop in a ponytail and curl using the Remington Pearl wand. This wand has been developed by boffins in white coats to deliver professional, salon-perfect results.

GET THE LOOK

THE ONLY WAY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM!

SAMANTHA FAIERS OMG shaaaaatup! We’ve only gone and recreated the flawless look of the future Mrs Joey Essex.

(Tango tan and perpetual drama not included.)

1

1. 17 PHOTO FLAWLESS PRIMER £4.99; Boots Create the look with 17’s Photo Flawless primer

2. MINERS MANGO LIPGLOSS £3.99; minerscosmetics.com Complete with a slick of mango lipgloss.

3. BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZER £23.50; Debenhams Bring some colour to your cheeks by first applying Hoola bronzer from Benefit.

5

2

4. NO7 LASH 60 EXTRAVAGANT LASH £7.50; Boots No Essex look would be complete without the uber glam lashes.

5. 17 BANISH BALM BB SPF 25 £6.99; Boots Cover up those tell-tale late nights!

6. B BLUSHER

3

£3.99; Superdrug Then add B Blusher in Cheeky Sherbet to the apples of your cheeks.

4

PHOTOS: Rex Features WORDS: Kelly Holgate

ELTDOWN AVOID A MAKE-UP M Every girl has her essential make up items; the ones that take you from long lecture to party princess in the blink of an eye. Don’t leave home without these summer must-haves...

It is ARK hydrating spritz on toner, £20, arkskincare.com

Benefit You Rebel tinted moisturiser, £24.50, House of Fraser

Bloom full and flirty false lash waterproof mascara, £11, Superdrug

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Superdrug Dry Shampoo, £1.75, Superdrug

Lip sh*t lip balm, £4.99, firebox.com

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 25

HEALTH

Stress to

impress Stress getting you down?

Lucy Peden demonstrates how to use it to your advantage

B

eing a student is full of stressful situations. Stress sneaks up on you, often attacking before you know it, leaving you panicking about rent, lectures, grocery shopping, coursework and exams.

And when you’ve got a lot on your plate, a little exam stress is often what makes everything feel much harder than usual.

During the summer term, everyone is under extra academic scrutiny so you can’t even turn to your friends in times of stress. People are too busy fretting about their own deadlines and timetables to help you with yours, and stress can become something to brag about.

Proving that you’re under pressure shows that you’re taking your studies seriously, so people tend to heighten their own stress levels before they get help.

Stress has become a buzzword for the busy, and we tend to think of it as a short term condition - it’s as hard to avoid as a winter cold, and it’s tempting to just ignore and endure it until the moment passes. But stress is smarter than that. It’s your body’s way of telling you to take action, and if you identify it early and act accordingly, you can make it into a superpower. Here’s how:

STRESS STATS Hospital admissions for stress rose by seven per cent in 2012 to 6,366, according to the figures issued by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. Men were more likely to be treated for stress than women.

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Mental health expert Emma Head explains that when stress gets out of hand when you’re doing too much forward planning. “During exam season, anxiety levels are at an all time high because you’re constantly thinking ‘what if?’ What if you fail, what if the results change your job prospects, what if you disappoint your tutors?

“We think that preparing for the worst case scenario is a survival strategy, but when it makes us worry, it does more harm than good.

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s a sign that you

Stress is your body’s way of telling you to take action... you can make it into a superpower need to get your head out of the future and bring yourself back to the present.”

A simple writing exercise can be very effective. Make sure you’re in a room that you don’t associate with revision. Leave your books, laptop and smartphone - just bring a pen or pencil and a notepad. Spend 15 minutes writing down everything you’re feeling at that moment. You might want to put whole sentences, or just words such as “tired” or “worried”. Emotions that stem from anxiety can make your brain feel fogged up - by writing them down, you can clear them from your head and put them in order. That way, it’s easy to see which ones need serious attention, and which are the little niggles

DON’T LET STRESS MESS WITH YOUR HEAD: USE IT IN A POSITIVE FASHION

that stem from a general feeling of unease.

Discount your ‘what if’ worries - and focus on anything that needs dealing with immediately.

Let’s get physical

Stress might be a mental condition, but it tends to manifest itself in physically.

Does your heart feel like it’s beating a little faster than usual? Maybe your breathing is shallow or your chest is tight. Perhaps you’re sweating more. Your body is telling you that your mind is stressed and it feels neglected.

Listen to it and work with it.

If you’ve been focusing intensely, you need to switch your mind off, and sometimes the only way to do that is by switching your body

“Think of stress as an extra energy you need a bit of an adrenaline boost to help you do your best.

Remember stress is your friend.”

YOUR TRAUMA TOOL KIT If stress does start to feel overwhelming, help is at hand.

This lot can help you through tough times and keep the stress at a manageable level:

TION! C A E K TA wn

PHOTO: IStockphoto

o r issues d Write you f paper or go eo on a piec . Your head for a walk n clear will soo

on. If you’re a sporty soul, chances are that you’ve been neglecting the exercises during revision. Hitting the gym helps, but the best thing you can do is to go for a run in the fresh air. If you’re not a fitness fan, a brisk walk will have the same effect. Accept that you can’t switch the stress off, but by changing your routine and scenery, you can bring it to a manageable level. When someone is screaming at you, it can be hard to work out what they’re saying, but as soon as you’ve persuaded them to speak at a normal volume, you can understand them. It’s the same with stress.

Stop the screaming and distract yourself just enough to turn it down and work out what’s going on.

EMBRACE THE EXAM HALL

When you’re about to sit an exam, you’d think it would make sense to leave your stress outside with your mobile phone. But bringing it with you can bring a much needed burst of adrenaline.

“Think of stress as an extra energy,” advises Head. “Luckily, exams don’t happen every day - so you need a bit of an adrenaline boost to help you do your best in that specific situation.

Stop the stress from overwhelming you by remembering it’s your friend.

“Feeling edgy and nervous is positive, and means you will be better at paying attention to detail, thinking quickly and putting your thoughts on paper.”

• Bach Rescue Remedy Spray (£9.20 for 20ml, available from chemists nationwide) The classic stressbuster is now available in spray form, so it’s much easier to use on the go.

• Dalek stress ball (£6.99, available from totally-funky.co.uk) You don’t have to be a Doctor Who fan, but a go on this should exterminate any worries that are getting in your way.

• Dr Stuart’s Valerian plus tea (£1.99 for 15 tea bags from hollandandbarrett.com) Don’t let stress stop you sleeping - a cup of valerian tea before bed will help you get your 40 winks.

• Stress Check by Azumio (Free, Apple app store apple.com/osx/apps/ app-store.html) Make sure your stress levels are under control with this handy, informative and portable app for smartphone users. Just remember to leave your phone outside the exam hall!

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SEX

&

Sun, sea

safe sex

Girls should make It’s important not to rely on one of your friends bringing a truckload of condoms sure they have ummer; a time where nice Julia Hursthouse, Education Manager enough supply of weather shines (hopefully) at The British Pregnancy Advisory upon us, kids enjoy a lengthy Service cautions: "Take a good supply their contraceptive six weeks off school, and of condoms, as condoms abroad may pill, and even pack students are buzzing at the idea of jetting not have the CE or kite mark." She somewhere exotic to let their hair adds: "Girls should make sure they have some spare incase off down. But before you stampede through enough supply of their contraceptive pill, Primark to purchase a fine selection and even pack some spare just in case any luggage goes of beachwear and Kanye West-type any luggage goes missing." sunglasses, our resident sexpert Kelly It's important not to rely on one missing Holgate is on hand to offer some helpful advice when it comes to hitting all those holiday romance hotspots.

CHECK IN DESK

Before setting off on your Hangoverstyle adventure, it's vital to show as much thought to your sexual health as remembering your passport.

28 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

of your friends bringing a truckload of condoms, and if you do feel embarrassed about buying them, under 25s can pick up a free supply under the C-Card scheme.

So when you are putting together your holiday checklist, add contraception to the top, along with the sun tan lotion and your Balearic playlist.

PHOTO: IStockphoto WORDS: Kelly Holgate

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SEX D E PA RT U R E S After months of planning, packing and preening, your summer holiday of a lifetime has arrived. As you depart the UK and set foot in the smouldering heat of a new country, the excitement of meeting a potential holiday romance or hook up can intensify, especially during a night out. But what exactly should you expect when encountering any international loving?

When it comes to the nitty gritty of pulling, the same rules apply abroad as they do in the UK, but it's important to remain safe by staying with your friends or letting them know where you are if you do meet a lad or lady. One factor when meeting new people on a night out are drugs and alcohol, which can seriously impair your judgement.

Dr Jasper Mordhurst of The Healthcounter urges common sense.

"Be careful with drugs, as the risks are impossible to predict,” he says. “And if you do find yourself in a situation where

drugs are unavoidable, make sure to keep hydrated and remain with your friends."

If you do happen to get lucky when you are over the limit, remember that safety comes first, and using a condom is the only way to protect against any nasty unwanted sexual infections. Dr Jasper adds: "Condoms wear out with use and can break, so change them every 10-15 minutes if things go on for a bit longer."

TURBULENCE With a beautiful sunset to gaze upon, and one too many cocktail buckets, it is easy to get carried away and not use any protection. But before you confess all to your mates about the previous night’s action, it is vital to make sure that you are ok. Dr Tom Brett of DrThom.com says: "Women should get the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible, and both sexes should have an STI screen two weeks later."

Julia Hursthouse adds: "The morning after pill is available in most EU countries, but if you are concerned take

STDs (Unfortunately it doesn’t stand for Student Trip Discount) •C hlamydia: The most common sexual infection, it often has no recognisable symptoms. If left untreated it can lead to fertility problems, so get checked out sooner rather than later.

•G onorrhoea: Commonly known as ‘the clap’, but you won’t be giving yourself a round of applause if the symptoms flare up. Pain when peeing and unusual discharge are things to look out for.

•H IV: This (as yet) incurable disease is often overlooked by young people today, but it can be easily spread by having unprotected sex.

•G enital Herpes: Painful sores on your good time parts are caused by transmission during sexual contact. They are easily treated, but the virus will remain in your system like a cold sore.

one with you for peace of mind" It's also important to book a sexual health screen when you get home, as some infections fail to show any symptoms, such as chlamydia.

She says: "Testing can only be done 2-3 weeks after unprotected sex, as testing too early may fail to show any results."

Having fun in the sun with your mates is all part of being young, but by taking small steps to protect yourself you can avoid the good times turning sour, and hopefully only have a sunburned back to worry about. 

Contraception: What are the options?

Condoms: The most common safe sex apparatus, but that doesn’t stop young folk risking nasty infections by not using them.

Sliping on a condom is the only way to prevent contracting/spreading an STD and they offer 98 per cent protection against pregnancy.

The Pill: The combined pill contains oestrogen and proestrogen and comes in 21- or 28-day packs, each requiring a 7-day break. It needs to be taken at regular times to be effective and does not protect against sexual infections.

Injection: Not as bad a the jabs you had as a child, and given every three months, it contains the hormone proestrogen which prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. It has been shown to be 97 per cent effective.

Emergency contraception: Accidents can happen, especially when abroad with your mates, so if you’re worried about any mishaps get yourself to the nearest pharmacy and try Levonelle. It can be taken up to 72 hours after any unprotected sex, but it is most effective the sooner it is taken.

MAKE 2013 A BANGING YEAR! Win a year’s worth of condoms courtesy of BILLY BOY

C

ondoms are one of life’s essentials, and when you’re on a strict student budget, buying your essential items can get expensive – which is why BILLY BOY Condoms are offering ten lucky readers the chance to win a year’s supply.

BILLY BOY is the top selling condom brand in Germany, and they’re designed for safety and satisfaction. The products are as stylish as they are sensible, so you won’t be shy about using your BILLY BOY condoms – you’ll want to make sure you have them with you, no matter where you are.

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If you’re travelling abroad this summer, don’t rely on being able to buy condoms when you arrive. Even if they’re available, there’s a chance they haven’t been tested and won’t protect you properly.

All BILLY BOY condoms are rigorously tested and comply with European safety standards, so make sure you pack some before you go.

To make sure you have something for the weekend (every weekend for a long time actually) enter online by logging onto student365.co.uk and follow the links through to the competitions.

Good luck!

FITNESS

HAVING A BALL: SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TAKE UP A NEW SPORT!

DON’T FRET IT SWEAT IT

Finding the fitness plan that works for you is just a matter of knowing what your body likes and mixing it up a little...

G

etting fit and healthy is brilliant for your body, and as long as you do it right, there are no disadvantages. So what stops so many of us from doing as much sport as we ought to? Perhaps it’s hard to make time, or you’re slightly intimidated by the gym bunnies bulking up at your local fitness centre.

The good news is that there’s a fitness plan to suit every size, shape and skillset.

If you were inspired by the Olympics last year, but gave up hope of ever reaching an intermediate level in the sport of your choice, take heart. You don’t have to take to the track and field to feel the benefits of exercise. There’s a range of exciting sports based activities available across the country that will work for every fitness level and budget.

SQUASH UP!

Thanks to Big Hit’s campaign, soon it will be easier to organise a surprise game of squash than it is to buy shower gel in a Boots three-for-two deal (ok, we exaggerate slightly). The company had a brainwave

A former Victorian parlour game is the sport of choice for get-fit hipsters and decided to fill empty retail space with squash and racketball courts. Steve Amos, Head of the Big Hit National Network explains that the thinking behind the move was inspired by a dynamic can-do attitude.

ORK! TEAM W join in

s to our friend Getting y more enjoyable is a much ffective - way to e ise and cost me exerc o s t e g

“We feel that empty shops can be put to better use for the community by using them as temporary squash shops.

“We want consumers to walk out of a clothing store and straight into a squash shop for a quick taster session and to learn the fun and health benefits that you can have with a squash racket and a ball.”

At the moment, The Big Hit courts are available in Manchester’s Corn Exchange, but they’ve already hosted an event at Birmingham University, and plan to create many more courts in shopping centres and accessible areas around the country.

Their website has a dedicated student area seethebighit.net/students for details.

GET A ROUND(ER)

Although it’s great to take part in sports that require commitment and dedication, W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 31

FITNESS there’s something to be said for an activity that unites players of all ages and abilities, and requires nothing more than some basic equipment and the determination to have a great time. This is why rounders is ripe for a long overdue renaissance. You might not have played it since running around school in shorts, but it’s the perfect pastime for a sunny afternoon, and once you get your laziest, least athletic friends on board they’ll really get into it.

ROUNDERS IS A GREAT TEAM SPORT TO GET INTO AND EASY TO PLAY TOO

There’s a fitness plan to suit every size, shape and skillset. If you were inspired by 2012, take heart Dan Newton of Rounders England explains: “Nearly 20,000 adults are playing rounders once a week. Rounders is a social sport that can be enjoyed by all abilities and ages. It has the ‘fun factor’ and at the moment people seem to be holding off on playing because they are not sure of the rules.”

Of course, the brilliant thing about rounders is that the rules aren’t that complicated - and if you don’t get them straight away, you’ll still feel the benefits of running around in the fresh air.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Whether you live around London, or you’re heading to the capital for some holiday fun, why not skip the tourist attractions and try an unusual sport trend instead?

London’s lidos are rightly legendary and well worth a visit, but swimming fans might not know they can take a dip in the heart of the West End rather than the capital’s outer boroughs.

The London Oasis in Holborn boasts a heated 27.5 metre outdoor pool as well as a sun terrace - you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in central Barcelona we promise. A swim costs £4, so you’ll have enough change from your fiver for an ice cream afterwards.

Find it on Endell Street near Covent Garden station. There’s information about their sauna, fitness classes and indoor pool on its website better.org.uk/leisure/oasissports-centre.

Ever since the Made In Chelsea cast were spotted with bats and balls in hand, table tennis has been the sport of choice for the fashion conscious. Indeed, ping pong bars 32 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

are springing up all over the country. And while what began as a Victorian parlour game might seem a strange choice for sporting hipsters this is one trend that’s easy to pick up.

Head to Bounce London and check out the Olympics 2012 and World Championships tables before setting up your own game. It gets busy, so it’s worth booking in advance.

You might be tempted by the adjacent pizza restaurant while you wait for your ping pong table, so be prepared to play up, play the game and feel the burn. Check out bouncelondon.com for more information.

If you’re heading East, The Book Club in trendy Shoreditch has a table which is free to use, but there’s only one so you might want to call ahead or get there early. wearetbc.com. 

The brilliant thing about rounders is that the rules aren’t complicated and you’ll feel the benefits of running around in the fresh air

STARTING BLOCKS In order to find your fitness level and develop it, you need to make a small start that you can build on. Bodies are sensitive, and in order to make them strong, you need to work out what they can do and build it up slowly. Health writer Jessica Lynn has some tips:

• Start with a little work out

“Doing a little exercise often will make you fitter and healthier than doing a big chunk of exercise once a week. Don’t start with a two-hour work out that will wear you out aim for twenty minutes a day.”

• Put it in your diary

“The reason many of us don’t have time for exercise is that we don’t make time. You won’t magically discover spare slots in your day to keep fit - you’ll have to get up a little bit earlier, or move some plans around.”

•Work out with water

“It’s important to keep your body hydrated to make it work efficiently. The more you work out, the more water you use - and drinking water post exercise will make sure your body really feels the benefits.”

• Positive thinking is powerful

“Any psychologist will tell you that while it’s important to challenge yourself and work towards goals, no good will come from negative thinking and beating yourself up for not achieving your aims straight away.

Keep smiling, and try again tomorrow.”

FOOD! BRAIN ipping k k about s Don’t thin - your parents breakfast ht, it is the were rig ant meal ort most imp day! of the

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT SO CHOOSE YOUR BREAKFAST CAREFULLY

BEST BREKKIES FOR YOUR BRAIN

A

Westminster University survey on students’ breakfast habits found that 90 per cent of the highest achieving students eat breakfast before 9am every morning, and 80% wake up before 8am to eat breakfast.

So if breakfast can actually help us do better in our studies we need to make sure we take it seriously. The problem is having the same thing every morning can get pretty boring and will make you even more likely to skip.

To help you start your day properly we’ve outlined some tasty breakfast ideas that’ll not only help you tackle those books but keep your taste buds happy too.

BREAKFAST RULES The Guardian reports that some research links eating a good breakfast with a reduction in the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. So we should all breakfast like Kings in other words.

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YOU CAN’T ACE EXAMS WITHOUT BREAKING SOME EGGS

EGGS-CELLENT START TO THE DAY Eggs are a traditional breakfast choice, but also a smart one. They’re high in protein, and since protein takes longer for your body to digest, you feel full longer. That means you’re less likely to reach for sugary snacks in between breakfast and lunch, which not only stops you piling on the pounds, but helps keep your blood sugar and mental

alertness at healthy levels.

Egg whites in particular contain the purest form of protein around. The high quality of egg protein helps the body absorb it better. Eggs are also chock-full of vitamins and minerals, which are necessary to keep your body and mind working together.

There’s a million and one ways to eat eggs but we love them poached as they’re super yummy without adding any additional fat.

Method: 1. First bring a saucepan of water to almost boiling. If the water is already boiling, lower the heat until it is no longer boiling. At this point, you can add one or two teaspoons of vinegar to the water, if you want. The vinegar will help the egg whites to congeal more easily.

2. Working with the eggs one by one, crack an egg into a small cup, then place the cup near the surface of the hot water and gently drop the egg into the water. With a spoon, nudge the egg whites closer to their yolks.

This will help the egg whites hold together.

3. Turn off the heat. Cover. Let sit for 4 minutes, until the egg whites are cooked.

4. Lift eggs out of pan with a slotted spoon.

WORDS: Aissetou N’gom

Feed your brain properly to get the best exam results this summer

FOOD

T TOPPERS

YOUR BRAIN’S FAVE TOAS

YOGURT WILL LEAVE YOU SATISFIED ALL MORNING

AVOCADO Don’t let the avocado’s fat content fool you.

It’s a healthy fat that promotes blood flow, keeping your mind functioning at its peak.

That’s not all: avocados have also been shown to reduce blood pressure.

SMOKED SALMON Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps your brain develop tissue that increases thinking power. Drizzle a bit of lemon juice and some cracked black pepper and you’re good to go.

PEANUT BUTTER Besides being delicious, peanut butter packs an energy punch - you get the benefits of protein (you feel fuller than if you had eaten a sugary pastry).

WORDS: Aissetou N’gom

GREEK YOGURT Yogurt for breakfast is nothing new, but Greek yogurt is skyrocketing in popularity.

Not only does it have twice the protein as regular yogurt, but it’s richer and creamier than regular yogurt. The extra protein will leave you feeling more satisfied throughout the morning.

Greek yogurt is also lower in carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in a doughnut or bagel will cause you to crash later in the day. And we know that a sugar crash comes with decreased mental alertness. Add some fruit or almonds to the yogurt for enhanced flavour and healthy fat

SLICED BANANA Top your toast with some sliced banana and you’ll add even more valuable vitamins -especially potassium, which helps keep the brain oxygenated for clearer thinking and minimized stress.

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 35

FOOD THE SMOOTH BREAKFAST Making a smoothie every morning will provide you with the majority of your required daily nutrients before lunch The high water content will keep you hydrated and provide a feeling of well being all day.

Furthermore consuming the raw fruit and vegetables will provide you with ‘brain fuel’ in the form of fructose. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get smooth!

Breakfast can help us do better in our studies, so we need to start taking it seriously Melon & Ginger Smoothie Ingredients • 200g galia melon or cantaloupe melon • 250g Rachel’s Greek Style Ginger Yogurt • Juice of 1 lime 50ml apple juice • Sprinkle of ground ginger Makes 2 drinks Preparation time 5 minutes

THE SMOOTH WAY TO START THE DAY

FD LOVES

Smoothies will provide you with ‘brain fuel’!

ake a m s e i th Smoo us on-the delicio akfast! go bre

Method 1. Peel the melon and cut into small chunks. Add to the blender 2. Add in the remaining ingredients and blitz on pulse speed until a smooth texture is achieved 3. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with a light dusting of ground ginger. 

Why not shake things up and have dinner for breakfast? There are certainly no rules saying you can’t. And if you’re bored of eating the same old morning meal every day, dinner for breakfast will keep things interesting.

Of course, we’re not talking cold pizza, reheated chicken wings or a roast dinner. Think about a baked potato with plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, sprinkled with chives. Or a hearty vegetable soup with some whole-grain crusty bread on the side. How about a high-protein veggie burger on a wheat tortilla? And if you have something left over from the night before you could save some money too - a win-win situation in other words.

BEST CEREAL FOR YOUR BRAIN Granted, cereal can sometimes be a bit boring. However, there are those days when you just don’t have time for much else. So if you are in a rush here’s what you need to stock up on to keep your concentration levels up. Instead of sugary brands that will give you an energy spike (resulting in a big dip) opt for cereals that are high in whole grain and protein (we’re talking nuts not some weird steako-pops!) and low in added sugar. So, when you’re in the cereal aisle go for these treats.

Bran flakes Muesli Shredded wheat All Bran Fruit and Fibre

If you want to be extra healthy why not swap your regular milk for soy? It contains more fibre and less calories than cow’s milk. But if you can’t quite stomach that, even swapping from full fat to skimmed will make a big difference.

36 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Dinner first thing in the morning?

SNACKS FIVE-A-DAY: THAT’S FRUIT AND VEG PLUS REVISION HOURS!

Food For Thought

NG! WARNI

tained ation con The informllowing pages in the fo ake you a could m ctive and du more pro student! ie health r

Ensure you’re getting the right nutrition to help you revise more efficiently and ace those exams...

3

MICROWAVE MEALS TO BEAT REVISION BLUES! Waitrose Spaghetti & Meatballs (£2.39)

R

evision time is always a tough part of university life, especially since most exams fall during Britain’s only few days of summer. To help you get through your exams, we’ve provided you with some tips, tricks and quick recipes that won’t take much longer than picking up the phone to order a pizza, and will even aid you in your studies and improve your overall grades! Tasty, eh?

IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY EATING

PHOTO: IStockphoto

ASDA Classic Roast Chicken Dinner (£2.25)

Uncle Ben’s Express Chinese Style Rice (£1.00)

During the academic year, many students eat whatever they can get their hands on.

However, eating the right foods is crucial during exam periods. Students often fill up on junk food until dinner time. It’s one thing to get away with zoning off in a lecture but for revision you need concentration and to sustain it. If you are going all out on last minute revising, you’ll be getting up early and staying up late (with no alcohol to keep your spirits up). For starters, let breakfast be the first step of your day. Once you’ve done that you’ll have the energy to concentrate until lunch. Since you want to waste as little time as possible, make it a quick one, a cereal that is rich in fibre such as Bran Flakes with some

fruit or whole wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced banana. You should be eating three meals per day and if you’re going to eat snacks, now should be the time in your life! You’d think you’d need less food when you’re only sitting on a chair all day but for your brain to work it needs nutrients!

MAKING LIFE EASIER

One might think making healthy, homemade meals is easier said than done. To make things simpler, take advantage of your flatmates.

Whether you have formed an irrevocable life-long bond or not, arrange to cook dinner for each other during revision time. When we cook for ourselves, there’s usually some leftovers, so cooking for one or two more mouths won’t be a challenge. If there’s kitchen territory wars, split the cost of the shopping that week so there’s no ‘who owes who what?’ drama. The internet is also a handy luxury, put aside an hour and order your shopping online from one of the big supermarket chains.

WHAT TO EAT

Slow and steady wins the race, so we’re talking whole wheat or brown carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread). You W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 37

SNACKS grated cheese, canned tuna and sweetcorn.

Here are some recipes from some amazing student-friendly cookbooks.

Speedy Pumpkin Soup Ingredients • 1 butternut pumpkin (squash), seeds removed, peeled and cut into 6 cm pieces • 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters • 8 garlic cloves, peeled • 2 tbsp olive oil • 300 ml pouring (whipping) cream • 300 ml chicken or vegetable stock crusty bread, crème fraîche, to serve (optional) Method 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Combine pumpkin, onion and garlic in a roasting tin.

3. Drizzle with oil, toss together, then

want complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly and don’t have you running back to the kitchen for processed snacks.

Omega 3 – Including essential fatty acids in your diet will help keep your brain working well. Eating oily fishes such as salmon will do the trick. You can buy a ready to bake one in all supermarkets.

Eat them till you’re blue – Studies show that blueberries help sustain short-term memory. They’re the perfect snack and they couldn’t be ready any quicker.

Getting sick is not an option – Keep your immune system strong by eating plenty of Vitamin C enriched fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.

Your natural energy drink – It seems so obvious but so many people forget a crucial ingredient and rely on caffeine and artificially sweetened energy drinks to keep their eyes open. The best part is that it’s free. WATER!

from a packet. Top with some olive oil or butter, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper, plus whatever herbs you’ve got lying around and bam! Dinner ready in four minutes.

We’re so spoiled nowadays that we can buy frozen onions that have already been chopped for us. Who needs a personal butler anymore? Use them for curries, sauces and soups.

Keep your immune system strong by eating plenty of Vitamin C enriched fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.

FEED WITH SPEED

If you’re pushed for time, there are ways to speed things up, and have you back at that desk in no time.

If you opt for white pasta, make it the fresh kind - yes, it’s approximately a pound more expensive for a smaller quantity but you’re not spending the money on drinks this week so you can afford it, can’t you?

Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it boils within three minutes rather than up to 12 precious minutes with pasta 38 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

There’s no excuse for lack of flavour – buy ‘squeezy’ garlic from a tube instead of getting your hands, and your chopping board, dirty.

Who says ice cream can’t be healthy?

Freeze pieces of fruit overnight, such as grapes and banana slices and enjoy an instant snack the next day.

Baked potatoes are a one-step meal. Place a large potato in the oven for an hour or so (perhaps when you’re making breakfast, on a medium heat) when you’re ready to eat add

A HOT PUKKA PIE IN JUST 3½ MINUTES When it comes to revising, time is something students can never have enough of. An extra 30 minutes or so could well prove to be the difference between understanding why the Second Spanish Republic was doomed from the outset, or not.

That’s why Pukka Pies’ groundbreaking range of microwavable pies are an absolute boon for time-poor, tummyrumbling students. Just pop your favourite flavour in the microwave for a mere 3½ minutes – 210 seconds! Count ‘em! – and when your friendly cooking apparatus makes that reassuring ping sound, hey presto, the pie is ready to pop in your gob. Which, of course, beats slaving away over a hot stove for hours.

Leaving you more time to soak up all that critical theory.

The pies, which include mouthwatering steak and chicken varieties, are the result of an extensive development programme undertaken by people far cleverer than us at Pukka Pies HQ. The range has a new shortcrust pastry recipe that has been specifically developed by Pukka Pies’ research team for the microwave. The innovative new packaging, which includes a laminated card receptor foil to ensure that the pastry has a light crumbly eating quality, ensures a truly delicious pie is created every time.

For more information go to pukkapies.co.uk

PHOTO: IStockphoto

SPEEDY PUMPKIN SOUP: QUICK TO MAKE MEANS MORE REVISION TIME!

WIN

laybook a BlacEnktebr eatrry P indomie.co.uk/ comp T&C’s apply

INSTANT NOODLES, READY IN MINUTES!

Available at all good Oriental stores, selected ASDA stores and online at www.indomie.co.uk

quicker

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W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 39

SNACKS roast for about 25 minutes until pumpkin is tender and caramelised.

4. Remove tin from oven. Using tongs, transfer everything to a blender, then pour in cream and stock.

5. Blend until mixture is smooth, then taste to see if it needs a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

6. Heat soup in a saucepan and serve hot with crusty bread and a dollop of crème fraîche, if desired.

Serves 4–6

THE SPOON LITERALLY COULDN’T WAIT TO GET STUCK IN

After Toast by Kate Gibbs Published by Murdoch Books

All-in-One Chilli Con Carne (in the microwave) Ingredients • 150 grams lean minced beef • ½ small onion, diced • ½ green pepper, sliced • ½ tin chopped tomatoes • 1 splodge of tomato puree • 1 teaspoon chilli powder • ½ tin kidney beans, rinsed • 120 ml of beef stock (from stock cube) • 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped

the flavours and ingredients infuse.

3. Cover with a lid or cling film (remembering to pierce the cling film) and continue to cook for a further 10 minutes, stopping after 5 minutes to stir it again.

4. After 10 minutes, remove from the microwave, add the coriander, stir well for one last time and then leave to stand for around two to three minutes before eating. As ever with microwaved meals, make sure that the meat is brown and hot all the way through before serving.

Serves 1  Student Cookbook For Dummies by Oliver Harrison Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd

• 1 spoonful cornflour • 1 spoonful of chopped fresh coriander (optional) Method 1. Place all the ingredients (except coriander) into a microwave proof casserole dish and mix well.

2. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for three to four minutes. Then carefully remove the dish from the microwave and stir well, letting

SNAPPY STIR FRY Using quick boiling egg noodles such as Yeo’s Ezy – Cook noodles will really speed up a stir-fry. Boil them together with some fast cooking vegetables like frozen peas, french beans and mange tout. Drain them and mix in soya sauce, sesame oil and a bit of honey.

Add some sweetcorn and you’ve got a meal in minutes!

So quick &

easy to make you’ll have more

time to study!

Just add vegetables, meat, fish or tofu and you’ll have a delicious Asian meal in minutes.

What's more there are absolutely no added nasties in them!

Available at all good Oriental retailers and online at www.asianhomegourmetdirect.co.uk - 43 flavours to choose from!

40 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

Touch

To ente r asianh please visit: omego ur direct. co.uk/ met comp T&C’s a pply

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Next time you are craving an Asian curry, stir fry, dip, noodle or rice dish look no further than Asian Home Gourmet spice pastes.

W I an iPo N d

STUDENT LIFE

PARTY TIME!

se Feel like a party? Of cour e you do. Lucy Peden is th ss... hostess with the moste

O

Get on the guest list

Forget the horror stories of Facebook parties getting out of control - these days, you’re lucky if anyone sees a Facebook invite, let alone responds and lets you know whether they’re coming. In order to get people to your party, you need to be a bit more strategic. Start by setting it up as a closed Facebook event, and then text people with the date, letting them know that all the info they need is online.

Don’t worry if you don’t have many RSVPs - after exam season, lots of people are so thrilled to get away from the pressures of tests and timetables that they’re reluctant to commit to anything. If you send out invites weeks before the event is due to take place, people will forget. If you ask people a few days before the party, the date will be at the forefront of their mind and they’re more likely to turn up.

Be realistic about the space you have to socialise in. You might think you can 42 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND PEOPLE ON THE LANDING AT PARTIES

judge the success of a party by the number of unexpected guests that turn up, but overcrowding often leads to accidents. You can’t calm a landlord, or stop him from withholding your deposit by cheerfully explaining that you’re much more popular than you realised. Be firm with your friends about their extra guests - a better half is fine, a few housemates acceptable, but the entire uni rugby team might be a bit much.

Protect and survive

Once you’ve decided to have a party, you should probably work out how you’re going to clean everything up at the end.

It’s easily the most boring part of planning a bash, but it’s worth investing time, effort and energy in guaranteeing your peace of mind. If nothing else, it means that you’re completely free to tend to your hangover the morning after.

Plastic tablecloths are your friend. They’re very cheap, and not just for tables. Use

them to cover any surface that you don’t want to be damaged by drink rings and spilled food. When the party is over, you can easily scoop everything up and throw them away. Look for cloths made from biodegradable plastic in order to protect

There’s a time and a place to show off your obscure musical knowledge - this isn’t it! the wider environment as well as your immediate one. littlecherry.co.uk is a great resource for affordable, ethical party supplies.

Fitted carpets are trickier, but Scotchguard or any other stain guarding product will mean that any accidents don’t leave permanent

PHOTO: IStockphoto

nce exams are out of the way, you’ll want to celebrate - and tradition dictates that it’s the perfect time for a house party.

Planning a party might seem daunting, but you don’t have to be Pippa Middleton to know that a little preparation goes a long way. The best parties might seem like spontaneous affairs, but there’s always someone behind the scenes making it happen. The good news is that you don’t need to provide hand made macaroons and celebrity guests in order to ensure your bash goes with a bang. Just follow these pointers and you’ll find that you can be the host and still have fun at your own event.

Safety First

!

PARTY HOUSE time has

In an ideal world, everyone who ever entered your house would be respectful and trustworthy. However, a friend of a friend is still technically a stranger, and when you have a house full of them, there’s a small chance that valuable items might go missing. Protect anything portable - iPads, laptops and other high value electronic items ideally need to be locked away. Remember that bicycles are particularly vulnerable to theft, and keep them secured. It’s alarmingly easy for a thief to walk into your house during a party, as the area will be full of new people and everyone will be busy and distracted. Before the party, ask a few close friends to be extra vigilant and watch out for anyone attempting to enter closed rooms. After that, party on, dude.

iends the Well my fr ise the roof and ra come, to e fun! Let the m o s e hav y on. music pla !

Play on

Parties might seem spontaneous but there’s always someone behind the scenes

PACK YOUR PARTY BAG These gems will make your night extra special...

Twister, £14.99, argos.co.uk The game has earned its place as a party classic - if your guests are still getting to know each other, there’s no icebreaker like it!

marks. Vanish Powershot carpet stain remover (available nationwide from around £5) will handle anything as it happens.

Food doesn’t have to be fussy, but if you’re serving alcohol, it makes sense to give your guests something to snack on. Pizza is perfect, and it’s the easiest thing to prepare. Fill your freezer with pizza a few days before the party.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Play the music

A carefully curated playlist might impress any style bloggers in attendance, but no-one else is going to care. There’s a time and a place to show off your obscure musical knowledge of lo-fi Finnish electronica, this, however, isn’t it. After midnight, the only artists anyone will want to listen to are Rihanna, Lady Gaga or Madonna. Splurge on Spotify Premium, which allows everyone to join in when it comes to choosing the music. Make sure no-one is hogging the playlist queue, and remember that if your guests aren’t dancing, you should probably play a different song. 

Sound jar, £14.99, prezzybox.co.uk This genius piece of kit means you can play music from your phone at proper party volume, knowing it’s protected from spilled drinks.

Pacman ghost lamp, £34.99, Firebox.com If you’re in the mood for some novelty mood lighting, it’s hard to beat this pink number. As well as being a talking point, it casts a flattering glow on anyone and everything in the room.

FD TIP Retro chic lighting doesn’t come any better - or brighter - than this!

Multicoloured plastic 1/2 pint glasses, £8.99 for 50, partydelights.co.uk Worried about smashed glasses? Save the contents of your cupboards with these playful and vibrant cups.

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 43

ACCOMMODATION

FIND THE PERFECT

PLACE TO LIVE Make sure your uni accommodation doesn’t break the bank!

PRIVATE HALLS OFFER MODERN, COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION

Rent The general rule is that the cost falls as the number of people sharing increases, but this tends to be capped at four people.

Most student houses sleeping five or more will be classed as Houses in Multiple Occupation(HMOs) and fall under the mandatory licensing scheme. This gives the landlord an administrative burden which will be recouped through rent. Many local authorities will have their own schemes.

Paying the rent has to be your number one priority and remember that once you sign a tenancy agreement you are committing to paying the rent for the term of that agreement (even if you move out!).

44 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

Utility bills Energy costs may add as much as £10 a week to your expenditure during the winter months. Encourage your housemates to preserve energy. If they think you are tight tell them that you are concerned about your carbon footprint.

TV Licence If a property is rented on a shared basis then only one TV License will be required. If you have an individual tenancy for your room but share the communal area then you will need a license for each TV in the house.

MORE USEFUL HALLS INFO accommodationforstudents.com Discover student lets quickly and efficiently spareroom.co.uk Find a flatmate direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm Learn about the deposit protection scheme studenthousing.lon.ac.uk/downloads.html Get generic copies of important paperwork

If you go home for the summer you can claim a pro-rata refund on your TV license.

Council tax Full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. Your university’s accommodation office should issue you with a council tax exemption certificate. You should give a copy of this to your local authority to prove that you are a full-time student.

Try to avoid sharing with part-time students as they are not exempt. Even though full-time students are disregarded when the charge is calculated, the household may decide that it is unfair for the part-time student to pay the entire council tax bill on their own.

Contents Insurance Student properties offer rich pickings for burglars. Although not compulsory it’s worth thinking about protecting your valuables with contents insurance. There are a number of insurance companies that offer specialist student policies. Ask your university’s accommodation office for advice and assistance - they may have some special offers they can pass on.

PHOTO: Istockphoto WORDS: Aissetou Ngom

F

inding the best place to live at uni can be something of a financial minefield - there are so many hidden costs to contend with the price can sky rocket. To help you navigate your way through the maze of uni accommodation we’ve put together a guide of what costs you need to look out for and a map of best private halls near you, should you wish to have an all inclusive option.

CALL NOW ON: 0161 200 5560 www.mcrstudents.com

Student accommodation available at low prices in great locations!

Early booking offers for a limited time only!

ALL INCLUSIVE

ROOMS FROM

OF UPS GRO PEOPLE NT 6 ME 2 TO APART D K AN R AN BOO GETHE E O IV T RECE

£85

pw

FF O 0 £10EACH!

Why MCR Students?

Whether you're looking for comfort, price, luxury, security or location, with rooms from £85 per week MCR Students are sure to have the room to suit your requirements.

Individual applicants welcome, we allocate all rooms ourselves, not by computer to ensure you have the best chance of great flatmates!

Our friendly on-site teams are there to meet your every accommodation need.

Refer a friend and receive £35 cash back!

WE MAKE A STRONG CASE FOR STUDENT STORAGE Here’s how it works: ELL WE S AND S E BOX AGING K C LS A P ERIA T A M !

O TO



Complete our online storage contract at www.thestudentcase.co.uk



We deliver a tough 180ltr storage case to your halls before you leave







You pack your stuff inside, seal with security tag provided and confirm a timeslot for pick up.

We collect and store the case at our secure storage facility over the holidays.

You book a time slot for re-delivery to your hall on your return and a time for us to re-collect the empty case.

THE COST?

for pick-up, secure storage and re-delivery to your door.

CALL FREE - 0800 011 4688

to check on delivery slots for your halls

www.thestudentcase.co.uk A storage case not for you? We also rent standard storage rooms with a 25% discount for students. Book a room.

Bring your stuff down to us. Only pay for the time you stay.

Best value guaranteed.

FIND US

Malden Crescent, Chalk Farm, Camden NW1 2 mins Roundhouse Theatre 4 mins Chalk Farm Tube

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 45

ACCOMMODATION

Pick of the best city centre living!

Student digs have improved dramatically as these halls demonstrate.

Edinburgh ➜ James Craig Court is ideally located in the heart of cosmopolitan Edinburgh.

James Craig Court is very popular with all students. mansionstudent.co.uk

Leeds ➜ Leodis House is the place if you’re looking for style and convenience.

The halls are located five minutes away from Leeds College of Art and Leeds University. It’s also a short walk to Leeds Met’s city centre campus and the city centre itself. mansionstudent.co.uk

Newcastle ➜ Garth Heads offers contemporary living in a Grade II listed property.

Garth Heads is perfectly located in the heart of the lively student community. mansionstudent.co.uk

Sheffield ➜ Leadmill Point is ideally located for the University of Sheffield. Sheffield Hallam Collegiate Campus is a short walk away. unite-students.com

Liverpool ➜ Grand Central is one of the largest student properties in the UK with over 1,200 bedrooms. It is also in a prime city centre L3 location. unite-students.com

Birmingham ➜ iQ Birmingham is in a great location, just a stone’s throw from Five Ways station and the lively Broad Street bars.

It’s also a short stroll down the tow path to New Street station and the Mailbox. iq-student-accommodation.com

Manchester ➜ Manchester Student Village can offer new refurbished apartments in a city centre location. The property has an on-site shop and popular student bar. Close to the city’s universities too - student living doesn’t get much better. mcrstudents.com

Cardiff ➜ Cardiff Student Castle. Located near the University of Glamorgan’s Atrium, Cardiff University and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. A choice of studios and cluster apartments, all containing study and storage space. studentcastle.co.uk

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➜ Cathedral - A stunning Grade II listed conversion featuring fantastic studios & twins. Ideally located for the city centre and the universities. studentcastle.co.uk

London ➜ Nido Spitalfields is spread across 33 floors at the heart of the City, just five minutes from Liverpool Street Station, connecting you to east, west, north and central London.

Prices starting from £189 pp/pw. nidostudentliving.com

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Bristol

TRAVEL EUROPE VENICE: A CITY WHERE ROMANCE GOES WITH A BANG!

IN ASSOCIAT ION WITH

On the continent I

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Don’t cross oceans this summer - just cross the Channel and soak up all that mainland Europe has to offer...

EUROPE ENVY From island hopping in Greece to hiking in Provence, via the Palaces of Lisbon and birdwatching in Estonia, Europe has so much to offer. You’d be a fool to dismiss it as a viable holiday option this summer!

f you’re planning to get away from it all this summer, you might be thinking about getting as far away from it as possible. If exotic food, fun and beaches are beckoning, you might think that you need to take a long haul plane ride in order to get to where the

Europe is perfect for the eco conscious traveller - you save money and reduce your carbon footprint action is. Which means that Europe, or mainland Europe in any case - that huge swathe of land just across the Channel, is often overlooked. And that is a travesty because it has plenty to offer - especially

CHRISTOPHER STREET DAY PARADE IN BERLIN: QUITE COLOURFUL!

for students who want maximum bang for their buck.

Europe is also perfect for the eco conscious traveller. If you’ve got time to spare - and let’s face it, in some cases you’ve got three months to play with skip the speedy boarding queue and get to your destination via train or coach instead. It could fatten your wallet as well as keeping your carbon footprint on the slender side.

No matter how much time you have, you’ll need to choose a few specific cities to explore and plan your time carefully in order to get the most out of your adventure. Here are some of our favourite European summer highlights to get you started.

CHRISTOPHER STREET DAY PARADE, BERLIN, LATE JUNE

Berlin’s cultural and social history is so rich that you could easily spend an extended holiday there, and still not W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 47

lowcostholidays.com now anyone can go anywhere

TRAVEL EUROPE

TALENT MEETS BERTELSMANN: IT DOES EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

see everything. The city is well known for being a political epicentre, but it also celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) traditions.

The Christopher Street Day parade commemorates the New York Stonewall riots (the spontaneous demonstrations against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in the summer of 1969), and it’s become a mecca for straight and gay people who want to enjoy themselves as well as maintain some political activism. The route is four miles, starting on Karl-LiebknechtStrasse and ending at the Seigessäule. The flamboyant floats and costumes are legendary - if there isn’t room in your suitcase for a full dressing up box, you’ll want to bring a camera to catch the colourful extravaganza in all its playful and vibrant glory.

If there isn’t room in your suitcase for a full dressing up box, bring a camera to catch the extravaganza TALENT MEETS BERTELSMANN, BERLIN, JULY 17-19

Bertelsmann has been holding the networking event “Talent Meets Bertelsmann” in Berlin since 2008.

This year, talented students from all over Europe are invited and will meet members of the Executive Board as well

as international top executives and will have the opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial talent. The focus of the event will be a number of exciting workshops, the results of which will be presented to a jury made up of members of the Bertelsmann boards. There will also be individual career coaching, time for networking and a dinner party including a concert. Applications may be submitted from April 2 until June 16 and the event itself will take place in mid-July. talentmeetsbertelsmann.com FESTA DEL REDENTORE, VENICE, JULY 20-21

This festival has been celebrated since 1576, and it’s still going strong. A mix of religious traditions and food-based fun,

WIN EUROPE COACH TICKETS! Two coach tickets to Europe every week are up for grabs with Eurolines’ Winsday prize draw!

Eurolines has launched a brand new weekly prize draw where you could win two coach tickets to Europe. Every week the destination changes and all you need to do is go to our Facebook page at facebook.com/ eurolinesuk to enter.

In the upcoming weeks you can get

the chance to win coach tickets to destinations including Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Belfast. Make sure you enter each week and the winner is announced every Wednesday or Winsday as we like to call it now!

Eurolines go to over 600 destinations in 33

countries so wherever you want to go in Europe we can get you there all at a great value price too. Check out eurolines.co.uk or our Facebook page for details and information on all our special offers like coach to travel Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from only £9 too!

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 49

TRAVEL EUROPE Saturday night is when things really get going, as hundreds of boats gather in the lagoon around St Marks for a drinks party. The festival celebrates the end of a plague, when a church was built to Il Redentore (the redeemer). Venetian residents decorate the local area, and there’s an impressive firework display at the end.

PHOTOESPANA, MADRID, JUNE 1-JULY 31

Over the summer months, Madrid becomes one of the top destinations for lovers of art, hosting a series of highly regarded photography exhibitions in major museums and galleries.

GETTING AROUND

Planning your route in advance and knowing the cheapest options available will give you more time to enjoy your trip.

If you’re stretching out your holiday funds, the best way to travel across Europe is by coach - and Eurolines is offering some of the best deals. You can get all the way to Eastern Europe for under £100, and if you’re travelling in a group of 4, you could save 25 per cent. Eurolines coaches go to most major European destinations, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Austria. And best of all, they understand that students sometimes need some flexibility with their travel plans - so they let you amend your ticket from £5. For more information and cheap accommodation ideas, head to eurolines.co.uk/ destinations/more-europe Alternatively, if you want to cover a lot of ground, Interrail offers a global pass that will carry you all over Europe. If you’re 25 or under, a month’s Daily Use pass will set you back £391, which seems pricey but works out well on the miles to money front.

Full details can be found at interrail.eu/ interrail-passes

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PRAGUE HAS MANY BRIDGES TO CROSS FOR FILM FANS

Photography fans can expect to see pieces by Nan Goldin, Joel Peter Witkin, Philip Lorca di Corcia and Paul Graham, as well as upcoming names and future stars. As well as taking over the city’s exhibition spaces, the PHotoEspana team transform the city into an exhibition space. Expect to see projections in Plaza Santa Ana and Centro Cultural Conde Duque. And don’t forget to eat some tasty tapas!

KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, PRAGUE, THROUGHOUT JULY

Whether you’re a film student or simply a film fan, the Karlovy festival is worth catching. Uniquely audience driven, it’s become an unmissable event for those in the industry. Celebrities turn up en masse - Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Elijah Wood are fans - but the indie movie community make it their own, and over the month it’s possible to see an

>>> BE SMART AND STAY SAFE Most European countries are safe places for tourists. However, it’s important to take care of yourself wherever you are. Holidays are relaxing, and there is a temptation to let your guard down when you’re away, but don’t get caught out - tourists can be vulnerable to the actions of an unsavoury minority.

SCAMS - the busier the area, the greater chance it will attract people who’ll try to trick tourists into parting with their hard-earned money. The scam of the moment will constantly change, but if a stranger or strangers try to get your attention or distract you, it’s likely that unfortunately they don’t have the best of intentions. Smile, do not be hostile and keep walking.

MONEY - One of the great things about European travel is that in most places you can use an ATM in exactly the same way as you would at home. However, the machines won’t be exactly identical, which means it’s especially important not to get confused and follow the standard safety rules. Shield your pin. Be wary of anyone coming up too close behind you or engaging you in conversation. And under no circumstances should you use a machine if there’s a possibility that it may have been tampered with.

ALCOHOL - When drinks are cheaper and more interesting than they are at home, there’s a temptation to enjoy them to excess.

Remember that drinking will impair your judgement and could render you

prone to attack. And if the sun’s out, alcohol and heatstroke can be a dangerous combination.

EMERGENCIES - No matter how many precautions you take, sometimes events will take a scary turn, and it’s important to know how to deal with it in order to stay calm. Everyone within the EU is eligible for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Apply for the card online.

CARD - make sure it’s in your wallet before you leave. It’s worth splashing out on travel insurance too - you might think you’re saving money without it, but it could save you a fortune down the line. Low cost insurance is available from Columbus Direct, and details are available at columbusdirect.com/ travel-insurance.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Over the summer months, Madrid becomes one of the top cities for lovers of every form of art

SEE what you’rE MiSSing in EuropE

*Onli Offe ne book in r s su bjec gs only .S t to c hang ubject to e at any availab time il . Exc ity. Trav el lusio ns a until 30 pply , see May 20 13 web site . for d

etail

s.

TRAVEL EUROPE impressive range of international films that you can’t catch in the UK. Tickets are sold on site the day before each screening on a first come, first served basis, to give everyone the opportunity to get involved.

It’s possible to see an impressive range of foreign films that you can’t catch in the UK THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS, PAMPLONA, JULY 6-14

This controversial event is of great historic significance. Although many criticise the ethics of bullfighting (and not without good reason), the millions of visitors who head to Pamplona, the capital city of Navarre in Spain, every year to watch this event maintain that it’s an

THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS: NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED

unforgettable experience. The bulls are lead from the corral at the Calle Santa Domingo when the church clock strikes 8am, and after rockets are launched, the bulls charge behind the runners. The carnival atmosphere is simply irresistible, and spectators are encouraged to enjoy the bountiful food, gallons of drink (remembering to drink sensibly of course) and the lively party spirit. Amateur runners can run with the bulls, but remember you do so at your own risk, as there are obvious dangers - ones that,

unsurprisingly, might not be covered by your travel insurance.

DUBROVNIK SUMMER FESTIVAL, JULY 10-AUGUST 10

If you’re looking for a little culture with your beach, Dubrovnik is the place to be. A range of events take place at different venues all over the Old Town, including comedy, drama and dance performances. The open air performances are especially recommended, as Croatia enjoys long hours of daylight. Some of the events are ticketed, some are free.

T A D N E P S O T 0 5 2 £ WIN ASOS MARKETPLACE! Love unique fashion? Listen up! We’re offering you the chance to win £250 to spend at ASOS Marketplace, the online destination for buying and selling new, pre-owned and vintage fashion.

ASOS Marketplace have teamed up with NUS EXTRA to offer students discounted commission rates, so if your student loan is a little way off, you can make some cash by recycling your wardrobe - and only pay 9% commission on anything that sells!

To be in with the chance of spending £250 on a new wardrobe, simply sign up to ASOS Marketplace and enter your NUS extra number to start selling at a reduced rate.

Then drop us a tweet, letting us know what you’ll be selling on ASOS Marketplace: “Hey @ASOSMarketplace & @NUSEXTRA! I’m going to sell my _______ and make £££”. Simple.

The competition ends on 30/06/2013 and winners will be notified by, 08/07/2013, so get selling!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Competition will close on 30/06/2013. Open only to UK participants over the age of 18. Prize for the main winner is £250 to be spent on ASOS Marketplace.

There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions.

The winner will be picked at random and contacted by a representative of ASOS Marketplace or NUS extra. The Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

52 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

PHOTO: IStockphoto

asos.mp/nus

Talent Meets Bertelsmann digital.international.entrepreneurship. digital.i

NETWORKING EVENT JULY 17–19 | BERLIN

Apply now!

Are you creative? Are you an entrepreneurial thinker? Do you share our fascination with media and services, especially in the digital domain? Then seize the opportunity and apply to participate in “Talent Meets Bertelsmann 2013” – the international networking event taking place in Berlin from July 17–19, 2013. Join us and shape the future of the media industry!

RTL Group | Random House | Gruner + Jahr | Arvato | Be Printers

www.talentmeetsbertelsmann.com

WORKING ABROAD

TEER! N U L O V as has

WORKING AS A TEACHER IN AFRICA WILL ENRICH YOUR LIFE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS

ng overse Volunteeri e last decade risen in th ers will provide th helping o h invaluable w you it life skills.

remote Work Working overseas isn’t all about the cash, it will broaden your horizons.

T

here’s an increasing number of opportunities for students to work abroad, and whether it’s only for a couple of weeks or for a year or more, there’s something for everyone. Work abroad offers students a wealth of benefits, from learning a new language, to making life-long friends; learning some new skills, to simply earning a bit of cash. Below are just some of the options available.

WORKAWAY workaway.info is a website that offers an endless diversity of work-abroad opportunities, perfectly suited to students.

The system is a simple one. Families, groups of people and small organisations – collectively known as ‘hosts’ – set up profiles that contain information about themselves, and information on what they need help with.

Work is never advertised as paid, but instead

54 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

is exchanged for food and accommodation.

People can browse these profiles for free before signing up to the website. If they want to make contact with one of the hosts, they sign up for a small fee.

Once signed up, potential ‘Workawayers’ set up their own profiles for hosts to view.

Workawayers may contact as many or as few hosts as they wish, and with over 5,000 hosts worldwide there’s plenty to choose from! The diversity of opportunities is

USEFUL WEBSITES seasonworkers.com – Summer and ski jobs bunac.org – Work abroad and volunteering statravel.co.uk/work-and-learn.htm - Work abroad and TEFL info

WORDS: Charley Utton

LEAVING BRITAIN Figures released from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that there has been a 27 per cent increase in graduates finding their first job abroad since the start of the economic crisis in 2008.

WORKING ABROAD

phenomenal; ranging from ranch work in Canada, to conservation work in Bolivia.

What all opportunities offer is a level of cultural immersion that is not always possible when visiting places as a tourist. As such, it’s a brilliant way to learn a new language. It requires a small leap of faith, but it pays off.

Sam Dyson, a Bristol student, worked on a small organic farm in the south of France for just over a month. “I can truly say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Our hosts were great and they introduced us to the local community, making us feel very welcome.

The work was at times hard – but it was worth it. Wherever I was, I was improving my French all the time and making new friends.”

FACT BOX What: Workaway Where: Global When: Anytime How long: Two weeks to a year Costs: Travel, pocket money Provided: Accommodation and food Website: workaway.info

TEFL TEFL, short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is becoming a popular way for students to work abroad. More suited to those taking a year or two out from studies, after completing training students will be able to gain full-time, paid work teaching English to people in other countries. A degree is not needed; all that’s required to qualify for a training course is a fluent level of spoken and written English.

Training courses start at around £110, and go up to around £1,000. The difference in qualifications is not always crucial, especially if only planning to undertake teaching as a short-term experience, so it is worth browsing 56 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

around to establish what is right for you.

Statravel.i-to-i.com is a great place to start; it supplies information and offers various levels of training at student rates. Though TEFL does require a bit of investment to gain the necessary experience/qualification, this is considered worthwhile given that the work is paid. Like Workaway, it’s a means to immerse yourself in another culture, interacting with it in a very personal way on a daily basis.

FACT BOX What: TEFL Where: Mostly Asia, but also elsewhere When: Anytime How long: Around a year Costs: Training, travel, living costs Provided: Salary Website: statravel.i-to-i.com

CAMP AMERICA Camp America has become a ubiquitous institution in the summers of many of our friends across the Atlantic, and in recent years this has also been the case for many UK students. It offers students the chance to work in one of around 1,000 American Summer Camps as an activity leader/counsellor, or as support staff. The camps consist of 6-16 year olds, who engage in activities such as adventuring, sports and arts. It is the job of most successful UK applicants to take care of the campers’ general well-being, joining them in a vast array of activities that can range from abseiling to pottery. Others might have specific roles such as watersports activity leader, or head of drama. No matter what role you’re assigned, however, you will be living camp life 100 per cent - sleeping, eating and socialising alongside the campers.

The minimum duration of a camp placement is nine weeks, and they typically

run from June onwards. The application has a few stages, including an informal interview, and it is advisable to apply the autumn/ winter before you wish to go. Camp America will sort out your visa, flights, travel, medical insurance and police check if you’re successful.

In total, the Camp America service costs just under £800, though much, if not all of this is made back in payment, or as they call it ‘pocket money’. All accommodation and food is provided.

FACT BOX What: Camp America Where: USA When: Summer, June-August How long: 9 weeks+ Costs: Around £800 Provided: Accommodation, food, $600-$1200 ‘pocket money’ Website: campamerica.co.uk

VOLUNTEERING For many there is no better way to spend summers off than helping others. Whether it’s promoting sexual health, assisting in relief work or battling issues like climate change, there are a host of worthwhile activities that students can engage in.

Over the last decade there has been a notable growth in ‘voluntourism’ organisations. These organisations ask extortionate amounts of money from students in order to whisk them away for a couple of weeks to build a library that will inevitably fall down soon after they leave; or to engage in other useless activities.

For those who genuinely want to help, it can be a bewildering task filtering through all the organisations to find those who will enable them to make a difference to people’s lives.

One route that we can recommend is the International Citizen Service (ICS). ICS is a government scheme that has brought together six of the UK’s most effective volunteering charities in order to provide a worthwhile experience for both young people and those they seek to help. Placements typically last 12 weeks - enough time to make a difference - and they are available throughout the year.

You are expected to contribute £800 towards your placement and alongside the government investment, this covers flights, food, accommodation and other costs.  FACT BOX What: International Citizen Service Where: Global When: Variable How long: 12 Weeks Costs: £800 Provided: Travel, living costs, insurance Website: ics-uk.org.uk

PHOTO: IStockphoto

WORKING ABROAD WILL ENABLE YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS TO DEVELOP

WIN A WESTERN USA TOUR WITH TREKAMERICA! Have you always wanted to strike out onto the open road with the wind in your hair, the world at your feet and nothing but miles and miles of red rock landscape to explore ahead of you?

Y

our dream could become a reality as TrekAmerica is giving away a 12 night ‘Canyon Adventure’, including flights from London to one lucky winner.

This incredible tour takes in the best of Western USA including Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and even an overnight white water rafting trip!

Plus TrekAmerica has over 40 years’ experience of roadtripping small groups of students and young people across the States, so you’ll be in great hands.

All you have to do is tell us why you deserve to be the lucky one, in 100 words or less. The winner will be whisked away on the adventure of a lifetime this summer, and will feature as a guest blogger on Student365.co.uk and TrekAmerica.co.uk!

LIVE THE DREAM WITH A FABULOUS 12 NIGHT CANYON ADVENTURE

Sound good?

For your chance to be in with a chance of jetting off to the US for the trip of a lifetime simply log on to student365.co.uk and follow the links through to the competitions section where full entry terms & conditions can be found.

www.trekamerica.co.uk 0844 576 1387

See online for full terms and conditions

Europe + Egypt + Morocco + Middle East + Australia + Fiji + New Zealand + Africa + Festivals

share the experience Hassle free travel Everyone aged 18 to 39 Great value Make loads of new friends Exclusive inclusions

Want to know more?

Call 1300 886 332 Email info@topdeck.travel trips for 18 to 30 somethings

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS • TRAVELOGUE £14.99; firebox.com Featuring a 64-page notebook, the Travelogue contains scratch maps for locking in your locations as well as travelling tips and advice. The perfect companion for your adventures.

• DOORJAMMER £24.99; door-jammer.com A compact portable security device that is easy to use and offers added assurance when staying in a hotel, apartment or hostel in unfamiliar surroundings.

FD CHOICE

Be the envy of your fellow travellers with this Kindle

Travel

essentials

Don’t think about trying to board the plane this summer without these handy items

• KINDLE PAPERWHITE £109; amazon.co.uk The Paperwhite works for student travellers as it is thin, light and possesses a very long battery life.

• EASTPACK BAGS £119.99, blackleaf.com Showcasing an on-trend camouflage print for summer 2013, the Tranverz combines extremely durable materials, lightweight construction with fashion credibility.

• GLOBAL GIG £10 per Gb; globalgig.com A mobile data hotspot service that provides internet connections around the world for a monthly fee.

• REFUND ME refund.me The convenient way to claim online for missed flights, delayed travel, missed connections and cancellations has now launched in the UK. 58 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

• MUJI HANGING WASH BAG £8.95, muji.eu Keep all your travel essentials organized in this compact toiletry bag. The nylon material makes for easy cleaning and items can be arranged easily.

• TAN SAFE £7.99; firebox.com It might look like a bottle of suntan lotion but this is really a stealth safe! Has enough space to hold phones, credit cards, keys and money. Thieves be gone!

• VAPOUR WATER BOTTLES £9.99; firebox.com A reusable water bottle that can be folded up or squashed down.

REVISION KEEP THINGS INTERESTING

BY STUDYING AT HOME AND THE LIBRARY

VER! BE CLE ent

REVISION

Y S A E E D A M

d tures, stu More fea information d advice an ble on is availa 65.co.uk student3

uni life, but rather than of rt pa e bl da oi av un an Revision is u reap the rewards. yo lp he ill w r te ar sm dread it, working

PHOTO: IStockphoto

E

xams are tough, no matter how prepared you are. There are always extra things you can do to help you through this daunting time, and it can be made much more productive with the use of planning, Post-It notes and persistence. Give yourself regular breaks to see friends and go for a drink, before returning to your studies. It's important to not overdo the studying so as to avoid any major mental breakdowns!

Revision Plan - Summarising lectures and seminars with Post-It’s is a great way to understand vital information when you come to revise. Colour coding your notes makes things much clearer, and the most important thing to do is address what it is you need to revise the most; you may be well informed about one area of your topic but what about

the rest of your module which may turn up in the exam? Devise a timetable of realistic goals, dedicating time to each subject that may be in the exam. Keep things interesting by studying at home and the library; staying in the same place will only increase feelings of pressure and boredom. Try taking your books to a cafe or the public library, and if it’s sunny relocate your revision to a park or garden.

Plan Wisely - Starting with the topic you hate the most first, and finishing with the one you like the most will feel much more rewarding; mastering any difficult, boring subjects earlier makes it easier to adopt the habit of revising and won't make your studying feel overwhelming. Make sure you return to these difficult areas once you've covered all of your topics until you are confident in answering those questions alone.

DOs

1. We all absorb information differently when revising, so identify whether you are a visual, audio or practical learner. Do you learn best by reading notes over and over again, or is a Dictaphone with recorded speech from your lecturer more useful? Discussing important topics with friends after lectures is really beneficial, which is why it’s so important to attend seminars. As well as attending all lectures and seminars, it’s useful to mull things over with colleagues when you need a break from a heavy library session. Discuss any important topics that you might not fully understand in a friendly environment outside of university.. Learning someone else's opinion is always helpful, and it may change the way you perceive things, thus bettering your understanding of the subject.

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 59

REVISION

DON'Ts

1. Avoid excessive amounts of energy drinks as they will only increase your sugar levels causing you to 'crash' and making you too tired. Instead, drink plenty of green tea as a healthier alternative to coffee, as it will reduce your caffeine intake by 70 per cent. Green tea contains the amino acid L-Theanine which calms the nervous system and enhances concentration levels. Drinking cups of this regularly will enable you to stay up for longer without that dirty feeling you get from drinking too much caffeine.

2. Hanging out with course friends the night before an exam will only lead to stressing over the content and whether you've all revised enough. Instead, take the time to revise your notes one last time before chilling with housemates, leaving enough time to get to bed early. In the morning, read over some flash cards before just to refresh your memory.

3. Although the extra money can be tempting avoid taking any extra shifts if you have a parttime job. Your employer should understand that your education comes first and the weeks leading up to exam period should be predominantly dedicated towards revision.

Social Networking: For online addicts, it can be tempting to check emails and Facebook or Twitter accounts, but try to limit this social 60 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

UNDERSTANDING HOW YOU REVISE BEST IS KEY TO SUCCESS

Devise a timetable of realistic goals dedicating time to each subject networking habit. It may take persistence but it will save you hours of precious revision time in total, and acts as an incentive to revise.

Be Positive Abandon any negative thoughts about the exam; thinking that you can’t do this or that you’re going to fail will not get you anywhere. If exams aren't your strong point then prepare yourself early; make sure you take any necessary books out of the library in advance, before those bookshelves are empty.

Ask for as much help as possible from your coursemates and tutors - lecturers want you to understood every last part of your module, so take advantage of this.

On the day of your exam make things as easy for yourself as possible; wake up early, read over your notes, have a light, healthy breakfast, take bottled water with you to the exam room and where possible avoid hanging round with your friends too much. Dodge any nights out in the days leading up to your exam, and maintain a clear head on the big day. Restrain yourself from listening to music on your way to uni in order to divert distraction; the worst thing you need is a song to get stuck in your head when trying to remember dates and formulas. Heavy metal and classical music are always good choices when revising due to fewer lyrics, thus not diverting those important concentration levels. Stress can be useful, as long as it’s channelled into positive energy - it will make you revise more until you've nailed a topic. If you've revised enough and are well prepared there is no reason why you can't achieve a high mark in your exams. 

TOP REVISION AIDS These five essentials will help you revise more efficiently Sony ICD-BX112 - Digital voice recorder - flash 2 GB - MP3, £27.50, Great for recording lectures amazon.co.uk

Brother Hl2250dnr Network Monochrome Laser Printer, £129.99, Print revision notes at the touch of a button pcworld.co.uk

Schneider Edge Ballpoint Pen, £1.65, Comes in four different colours amazon.co.uk Oxford horizons wirebound project book A4, Pockets for storing loose sheets, CDs or USBs, £6.50 - staples.co.uk

Vaio Sleek Laptop, £649.99, Easy to take to library sessions pcworld.co.uk

PHOTO: IStockphoto

2. Sleep could not be more important to our brain activity - make sure you get 7-8 hours a night, rise early and have the rest of the day to revise and absorb some vitamin D. Becoming nocturnal will only decrease your serotonin levels and make you more unhappy and unresponsive. The more you revise in the day, the more excuse you have to chill out in the evening and perhaps sink a cheeky alcoholic beverage or two - but no more than that, otherwise this will disrupt your sleeping pattern making you groggy and lethargic.

3. Eat smart - wholemeal foods, fish and fresh fruit will improve your endurance when revising. Brown bread and pasta releases energy slowly, whereas blueberries help delay short term memory loss. Oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and herring provide Omega-3 fatty acids which is essential for a healthy brain. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E, an essential ingredient to prevent cognitive decline. Leafy green vegetables along with asparagus, olives, eggs and seeds are all healthy foods to maintain a healthy mind and body due to its overload of vitamins. Gingko giloba is also a useful vitamin source for boosting blood flow and sharpening memory. A well-rounded diet will enable you to stave off illnesses and provide you with all the energy you need to revise.

Slider Edge The page surfer Ballpoint pen for easy, smooth writing

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DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE VITAL ROLE RESEARCHING PLAYS WHEN HUNTING FOR WORK EXPERIENCE

Internship

INSPIRATION S Despite some negative press, internships are a handy way of getting a head start in the graduate job market...

UNPAID INTERNSHIPS These are technically illegal - but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. By rights, you should receive the minimum wage for your hard work.

BE SMART Organisations like Step (step. org.uk) place candidates in paid internships for three months. It will ensure you’re placed in a relevant role.

62 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

adly, simply getting a degree doesn’t quite cut it anymore, and more and more of us students are realising that getting a step-up in the career ladder early via internships is a smart, and increasingly essential, move. Interning might involve a lot of tea brewing and photo-copying, but it’s invaluable experience, the best way to make contacts in the industry and shows on your CV that you’re more than just a lazy student. Just like job positions though, internships are highly competitive and, without some determination and dedication in your applications, your search might be fruitless. So turn off the TV, put down the Super Noodles and read our advice and tips on getting your foot in the industry door.

among thousands and there’s a very high chance it won’t even get read (the truth hurts).

If you’re serious about getting some experience you can’t be too selective.

Check out our pick of great internship websites that advertise placements on offer

RESEARCH FIRST

(see box on the right), but also be resourceful and creative in doing your own searches.

Google is your friend. Open your approach and search for companies far and wide in the industry you’re interested in; ones that you’ve never heard of; small independent ones; new budding businesses. The more you expand

Don’t underestimate the vital role researching plays when hunting for work experience and internships. You might already have your top five big well-known companies that you’re dying to work for lined up in your head, but, realistically, your application will be one

Big companies have careers accounts onTwitter where they tweet when they have positions open

CAREERS your search the greater your chances will be.

Find companies that aren’t necessarily even advertising for interns and apply speculatively - you might just convince them that you’re that brilliant that they need to take on an intern! Gradually build up a bookmark folder on your laptop of companies that you come across, big and small, and before you know it you’ll have 20 more options of places to apply that you didn’t even know existed before. The more applications you send, the better.

TWEET YOURSELF AHEAD

PHOTO: IStockphoto WORDS: Hannah Wann

Twitter isn’t just for posting pictures of your lunch. It can be a great platform for finding work experience – especially if you’re looking for media/creative posts, which tend to be shorter in duration and highly in demand.

Nearly all big companies have Twitter accounts, some even have dedicated careers accounts (such as Microsoft, ASOS and Unilever) where they tweet when they have job positions open, when they’re looking for interns or when their application schemes open and close. All of the internship websites we’ve listed also have Twitter accounts where they post the newest internships up every day; it’s the quickest and easiest way to find out about the latest opportunities and get your application in before everyone else.

You can also use Twitter as a useful research tool to find new companies. Smaller companies in the same industries (such as publishing) often communicate with each other over Twitter, and might even recommend each other on “Follow Friday” (#FF), so browsing Twitter in your break in between lectures can be a brilliant way to widen up your search. Just remember, if you’re going to make your Twitter account open, avoid the “I’m so hungover I could die” tweets. They might just ruin your ‘perfect potential employee’ image.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Students talk about their intern experiences...

Graphic design student, fashion promotion intern: ‘Any experience is good experience, even if it’s not directly relevant to what you eventually want to do, it’s good to keep your options open and an open mind.

Be persistent, expect to be rejected.’

Psychology student, editorial intern: ‘When applying, don’t worry purely about what THEY want, make sure you firstly know why YOU want the internship.’

English student, marketing intern: ‘Follow up your applications! If you don’t hear back, don’t be afraid to prompt. Several times employers have thanked me for the reminder.’

Finance student, risk analyst intern: ‘Dedicate an adequate amount of time to building your CV, and always get others to check it.

Apply as early as possible!’

Fashion design student, fashion textiles intern: ‘Figure out what makes you

COVER LETTER WISDOM

An excellent covering letter is just as important, if not more so, than a sparkling CV. Cover letters are usually read first in an application, and have the use of ‘whetting the employers’ appetite’ before they move on to your CV – depending on if they want to, by the standard of your letter! A cover letter shouldn’t just rehash your CV but draw out the most important points, demonstrate your suitability for the role and support your claims of brilliance with your skills and experience. Don’t blabber; keep it concise and relevant, no more than a side of A4.

The biggest failing in cover letters is making them generic. You need to tailor each letter to each company. Show a detailed knowledge of what the company does and why you want to work for them - a paragraph or so - and why you are perfect for the position they’ve

different from everyone else applying, and make it stand out.’

Computer science student, software development intern: ‘Do your own search for internships; don’t just stick to placement databases.’

Economics student, economic assistant intern: ‘Know the company well and what they do in detail before applying!’

described. Don’t forget to keep it formal – no ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ – and use ‘Yours sincerely’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ correctly.

Avoid at all costs addressing the covering letter ‘Dear Sir/Madam/to who it may concern’. It’s impersonal, lacking effort and won’t get you anywhere but the bin. If the company doesn’t specify who to send your application to, or who is in charge of work experience, telephone them. Find out the name of the person who handles work experience applications and their email address, then begin your letter Mr/Ms… Sorted. A little effort can go a long way! 

TOP INTERN WEBSITES internavenue.com a range of paid and unpaid internships

TOP TIPS FOR APPLICATIONS!

milkround.com a range of internships, placements and graduate schemes

✔

inspiringinterns.com a variety of graduate internships

DO remember, for every 10 places you apply, 9 might not even reply. Don’t be disheartened, be even more determined.

Hold out for that one place that might!

you can get as a student; such as society committee positions, student media, brand ambassador and sports teams.

✘

companies. You can get some of the best experience at smaller companies as they’ll have you doing more than JUST the tea round.

DON’T be set on one very specific type of internship and turn everything else down.

Any experience is good to start off with, and you might just find you love a type of work that you’d never considered before.

✔ DO use any contacts you might already

have. It might feel a bit like cheating but you should use every opportunity you can get!

✔ DO build your CV with any opportunities

✘ DON’T disregard smaller, lesser-known

✔

DO be prepared to be asked about everything and anything on your CV in an interview. Also be a complete expert on the company and the role you’d be doing.

✔

DO be the best intern they’ve ever had if you get picked!

articles.ratemyplacement.co.uk a number of student placements and internships charityjob.co.uk/jobs/Internships charity internships gorkanajobs.co.uk journalism and Public Relations internships mediamuppet.com media internships gothinkbig.co.uk creative, media and digital internships ukfashionintern.com fashion internships (from design to writing to PR)

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 63

POSTGRAD

staying power

Thinking about postgraduate courses?

Before you sign up for another year in the same city, why not check out the different options that exist around the country...

W

hen you’re working out what to do after graduation, it’s important to make an informed decision. In a crowded job market, a well chosen postgraduate qualification can help you stand out - and if you’re looking to enter a specific discipline, like teaching or law, it’s pretty much essential. Here’s an overview of some of the top postgrad courses in the country, so that you can plot your next move.

TEACHING THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The university offers the School Direct course a non-salaried route into teaching 64 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

PHOTO: IStockphoto

The Cambridge Education faculty’s teaching courses were rated as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. The University of Cambridge offers courses in both Early Years & Primary and Secondary Education.

Tuition fees are currently £9,000 for home/ EU students and £17,800 for overseas

USW FBS ad 133x189:Layout 1 16/04/2013 15:20 Page 1

Improved career prospects and professional recognition Postgraduate qualifications can be life changing.

That’s not just the opinion of the University of South Wales – it’s the opinion of those who have studied with us and experienced accelerated career paths as a result.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed postgraduate study. The course was fantastic, with excellent tutors prepared to offer a lot of support. I’ve had a promotion at work before completing the course, which otherwise I could not have applied for.”

Hannah Cothey, MSc Human Resources Management

It may be a difficult time to invest in a further qualification, but a Masters degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma could make you a highly sought-after employee. Plus, we have a range of non-means tested scholarships available.

If you want to learn and develop with like-minded professionals, contact us on 08455 194 787 or visit www.southwales.ac.uk/postgraduate for more information and to book your place at our next Open Evening.

The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312

students. The university offers the new School Direct course, a non-salaried route into teaching that aims to maximise time spent in the classroom.

Entry requirements are typically a 2.1 degree in your chosen discipline and GCSE passes (at C+) in English Language and Mathematics. PGCE candidates have an option to go on to study for their Masters degree. For more information about the course, application and funding, visit educ.cam.ac.uk/courses/pgce/applying/ funding.html

PHOTO: IStockphoto

EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY

The Lancashire-based university specialises in training teachers in Secondary Shortage subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, Modern Languages and Information Technology. The university offers a Subject Enhancement course in maths and science for those who did not study the subject they wish to teach at degree level. The PGCE department was rated outstanding

by Ofsted.

The full time PCGE courses cost £9,000, or £4,500, plus an additional £1,500 a term for students who wish to study on a part-time or flexible basis. Fees are not charged up front, but students are offered a loan to cover the cost of tuition that will only be repaid when

they start to earn more than £21,000 a year.

For further information, and to find out how to apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry, visit edgehill.ac.uk/ postgraduate/pgce OPEN UNIVERSITY

If you’d prefer to qualify off campus and study at your own pace, the Open University’s PGCE course is worth investigating. As well as offering the core secondary subjects, candidates can specialise in areas of design and technology.

The course takes 12 months full-time, or 24 months if undertaken part-time, and although you study at home, you will spend time in two different schools and teach whole classes.

The course fee is £9,000 for the full-time course, with the part-time option broken into payments of £6,750 and £2,250 before the beginning of the second year. Fees for all candidates from Wales and Northern Ireland will be £3,465.

EU candidates will be eligible to apply for a student loan. For more information visit open.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/ qualification/k20.htm MEDIA BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY

Bournemouth University’s postgraduate

The media courses are formulated in order to incorporate work experience and lead graduates to employment when they’ve completed their studies media faculty is legendary and boasts an award winning multimedia journalism course. Entry requirements are typically a 2.1 bachelor’s degree, although any subject is considered. Fees for EU students start at £5,000 and rise to £11,000, international students should expect to pay in the region of £14,000.

The media courses are formulated in order to incorporate work experience and lead graduates to employment when they’ve completed their studies. Alumni have gone on to become international journalists, magazine editors, multimedia creatives, and more. For further W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 65

POSTGRAD BIRMINGHAM STUDENTS RECEIVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

IT’S ALL SMILES FOR STUDENTS IN SOUTH WALES

information, visit courses.bournemouth. ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-degree/multimedia-journalism/ma/95/fees-overview/ GOLDSMITH’S, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

This university offers an MA in digital media that enables students to understand the digital transformations that have taken place in media, culture and society over the last few years. The course offers students the chance to study under some impressive academic names including Angela Phillips and David Morley. The university also has top of the range equipment, and students have access to exhibition spaces and digital media suites.

The course can be studied full-time (over a year) or part-time (over two years). Applicants are required to have a 2.1 degree and provide a portfolio of work to support their application. Those who are offered a place will be asked to pay £450 to secure it, and course fees start from £6,050 for home students and £12,300 for those outside the EU. For further information, go to gold. ac.uk/pg/ma-digital-media-technologycultural-form/

The course offers students the chance to study under some impressive names including Angela Phillips BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY

This university has a dedicated media school, and tutors fully understand that when it comes to making good use of your time, theoretical learning needs to be backed up by practical experience. It’s a great place to study if you’re interested in new media, and the courses will allow you to learn in a way that gives you an edge, whether you’re interested in a career in journalism, marketing, PR or broadcasting.

Courses offered include Events and Exhibition Management, and Freelance Photography. As well as helping you develop the skills you need to excel at

STUDY IN THE SUNSHINE There are plenty of great courses to choose from in the UK, but it’s worth remembering that there are also plenty of opportunities to study overseas. For new subjects, especially in science and media, there are exciting courses in Europe and beyond, so if you want to do something specific, why not investigate what’s on offer outside the UK? You can search postgraduate courses overseas at prospects.ac.uk/search_courses.htm, and there’s advice on what to do when you get there, too. Studying outside your home country can be more expensive, but course fees vary so it’s worth shopping around.

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producing work, the courses will give you guidance when it comes to entering the workplace and selling your freshly acquired abilities and qualifications.

Applications are considered on an individual basis, and potential applicants are asked to submit an Expression Of Interest proposal. Fees depend on the course or the individual, and the university advises applicants to consider finding a future employer who could sponsor their course.

For more information, visit bcu.ac.uk/ student-info/postgraduate/fees-andfunding SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

Bristol’s Faculty of Science offers a breadth of postgraduate courses including Animal Behaviour, Climate Change Science and Policy and Paleaobiology, as well as straight Physics. All programmes are available as full-time one year courses, and a handful can be studied parttime too. Application fees are £50, and course fees vary depending on individual assessment, but applicants will need to pay a deposit of £1,000 if they are successful. Minimum entry requirements are a 2.1 in a specialised undergraduate science degree.

See the website for more information: bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/ postgraduate/2013/taught_progs/SCIF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES

Why study at postgraduate level?

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• Strong links with industry – learn from leading academics • Opportunities to engage in relevant world leading research • Superb modern facilities, vibrant learning environment and an exceptional location.

*Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, 2009/10.

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POSTGRAD

RADS! POSTG y help

study ma Postgrad ut in an already o you stand nd competitive a d e d w cro et job mark

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR POSTGRAD STUDENTS IN DERBY

Studying for a postgraduate qualification can be a life changing experience. Masters qualifications are seen as benchmarks of excellence by many employers. They not only provide specific subject knowledge or skills for a particular career, but also develop important transferable skills. This is particularly important in the current economic climate − differentiation is essential in marketing every product, and marketing yourself in the job market is no exception.

Postgraduate students, on average, earn more than individuals whose highest qualification is an undergraduate degree. They are also more likely to enter professional and managerial occupations and to earn more over their lifetime.* Organisations need individuals with wider business skills and experience more now than ever. The latest Risk Index (2011) from Lloyd’s shows that the second biggest risk, after losing customers, is a shortage of talent and skills.

If you want to learn and develop with likeminded professionals, visit southwales.ac.uk/postgraduate for more information and to book your place at our next Open Evening. *One step beyond: Making the most of postgraduate education. 2010 68 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

Postgrad students, on average, earn more than those whose highest qualification is an undergrad degree QUEEN MARY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

The Queen Mary Science and Engineering school has a strong economic focus, offering a range of courses including Banking and Finance and Accounting and Management.

It is one of few places in the country to offer medical courses in Burn Care and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Preferred applicants must have a 2.1 bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Courses cost between £5,000£9,500 for home students, and up to £14,000 for students outside the EU. For a full list of graduate courses, visit qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/coursefinder/ index.html LAW MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY, LONDON

The Middlesex University School of Law has a well deserved reputation for undertaking

ground-breaking work on behalf of international organisations including the UN, EU and human rights NGOs. The School has recently welcomed the influential European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) to join their existing team of internationally renowned human rights experts - including UN special advisor, Professor William Schabas.

The Dean, Professor Joshua Castellino, says “the major factor in the success of our postgraduate students, those taking our Graduate Diploma in Law as well as our LLM students, is that they are taught by worldleading academics who are actively involved in shaping the international legal landscape.

Their specialist knowledge and experience is shared with their students. ” This year talented students are being offered the opportunity to win scholarships worth up to 50% of the fee.

Find out more at mdx.ac.uk/pglaw THE UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

The University of Derby offers an exciting range of specialist postgraduate courses, and is renowned for its postgraduate courses in criminology. It’s one of the few institutions in the country to offer an MSc in Cyber Crime, allowing students to learn how advances in technology have impacted upon the legal system. Students are given hands on training in order to

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POSTGRAD gain a practical understanding of computer crime, and by the end of the course, you’ll be able to present evidence effectively and efficiently in court. Courses at Derby are focused around real world learning, and are created to allow as much practical skill development as possible.

You have the option of studying full- or part-time, as Derby’s postgraduate courses are created in order to allow candidates to start building their careers as they learn. Course fees for home students are £495 per module, with students typically studying around nine modules in total.

Students outside the EU will pay £10,455 for the full course. Prospective applicants will need an undergraduate degree of 2.2 or higher, with all disciplines being considered. If you’re not sure whether a course is right for you, its programme leader will be happy to discuss your application with you.

Head to derby.ac.uk/courses/ postgraduate for more information.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

Edinburgh boasts 27 different postgraduate English courses alone,

including Creative Writing, Intellectual History and Canadian studies. Applicants can also choose courses from the History and Classics and Film and Theatre Schools. Entry requirements vary, but a strong bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to your chosen subject is required.

Fees are a flat £6,050 for students within the EU, and overseas students will pay from £13,700 - £32,400 depending on banding.

For more information and to see the subjects on offer, head to the website: ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

The postgraduate courses available here include Art, English Literature and Creative Writing and Theatre, Film and Television Studies. International and EU students need to demonstrate they are confident English users as part of their course application.

Aberystwyth is one of the few places to offer a course dedicated to Welsh writing, and the university has strong links with the National Library of Wales. Fees for Arts degrees start at £4,450 a year for the full-time course and £2,250 a year for the

part-time course.

To find out more, see the website: aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/postgraduatecourses/taughtcourses/ THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK

York is ranked as one of the top research universities in the UK, so it’s the perfect place for in depth postgraduate learning. York offers a wide variety of postgraduate MAs in literature, with opportunities to specialise either historically or thematically. Its Medieval school regularly attracts top guest lecturers and academics, and as York is an ancient city with a fascinating historical heritage, it’s an atmospheric place to pursue your studies.

Most MA courses can be studied full time or part time. Standard fees for home students are currently £5,900 a year for the full-time courses, and £2,950 a year for the part-time courses. Students from outside the EU can expect to pay £13,580 for full-time courses and £6,790 a year for part-time courses.

For further information, visit york. ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/ fees-2013-2014 

4

QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING BEFORE YOU EMBARK...

A postgrad qualification can increase your likelihood of securing a job, but take time out to consider all avenues before signing up for more study.

The academic world can be a cosy one, and after three years of undergraduate study, you might be tempted to stay ensconced in its comforting bosom forever. But there are a number of important factors to consider before signing up.

1 Money, money, money – Yep, that old chestnut, we’re afraid. Postgraduate courses can seem dauntingly expensive - spend some time searching for any scholarships and bursaries that might be available to you before you plunge in and send yourself plunging into more debt.

2 Location, location, location – You might love the city you’ve lived in as an undergrad, but the university that was perfect for your first degree might not be right for your second. Make your choice based on what the course offers you, not the location.

3 Time, time, time – A full-time postgraduate course is just that. If you will be relying on income from a part-time job, find a course that can be done part-time too.

4 Work, work, work – You don’t have to go straight back to studying as soon as you’ve graduated. If you want to make sure that a postgraduate course is really for you, it’s worth getting some work experience in a related field first. Once you have your first degree, you can apply for a postgraduate course at any point.

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GRADUATION GUIDE

GRADUATION ?

T A H W W O N SO

University life is short, so with graduation imminent it’s time to make some big decisions about your future.

G

raduation can be a frightening prospect and for those of you graduating in the summer of 2013, the countdown to graduation day can feel like a ticking time bomb. But there is some good news, new reports from the Reed Job Index show that the job market is slowly improving. The statistics show a rise in job opportunities in most areas of the UK, with a 12 per cent increase in vacancies compared to last year.

Unfortunately, while this is good news, for graduates, competition is still fierce. Whether you have a concrete idea of what life after graduation will look like or are completely clueless, this guide will help you on your way.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

FIRST THINGS FIRST, DO YOUR RESEARCH

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If you’re graduating with no clear idea of what career you want to step into, then the first step is to do your homework!

There are many resources that will help you gain a basic 16/04/2013 09:49

understanding of the type of careers that are out there and when looking through such resources ask yourself the following questions: What am I good at?

What are my interests?

What do I want from my future employment?

THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES WILL AID YOU IN YOUR RESEARCH:

• prospects.ac.uk A great resource, providing job descriptions and case studies from individuals who work in these sectors.

• jobs.guardian.co.uk The Guardian gives an A-Z of employers and a browse through the jobs advertisements will give you a good idea of what type of employment is out there.

• unistats.com Uni Stats provides you with statistics outlining what graduates with a similar degree to yours have gone on to do, letting you see which area of employment they went into as well as their salary levels.

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 71

GRADUATION GUIDE

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Once you have done some digging, there is no shame in asking for help and the best advice available to you will be found at your university’s career service. To kick start your search for expert advice here’s some wise words from...

Janet Willis, Project Manager and Careers Consultant - University of Manchester "The job market is competitive, with around 335,000 students graduating from UK universities this summer, but working out what you want to do and where you want to work is vital in ensuring that you can present yourself in a targeted and focused way to employers and organisations you're interested in."

All universities have their own career services. Make an appointment with one of the team, who will be able to give you

offering a two-year experience to provide graduates with the opportunity to work in three of the nation’s leading charities, in a variety of corporate positions.

The most valuable experience will relate to the sector you want to work in

Doing a postgraduate course is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken likely, to help you make this decision have a look through the following resources: • prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate_study.htm Prospects allows you to browse the postgraduate courses available in the UK and provides information on funding and studying abroad.

• postgrad.com Post Grad provides advice on how to choose and apply for a postgraduate programme.

• braintrack.com Brain Track allows you to search for postgraduate courses in higher education institutions in 194 countries, a good resource for those of you wishing to study abroad.

information on the job sector that interests you, providing you with tips on how to be successful. They will also be able to provide you with assistance in writing your CV and will conduct a mock-interview for you to polish off your interview skills.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience has become vital with most recruiters now expecting graduates to have some type of work experience under their belt. The most valuable work experience will relate to the job sector that you want to work in, for example competitive areas like the media and law sectors will expect you to have relevant work experience. Any type of work experience however will help you to develop the ‘transferable skills’ that employers find so attractive, such as teamwork, organisation and communication skills. The following resources will help you in your search for work experience placements: • graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk Graduate Talent Pool is a government organised website that advertises paid and unpaid internships across the country.

• step.org.uk Step displays short-term placement schemes for students and graduates, the placements are predominantly with small to medium organisations.

• charity-works.co.uk This scheme is run by national charities

FURTHER STUDY

Obtaining a postgraduate qualification can seem attractive, especially for those not ready to leave the university lifestyle behind, but before making any decisions, consider the following factors: • Is obtaining a postgraduate qualification required for the career or area of profession that you are interested in?

• Are you willing to take out further loans to fund this? Is there any funding available for you?

• Do employers value this postgraduate course? Is it stated in job specifications as being desirable?

TAKE A GAP YEAR

If you didn’t take a gap year before university or feel as though you want to take a break after graduating, then a gap year may be a good fit for you. Taking a gap year does not mean relaxing for a year and the only way to ensure that your time off is successful is to make sure that the experiences you gain are invaluable. The following websites will help you search for volunteering options: • timebank.org.uk Time Bank will let you search for volunteering opportunities in the UK. • ics-uk.org.uk ICS is a Government funded volunteering scheme helping 18-25-year-olds, to work in a developing country for up to three months.

• gapyear.com Gap Year gives great advice about gap year opportunities. 

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