Fresh Direction Summer 2012 by Fresh Direction

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 2012

Travel The World!

Where to go, what to see and why

Postgrad Study Is it really worth it? We look at your options

Olympic Style It’s ready, steady, go in the fashion world

Uni’s out for summer; don’t waste a single second!

STUDENT SEX JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HOTTER!

LABRINTH

Let the sun shine with the UK’s most colourful pop star! Official Partner

STUDENT HEALTH How not to mess with the stress WIN!

WIN!

LATITUDE TICKETS

BOOST ULTIMATE CHILL-OUT PACKS

LG PORTABLE DVD PLAYER

And go to other festivals for free!

Add sunshine to make the summertime swing

Plus copies of Ralph lph Fiennes’ Coriolanus

THE DRINK’S PURE It’s your mind that’s the problem

100% Natural Energy

CONTENTS

Fresh Direction Summer 2012 www.student365.co.uk

36 30

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

CK US OUT

CHE .co.uk student365 ONLINE!

THE UK’S Nº1 STUDENT MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2012

Travel The World!

Where to go, what to see and why

Postgrad Study Is it really worth it? We look at your options

Olympic Style It’s ready, steady, go in the fashion world

Uni’s out for summer; don’t waste a single second!

STUDENT SEX JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HOTTER!

LABRINTH

Let the sun shine with the UK’s most colourful pop star!

29 Labrinth

02 Fresh News

Read all about it 04 Postgrad Special Why it’s worth it 06 Graduate Finance Why it pays to be prepared 11 Revision Tips How to remember

Official Partner

STUDENT HEALTH

Beat The Debt

How not to mess with the stress WIN!

WIN!

LATITUDE TICKETS

BOOST ULTIMATE CHILL-OUT PACKS

LG PORTABLE DVD PLAYER

And go to other festivals for free!

FRESH IN

Add sunshine to make the summertime swing

Plus copies of Ralph lph Fiennes’ Coriolanus

On your marks, get set... Go! This summer that’s not only a call to arms to embrace all that the Great British sunshine has to offer you, but is obviously a reference to the small matter of the Olympics. Inspired by the dedicated athletes, we resolved that the latest issue of Fresh Direction would propel you to embark on some amazing feats of your own. That means plenty of travel ideas, how to manage graduate debt, what to wear at the festivals and lots more besides. Plus it’s all 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!

ACCOMMODATION 14 Accommodation

Hassle-free house hunting

FOOD + DRINK 17 Party Food

Make your party the tastiest 22 Speed Snacks The best quick eats reviewed

ENTERTAINMENT 26 Reviews

All the latest music and films 28 Books The hottest summer reads

This year’s coolest pop star unveiled 30 Festival Guide Best fest preview 32 Festival Comps Win tickets!

SHOPPING

34 Festival Style

What to wear in the sun - or mud! 36 Fashion Inspired by this summer’s Olympics 38 What’s Fresh The latest must-haves for stylish students! 40 Computer Games Get the latest hot games 42 Computers Ensure you get the right touchscreen tablet 46 Competitions Win lots of stuff for free!

FRESH DIRECTION IS PUBLISHED BY

Art Director: Gemma Burgess www.newissuedesign.com

F D MEDIA LIMITED 5 Ella Mews Cressy Road London, NW3 2NH

Sub-Editor: James Butler

Tel: 020 7428 7018 Fax: 020 7504 5909 www.fd-media.co.uk Publishing Director: Paul Russell paul.russell@fd-media.co.uk

Contributors: Phoebe Annett; Rachel Fennel; Adam Hartley; Rob Hearn; Kelly Holgate; Kathryn Lewsey; Aissetou Ngom; Claire Norman; Lucy Peden; Charley Utton Printed By: Polestar UK Ltd 1 Apex Business Centre Boscombe Road LU5 4SB

48 Gadgets

Techie heaven

TRAVEL

49 Mind The Gap

Make the most of your year off 54 Holidays In The UK What to do; where to go 58 Travel Advice Helpful health, money and insurance tips

HEALTH

62 Sexual Olympics

Witness the fitness!

65 Exam Stress

How to avoid it

70 Drugs

Get smart - get informed

STUDENT LIFE 72 Last Word

What to do before leaving uni for the last time.

If you’re interested in writing for us or for general editorial enquries please contact: aissetou.ngom@student365. co.uk For advertising and sponsorship opportunities please email: enquiries@fd-media.co.uk

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright, full details of which are available from the publisher. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise – without the prior permission of the copyright owner. The publishers do not accept the responsibility for any views expressed in this publication. © F D Media Limited 2012

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NEWS

R F S W E N H FRES A quarter of uni courses axed

FIT FOR ROYALTY: BECKA HUNT’S WINNING SHOES

According to a report carried out by the UCU, the number of undergraduate courses on offer has declined by 27% since 2006. The study found that social sciences, arts, technology and maths degrees saw the sharpest fall. Overall, the number of undergraduate courses between 2006 and 2012 dropped from 70,052 to 51,116. It is feared that courses will continue to decrease thanks to the rise in tuitions fees, meaning that universities will have to alter the programmes and departments on offer.

STUDENT DESIGN IS A SHOE IN FOR KATE MIDDLETON

A standard part of student life is having a number of imaginative fancy dress outfits for those colourful nights out, but who’d have thought it could land you in some serious trouble? The University of East Anglia’s men’s rugby team is facing an 18-month playing ban due to a recent “bad taste” night out. Those mimicked included former Wales football manager Gary Speed, Baby P and Ku Klax Klan extremists. The team were also accused of making sexist and racist remarks, resulting in UEA scrapping the club, stating: “The suspension of all activity will last until the start of the 2013/14 academic year.” If the ban is enforced the club will be able to return to the rugby field, but only with special measures in place.

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with cream lace and delicate sequins. The final six even got the chance to meet the Princess. Becka said: “Kate was absolutely lovely and so beautiful,” adding that the royal favourite was “calm and softly spoken”. Becka revealed how the shoes were directly inspired by Kate herself and specifically focused on her “amazing engagement ring”. The shoes will now be custom made for Kate to wear on a regular basis.

SAVE THE PLANET AND WATCH A FILM FOR FREE Recycling: it’s something we should all do but sometimes it requires extra effort. The Can Film Festival is offering students the chance to watch a free film for dropping off just two cans. Better still, organise the event yourself - all you need to do is register. The UK sells 9.4 billion cans every year and it takes just six weeks for a recycled can to be back on the shelf. Think about the difference you can make while enjoying a free film. Head over to everycancounts.co.uk now.

WORDS: Kathryn Lewsey

RUGBY TEAM TACKLED BY FANCY DRESS NIGHT

eicester De Mountfort University students have had a brush with royalty recently. 120 design students were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to design a pair of shoes for the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, to wear during the Diamond Jubilee tour. Six of the designs were shortlisted and sent over to St. James Palace where Kate picked out her favourite. The chosen pair, designed by the talented Becka Hunt, are royal navy blue adorned

E R F S W E N FRESH College sued because of “too much sex” Housemates getting on your nerves? Thank your lucky stars that you’re not studying in America where it’s common for students to share rooms during their studies. One disgruntled Boston student is suing her Roman Catholic college because her roommate’s late night antics have driven her to a state of suicidal depression. Lindsay Blankmeyer is taking legal action against Stonehall College due to the college’s refusal to relocate her to a single room, despite complaints that her roommate’s constant bouts of sex were damaging her emotionally and physically. After months of pleading with the university, the student could no longer deal with her roommate’s actions and checked herself into a hotel for the final semester. Makes a change from checking into a hotel to HAVE sex!

Plymouth student sails to victory in global superyacht design competition Dan Humphreys, a product design student at Plymouth University, has been announced as the winner of the Seatec boat show which took place in Carrara, Italy. Dan won the chance to represent Britain after winning the Superyacht UK Design Competition last year. Competitors were asked to design an eco-friendly boat using natural or recyclable materials that were three to six metres long.

Students from across the world competed for the title but Dan was announced as the winner due to his creative ideas and high quality drawing skills. It’s the third time that a Brit has entered the competition judged by industry experts, but Dan is the first to win. The closest thing we’ve come to making a recyclable transport device was a paper plane - so we salute Dan.

STRETCH THAT POUND AND ERADICATE GLOBAL POVERTY

WORDS: Kathryn Lewsey

Tesco used student’s face without asking Fashion student Nicola Kirkbride was stunned upon discovering Tesco had been selling a sweater that featured an image of her face. The photo was on Nicola’s personal blog and she only discovered that the supermarket had used it when a Twitter follower tagged her in an image of the clothing item. Nicola, who is currently studying at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, contacted Tesco to find out more. The supermarket chain was unable to explain how the image of Nicola had ended up on one of its products and said it will investigate further into the matter. The aspiring fashion designer’s blog clearly states that all images personally belong to the student and cannot be used without consent from the owner. Let’s hope every little counts in Tesco’s defence!

Surviving on a student budget is something we’re all used to but could you really get by on just a pound a day? A group of Durham students did just that as a preview of the nationwide campaign Live Below The Line. The organisation seeks to highlight the problems 1.4 billion

people across the world are forced to endure everyday through extreme poverty. One member of the team even continued to live on this budget for a total of forty days as her own personal challenge for Lent. Reckon you could do it? Try it out for yourself and see how far you can get.

Students opt for career prospects A new survey carried out by Cardiff University has discovered that students view their future employment prospects as more important than partying and socialising. The research, which debunks the traditional images of hedonistic partygoers, found that 59% of students ranked their employment prospects as the most important factor when applying for university. In comparison, just 30% regarded nightlife as more important when choosing universities. It’s thought these results are due to the rise in tuition fees and the current problems graduates face looking for employment.

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Postgrad

PARTY? RISING NUMBERS According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the number involved in postgraduate courses has risen from 243,000 to 310,000 in the last ﬁve years. IT PAYS OFF Latest ﬁgures show that three and a half years after graduation, 94% of postgrads found work in the professions compared to 78% of undergraduates.

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raduation is around the corner, exams are fast-approaching and that trusty student card is scarily close to expiring, forever. Finding a job is tougher than ever and if you’re stuck at where to go next, further studying may be the right path for you. If you’re not quite ready to leave the student bosom behind, a postgraduate course is ideal and a brilliant boost to the CV. They can improve your employability and give you the skills required for your dream job. But with so many different courses and options out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. We’re here to break it down. TYPES OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES:

MA/MSc. Traditionally a year long, an MA or MSc is similar to your undergraduate degree, consisting of lectures, deadlines and a dissertation. An MA stands for Masters of Arts degree and is typically related to courses of the arts, social sciences or humanities variety. MSc on the other hand, means Master of Science and is mainly a science or technology degree. MBA. The Master of Management, Business

Unemployment is high. Taking up a course may help you with your desired field of work. and Administration qualification can be of a similar content to an MSc in a business heavy discipline. A requirement of the course is that you must have had at least two years professional working experience to your name, something that differentiates it from other similar postgraduate courses. MRes. The Master of Research degree is, you’ve guessed it, based largely on research. Although it is partly a taught programme, 60% of it involves self-teaching and independent research which is then projected through a dissertation of around 30,000 to 35,000 words. Tuition fees are significantly lower as your contact with

PHOTO: IStockphoto; WORDS: Kathryn Lewesy

Lost and confused about life after graduation? A postgraduate course could be just what you need…

POST-GRAD COURSES members of the University’s teaching staff is greatly reduced. Given today’s troubled economic climate this can be an appealing factor for many potential post-graduate students. PhD. A PhD is not for the fainthearted. Typically those wanting to undertake a PhD course must have completed an undergraduate and masters level degree. Also they must contact the University they wish to study at with a research proposal in mind, which must be accepted before they can commence work on their chosen project. Those wanting to become University lecturers should seriously consider the prospect of a PhD to increase their employment credentials. PGCert and PGDip. Diplomas and certificates cover a wide range of different subjects and are perfect for focusing on a specific qualification. An array of subjects such as journalism, law and teaching are on offer, where you can gain the relevant skills nimp ag Bis m and knowledge needed to help you pursue m u s ip o orem apistilast macipsMost yourLcareer ambitions. a year, orrorupid es qui volor re e nine months. If you’re some are around p a u q e s n is isquyou odjob 100% certain want then nihofimthe this is a fantastic way to pick up proficient experience.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Choosing to continue your studies shouldn’t be taken lightly. They’re extremely expensive and can be tough going. Forget about the partying and drinking sessions from your undergraduate years, a postgraduate course is serious and challenging. However, don’t let that put you off; here are a few reasons why further studying is worth the investment. It shows commitment to future employers. By showing that you’ve opted to undergo more studying after three years of textbooks and lectures, it’s clear to see that you have passion and drive for a subject. This is something that will help you out when applying for jobs.

IT’S AFFORDABLE

While it is stressed that the cost of a postgraduate course is very high, there are always ways around the numerous obstacles in your path. Bursaries are often offered to help support students and grants, though rare, are also available. A postgraduate course can range from £3,000 to £15,000. But if you’re serious and dedicated, money shouldn’t be a factor to put you off. 

YOU’LL GAIN NEW SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

Whether it’s proving your research ability or proficiency in writing lengthy essays, there’s no doubt that your skills will have developed and progressed from degree standard. You will also be highly knowledgeable in a specific area, giving you an edge in the employment battle.

USEFUL RESOURCES

IT MAY BE EASIER THAN FINDING A JOB

UCAS - Connecting people to higher education ucas.ac.uk

Given the current economic climate, the chance of employment isn’t guaranteed.

fact To be a successful lawyer of tomorrow you need the best training available today

PHOTO: IStockphoto; WORDS: Kathryn Lewesy

Unemployment is high and recent graduates are suffering more than most. Taking up a course may help you with your desired field of work and is bound to impress in the future.

Prospects - The UK’s official graduate career website prospects.ac.uk Postgrad - The number one source for the UK’s postgrad programmes postgrad.com

Our highly structured programmes are unlike others. Taught by qualified lawyers using a high proportion of face-to-face tuition and supported by cutting-edge multi-media tools, our training will hone your professional skills so that from day one you will think and act as a lawyer. That’s why we find more work for future lawyers than any other law school. If you’re serious about law, qualify with the leaders in law. The full range of courses to prepare you for your legal career: GDL/LPC/ BPTC/LL.M Flexible full-time, part-time and S-mode options available nationwide

Registered charity

To find out more join the Future Lawyers Network at college-of-law.co.uk/fresh1 or call 0800 289997

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MONEY

LINE! GET ON dent

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

? Y E N O M NO ! S M E L B O NO PR arier than the student sc en ev em se ht ig m Graduate finance all the answers... version - but we’ve got

COMPLETE CONTROL It’s your debt, so remember to exercise all of the options open to you. Get the best deals on graduate accounts,

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

eing a student is a pricey business. When you’ve had to feed, clothe and entertain yourself for three to four years, the bills mount up - not to mention books and course fees. So what’s the best way to manage when you’ve got a degree certificate in one hand and a sheaf of red bank statements in the other? Unless you’re lucky enough to have generous parents, a surprise inheritance or a sofa cushion windfall, you’ll need to plan where the pennies are coming from once you’ve finished studying. The good news is that many organisations are happy to

lend to graduates in order to keep things ticking over while you’re looking to take your first steps on the employment ladder. BANKING ON IT You might not feel like a potentially lucrative customer, but banks are keen to bag graduates early on because they know that you’re likely to be earning an impressive salary in years to come. In most cases, your student account will automatically switch to a graduate version, and your bank will give you time to repay your overdraft - typically in increments of £500 over three years.

WORDS: Lucy Peden; PHOTO: IStockphoto

NO LAUGHING MATTER Recent figures estimate that students starting university in 2012 will graduate with debts approaching £60,000. Controlling this debt upon graduation is paramount.

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MONEY However, you can pick up all sorts of deals by comparing account benefits and switching over, and most banks are happy to take account of existing overdrafts. If you think you’re likely to be overdrawn for a while, look for a 0% deal. NatWest is currently offering graduates an interest free overdraft of up to £2000 in the year following graduation. If you can find a good deal on a student account, it’s recommended that you try to pay back some of your overdraft every month so that you’re ahead of the game when the interest free amount is reduced after the first year. Be careful not to go over your overdraft limit or you could be hit by hefty charges. If you think it’s going to happen, chat to your bank about it. Lloyds TSB won’t charge if you go over your overdraft limit by up to £10. If you do exceed that, they’ll give you until 3.30pm that day to sort it out.

EXTRA CREDIT Although they’re not recommended for long-term borrowing, a credit card can be useful after graduation - for example if you’re travelling abroad. With Mastercard and Visa accepted everywhere in the world, the right bit of plastic in your wallet will give you and your parents some peace of mind if you have an emergency away from home. You’ll need to pass a credit check in order to apply for a card - websites like experian.co.uk can tell you your credit score. Usually your bank will be keen to offer a credit card, but do shop around. You’ll get charged an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on your purchases so look for the one with the lowest percentage to keep things cheap. Make sure you keep on top of your bills. You’ll get charged a minimum payment - typically 3% - of your total credit card bill every month, but the interest will continue to build up on the unpaid balance. Pay off as much as you can every month and avoid using it for everyday purchases. 8 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

EXERCISE YOUR MONEY OPTIONS AND AVOID CRIPPLING DEBTS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Part-time work can bring full-time reward... Being able to borrow cash is very useful, but actually making money is even more important. As you brush up your CV and chase the graduate role of your dreams, it’s worth pursuing part-time opportunities too. These graduates found part-time work in some interesting places...

Blake, 22, York “I wasn’t sure waitressing was my thing, but I found a company who take on casual staff to work at corporate events. Sometimes I only find out about shifts at the last minute but because the work is sporadic it’s quite well paid. You meet some interesting people too. If you work at lots of different events you get an overview of a few different industries, which is useful when you’re thinking about careers.”

Olivia, 21, Durham “As a law graduate, getting part-time work connected to my degree was important to me, so it was great when my tutor put me in touch with a lawyer who was looking for someone to help out with admin. I got paid and the experience looks good on my CV. I’d recommend trying to get a job by word of mouth - you never know what you’ll discover by asking around.”

James, 22, London “After I graduated I worked in a call centre for a few months. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but I got to know a team of great people and paid off most of my student debt. The experience has also given me something to write about on graduate scheme applications!”

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Whenever you borrow money, always triple check the small print before you sign up for anything. Good banks will make everything clear.

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1 Nights out 2 Takeaways 3 Student clobber 4 Fancy dress 5 DVD box sets

MONEY If you are away from home, set up a direct debit to make sure that the bill gets paid every month. You’ll be charged a fee if a payment is missed or late. Avoid using a credit card in an ATM as interest is charged at a much higher rate for cash withdrawals. ON THE RUN One way of making sure you have access to money wherever you go is Waspit’s new social banking solution. It lets you pay easily, manage easily and save easily. Once you register, you can link a debit or credit card to your account and pay by swiping your phone over any Mastercard PayPass terminal. Your account is managed through your Facebook account or a mobile application. You can easily send money to any friend on any of your social networking accounts. It also lets you share your latest purchase with your friends online, and keep track of your favourite locations to eat. Waspit even lets you split the bill with friends when you’re out at dinner. It is accepted in a range of locations including BP garages, Boots, Caffe Nero, Pret and Eat and many other high street stores, in fact anywhere MasterCard PayPass is accepted… so you’ll never get stuck for

Pick up deals by comparing accounts and switching over. Banks are happy to take account of existing overdrafts. essentials when you’re on the go - and this list is growing all the time. Waspit works on any phone and on any network, pay-as-you go or contract. Best of all its free to sign up. Check out paybywaspit.com for more information.

of time. A typical annual fee for a pay day loans company is a staggering 4200%. LEAVE THE LOAN ALONE If you’re a UK resident, you won’t be expected to pay back your student loan until you’re earning at least £20,000 a year. At that point, the loan will be gradually deducted from your salary. There’s no need to panic about settling the whole loan as soon as you graduate, and as the loan has a lower rate of interest than a commercial loan you’re already getting the best deal around. Phew. 

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR Whenever you borrow money from any source, always triple check the small print before you sign up for anything. Good banks and loan companies will always make things as clear as possible and answer any questions you have in detail. Some companies offer easy pay day loans, but they’re not recommended unless you know that you can repay the full sum you are borrowing within a very short space

USEFUL WEBSITES nus.org.uk check out their comprehensive guide to all things finance related thisismoney.co.uk/money/studentfinance publishes an essential guide to help students keep on top of their money. moneynet.co.uk one of the leading product comparison websites. nasma.org.uk a registered charity advising students on how to alleviate hardship.

Are you looking for a part time job? thestudentjob.com puts you in contact with local employers so you can find one-off and part time job opportunities that earn you the extra cash you need to fund your university life. Within a few clicks, you can be applying for opportunities including working at high profile events, sporting venues, local restaurants and many more... There is something for everyone...

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STUDENT LIFE

INVESTING IN A TABLET CAN MAKE REVISING EASY WHEN YOU ARE ON THE GO

Ready to E

revise Revising doesn’t have to be a painful conclusion to all that studying you’ve done over the year. The key is to work smarter, not harder and that way you can ace all your exams...

ven if you’ve been to every single lecture and handed in all your assignments bang on time, exams are scary. And if you've missed a few things and wish you'd spent a lot more time in the library you're probably going into panic mode. The end of year stress-fest strikes terror into the heart of all students, but there’s no need to feel the fear. We’ve got it covered - check out our tips below. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

It sounds obvious, but where you revise will have a big impact on what you remember - and if you're surrounded by distractions the information won't sink in. It's worth remembering that if you’ve always worked in the same place, you'll start to get bored of your surroundings. If you revise somewhere new, the experience will feel fresh - which is very important when the material you're working with W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 11

STUDENT LIFE

REVISING OUTDOORS CAN BE A REFRESHING CHANGE OF SCENERY

might feel stale. Sam, 19, from Leeds says, "I've spent so much time in the library that my brain starts to switch off when I'm in there. I've started revising in quiet coffee shops. You're less likely to bump into your mates and there are fewer distractions because you can't just get up and wander around." If you like revising at home, ask a friend if they fancy swapping rooms with you so you can try out a brand new study environment. If you don't know their internet password you can concentrate even harder. GETTING ACTIVE

Avoid spending the night before with friends who are doing the same exam - you’ll only end up stressed. Flashcards can be very effective - not just because they help you memorise what you need to know, but because the act of writing and condensing facts helps you remember them in a different way. Katie, 20, from Manchester likes to get chatty. “I’m a history student, so I have a huge amount to remember for every exam. When I revise, I talk to myself about the subject as I make notes. Then I get

BE PREPARED Experts believe that getting up earlier and starting your revision for the day is preferable to working late into the evening. The early bird really does get the worm. LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA The temptation to indulge on Facebook, rather than gen up on the Russian Revolution, is obvious. Keep it to a minimum though you know it makes sense.

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

coursemates to test me. If I can talk about an event or concept, I know I can write about it in an exam. And they can tell me if I’ve missed any detail.” GETTING READY

The day before the exam, write a checklist and make sure that everything you need is with you. That way, you have time to shop for or borrow anything that you can't find. Your university website will tell you what you're not allowed to take in. Chances are that items like phones will be forbidden, so don’t rely on apps like calculators. Make sure you have everything you need to make the experience as comfortable as possible. A bottle of water will help concentration and will keep you from getting dehydrated. Tissues are also useful even if you haven't had a cold in ages, no-one wants to be the Lone Exam Sniffer. THE NIGHT BEFORE

It's tempting to stay up all night cramming, but you're much more likely to do well in the exam if you go into the room feeling rested and pampered. Avoid too much alcohol - a glass of wine with dinner or a quiet pint might help you relax but anything more than that will affect the quality of your sleep. Make sure you eat something light, as rich, heavy food is difficult to digest and might keep you up. If possible, avoid spending the night before with friends who are doing the same exam as you. It will be really difficult to avoid discussing it, and you’ll only end up making each other feel stressed and anxious. Ask your calmest mates to come over and watch a movie. Comedies are the best films to take your mind off pre-exam fears, and all that laughing will help you relax and sleep better. Good luck! 

What a sweetie! Why not take some treats in with you to help with the tricky bits? Here are our faves... Banana Mallows Chimps love bananas and they’re the smartest animals so these might boost your thinking power. Chocolate covered Brazil nuts These nuts are packed with seratonin, a natural mood improver. Jelly Filled Brains Does sitting exams make you feel like a zombie? You can eat like one too! Sherbert lemons Sucking on these will help you concentrate - just don’t get distracted by the ﬁzzy bit in the middle! Bach’s Rescue Remedy pastilles If all else fails these will keep you calm and stop you running from the room screaming.

WORDS: Lucy Peden; PHOTOS: IStockphoto

When it comes to revision itself, there is no right or wrong method - the only thing that is universally agreed on is that “reading through your notes” isn’t going to cut it. Your brain needs to be fully engaged if it’s going to absorb all the facts, and the best way to make that happen is to incorporate activities into your revision.

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great desksets and wallets. Visit www.stabilo.co.uk/ point88colors for hints and tips to help improve your memory including The Mind Map method. The Mind Map Method is a dynamic tool that facilitates recall and planning ability. This technique is applicable to any area of your life: study, memorisation, education, revision and problem solving. Isolating a specific theme and adding branches to represent sub-topics with New secondary

topics then springing from each branch, and so on – allow you to organise your thoughts effectively and picture what you are learning – making it stick better in your mind. So get one step ahead at university with the STABILO point 88. Available from Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, Ryman and all good stationers.

WIN! with STABILO point 88 For your chance to win one of 10 packs of 25 STABILO point 88 to help add colour to your work, email point88.uk@stabilo.com with “Fresh Direction” in the subject line along with your details by the 29.06.2012. Only one entry per person. The judges decision is ﬁnal and no correspondence will be entered into.

ACCOMMODATION

w a s y e Th ! g n i m o YOU c

ne of the more stressful novelties of student life is the search for decent accommodation. Indeed, gathering a group of bearable housemates to fill an adequate dwelling is likely to be one of the great struggles of your university years. However, househunting is something that's worth doing right; the worst case scenario is that you end up out of pocket, in a grim, cupboard-sized bedroom with flatmates you loath while your requests for repairs are ignored by your agents - so it's worth taking some considerable pains to ensure that you avoid that outcome. WITH A LITTLE HELP...

First and foremost you need to decide who you're going to live with. The more people you have, the cheaper it's going to be, up to a limit of about five people. After that it's just more people sharing a kitchen and bathroom and contributing to the general mess - not that that's necessarily a bad thing. Second, do you want to split the rent equally? If someone 14 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

takes the box room are they going to be compensated for it? If more people are brought into the flat will they share the rent? These are decisions that need to be made early on. SLOWLY, SLOWLY

Landlords tend to subscribe to the stereotype of students as nightmare tenants who will invariably fail to pay the rent, damage the property, leave bills unpaid and annoy the neighbours. This means that if an estate agent specialises in student lets it does so for a reason which is often because students, being inexperienced renters with limited resources, can easily be exploited. In effect you can often expect to be offered somewhat overpriced properties in poor condition. While mainstream agents will rarely accept student tenants it's possible that getting on their books can get you a much better offer – but you can also use web resources to compare the full spectrum of properties. Alternatively, househunting as late as September can achieve good results, if

you’re prepared to wait that long. From a landlord's point of view, if a property is not rented out by the start of the autumn term then it's likely to remain empty all year. This means that it is in the landlord's interest to take a lower offer than they would originally have accepted – potentially saving you a significant amount. They may also be open to other forms of negotiation like allowing you to only pay for the rooms that you occupy in a larger property.

MOVING-IN CHECKLIST • Is there pre-existing damage to the property?

• Is everything listed in the inventory present?

• Is the property secure? • Are your valuables insured? • Are there carbon monoxide detectors? • Do you know who’s going to be paying bills?

• Do you have a TV license? • Have you taken meter readings?

PHOTO: IStockphoto; WORDS: Michael Simon

When it comes to hassle-free house-hunting being organised is key, as our handy guide demonstrates.

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ACCOMMODATION GO WITH THE FLOW?

Once you've decided how to go about your hunting, you're going to have to choose where to look. It might seem an obvious choice to settle down close to uni but, with plenty of open windows and drunken stragglers, student areas tend to attract a disproportionate amount of crime and as Simon Thompson of AccommodtionForStudents. com says, “Do you want to pay extra to live on your university’s doorstep? Students would often be wise to consider transport links and how reliable they are in their area.” While a number of take-aways is certainly an attractive feature, it's worth thinking twice about looking further afield. ISO9000

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When you've found your property you'll have to sign some paperwork to confirm the exchange. Before you sign the contract – read it! And keep in mind that if you're not asked to sign a contract then you shouldn't hand over any cash. There's a good chance you'll have to pay an administration fee and, on top of this, many agents will ask you to appoint a guarantor who promises to pay the rent should you default. As StudentHousing.lon points out: “It is important that a guarantor ensures that they have only guaranteed the rent for their own [charge] rather than for the whole household.” Otherwise it's possible that you could be hit with quite a bill Next, if you sign before the summer holidays some agents will ask you to pay half rent for the period before you move in, in order to secure the property. If they won't let you access the property during that time it may be worth rethinking the deal. If you're unhappy about any of these things and haven't yet signed the contract, the agents can't make you do anything the worse that could possibly happen is that you could lose the property. On the other hand you could lose a lot of money.

DAMAGE LIMITATION

The final obstacle in your path is your damage deposit, which is likely to be some six weeks rent to cover potential damage to the property. Traditionally, student landlords have had a bad reputation for treating the deposit as a tax on residence, to be arbitrarily deducted from at the end of the year. One-infive students believe that their deposits have wrongfully been withheld, whether in full or in part, so don't automatically expect it back in full. However, it is now the law that the deposit must be lodged in a tenancy protection scheme. This means that if it is disputed then any deductions can be mediated by a third party. Before paying your deposit ask what scheme it will be placed in and later ask for evidence that it has been put into the scheme. If it has not the landlord can be held liable for four times the value of the deposit – but getting it back is a drawn out legal process, so it's better simply to make sure that it's protected. Remember, if you're unhappy with proceedings slow down and make sure you understand what's going on - and never feel rushed into signing things. Having done all this, your househunting should be finished. All you have left to do is move in. Good luck! 

USEFUL INFO Find student lets (and check out the free find-a-let iPhone app ‘Studentaccomm’) accommodationforstudents.com Read reviews of landlords mylandlordreviews.co.uk Find a flatmate flatmateclick.co.uk Find out about deposit protection direct.gov.uk/en/ TenancyDeposit/index.htm Get generic copies of important paperwork studenthousing.lon.ac.uk/ downloads.html

Perfect

FOOD

PARTY PREP FD T I

P Buy ingre dients fro m your loca l ma save yours rket to elf mone y on fresh s tuff!

TONIGHT IT’S PARTY TIME, ITS’S PARTY TIME TONIGHT!

WORDS: Lucy Peden PHOTO: IStockphoto

o the sun’s out, exams are over and everyone’s in a great mood. If you fancy having a party, now is the time to do it. You could just go to Asda, buy any beer on a two for one and tell all your mates to come on over. Or, with a little bit more effort, you could have a glamorous gathering that will bring all the boys and girls to your yard. We’ve got recipes that are super stylish and straightforward - as well as tips on dips, decorations and all the tiny touches that will make your party feel A-list on a student shopping list budget. Read on to find out how.

HOME MADE HUMMUS THE GOURMET CHALLENGE

If you’re going for minimal effort and maximum wow, hummus is the best snack to make from scratch. Tell everyone that you made it yourself and there will be more “ooohs” and “aaahs” than on bonfire night, even though following the recipe is nearly as easy as going to the supermarket and buying a tub. You can prepare it the night before, but freshness means deliciousness, so if you can, make it just before the guests arrive. This recipe is adapted from peachtreesandbumblebees.com. Check

it out for more recipes and follow them on Twitter: @peachtreesandbbees You will need: • 1/2 garlic clove • 400g tin cannellini or other white beans • 400g tin of chickpeas • 1.5 tbsp smooth peanut butter • 2.5 tbsp virgin olive oil • Squeeze of lemon juice • Half a tsp of ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. This is enough to serve four greedy guests or eight polite ones. If you’ve got a lot W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 17

How that w

FOOD of people coming, you might want to double or triple the ingredients. 1) All you have to do is put the beans in a food processor, crush the garlic with a little salt and blend with peanut butter, oil, lemon juice, thyme (you can use fresh or dried), a touch of water and seasoning. You can also use a hand blender to the same effect. 2) Add extra garlic and seasoning to taste (lemon juice makes it nice and fresh) and then serve. You can serve it with warmed flatbread, carrot sticks, crackers or tortilla chips. (Just put the chips in a bowl. Go on, your mum would be proud.) If this still seems like too much effort, these ready made ones have the wow factor: KEEP ‘EM SWEET

The quickest, easiest way to win friends and influence people is with cake. And these cakes will be finished in less than an hour, giving you maximum influence bang for your time buck. This recipe comes from philadelphia.co.uk. You will need: • 100g self raising flour • 110g caster sugar • 125g low fat spread • 2 eggs • 1 tbsp semi skimmed milk • 180g Philadelphia with Cadbury • 25g Cadbury’s cocoa powder

Tesco Lemon and Coriander Hummus, £1, 167g

A HOMEMADE COCKTAIL WILL GIVE YOUR PARTY A CLASSY TWIST!

The Pimm’s Deuce is a surefire crowd pleaser - here’s how it’s done. Unearthed Broad Bean Hummus Dip, £1.49, 170g

Yarden Hummus Deluxe, £2.75, 500g

This makes 12 cakes. If you think you and your housemates might want to “sample” the cakes before the guests arrive, increase the quantities. 1) Get started by setting out 12 paper cake cases in a bun tray or on a baking tray. 2) Then, put the butter and caster sugar into a mixing bowl, beating them together until light and fluffy. Whisk in the eggs one at a time. Then fold in the flour and cocoa. Fold in the milk too. 3) Spoon the mixture into the cases, filling each 18 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

one up by about two thirds. 4) Bake at 180c or gas mark four for 1518 minutes. Ovens can be temperamental, so start to check up on the cakes after 12 minutes. When they’ve risen and they’re firm to the touch, they’re ready. 5) Leave them to cool - and when they’re firmed, spread some Philadelphia Cadbury Spread over the top. If you’re feeling really fancy, you could decorate them with Chocolate Buttons... Feel like giving your cakes a Jubilee twist? Check out these Union Jack cupcake cases: £4.25 for 12, funkymuffin.co.uk PIMM’S O’CLOCK

If you’re bored of beer, nothing says summer - in particular a quintessentially British summer - like a refreshing glass of Pimm’s. Check out anyoneforpimms.com/ recipes for a twist on the classic blend.

You will need: • 25ml Pimm’s No 1 • 75ml chilled orange juice • 75ml chilled cranberry juice • 1kg crushed or cubed ice Garnish: A slice of orange and a strawberry. Start with the Pimm’s and add the other juices. It’s impossible to get wrong just make sure the juices are as cold as possible. Serve in tall glasses - use the ice to chill them and remove it before you pour. PARTY PERFECT

Your student house might not exactly be a show home, but with a few party accessories your room will go from sordid to soiree ready. Again, don’t be daunted - it’s all cheap and easy! Lady Bugs Fairy Light string Bring that boutique festival feeling into

you could

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look out for promotional packs instore.

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FOOD your own front room. £11.90, ukpaperlanterns.co.uk

HAIR DONE - CHECK; BEST FROCKS - CHECK; CLINK GLASSES - CHECK!

Plastic martini glasses The height of retro sophistication - and no need to worry about breaking them! £3.69 for 10, partyplastics.co.uk Tablecloths It doesn’t sound like the obvious student party essential, but when you throw away the paper table cloth the next day, leaving your table and your house deposit unscathed, you’ll be glad you did it. £0.66, partyexplosion.co.uk Time To Drink Champagne poster Even if your champagne is actually own brand cava, stick this on the wall and pretend you’re in Made in Chelsea. £3.99, temptationgifts.com Flower garlands Instant feel good fancy dress for all your guests £0.99, partydelights.co.uk FD T I

HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT BARBECUE

Prepare m P arinades the night before an d give your meat an overnig ht infusion!

Barbecues should be easy, right? All you need is fire and sausages. Well, not quite. In this country we don’t see enough sunshine to perfect our barbecue skills - so you might want to bear this in mind just in case it rains... 1) You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to grill it Most disposable barbecues are easy to use. You might fantasise about setting up your own fire pit in the garden but can be a recipe for disaster. Keep it simple.

Flower garlands, 99p

Time To Drink Champagne poster, £3.99

2) You do win friends with salad Plastic Martini OK, it is all about the glasses, £3.69 for 10 meat - but salad is a cool touch. Leaves aren’t filling - pasta, rice, potatoes and couscous make perfect party salads with dressing and summer vegetables.

4) Party favours Party guests are always happy to bring things over if you ask them. Don’t try to do an enormous shop on your own. You and your housemates might want to do an online shop to minimise stress.  20 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

Lady Bugs Fairy Lights, £11.90 PHOTO: IStockphoto

3) Straight to the sauce Condiments are essential to the al fresco dining. Ketchup and mustard take chicken wings from “whatever” to “wow!” They’re also handy to have if you’re making a marinade.

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A SLICE OF HOME We all miss the creature comforts of home and a hot Princes pie is the perfect way to cure your craving. Available in mouth-watering varieties succulent steak ‘n’ kidney and tender chicken ‘n’ mushroom, each sumptuous pie is quick, easy to cook, delicious and great value for money.

PERFECT SPREADS Princes delicious sandwich spreads are perfect for beating the munchies. With 9 tasty ﬂavours including Chicken & Ham, Tuna & Mayo and Beef, there’s no chance of getting bored with the same snacks. Priced at around 60p, they’re also great value for money.

WIN A BREVILLE RADIO TOASTER Great days start with toast and tunes and that’s why you’ll want to get your hands on Breville’s new, and unbelievably handy, Radio Toaster.

his clever contraption allows you to feed both your appetite for food and music while saving space in the kitchen by doing two crucial jobs at once. It comes with a built in FM/ AM radio, including ten preset channels, as well as a useful ‘AUX-in’ socket so you can even plug in your MP3 player. It also

boasts two bread slots, and a conveniently removable crumb tray to ensure easy cleaning (phew).

TASTY SNACK IN JU S MINUTST ES!

To be the toast of your mates, keep them buttered up and avoid being burnt, log on to www.student365.co.uk, navigate your way over to the competition section for full details and then enter.

For more information on other great Breville products visit breville.co.uk

Visit www.princes.co.uk for more information

FOOD

The munch

bunch

Save your stomach and stock your store cupboard with these treats…

ou know the feeling. You’ve been in the library all day, your digestive system is gurgling so hard it sounds like you’re talking to a dubstep soundtrack and you’re so tired that the thought of chopping an onion is bringing you close to tears. Or you’re feeling really, really lazy. You want to minimise your kitchen time and get food in your belly. Here are our favourite speedy snacks. The most complicated thing you’ll have to do is find a clean fork…

NG! WARNI usly

serio acks will These sn hunger gap and e bridge th get on with the to u o allow y ur day! rest of yo

FOR WHEN YOU NEED:

DINNER IN A TIN Stagg Chili Con Carne: If you’re looking for comfort food with a spicy kick then this is for you. If you prefer your meals a little milder, add a dollop of sour cream. Heinz Mini Meals Barbeque Beans And Mini Sausages: Beans might not mean dinner, but throw some sausages into the mix and you’ve got a ﬁlling snack. Baxter’s Deli Inspired Sweetcorn Ham and Chowder Soup: This British take on the American classic chowder will keep hunger at bay. Heinz Squeeze & Stir: It might not be in a tin, but this is the ultimate in low maintenance food - just add boiling water.

Stagg Chili Con Carne, £1.39, 410g

Heinz Mini Meals Barbeque Beans And Mini Sausages, £0.75, 200g

Baxter’s Deli Inspired Sweetcorn Ham and Chowder Soup, £1.79, 400g

Heinz Squeeze & Stir, £0.59, 70g

FOR WHEN YOU NEED:

a vegetable fix Tesco Healthy Living Thai Green Curry pot: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this guilt-free snack will give you plenty of energy. Innocent Veg Pots: Lots of students would have died of scurvy if it wasn’t for these microwavable saviours. Each pot contains 3 of your 5 a day. Sainsbury’s Black Nanjing Rice & King Prawns: With edamame beans, lime, carrot and ginger dressing, this is one of the most delicious vitamin C boosts going.

Tesco Healthy Living Thai Green Curry pot, £3, 400g

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

Innocent Veg Pots, £4, 380g

WORDS: Lucy Peden; PHOTO: IStockphoto

Sainsbury’s Black Nanjing Rice & King Prawns, £2.40, 200g

HAM IT UP IN THE KITCHEN Share with us how you like to use SPAM® Chopped Pork & Ham. Take a picture, give it a tongue-in-cheek name, tell us why your creation is ‘Hammier than Ham’. Next visit student365.co.uk/competitions to find instructions on how you complete your entry. The entry judged to be the most creative will win a £500 gift card of your choice.

and YOU COULD win a

£500* gift card SPAM® Chopped Pork and Ham makes a seriously tasty alternative for a delicious, protein-packed meal. When it comes to eating heartily on a budget, SPAM® Chopped Pork and Ham is back on the menu. Forget all the tales of ‘mystery meat’. There’s no secret to what goes into SPAM® products. Check out our Facebook page to see how it’s made. It’s simply good quality chopped pork and ham packaged for ultimate convenience. A can is always on

hand and endlessly versatile. It can be eaten hot or cold, and it’s ready in an instant to ham up salads, pizza, pasta and a thousand other dishes. The unique flavour of SPAM® Chopped Pork and Ham will make any meal meatier.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to discover the latest offers, competitions and merchandise.

*See student365 website for terms and conditions

five runners up get a spam® t-shirt

It’s Hammier than Ham Ham up a pizza or use instead of beef in a chilli con carne.

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FOOD FOR WHEN YOU NEED:

a super quick sarnie Rustler’s Microwave Quarter Pounder: Stick this in the microwave and you can enjoy a hot snack. Zugo’s Bacon and Cheese Panini: This works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or as something to keep you going between lectures. Heinz Sandwich Spread: You’ll have to ﬁnd your own bread, but this tangy spread is perfect for midnight snacks. Princes Beef Paste: A retro winner. Available in nine other ﬂavours, including tuna & mayo.

Zugo’s Bacon and Cheese Panini, £2.30, 145g

Heinz Sandwich Spread, £1.25, 270g

Princes Beef Paste, £0.69, 75g

Rustler’s Microwave Quarter Pounder, £1.79, 190g

FOR WHEN YOU NEED:

a guilt free BOOST Sainsbury’s 30% Less Fat Plain Chocolate Digestives: If you’re crazy for biscuits, this reduced fat version will help you indulge in a healthy way. And they’re just as yummy! McVitie’s Medley Hobnobs: This cereal version of the classic biscuit will keep you going for ages – they’re packed with oats to help keep hunger at bay. Available in peanut, hazelnut and raisin versions. Alpro Soya Vanilla Dessert: Soya milk is naturally low in fat and high in calcium – so these treats are actually good for you. If you’re feeling ambitious, add some raspberries or blueberries to the mix.

Sainsbury’s 30% Less Fat Plain Chocolate Digestives, £1.60, 400g

McVitie’s Medley Hobnobs, £1.89, 180g

Alpro Soya Vanilla Dessert, £1.50, 600g

Keep calm in the kitchen

Pussy energy drinks

It doesn’t matter whether you’re cooking something elaborate or making toast – it’s crucial to know all you can about food safety. The Food Standards Agency have teamed up with NHS Choices to offer these tips.

Despite its name, this energy drink is completely pure (it’s your mind that’s dirty!). Produced in England, it utilises only the purest of botanical extracts including milk thistle, Siberian ginseng and sarsaparilla. These are gently mixed with grape juice, grenadilla and lychee, pressed limes and carbonated water, to create the champagne of energy drinks. To win Pussy for a year, all you have to do is visit facebook.com/Pussy and enter their simple comp.

1) Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching food – and when you touch the bin or blow your nose. 2) Make sure all surfaces are washed thoroughly with hot soapy water and clean cloths before and after food is prepared on them. Regularly wash and dry cloths and tea towels. 3) Use separate chopping boards and knives when you prepare raw meat. Keep raw meat separate from ready to eat foods. 4) Cook food thoroughly and make sure cooked food is piping hot all the way through when you serve it. 5) Don’t eat food that has gone past it’s “use by” date. For a full list of tips and information, check out nhs.uk/Livewell/ homehygiene/Pages/Foodpoisoningtips.aspx and food.gov.uk

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

WIN A

£150 BIKE

FROM NURISHMENT.

You can get fit and have fun this summer with Nurishment, the nation’s favourite nutritionally enriched milk drink* that gives you get up and go. And if get up and go means rushing round campus or into town to meet friends, nothing’s more convenient than hopping on a bike. Cycling keeps you fit, cuts the cost of transport and means you can avoid those lengthy traffic queues. This summer, Nurishment is giving away a Halfords bike a day in a daily free prize draw that runs until July 15. To take part, all you have to do is visit www.nurishment.co.uk, register your details and a code from the bottom of any Nurishment Original can and you’ll automatically be entered into that day’s prize draw. And if you want another chance to win a £150 Halfords bike, simply email your name and a daytime ‘phone number to freshdirection@mtjpr.co.uk. The closing date for entries is June 15, 2012, and the two winners will be notified by the end of the month.

And if cycling isn’t your thing, but you’re into sport, have you thought about applying to join Team Nurishment? Sporty individuals and teams are encouraged to apply via www.nurishment.co.uk If you’re lucky to be selected, you could receive free Nurishment to help maintain your energy levels, exclusive branded kit or financial support to help with training and competition fees. As you prepare for your sport, leisure activity or studies, it’s important to stay on top form. Nurishment Original, in its iconic 420g can, is available in six flavours: chocolate, strawberry, banana, vanilla, raspberry and cherry. Rich and delicious, this hearty drink will keep you going for hours – including extra time if necessary! Or if you’re drinking on the go, just reach for Nurishment Extra. It’s available in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana flavours, in a handy plastic 310ml bottle. * IRI Nutritionally Enriched Milk Drinks, Unit Sales, MAT 52 w/e February 25, 2012

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME Jason Segel plays Jeff, a 30-something slacker still living in his mum’s basement. His laid-back approach to life and his belief that everything happens for a reason infuriates uptight brother Pat, who doesn’t believe in fate and is convinced his wife is cheating on him. As Pat ﬁghts for his marriage and Jeff searches for a man called Kevin, fate begins to conspire.

FILM

OUT: May 11 SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN This familiar story gets the remake treatment. K-Stew plays Snow White – the only person in the land fairer than the evil Queen who is out to destroy her. But the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsmen who was dispatched to kill her. An epic action-adventure twist on a classic fairytale.

JASON SEGEL IN SUITABLY SLACKER MODE IN JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME

desperate attempt to save his club from property developers, by hiring the help of a rock god.

The result? Hilarious consequences in the ultimate girl/boy battle.

OUT: June 15

OUT: June 22

OUT: June 1 ROCK OF AGES Based on the award-winning musical, and packed with more high octane rock than you can shake a glowstick at. Starring Tom Cruise as rock legend Stacee Jaks, the ﬁlm centres on one man’s

THINK LIKE A MAN

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (3D)

When four friends ﬁnd that the women they’re pursuing have new-age attitudes to love and sex, they discover the cause is a self-help book entitled Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. Keen to regain the upperhand, the lads resort to reading the book.

The untold story of Spider-Man hits screens in 3D. Spidey (starring The Social Network’s Andrew Garﬁeld for the ﬁrst time), is forced to confront his past. Gripping from the get-go!

OUT: July 4

HOT CHIP

LADYHAWKE

NIKI AND THE DOVE

SANTIGOLD

IN OUR HEADS • OUT: June 11

ANXIETY • OUT: June 4

INSTINCT • OUT: May 14

Hot Chip’s career to date has been predicated upon untold sonic innovation. On In Our Heads, the band’s ﬁfth studio album, Alexis Taylor and co pleasingly see no reason to mess with this winning formula. As such, we’re treated to an intoxicating and joyous ride through house, folk, electronica, disco, indie and funkﬂecked R’n’B - often all in one song. Other acts attempt this wild abandon, but only Hot Chip pull it off every time. A glorious summer album.

Pip Brown’s ﬁrst album - the eponymous Ladyhawke - propelled its stylish maker to the top of the indie tree upon its release in 2008. Expertly reimagining the 80s, but given a thoroughly modern makeover, it was one of the sleeper albums of the year. Its follow-up is another winner. It’s title might hint at worries about how it will be received, but Ladyhawke needn’t worry. This is pure indie rock heaven by way of the Guilty Pleasures disco. Insufferably cool in every way.

Having finished fifth in the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll - the Beeb’s yearly attempt at peering into a musical crystal ball - Niki And The Dove’s debut offering is one of the most keenly anticipated albums of the year. And boy, does it live up to the hype. As befits a Swedish trio excelling in ice cool electro-pop, this is very of-the-moment. Contains the magical DJ, Ease My Mind, plus live favourite Under The Bridges. One for the hipsters in the pack.

MASTER OF MY MAKE-BELIEVE • OUT: Now

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She might have been forced to change her name - her ﬁrst album was released under her previous nom de guerre, Santogold - but Santi White has lost none of her sparkling pop suss. Master Of My MakeBelieve is the closest music gets to a call to arms in 2012: confrontational, edgy and multicultural. From hip hop to heavy duty rock, every music worth its salt is featured on this unforgettable album.

WORDS: Claire Norman

MUSIC

REVIEWS

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

The one for him

The one to sink your teeth into

The excuse to cuddle

SHERLOCK HOLMES – A GAME OF SHADOWS

TRUE BLOOD: SEASONS 1-4

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

With Professor James Moriarty, at large, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson uncover a plot to spark war in Europe. Holmes suspects Moriarty and the pair embark on a man-hunt across the continent, but can they stop their nemesis in time? An action packed adventure.

Catch up on all four series and ﬁnd out how Sookie and Bill’s intense relationship is going and check in at Merlotte’s Bar and Grill. Monday mornings will be spent trying to ﬁgure out what’s going on with the twisted supernatural plot lines.

OUT: May 14

OUT: May 21

The one for her

The classic

BIG MIRACLE

Starring Elizabeth Olsen (Mary Kate and Ashley’s younger sis) this is a haunting film. It follows Martha as she undergoes a crisis of identity after escaping the confines of a rural cult and its charismatic leader. Martha finds herself unwilling to confront what took place on the commune.

Drew Barrymore plays a Greenpeace volunteer and John Krasinki stars as a news reporter. Together they’re joined by rival world superpowers in order to save a family of whales trapped in the Arctic. It’s a race against the clock as the world watches the whales’ incredible ﬁght for survival.

OUT: May 28

OUT: June 4

WORDS: Claire Norman

LOVE STORY Despite their backgrounds, rich law student Oliver and music student Jenny fall in love and get married. When Oliver’s father threatens to disown him, Jennifer tries to reconcile father and son. Despite their love, fate has other plans. An emotional rollercoaster that will have you reaching for the tissues.

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BOOKS

LIBRARY LUSTS

Ever been recommended a book by a friend, only to discover that their taste is totally different to yours? Claire Norman reviews the best books to buy – tailored to your traits! THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

1. Dear Zari By Zarghuna Kargar The harrowing and harsh realities of life for Afghan women are brought into stark focus in this collection of true stories that are as beautiful as they are tragic. An inspiring and compelling celebration of humanity, this is the perfect book to read if you’re ever having a bad day. Out now, price £8.99 THE ACADEMIC STUDENT

2. The Eyre Affair By Jasper Fforde The term ‘literary genius’ gets bandied about all too frequently these days, but in Fforde’s case it might actually be true. Fairy tales, nursery rhymes and even classic novels are all brilliantly parodied and die-hard bookworms will love the clever twist at the end. This is a book you simply can’t put down! Out now, price £7.99

cringing with embarrassment the next. Despite Brian’s propensity to say and do the wrong thing almost all the time, he’s an unlikely protagonist who you can’t help but root for. Plus, it’s about sex, booze and University Challenge, and you can’t go too wrong there! Out now, price £7.99 THE GAP YEAR STUDENT

6. Are You Experienced? By William Sutcliffe Forget Lonely Planet – this is the book for anyone who has the slightest interest in travel. A staycation lover is dared by his best friend to go travelling despite the fact he’s prone to Delhi Belly – oh yeah, and he hates other countries! Desperate to prove that he’s up for the challenge, Dave accepts with hilarious consequences. Be prepared to laugh out loud! Out now, price £8.99

THE RETRO STUDENT

3. Wicked By Gregory Maguire The Wicked Witch of the West was always wicked, right? A fascinating prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this is the story of why the Wicked Witch – or Elphaba, to give her name – became wicked. Bullies, baddies and boyfriends (yes, there’s even sex!) all conspire against a girl with green skin, who just wants to find her place in the world. Unforgettable! Out now, price £8.99 THE AMBITIOUS STUDENT

4. The Intern By Dillon Khan Jay Merchant has landed an internship for the best job in music television. With just six months to turn his intern dream into a permanent job, does he have what it takes? The Intern is a brilliantly witty and original look into this world, in which Khan has captured the voice of a generation. An essential must-read! Out now, price £6.99 THE KNOW-ALL STUDENT

5. Starter For Ten By David Nicholls A brilliant debut from the writer of ‘One Day’, you’ll be laughing one minute and 28 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

THE ATTENTION SEEKER STUDENT

7. May I Have Your Attention Please? By James Corden Funny, hugely entertaining and a very honest account of how an ordinary boy from High Wycombe became a household name. Corden reveals the truth behind his rise to fame, including an accidental encounter in a brothel and a desperate attempt to get on This Morning. A pageturner from the start, whatever opinion you have of him, Corden effortlessly wins you over. Out now, price £13.99 THE EXPERIMENTAL STUDENT

8. Junk By Melvin Burgess After propping up his alcoholic mother and receiving one too many beatings from his father, 14 –year-old Tar runs away to Bristol. Joined by middle class Gemma, together they explore the dark world of street life and drugs, moving quickly from their first high to the next hit, before, predictably, to despair. A gripping, realistic and hard-hitting ‘Trainspotting for teens.’ Out now, price £7.99

THE BOOK EVERY STUDENT SHOULD READ BEFORE THEY GRADUATE It’s Not How Good You Are, But How STAR Good You Want To CHOICE Be By Paul Arden For those in need of a fact of the day, or just a giggle on the bus, Arden’s book is the ideal companion for modern life, offering insightful little gems on everything from responding to a brief, to making mistakes. Out now, price £7.99

INTERVIEW

There’s no puzzle to Labrinth’s barnstorming success - just hard work, talent and a bucketload of cool. abrinth is the archetypal modern-day pop star. Prodigiously talented, he not only writes his own songs, but is an A-list producer to boot. Signed to Simon Cowell’s label, Labrinth (Timothy McKenzie to his dentist) has stamped his personality all over 2012. Following the release of his debut album, Electronic Earth he’s preparing to take the festival season by storm. Fresh Direction caught up with the man himself to find out more...

You’re signed to Simon Cowell’s label, Syco. How has it been working with him?

It’s been an honour. And no, Simon isn’t scary at all! Well, he doesn’t scare me anyway. The whole team has put a lot of work in to help me, and I’m really grateful to them. They sent me lots of messages of love when the album came out. Now I just want to keep on pushing and make my music even better.

Was it a conscious decision to include different genres on Electronic Earth?

Definitely. I think if people had bought my album on the basis of my singles then they would have been surprised. I don’t want to be limited by genre and I think the album reflects that. I think a lot of people are used to hearing the same thing musically and they are happy with that. That’s fine, but I’m really not about that. I want to create all different sounds, it’s just the way I want to do things musically, and I think it’s important for me to do so as an artist.

Will you use a similar formula for the next album?

Yeah, I would think so. Genre-wise I see the music I make as being like a raffle - you could put your hand in and pull any ticket out - and who knows what you’ll end up with?! My next album could well be like that! It will be a mix of everything.

If you’d gone to uni what would you have studied?

Hmmm... either art, psychology, or science. I used to draw a lot as a kid and I was pretty creative, so perhaps I would have stuck with that. But I do love delving into people’s minds and seeing how people respond to things. I find all of that fascinating. But saying that I did always think I’d be a scientist!

What do you like best about performing in front of a student crowd?

L-ISE! SOCIA w Labrinth

follo You can r @labrinthte it w T on ut his check o d n a t s 1 da k page Faceboo ok.com/ ebo www.fac thtv labrin

They are often a drunk, fun crowd, ha, ha! They can be very particular about what they like musically, and I respect that. And they do like a mosh pit... I’ve seen quite a few of those.

WORDS: Kay Smith

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2012?

Well I have my own label, called Oddchild. And I have two artists I hope to break - Etta Bond and Matthew (Raf) Reilly. I want you guys to check them out and show them some love! (laughs). I hope to release tonnes more music, as I’m working on so much right now. Who knows, I could put another three albums out this year!  W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 29

SUMMER SOUNDS

“IF WE KEEP SMILING WE CAN IGNORE THE TEMPERATURES.”

IT HAS THE LATITUDE: TUDE TI AT T GH RI

Carry on CAMPING

Get under canvas and catch all your favourite bands, comedians and whatever else these festivals are about to throw at you this summer...

DOWNLOAD, 8-10 JUNE, DONINGTON PARK, DERBY DE74 2RP

The UK’s biggest metal festival is back – if you like rock, guitars or just very hairy men, this is where you need to be. Head to the chill out area in the woods when your ears start ringing. HEADLINERS: Prodigy, Metallica, Black Sabbath TICKETS: Day tickets start at £82.50 – weekend tickets with camping are £200. Buy tickets from downloadfestival.co.uk/ tickets GETTING THERE: A shuttle bus operates from East Midlands Parkway station. Car parking is £15 with a ticket and £20 on the day. 30 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

ROCKNESS, 8-10 JUNE, CLUNE FARM, ALDOURIE, INVERNESS. IV2 6DP

NME’s Best Small Festival just keeps getting bigger - but thankfully it’s retained its original grassroots spirit. With an eclectic line up of indie darlings and dance legends, the acts will keep you and all your mates entertained for all three days.

At arty and green Latitude you can have fun and feel all warm and fuzzy about it. HEADLINERS: Mumford and Sons, Justice, Biffy Clyro TICKETS: Students pay £165.50 for a 3 day weekend camping ticket - day tickets start at £76.40. There are also VIP options - find all the info here: seetickets.com/rockness GETTING THERE: National Express runs a coach service to the festival, and comprehensive driving directions are online: rockness.co.uk/info/wherewe-are/

BEACH BREAK LIVE, 14-18 JUNE, PEMBREY COUNTY PARK, CARMARTHENSHIRE SA16 0EJ

The line up for Beach Break Live is jampacked with stellar acts, including Friendly Fires, Chase & Status and our very own cover star - Labrinth. We’re one of Beach Break’s official partners which means we can’t wait to head down there. We’ve got two pairs of VIP tickets to give away. These will give you backstage access, private bar, food, private gigs from artists and a chillout area. That’s not to mention plush toilets and plush showers! For your chance to win simply logon to Student365.co.uk and click on Free Stuff. HEADLINERS: See above - and don’t miss Dizzee Rascal, Nero and Wretch 32. TICKETS: A student ticket is £109 + booking fee - ask your uni rep for info or go to beachbreaklive.com/en-uk/content/ view/73/204 GETTING THERE: It’s recommended that you get a train to Pembrey and Burry Port and pick up the £8 shuttle to the site. LATITUDE, 12-15 JULY, HENHAM PARK, SUFFOLK, NR34 8AN

Featuring comedy, poetry and music, this may be the artiest festival around. The organisers strive to keep the event as green as possible, so

WORDS: Lucy Peden PHOTO: IStockphoto

t’s just not summer without cider, sunglasses and a bit of a sing-along - and a festival is the best place to combine all three, with a little help from your friends of course. Whether you and your mates are bonkers for the same bands or your tastes are a little more eclectic, there’s something for you on the summer festival schedule. We’ve chosen a few of our favourites here’s everything you need to know about what, where and when...

THE VACCINES: TH E JUGGLERS ALWA YS MADE THEM LAUG H

BON IVER: ALSO A PART-TIME HYPNOTIST

FOO FIGHTERS: READY FOR SOME READING

you can have fun and feel all warm and fuzzy about it. HEADLINERS: Bon Iver, Paul Weller, Tim Minchin TICKETS: Day tickets are £75 and weekend camping tickets are £175. Check out latitudefestival.co.uk/tickets for info on extras like boutique camping GETTING THERE: It’s recommended to travel by coach or train and keep your carbon emissions low – pick up a shuttle bus from Diss station or find coach details on nationalexpress.co.uk SECRET GARDEN PARTY, 19-22 JULY, MILL HILL FIELD, ABBOTS RIPTON, HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, PE28 2PH

WORDS: Lucy Peden PHOTO: IStockphoto

One of the cutest, quirkiest UK music festivals going, this is the place to be if you like cocktails, fashion shows and afternoon tea with your music. HEADLINERS: Holly Golightly, Casiokids, Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly TICKETS: Weekend tickets are £195 + booking fee. Book tickets online here: seetickets.com/secretgardenparty/ GETTING THERE: Jump on a Festival Coach (festivalcoaches.co.uk/festival_ details) or head to the main festival site for driving directions. GREETINGS FROM BEACONS, 17-19 AUGUST, HESLAKER FARM CARLETON SKIPTON BD23 3AB

A new boutique festival with a folky, dancey vibe. Expect to be entertained by bands, roaming performers and video installations. HEADLINERS: Wild Beasts, Patrick Wolf, Ghostpoet TICKETS: Student weekend tickets are £69.50, day tickets are £39.50. Buy them

here: greetingsfrombeacons.com/tickets/ GETTING THERE: Trains to Skipton run regularly from Leeds and Bradford. Driving directions will be available on greetingsfrombeacons.com/

GETTING THERE: Trains run regularly to Leeds and Reading stations but get busy, so it’s worth booking in advance.

THE CARLING WEEKEND, 24-26 AUGUST, RICHFIELD AVENUE, READING, RG1 8RQ AND BRANHAM PARK, LEEDS LS23 6ND

If you’re a fancy dress fiend, this is the festival for you. This year’s theme is Wildlife, so expect to see plenty of people in creative cozzies watching big bands and brand new acts. HEADLINERS: Stevie Wonder, The XX, Little Dragon TICKETS: Student tickets including camping are £170 + booking. Go to 2012. bestival.net/tickets for more information. GETTING THERE: Big Green Coach offers transport packages including the ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight. If you’re travelling by car and booking your own ferry crossing, information is provided here. 2012.bestival. net/info/transportation-and-getting-here/ getting-to-the-isle-of-wight Car parking costs £10 in advance and £15 on the day. Car sharing is recommended. 

With seven stages jammed with high profile rock, indie and dance acts, the Carling weekend offers a lot of bang for your festival buck. Northeners and Southerners get the same line up. Along with Glastonbury (sorely missed this year), Reading is the Granddaddy of music festivals. HEADLINERS: The Vaccines, Azealia Banks, Foo Fighters TICKETS: Day tickets start at £92 and weekend tickets are £205. See leedsfestival. co.uk/tickets/ and readingfestival.co.uk/ tickets/ for information about travel packages.

BESTIVAL, 6-9 SEPTEMBER, ROBIN HILL COUNTRY PARK, ISLE OF WHITE, PO30 2NU

AROUND THE WORLD ROUND UP Make your festival experience into a holiday and jet off to an international fest. Sunshine guaranteed... BENICASSIM, 12-15 July. Hit the beach in Spain with The Vaccines and Katy B. MELT, 13-15 July. This hip Berlin event hosts The Ting Tings and Miike Snow. EXIT, 12-15 July. Serbia’s premier festival features the likes of New Order, Erykah Badu and Guns N’ Roses. IBIZA ROCKS, June-September. A series of festival-style indie gigs featuring Example, Bloc Party and Mark Ronson.

CATCH THE COACH If you’re venturing to sunnier climes this summer to sate your festival habit, you might wish to see a little bit more of Europe. Can’t say we blame you. If you do, it’s worth bearing in mind a Eurolines Pass - it gives you flexible, unlimited travel between 50 European cities. You make your itinerary to fit your schedule and budget with a choice of 15 or 30 days. Best of all - you can plan your route as you travel, just pre-book your first destination and then book as you go giving you total freedom to chill out and travel at your own pace. Go to eurolines.co.uk/coach/ Offers/pass.aspx for more information.

W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 31

WINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWINWI

FESTIVAL TICKETS Once exams are over it can mean only one thing - festival season is upon us! We have teamed up with three of the UK’s best festivals to offer you the chance to win tickets and indulge in some seriously good times.

LATITUDE Since its inception in 2006, Latitude has consistently repeated a simple, yet compelling, mantra: It’s more than just a music festival. Indeed it is: a

DOT TO DOT

comprehensive and forward-thinking arts

The most exciting multi-venue music festival in the UK, Dot To Dot has teamed up with Fresh Direction to give you the chance of winning one of three pairs of tickets!

festival, Latitude touches upon comedy,

Helping to propel bands forward on their way to big things and welcoming in some of the coolest acts from around the world, Dot To Dot takes place in Bristol (2 June), Nottingham (3 June) and Manchester (4 June) and has put acts such as The xx, Mumford & Sons, Florence & The Machine and Metronomy on the map. Gracing this year’s event will be a kaleidoscope of new talent such as New York’s The Drums, the fiery live show of Pulled Apart By Horses and the beautiful vocal talent of Willy Mason, plus Wavves, Willis Earl Beal and Dog is Dead. If you and a friend want to be in with a chance of seeing such a phenomenal and diverse line-up, enter to win a pair of tickets now! Please specify which city you would like to attend in your answer. For more information please visit dottodotfestival.co.uk and tickets can be purchased from alt-tickets.co.uk/ alttickets/home_dot_to_dot_2012.html

This year, that means the musical likes

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

books, film and music, poetry, cabaret, theatre and all manner of off-the-wall creative pursuits, alongside the best artists leftfield music has to offer.

of Paul Weller, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, The Horrors, Elbow, Rufus Wainwright and Janelle Monae, will be joined by Tim Minchin, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jack Dee, Reginald D. Hunter, Russell Kane, Simon Armitage, John Hegley, among others. Fresh Direction is offering one reader a pair of weekend camping tickets for this most exclusive of elegant festivals. With no Glastonbury this year, Latitude is quite possibly the only alternative - get involved! For all things Latitude head to latitudefestival.co.uk immediately.

BEACH BREAK LIVE

The line up for Beach Break Live couldn’t be better. Friendly Fires, The Maccabees, Dizzee Rascal, Chase & Status and our very own cover star - Labrinth, to name but a few. We’re one of Beach Break’s official partners which means we can’t wait to head down there. We’ve got two pairs of VIP tickets to give away. These will give you backstage access, a private bar, food, private gigs and a chillout area. That’s not to mention plush toilets and showers! For more information visit beachbreaklive.com.

For your chance to win the above tickets, or any of the other multitude of prizes we’re offering, simply logon to Student365.co.uk and click on Free Stuff.

Advertisement Feature

S N R U T E R RIZLA L A V I T S E TO B After a storming 2011 in which Rizla created some of the year’s finest musical experiments, 2012 sees a return to the Isle of Wight.

izLab launched last year as a home for new experiments in music, a place for some of the UK’s most innovative musicians to explore their artistic passions. The first project of the year saw the UK’s hottest beatsmith Jamie xx collaborate with visual artist Quayola on a unique installation in Shoreditch. The two worked together to create a bespoke audiovisual show in an immersive high definition experience. Following Jamie xx into RizLab were Friendly Fires. The band explored their passion for dance music, putting together a series of unique one-off live collaborations with some of the electronic music scene’s most exciting new talent, including SBTRKT, Lone, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. The collaboration formed part of the project 'past present and future of dance music', which also including electronic legends Frankie Knuckles and A Guy called Gerald. The final project of 2011 saw Ghostpoet team up with Mike Skinner's new outfit, The D.O.T for a unique live music video concept for their track 'Trouble'. A world exclusive, the one-take video shoot was streamed live online and viewers at home were able to vote and influence the outcome in real time, creating 'trouble' for the artists. To discover more, and to hear music and view videos from the projects, head over to www.rizlab.co.uk

WIN! A TENT OR A PAIR OF WELLIES

In the meantime, for the chance to get your hands on some exclusive Rizl a festival essentials for the summer season, get yourselves over to www.rizla.co.uk for more details.

WS! HOT NE be

ill soon RizLab w e 2012 tails of th e d g in t for u o announc nts. Look experime d n a p u e Bestival lin ity at more activ k b la .co.u www.riz

Festival Fever Who said festivals were all about ﬁelds and ﬁghting for the best camping spot? The UK’s biggest student festival this summer takes place on a beach in Wales, and with Dizzee Rascal headlining, you’d be bonkers to leave these items out of your bulging beach bag.

Beach Break Live 14-18 June; South Wales

Lovebox, 15-17 June; Victoria Park, London

For those missing Glastonbury, Lovebox is a must. All the cool kids go make sure your bag is packed with these trendy essential items. Quay Eyewear Gold Coast Heart sunglasses, £24.99; surfdome.com

Sunkist drink, 69p; sainsburys.co.uk

P20 Once a day sun protection 100ml £13.23; boots.com, superdrug.com

Playsuit, £38; topshop.com

Daisy straw bag, £4; matalan.co.uk

Bob Marley drink, £1.59, tesco.com

Boot bling glow-inthe-dark stickers, £4; topshop.com

T-Shirt - fabric girl love tee, £16; republic.co.uk

Reading & Leeds, 24-26 August; Bramham Park & Richfield Avenue

Get your rocks off this summer and enjoy a weekend of mayhem with some of rock’s biggest acts. These items will leave people wanting a backstage pass to your tent quicker than the Foo Fighters cause a mosh pit.

Havaina Espadrilles, £25; havaianas.com

V Festival, 18-19 August; Hylands Park, Chelmsford; Weston Park, Staffordshire

Split over two sites, V Festival brings you the best in mainstream music, which means there’s a high chance you’ll bump in to an X Factor winner or TOWIE member. So leave the other campers saying ‘Shaaatupp’ when they see what you’ve packed.

Easy Camp Movie Seat Chair, £14.99; surfdome.com

I3G Power Station, £15.99; treathim.com

Right Guard Deos, £3.19; boots.com

Yellow Canvas Rucksack, £20; topman.com

Pookie The Pig suitcase, £50, backpack, £25; johnlewis.com

Men’s Hunter short wellies, £55; hunter-boot.com Bubble Betty Rain Bonnet, £6, bubblebetty.com

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Hunter British Flag Design, £114.99, thewellyshop.com EXCLUSIVE: Save 10% at thewellyshop.com by entering code ECWGC503 at the check out. Available until October 2012

Forget baby wipes and beverage coolers, as we bring you the essential items for the hottest festivals this summer. Bring on the mud, sweat and beers! GET THE FESTIVAL LOOK

Festivals aren’t all about wellies and waterproofs, so think outside the Lovebox and get Reading to use that campsite as a catwalk. MOTO demin zip bralet, £16; topshop.com

Skinny jeans, £30; very.co.uk

ASOS bum bag £65; asos.com

Denim fitted shirt, £30; topshop.com

BEAUTY MUSTHAVES

Rolling out of your sleeping bag with a face as perfect as Cheryl Cole’s is something we’ll leave to the celebs, but if you fancy rocking the low maintenance festival look then these fabulous products will take you from tent tragedy to backstage beauty in no time.

Hangover hair shampoo, £4.99; waitrose.com

WORDS: Kelly Holgate PHOTO: Rex Features

RIHANNA WALKS THA T FESTIVAL WALK

Plimsolls, £29; asos.com

Ark serum ‘no make-up needed’ skin primer, £39; arkskincare.com

Dream Weave mascara, £12; wrinklerregime.com Dry shampoo, £4.07; superdrug.com

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FASHION

E L Y T S G N SPORTI Who runs the fashion world? Girls. So release that inner competitor on campus and jazz up your sportswear. This summer it’s all about gym glam.

Neon mesh dress, River Island, £40; riverisland.com

Dip Dye Visor, ASOS, £15; asos.com

Get it before it goes!

Erica 2 tone top, River Island, £15; riverisland.com BLACK CROP TOP, £5.99, AZTEC PRINT TROUSER £29.99, BLACK CUT OUT WEDGES £24.99, ALL NEW LOOK

Bright pink jogging bottoms, La Redoute, £19; laredoute.co.uk Wedged trainer, Daniel Footwear, £39.99; danielfootwear.com

Purple plastic watch, ASOS, £20; asos.com

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Nude & yellow neon crop top, ASOS, £30; asos.com

Logan leopard print plimsols, Dune, £65; dune.co.uk

WORDS: Kelly Holgate

Body in block colour, ASOS, £35; asos.com

REVIEWS . Our ite fashion elXXXXXX e th to in p m ju , cs pi m ly ired by the O er than Usain Bolt. st Bin the PE kit and, insp fa h is yl st to ch ou sl you from best fashion picks take

For you student blokes, slouching around in your joggers is like blagging an extension on that coursework; relaxing and standard. Nanny State Kenya Quilted Baseball Sweater, BANK, £40; bank.co.uk

Canvas Red Plimsoll, £10; Matalan; matalan.co.uk

HOODIE, £16, SHIRT £16, CHINO £22, PLIMSOLLS £10, ALL MATALAN

Sleeveless Freemont Hoodie, BANK, £25; bank.co.uk

Dark blue hoodie, Topman, £25; topman.com

Get it before it goes!

Truth Vest, ASOS, £16; asos.com Navy joggers, Topman, £25; topman.com

WORDS: Kelly Holgate

Converse League Play sport red bag, ASOS £30; asos.com Patterned shorts, Topman, £18; topman.com Lonsdale Boxing Boots, Lonsdale, £39.99; lonsdale.com

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SHOPPING

Summer essentials Summertime and the livin’ is easy... it certainly will be if you get your mitts on these sunshine-friendly essentials.

Pro Swingball kit £39.99; swingball.co.uk Get into the swing of things before term-time starts, with this modern-day version of the classic kids’ garden favourite. You’d be batty to miss it.

Havaianas £40.00; uk.havaianas.com Set off on the right foot this summer with these brightly coloured plimsolls, available in a variety of colours, all hotter than the campus totty.

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Brothers Cider £1.99-£2.09; brotherscider.co.uk Whether you’re chilling in your garden or rocking out at a festival, the new ﬂavours from Brother Cider will go down better than your drunken dance routines in the union. What’s more, head to brothers.co.uk/bff for a chance to win tickets to this year’s top festivals. Plus £1,000 in cash money.

Polaroid 300 Instant Analogue Camera £79.99; ﬁrebox.com Way before digital cameras ruled the world and pictures were plastered all over Facebook, people got snap happy with one of these. Produce business size prints of your mates after a night out, and use them at your will.

WORDS: Kelly Holgate

iPhone and iPad Vinyl Covers £9.99 for iPhone £12 for iPad; email info@macadamiamedia.com Stand out from the crowd this summer, with a personalised vinyl wrap for your iPhone or iPad from Macadamia. They can be personalised to any design, making you the coolest student on campus before term-time begins.

Ice Queen Scoop £5.99; wantoneofthose.com Is there anything more perfect than eating ice cream and paying homage to the upcoming Jubilee? Well, add in this amazing scoop and you’re onto a winner. No need to curtsey each time you use it.

FD CHOICE

A cool twist on the ubiquitous Union Jack

Union Jack Coolbag £39.99; theoldbagcompany.com Make it a cool Britannia this summer and carry your drinks around with pride. Perfect for that last-minute picnic in the park or for keeping that all important water supply chilled at a festival.

WORDS: Kelly Holgate

STABILO point 88 pack £9.99; ryman.co.uk With revision in full swing, it’s good to know that colour is a fantastic aide-memoire. These pens can brighten up your notes and help you remember all those pertinent facts.

Flip Flop Manicure set £4.99; ﬁndmeagift.com Term-time can be a nailbiting experience, so get yours looking perfectly polished with this cute and compact manicure set. Ideal for those students on the go, and a great addition to your luggage.

Paperchase Organiser £15.00 Traveller Journal; paperchase.co.uk Term-time may seem a million miles away, but organising your studies now means more time to catch those rays and chill out with your mates. And if you’re lucky enough to be jetting off this summer, keep a note of your adventures in this funky journal.

Juicy Headphones £15.00; ﬁrebox.com Enjoy refreshing sound quality with these quirky fruit smelling headphones from Juicy Electronics. Ingredients include clarity with added bass; listening to your favourite student anthems just got a little sweeter.

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T PRE

COOL

HIP APP

Happy

GAMES Draw Something – Android, iPhone - Free The best games are often the simplest ones, and they don’t come much simpler than overnight hit Draw Something. The aim is to draw clues for your multiplayer partner and then guess their clues in turn. It’s essentially Pictionary on a phone, but with no competitive element, no conclusion, and no shouting. See also: Depict, Charadium

Apping Don’t leave home without these must-have apps.

Angry Birds Space – Android, iPhone - 69p If Angry Birds is the Mario of the smartphone generation, then Angry Birds Space is the Mario Galaxy. Rovio’s latest takes the addictive bird-ﬂinging gameplay of the ﬁrst game and adds new gravitational effects, more sophisticated puzzles, and swanky interstellar backdrops. See also: Siege Hero, Jetpack Hero

ummer is just around the corner. That means you’ve got just three months to decompress before returning to the university grind. Narrow though this quarter-year window is, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your summer break. These apps and games will help you see the world, kick back at a festival or two, stay in touch with your friends, and enjoy a bit of gaming time.

FREE CALLS STAYING IN TOUCH WhatsApp – Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, BlackBerry - 69p Staying in touch with a mobile used to be expensive. Not any more. Use WhatsApp and you can share messages with other users, create group chats, and send video and audio ﬁles for free. See also: iMessage, BlackBerry Messenger Viber – Android, iPhone - Free Free chat isn’t restricted to text conversations. Viber also lets you call fellow users. It works like a charm, synching with your contacts list and running discreetly in the background. See also: Skype

TRAVELLING TripIt – Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, BlackBerry - Free If you’re travelling anywhere this summer, download TripIt. Not only does it let you create an itinerary, but you can also link it with your email address to automatically update your travel plans as they arrive in your inbox. See also: WorldMate Gold, Wipolo Urbanspoon – Android, iPhone, BlackBerry - Free Urbanspoon’s gimmick is that it lets you randomly pick a local restaurant by shaking your phone. But that’s not all. You can also browse by category, read and write reviews, and make reservations. The only downside is that Urbanspoon is only available in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. See also: Qype, TripAdvisor 40 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

FESTIVALS TentFinder – iPhone - Free The fact that every year hundreds of thousands of drunken festivalgoers manage to ﬁnd their tents in the dark is one of the great mysteries of the animal world. You can make the process much easier with TentFinder, which lets you track your tent via GPS. It even includes a torch mode. See also: Festival Buddy Ofﬁcial Festival apps – Android, iPhone – Usually free Before setting off it’s worth downloading the companion app for the festival you’re going to. Granted, these vary in quality, but the best ones - such as V Festival’s - contain maps, line-ups, weather updates, festival information, and other perks besides.

TECH KNOW HOW

make sure to

take the right tablet! Apple has certainly shook up the market for mobile computing in recent years with its massively popular iPad, rapidly creating an entirely new category – the touchscreen tablet (or “slate”) PC.

ollowing the release of its ingeniously named “the new iPad” students can now pick up a perfectly decent iPad 2 (1) at a reduced price of £329. Although if you want the latest bells-and-whistles iPad featuring the new HD Retina screen and slightly speedier A5x processor, you’ll need to shell out £399 (for the Wi-Fi only, 16GB version) or even more for 3G go-anywhere connectivity and more memory to store your music, videos, apps and “Uni stuff” on it. Alternatively, if you don’t like Apple’s “walled garden” approach with iPad’s iOS, you might prefer to opt for a touchscreen slate running Google’s Android operating system, such as the latest models from Sony or Archos. The popular 16GB Sony Tablet S (2) is currently selling for around £300, while the new Archos 101 G9 Turbo (3) is cheaper again, currently selling for £280. Both have 10.1-inch touchscreens and run the latest version of Google’s Android operating system, with plenty of features to let you get the most out of your music, movies and other media on the go.

HIP LAPTOPS AND AN ESSENTIAL ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOP

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computer buyers can pick up an Asus UX21 Zenbook in silver, rose gold or hot pink. Finally, if you are not so bothered about lugging a laptop around with you at all times, you might want to consider a decent all-in-one laptop PC for your bedroom, such as

Toshiba’s great Qosmio DX730 (5) (£699) – which, with a 23-inch full HD touchscreen, optional Blu-ray, powerful Intel Core i5 processor, built-in Freeview TV tuner, Onkyo stereo speakers and subwoofer is pretty much the ultimate word in digital home entertainment.

5 WORDS: Adam Hartley

Bedroom musicians and would-be designers always claim that Apple make the best laptops for creative fun, although the latest superskinny machines from Taiwanese computing brand Asus certainly give MacBooks a run for their money this year. The latest Asus Zenbook UK21 (4) (£850) is easily one of the best-looking computers we’ve ever seen, in addition to being one of the most powerful and packing in an astounding battery that promises up to two weeks’ standby time – so it’s ideal for travelling and taking away on ﬁeld trips. Music and movie fans will be utterly blown away by the Zenbook’s SonicMaster tech codeveloped with Bang & Olufsen. Plus, fashion-conscious

Advertisement Feature

Are you Protecting the Stuff that matters™?

Did you ever have to make that call to a ‘friend’ that you were just…you know….with?! Totally unprotected. Then you have to tell them that they now have a problem, because you just found out that…..you have a virus….. or that your device was hacked and now someone has all your and their personal details?

f you don’t use Norton security, the chances are you’re not protected….. Not protecting your device is like not locking the door. Every time you connect to the internet, you are leaving the door open and people are free to wander in, look at, use and even steal all your Stuff. In all your devices – PC, mobile, tablet, you’ve got names, numbers, passwords, facebook access, banking information, assignments, coursework, the pictures from your last drunken night out and your favourite tunes. How are you protecting that information from loss, theft or attack? Norton security solutions use 4 layers of protection to protect all your Stuff, and won’t disrupt your work, whether you are

trying to complete an assignment, or chat to friends, or watch ‘that video clip’. So whether your device is big or small remember to protect it. No protection, then no connection - It’s not just data, it’s your life.

Great offers just for Students available from www.studentsuperstore.co.uk/norton Free Stuff from Norton available at www.nortonfreetools.co.uk or for your mobile at www.norton.mobi. More products and services from Norton on the app markets!

COMPUTERS TOP TIPS FOR APP-HAPPY STUDYING AND CREATIVE PLAY The latest tablets and smartphones are fantastic tools for studying and getting creative with your digital photos and videos. And if you are using an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad then Apple’s superb (and free) iTunes University is a must-download app - it’s the world’s largest collection of complete courses from leading universities and colleges. Use it to supplement your own course work, help you to structure your “revision plan” for those looming exams (yeah, right!) or just choose to learn a new language or something completely unrelated to your own degree. Just for the sheer joy of learning! Adobe’s Photoshop has always been a great piece of software on the desktop or laptop for creative types wanting to edit, re-touch and develop digital snapshots into artistic masterpieces. And now you can download the tablet version, Photoshop

SIMPLER, CLEARER REVISION

Touch (1) (£6.99, iPad and Android) which is basically the best photoediting app you will ever need. Meanwhile, would-be Spielbergs or Scorseses who want to use their tablets to create award-winning short movie masterpieces should make an immediate beeline towards Apple’s own iMovie, the recently released Avid Studio for iPad (2) or – for the best free option – Vimeo, (3) the best free video-editing and sharing app for both iOS and Android tablets.

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GOING ON A GAP YEAR? REMEMBER TO TAKE PROTECTION! Here’s our choice of the best bits of kit you’ll need for that gap year or for those occasions when you want to take your precious tech and gadgetry travelling.

Mindjet Connect is a free visual information tool that makes studying clearer, easier and more organised. The tool uses a visual ‘map’ interface to help you see how different information is related, allowing you to better absorb and remember complex data. It also lets you collaborate and share files and ideas easily with your friends. Take advantage of Connect’s features when planning revision, taking notes, structuring essays – and even when you’re planning your summer!

1) iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Case This cracking Bluetooth Keyboard case costs £49.95 from RED5.co.uk and is available in black or silver. Essentially, it turns your iPad into a fully-fledged work machine with a portable QWERTY keyboard that you can use wherever you may be. 2) Griffin Survivor for iPad Priced at £54.99 from Firebox.com, the Survivor Extreme Duty case fits all models of iPad and will protect your beloved Apple tablet from dirt, sand, rain, shock, vibration

and your cack-handed drunken idiot friends! 3) Run for Cover e-reader cases Many of us will be packing an Amazon Kindle or other e-reader on our hols in 2012, but how can you really impress that literaryminded stranger on the beach this summer? Easy. Just pick up one of these beautifully designed soft padded Run for Cover classic book e-reader cases (£14.99, Red5.co.uk) - choosing from Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Frankenstein, War of the Worlds, Dracula or Wuthering Heights.

FD FAVE: MSI’S POWER MACHINES For those hardcore gamers that demand the ultimate speed, performance and power from their laptops, there really is little to compare with the latest gaming notebooks and graphics tech on offer from highly respected Taiwanese computing brand MSI. The new MSI Z77A-GD65 Motherboard (1) is described by the manufacturer as “military class”. And it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the ﬁrst in MSI’s range of uber-powerful motherboards to support Intel’s next-gen “Ivy Bridge” central processing units (CPUs). This is going to be an essential purchase for those who want to build the deﬁnitive and allpowerful gaming PC in 2012. In addition, PC

gamers demand incredible graphics. Which means you need to ensure you have the best graphics card inside your machine. And that’s the MSI R7950 Twin Frozr III OC; with the latest in cooling and overclocking tech and the best-quality components available. For mobile PC gaming, the only contender in 2012 is the MSI GT780DXR-621 UK Gaming Series Notebook (2) which the manufacturer has developed in partnership with gaming team Fnatic and the leading pro game peripherals makers over at SteelSeries. With a full HD 17-inch screen, the latest Nvidia GeForce graphics tech and a whopping 1.5GB GRDDR5 memory, this is the ﬁnal word in mobile gaming.

2 1 IT’S NOT JUST DATA, IT’S YOUR LIFE

ll your photos, coursework, videos and music are saved on your PC, mobile, tablet- whatever you use to connect to the internet, needs to be protected. We think it won’t happen to us, but… Every minute 19 people fall victim to cybercrime in the UK*! Last year 57% of people had their social network profile hacked* Norton protects your Stuff from the bad guys before they get to your device – now the techy bit… 4 security layers + Sonar 4 behavioral protection + SafeWeb for Facebook + Insight 2.0 + 2-way firewall + Professional strength spam blocking + more. So whether your device is big or small protect it. No protection, then no connection. Great offers just for Students available from www.studentsuperstore.co.uk/norton *Norton Cybercrime Report 2011 Copyright © 2012 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved.

MAXELL’S INGENIOUS AirStash ®

Whether you want to stream HD movies on the go, access coursework and projects when out and about, or share your “stuff” with up to 8 mates at the same time, Maxell’s ingenious new AirStash flash drive is 2012’s essential gadget. The AirStash takes the humble USB stick to the next level, with its in-built media streamer, wireless file transfer and free downloadable iOS app offering students the ultimate in mobile entertainment, work back-ups and instant hi-res photo browsing and storage. Available at www.play.com

WIN a Sony software bundle to give your home videos and music the professional touch! One lucky winner will win a copy of Sony’s Vegas Pro 11 and ACID Pro 7

se Vegas Pro 11 to create professional looking movies. Add effects, edit and mash up audio and video to share with friends and family – the perfect way to capture your unforgettable uni memories! Are you itching to have your own private music studio? Use ACID Pro 7 to record, remix and restore old tracks or even create a professional sounding demo. There are also three chances to win a runner up bundle of Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11, ACID Music Studio 8 and Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 – a powerful production suite on your computer. Fancy yourself as the next Martin Scorsese then log on to student365.co.uk and follow the links through to the competitions section where full entry details can be found.

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WIN COOL STUFF HOW TO ENTER  Winning one of these great prizes is just a click away! To be in with a chance of winning 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.

FD FAVE Brighten up your smart phone with one of these colourful Speck covers!

WIN! STYLISH AND DURABLE MOBILE PHONE COVERS

The advent of summer means only one thing - festival season is upon us. With thousands of music-loving Brits gearing up to descend on festivals all over the UK & Europe, it is time to stock up on those festival essentials. With more festival goers deciding to take their expensive phones with them, so as to document their experience and share it on numerous social media platforms, a durable phone cover is a must-have. Speck has 10 of its cool and hardy CandyShell cases to give away. Protection just where you need it!

WIN! ULTRA COOL AND MODERN SHAVING KITS

Look sharp this summer and get rid of the beard that’s been hanging around since exam time. The Bluebeards Revenge starter kit is a luxury collection of contemporary shaving products for the modern man! It consists of a beard reducing shaving cream, post shave balm, ‘doubloon’ shaving brush and some ‘manly’ smelling anti-perspirant deodorant. Guaranteed to pamper with attitude! We’ve got five sets to give away. Remember, the unkempt look is out - the suave style of Don Draper is in. This gives you a head (or face) start!

WIN! UNION JACK PHONES

What with the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and the heroic deeds of our football team at Euro 2012 (fingers crossed), this summer is going to be one of fervent patriotism. Instead of the usual Union Jack merchandise, display your British pride with this super cool old school Union Jack phone. We have three ProTelX Union Jack phones to give away. If you don’t win, don’t worry - head to Comet, Amazon or Co-op to pick up your phone. Brrring, brrring that’s the Queen on the phone.

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WIN! A SUMMER’S SUPPLY OF COSMETICS

W7 is simplifying the cosmetics industry by cutting right to the heart of the matter. They only offer the essentials for women who know what is in this season, including the latest creams and moisturisers, eyeliners, mascara and lipstick. We have 10 goodie bags to give away, so there’s no excuse for not looking your best at all those summer shindigs.

WIN! THE COMFIEST

BODYSUITS IMAGINABLE

WIN! A PORTABLE DVD

Coriolanus is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Download to own on June 4, courtesy of Lions Gate Home Entertainment.

PLAYER AND SHAKESPEARE REIMAGINED

Funzee is spearheading the trend towards mega comfort with its adult onesie and lycra bodysuit. Available in a variety of sizes and colours, in cotton, fleece or lycra - plus more designs coming online for the summer - we have five colourful suits to give away. Why not head over to funzee.co.uk now to have a look at what suit you’d choose. Come on, for fun’s sake, get a funzee!

You might not want to remember any more Shakespeare, but this adaptation of Coriolanus is not one to miss. Directed by, and starring, Ralph Fiennes, this is an unforgettable retelling of the bard’s epic tragedy. We have a portable DVD player and a copy of the film to give away to our winner, plus five copies of the DVD for our runners-up.

WIN! DRINKS TO GIVE

YOU SOMETHING EXTRA!

Uni life can be stressful. But you can get through it with Boost energy drinks! We’ve got 10 Ultimate Chill-Out Packs to give away, containing loads of refreshing Boost drinks, plus plenty of other goodies to enjoy on your holidays. Not long till you’re hanging out with your mates in the sunshine! Boost the drink that’s a no-brainer!

WIN! BLU-RAY PLAYER AND

BREAKING BAD SEASON 3 BOXSET

WIN! THE MOST

SAUCY SUMMER READ

Victoria Fox is a Jackie Collins for the 21st century: sharp, witty and scandalous. Her new book Temptation Island, is going to be the beach read of the summer. The book, which we have 10 copies to give away, follows the lives of three female superstars as they get caught up in the scandal of the century, with plenty of murder, celebrity backstabbing and salacious affairs, it epitomises pure escapism.

Breaking Bad has proved to be a sleeper hit since its launch in 2008. It focuses on the misadventures of chemistry teacher Walter White, who, upon learning he has terminal cancer, embarks on a new career as a drug kingpin in order to provide for his family. We have one Blu-ray player and a copy of season 3 to give away to our lucky winner, plus five copies of the season 3 boxset for runners-up.

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GADGETS

techie heaven

That Spectrum 48k just doesn’t rock it anymore; these nine cutting-edge gadgets, thankfully, do.

THE ULTIMATE PORTABLE GAMING KIT

HI-FI QUALITY IPOD DOCKS

Hardcore gamers don’t bother with the Sony PS Vita or the Nintendo 3DS. Instead, they plump for the GAEMS G155 fully portable gaming system (£299, projectgaems.com) – comprised of a military-style carry case containing a HDMI-equipped high-def screen and built-in stereo speakers. Ideal for “bijou” bedrooms and taking your PS3 or Xbox 360 on the road…

Cheap iPod docks are ten-a-penny these days, although most of the sub£100 models sound dreadful when you listen to them in a large room or take them outdoors. We recommend investing a little more and opting for a hi-ﬁ quality brand such as Arcam’s solid little rCube (£350, arcam.co.uk) or Monitor Audio’s space-age i-Deck 100 (£200, monitoraudio.co.uk).

FUJIFILM FINEPIX XP150 The 14-megapixel Fujiﬁlm FinePix XP150 offers great image quality for both stills and video in almost any environment you wish to shoot pics in. This durable little beast is waterproof up to 10 metres and freezeproof to -10C. Plus, with advanced GPS functionality, an electronic compass and tough rubberized coating, the XP150 is ideal for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, extreme sports enthusiasts and clumsy photographers everywhere! £219, fujiﬁlm.eu

Copying your mates’ lecture notes need never be a chore ever again thanks to the handy C-Pen (cpen.com) – a handheld digital scanner designed for speedy note taking and data entry. Also, the C-Pen can quickly scan printed text and have it spoken out loud, or send the text to any portable device (such as your smartphone, tablet or notebook) where it can be stored for future reference. Prices start from £79.00.

PEBBLE SMARTSTICK CHARGER The Pebble Smartstick is a handy portable charger that can power-up most mobiles and gadgets on the go. Which is why it is an absolute godsend when you are travelling or heading out to a fourday summer festival! £19, ﬁrebox.com

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Want to record your student memories in glorious 3D? You need Sony’s 3D Bloggie cam (£100 on amazon.co.uk) - which is capable of shooting in 1920x1080 Full HD, 3D video and can take crystal clear 5.1MP stills. Plus, you can watch your masterpieces on the in-built 3D LCD screen.

GET IT NOW!

CASIO’S G-SHOCK RAF WATCH Casio’s G-Shock Premium range is helmed by the G-Shock Premium Gravity Deﬁer GWA1000RAF-1AER, developed in partnership with the RAF. At £500 it’s costlier than the standard G-Shock range. However, features include a thermometer to monitor cabin temperature, ﬂight record mode and instant Zulu time access. g-shock.co.uk

HTC ONE X SMARTPHONE If you don’t wish to plump for an iPhone, then it’s worth looking at an Android alternative. Ideally you want something with a speedy quad-core processor and a 4.7-inch HD screen, such as the superb HTC One X, which packs in one of the best 8MP cameras we’ve yet seen in any smartphone, as well as Beats Audio integration for great-sounding tunes. Prices vary depending on your contract, htc.com/uk

BEDPHONES If you want to listen to music or watch movies on your tablet in bed then you need a pair of these new Bedphones – the headphones you can wear as you nod off. Conceived by Eric Dubs, a developer with a passion for music and a great night’s sleep. Buy them for £27, iHeadphones.co.uk

WORDS: Adam Hartley

THE C-PEN HANDHELD SCANNER

SONY BLOGGIE 3D MINI-CAMCORDER

TRAVEL

AY! GET AW en

ss all sev Travel acro now, or continents 're much you wait until retired. It's older and oice. your ch

BRIDGE THE GAP

Want to see the world after graduation? You have options as Rachel Fennell discovers.

PHOTO: Trek America

rekking. Teaching. Volunteering Abroad. If you’re wanting a break between finishing uni and beginning work then the choices on where to go, what to do and how long to go for can be pretty overwhelming! But don’t panic. Put the paper bag down, take a deep breath and read our guide to help you get the most out of your travels.

If you can imagine it, you can work with it. From monkeys to cheetahs and dolphins...

Are You a People Person? If you want to teach, make great friends and build CV skills like teamwork, leadership and organisation then get a job as a Camp Councillor, teaching English or even leading sports, music, or cultural activities abroad.

recoup programme costs and you can stay from two months up to a year. Cons: Prices don’t include flights, visas, medicals or admin costs.

Bunac (bunac.org/uk or call: 020 7553 6180)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: From Special Needs to Faith Based, Day to Private there’s a camp for everyone! If you’ve buckets of enthusiasm and are willing to try anything once, you could find yourself looking after kids and getting involved with activities from ceramics to circus skills for just £566. Flights are included and you’ll be paid $600 (approx

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Work abroad in America, Australia, Canada or New Zealand (from £254), become a US Summer Camp Councillor (£495) or become an unpaid volunteer outside Europe (from £295) working in orphanages, construction, teaching or health promotion. Working will help

Camp America (campamerica.co.uk or call: 020 7581 7373)

£370) minimum for working. Plus there’s no need to learn a foreign language. Cons: Book early (October to January) to avoid disappointment, and bear in mind that once you’ve applied you’ll have to pass an interview before a placement’s found for you. To be chosen for a place you must be available for nine weeks from June 20th at the latest. AV Ventures (aventure.co.uk or call: 0138 072 9009)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Go to America, Asia or Africa from 5 to 22 weeks starting from £1565 and make a child smile. Whether you’re teaching PE by playing skipping games or organising a school talent contest, the work will be challenging but always rewarding. What's more, you don’t need any prior teaching experience - you’ll be fully trained before you leave for your destination. Cons: Prices don’t include flights or visas and Ventures only depart at specific times during the year, so plan ahead to avoid missing your dream trip. W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 49

TRAVEL

Blue Ventures (blueventures.org or call: 020 7697 8598)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Working to protect marine and coastal environments, you don’t actually need to have any diving experience to go (though the cost reduces if you’ve dived before). Prices start from £1150 for two weeks and year-round departures mean you can be flexible with dates. Cons: Destination choices are

limited to Madagascar or Belize and you’ll have to bring your own wetsuit and snorkel. If you want to stop more than 12 weeks each additional week is £200. Worldwide Experience (worldwideexperience.com or call: 0148 386 0560)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: If you can imagine it, you can work with it. From monkeys to cheetahs and dolphins, the choice is both fantastic and varied and year-round placements mean you don’t have to wait to go at a certain time. Prices start from £600 for two weeks and you can even combine multiple projects if you wish. Cons: Prices don’t include flights, visas, medicals or admin costs and most trips are limited to South Africa. GVI (gvi.co.uk volunteer-abroad or call: 0172 725 0250)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Pros: On safari in South Africa, exploring the Amazon rainforest or scuba diving in the Caribbean are just some of the options available to you with this company. Departing at any time of the year, you can spend as little time as a week or up to a whole year abroad and the price varies accordingly, starting from a reasonable £645 up to a not inconsiderable £6950. Cons: Flights, insurance and visas not included. Are You a Globe Trotter? If that all sounds too much like hard work and all you really want to do is see the sights then you can still show independence, planning, time management and responsibility even if all you’re going to do is laze on a beach and top up that rather lovely tan for six months. Contiki (contiki.com or call: 0845 075 0990)

0844 576 1387

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Go anywhere you like from as little as a day at Ascot for £90 to 25 days travelling around Latin America from £4185. Offering trips in over 46 countries and across six continents for up to six weeks

the only problem you’ll have is deciding where to go! Plus, get organised and grab a group of mates and you’ll get a discount on groups of four or more. Cons: Whilst coach, train and ferry travel is included in the price, air travel isn’t. Make sure you read the journey itinerary carefully to find out how you’re getting to your chosen destination or you may find yourself spending your first 24 hours on a coach to Spain. Topdeck Travel (topdeck.travel or call: 0845 257 5212)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Travel to hundreds of destinations worldwide from as little as £75 for up to eight weeks, with plenty of free time and excursions built into your holiday package. Everything is organised for you, from food to accommodation so you don’t have to think about any of the details. Well, maybe what mega, gigantic tomes to read - we recommend Chad Harbach's The Art Of Fielding by the way. Cons: You must arrange and book your own flights if a coach is not possible.

PHOTO: Trek America

Are You an Eco Warrior? Lions and tigers and bears! Oh, my! If you’re into saving the planet then communicate your commitment to future employers by helping with wildlife conservation or animal rehabilitation. In a climate conscious world you’ll make any CV shine with your ability to demonstrate passion, problem solving skills and an awareness of global issues.

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PROTECT COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS AND BUILD MEMORIES

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Year-round departures, an option of 3-64 days travel and the choice of not only trekking round America but Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru from £210; this is a different and exciting way to explore new destinations. With a maximum group size of 13 other people you’ll make firm friends quickly as you get off the beaten track. Cons: Trekking means camping and camping means tents. So those averse to camping should give serious thought to whether this is for them. Camping also means luggage should be kept to a minimum as you’ll be carrying your home on your back for your journey. Flights are also not included in the price.

and with flights and taxes included the only thing you need to worry about is having enough memory on your camera for all of your photographs! Cons: A year’s a long time to be gone and a pretty expensive way to find out if you suffer from homesickness.

Real Gap (realgap.co.uk/round the-world or call: 0189 251 6164)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pros: Starting from £6499 to go all the way around the world in a year, taking in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the American South, and lots more besides. Definitely the trip of a lifetime,

Still Unsure? Check out these other travel companies: The Leap (theleap.co.uk or call 01672 519922) STA Travel (statravel.co.uk or call

08712300040) I to I (i-to-i.com or call 01892 886 285) Trail Finders (trailfinders.com or call 0161 839 6969) Gap Guru (gapguru.com or call 08000 32 33 50) While you're there... Try these local tipples while on your travels (as suggested by HostelBookers.com): Bacon vodka (in a Bloody Mary - from Seattle); Pulque (alcoholic milk from Mexico); Baby Mouse wine (from China). 

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

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

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PHOTO: Blue Ventures

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Avoid those interminable queues and delays at the airport this summer and take a staycation in our green and pleasant land. Phoebe Annett reports…

Stumble across street performers and belly-dancing poetry-reciting painted-blue transvestites. 54 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

II LIKE TO RIDE MY BICYCLE…

If you like meeting new people, Bike to Bestival is the adventure for you. The plan for this pre-Bestival escapade is that a big group of music and open road enthusiasts get together to cycle from London to the Isle of Wight (including a taster of the Olympic cycle route) pursued by a van full of their instruments stopping for impromptu gigs and festival-esque parties along the way. They welcome novices with a bit of spirit and it promises to be a great adventure with a laidback, fun crowd and a great reward at the end! Plus, if you’re really keen, stay on for the Isle of Wight cycling festival later in the month. WHEN 4 – 9 September COSTS In this day and age festival tickets don’t come cheap, Bestival’s are £170 for students before booking fees, but with Stevie Wonder headlining perhaps it’s a worthy investment. They also have a five-month ticket payment plan.

Return ferry crossings cost around £22 and your bike can come with you free of charge. INFO 2012.bestival.net/news/bike-to-bestival (includes links to ferry sites) buskersonbikes.org sunseaandcycling.com NOW I’M DRIVING IN MY CAR…

This road trip tip was inspired by an attic discovery of a dusty copy of an old travel guide to Britain via its swimmer-friendly lakes and rivers. Upgrade to the Wild Swim Website run by the Outdoor Swimming Society, where members have compiled a map of picturesque swimming spots. You don’t have to drive far; the highest concentrations of swimming locations are the south coast and the Lake District. Pack yourselves into a car and go and discover the little alcoves of England. This trip is perfect for a small group of friends or, even better, a romantic jaunt. The map details the spots best for jumping, exploring and skinnydipping. They’ve thought of everything!

PHOTO: IStockphoto

ith low-cost airlines and the internet, travelling abroad has never been cheaper or easier, but spare a thought for back home. About 32 million people come to holiday in Britain every year so why not see what all the fuss is about? Go back to your roots and enjoy the holidays your grandparents would have had with no stress of foreign languages or laws. Do and see as much as possible with a holiday ‘on the move’. Here are some ideas for the best ‘travelling trips’ to do this summer in the Great British Isles.

Get more for your lolly with YHA We have beds available at a whole host of amazing hostels this summer. Beach or mountainous, countryside or city – wherever you choose to spend your summer staycation, stay with YHA.

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TRAVEL COSTS The major cost of this trip is obviously petrol (and relies on someone having access to a car) so save money by camping or sleeping in the car; you won’t be complaining about a lack of showers. INFO wildswim.com FREEDOM TRAIN…

One of the best city trips in the UK is always the Edinburgh Fringe where all manner of silly happenings are at your disposal. There are over 6,000 performances, some of which are held in designated free venues. The bustle of the city is completely electrifying and the words ‘something for everyone’ could not be more accurately used. Just wandering around you’ll stumble across the best comedy, music, nightlife, art, street performers, circus performers and belly-dancing-poetryreciting-painted-blue-transvestites. Whatever

tickles your fancy or floats your boat. Go on, be daring! If you’re a fan of old movies or even Harry Potter then The Sleeper is the only way to go. Go to their ‘bargain berths’ section for tickets from £20 and don’t worry about them being over-priced for the festival, you can only book tickets 13 weeks in advance so plan ahead and be ready for the inevitable scramble for the cheap seats when they become available. As for accommodation go for airBnB; a similar concept to couch surfing but is a transaction, thus more reliable and less awkward. All of the letters are very up front and if they’re not, the reviewers are not afraid to set them straight. WHEN 3 -27 August COSTS As we went to press, there were lots of double rooms available on airBnB during the festival for £15 or less. INFO airbnb.co.uk timeout.com (always has great coverage of the Festival) scotrail.co.uk 56 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

ISLAND LIVING: YOU’RE NEVER FAR FROM THE BEACH IN THE UK.

MAGIC BUS…

Ireland isn’t in the UK, but it’s still close enough for a great cheap adventure. Get a Eurolines bus to any of the major cities and from there, buses run hourly between nearly all of the cities and more regularly between towns and villages. The joys of this trip are pubs and spontaneity, get your inspiration from pub-goers and people along the way! Make sure you go to the Connemara Mountains for a bit of wilderness and see if you can give Bear Grylls a run for his money. The area is packed full of pubs, for rewards and recuperation. Start in Dublin and make your way all the way round to Sligo. If you make it to Northern Ireland go to their biggest nightclub Lush! at Kelly’s near the Giant’s Causeway. As much a historical landmark as a club, Lush! has been bussing people in on Saturday nights from all over Ireland since the ‘80s. The lineups are certainly not to be sneezed at; they regularly have DJs from all over the world. COSTS Don’t forget your euros! Students can buy a 10-journey bus ticket which saves a bit on travel. INFO This trip is also great for cycling but if you want a short cut you have to pay €11.50 plus your ticket to get your bike on a bus. buseireann.ie 

OTHER IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN

If you only do five things this summer, make it these five things. 1 Boating – Go boating on the 120 miles of waterways of the Broads. 2 Surﬁng – Surf on one of Cornwall’s 165 beaches, even in the widest part of the county you’re never more than 20 miles from one. 3 Camping – Go camping in Scotland. 4 Climbing (sort of!) – Skip the walk and take a mountain railway trip up Snowdonia. 5 Skiiing –Go skiing in Aviemore.

AND FINALLY... LONDON Even if the Olympics are not your thing, the capital will be packed with exciting things to do as different countries set up their ‘houses’ to show what they have to offer. Who needs to travel the world when it’s all on your doorstep? And if you’re after budget accommodation while in the capital - or across the UK for that matter - why not give the Youth Hostel Association a try (yha.org.uk)? They offer beds from £12 a night this summer. Bargain.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

A big group of music and open road enthusiasts get together to cycle from London to the Isle of Wight.

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staying Re-assure yourself with these helpful tips before you fly off travelling.

WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG If you have a burning desire to see the world, do it before you hit the grand old age of 26 there are lots of budget deals waiting for you. THE FACE FITS Don’t forget to carry your student identity card on your travels. A variety of discounts can be had.

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

efore setting off on an adventure abroad, it pays to acquaint yourself with what you need to stay healthy, how to go about storing, exchanging and securing money and what the best travel insurance deals are. With all the exciting chaos and confusion that surrounds a trip abroad, be it to the Sahara Desert or the Pyrenees, it is often easy to overlook essential details. FD is here to help you with a few tips. HEP B MIGHT NOT JUST BE FOR CHRISTMAS…

If you’re going somewhere exotic then it is essential to make sure you have the recommended vaccines. Getting a great big needle stuck in your arm isn’t a great deal of fun, but then neither is getting rabies. The typical vaccines include hepatitis A and B and tetanus. You can find out more specific details of which vaccines you

might need in the country you’re visiting on the web, but it is important that you use this only as a general guide and that you contact a doctor a few months prior to leaving (some vaccines take a while to kick in). For the well-to-do traveller, there is a large selection of additional vaccines with which one can get dosed up to the eyeballs and hit virtually any country in a diseasefighting stupor. On top of vaccines, you’ll need to check whether the country you’re visiting has a malaria threat. Again this is something you can and should ask your doctor about, but you can also find out about the current trends on malariahotspots.co.uk. Once you’ve found out, your doctor will be able to advise you on what type of malaria pills to buy. You should also get some mosquito spray, as even standard bites can be crazy annoying. I was in India a couple of years ago and a week in I was plastered with

WORDS: Charley Utton; PHOTO: IStockphoto

Fresh AbroAd B

TRAVEL

GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

By friends I mean doctors. If you’re having a really hard time, don’t be afraid of contacting a local doctor as they will be more than happy to help you. I met a guy travelling who drank something… special… in Vietnam and had consequently been hallucinating and vomiting for two weeks. He finally saw a doctor, received an injection of some kind to the rear end and was back on his feet the next day. Of course this is an extreme example, but really, they’re only a phone call away. Don’t be proud, or scared.

Insurance Comparison (Gap Year May-May) Insurance is a must, so wise up on who offers what and for how much. Even if you don’t need to claim, you will have peace of mind. Company Name Boots (Silver) Boots (Gold) Great Cover Big Blue Endsleigh

Price £115 £142 £153 £189 £403

Check whether the country you’re visiting has a malaria threat. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what type of pills to buy. You should also get mosquito spray. 60 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

Baggage £1,500 £2,500 £1,000 £1,500 £2,500

don’t get seriously ill and they have an all-round happy time on the holiday of a lifetime. This is definitely not guaranteed however, and should something happen, having some adequate insurance to fall back on can prevent a lot of headaches. What’s more, having it in the first place is reassuring. There are different insurance schemes for different types of travellers, whether you’re on a gap year, working abroad or on a sports trip. Remember to take your national insurance number with you too, as this can often secure healthcare. See the box above for some important insurance comparisons.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, IT’S SO FUNNY

One of the biggest pre-travelling worries is money; where do I keep it? What if it gets stolen? Should I take a card? The best defence against anything that could possibly go wrong with regard to money is to prepare yourself properly. It’s advisable to take more than one source of money; the obvious forms being domestic currency, foreign currency and a bank card. Split these parts across your bag(s) so that if you lose one part, or if it gets stolen, all is not lost (remember where you’ve hidden it all though, obviously). If you do take a bank card, remember to tell your bank that you will be going abroad otherwise they might presume some sort of fraudulent shenanigans is going on and put a stop on your card. And that is the last thing you want to happen. When it comes to getting your money changed, there are two key bits of information. First, don’t change much at home; the rates won’t be as good.

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ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY INJECTIONS NEEDED FOR YOUR DESTINATION

Secondly, shop around, it’s your money so make an informed decision; different places will offer vastly different rates and some will charge commission, so make sure to take a look at a few places before you settle on one. Another useful option is to get a travel money card, also known as a currency card. These nifty chip and pin devices work in a similar way to standard credit and debit cards, the difference being that you top it up instead of tying it to a bank account. The main pros and cons of each card vary as they have differing fee structures, but for the vast majority the key advantage is that you are less at threat of serious card fraud (unless you top up some flagrant amount of money). The main con to the cards are the charges you pay, they vary from an application fee, to a monthly fee, to an ATM usage fee. The Money Supermarket website offers a fairly good comparison on these cards, but be careful not to get hooked into a loan or credit based card as these lose the aforementioned security advantage. ENSURE YOU’RE INSURED

For the majority of travellers, nothing goes wrong. They get nothing stolen, they

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY

One of the best things you can do is just relax and focus on having a good time. If you get ill, you get ill. If you get robbed, you get robbed. Worrying about these things won’t stop them from happening, but it might stop you having the holiday you deserve. The likelihood is that neither of these things will happen, and, if you’ve carried out the basic preparations it won’t be such a headache if they unfortunately do. Once you’re sorted, there’s not a great deal more that you can do other than sit back, look forward to a great trip and take things as they come. Oh, and remember to take lots of photos, so you can reminisce about your crazy adventures in years to come.

USEFUL WEBSITES lonelyplanet.com Thoroughly useful information for most countries; from practical tips to sightseeing. roughguides.com Similar to Lonely Planet, very useful information. fitfortravel.nhs.uk NHS health tips for travelling abroad, country specific information.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

bites, some of which had grown to about an inch in diameter! My mistake? I was using spray that had been bought way back in 2002, which it turns out was a bad call.

MALARIA it only takes one bite Malaria is a serious, but preventable, disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. When planning your trip, be sure to speak to a qualified healthcare professional or travel clinic to ensure you get the best advice.

To find out how to protect yourself, visit:

If you have had malaria and would like to be a case study for the Malaria Awareness Campaign, please email: malaria@beattiegroup.com The Malaria Awareness Campaign is organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health and supported by a leading panel of healthcare professionals, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). The campaign aims to educate UK travellers about the risk of malaria and encourages them to seek expert medical advice before their journey. *Malariahotspots.co.uk is a GSK website. UK/MARK/0321/11 March 2011

SEX

GOIN FORG GOLD

THE SEXUAL

Olympics N

avigating your way around the student sexual obstacle course is similar to the Olympics. You have to be mentally and physically prepared and be willing to get a little sweaty; luckily for you our resident student sexpert, Kelly Holgate, is on hand to pass down that bedroom baton and have you coming more than once every four years. Aah, the Olympics. A time to get behind your country and throw a celebration bigger than your student overdraft. Getting the event ready has been no mean feat; we haven’t had a hand in it but have sent our support mentally. And knowing that a flurry of strong athletes will soon be descending upon London quicker than your mates at a house party, means that our own bodies are put under more scrutiny than usual. But we can learn something from these God-like athletes and there’s no need to go cold turkey at the student union or crack out the PE kit just yet, as getting your rocks off the in bedroom is one of the best ways to get fit and tone up. Let’s face it, anything beats hitting the gym on a Saturday morning after a night out with Mr Sam Buca and Mr Jack Daniels, plus any exercise which involves staying in bed gets the thumbs up from us. Whether your sex life rivals the entire cast of Geordie Shore, or you are a long distance lover committed to another competitor; the ups, downs, ins and outs of S.E.X. at 62 FD W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K

university can leave you out of breathe, red faced and in need of a serious massage (not the one with a happy ending.) WARM UP

In any sport the warm up is key; sprinting out of the blocks before limbering up can result in a pulled muscle, and not of the love variety. You wouldn’t stroll into an exam without swotting up on the subject, so don’t rely on your charmer sutra to get you to the finish line. There’s no need to dress like a 118 man and don number 69, but being 100% prepared before the big event helps to avoid any unwanted sexual hurdles. By making sure you

Students are, generally speaking, sexually more active than most other groups in the UK. know the facts about contraception and STIs, you are strides ahead of your competition and your partner will see you as a gold medallist already. No student likes to be taken back to their sex education school days, but safety comes first and hopefully you’ll come second. The sexual relay race during university can see

some students running to the nearest GUM clinic if they fail to prepare when entering the sexual arena. Dr Jasper Mordhurst, STI expert for Healthcounter.com, says “Students are, generally speaking, sexually more active than most other groups in the UK. They frequently change partners, have short relationships or one-night stands; it is an important time to experiment and experience all that sex has to offer.” But with these sex-capades comes great risks, as students are vulnerable to sexual hurdles such as STI’s and even HIV. “If left untreated, these infections can lead to long term fertility problems, especially Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea,” adds Dr Mordhurst. Burying your head in the long jump sand may seem like the better option, but it sure beats encountering an infected javelin and pole vaulting your infection all over campus. “It can be daunting to visit a GUM clinic for the first time, but they are your first port of call when it comes to sexual health.” But many students like to play doctor themselves in between their Facebook updates and Tweets, however this can cause many students to worry unnecessarily when faced with misleading information. “If you do use the internet for advice, always make sure that the sites are registered in the UK and their doctors are registered with the General Medical Council,” adds Dr Mordhurst. So preparation is key,

PHOTO: IStockphoto

Carry the spirit and excitement all the way to the bedroom.

When your usual contraception lets you down, remember Levonelle One Step. Available from your pharmacist, it can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Because accidents happen Text ‘chemist’ to 62233 in confidence to locate your nearest pharmacy.* Levonelle should not replace regular, long-term contraception. Emergency contraception and advice is available free from your GP, Family Planning Clinic or NHS Walk-in Centre. Always read the label. Contains levonorgestrel. Not 100% effective. Levonelle One Step can be used for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it’s more effective the sooner you take it. *The choice of chemist is based upon your current location when sending the text. Standard network charges apply. Some providers may require sending an additional text. Text service only suitable for people aged 16 and over. Date of preparation: August 2011 UK.PH.WH.LVN.2011.04

A17830 Portrait Ad_297x210_C2 A0_CB_LO.indd 1

29/02/2012 09:56

SEX as pulling a love muscle will be the least of your worries with so many STI’s floating around campus. SEXUAL HURDLES

With more STIs being diagnosed each year, it is important to recognise the symptoms of the serial offenders. The lovely folk at NHS give us the low down on those unwanted diseases. Chlamydia: The most commonly diagnosed STI trips many students up as it has no noticeable symptoms. If left untreated it can lead to fertility problems, so make sure you’re tested often. Genital Herpes: This causes painful sores on the genitals and is transmitted via sexual contact. Once in your system the virus remains, but flare ups can be treated with antiviral medication. Gonorrhea: Commonly known as the ‘clap’, but you won’t show any appreciation if you catch it. Pain when peeing and an unusual discharge can be treated with antibiotics. HIV: This incurable disease attacks the immune system and is spread via unprotected sex and needle sharing. Syphilis: Symptoms include sores, a skin rash, sore throat and even blindness. If left untreated this can be fatal, so it is vital to see your doctor as soon as you notice any of the above. SEXUAL ATHLETE ESSENTIALS

CONTRACEPTION University life can be so full on that students struggle to find a clean pair of socks that match, let alone choose the right contraception, and a recent survey by the sexual health experts at talkchoice.co.uk showed that 16-20 year olds are unsure about the best method to choose. Olympians wouldn’t hit the field without the best possible kit, and your attitude to sex should be the same. ✱ Condoms: Placed over a man’s penis before intercourse and the only method to protect against STI’s. Odds: Approximately 98% effective. Around 15 in 100 women still fall pregnant. ✱ The Pill: The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen 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 STI’s. Odds: 99% effective when taken correctly. ✱ Injection: Given every three months it SPECIAL OFFER: If buying sexual health products leaves you with a face redder than an Olympic athlete, then head to thehealthcounter.com and stock up with an amazing 10% discount exclusive to Fresh Direction readers

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

contains the hormone progestogen, which prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. Odds: 97% effective. ✱ Implant: Usually the size of a thin matchstick, the implant is placed under the skin of the upper arm and also contains progestogen. Odds: 99.9% effective and lasts for up to three years. ✱ Emergency contraception: Accidents can happen. If you’re worried the precautions you took might not of been effective, Levonelle’s emergency contraceptive should be your first port of call - levonellegreatescapes.co.uk. Odds: Can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse or a contraception mishap but the quicker you take it, the more effective it is.

GOIN FORG GOLD

Calories Burnt during sex Rather watch the games from your armchair with a takeaway? Fear not, as these sex-ercises will ease your guilt. *Spandex optional. Orgasm: 60-100 calories Equivalent to: A pint of lager Kissing for 30 minutes: 90 calories Equivalent to: Bag of Wotsits Masturbating: 150 calories (30 minutes) Equivalent to: Twix bar Oral Sex: 115 cals Equivalent to: A small glass of red wine Intercourse 60 minutes: 200 calories Equivalent to: Half a can of baked beans

means experimenting, and we champion the following positions. Happy humping! ✱ The dirty dangle: A new take on the missionary position. She lies on the bed with her head and arms leaning towards the floor, while he thrusts away resulting in an orgasm of dizzy proportions. Difficulty rating: Bronze ✱ Thigh master: Tone up your legs with this saucy version of her on top. He lies on his back with one leg stretched and the other bent. She straddles his body sideways, grabs his knee, giving her ultimate leverage and taking you both to pleasure town. Difficulty rating: Silver ✱ Bean bonk: Aptly named as you could have a quickie while cooking. She sits on the SEXUAL POSITIONS ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, OHHH counter, with his legs slightly bent and feet Sex is like studying for an exam; you go at it hard apart. He pulls her towards him, with her and fast, cramming in every bit of information, legs resting on his shoulders. This requires or it is slow and steady, allowing you to learn at flexibility on her part and pure stamina on his. a slower pace. Either way, being a sexual athlete Difficulty rating: Gold  SEXERCISE

GET FIT AND GET OFF! Endless takeaways and drinking games can soon take its toll on your body, but you needn’t join the wrestling team to burn off those calories, as going horizontal jogging is one of the most enjoyable ways to get in shape. There’s no need to go at it quicker than Usain Bolt either, as treating it like a slow stroll to that morning lecture can have calorific benefits too. Just remember to always use a condom as it is the only way of protecting you both from unwanted STI’s. “If you have sex without a condom, get yourself checked out, and make sure you get screened for chlamydia if you have new partners,” says Dr Mordhurst.

University sex league table We can’t predict how the UK will fare in the Olympics, but we do have a tally of the randiest Universities in the country courtesy of Studentbeans.com Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

University University of Glamorgan University of Wales Institute, Cardiff University of Brighton Leeds Metropolitan University Aberystwyth University Manchester Metropolitan University University of Dundee University of Liverpool University of Strathclyde University College London

No. of sexual partners per student 10.9 10.6 9.5 9.4 9.1 8.4 8.2 8.1 7.7 7.6

Once the Olympic euphoria dies down it’s your turn to compete in the bedroom and improve that sexual prowess. Just remember, practice makes perfect and there’s no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to doing the no pants dance.

HEALTH

stress

HEAD PHOTO: IStockphoto

Don’t let exam worries get you down with Claire Muffett-Reece’s guide to surviving student stress levels…

niversity messes with your head. You’ve got to make new friends, label your food without being classed a ‘twat’ and keep on top of deadlines, all while stretching that loan to pay the rent and fund your social life. Add to that the pressure of exams, with hours spent cooped in your room revising and it’s no wonder many students experience a constant sickening feeling. “There are many definitions of stress but in itself it is not a specific emotion,” explains Frances Ive, author of Stress: The Essential Guide (Forward Press, 2008). “When you are stressed you may have negative feelings and thoughts, feel unwell, W W W. S T U D E N T 3 6 5 . C O . U K FD 65

HEALTH lethargic and be unable to sleep. Your heart may pound, your palms get sweaty and your eyes dilate. In small amounts this can stimulate you to thrive under pressure, but over a long period of time you can become ill, developing rashes, a depleted immune system and anxiety or depression. It’s vital to accept and embrace such a stressful time. You need to remember you can cope with whatever life throws at you, understanding you are only human and that life is meant to be challenging.” Add to that the following ways to reduce rising stress levels, and you’re on your way to wondering what all the fuss was about…

OUT! CHILL ss

great stre Yoga is a and can reliever nd to relax a help you re easily focus mo

LEARN TO SAY NO

It’s human nature to want to please everyone around you, but with the pressure of looming exams it doesn’t hurt to remember you’ve got to come first every

Your degree is important, but so is your mental health. University offers so much more than constant studying. You will feel better if you take advantage of that.

GET THE BLOOD FLOWING

Studies have shown exercise is one of the greatest stress relievers around – so put down the books and get set to boost that heart rate! “Taking frequent exercise improves your health, relaxes muscles and reduces stress caused by lethargy,” says Fitness First trainer Chris Rogers. “Exercise also improves blood flow to your brain, bringing additional sugars and

USEFUL WEBSITES papyrus-uk.org - Specialise in lending a helping hand to young people contemplating suicide. samaritans.org - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Samaritans are available to listen confidentially and offer support for any problem, no matter how big or small. talkmebetter.com - Website of psychotherapist Alex Drummond is a resource of support for any issue.

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oxygen needed when studying intensely. That’s before your body’s endorphins kick in, positively affecting your sense of wellbeing and making you feel you can take on the world! It’s important to make time to keep fit. Why not go for a run in the park, swim or enjoy a leisurely bike ride? You could even go walking in the countryside, breathing in tons of fresh air to oxygenise your body and brain.” FOOD FOR THOUGHT

All those good intentions of getting your five-a-day fly out the window when exam time comes around, with a greasy fix at your local takeaway a much more likely option. But convenience food and binge drinking only makes you more

PHOTO: IStockphoto

now and then! “It’s great to be nice to others, but if you are doing it to be liked, it may not be serving you that well,” continues Ive. “Everyone is guilty of not saying ‘no’ enough, but there is no point agreeing to do certain things if it stresses you out and makes you fed up. If a friend wishes to revise together when you’d much rather go it alone, tell them fairly but firmly you want to concentrate on your own studies first. Being assertive means saying how you feel without being rude or aggressive, so follow this tactic and there’s no need to worry about offending others – and you’ll reduce stress levels in the process!”

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37% OF YOU MORE WORRIED ABOUT EXAMS THAN MONEY

you this summer Don’t let exam stress get the better of

efore you start uni you imagine the closest you’ll come to stress will be choosing between This Morning and Homes Under The Hammer! But mountains of coursework and a dwindling loan can make even the most chilled out student a bit nervy. *Kalms Day Pocket Pack, is a traditional herbal medicine that can be used to help relieve worry, irritability and stress. It is a good option for helping to manage your stressful situations when you’re on the move. The new handy pack size offers up two weeks supply in a super slim slide out pocket pack, easy to carry so ideal when you're

out and about. Kalms regularly tweet tips and techniques to help uni students manage stressful situations. A few lucky followers will also be selected for random acts of kindness - a little helping hand when you need it most. They might not be able to sit that exam for you but if your printer broke they might be able to get you a new one! All you need to do is follow them on Twitter @KeepingKalms and tweet them a request - it could get you out of a pickle or help brighten up your day. But in the meantime, if your exams are looming or you’ve got a dissertation to finish, here are a few tips to help

make sure stress doesn’t get the better of you this summer. MANAGE YOUR TIME

Buy a wall calendar and put all your deadline dates into it. Being able to clearly visualise your time will enable you to plan much more effectively so you won't have that last minute panic. GET ACTIVE

Exercise releases endorphins, which can help boost your mood and energy levels. A short run could give you the energy you need to finish that essay. TALK THAT TALK

Chatting about exam worries to a friend or tutor will help to take some of the pressure off.

*Kalms Day is a traditional herbal medicine for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress such as mild anxiety exclusively based on long standing use as a traditional herbal remedy. Always read the label.

WHAT CAUSES UNI STUDENTS THE MOST STRESS? Kalms teamed up with Student365.co.uk to ﬁnd out what you worried about most. We ran a survey online and asked whether you found balancing relationships with studies, exam pressure, money or career worries the most stressful. As we went to press, exam pressure (37%) caused the most anxiety. Do you agree? Log on to Student365.co.uk to cast your vote now.

HEALTH miserable, leaving you stuck in a vicious circle. “Food plays an important part in helping you cope with stress during exams,” says nutritionist Nigel Denby. “Food is fuel for the mind and body – so living off pizza and beer won’t keep you going! Instead enjoy lean meat and mushrooms, rich sources of nucleotides to help the body cope during times of stress. Complex carbohydrates such as bananas and wholemeal cereal are also ideal, as they release energy slowly – the perfect breakfast to enjoy and a great start to the day. Snack on nuts and dried fruit to keep you alert while studying. And remember to eat at normal times throughout the day.”

KEEP ORGANISED

being. University offers so much more than constant studying, and you will feel better if you take advantage of that.” GET CHATTING

STAY SOCIABLE

Studying is vital, especially at this time of year, but it’s equally important to relax with your mates to stop the pressure becoming too much to bear. “Give yourself a break,” says Caroline Carr, author of How Not To Worry (White Ladder Press, 2008). “The more you stress about your workload, the more likely you are to become overwhelmed and unable to concentrate. Make a point of taking regular breaks to see your friends to unwind and escape from it all. Go to the pub or cinema, or cook a meal together – and laugh as much as possible. Laughter is a fantastic stress remedy, reducing adrenaline while raising endorphins to boost your mood and wellbeing. Above all keep a sense of perspective. Your degree is important, but so is your mental health and well-

Stressing about the amount of work you have is common, however it’s important you share your worries to prevent the burden getting you down.

ESSENTIAL STRESS RELIEVERS Chill out with this diverse range of fab mood-boosters…

• Radox Stress Relief Herbal Bath £1.02, boots.com Run a nice warm bath, and add a liberal helping of Radox’s perennial stress reliever. The magic ingredient is rosemary which is known to contain stress busting properties. And relax... • Kalms Tablets £5.10, kalmsstress.com Kalms tablets are a traditional natural plant remedy that help to alleviate the stresses and strains of modern life. What’s more, they help to promote natural sleep.

DON’T STRESS Remember, we all need a provision of stress - in small amounts it can actually propel us to do our best work. So don’t get worried automatically.

• Clippers Organic Sleep Easy Tea £1.25, shop.clipper-teas.com Getting your necessary quota of sleep every night can’t be easy with so much going on inside your head. These soothing tea bags, infused with cinnamon, chamomile and lemon balm are just the ticket.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE A recent NUS survey found that 90% of students suffered from stress - you are not alone.

• Sanctuary Unwind Candle £12.25, thesanctuary.co.uk Candles are known for their magical moodenhancing properties, and this wonderfully

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Last, but by no means least, is the importance of staying organised. “Chaotic and disorganised surroundings do nothing for your stress levels,” explains life coach Shan Rees. “Tty to study in the same place so that you can find what you want easily without panicking. Lists are a great way to help you recognise how much you’ve achieved, ticking things off as you go along. Organising your revision will leave you feeling relaxed and confident.” 

enticing candle from Sanctuary is as good as its word. Infused with essential oils of vetivert, cedarwood and labdanum this will help you relax and de-stress in next to no time. Creates a tranquil atmosphere too. • De-stress CD £9.99, hollandandbarrett.com Drift off, relax and ﬂoat downstream with this fantastic CD from Holland & Barrett. Serene musical sounds help create mellow moods. You’ll ﬁnd yourself switching off and allowing those anxious thoughts to dissipate. With 60 minutes of music to enjoy this is a real joy.

PHOTO: IStockphoto

You need to remember you can cope with whatever life throws at you... life is challenging.

“A problem shared is a problem halved,” says Kate Gibbs from My Mind Matters (mymindmatters.net). “Talking about what’s on your mind can be the release you need to break that stressful cycle, giving the issue space and providing the opportunity for constructive intervention. Find someone you believe is a good listener. Write down your issues beforehand – even the ones you perceive as ridiculous – then look together at the goal beyond your exams. If, however, it’s the sheer volume of work that’s an issue, talk to your lecturer about it – you won’t be the first to feel this way. Or chat to a university counsellor, who will be trained to listen empathetically and constructively.”

WE'RE HERE GET INVOLVED!

tudent365.co.uk has everything you need to keep you entertained at uni. With new features and offers going up every day it’ll keep your mind and pocket happy.

HANNAH, THE WINNER OF OUR BEST TRAVEL WRITER COMP. HER ENTRY IS IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Competitions We give away something every Monday: for example, our recent all expenses paid trip to Australia. Here we searched the country for the best student travel writer. The winner got to travel Australia AND have their article published in the next issue of Fresh Direction. We had an influx of entries but it was journalism student Hannah who impressed us the most. Log on to the website to read her winning article. Keep your eyes glued to Student365 to grab those freebies & make sure you add us on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to know about our next big comp. Facebook.com/ Student365.website and Twitter: @student365 Want to write for us? Fancy yourself as a budding journalist? Want to build up your writing portfolio? Well, you’ve come to the right place. By joining our team of student writers you’ll get some great experience and have fun too. Student film writer Melissa says "Writing for Student365 has been a great way to improve my writing skills, and the feedback from the editor

each week is so helpful. It makes it even better that I get to cover a topic which I enjoy!" To get involved email aissetou.ngom@ student365.co.uk with the word “writer” in the subject. We’re particularly looking for sports writers - so if that’s you, get in touch. Interns We regularly run internships and would love to hear from you. This is a chance to see your creative ideas materialised. WARNING - those looking to make teas and photocopy need not apply - we’re looking for real team members. For details of how to get involved log on to Student365.co.uk & click on “about us”. Offers Living on a budget can be tough - which is why we regularly put up money saving deals to lighten the load. We’re nice like that you see! Just log on to Student365.co.uk and click on “Free Stuff” Fancy earning some extra cash? We’re looking for students to spread the word of Student365 & Fresh Direction on campus. If you’re sociable, hard working and after a part time job, we want to hear from you. Drop us a line: enquiries@student365.co.uk

LOG ON TO WWW.STUDENT365.CO.UK THE UK’S NEW No 1 SITE FOR STUDENTS Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/student365 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Student365.Website

student 3 6 5

STUDENT LIFE

Drugs: KNOW THE SCORE If you’re thinking of trying drugs, make sure you read our guide to staying safe this summer.

ummer is a time to get social. Whether you’re at a festival, a party or just going for beers on campus there’s always something going on and people around to relax with. Drug users are in a minority – according to FRANK, 60% of 18-24 year olds have never used an illegal drug. But for some, drugs are a key part of their summer experience. When drugs are mentioned in the media, it’s usually in a negative way. Ultimately no one but you can decide what goes into your body. However, every drug has different specific risks and effects, and it’s essential to know what those risks are and keep yourself as informed as possible.

INTO THE UNKNOWN A recent survey commissioned by The Guardian and Mixmag found that 20% of young drug users had taken ‘mystery white powders’ without any idea what they contain. DRINKING SINKING The same survey discovered that two-thirds of men and 60% of women admitted to drinking at harmful and hazardous levels.

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THE FACTS

There are three different kinds of drugs – stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. Stimulants make you feel like you have lots of energy and confidence. They include cocaine, speed, ecstasy, and mephedrone. Stimulants increase your heart rate and the sensitivity of your nervous system. They’ll make you feel awake and alert, can cause appetite loss and

Every drug has different specific risks and effects, and it’s essential to know what these risks are and keep yourself informed. put a strain on your heart. Depressants include tranquillisers, heroin and cannabis, as well as alcohol. They make you feel relaxed and slow down your heart rate. Hallucinogens, including LSD and magic mushrooms, make you view reality in a distorted way. This can include hallucinations. Even if you find out everything you can about a drug, it can be difficult to fully predict the effect it will have on your body. Often, a dealer will add a cheaper substance or chemical to a drug in order to make a greater volume of product – and profit. Household detergents like washing powder are frequently used. You could end up with a completely different drug to the one you thought you

were buying. Annabel*, 22 from London had a bad experience when she was on holiday in Ibiza. “I found a guy in a club who said he could sell me some coke – but I’ve no idea what I ended up buying from him. It made me feel really paranoid and the comedown was horrible. I think it might have been crystal meth, which is really scary - I’ve heard that it can really damage you. I’m too nervous to use coke again. After that experience I’d have no idea what I was getting.” MIXED UP

When you use different kinds of drugs together, the results are unpredictable. If one drug stops part of your body

your drinking is to make sure that every other drink is a soft drink. Make sure you don’t skip meals before you drink, as eating will slow down your metabolism and make the alcohol easier for your body to deal with. DRUGS AND YOU

If you’re found buying, selling or in possession of an illegal drug you could be prosecuted – and in some cases sent to prison. However, if you do use drugs the greatest risk you face is the long and short term damage you could do to your body. There’s more information at talktofrank. com. You owe it to yourself to keep informed and obtain the best impartial advice out there. And remember that staying safe and healthy is the best way to have a great summer.  *People’s names have been changed.

“I would really like to cut down.”

WORDS: Lucy Peden; PHOTO: IStockphoto

DEALERS WILL OFTEN CUT DRUGS WITH OTHER HARMFUL PRODUCTS

It can be difficult to fully predict the effect drugs will have on your body. from working, the effect of the other could be more dangerous. Alcohol can be very dangerous when combined with other drugs. If you drink when you use cocaine, a highly toxic substance called cocaethylene is produced, which can stay in your system for over three days. Mixing alcohol with any stimulant can

put a major strain on your heart, which may result in cardiac arrest. When alcohol is used with another depressant your heart rate, your breathing and nervous responses slow down. This is potentially fatal. ALCOHOL IS A DRUG

You might not associate going to the pub with potentially harmful narcotics, but alcohol is a drug and it can be dangerous. It’s addictive, harms your body and affects your judgment. It’s a depressant, which means it makes you feel relaxed, and it stays in your body for up to 24 hours. One clever and instant way to slow down

Alice*, a first-year history student from Reading and she believes that many in her social circle drink too much. Including herself... “I love going out for a few drinks, and it’s a big part of the student lifestyle – it’s hard to avoid. But everyone I know tends to drink quite heavily. Some people can’t remember their nights or how they got home, and I find it impossible to get any work done when I’m hung over. Because drinking is a social activity, no-one seems to see it as a problem, but I would really like to cut down.” When you’ve been drinking, you’re vulnerable – you might take risks that you would never had considered otherwise, or make decisions you’ll regret. Over time, too much alcohol can damage your healthy liver tissue, which results in cirrhosis – a potentially fatal disease in which your liver stops functioning completely. If you think that your drinking has become a problem it’s worth speaking to a counsellor. They won’t judge you and should be able to help you look at your situation in a new light.

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

LAST WORD

Your Uni Leaving Checklist



MOVE YOUR STUFF Renting a van from Zip Van costs as little as £9 an hour including fuel and insurance (Zipvan.com). Alternatively if you don’t want to drive yourself, check out UK-removal.co.uk GET A SUMMER JOB Summerjobs4students.co.uk offers a range of jobs to get you out of that overdraft and into the black.



GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK If your landlord is reluctant to return your deposit, the Citizens Advice Bureau has advice on getting it back.



CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA Delete those drunken pictures. And if you haven’t got your CV on LinkedIn – now’s the time.



HIRE YOUR GRAD GOWN You don’t want a photo of you in an XXL gown on your Gran’s mantelpiece. Book it now: Edeandravenscroft.co.uk has everything you need.



TAKE BACK LIBRARY BOOKS Your student loan is big enough without being in debt to the library too. ORGANISE YOUR EMAIL FOLDER Start transferring all your email contacts to Gmail now. Don’t forget to let people know your new address.

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

BUY YOUR TUTOR A GIFT You may have spent half his lectures sleeping off a hangover but you might need a reference so sweeten him up.



BUY A TOKEN HOODIE Being a graduate isn’t complete unless you have a “University of …” jumper to wear when you have a hangover.



SET UP A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR YOUR COURSE MATES These people are now your future job network. Set up a group so you can post jobs you’ll all be interested in.



GET THEIR NUMBER You know the hot boy/ girl in your science/media/philosophy lecture? Now’s the time to ask them out.



GRADUATION TICKETS Don’t leave buying them to the last minute. There’s always someone with a family bigger than The Waltons who’ll buy tickets ASAP.



USE ALL YOUR PRINTER CREDITS University has just rinsed you for a lifetime of debt – are you gonna let them keep hold of your £5 printer credits too?



SORT OUT YOUR SUIT FOR THE END OF YEAR BALL End of year parties are notoriously messy, do you really want to buy something you might ruin? Hire a suit from Moss.co.uk – win, win!



ENQUIRE ABOUT YOUR GRADUATE CURRENT ACCOUNT That interest free overdraft might not stay interest free for much longer. Moneysavingexpert.com advises on the best graduate accounts.



ARRANGE A SUMMER MEET UP Find a date via Doodle.com that all your uni friends can do and stick to it.



APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP Sadly that degree isn’t a ticket to your dream job. Internwise.co.uk is a great resource for internships of all disciplines.

GATHER YOUR REFERENCES Approach your tutors now for a reference while you and your achievements are fresh in their mind.



USE THE CAREERS CENTRE Most uni’s offer a great careers service. This can even include conducting mock interviews tailored specifically for jobs you’ve applied for. In the real world this kind of service isn’t free – use it now! 



PLAN AN OLYMPICS PARTY We see lots of sports-themed drink ups. Go to London2012.com for ideas.

WORDS: Aissetou N’gom PHOTO: IStockphoto

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