gum FRESHERS EDITION
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Glasgow University Magazine
contents 4 5 6 9 10 12 14 2
FEATURES CULTURE STYLE CREATIVE WRITING SCIENCE POLITICS ONLINE
Freshers Edition 2016
editor’s note
EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Lannon DEPUTY EDITOR Kirsty Dunlop ONLINE EDITORS Erika Koljonen Silvia Sani
Dear Freshers,
FEATURES EDITOR Clare Patterson CULTURE EDITOR Emmi Joensuu
Hello, and welcome to Glasgow University Magazine! Once your 6 day Fresher’s hangover dies down a little, we hope you’ll take some time to peruse this sparkly wee zine – a start-of-the-year, special edition of our usual full-size, colourful print magazine. We hope these colourful snippets of life in Glasgow’s West End make you feel inspired and intrigued about your new home. Each article is also a taster of each of the sections in GUM – Features, Fashion, Culture, Creative Writing, Science, Politics and Online. We hope this gives you an idea of what goes on in each section as we’d love you to get involved! Come along, every Thursday at 6pm in the John Mac building for sweets, chat and a team of friendly editors to welcome you!
POLITICS EDITOR Annie Milburn STYLE EDITOR Niamh Carey SCIENCE EDITOR Dalia Gala CREATIVE WRITING EDITOR Cortney Alexandra Lee PROOFREADING Melissa McNair EVENT MANAGERS Kaisa Saarinen Laura Williams PHOTO EDITOR Kati Brunk ILLUSTRATORS Beth Dixon Imogen Whiteley PHOTOGRAPHERS Silvia Sani
Best of luck in your first week and hope to see you very soon!
CHECK US OUT ONLINE!
Alice Lannon
www.glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk Instagram: glasgowuniversitymagazine Twitter: @gummagazine editors@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
EDITOR IN CHIEF
3
Glasgow University Magazine
gum’s guide to the good stuff in glasgow Clare Patterson
Glasgow is a beautiful, historic and vibrant city, with a great nightlife and a thriving cultural scene. It’s always full of surprises! It’s also a damn big place, but don’t worry - GUM is here with our guide to the best that Glasgow has to offer.
FOOD Beloved almost universally amongst Glasgow students (their tote bags are a regular fashion fixture), HILLHEAD BOOKCLUB is one of Byres Road’s best spots for a celebratory post-exam meal. With frequent offers, a great vegetarian selection and £2.50 strawberry gin mojitos, it’s easy to see why this hipster haven is such a cult favourite. For something more laid-back, TACO MAZAMA, also on Byres Road, do beautiful burritos, and if it’s takeaway you want, LA FAVORITA on Gibson Street make the best pizzas in town.
DRINKS
FEATURES
The twinkly lights of ASHTON LANE make for a good setting for evening drinks (and a pretty Instagram photo) but the bars can be pretty pricey. Head into town for cheaper drinking in a hipper setting: NICE N SLEAZY on Sauchiehall Street have midweek offers, a reasonably-priced cocktail menu, and free entry to club nights for students, as well as being one of the best small venues in Glasgow. BROADCAST, just a stone’s throw away, has a consistently buzzing atmosphere, cheap vodkamixes and a wide menu of White Russians (discounted Sunday – Wednesday). THE HUG AND PINT, on Great Western Road is one of Glasgow’s thriving new fixtures, and has a cosy small venue/ pub vibe with reasonably-priced pints.
4
DANCING Glasgow has one of the best club scenes in the UK, with lots to offer beyond the cosy student booziness of HIVE. SUB CLUB on Jamaica Street is a Glaswegian institution. Head to I AM every Tuesday for pumping house sets from residents Beta and Kappa. THE BERKELEY SUITE on North Street styles itself as a 1920’s speakeasy, all art deco, red velvet, and Vaudevillian vibes, with resident reggae night Walk n’ Skank going off every Thursday. And once a month, venue and bar STEREO is host to PUSH IT, a 90’s inspired club night playing R’n’B, pop and hip-hop exclusively by female artists. It’s advisable to arrive early as queues are often long, but for good reason; once inside, the fun-loving, feminist vibe and friendly atmosphere is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
INTERESTED? From in-depth investigative journalism to reflective pieces and everything in between, our Features section is at the heart of our magazine. Past features have been about nostalgia, feminism, architecture, cemetries... the scope is endless! For more info, contact Clare at: features@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
Freshers Edition 2016
the two faces of glasgow Emmi Joensuu
The appreciation for culture and the desire to experience its various forms is a universal human quality, which exists in almost everyone in various degrees. What fascinates each person the most is a matter of taste, opinion and interest; but whatever one’s preferences, the cultural scene in Glasgow will undoubtedly satisfy them. It is one of the most prominent features of our city, and a thing that nearly everyone recognises.
“The cultural atmosphere of Glasgow is something that seeps into the lives of its inhabitants.”
All cities have an atmosphere. It is a feeling that you get when you first arrive, and it shapes and develops as you see and do things. You may have lived in a particular place for your whole life or only months, but the atmosphere you sense is still there. As much as it is defined by individual perceptions, its building blocks are the characteristics that are embedded in the city itself. In Glasgow, some of the most elemental of these blocks lie in its cultural merits.
The cultural atmosphere of Glasgow is something that seeps into the lives of its inhabitants. The mere knowledge of how it surrounds you is something that affects the way you perceive the streets and buildings around you. Although it may not be something that is encountered or even thought of on a daily basis, it still has an effect on the way the city lives and breathes around you, which makes it an intrinsic part of Glasgow. It is something that shapes the city, and consequently, it shapes you.
INTERESTED? The Culture section is one of the largest sections of the magazine – covering reviews, interviews and features in the fields of art, music, film and theatre. It is a lot of fun to write for (and there are often free tickets up for grabs!) For more info, contact Emmi at: culture@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
CULTURE
Glasgow is characterised by its multitude of cultural events and heritage. One of its distinctive features is the way the forms of high culture mix with the most contemporary trends of popular culture. The various art museums allow for short visits on unhurried Sunday afternoons, but there are also a number of small galleries and independent venues that exhibit contemporary art and local artists. The museums of Glasgow offer an insight to the city’s history and the aspects of its culture throughout different eras. Simultaneously, the vibrance of the music scene is unique; artists both coming to play on the bigger stages and to busk or perform in open mic nights. There is always a chance to get to see your favourite artist live or to discover someone new who is selling their records from a box next to the cap for coins.
5
Glasgow University Magazine
pam hogg’s glasgow influences
Niamh Carey
Born in Paisley in a year the designer has yet to reveal, Pam Hogg began her career in the late 1970’s. After a brief period studying textiles at GSA, Hogg moved to London, arriving just in time to witness the fading tail-lights of the punk scene. But as the likes of Crass and Johnny Rotten were proclaiming the tragic and premature passing of punk, something even more glorious was emerging: the era of post-punk. There is no doubt that by 1980 the fresh, frantic, kinetic, eclectic sounds of post-punk had become the aural backdrop to a remarkably exciting time within all creative spheres. Hogg, along with contemporaries Vivienne Westwood and Leigh Bowry, visualised the ideas of this era in their clothing designs.
STYLE
“But as the likes of Crass and Johnny Rotten were proclaiming the tragic and premature passing of punk, something even more glorious was emerging: the era of post-punk.” Daring materials, such as PVC and latex, alongside bold prints and skin-tight silhouettes, became the trademark stamp of the ‘Blitz Club’ elite (whose members included Siouxsie Sioux and Debbie Harry). But Hogg’s creativity was by no means limited to her fashion designs: her band ‘Rubbish’ stormed the post-punk scene in the mid 80’s, and although they never achieved mainstream success, Hogg became musically tied to many no-
6
Freshers Edition 2016
table names. Supporting early Pogues gigs, and going on to open for the likes of Blondie and The Raincoats, Hogg’s creative endeavours inevitably merged to reflect one another: her clothing designs were brash and colourful, much like the sounds of her later band ‘Doll’, and her signature tight-fitting, glitzy leotards became the ultimate ‘Blitz Club’ dance gear. Hanging out with Siouxsie and Debbie in the Blitz Club may seem a world away from Sauchiehall street on a dreich day in November (where, as any Glaswegian knows, your socks are never quite dry because Glasgow rain has the persistence of a Siouxsie and the Banshees’ drum line). But Hogg, though far from ordinary, made her name with a typically Glaswegian backbone. Her pioneering attitude, along with an impressively wide-ranging creativity and a fiercely assured style and an everpresent awareness of the political all could be seen as factors distilled in her Scottish upbringing. Glasgow is a city of visionaries, renowned for its diverse and creative residents. From the innovative designs of Charles Rennie Macintosh to the influential sounds of Orange Juice, Pam Hogg joins a great Glasgow tradition of creative ingenuity. Today Hogg’s designs still carry the essence of post-punk, and, perhaps in a broader sense, the charm of the city from which she emerged. Her presence in a multitude of creative spheres display a vivacious talent, and a craving to create. The eclectic fan base Hogg has collected over the years - from Rihanna to Jarvis Cocker – highlight just how very multifarious, pioneering, and unique she is. In many ways, much like her home town.
STYLE
INTERESTED? At GUM we pride ourselves on the high quality of our style section – filled with amazing photo shoots and engaging features. Whether you are an aspiring writer, photographer, stylist or model, we want to hear from you! For more info, contact Niamh at: style@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
7
Freshers Edition 2016
“grandfather” of glaswegian art: alasdair gray Cortney Alexandra Lee Alice Lannon You need only say his name to discover that Alasdair Gray is something of a local treasure in the West End of Glasgow. This multi-skilled man has not only published world famous books such as Lanark, but is also an immensely talented artist – and his warm, iconic depictions of life in the city can be viscerally felt throughout the west end in his murals at Hillhead Subway, Òran Mór and The Ubiquitous Chip. But did you know that this highly talented artist of many trades was first published in our very own Glasgow University Magazine? We were inspired, and this year we are introducing an official Alasdair Gray Creative Writing Section where you too can capture your genius. In his honour, GUM looks back at some of his famous displays of public art.
HILLHEAD SUBWAY
THE UBIQUITOUS CHIP One of Gray’s oldest pieces can be seen in gourmet West End eatery The Ubiquitous Chip (known to locals as “The Chip”). Allegedly, somewhat of a bartering trade was struck by Gray who asked “If I paint this, will you feed me?” (If you ever go to this restaurant you will soon realise that this was in fact not a half bad deal). In the tone of every-
ÒRAN MÓR A very different payment was made to Gray for his work in Òran Mór (goodbye bartering, hellooo thousands!). Sinking two and a half years into the piece, this is the largest of Gray’s work and one of the largest pieces of art work in Scotland. Should you lift your head and mind a little higher, you’d be welcomed with the magnitude of Gray’s “Life, Procreation and Death” mural which dominates the ceiling of Òran Mór’s function room. He is an artist amongst the people, and it is this very nature of his work that captures you at first instance. It is his instinctive understanding of Glaswegian cultural nuances that he captures in his works – and this perhaps explains why so many in this city hold him in such a special place in their hearts. Let Glasgow flourish!
CREATIVE WRITING
Depicting the surrounding area, Gray’s mural brings a real sense of creativity to give you a smile as you go about your day. This Glaswegian artist is familiar with what makes the place thrive – “People Make Glasgow” has become a slogan of this city in recent years, and nothing reflects this more than Gray’s work at Hillhead. This art is amongst the people, not locked away in an ivory tower.
day life – a thread embedded throughout much of Gray’s work – his art in The Chip depicts scenes and tales of the folk that have frequented the pub going back throughout the decades.
INTERESTED? The Alasdair Gray Creative Writing Section is open for business – send us your poems and short stories now!
For more info, contact Cortney at: creativewritingatgum@gmail.com
9
Glasgow University Magazine
the struggle of kelvin
Dalia Gala
Some of you might – or might not – remember the struggle during science classes wherein the temperature scale was just... not what you had expected. With some calculations, unlike the others, Kelvins would rain on your mathematical parade, leaving you flabbergasted and with a few points less for the ”lack of unit conversion”.
the value of energy transferred from the body to the environment is the same with every degree down the scale. Thomson also thought that there would be a point at which no further energy can be transferred, the point of absolute zero. At this point, the matter can’t become any colder. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?
Well, all I have to say to you is: he is back. Whether you will have some lectures in the Kelvin Building or not, you must acknowledge the fact that Lord Kelvin is going to be your constant companion throughout your Glasgow time, since he himself is one of our most famous alumni and the pride of our University.
So whether Lord Kelvin – or little Willy Thompson – will accompany you along your studies or not, remember that his contribution towards the big world of science is a source of pride for GU. Maybe one day one of you dear readers will get a building named after you at Glasgow University, alongside Kelvin!
Believe it or not, Lord Kelvin, who was neither a lord nor a Kelvin at the time but went by his family name William Thomson, started studying at Glasgow University in 1834 at the age of 10. Sound ambitious? It was not so, as the University at that time provided a lot of primary school facilities for the youngest pupils and it was a normal thing to start at “University” at such a young age.
SCIENCE
It turns out that William was also quite talented in the fields of art and humanities but from a very young age he excelled in science – he won the class prize in astronomy. It was at the age of 17 (!) that he wrote one of his first scientific papers – On the uniform motion of heat in homogeneous solid bodies (…), which was a prelude to his most famous scientific principle, the new temperature scale. By 1847, Thomson, already widely recognised in the scientific world, was exposed to James Joule’s ideas on heat and work and he wanted to investigate them further. Thomson couldn’t help but feel that the thermometer used at that time did not give an accurate definition of “temperature change”. This is when he felt the need to develop an absolute temperature scale, the presumption being that as the temperature of a body descends,
10
INTERESTED? We probably have the most creative science section of any magazine on campus, filled with illustrations and new ideas. Whether you are an experienced science student looking to start writing or you are totally new to this area, come and write for us! For more info, contact Dalia at: science@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
Freshers Edition 2016
SECTION 11
Glasgow University Magazine
glasgow university politics: mhairi black & youth engagement
Annie Milburn
The 2015 UK general election was a fraught affair; despite polls and popular opinion pointing towards a second hung parliament, the day itself brought a majority win for the Conservative party. North of the border, however, a new political revolution unfolded. Dissatisfied with Scottish Labour’s complacency, voters turned their support to the Scottish National Party who dominated Scotland’s newly elected Westminster seats.
POLITICS
Amidst this surge of support for the SNP, a new figure of youth politics emerged in the form of Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Mhairi Black.
12
“She made waves with a scathing maiden speech calling out the savage effects of Tory austerity in her constituency, and offering an impassioned and poignant response to the demise of Labour popularity.”
Freshers Edition 2016
Black campaigned whilst completing her fourth year of a Politics and Public Policy degree at the University of Glasgow, and was elected before she had even finished her final exams. She made waves with a scathing maiden speech calling out the savage effects of Tory austerity in her constituency, and offering an impassioned and poignant response to the demise of Labour popularity. For young people, Black embodies a definitive sense of hope for a new kind of politics that refuses to accept the out-dated traditions of Westminster. On multiple occasions she has actively spoken out against how removed from reality the current parliamentary system is; as a young woman who is part of the LGBTQ community, she contributes some much needed diversity to the Tory-dominated House of Commons. Despite having frequently (and often condescendingly) been defined by her young age, she provides an important voice for young people who feel disenchanted and consistently ignored by the current system. With the Labour party currently in tatters, particularly following the Brexit vote, now more than ever requires strong opposition politicians who are willing to commit to providing the political change that so many Brits desperately desire. Alongside Black, The University of Glasgow possesses a host of notable political alumni, including the likes of Nicola Sturgeon and Vince Cable. An active political dialogue on campus has increasingly encouraged students to get involved in a myriad of political causes; for example, Glasgow became the first university in Europe to divest from fossil fuels following a successful campaign by students of the Climate Action society.
INTERESTED? From student politics to current affairs in the big wide world, our politics section has it all!
For more info, contact Annie at: politics@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
POLITICS
Figures such as Mhairi Black provide vital encouragement for youth grassroots movements and serve as living proof that if motivated enough, one can be extremely impactful to a cause through perseverance and passion. What’s more, it would appear that Glasgow University isn’t the worst place to start such endeavours.
13
Glasgow University Magazine
marketing Silvia Sani
It is more than obvious that the internet has had a huge impact on our lives, embracing our daily routine completely, from the moment we wake up to the minute before we fall asleep. This need to share and see what other people are doing barely ever leaves us. But this elevated importance that has been given to the internet is precisely what allows Social Media Marketing to exist. Social Media Marketing is, in other words, advertising through different platforms, also known as social media, and it is the newest and one of the most efficient ways of promoting places, events and products. For instance, take into account one of the most artistically active Glasgow venues - the Centre for Contemporary Art. From their official website, you can find all the links to the different social media, amongst which Facebook stands out as the main one. With more than one billion users, it is the best platform on which to advertise. On Facebook, the CCA promotes all the events, giving details, times, prices and explaining shortly what the event will be about. This way, people that like the page will always get the update of what is going on at the Centre.
ONLINE
In addition, another useful platform for advertising is Instagram, which has a more visual impact as it consists of sharing photos and videos, with captions being of secondary importance. This means that Instagram is used with the aim of showing images that can instantly appeal to the public, rather than merely giving information. For example, it is a good choice of marketing for a restaurant or a cafe, such as Kember & Jones, situated close to the University. It is possible through this social medium to show meals, creations, and delicious food that will make you want to go there and try some.
14
Social Media Marketing is a whole new way of marketing, and since social media users are constantly increasing and developments are being made on these platforms to be improved, I personally cannot think of a better way to spread information and to reach as many people.
editors@glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk
facebook.com/glasgowuniversitymagazine
glasgowuniversitymagazine
glasgowunimag
@gumagazine
Freshers Edition 2016
special thanks to... THE AMAZINGLY SPEEDY WORK OF OUR TALENTED ILLUSTRATORS BETH AND IMOGEN SUBCITY‘S MOTIVATIONAL TUNES AT THE FRESHERS FAIR IRN BRU XTRA CHEESY PIZZA GUMMY BEARS
?
fancy getting involved
We are on the lookout for fresh new writing, illustrating, design and photography talent. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, science, creative writing, style, features or any design aspects of the magazine, there is something for everyone! Come along to our weekly meetings at Thursday 6pm in the John Mac Building. No experience necessary!
15
“Think of Florence, Paris, London, New York. Nobody visiting them for the first time is a stranger because he’s already visited them in paintings, novels, history books and films. But if a city hasn’t been used by an artist, not even the inhabitants live there imaginatively.”
Alasdair Gray