Impact Magazine Issue No.258, Fresher's Edition

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FRESHERS EDITION

IMPACT Student Fees and Sex Work: A Fight to Make Ends Meet

The Plight of the Humble Vaccine

‘Is that with Gravy?’ A Fresher’s Guide to the North-South Divide

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IMPACT

A letter from the ...

EDITOR -in-

CHIEF

Cover Images: Nina Shasha Illustration: Katherine Gomes

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INTRO

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Hello and welcome to the very first issue of Impact for the 2019-20 academic year! Fresh from the summer holidays and with a newly-frosted glass office (it is rather sexy), we’ve got an exciting year ahead of us. With a new committee, and therefore new creative genius, we want to spend this year really tailoring our magazine to students’ interests, covering both Nottingham-based and worldwide issues and delving into topics close to our own hearts such as mental health and the climate crisis.

Welcome Week (a.k.a Freshers’ Week) is upon us; a time to welcome new faces onto campus and into our Impact office, helping them to settle in and make the University of Nottingham somewhere they can call home. It is also a time to welcome back some familiar faces, supporting them in the next stage of their university careers. Whether you are new here or an old-but-(green-and)-gold, I encourage you to make the most of this week, try something new and just enjoy yourself before the start of term.

This issue gives you a little taster of Nottingham, showcasing our beautiful campus and exploring all that the city and university have to offer that makes these three years or so fly by. But student life isn’t always fun and care-free, so we also focus on what to do when things don’t go to plan, raising awareness of some of the setbacks you may face at university and the services available to help you.

In Impact News, Olivia Stock investigates why students are being driven to sex work and the response of institutions, whilst Mia Haffety explains Brexit’s effect on universities and the opportunity of studying abroad. We all know that Freshers’ Week can hit the bank hard, but Sabine McGinley reveals a few shocking statistics and imparts some budgeting tips to help us through the rest of the year.

With a new Welfare Officer on committee, Impact Features introduce Agony Aunt Alice to our print issues, answering your freshers-related questions. Joe Paternoster reflects, in an honest and in-depth article, on his near-mugging on campus, and Rowan Perry investigates the accents and stereotypes that come with the mixing pot of Northerners and Southerners at the University of Nottingham.

To the jetsetters amongst you, take off your wings and have a look at Anya McLoughlin’s top flight-free destinations, or stay at home and snuggle up to one of Francesca Hadland’s easy-cook meals. From more light-hearted content, such as Ursula Konarska-Mikolajewicz‘s take on the typical fashions spotted on campus, to the engaging vaccination debate, Impact Lifestyle throw a range of topics our way.

Impact Entertainment have a look at the Nottingham-born talent of the music industry and go on to create their very own Freshers Mixtape, but not before James Hurman gives us the low-down on the powers of Netflix and Disney, and Jack Richardson warns us about the gambling nature of gaming.

Alongside investigating the recent changes to the Nottingham football scene, Impact Sport discuss gym memberships and some unusual societies you can join at the University of Nottingham.

I am already so proud of the team for the creation of this first issue and am looking forward to both the challenges and joys of being Editor-in-Chief of Impact this year, working alongside lots of new writers, designers, photographers and amazing personalities. From print issues and online articles, to podcasts and our app, there are so many platforms for readers to engage with, so make sure to explore!

Happy reading, have a wonderful start to the year and we’ll catch up with you in the next issue.

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Katie Moncur Psst…if you’re interested in how we put all of this together and want to be involved in Impact then don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’d love to have you! editorinchief@impactnottingham.com

IMPACT WEBSITE

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HOW TO FIND THE IMPACT OFFICE

CONTENTS

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NEWS Fresh on the Job Student Fees and Sex Work How will Brexit really affect Students?

Spending their luck - Student Spending

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L I F E ST Y L E 3 Easy (And Delicious) Recipes for Students Beware of the ‘Freshers 15’ From Jesse Boot to Joseph Pope The Uncanny Valley The Plight of the Humble Vaccine The Basic Bitch Wardrobe Flying Without Wings Wild Camping Girls’ and Lads’ Holidays

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Misconceptions about being a ‘Fresher’ Fresher Dos and Don’ts Agony Aunt Alice Self-Care at University

Bursting the Campus Bubble Relationship Anxieties: Home and Away How to Survive the Uni Kitchen A Fresher’s Guide to the North-South Divide Handling the Hangover The Ultimate University Bucket List

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T Here is a Place NNT Spotlight Disney/Netflix Monopoly Nottingham Cinemas Our City in Music Freshers Mixtape Freshers Drinking Games Gambling and Game Mechanics

SPORT The Panthers Get to know: Nottingham Football Joining a sport at university: at what cost?

University Sports off the Beaten Track

F E AT U R E S

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EXTRAS Exposure Freshers Comic Strip

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IMPACT

Put some names to faces and get to know this year’s Impact committee a little better as they reflect on their own experiences of Freshers.

NAME: Katie Moncur IMPACT POSITION: Editor-in-Chief YEAR: 3 DEGREE: English

Sum up your Freshers’ Week in one word.

“Wholesome.”

waking up to a Pom Pom bouncer gently slapping my face because I’d fallen asleep in the club.”

What was your best moment in first year?

“Discovering random mutual friends and the weirdest connections with former strangers and seeing how these strangers became a massive part of my life; whether that was through the lowkey moments of watching Friends with a Dominos or through somehow making trips across the globe!”

Crisis or Ocean?

“Ocean – especially after a wine and cheese night (shouldn’t be allowed).

It’s all the Dancing in the Moonlight and getting stuck to the carpet that does it for me.”

What was your funniest/most embarrassing moment in first year?

“It would probably have to be spilling a bottle of red wine all over the white tablecloths and the person opposite me at every hall formal. That or

NAME: Emily Hall IMPACT POSITION: Head of Features YEAR: 3 SUBJECT: English Sum up your Freshers’ Week in one word “Surprising.”

What was your best moment in first year?

“It was an evening in Freshers’ Week and I went up and chilled in a girl’s room in the flat above mine who I had met during the day. We sat and did facemasks and chatted about life. 2 years on and she is one of my best friends.”

If you could do first year all over again, what would you do differently?

“I would be more selfish. I would try not to worry so much about how others wanted me to act and just enjoy myself properly from the getgo. Oh and I would try not to kill my houseplant within the first month.”

What was your funniest/most embarrassing moment in first year?

“Walking into a room which I thought was the taster session for a choir and turned out to be a completely different uni event full of people wanting to join a country’s society.

Luckily, a nice man realised I looked a little out of place and showed me the way out…oops.”

Crisis or Ocean?

“More of a pub/cocktail bar girl, but crisis over ocean every time.”

If you could do first year all over again, what would you do differently?

“Not stress so much…and not buy every single book on the recommended reading.”

NEWS still love today.”

NAME: Mia Haffety IMPACT POSITION: Head of News YEAR: 3 DEGREE: Politics and International Relations

What was your funniest/most embarrassing moment in first year?

“Most embarrassing moment is probably failing an optional beginners Japanese module as I’m half Japanese.”

Crisis or Ocean?

“Crisis.”

Sum up your Freshers’ Week in one word.

“Blurry.”

If you could do first year all over again, what would you do differently?

“I would definitely get involved in a sport I’d never tried before.”

What was your best moment in first year?

“Meeting the most amazing friends I

NAME: Anna Scott IMPACT POSITION: Head of Lifestyle YEAR: 2 DEGREE: Hispanic Studies

Sum up your Freshers’ Week in one word.

“Madness.”

What was your best moment in first year?

“The first couple of months was my favourite time as every day I was meeting new people and making new friends, also not doing a single minute of work until December was pretty great. And I guess meeting my boyfriend in freshers was a good moment.”

What was your funniest/most em-

barrassing moment in first year?

“To celebrate end of exams, some mates and I went out to a Shapes all-day event. I hadn’t been out in a couple of months so after about 2 hours I was stumbling about the place, I fell asleep on my boyfriend’s lap for a good half an hour and walked off many, many times. I got taken home at 6pm and was completely out for about 4 hours when I woke up and decided to call my mum telling her how much I missed her and knocked on my neighbours’ doors wanting hugs. Not my finest moment I have to say.”

Crisis or Ocean?

“I think it depends; Crisis definitely has the better music, but I like how easy it is to get tickets for Ocean, no need for any of this page-refreshing nonsense when tickets come out.

Overall, Crisis.”

NAME: Ben Standring IMPACT POSITION: Head of Entertainment YEAR: 3 DEGREE: Politics and International Relations

If you could do first year all over again, what would you do differently?

“I would sign up to more societies and try out for the netball team (unfortunately I was too hungover on the day of trials).”

before midday, and then watching three rugby matches back-to-back before passing out at four in the afternoon in Vesper. It was that or being kicked out of every club in Nottingham within the space of a few weeks.”

Sum up your Freshers’ Week in one word.

“Messy.”

What was your best moment in first year?

“It’s a hard one really, just meeting so many new people and having 100 people go out from your hall every night is a pretty mad experience.”

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What was your funniest/most embarrassing moment in first year?

“St. Patrick’s Day was a pretty good one. It was on the final Six Nations weekend. Drinking from 7am, being drunk and caught in a snowstorm

Crisis or Ocean?

“Crisis. My first experience of Ocean was after three bottles of wine and within ten minutes of getting in, I was being carried home. I still get flashbacks to this day.”

If you could do first year all over again, what would you do differently?

“Work less. First year doesn’t count…”

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IMPACT

STUDENT STUDENT FEES AND AND SEX SEX WORK: Olivia takes a look into the intriguing and expanding world of student sex work, a phenomena perpetuated by soaring living costs, higher student fees and a growing culture of sexual curiosity. told The Independent that the number of students who have reached out to them about having to turn to sex work has risen dramatically in the past year. A rise attributed to a combination of soaring living costs, higher student fees and access to online apps which remove traditional barriers into sex work. But instead of offering non-judgemental support, advice on staying safe, and researching the economic drivers, many universities seem to have responded with insensitivity and intolerance, and the organisation have also admitted to fighting a number of cases recently where universities have threatened to expel students if they do not stop doing sex work.

It is no secret that university fees in the UK are extortionate, exorbitant, outrageous, inordinate, absolute daylight rob-. Okay, you get the point. And student fees aren’t the only thing on the rise as recent data from Save the Student reveals.

Whilst the standard student receives £600/month in maintenance loan plus £138.50/month from their parents, average living costs now come in at around £770/ month. Making ends meet for students has therefore become a near impossible feat and many are being forced to seek out new and unorthodox means of getting by. Sex work, being easy to fit around lectures and more lucrative than bar work or retail, has come to the forefront for this. But is student sex work something we should be worried about? Is it a lucrative venture in the internet age or a recipe for exploitation?

“One in twenty students have undertaken sex work at some point”

2015 saw the first comprehensive attempt to analyse UK students in sex work by researchers at Swansea University. ‘The Student Sex Work Project’, led by Dr Sager, found that one in twenty students have undertaken sex work at some point, which covered a wide spectrum from ‘direct’ sexual services to ‘indirect’ work, such as modelling, webcamming or chat lines. But whilst 5 percent represents a small but significant minority, a much greater number – 1 in 5 – reported that they had considered doing sex work to pay their way through higher education. The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) is a campaigning group at the forefront of the fight for the decriminalisation of prostitution, and have witnessed this rise in student sex workers first hand.

Laura Watson, a spokesperson for the organisation,

One example of this is a university in the Southwest of England that evicted a student from her home and threatened her with expulsion for her role in the sex industry. They cited that the reason was not out of concern for her wellbeing, but because she was bringing the university into “moral disrepute”. She told The Independent that she had been “very open with them about the sex work” and was appalled by the close-minded and punitive response she received; “you want me to escape sex work but then in order to punish me for doing sex work you are going to remove the only opportunity I have, my degree, to escape sex work”. The problem here, I must point out, is not the work itself, but that students are feeling pushed or driven into it by circumstances beyond their control.

Whilst historically sex work was regarded as degrading and dangerous, and far from a reputable career path, advances have been made in the last ten years to protect and legitimise those working in the field. I personally believe that in cases where services are professional, consensual and safe, sex work is as legitimate a profession as any. The work is not just physical but emotional and psychological, with workers taking on multiple roles

“These days the industry is less sleazy street corners and more savvy suite sessions”

NEWS with their clients from companionship, intimacy and nonsexual role-playing to dancing, escorting, and stripping. Like bankers, brokers, lawyers and letting agents, sex workers are just trying to make ends meet, and they are deserving of the same dignity, autonomy, and safety in the workplace, as any of these other workers.

However, the problem for students lies in the fact that this is not always the case. Whilst older people may be able to navigate the complicated laws and stigmas that still surround sex work, the worry is that students may fall victim to the violence and sexual exploitation that is still prevalent in the industry.

“This line of work is a growing reality for many students, and universities need to realise, and quickly, that punishing them is not going to make it go away”

The rise of student sex workers may be attributed to the internet which has changed the face of the profession and made it more accessible than ever. The web allows sex workers greater autonomy and control over their image; and has removed the need for voracious agencies taking cuts of profits. Flexible, convenient and posing significantly less risk than face-to-face work, webcamming has become a particularly attractive option for students. A 21-year-old female student from the University of Hull funded her university career by ~entertaining~ men via webcam, earning up to £150 a day. The student told the Hull Daily Mail that, while never actually getting naked on cam, she would

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sit in her bra and underwear and do some dirty talking.

She explained that she would never meet a man offline in the name of safety and that webcamming allows her to make good money from the comfort of her own home. “Sugar daddying”, where younger women are paid to go on dates with often older men, is also becoming increasingly popular, and last year, sugar daddy website SeekingArrangement saw subscriptions from university students skyrocket. These days the industry is less sleazy street corners and more savvy suite sessions and the changing demographic reflects this. Sex work is becoming less of a taboo and more of a lucrative side hustle, and universities, with their hiked-up fees and tight restrictions on working hours, are only perpetuating the latter.

Some institutions seem unable to understand that not all students can survive on loans, grants and bursaries alone, and for many, sex work, with its confidentiality and flexibility, is the only thing they can fit around their studies. This line of work is a growing reality for many students, and universities need to realise, and quickly, that punishing them is not going to make it go away.

The need for access to informative and non-judgemental advice has become more important than ever and organisations like SWARM, the ‘Sex Workers Advocacy and Resistance Movement’, are leading the way for safe and informed sex work. Following the results of the ‘The Student Sex Work Project’, Dr Sager called upon universities to follow suit and since her research was published, the National Union of Students (NUS) has issued a briefing for students and student unions on how they can better support student sex workers. February also saw the University and College Union publish a new policy on supporting students in sex work. So although there is still a long way to go, universities offering a supportive, informative and non-judgemental ear to students in sex work is slowly becoming a reality.

Olivia Stock

A FIGHT TO MAKE ENDS MEET

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IMPACT

HOW WILL BREXIT REALLY AFFECT STUDENTS? While much remains unclear, Mia investigates what Brexit could mean for students at university…

Image courtesy of Flickr via Google Images

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NEWS

n June 23rd 2016, a highly contested debate on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union culminated in the decision for the UK to ‘Leave’ the European Union. Just over three years later, the full implications of this referendum still remain highly uncertain - it seems we are no closer to leaving with a deal than we were in 2016.

Will tuition fees and financial aid change?

In April of 2017, the UK government announced that EU students applying to study in the UK in autumn 2018 would remain eligible for the same loans and grants as domestic students. The announcement states that these conditions will apply for the en“The government tirety of each student’s course has pledged that even after the UK leaves the funding will still be EU. In July 2018, this was also confirmed for EU students available for stu- commencing their studies in dents undertaking autumn 2019. Therefore, for EU Erasmus exchang- students commencing study at es until the end UK universities in the 2019/20 of 2020, but what academic year, fees and financial aid will remain the same happens after that as before the Brexit vote. But it remains unclear” remains to be seen whether this will change in the academic year of 2020/21.

In the longer term, it does seem very likely that EU students will have to pay the higher fee rates that currently apply to students from outside of the EU. However, one should note that Brexit has significantly impacted the value of the pound causing it to fall in value. Therefore, if this fall is sustained, it will make studying in the UK more affordable for all international students including those from EU countries.

Image courtesy of Ilovetheeu Wikimedia Commons via Google Images

Will EU students need to “It does seem very apply for student visas?

Central to the ‘Leave’ Camlikely that EU stupaign during the referendum dents will have to was higher regulation on pay the higher fee immigration. It is therefore likely that more control over rates that currentimmigration will be introduced ly apply to stuby the government. If the UK dents from outside withdraws from its existing of the EU” agreements on freedom of movement, future EU students may need to apply for a student visa or a short-term study visa in order to study in the UK. There could also be more widespread changes to the current student visa system, affecting all international students. In October of 2018, the home secretary Amber Rudd outlined a possible two-tier system, whereby “tougher rules” would apply to the students enrolling in “lower quality courses”. It is not clear how these proposals would be enacted and, having provoked much criticism from across the political spectrum and higher education community, they may not even be endorsed.

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This does, however, evidence that changes to student visas is highly likely.

“In a January 2017 How will UK students be survey of over 1,000 affected? lecturers and profes- When the result of the referendum was announced in sors, three-quarters 2016, understandably many of continental EU UK students expressed their academics in the UK concern about how Brexit said they are more may limit their opportunities likely to leave the to study, travel and work elsewhere in the EU. It’s country following the likely that in the future, UK Brexit vote” students will face higher fees

in many European countries, as they will no longer be eligible for domestic rates. They may also need to apply for student visas, and in some cases may have reduced rights to work during and after their studies. UK students will also presumably no longer be eligible for funding via the Erasmus exchange program. The government has pledged that funding will still be available for students undertaking Erasmus exchanges until the end of 2020, but what happens after that remains unclear. For many students, their time studying abroad is the most valuable and exciting part of their “UK universities university experience, contribhave evidenced uting to greater confidence, ina united front in dependence and development of language skills. Therefore, a the aim of continloss of the programme would uing to welcome be a great loss to the university students and experience for many. researchers from Following the referendum rearound the world” sult, British researchers voiced concerns about the potential loss in EU funding amounting to almost £1 billion annually. There are also concerns about the potential decline in incoming talent; 16% of researchers at British universities currently come from other EU states, and, in a January 2017 survey of over 1,000 lecturers and professors, three-quarters of continental EU academics in the UK said they are more likely to leave the country following the Brexit vote.

On the bright side, UK universities have evidenced a united front in the aim of continuing to welcome students and researchers from around the world. For example, more than 100 universities have joined the ‘#WeAreInternational campaign’, aiming to ensure Brexit does not result in fewer international students and academics coming to the UK. In accordance, the strong reputation, facilities and relationships of UK universities will certainly not disappear overnight. No doubt the UK’s universities and students – both domestic and international – will play important voices in future Brexit discussions.

Overall, the full implications of Brexit on students still remain highly unclear. However, what is clear is that the indecision and political turmoil is already impacting students and their futures and likely will do so for many years to come.

Mia Haffety

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IMPACT

An insight into student spending habits during Freshers’ Week.

For many forthcoming students, the start of university imminently approaches. Impact explores how students adjust to financial independence by taking a look at spending habits during the first week of university.

detrimental effects, causing grades and diet to suffer as well as taking a toll on relationships. The stress from money-related issues can even put students’ mental health at risk.

The good news is that there are simple ways in which students can overcome any financial difficulty they find ccording to a survey conducted by the Indethemselves in during this adjustment period. Reckless pendent in 2016, the average student will spend spending habits can be overcome with students reflect58% of their annual student loan within the first ing on what is to be prioritised at the start of university, 100 days of university, and a shocking one in including course materials, food and accommodation. five will spend the entire amount in the same Budgeting can also help students avoid financial difficulperiod. The survey also revealed that the social aspect ty, by setting weekly allowances and limiting the number of university comes at a high cost. In general, students of nights out per week. spend twice as much on alcohol and nights out as they Fortunately, the university has a whole team dedicated do on course material. The result is that many students to help students overcome any financial difficulty they now realise that their heedless spending find themselves in. The Funding and Finanhabits are having adverse financial and “With already 1,000 us-cial support team at Nottingham provides ing the app, students information and advice on most aspects of academic implications in the long run.

This is proving to be a serious problem praise Monzo as it student finance to both current and proand demonstrates that many young peo- helps them set weekly spective students and administrators on a ple feel overwhelmed or at least underrange of funding schemes such as bursaprepared in managing their own finances or monthly budgets ries, scholarships and support funds. The so that they can keep whilst at university.

Funding and Financial support claim “Our Before coming to university, many young track of spending with aim is to provide you with information and people will not have experienced haninstant push notifica- support to help you make informed choices dling such large amounts of income as tions and transaction about your finances as a student and help they do when they first receive student you through any difficulties you encounter categorisation” finance. This can often lead to reckless along the way”. For more information, stuspending habits especially in an effort to adjust to the dents can visit https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentsocial sphere of university. Becky, a third year Politics services/support/financialsupport/index.aspx and International Relations student, claims that this issue As well as budgeting and seeking financial support “was particularly relevant in my first year as you don’t offered by the University, there are a range of ways in quite know how the next few weeks will pan out”. Adding which students can manage their finances in an efficient “it could potentially lead to overdraft troubles at the end way. Many students have attested to the efficiency of of term. I, for one, tend to be a bit more relaxed when using Monzo, a mobile banking app which helps stuit comes to Freshers’ Week as my student loan has dents manage their expenses. With already 1,000 using just come in. I would say that spending habits during the app, students praise Monzo as it helps them set Freshers’ Week is very erratic and students don’t tend to weekly or monthly budgets so that they can keep track consider the longer-term impact ... it’s used as a of spending with instant push notifications and week off budgeting in order to socialise and set “In Notting- transaction categorisation. Having a Monzo the tone for the year ahead.” The Independent ham, 62% of card benefits students immensely as the app (2016) also revealed that, in Nottingham, 62% student loan itself is complexly free and there are no fees of student loan was spent in the first 100 days was spent in for using ATMs abroad, making it significantly of university. And 26% of students felt overthe first 100 student friendly and allowing young people to whelmed when managing their own finances. take control of their finances.

Nuna Syeda, head of current accounts at HSBC, days of univer- Ultimately, all students are in the same boat acknowledged that “the first 100 days of university” and there are simple ways in which students sity are a whirlwind of social engagements with can make the most of their social experience at endless pressure to mix and mingle” combined with stuuniversity without breaking the bank! dents first experiencing living independently. Issues with Sabine McGinley students mismanaging their finances can have serious

FEATURES

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MISCONCEPTIONS Concerned about the pressures associated with being a fresher? Fear not, Rebecca Hyde debunks some myths and misconceptions about your first year at university.

“I have to drink” “If I’m not having the time of my life, I’ve wasted my £9250” “I need a group of friends as soon as possible” “I have to join a society straight away”

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ooking back on our first year, these phrases popped up between my friends as we discussed the most ridiculous thoughts we had before university. If you’re a fresher who recognises these phrases: fear not.

Although they are nonsense, I’m going to pick apart both why these misconceptions are so common, yet ridiculous.

I’ll firstly approach the liquid elephant in the room; alcohol. Hailed as the student’s fatal yet loyal right-hand man, how necessary is it at university? Although many sports clubs remain shrouded in the stereotype of booze-fuelled socials, tee-total societies are rising.

To receive better recognition from the Students’ Union, all societies are now required to show that they have sober socials. Meals out, bowling, trips to Nottingham’s Planet Bounce, the opportunities are endless once you cut out the repetitive cycle of eat, drink, hangover, repeat. In Freshers’ Week especially, the university organises socials like pizza and movie nights for those that don’t enjoy feeling uncomfortably squashed in overheating clubs surrounded by sweaty, inebriated students.

‘Tee-total societies are rising’

‘Give yourself time to find your feet’

life”. Put it into perspective; how is every student at every university in the UK meant to have the best week of their lives all in the same week?

You will obviously have good nights, but equally, you will have bad ones.

It aligns perfectly with these expectations that university will be the best three years of your life; you can’t force yourself to be constantly having an amazing time.

This links into the third quote. Although Instagram might show you that people are instantly the best of friends with their hallmates, it is not always the reality. Good friendships take time. There are countless societies at university to meet ‘your people’, whether that be interests, sports, talents, orientation, race or just what your favourite flavour of tea is (that’s right, the University of Nottingham has a tea society, look up Kettlesoc!). Equally, you could meet a friend for life in the room opposite you! Just give yourself time to find your feet.

‘You can’t force yourself to be constantly having an amazing time’

Now we’ll look at the idea of having “the time of your

With my mention of societies comes the final quote. It really is never too late! All societies have nearly weekly socials, so you will soon find yourself involved even if you’re joining halfway through your final year. Look out for refreshers events in January if you are feeling anxious about joining after the freshers’ rush, it’s the best time to be joining societies and finding out more about ones you might have missed

before.

Although there are countless pages and posts that will convince you to try every club, drink and challenge under the sun at university in your first week, you don’t need to. You will make friends in time, considering how hugely vibrant university is, and soon discover that there is far more to university than social media claims.

Rebecca Hyde

about being a ‘FRESHER’

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

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IMPACT

FRESHER

DOs AND DON’Ts DO...

Take care of yourself. I cannot stress how important self-care is. So, if you find yourself feeling drained after a busy day of meeting new people and learning new things, it’s absolutely fine to take some time for yourself. However you define your brand of self-care, don’t be “Be proud of afraid to take a moment to look who you are after your personal needs.

- it got you Sort your paperwork. As borinto this fine ing as it might be, paperwork is something you are going to establish- have to embrace in return for ment didn’t the freedom that university and adult life offers. Make sure you it?” go and register for the on-campus GP practice for starters. Plus, without some of your enrolment paperwork, your student loan won’t be confirmed, so if that isn’t motivation then I don’t know what is!

Join a sport or society. Sports and societies are fail-safe ways to meet new people and try new things in a fun and secure environment. They’re a really great way to meet people from different halls, courses and years with the same interests as you.

Stay safe. Make sure you look after yourself and your new friends. Never let anyone walk home alone too late at night, keep your valuables in a safe place and if you’re out drinking keep an eye on your drinks - monitor how many you’re having and who handles them before you.

Always give someone the benefit of the doubt.

You never know, they might end up being the one grinning by your side in all your graduation snaps.

Be yourself. You’ve spent 18 plus years of your life being this amazing person - please don’t try to disguise it because you sure won’t be winning a BAFTA for that performance. Be proud of who you are - it got you into this fine establishment didn’t it?

There’s a lot to think about during Welcome Week. Luckily, Emily Swales is on hand with her definitive ‘Dos and Don’ts’ list.

DON’T...

Blow your student loan at once. Move some of your money into a savings account, enable self-control, disable contactless... in any form because you really don’t want to end up with three pounds to your name by week five - the novelty of pesto pasta wears off.

Be afraid to seek support or advice. Freshers’ Week can be a difficult time for everyone, and it is always good to have someone to talk to. From Welcome Mentors, Halls mentors, to Nightline and the Counselling service, there is always an ear available to listen. Look out for yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.

Judge people prematurely. Everyone is out trying to make friends in Freshers’ Week and this pressure can sometimes make people’s personalities come out slightly sideways.

Assume it is all about alcohol.

If you want to go out drinking that’s fine, but if you don’t want to go out drinking that’s equally fine! Whether you want a mocha or martini, it is completely your choice and completely okay. There are so many events and activities in Welcome Week open to absolutely everyone, so just go out and get involved!

“Enable self-control, disable contactless”

Emily Swales

FEATURES

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AGONY AUNT ALICE

Heya.

Honestly, I’m just really missing home. The thing is, I feel like everyone around me has already settled into uni so well, and it’s not exactly the best talking point: ‘Nice to meet you are you also Incredibly Homesick?’.

I don’t want to worry my parents or make a fuss, but I don’t know what to do... When/will uni ever feel like home?

Talk to people. And that doesn’t just have to mean the guy who somehow answers every seminar question with reference to the Greek Gods. University is hard; growing up is even more so. Here are some options: 1. Email your personal tutor. You don’t need to write them a diary entry or attach evidence to warrant you emailing them. It may seem weird/unprofessional/pointless,but just try it, once, and if it’s awful, you never have to go back. Maybe ask to meet them: you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or lost and wondered if you could pop “University is into their office? They’ve hard; growing been doing this for years and they understand. up is even more 2. Every department has so. Here are a welfare contact (aka a some options” person who is so lovely that they made a job out of being kind and helpful). You can basically send them the same email.

3. Ring Nightline. (It’s that other number that’s not security on the back of your student card.)

It’s anonymous, non-judgemental, and, if phone calls scare you, you can always instant message.

It’s run entirely by student volunteers so they will completely understand what you’re going through.

Thumbs up.

Peer mentors, friends from home, a seminar tutor who is especially soft-souled: reach out to people.

Maybe university doesn’t feel like home because it isn’t one, maybe it never will be, and maybe it doesn’t have to be. But it can still be a place where you’re happy, where you’ve grown, and where you have deep friendships.

Impact’s very own Welfare Officer, Alice Reading, answers your freshers questions and provides invaluable advice.

I just accidentally ended an email to my tutor with ‘Love, Megan xx’. I do not love my tutor.

Help?

As I see it, you have three options: A) Send a second “Maybe uniemail. Content: anything. Sign versity doesn’t off: anything but ‘Love, Megfeel like home an xx’. This way, you’ve both ignored and corrected your because it isn’t previous declaration of love. one, maybe it B) Make the rest of the emails you ever send to this person never will be, distinctively frosty to counterand maybe it act your faux pas. Hit them with the cold ‘Regards, Megan’. doesn’t have to Respond with a blank body of be” text because everything you need to say is written in the subject line. Impersonal, indifferent, but NOT informal are your buzzwords. Backpedal your way out. Or C) Own it. You, Megan, are now an extremely loving person who is liberally open with their sentiments of endearment. You now end all your emails ‘Love, Megan xx’. This is your new normal. Make it your email signature. Everyone will come to know you as ‘Love, Megan’. It will help distinguish you from the infinite number of Megans on your course. This is part of your brand now, well done.

Alice Reading

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SELF-CARE AT UNIVERSITY:

Putting Your Health and Wellbeing First Freshers’ Week can be a daunting experience. Let Faye Price talk you through how to keep your mental health and wellbeing in good shape.

For years, Freshers’ Week has been one of the most highly anticipated events on the university calendar. It can be easy to get swallowed up in the excitement and uncertainty that come with starting out as a first year. There are campus events, registrations, nights out and taster sessions to get stuck into. With everything happening around you, it is easy to forget ‘It is easy to forget to to take care of the take care of the most most important important thing in thing in your univer- your university casity career - yourreer – yourself’ self. Below are tips that will help you navigate your way through the chaos of Freshers’ Week in the most stress-free, healthy way possible.

1. Food: Healthy doesn’t have to mean hassle.

In between meeting people, attending introductory lectures and decorating your room, food is likely one of the last things on your mind. When you eventually get to it, ordering takeout can seem the easiest, most hassle-free option, particularly if you’re self-catered and you have somewhere to be later. But don’t whip out the Dominos app just yet. The BBC Good Food website offers a Top

10 list of basic student recipes, ‘Eating freshly including fajitas, curries, pasta made, healthier bakes and soups. These recipes food will also may be short on preparation and cooking time, but they are make you feel in no way lacking in taste. Eatbetter all round’ ing freshly made, healthier food will also make you feel better all round, whether you’re suffering from homesickness, stress, or are just feeling a little run-down. Not only will it help get you through Freshers’ Week, but it’ll serve as a great starting point for all your kitchen exploits throughout the year.

2. Alcohol: I drink and I know things… Or do I? ‘Overconsump- The stigma around students and excessive drinking habits has tion of alcohol proven less accurate over recent remains an years, with more and more of us issue, and the opting for an alcohol-free lifestyle. this, many still enjoy a few biggest reason Despite drinks on a night at the bar or a for a ruined club. As a result, overconsumption of alcohol remains an issue, and night out’

the biggest reason for a ruined night out. To ensure your evening doesn’t end in you doing a technicolour yawn into someone else’s bag in the Uber home, consume a sufficient, carb-fuelled meal (containing rice, pasta, or potatoes) before you leave.

Despite what some might say, eating is definitely not cheating. The carbohydrates will help to soak up the excess alcohol as it enters your system, reducing both the risks of overconsumption and the likelihood of a hangover.

If you do end up going on a few nights out during Freshers’ Week, it is advisable to be aware of the amount

you’re drinking, and pace yourself for the nights ahead.

Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages will ease the effects of a hangover by rehydrating your body.

However, the myth that water will help to ‘sober you up’ is just that: a myth. When it comes to sobering up, time is the only effective method.

3. Mental Health: Take care of you.

With all the chaos that comes with moving to a new place, it comes as no surprise that starting university can take a toll on your mental health. At the end of the day, you’re leaving your comfortable family home to live in a flat full of strangers, where you must learn to manage on your own. It’s no wonder that homesickness, stress and anxiety are all afflictions associated with Freshers’ Week; especially if you’re arriving with pre-existing mental health issues.

With this in mind, it’s important to ‘Homesickaddress these problems as they ness, stress arise, rather than hoping it will all just go away. Keeping in regular and anxiety contact with family and friends, are all afflicas well as having a wall of photos tions assofrom home, can both help you get ciated with through those bouts of homesickness, as well as keep your general Freshers’ mental health in check. And though Week’ it might seem tempting to stay in your room rather than putting yourself out there – don’t. Making friends is an integral part of university life, and a huge benefit to you individually. Shutting yourself away will just make you feel lonely and isolated.

If you find yourself struggling during freshers, or at any point during the year, the University of Nottingham offers a range of resources for mental wellness:

4. Registering at Cripps – Better safe than sorry!

Too many students neglect this step in their first week at university. Often, it falls to the bottom of the priority list, or gets brushed aside entirely. However, registering with the university health service is ‘It is always necessary if you don’t want to get better to concaught out with a sudden illness while studying. For those who have fide in others an ongoing health issue, registering than to suffer at Cripps is even more important. in silence’ To register, simply download, print and complete the registration form and confidential questionnaire.

Once the relevant forms have been completed, they need to be handed in at Cripps Health Centre. This is a straightforward procedure that won’t take much time out of your schedule and will provide reassurance that you will be taken care of should you become unwell.

When it comes to your health, it really is better to be safe than sorry.

Studying at university can be an amazing, life-changing experience; one that we should all be able to live to the full. The information and advice above are intended to ensure you are able to have that experience, while keeping your health and wellbeing in check.

Faye Price

Nottingham Nightline: An anonymous listening and support service consisting entirely of volunteers, on duty all days of the week from 7pm-8am during term-time to listen to any problems you may be experiencing. 0115 951 4985 Your local GP at Cripps Health Centre: 0115 846 8888 University Counselling Service: 0115 951 3695 Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 No-one comes to university with everything figured out. Despite how you might feel, you are not alone. By talking to other students in your flat, accommodation or on your course, you’ll likely find that most people are actually just as overwhelmed and uncertain as you are.

It is always better to confide in others than to suffer in silence.

Image via Needpix.com

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BURSTING THE CA BUBBLE

University Park Campus is certainly idyllic, but danger still lurks. Joe Paternoster shares his own terrifying experience to remind freshers to keep your wits about you.

Our university has a fantastic campus. It was that which drove eighteen-year-old me to choose Nottingham. To me, it was a place of safety, of comfort; a microcosm of the real world sheltered within the blanket of learning and student unity that draws us all together. I know that many others echo that sentiment, and that many freshers will be looking forward to working here.

However, it was this sentiment, this illusion of a ‘protective shield’ that guarded us students from the evils of the outside world, that was duly annihilated in the penultimate week of my first year.

It was the 5th of June, the day before my final exam. I had spent yet another arduous day camped at Hallward Library, deciding to finally call it a day at 11.15pm, looking forward to being asleep by midnight.

Alas, some things are not meant to be.

“Our university Back to Broadgate I headed, mooching along alone in has a fantastic the darkness, following a route parallel to Cut Through campus…a place Lane that hundreds of students no doubt take day-afof safety, of com- ter-day. I was comfortable, at ease. It was pitch-black fort; a microcosm out, I was on my own, and the adjacent undergrowth was ominously overgrown, yet I was entirely at peace. of the real world” I was in the bubble of campus, and therefore I must be safe.

This complacency only goes so far, however. As I continued down this inclined path, I noted a man walking up it, on my left.

I thought him a studious fellow, going to the library “No repertoire of for a late-night revision session, until, that is, he vocabulary could stopped randomly halfway up the path, and faced condense this south, towards the lake. Perplexed, I hurried myself, mixture of fury, not wanting to consider what this man was doing standing there at 11.20pm. As I went to pass him, injustice, trauma however, two men leapt out of the undergrowth to and sorrow that my right, and the fellow to my left turned around in a possessed me perfectly choreographed sequence. The fellow to my then, into one left addressed me, his hand heading for his waistband. I did not wait to see what was in it – I had seen word” enough films; I knew what was next.

Fight or flight in full flow, I flew down the path with all the grace of a panicked pigeon pursued by three falcons, but it was enough. I emerged out into the relatively public space of the Florence Boot mini-roundabout, and my assailants, vampiric in their desire to avoid light, regressed back into the darkened path.

Cue myself going into some kind of shock, understandable, perhaps, given that I had just been slapped with the reality that three men had just tried to mug me. Worse than that, my bubble that the campus was an untouchable utopia was burst – destroyed.

Not knowing what to do, I called a trusted friend as I stood shaken in the middle of the empty road, a rabbit caught in headlights.

The proceeding few hours were occupied not by a pleasant early night, but by conversations with the police. They were excellent, sending out a helicopter, dog units and armed back-up to hunt these men down, who, it later became

apparent, had likely mugged someone else that night, with weapons on them.

They were not caught in that initial hunt, and the weeks passed by and I thought it behind us.

They knew the police were onto them – they dare not strike again.

Thus, picture my horror as I read that less than two weeks on from my encounter, two students were wounded by bladed instruments in a mugging by Florence Boot Hall.

I prayed that my eyes betrayed me, abhorred as I was at what I read before me. Something came over me then, an emotion that I cannot put a word to, despite me being an English undergrad. No repertoire of vocabulary could condense this mixture of fury, injustice, trauma and sorrow that possessed me then, into one word. I felt physically sick. Sick for the fact that two students were likely stabbed on campus.

Sick that something like this could be allowed to happen again, especially so soon after my own encounter. Sick that that could have been me, had I not made that split-second decision to make a break for it.

“Relax, of Thinking to the future, should nothing be course. Be done, I am filled with safe.

But never a vehement fire that switch-off comcannot be contained.

Students have been pletely” stabbed on campus

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and almost no one knows anything about it. I don’t know how the university is run, but at least increase the security, improve the lighting, and trim some hedges. I am all for saving the environment, but I think a few bushes losing some leaves is a small sacrifice to prevent someone leaping out and mugging someone.

At the time of writing, two suspects are under investigation. But I fear for the future. It took two students being stabbed to trigger an adequate response, and, given there is an entire summer between now and the new year, I feel that the seriousness of the situation will all be forgotten.

I write this now not as a warning, but as a reminder. University is an incredible place. The campus remains fantastic. After my encounter, this is what I had to remember – my first year had been amazing, and this could not taint that. But I could learn from it, that was for sure. And I want people reading this to learn from it too, so they do not find themselves running for their lives at an ungodly hour.

Do not let your guard down. Relax, of course. Be safe. But never switch-off completely. Always be aware of that part of your mind that assumes the worst. Listen to it. It made me hesitate as I first saw that first lone man. It made me sprint as that same man addressed me, instead of seeing if he wanted a late-night chat. Avoid travelling by yourself, especially late at night. My friends and I felt so untouchable on campus that a 3am solo stroll seemed perfectly acceptable. Now we rarely go out after dark in groups of less than three. Carrying a whistle while late is smart, and if not that, then being loud is a deterrent. And try, no matter how simple the trip, to let someone know where you are going at all times.

I know I may sound like your mother, but these are all words of maternal wisdom that I politely ignored, and look what happened.

To all freshers, I know this message may seem gloomy, but I cannot stress enough – first year will be incredible. Enjoy yourselves. Get drunk. Study hard (well, hard enough to pass), and party harder. But never lose that vigilant part of yourself. Without it, you will become wrapped within the same blanket of comfort I was caught in, a blanket which blinds us to the dangers of our own microcosm.

Joe Paternoster

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Image: Tahira Rowe

“Enjoy yourselves. Get drunk. Study hard (well, hard enough to pass), and party harder. But never lose that vigilant part of yourself”

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IMPACT

Building new relationships is often something people worry about before coming to university. The thought of starting a new chapter of your life away from all your family, friends and familiar home surroundings is very daunting. However, with the amount of different opportunities Nottingham offers to meet people, there is no need to worry.

with people in their accommodation. Don’t panic, as there are plenty of other avenues for friendships to form through, including your course and societies. Seminars and society socials all offer a great chance to mix with people you are likely to have common interests with. Speaking from personal experience, even on a course as large as English, it was still possible to find people who wanted to learn about the same things as me. Sport societies, both competitive and relaxed are also a great way of meeting people and bonding quickly through team train-

Keeping in contact is essential to maintaining all your relationships with those at home. Thankfully this is relatively easy now that we have messaging platforms and FaceTime

“Communicating through a screen as opposed to across the table may even become second nature” which can help to make you feel less separated from everyone. However, it is likely that you won’t be able to

Meghan dishes out some sound advice on how to make new friends at Nottingham, whilst maintaining your existing relationships at home.

Home and Away irst off, there are the people that you live with. Getting put with flatmates that you actually get on with can lead to some of the closest friendships you’ll make at uni. These

“When first starting out at university the key is not to worry if you feel like friendships don’t kindle immediately” are the people who will moan with you about your 9am lectures over breakfast, witness your hungover state first-hand after a heavy night, and above all, be just across the hall whenever you need them.

Of course, not everyone will click

ing or matches.

Most importantly, when first starting out at university the key is not to worry if you feel like friendships don’t kindle immediately. Relationships do take time to build. Lots of people will tell you that some of their close friends at the end of uni are people they didn’t even know in first year.

Although exciting and positive, new relationships do have the potential to put a strain on your existing ones.

This is particularly true with your old friends or boyfriend/girlfriend who are not at uni themselves. From the outside looking in, it may seem as if they’ve been replaced by all the new people you have met and are no longer needed. Handling this situation can be difficult.

speak to them as much as you used to, especially when first starting out, as there is so much going on that you don’t want to miss.

It’s important to try and be as perceptive as possible about how your friend/partner is feeling. If you notice they are becoming distant from you or acting off, perhaps you could sacrifice a night out to spend some time chatting with them and catching up. Eventually an understanding of the situation will develop as everyone adjusts to the circumstances involved in a long-distance relationship. Communicating through a screen as opposed to across the table may even become second nature.

Meghan Jarvis

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

RELATIONSHIP ANXIETIES:

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HOW TO SURVIVE THE UNI KITCHEN The university kitchen is a delicate environment and Alice Iron has some advice on how to keep the peace and the type of people you may come across over the stove.

‘The One Who Never Washes Up’ The messy one…now what is there to say? Every single kitchen has someone whose saucepans have started growing a suspicious blue substance and you “When you best believe they hear rustling haven’t had a spare in the kitchen knife and fork since at 2am you Freshers’ Week. know that the ‘The Thief’ night owl has It’s no secret that finally sur- student budgets faced from don’t usually stretch to the finer things in the depths of life. However, when their habitat” we do decide to treat ourselves to pre-grated cheese or red pepper hummus the last thing you expect is to find it gone in the morning. For some, your weekly ‘treats’ are just too hard to resist!

When you notice your Sainsbury’s counter pizza has disappeared…I hope you’ve got something else for dinner!

‘The Over-Packer’ This next person is a university classic - usually starting with stationary; the person with excessive pens and highlighters, but it can evolve to the kitchen too. There is always one person with everything matching from

Dunelm or £20 Emma Bridgewater mugs. Don’t mock them too soon because when you’re making a recipe from BBC Good Food (something which isn’t frozen!) you best believe they’ve got the equipment you need!

‘The Chef’ Gordon Ramsay who? This next person is a uni kitchen staple and they have somehow evolved faster than the rest of us. Every uni kitchen has someone who might as well be a Michelin star chef - when the kitchen rarely sees more action than the ping of the microwave this person is a culinary genius!

‘The Night Owl’ *In best David Attenborough voice* this person is a rare sighting, nocturnal and only spotted in the early hours. When you hear rustling in the kitchen at 2am you know that the night owl has finally surfaced from the depths of their habitat (bedroom) and has decided to heat up last night’s dinner or PING! Goes the pot noodle…here’s hoping you haven’t got a 9am tomorrow!

Whilst it’s likely that these traits will begin to emerge, here are my top tips for avoiding kitchen drama: 1. Stay on top of the bins, trust me

you are going to regret ‘just leaving it this week’.

2. Everyone share the workload, no one wants to be the only one cleaning the surfaces, the rule is - you spill it, you wipe it!

“Invest in some 3. Have an idea about what you’re spices/herbs, going to cook, you would be maybe look up amazed by some simple rec- the number of ipes before you things you can arrive. When living throw Cajun away from home spice onto!” it’s comforting to make some of your favourite, tasty meals; nothing fancy but it avoids cooking the same pasta dish every night!

4. Invest in some spices/herbs, you would be amazed the number of things you can throw Cajun spice onto!

5. Invest in a good pan! You don’t need loads of different cooking utensils, just spend a little extra on a good pan/saucepan. Nothing expensive, just good quality that will last your time at uni - this avoids the plastic handle melting off when you’re not looking!

Alice Iron

Image: Tahira Rowe

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IMPACT

‘IS THAT WITH GRAVY?’ A FRESHER’S GUIDE TO THE NORTHSOUTH DIVIDE

W

The North-South divide is a hot debate around UoN, and Rowan Perry is here to tell you all about it.

elcome to Freshers’ Week: you’re riding on the wave of some solid A-level results and you’re ready to party hard with complete strangers that will later be added to your group of lifelong friends. It is fair to say that Freshers’ Week is an even playing field; other than a couple of friendly faces, students are collectively faced with the daunting task of making friends.

Freshers’ Week is also a blank slate – a chance for students to shed their former reputations and be viewed without any pre-conceptions, right? Unfortunately, that statement should be buried alongside other myths, such “Hiding in every as a night out in Ocean student’s subconwithout the Baywatch scious is a feud theme tune.

Hiding in every student’s that has – literally subconscious is a feud that – split the country has – literally – split the down the middle” country down the middle: the elusive North-South divide. Whether you’re of the literary or scientific persuasion, we all refer to the crucible. At this time of year Northerners, Southerners and indeed Midlanders are flung into a melting pot of unknown customs, attitudes and (most painfully) accents. As chemistry dictates, when just chips meets chips with gravy/curry sauce/

“

From one perspective, the divide is age old: Viking age old

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mushy peas and ‘bath’ meets ‘barth’, the reaction is always dramatic and sometimes a tad volatile.

Any university student who relies on quality meme pages to get through the daily grind will be well-armed to take the mickey out of new acquaintances by referencing stereotypical North/South characteristics. As is the case with stereotypes, some cling onto remnants of truth: Melissa Gavars, a first year from Suffolk notes that ‘everything is supposedly much cheaper in the North, particularly alcohol and petrol’.

Robbie Glennie, a Londoner studying at the University of Manchester highlights that other generalisations are seemingly less rooted in fact, with Southerners collectively – and usually wrongly – viewed as ‘posh’ and ‘snooty’. Portia Davies, from Bristol and studying in Leeds, also points out the stereotype of the ‘opinionated, voiced’ Northerner and the ‘lavish’ Southerner who ‘shops at Waitrose’ and ‘flaunts their wealth with designer brands’.

FEATURES Yet, despite forming the great foundations of university feuding, the origins of the North-South divide are rarely discussed, and to say that they are deep-rooted would be an understatement…

From one perspective, the divide is age old: Viking age old. Dating back to the late eight-hundreds, the Alfred-Guthrum treaty placed the North and East of England under Danelaw, while King Alfred ruled the South and West. From peculiar Northern place names such as ‘Micklethwaite’, ‘Kettleness’ and ‘Willitoft’ to deviating pronunciations, the historical event arguably catalysed the differences that now provide the ammunition for our friendly insults.

While Danelaw is far behind us and muted by increased mobility and linguistic standardisation, events from the 19th and 20th centuries have thrusted the divide once again into the limelight, this time economically. This renaissance largely coincided with the post-war recessions of the 1920s and 30s “Maybe the real and with deindustrialisation: butt of the joke as Northern industries such ammunitions and shipare the forgotten as building dwindled, the largelands left out fromly South and Midland-based the laughter” industries of consumer goods and electronics were on the rise. The rift in development was further deepened by pit closures under Margaret Thatcher.

More recently, there has been a change in the winds: schemes such as George Osbourne’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ have reduced the prosperity gap, increasing employment levels and opportunities in key Northern cities.

Despite this patching up of old wounds, modern-day stereotypes of Northerners and Southerners are still very much embedded in a dark legacy of economic disparity. In interviews carried out with university students around the country, positive southern stereotypes were usually based on economy, with ‘better transport’, ‘wealthy’, ‘rich’, ‘stronger business links and developments’, ‘cleaner’, ‘better opportunities for work, private schools and sports facilities’ and ‘better financial district’ being common labels.

Contrastingly, positive Northern stereotypes favoured personality: stereotypes included ‘friendly people’, ‘better sense of humour’, ‘more easy-going’, ‘chatty’, ‘up for a fight’ and ‘strong sense of community’. Such patterns suggest that financial disparities are not yet gone, and are certainly not forgotten, with some interviewees, such as University of Nottingham student Kayleigh Moore, agreeing that ‘the economic divide is still a sensitive topic’.

With this in mind, does the playful North-South antagonism enacted in every university emphasise that tensions over inequalities continue to exist? Or, does the modern-day adoption of the divide by good old British humour indicate a recovery of sorts, with Brits now able to reminisce and joke about a painful past?

Many interviewees agree with the latter. Josie Brookes of the University of Cambridge recognises that while ‘there is a level of rivalry’, the North-South divide is no longer taken seriously and is ‘mostly something to joke about now’. Sheffield Hallam student Alice Mteta was unaware of the feuding until she went to university and

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When you order a tea cake for dinner (or is it tea?), who knows if you will be getting currants or marshmallow?

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argues that the divide is ‘no longer politicised’. Indeed, some students pointed out that differences in political discourse across the UK are now mainly between rural areas and cities as opposed to the North and the South.

Interestingly, Annabel Kaye, of the University of Bath comments that the North-South divide also has some positive impact. She argues that regional identity can be something to ‘easily bond over’ in university and carries a ‘pride factor’ in which students are free to be ‘promoting where they are from’. Furthermore, Marianna, an Exeter student from Italy, feels that the North-South divide also exists in her home country. This commonality suggests that regional rivalry is not necessarily an affliction demanding removal; but can be adopted as part of a country’s unique culture.

With interviewees such as University of Nottingham student Joe Paternoster widely agreeing that North-South rivalries are ‘just really banter over accents if anything’, maybe the real butt of the joke are the forgotten lands left out from the laughter. Kayleigh, who lives in Northampton points out that ‘the Midlands are left out a lot’.

Even more poignant is that none of the students interviewed could identify the region in which Nottingham is situated (the East Midlands, if you were wondering).

Furthermore, University of Manchester student Ben Woodcock Sharman argues that the ‘“real” rivalry’ is ‘between towns and cities in the South East and the rest of the UK’. Eloise Bance, from Somerset notes that generalisations about the fast-paced, work-orientated South are often based solely on London, which she argues are not applicable ‘if you’re in a rural area like me’.

Of one thing we can be sure: if Freshers’ Week isn’t disorientating enough, our regional differences can be trusted to step up to the mark. When you order a tea cake for dinner (or is it tea?), who knows if you will be getting currants or marshmallow? So, for a true initiation into uni culture, make sure to embrace the humour that is unique and endearing to Britain.

Rowan Perry

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Emily Casey explores different types of hangovers – which one sounds most familiar?

We all have very different experiences of university: some of us join a sports team on day one and are seen at every subsequent Crisis; others focus much more on the academic side of uni life and some of us even make it to BNOC status. However, one thing that unites us all is the dreaded hangover. There are many different approaches to dealing with the hangover, and every friend group usually has one representative of each - see if you can spot which one you and your mates belong to.

The Still-Drunker Potentially my favourite kind of hungover, because this friend never really gets there. Having gone way too hard on the VKs the night before, this friend will insist that you stay up for as long as possible when you get home and dance their way past bedtime into the next morning. This avoidance of sleep and continuation of alcohol consumption leads to the inevitable: a friend who is still drunk whilst the rest of you suffer. While every other house-mate hangs their head in shame and mulls over regrettable decisions, this friend is still living the high-life and will happily inform you just how much they love you again… and again. The only piece of solace we can find with the Still-Drunker is knowing that it has to hit them at some point.

The Dominos-Destroyer I must confess, this is my personal coping mechanism. This individual will initially wake up needing as much liquid as they can possibly consume. This thirst then quickly turns to hunger. Other friends should expect a tsunami of Deliveroo and Just Eat orders to the house - all under one name. It is also likely that the Dominos-Destroyer will stay in bed all day as they consume their banquet. Due to personal experience, I must admit that this is an effective way to have a normal evening… provided all the food can stay down.

The Somehow-Completely-Perky-and-Manages-to-go-for-a-Run-at-7amOne?!

The most infuriating of all. This friend is usually the one to come home latest, yet they are somehow up the earliest and still manage to have a productive day. You may smugly go into their room with plans of mockery and embarrassing photos to share in tow. Sadly, you will be met with a note on the pillow, along the lines of: “gone to the gym, then off to the library - see you at dinner, I’m doing a homecooked meal for everyone!”. We all may sneer at this method of handling the hangover, but let’s be honest, it’s because we are all writhing with jealousy.

No matter how you deal with a hangover, at least you know that you and your friends are all in it together. And the best thing about it? You get to gossip with your friends about all the drama, laugh at all the photos and cringe at all the embarrassing dance moves. When memories like that are made, a hangover is a small price to pay.

Emily Casey

The only piece of solace we can find with the Still-Drunker is knowing that it has to hit them at some point

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Other friends should expect a tsunami of Deliveroo and Just Eat orders to the house - all under one name

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Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

HANDLING THE HANGOVER “

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THE ULTIMATE UNIVERSITY BUCKET LIST

Hannah Steele offers a list of fun ways to help you maximise your university experience.

Your time as a university student goes by quickly (unless you’re an aspiring architect or medic student who refuses to leave the uni lifestyle), so here is a list of practical and fun ways to get the most out of your time studying at Nottingham.

Remember: though a bucket list is individual, the most important thing is that you get everything out of university that you want to.

“There are over 200 official societies, so try to find some new interests as well as ones that compliment your degree”

1

Stay active. Whether you choose to buy a gym membership, run around the scenic campus or join a sports society, keeping active is an important part of being a student. When you find a way to stay healthy that you enjoy, it is also a great break from studying and nights out too.

2

Work at the university open days or summer schools. You get paid to walk around campus, talk about your subject and yourself; the only downside being the eager parents asking too many questions.

3

Join at least one new society every year. There are over 200 official societies, so try to find some new interests as well as ones that compliment your degree.

Volunteering. There is a student volunteering centre as part of the SU; the SU can provide you with information on numerous opportunities available. They can also help if you fancy volunteering abroad.

5

4

Wear fancy dress on a night out. Whether it’s with a society or with an enthusiastic group of friends who love Shrek, dressing up for at least one night is a must during your time as a student (Freshers doesn’t count!).

Try different types of nights out. Clubbing is often a large part of the student lifestyle but not everyone enjoys being shoved by sweaty strangers, dodging VKs and spending all night trying to find friends.

Instead, you could be dancing on the benches at Bierkeller, singing at karaoke in Rescue Rooms or going for drinks with a group of friends.

6

“Whether it’s with a society or with an enthusiastic group of friends who love Shrek, dressing up for at least one night is a must during your time as a student”

7

Go on a bar crawl. Penny Lane is a unique retro bar where you can drink cocktails and play arcade games – you can even get your fortune told! Alternatively, if you want the cheaper option go through all the different spoons.

8

Learn to cook cheap healthy meals. If you are in self-catered halls or rented accommodation, takeaways and never-ending bowls of pasta may be tempting, but try meal planning and cooking as a group to keep costs down.

9

Sign up to Unitemps. Whether you are looking for a part time job or occasional work, you can gain experience and get earning.

The Theatre. Nottingham New Theatre holds student-led performances; a variety of shows are put on throughout the year, so if you aren’t interested in taking part, go and have a watch.

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10

Go to a society’s boat party. It’s not quite a booze cruise in Ibiza, but the open bar makes it worth it.

12

Visit Wollaton Park. It’s a short walk from campus and is a perfect place to sit, have a picnic and watch the deer.

(Plus, who wouldn’t want to go and visit Wayne Manor from The Dark Knight Rises?!).

Hannah Steele

26

Nina Shasha reveals Campus’s most beautiful spots.

EXPOSURE 2. The Old Botanical Garden

1. View of the Trent Building

4. Trent Garden

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11

8

5

9

2

10 3 4

7

1

12

3.Highfields Walled Garden

5. The Downs

6. The Jekyll Garden

8. The Nottingham Sign

11. Lenton Firs Rock Garden

7. Highfields Park’s Stepping Stones

9. Millenium Garden

10. The New Theatre Squares

12. Tottle Brook

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IMPACT

3 Easy (And Delicious) Recipes for Students Francesca suggests three very easy recipes for when you’ve splashed your Freshers budget (assuming you had one!) and are hungry for a ‘just like home’ meal with minimal effort.

Y

ou’re hungover.

Homesick. You’ve been studying till 2am.

You can’t be asked to get off Fifa. You’re just plain tired. An easy, hearty meal really is the cure for all student needs. Regardless of how appealing a takeaway or even the 3-week-old cottage pie that’s been sitting in a Tupperware at the back of the fridge may seem right now, you deserve better. Even if you think you can’t cook, or you’re feeling lazy, these simple, stress-free (and cheap!) recipes will make you feel 10x better, trust me!

Tortilla Pizza (4 servings) – fun, quick and a great way to use up leftovers Ingredients A splash of olive oil 4 whole-wheat tortillas 200g tomato pasta sauce 125g ball of mozzarella Your choice of toppings (e.g. chopped tomato, peppers, mushrooms, extra cheese, etc.)

Method 1. Heat the oven to 240oC/220oC Fan/Gas 8. Cover two trays with tin foil and brush with a little olive oil to stop the pizzas sticking. Place the tortillas on the trays.

2. Cover each tortilla with pasta sauce, then place small slices of mozzarella evenly on top. Add your toppings.

3. Place the trays in the oven and cook for about 4-6 mins, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are golden-brown around the edges.

4. Plate and serve!

Chickpea Curry (2 servings) – simple, healthy and, most importantly, tasty af Ingredients 1 can (400g) of chickpeas 1 jar of curry sauce of your choice 1 pack of cherry tomatoes (chop these) 1 bag of spinach A box of poppadoms or two naan breads (optional but highly recommended) Method 1. Heat the chickpeas in their water for 3-4 minutes on the hob (don’t allow them to boil). Remove from the heat and drain.

2. Put the chickpeas in the saucepan along with the curry sauce, chopped cherry tomatoes and a couple of handfuls of spinach. Stir whilst on a medium heat until the spinach has wilted, and the curry sauce has thickened. This should take around 5 minutes.

3. Spoon “You may be a into a bowl and enjoy student living away from home, but with some poppayou still need to doms or eat well - rememnaan bread. ber to take care of Freeze the yourself” remaining portion to reheat later on.

4. If you have a larger appetite, heat a microwavable packet of basmati rice to eat alongside the curry – rice packets are super cheap and quick to heat up.

Mac and Cheese (4 servings) – a big, hearty, pasta-bake - yum!

Ingredients 250g macaroni 40g plain flour 600ml milk 40g butter 175g grated cheddar Garlic bread

“An easy, hearty meal really is the cure for all student needs”

Method 1. Cook the macaroni in a saucepan of boiling water for 8–10 minutes.

Drain once cooked.

2. Melt the butter over a medium heat. Add the flour and stir, cook for a few minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thick.

3. Take the sauce off the heat, add the cheese and stir until it has melted and is well combined. Mix the sauce in with the pasta.

4. Transfer to an ovenproof dish.

Sprinkle a little extra Cheddar over the top and place the dish under the grill. Cook until the cheese is browned and bubbling.

5. Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Let us know how your meals turn out by sending us pictures via @impactsgram and @impactmagazine!

You may be a student living away from home, but you still need to eat well - remember to take care of yourself!

Francesca Hadland

FOOD

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Olivia acknowledges the mysterious phenomenon known as the ‘Freshers 15’ and suggests some tips on how to ward off unhealthy weight gain during your first few months at university.

One of the biggest worries a fresher has when starting university is the legendary ‘Freshers 15’ – the weight gain caused by numerous bevs and one too many latenight McDonald’s. It seems that as a fresher, this is part and parcel of the whole experience; the Daily Mail reports that more than a quarter of students gain up to 2 stone in their first year. This is a staggering statistic, but it’s easy to understand why the ‘Freshers 15’ is such a common phenomenon. Most of us arrive at university having only known mum’s healthy, home-cooked meals, having maintained “This article a regular sleep pattern of 11pm-7am on school nights and having limited our drinking shenanigans strictly to the weekends. It is no wonder that when university is not just comes around all self-discipline goes out of the window. We have FREEDOM(!) for about your the first time, and this is where the problem lies; drinking. I can personally testify weight, but that whenever I have a drink, I want to eat everything in sight. Having said that, your these are my tips on how to enjoy your nights out without worrying about gaining general the unwanted extra weight:

1. Eating healthy meals and ensuring you eat properly before going out. For those of you catering

for yourselves, there are so many simple, healthy recipes out there that you can whip up in no time. It’s always good to have something stodgy like pasta, a lean meat like chicken and some vegetables. If you are in halls, this still applies to you! Always remember to have a mix of protein, complex carbs and veg.

2. Single vs double shots, mixers and mixing drinks. Yes, we have all

been there and done that; we’ve drunk the shots we know we can’t handle.

However, may“If you are going be it’s time to out 3x a week, be wiser about drinking insane our drinking. amounts and then For example, a single going out for a measure of slap-up meal, you vodka (25ml) will gain weight – is 55 calories, whereas a it’s science” standard 30ml Jagerbomb is a whopping 209 calories! And again, with mixers, opt for sin-

gles. You’ve probably heard this before, but mixing drinks is lethal – you’ll thank me in the morning.

mental health and well-being”

3. Keep it moderate. If your regular week consists of going out 3 times, drinking insane amounts and going out for a slap-up meal, you will gain weight – it’s science. However, if you drink moderately and then fancy those chicken nuggets and chips, nobody is stopping you, treat yourself.

“The Daily Mail reports 4. Exercise. Although it’s been report- that more ed that exercise can only affect 10-30% than a of our weight loss/gain (versus 60-80% by food), get walking, go to the gym or quarter of join a sports club. Many societies also students gain hold non-alcohol related socials. up to 2 stone in their first 5. Look after yourself. This article year” is not just about your weight, but your general mental health and well-being.

Both girls and boys can be taken advantage of on nights out and for a lot of you, this is your first time leaving home.

Always stick with your friends, never leave a club on your own and keep your drink with you at all times. Have fun, but also be aware!

Olivia Paton

Image: Tahira Rowe

BEWARE of the ‘FRESHERS 15’

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IMPACT

FROM JESSE BOOT TO JOSEPH POPE -

The Truth Behind the Names of Some of Campus’ Finest Buildings Ever sat procrastinating in the George Green Library and thought who on earth is George Green? Ever pondered just who is Sir Clive Granger as you clamber up the unforgiving hill that leads to his building? Well wonder no more, as Matthew Bird takes us through the truth behind the names of some of campus’ finest buildings.

Wander around University Park and you’ll come across many buildings named after someone. For the most part, the science buildings are named after people of great importance to the university and its history, but few are household names, so you’d be forgiven for not knowing who they are.

The George Green Library is a favourite study spot for those studying STEM degrees. Born in 1793, Green’s contributions to the sciences are made all the more impressive when you consider he only had one year of formal education and spent much of his adult life working at Green’s Mill, built by his father. His greatest achievement, ‘An Essay on the Mathematical Analysis to the Theories of Electricity and Magnetism’, was written in his spare time. He sold it for 7½ shillings as he didn’t want to send it to an academic journal, given his lack of qualifications. Very few people read it at the time, but one of those people was an academic in Glasgow who used his contacts to secure Green a place at Cambridge, where he furthered his research.

Sadly, he died of influenza only a few years after graduating.

2003 was a “Green’s contributions to particularly good year of the sciences are made the University of all the more impressive Nottingham as when you consider he the Nobel Prize only had one year of in Economics formal education” was awarded to Sir Clive Granger, and the Nobel Prize in Medicine to Sir Peter Mansfield. Granger, for whom the economics building is named after, studied Mathematics at the University and went on to contribute to the field of econometrics, applying mathematical tools to economic forecasting. Mansfield was told by teachers that he wouldn’t be a good fit for a career in science. He went on to get a degree and PhD in physics at Queen Mary College. He became an academic at the University of Nottingham, where his research into producing high-resolution MRI scans quickly would go on to secure him a Nobel Prize.

So next time you wander the University consider the people behind the buildings. Regardless of your start in life, or what those around you say, strive for greatness. Perhaps one day, you too, will have a building named in your honour.

Matthew Bird

Image: Tahira Rowe

Humble beginnings are also behind the Boots Science Building of the School of Pharmacy. Jesse Boot took over much responsibility of his father’s small herbal remedy store at an early age. Over the years he, and his wife and business partner Florence Boot (née Rowe), would turn Boots into the commercial success that we know today. Jesse helped expand University College Nottingham through philanthropic donations of money and land, including some of what is now University Park. Florence was active in promoting

women’s rights and founded the first women’s only residence at the University, Florence Boot Hall. The prestige that followed the expansion attracted speakers such as Albert Einstein who, in 1930, remarked that George Green had been 20 years ahead of his time.

Many students will have bumbled through the buildings of the Faculty of Engineering, confused where the Pope Building ends, and the Coates Building begins. It seems appropriate that these two linked buildings are named after consecutive heads of the School of Engineering, Joseph Pope and Rex Coates.

SCIENCE

33

Why Do We Feel Unsettled

by Faces Which Are like Ours, but Just Not Quite Enough?

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

THE UNCANNY VALLEY: Gwennan Ward takes a fascinating look into the processes behind why we find some robots creepy, and yet find others absolutely adorable.

H

ave you ever wondered why, when you see the latest robots on the news, you get that creepy feeling, yet when you see Baymax you find him unbelievably cute?

Scientists in Germany have discovered the part of the brain which decides whether you choose to find a robot creepy or endearing.

The reason we are sometimes made to feel uncomfortable by CGI humans or humanoid robots is due to something called the uncanny valley. The uncanny valley is the relationship between the degree of an object’s resemblance to a human being and the emotional response to the object. The more human-like a non-human character becomes, the more we like it until we don't. At some point where it is almost human, we become repulsed.

The uncanny valley is linked to an important evolutionary trait of being able to encode faces and categorise them. Babies from 3 months old possess this skill and demonstrate it through responding more positively to familiar faces. We notice subtle differences more in human behaviour because we are more highly trained to interpret people’s behaviour. This may shed light into the reason that we experience the uncanny valley.

“At some point where it is almost human, we become repulsed.”

There are many ways in which the uncanny valley has slipped into our popular culture. Examples of films and video games which fell down into the uncanny valley are The Adventures of Tintin, Polar Express and Mass Effect 3.

Scientists in Germany and the UK have now identified

Gwennan Ward

the exact part of the brain in which this phenomenon occurs. Researchers studied the brain patterns in 21 healthy individuals using functional magnetic resonance imaging technology, a technology created courtesy of the University of Nottingham’s own Peter Mansfield. This technology uses magnetic resonance to measure the activity of different regions of the brain when people were “While this was experiencing the uncanny going on, the valley.

participants’

The participants were shown brain activity photographs of humans, was measured. artificial humans, android humans, humanoid robots, It highlighted and mechanoid robots and they were asked to rate them that two parts according to likeability. of the brain’s The research showed that medial prefronhumans prefer robots with tal cortex are human-like features but will reject them if they become important for too human-like. While this was the uncanny going on, the participants’ brain activity was measured. valley effect.”

It highlighted that two parts of the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex are important for the uncanny valley effect.

The functions of the prefrontal cortex have linked to important roles within your brain such as the will to live and the expression of personality. The main role of the prefrontal cortex is the planning of complex cognitive behaviour and decision making. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this area of the brain would play a key role in deciding a robot's creepiness.

Perhaps, with these kinds of robot-recognising and rejecting abilities, we are more prepared for a nefarious robot takeover than previously thought.

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IMPACT

“

”

“

Western society has forgotten just how horrible these preventable diseases can be

Herd immunity is especially important at university.

At Nottingham, students come from all around the world, and bring with them a whole host of nefarious germs eager to infect anyone they can find. It makes vaccinations, like MenACWY, very important to us students. MenACWY is offered to teenagers and freshers in England, and protects against meningitis and septicaemia.

This is especially important given the rise in people dying from a strain of meningitis recently, with NHS statistics indicating that there had been an increase in England from “22 cases in 2009/10 to 210 in 2015/16”.

Meningitis infects the layer of tissue that covers the spinal cord, which can quickly lead to brain swelling and death.

It is not good news, and is quick to act too, when it is first contracted. Vaccination, and subsequent herd immunity, is thus the best possible option.

”

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

Pioneered by Edward Jenner back in the 1700s (through child experiments that would never pass today, mind you), the vaccine meant that smallThe planet has pox went from killing 10% of the popnearly said goodulation to being wiped off the face bye to polio, guinea of the Earth in just under 200 years. worm disease is The planet has nearly said goodpacking its bags, bye to polio, guinea worm disease and mumps, meais packing its bags, and mumps, sles and rubella are measles and rubella are fighting a losing battle. And yet, opposition to fighting a losing vaccinations (the so-called ‘anbattle ti-vax’ movement) is on the rise.

And, against the backdrop of this tidal wave of success stories, you have to wonder why.

University brings people from all across the world together, but with that comes a whole in- Much of the initial scepticism ternational committee of diseas- stems from Andrew Wakefield, es ready to infect whoever they a disgraced former doctor who can. Vaccinations are our great- published a paper claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and est defence against these diseases, leaving us to wonder why autism. The paper was later discredited, citing fraudulent work is there such a growing body of and Wakefield having conflicts opposition to this humble creaof interest, with no other sciention, that saves millions of lives tists able to replicate his findings. each year?

At this point, however, the damWith all the problems that the age had been done, leading to world has, you would imagine a distrust in vaccines that many that a concept that has eradicatfeel is rising. ed some of the world’s deadliest diseases would not be one of For vaccines to be at their most them. effective, at least 95% of the population should be vaccinatSuch is our society, however, and ed. This is referred to as ‘herd that means that the humble vacimmunity’, where the remaincine has been getting quite the ing 5% of the population are battering of late. protected from the disease as so many other people are immune to it.

“

SCIENCE Even in a world where everyone was for vacThose on the ancines, 100% coverage would be nigh-on ti-vax side are often impossible. Babies cannot have certain shutdown without vaccines until they grow older, some discussion, whilst they people have their own autoimmune counter with anti-esconditions that prevent them from having certain vaccines, and others tablishment rhetoric are allergic to the vaccines themselves. that can be seen as a Thus, another argument for being political ploy as opvaccinated is that it reduces the risk for posed to meaningful these individuals of contracting one of scientific objection these horrible diseases, when they are unable to be immunised for it.

”

counHerd immunity, however, is an idealtries ised dream at present, for there is a thought growing body of statistics indicating vaccinations were that many diseases we were once safe and effective. close to eradicating have been on The results indicated that the rise in recent years. The GuardEuropean (and generally more ian quotes the WHO statistic that in developed) countries have a the first three months of 2019, cases lower trust in the safety and efof measles had risen globally by fectiveness of vaccines, with an 300% compared to the year before. example being France, where Tragic, given the fact that there is one third of the populous do a working vaccine out there. Peter not believe that vaccines are Hotz noted in Nature that the US safe. By contrast, in places like Centers for Disease Control and Bangladesh, 98% of the popuPrevention had reported that there lation believe in the safety and were “100,000 American Children” effectiveness of vaccines. that had not been vaccinated for The explanation? In Western “14 diseases” where vaccination countries, we rarely see the was an option. It marks the return catastrophic effects that some of ‘preventable diseases’, and has of these diseases we have long alarming consequences for the been vaccinated for can have. future.

For measles, some of the worstSome argue that it is the fact that case scenarios include pneumomuch of Western society has nia and encephalitis (where the forgotten just how horrible these brain swells up). Both can lead to preventable diseases can be that death. Polio can result in paralysis means that the anti-vaccination of breathing muscles, resulting movement is growing so strong. too in death. Mumps can cause Buzzfeed quotes a Wellencephalitis. Cervical cancer, ofcome Trust report ten caused by the HPV virus, kills that investigatyou just as any other cancer can. ed which

“

Babies cannot have certain vaccines until they grow older, some people have their own autoimmune conditions that prevent them from having certain vaccines, and others are allergic to the vaccines themselves

”

35

I could go on, but in the developed world we rarely see these devastating diseases up-close, and so perhaps are blind to their true consequences.

Some communities object to vaccines on religious grounds.

Some believe in traditional medicine. Many of the most moving anti-vax arguments stem from personal stories of people who have suffered negative reactions to vaccines themselves. These people would come under those who cannot be vaccinated under medical grounds, and, in fact, encourages the argument that more people should be vaccinated. If person A cannot be vaccinated due to a negative reaction, then other people becoming vaccinated decreases person A’s chances of ever contracting the disease that they cannot have vaccinated protection for.

The truth remains that the debate around vaccinations is exceptionally heated. Those on the anti-vax side are often shutdown without discussion, whilst they counter with anti-establishment rhetoric that can be seen as a political ploy as opposed to meaningful scientific objection.

Either way, a dialogue needs to be opened between both sides of the debate, if we are to ever improve public confidence in vaccinations once more, and remain safe in the cosmopolitan space that our university provides.

Joe Paternoster

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IMPACT

Be it the most freezing of winter days or the hottest summer heatwaves, the style doesn’t change, the wardrobe stands strong against the elements

”

She is everywhere, no matter if you do linguistics, mathematics or medicine.

Her presence can be felt in the air, heard by the characteristic swishing noise of her puffer jacket in the distance. Her step always confident, well supported with those new dad shoes she has been sporting. You still don’t know when it became a thing, but to be fair it is a bit more reasonable than the clear plastic heels and sock-shoes. The Basic Bitch (BB™) is a complex beast, that has many different variations- all protected under the three-sizes-toobig jackets and coats. Ursula Konarska-Mikolajewicz presents a couple of the most prominent types of our beloved Basic Bitch.

Ursula Konarska-Mikolajewicz

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

1. GAP YEAR BRAT No need to say a word, you will know the second you see her walking around halls or her house in those huge, flowy pants. Completely not suitable for the British weather, but gosh they are so comfy and cute. And has she already told you about that one time she rode an elephant? Will have worn a kimono, verybeary coat and a jean jacket all in freshers, throwing you off as to her actual size. Is she super muscular, wide shoulders? No one knows. Being able to spot her, without any of her shielding tops flirts with impossibility.

High chance she went to uni “for the social experience” and has no plans to use her degree in any capacity whatsoever.

2. A KARDASHIAN WANNABE It’s hard to keep up with the Kardashians, they seem to be wearing the most random things nowadays. Thankfully Pretty Little Thing will rip the designs off in no time.

This girl will be getting clothes delivered more often than she gets food or groceries.

One time you actually almost broke a leg, tripping over the twenty empty ASOS bags in the corridor. And who would have known that cycling shorts could cost so much and that anyone would wear them out with a full-glam face? Whenever you see her, you question if she has just left the “This girl will be gym. Or is she going right now?

There is no telling. With her lifelong getting clothes supply of Kylie Cosmetics stashed delivered more everywhere, including her gym bag, often than she she looks snatched at all times. gets food or

3. CLUELESS 90s GIRL

groceries”

You have tried to explain to her that being born in the 90s doesn’t count, but who cares? It’s how she feels, she just loves the vibe, and the hot girls? Spicy girls? Yeah, that girl band! The first time she has seen Clueless was the music video of Fancy- and now the yellow checked miniskirts are her jam. Even though a self-proclaimed poster child of the 90s fashion, she wouldn’t be caught dead in low rise jeans and refuses to skip her excessive makeup routine including contouring and a matte lip, though ending up looking like a bad Halloween version of a sexy schoolgirl.

4. PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE Cute and quirky, she has been loving the resurgence of dungarees and adorable flowy shirts with pastel prints. One of the Basic Bitch OGs, in the past known as a basic white girl. But there is no need to discriminate, the basic-ness can affect anyone. To check if an individual has been infected by the basic

“She goes to Urban Outfitters to buy clothes that She goes to Urban Outfitters to buy look second clothes that look second hand and hand and pays £30 for a worn-out grey T-Shirt. pays £30 for a She is so down to earth, it was a barworn-out grey gain and now she can look T-Shirt” relatable. virus, look at their feet or shoe rack- any traces of UGGs or Birkenstocks are a dead giveaway.

Whenever it’s too cold for her A-line miniskirts, the ripped skinny jeans make their appearance. She is visibly shivering, the cold air hitting her bare knees through the rips, but: “fashion is pain”, she says smiling uncomfortably and sipping her third soy pumpkin-spiced latte of the day.

5. CLUBBING UNIFORMS Have you ever noticed how you can spot the same type of girl in Ocean just by the resemblance of their outfits? Be it the most freezing of winter days or the hottest summer heatwaves, the style doesn’t change, the wardrobe stands strong against the elements.

For the confident and, to be completely honest, reckless: a skimpy top resembling a swimming suit rather than a shirt. It’s taking over the role of a top and a bra, and who in the entire universe knows how she hasn’t spilled out of this already.

The more down to earth BBs will stick to low cut, form fitting bodysuits. A pain to “So she would deal with when in the club, all have had to sweaty and drunk, especially in the drink rather a lot overcrowded Ocean bathroom. Ends up undoing at pre-drinks to be able to queue the clasp on them and rocking it just tucked into outside and not her bottoms. freeze to death” To balance out the smuttiness of the top half, it is common to see the classic skinny, or even mom, jean.

A famous “jeans with a nice top” might have its origins exactly in this scenario.

For the brave or on the haunt for a good tumble, it is time for the shortest of the short.

The pencil skirt which reaches no further than to her mid-thigh, and rises up just to her buttocks. Obviously no tights or jacket on. So she would have had to drink rather a lot at pre-drinks to be able to queue outside and not freeze to death. Now she is jumping all over the place - thank god for those dad shoes, wearing heels could have been deadly.

My gorgeous specimens of the human condition, let me be clear. No tea no shade, sarcasm is the highest form of flattery, and as a fashion novice all I can do is marvel at your choices.

Keep doing you, sisters, we would die of boredom without you and your boss bitch energies.

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IMPACT

Holiday Destinations That Will Have You Flying Without Wings Whether you have a phobia of flying, are trying to be more carbon footprint conscious or you just don’t fancy the hassle that comes with airports, there are plenty of other options. We’ve gathered our top flight-free destinations for those of you who don’t enjoy flying, or simply just want a change!

AMSTERDAM Another newly flight-free destination is Amsterdam! A Eurotunnel opened in 2018 and now means you can be there within 4 hours. The city is characterised by its canals, world-famous cafes and cyclists.

Amsterdam also boasts the Anne Frank museum, Heineken museum and the Amsterdam tulips. Being relatively cheap for a city, Amsterdam is accessible, affordable and definitely one for the bucket list.

“Accessible, affordable and definitely one for the bucket list”

THE LAKE DISTRICT Have you ever thought of having a holiday in, well, England? As unappealing as this may sound to some people, the beauty of the Lake District has captured the hearts of domestic citizens and visitors from abroad alike.

After spending too much time in cities and libraries and “Have you ever not enough time outdoors, the Lake District offers a sanctuthought of hav- ary at the heart of nature. Get ing a holiday in, ready to be embraced by an aura of well-needed calm and well, England?” mindfulness.

With spas, restaurants and group activities available, you have the luxury of doing as much or as little as possible. What’s more, the Lake District is reachable by car or train and has the feel of being familiar whilst being far-removed from the stresses of everyday life.

PARIS Whilst the city of lights might culturally seem a world away from Lenton, getting to Paris is easier than ever thanks to the Eurostar. If you live in and around London, the train journey will transport you to the land of brie, baguette and brioche in just over two hours.

With endless museums, cultural sights and monuments also being free for under 25s, going to Paris works out cheaper than you may think. Given that trains run throughout the day, some people even do a day trip to Paris, leaving in the early hours and returning after having watched the Eiffel tower sparkle at 11pm.

“You won’t have to worry about fitting your cosmetics in a seethrough bag and lugging your case around”

IRELAND The Emerald Isle is reachable by ferry and poses the perfect opportunity for a road trip with friends. The ferry can be taken from ports including Holyhead, where you won’t have to worry about fitting your cosmetics in a see-through bag and lugging your case around.

Ireland offers some of the most scenic coastlines and mountain ranges, with a population that will welcome you into their homes and pubs with open arms. Irish culture is rich in its history, music and folklore. A road trip is an unbeatable way of discovering the treasure that lies on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Anya McLoughlin

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TRAVEL

Gwennan explores wild camping in the UK, showing you how to make the most of the freedom whilst keeping the land and farmers happy. ut simply, wild camping is camping outside of campsites, for example wilderness backpacking. It allows you to get away from crowded campsites and caravan parks and have time to yourself. But what is the legislation regarding wild camping in the UK? In Scotland, living on the wild side has never been easier, with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003 permitting camping on pretty much all of the country’s unenclosed land. In contrast, wild camping is not allowed in England and Wales with the exception of some places in Dartmoor if bylaws are followed and campers use ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

“Leave However, elsewhere you evidence can wild camp with the in a secret permission of the landagent style owner if the camping fashion” spot you have got your

Image: Tahira Rowe

eye on is privately owned. If you are not sure you are in a permissible zone, it is recommended that you check first, “It allows you to as you could be disturbing get away from farming land crowded campsites and caravan or private parks and have property.

time to yourself”

What are ‘Leave No Trace’ principles? Leave no trace is an established set of outdoor ethics devoted to conservation in the outdoors. It consists of seven principles: 1. Plan ahead and prepare, 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3. Dispose of waste properly, 4. Leave what you find, 5. Minimize campfire impacts, 6. Respect wildlife, 7. Be considerate of other visitors.

Below are the top five places in England and Wales for wild camping: 1. Church house wild camping 2. Woodsman kent wild camping 3. Bakesdown farm 4. Celtic camping 5. Bwlchgwyn Farm and Pony Trekking If you do decide to wild camp, there are some useful rules to remember to avoid being chased out by angry

farmers…

Leave no trace of your stay - which was mentioned above - and leave evidence in a secret agent style fashion. This rule is especially important if you are wild camping in national parks and on protected landscapes. Ensure no rubbish is left behind.

Even if there are signs that fires have previously been lit in the same area, do not light any fires. This will leave a trace of your visit and may spoil the landscape. Using camp stoves and BBQs carefully will ensure you do not “There are some scorch the useful rules to regrass.

member to avoid

being chased out As well as by angry farmers” sleeping in nature, you’ll inevitably be answering nature's call there as well. However this does not mean you can just go anywhere! Make sure that you go to the toilet far away from natural streams or rivers and bury any evidence with a shovel. Feminine hygiene products should be treated like rubbish and be taken away, otherwise animals may dig up the evidence.

If you follow these rules you’ll be wild camping with the finesse of Bear Grylls.

Gwennan Ward

40

IMPACT

“

It usually consists of a week of non-stop nights out, fuelled by ridiculously cheap drink offers

” GIRLS’ AND

LADS’ HOLIDAYS: Is it time to rebrand?

Bethan discusses the behaviour associated with girls’ and lads’ holidays, talking to students about their own experiences and looking at measures that could be put in place to keep people safe.

Bethan O’Neill

Illustration: Katherine Gomes

W

hen the term ‘lads' or ‘girls' holiday is used, it is far more likely that images of rowdy drunk teens causing havoc comes to mind, rather than a relaxing trip aboard soaking up sun and culture. Destinations such as Magaluf, Zante, Malia, Kavos and Ayia Napa are most popular with holidaymakers in their late teens to early twenties, mainly due to their array of clubs and bars, cheap alcohol and other Brits abroad looking for a good time on the infamous ‘strip’. But as their attraction seems to keep growing, so does their bad reputation…

With more exposé programmes bringing attention to the most extreme behaviour that happens on these party islands, it’s unsurprising that booking this sort of holiday comes with a lot of stick. But are lads and girls holidays as bad as each other? And is it possible to enjoy this type of holiday without acting up to the stigma? Here's what other students who have experienced these sorts of holidays had to say on the matter.

So what exactly happens on a lads hol“It’s like iday, and what happens on a girls holithere’s day? Well for both, it usually consists of something a week of non-stop nights out, fuelled by ridiculously cheap drink offers and pushy in the air ‘reps' trying to entice you into their bar by when you offering you the most amount of alcohol get to the for the least amount of Euros. strip” Throw in a few pool parties and booze cruises during the day (all including copious amounts of alcohol of course), and wash them down with heavy pre-drinks.

Then it’s time again for the nightly pilgrimage to the strip plagued with pushy reps who have dedicated their whole summer to getting you the best drinks offer for your 5€ if you will just please come to their bar. As the night progresses and teens are plied with more and more alcohol, from this point onwards pretty much anything goes, which is often the problem, as drinking to this excess brings a lot of dangerous and unruly behaviour.

“The sleazy par- ‘It's like there's something in the ty games at pool air when you get to the strip, parties and on boat everyone is rowdy and it's like trips seem to be tar- their morals go out the window. geted at girls rather You see a lot of crazy stuff and think ooh they'll regret that in than boys”

the morning!' said one student.

‘There isn't a sober person in the area and everyone is encouraging each other to just keep going.'

Perhaps it’s unsurprising then that strips are littered with medical centres, with staff waiting to treat anything from alcohol poisoning, drunken injuries and the aftermaths of fights. When speaking to students about who behaved the worst – boys or girls – the behaviour of boys seemed to win by a landslide, with 81% of students voting them to be the worst behaved.

‘It's always the boys that take it too far, usually ending up in a punch up by the end of the night. And as lads, we do like to encourage it. It's not like back home where

there are bouncers all over the place to break that sort of thing up. Everyone is just left to their own devices'.

Speaking to male students about their opinions on lads vs. girls abroad, many are keen to admit their willingness to engage in fights, drink to the point of needing medical attention and trying their luck with the ladies at any opportunity.

However, when it comes to the girls, there were a few jaw-dropping stories too. ‘It’s not so much girls’ drinking, it’s more their behaviour. I think the girls think there is an expectation to act a certain way whilst they’re on a girls’ holiday.’ Said one boy when asked about his experience of girls’ behaviour. Being brutally honest he said ‘they’re in a tacky place and they think tacky behaviour is expected of them, and you see a lot of it’. From my own experience on girls’ holidays, young women seem to be very easily influenced by lads to ‘let their hair down’ after a few drinks, and perhaps behave publicly in a way that they usually would not. The sleazy party games at pool parties and on boat trips seem to be targeted at girls rather than boys, encouraging them to compete against one another to act the most outrageously; it’s a cause for concern.

“The care-free Speaking to a resident DJ who has done several seasons on one of the nature of lads’ party islands, although boys and girls and girls’ holtypically drink just as much, ‘lads are idays is their pretty tame in comparison. Girls seem appeal” to really let loose - but it's just a small portion that go crazy. Places like Kavos are brilliant for a last-minute cheap holiday and for a lot of people it’s usually their first holiday away from their family, their first bit of freedom where they can do whatever they want to’.

78% of students agreed that there is an expectation when on a lads’ or girls’ holiday to act more recklessly than they would back home or anywhere else abroad, and 45% of students admitted to acting in ways they usually wouldn’t whilst on these trips with their friends.

The common denominator amongst all of these experiences seems to be the lack of behaviour control and looking out for the safety of perhaps naïve and easily influenced young adults. Whilst some resorts such as Magaluf have attempted to introduce stricter drinking regulations, it has not seemed to affect the behaviour of Brits determined to fully embrace these all-you-candrink holidays.

It begs the question of whether lads’ and girls’ holidays could ever be re-branded to encourage less drinking and tamer behaviour. In my opinion, this is highly unlikely. For many, the care-free nature of lads’ and girls’ holidays is their appeal. And despite all their flaws, some of your best memories with your friends are made on these holidays. Speaking from experience, as many others that I spoke to can verify, it is possible to enjoy a girls’ holiday without engaging in reckless behaviour, making it back to the UK in one piece. Perhaps then, bars and clubs could do more to regulate exactly how much alcohol tourists are consuming, not serving those who have had more than enough - as is done in the UK.

IMPACT

Lauren’s villanelle poem uncovers the hidden spots of University Park campus.

Here is a secret place where bowed branches of cherry blossom beckon follow the path to a daydream space Where duckweed obscures a heron’s grace and sundials glimmer in millennium garden here is a spiralled place Here darting squirrels race down branches to a rockery, bluebells make a path to follow into shaded space Here the snow will blow into your face from across the crystallised lake, grey skies reflected in this frozen place

Here you can explore at your own pace amongst the campus go wandering for here is a secret place follow the path to a daydream space.

Lauren Winson

Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

Here you can disappear without a trace through botanical blooms beyond scientific buildings follow the path to a secluded space

ARTS

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BACKSTAGE PASS: AN INTERVIEW WITH ELLIE EAGLETON OF UNSCRIPTED

N

ottingham New Theatre offers students the opportunity to write, produce and direct plays and to manage the technical side of productions.

Lauren Winson interviews Ellie Eagleton about her experience in UnScripted and the Freshers’ Fringe.

Though it looks innocuous, the building beside the giant chessboard on University Park campus is home to Nottingham New Theatre, the only entirely student-run theatre in England. Nottingham New Theatre put on more than thirty plays a year, take performances to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and run their own Student Fringe Festival: StuFF. The theatre also run two programmes, UnScripted and the Freshers’ Fringe, which allow students to devise, write and perform original pieces of drama. To find out more, Impact caught up with Ellie Eagleton for a backstage account of what it’s like to be part of Nottingham New Theatre.

You’ve been involved in UnScripted for the last two years. What sort of dramas have you devised and how did you find performing in these?

“You learn to Ellie Eagleton: We’ve done serious dramas, like one featuring collaborate and the four horsemen of the apoca- understand how lypse in a casino and one about to write the most a dystopian war; we’ve also done material in the comedies, such as a full-length least time” piece about useless superheroes.

Performing is always nerve-racking but never dull and really brings me out of my shell.

Sounds like you have an interest in comedy and sketches. Do you think that being part of UnScripted and the Freshers’ Fringe has helped develop your ability to write sketches and pieces of drama?

EE: Definitely. Devised stuff is mostly bouncing ide-

as around and then frantic “Because it’s a last-minute writing/rehearsal, small theatre, it’s so you learn to collaborate the perfect place and understand how to write the most material in the to build your conleast time; it’s all about being fidence” economical with language.

I’m certainly more confident about sharing/editing material too.

How does Freshers’ Fringe work? What have you enjoyed most about Freshers’ Fringe?

EE: Freshers’ Fringe is a sketch show starring groups of NNT newcomers, be they freshers or existing students; you’re split into groups directed by existing theatre members (your theatre parents!), who’ll give you a couple of sketches to perform (they can be originals or re-enactments). It was my first time directing and I loved it.

Any funny stories from UnScripted or Freshers’ Fringe?

EE: A highlight from UnScripted’s superhero comedy was the scene where my deceased character woke up in the afterlife to receive a revelation from God, after which she was resurrected and saved the day. Except God manifested as Kanye West. So you can imagine how much fun it was to write and perform.

What would you say to any students thinking about joining Nottingham New Theatre?

EE: Just do it! Because it’s a small theatre, it’s the perfect place to build your confidence and become part of what’s really just a big adoptive family. You can also gain experience in pretty much any aspect of theatre, both creative and management/administration-wise, and our committee is always there to help and guide you.

Lauren Winson

Images courtesy of Wikimedia via Google Images

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IMPACT

AND

James takes a look at the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix and the dangers these providers pose to the quality of content produced for film and television.

With the latest figures stating that Netflix now has 149 million global subscribers, In recent years, Netflix has become the one stop it can operate with almost limitless shop for film and TV, to the point where control, which may lead to reduced customer satisfaction and increasing prices many people don’t even watch terreswith a lack of competition. Since streaming trial TV anymore. Although the idea services cannot own properties produced by other companies permanently, Netflix produces an astounding of a database containing almost amount of original content. Chief content officer Ted Saranall of our favourite TV shows dos estimated that by the end of 2018 there would be over 1,000 and films sounds like a Netflix originals on the platform.

Although it has produced hits such as House of Cards, Orange Is the New great idea, could this Black and Stranger Things, the sheer quantity of content that Netflix orders, rising monopoly will inevitably cause the overall quality to suffer. Unlike regular TV, which must be selective about what gets picked up because there are only 24 hours in a day to air, turn Netflix Netflix can continue to mindlessly pump out content indefinitely. sour?

This lack of competition is clear when comparing the quality of Netflix originals to BBC shows produced in the last year. The BBC has given us critically acclaimed series such as Bodyguard, Press and of course Killing Eve, now on its second series. Meanwhile, Netflix has appeared to have fallen behind despite the much greater quantity of content. Although there have been standouts such as Sex Education and You, they could have easily been lost amongst the mountain of filler content.

The lack of competition for Netflix means that as long as they continue to produce new content, there is no responsibility to maintain a certain level of quality to contend with other platforms, as is the case with cable TV, where shows must compete for prime time slots and against other channels. The combination of Netflix’s monopoly, and the overabundance of content created as a result, has left the issue of too much choice. The library of content is overwhelming – we’ve all been scrolling through and thought to ourselves “I have no idea what to watch”. Many of us will then decide to re-watch classic shows like Friends and Brooklyn 99.

45

So why do we opt for reruns of more familiar shows? Perhaps it is the greater amount of “freedom” given to showrunners to tell long form narratives. Whilst Network TV shows must earn their 22 minutes of airtime (minus adverts), Netflix’s standard format is to create shows to binge-watch, which materialise typically as 10 to 13 episodes of an hour each per season.

The issue with this format is that most stories don’t require this amount of time to be told. A prime example of this is Netflix’s Marvel series such as Daredevil and The Defenders. The 13 hour commitment to each season causes fatigue, where often the mid-part of each season seems to aimlessly meander to fill the runtime requirements. Without competition, Chief content officer this is allowed to happen and quality suffers as a result.

Perhaps the biggest issue with Netflix, that facilitates all Ted Sarandos estimatof its other shortcomings, is that “Netflix” the brand ed that by the end of is bigger than any of its content. In an industry where content should be king, Netflix 2018 there would be will always have an unfair advanover 1,000 Netflix origitage because of its position in pop-culture; no-one has ever nals on the platform un-ironically said “Hulu and chill”.

So can anyone topple

“

Netflix or at least offer competition to force it to improve its product at better prices?

Maybe the biggest fish in the pond – Disney. November will see the launch of Disney’s very own streaming service, Disney+. But could this be the greater of two evils? This may end Netflix’s monopoly but could cause further problems: Disney itself is quickly becoming a monopoly in the film industry and this could lead to a duopoly.

In the last 15 years, Disney have bought out 4 of the biggest companies and franchises in the film industry.

These include Pixar in 2006, Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Lucasfilm in 2012 and 20th Century Fox in 2019.

This leaves only Warner Brothers, Universal, Columbia, Paramount and Sony as major competitors. Even then, Disney has shared rights to Sony’s most marketable property, Spiderman. Disney’s domination of the film industry makes it a potential serious contender to Netflix. Disney’s huge buyouts are in part to keep up with Netflix, who continue to offer an unmatched quantity of content, whose stock continues to rise as they spend more on original content.

The other issue with Disney rivalling Netflix is the issue of exclusivity. Disney is currently in the process of pulling all of its own properties from Netflix. This means that in order to continue to get access to the same content, people will have to subscribe to both services, as neither one will give access to the properties of the other. This will mean that while demand for Disney+ rises, it won’t fall for Netflix and consumers will become stuck in a duopoly.

Whilst both companies will be offering the same service, they will each have exclusive content, meaning that consumers will be forced to continue to subscribe to both platforms. Both can charge as though they have a monopoly, since they hold monopolies over their content, meaning that they can increase prices without necessarily increasing quality accordingly.

Netflix and Disney have given so much to visual media that they are now taking it back at the expense of the customer. Having built themselves into pillars of Western culture, which we can no longer live without, Netflix and Disney are monopolising our living rooms.

“

”

Netflix will always have an unfair advantage because of its position in pop-culture; no-one has ever un-ironically said “Hulu and chill”

”

“

November will see the launch of Disney’s very own streaming service, Disney+. But could this be the greater of two evils?

“

”

The combination of Netflix’s monopoly, and the overabundance of content created as a result has left the issue of too much choice

”

James Hurman

Image courtesy of Flickr via Google Images

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IMPACT

I love the smell of popcorn in the morning.

Ibrahim takes a look at the best cinemas in the area.

Term-time can get hectic. Very hectic. So why not break the monotony of lectures and seminars with a film? If you’re new to Nottingham, I’d hazard a guess that you don’t know where anything is. Least of all the cinemas.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

“Standard tick-

Located on Derby Road, this will be your local movie theatre if you’re living in Lenton or on Jubilee Campus. And I’ve got to say, it’s quite charming. Having opened in 1935, the Savoy is the ets cost only £5 for students. only cinema still around in Nottingham that predates the second World War and it has quite an interesting history. It was even featured in Karel Reisz’s 1960 film adaptation of Saturday Believe me, this Night and Sunday Morning. is a massive But back to the practical stuff – standard tickets cost only £5 for students. Believe me, this is bonus if you like a massive bonus if you like your money. Just remember to bring your student card for the your money” love of God. The cinema also shows some pretty cool stuff, ranging from ballet to opera and theatre, and even some smaller scale documentaries. I’d watch out for the National Theatre’s rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, starring Gwendoline Christie, which is screening on the 17th of October.

Also, the Savoy occasionally screens classic films, such as Brian De Palma’s 1983 crime-epic Scarface. For a film aficionado, this is awesome. Other features include the hiring of, for a fee, a screen to play games on for ‘Console parties’. Frankly, I don’t know why this isn’t more of a widespread thing.

In regard to the cinema’s decor, the foyer was refurbished last year and the interior retains a lot of character. The theatre for Screen 1 is also massive, which is a plus. However, due to the cinema’s design and age, some of the other screens aren’t as large as you’d perhaps be used to in more modern cinemas.

Located in Redfield Way, this’d be your local cinema if you’re living in Dunkirk. It’s also not too far from the main campus. First things first – at £8 for a standard student ticket this is more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. With larger screens and plush reclining seats, this is certainly a more modern cinematic experience.

The screens are wheelchair accessible, with some screenings offering audio descriptions and subtitles. The cinema also offers an XPLUS screen and Sony Digital Cinema 4k projection systems for certain screenings.

Now my favourite feature – the food. The cinema includes a Costa as well as a Ben & Jerry’s booth. Not to mention The Gallery and Lounge Bar – a good place to enjoy some food and a drink before a film. Showcase also holds events, having screened World Cup games as well as other smaller features.

As the movie theatre is surrounded by a TENPIN bowling and restaurants such as Nandos, Five Guys, Chiquito and Frankie & Bennie’s, this isn’t a bad idea for a night out.

“With larger screens and plush reclining seats this is certainly a more modern cinematic experience”

Ibrahim Lakhanpal

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MUSIC

Image courtesy of Needpix

OUR CITY IN MUSIC: THE BEST FROM NOTTINGHAM Georgia looks at some of the most exciting musical exports from Nottingham As a city rich with music and culture, you have to look no further than our very own streets for your next favourite album.

JAKE BUGG

One of the most recent stars to come out of Nottingham is young singer-songwriter Jake Bugg. Hailing from Clifton, you may have even seen him as a shirt sponsor for local football team Notts County. His self-titled debut project reached No.1 in the official UK chart and the talented singer-songwriter has toured all over the world since releasing three more studio albums.

Genre: Indie Rock / British Blues / Americana For fans of: Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Micheal Kiwanuka Listen to: ‘Lightning Bolt’

“A voice that MOLLIE RALPH silences crowds Up-and-coming star Mollie Ralph and a stage is certainly one to watch. Having presence sure supported the Gypsy Kings at the Royal Concert Hall and playing to have the Splendour Festival 2018, her music whole room only keeps gaining momentum. dancing” With a voice that silences crowds and a stage presence sure to get the whole room dancing, her music is a breath of fresh air on the current scene. Be sure to catch her headline show at the Bodega on the 23rd November.

Genre: Soul / R&B For Fans of: Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones Listen to: ‘Give it Up’

AMBER RUN

Having met at the University of Nottingham, Amber Run have since taken the indie/pop scene by storm. Their debut album 5AM was produced by none other than Mike Crossley, and their second album For a Moment I Was Lost moved their music towards a more raw,

electronic sound. Having played headline tours internationally, their highly anticipated third album is due to be released on September 27th 2019.

Genre: Indie / Pop / Alternative Rock For Fans Of: The 1975, Mumford and Sons, Kodaline Listen To: ‘Noah’

SAINT RAYMOND

Rising to fame after releasing his debut EP on Gabrielle Aplin’s record label and supporting her on tour, local lad Callum Burrows has since released a critically acclaimed debut album and two more EP’s, with more in the pipeline. From soft love songs to catchy pop numbers, Saint Raymond’s discography is pleasing to almost all ears.

Genre: Indie / Rock / Pop For Fans Of: Bastille, HAIM, Vampire Weekend Listen To: ‘I Want You’

WILF AND THE HULLABALOO

“Wilf’s instantly recognisable lively repertoire is sure to lift spirits”

Wilf Baker and his ‘hullabaloo’ are somewhat written in Nottingham folk-lore, and can be found at various open mics across the city. With an acoustic guitar and occasionally a harmonica and bass, Wilf’s instantly recognisable lively repertoire is sure to lift spirits. Whilst not yet on Spotify, you can find the Hullabaloo live on Facebook, YouTube and Soundcloud.

Genre: Blues / Country / Folk For Fans Of: Chris Stapleton, Van Morrison, Paul Simon Listen To: ‘Hullabaloo’

Georgia Cavanagh

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IMPACT

THE IMPACT FRESHERS MIXTAPE Starting university is scary and exciting, so to help you have the best experience possible, our contributors look back on the music that defined and helped them through their own freshers experiences.

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MUSIC Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

Haiku Salut – Etch and Etch Deep (Album, 2015) Haiku Salut’s instrumental music is the antidote to the overwhelming flurry of freshers. As an introvert who finds the stimulus of social situations daunting at times, this album was a lifeline when I started university. Salut uses a minimalist approach by repeating melodies- something I find calming. The subtle addition of instruments and sound effects prevent the songs from becoming monotonous. Instead, each track offers an entrancing and atmospheric break for your mind to wander and appreciate each aspect of the music. As the songs are instrumental they make a great study soundtrack if you can’t concentrate whilst listening to lyrics.

With a penchant for words, I find the relation between the songs and their titles interesting. Without lyrics, all you have to go on are the fascinating song titles, from ‘You Dance A Particular Algorithm’ to ‘The No-Colour Of Rain Or Dust.’ My favourite songs are ‘Hearts Not Parts’ and ‘Foreign Pollen’. The first always make me smile when listening to it. There’s something so soothing and uplifting to the melodies and quirky tempo. I also love the final track on the album, ‘Foreign Pollen’. Perhaps it’s the song title, but this song makes me think of early days in spring as the tinkling melody seems reminiscent of raindrops. The gentleness of this song crescendos into euphoria with a rapid overlay of instruments that reminds me of a brass band, leaving the album, and your mood, on a high note.

“As an introvert who finds the stimulus of social situations daunting at times, [Etch and Etch Deep] was a lifeline when I started university”

Lauren Winson

Gorillaz – Demon Days (Album, 2005) Ah, Freshers. The good ol’ days. Sleepless nights and the constant buzz about starting university. As to what to listen to during this hectic period – look no further than the 2005 Demon Days album by Gorillaz.

Need something punchy to get you through the week? Songs like ‘Dirty Harry’ and ‘Kids With Guns’ have got you covered. Maybe you can’t last freshers without a workout or two? Excellent. Because both ‘Feel Good Inc.’ and ‘Dare’ can definitely get you pumped up. Or perhaps you simply want to listen to something with memorable lyrics? Well, you can’t go wrong with ‘Fire Coming Out of the Monkey’s Head’.

This was the first album I ever listened to and it still holds up extremely well to this day. With an onslaught of catchy lyrics and strong beats, the songs within Demon Days have a tendency to keep you feeling energised. And believe me, during the hustle and bustle of freshers week that’s exactly what you’ll need.

As to specific songs, I’ve got a couple of recommendations. With a smooth chorus to sing along to and a mix of pop and hip-hop, ‘Feel Good Inc.’ is definitely a frontrunner for the most catchy song on the album. ‘Dirty Harry’ doesn’t fall too far behind and always has me itching to dance.

While you’re checking the album out, I’d definitely also recommend checking out some of the band’s music videos.

They’re cool as hell.

Ibrahim Lakhanpal

Tame Impala – ‘The Less I Know The Better’ (Song, 2015) As a personal favourite song of many years, Tame Impala’s classic had to be my pick for freshers anthem. This tune has got me through everything, good and bad times, including those of my freshers experience. On the one hand, you could choose to indulge in the melancholic lyrics and dramatically languish over embarrassing first meetings, your recent break-up with your home relationship, or how much you miss your family. On the other hand, its upbeat tempo and strong bass could equally spur you on and get you out of such a funk, and fill you with the confidence you need to get through challenges like your first night out, your first lecture or attempts to interact with your hallmates. I personally remember blasting it throughout Freshers’ Week whilst getting ready for events and making my way across campus, as even when I was down, it had the ability to turn my slouch into a strut and bring me back to myself again. Overall, I reckon this tune is sure to fill anyone with some much-needed confidence for their transition into university and adult life.

“[The Less I Know The Better] is sure to fill anyone with some much-needed confidence for their transition into university and adult life”

Georgia Cavanagh

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IMPACT

There’s only so many times you can play Never Have I Ever before you know everything about your friends. So, here’s a list of 3 drinking games to liven up your next pre’s.

BACK TO BACK Length:

Simplicity:

Drunkenness:

This game is similar to Never Have I Ever, except you get to make your friends compare themselves to each other.

The game is very simple and requires no set-up: 2 people from the group pour themselves drinks of approximately the same size and stand back to back so they cannot communicate or see each other. Then the group asks them questions.

Players drink if they think the question applies more to them than the other player. For example, someone might ask – who does a better degree? If neither or both players drink, they must both drink again. This continues until the first person finishes their drink, and then they choose 2 new people to stand back to back.

DRINKING JENGA Length:

Simplicity:

Drunkenness:

Unsurprisingly, for this game you will need a Jenga set, and a marker pen. The normal rules of Jenga apply, except that on each block you write a rule. This can be anything from “read out your last text” to “down your drink”, and they can be as easy or as hard as you like. The fun thing about this game is that it’s a novelty that most other pre’s won’t have, and you can customise it to make it completely unique.

THE BOX Length:

Simplicity:

Drunkenness:

This game can be very, kind of, absolutely brutal depending on your luck.

It only requires a pack of cards. Players sit in a circle. The dealer places a 4x4 grid of cards face-up and holds on to the rest of the deck, face-down. The person to their left must decide whether the top card in the dealer’s hand is higher or lower than a card in the grid.

Once the player guesses, the dealer places their card on top of the grid card chosen by the player. If the player is correct, they repeat the process until they have correctly guessed 3 in a row; then it’s the next player’s turn. If they are wrong, they must take a drink for each card in that pile.

The other players in the circle must count to this number (e.g. if there are 4 cards in the pile then the other players will count around the circle to 4). If the player finishes their drink before the count is finished, the person in the circle who was meant to say the next number takes a turn.

Otherwise, the player must start again to get 3 in a row. Once the dealer is out of cards, they choose one row or column to remove, which they will shuffle and continue the game. This continues until there is just one pile left and all 52 cards have been played on it.

James Hurman

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GAMING

T

Impact takes a look at gaming’s most predatory business practices.

he price of videogames is ever-increasing. Nowadays it isn’t enough for customers to spend £50 on a game; publishers are always looking for new ways to squeeze out that extra penny. The newest and nastiest method they're using is the microtransaction - small in-game purchases of digital items.

See, publishers are shameless trend-followers – from paid DLC and Season Passes that basically make you pay double for a complete game, to massive, game-changing patches and ‘Live Service’ games. Right now, publishers have their eyes on the mobile games raking in the cash with their in-game currencies and in-app purchases.

“[Loot-boxes] prey on the same people in danger of becoming gamis, those bling addicts” Difference games are free-to-

play. Microtransactions are their only source of revenue, just like the biggest game of the moment, Fortnite. But companies want that profit while charging full price for a game as well.

Microtransactions in games can be cosmetic (e.g. character and weapon skins, as in Fortnite) but they often offer players gameplay advantages too, just to make them more enticing. Hence the label 'Pay-to-Win' mechanics - Money is more important than skill.

Then there's the microtransaction's inbred cousin, the loot-box.

Loot-boxes contain microtransaction items - cosmetic or gameplay-related, it varies game to game - but you don't know which items. Buying a loot-box is roll of the dice because you could get a super rare, super valuable item, but you're more likely to get something much less valuable.

Does that sound like gambling to you?

Image courtesy of Open Clip Art Library via Google Images

GAMBLING IN YOUR GAMES: Beware the ‘Loot-box

Because it sounds like gambling to a lot of other people too (72% of Britons, according to a recent survey).

Loot-boxes are dangerous because they prey on the same people in danger of becoming gambling addicts, wasting their money and their lives away on games of chance.

See, loot-boxes make their real profit by ensnaring these addictive personalities (dubbed 'whales' within the industry) and wringing them dry. The BBC recently reported on someone spending £700 a month on the things.

All this has led to a bit of a legal kerfuffle with the lootbox’s biggest benefactors - Electronic Arts, who made $800 million from their Fifa Ultimate Team loot-boxes in 2017 alone - and Activision, the company behind Call of Duty.

Belgium has already banned loot-boxes, including the Ultimate Team monetization system, and the US looks to follow suit, as Senator Josh Hawley is pushing a bill to ban loot-boxes in games aimed at kids with bipartisan support.

“Senator Josh Hawley is pushing a bill to ban loot-boxes in games aimed at kids”

The term 'loot-box' has become so poisonous that, in a recent hearing here in the UK, EA tried to rename them 'surprise mechanics' and compared them to the toys in Kinder eggs. How desperate can you get?

It’s important you’re hyper-aware of monetization methods in your favorite games. It’s still unclear if loot-boxes will be banned in Britain, and the proposed American legislation only protects children – so we responsible adults must look out for ourselves.

Companies slip loot-boxes into their games whenever they can, like when Activision recently came under fire for adding loot-boxes to Black Ops 4 months after launch. They are shameless.

Luckily, it feels like governments are finally catching on to how harmful these tactics are. We can only hope.

Jack Richardson

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SPORT

THE PANTHERS:

Nottingham’s (not so) Hidden Gem

Want to explore a different sporting event in Nottingham? Why not take a trip down to the National Ice Centre to see The Panthers in action.

Ice Hockey isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to sport, whether in the UK or Nottingham specifically. However, that does not mean that it isn’t the best spectator sport going. High-paced, with seats close to the action and a good atmosphere, Panthers ice hockey is something that, even those with only a passing acquaintance with the rules, can enjoy. That tickets are reasonable on a student budget, serves as a bonus.

must-dos for any incoming fresher during their stay in Nottingham. It is affordable on a student budget, is an excellent time out and is one of “Just being in the best spectator sports available. That the Panthers are one the stands for of the best teams in the league a game will serves as a cherry on top. Getting to a game also prepares draw you in like you for the highlight of Varsity: nothing else” the ice hockey game in that same arena.

Reachable by tram from the University Boulevard stop, the National Ice Centre is home to the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Nottingham Panthers, as well as the EIHL playoffs every April. The season gets going just in time for the university year, perfect for students looking for a ticket that might be easier to come by than one for Forest or County, or who just aren’t into football. That the Panthers are one of the top “The Panthers sides in the country is simply a have managed bonus. Not only hosting it, the side makes the playoffs on a to carve out routine basis as well as making a niche in the the knockout rounds of the 201718 Champions Hockey League. fabric of the

Callum McPhail

city”

The Panthers have managed to carve out a niche in the fabric of the city. Most of those you see at the games or out and about in team gear aren’t the standard sports fans you would expect. This is partly due to it being the out-ofthe-box sporting attraction in town, but it’s also because of the nature of ice hockey as a spectator.

Whilst not of the same standard as a league like the NHL or even the KHL, just being in the stands for a game will draw you in like nothing else: the crowd buys in fully, creating an amazing atmosphere in the National Ice Centre. The action on the ice is non-stop, with the only real breaks being momentary if there is a penalty or the puck is stopped. It is also all fairly intuitive - the two teams are trying to shoot the puck into the goal!

All in all, getting down to a match is firmly on the list of Image courtesy of The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club via Wikimedia

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IMPACT

GET TO KNOW: NOTTINGHAM FOOTBALL Callum gives us the rundown on Nottingham’s two football clubs: Nottingham Forest and Notts County.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST Not to be called Notts Forest, the City Ground side now reign as the oldest football league club in the world due to County’s relegation. Located on the West Bridgford side of the Trent, the former champions of Europe are in the middle of a year of upheaval, with three managers in just 6 months. Now regulars in the upper mid-table churn of the Championship, it is up to Sabri Lamouchi to bring together a contentious squad and try to push up to the playoffs.

H i s t o r y : Winners of the First Division in 1977-78 and back-to-back European Cups in 1978-79 and 1979-80, the club is strongly associated with Brian Clough due to his work managing this period of success. Responsible for England’s first £1 million transfer, Roy Keane’s introduction to the English game and the longest unbeaten run before Arsenal’s Invincibles, Clough now has a statue just off the Market Square in the city centre. The road that runs between Nottingham and Derby, the location of Clough’s other major success, is also named after the legendary manager and runs around part of the University Park campus.

F i x t u re s t o ke e p a n e y e o n : First and foremost, the Nottingham leg of the Brian Clough Trophy takes place on the 9th November in a 1 o’clock kick off. Last year’s relegated Premier League sides Cardiff, Huddersfield and Fulham visit on 30th November, 18th March and 10th April respectively. Top Championship performers from last season in Leeds and Bristol City make the trip on the 8th of February and the 21st of March.

G e t t i n g t o t h e g ro u n d : From University Park Campus you can catch a bus into town, then another to the City Ground which should take around 40 minutes.

Some of this time can be shaved off if you take the tram from the front of campus.

N a m e s t o k n o w : João Carvalho arrived last season

as Forest’s record signing and looked promising in limited time. Zach Clough and Jason Cummings represent potentially strong threats up front with Matty Cash and Ben Osborn representing the academy in the first team ranks. Costel Pantilimon arrives in goal from the Premier League, alongside other veterans like Adlène Guedioura and Ben Watson.

F o r y o u i f : You are an Arsenal fan. A donation of red kits from Forest created the North London side’s home strip. Otherwise, Forest are for you if you want to adopt a side with a bit of history, with some names that you can recognise and who are in one of the more exciting divisions in the world. There is also the potential of course for Premier League football during your studies at the City Ground.

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SPORT

“

The former champions of Europe are in the middle of a year of upheaval, with three managers in just 6 months

”

NOTTS COUNTY Until getting relegated this last season, County reigned as the oldest football league team in the world. A founding member of the Football League, the Magpies actually serve as the inspiration for Juventus’ traditional black and white striped kit. Less historically successful than their city rivals, County have relied more on their long history as the basis of their identity. While in a state of chaos for much of the last 18 months, this seems like it may be coming to an end with possible new ownership at Meadow Lane. Neil Ardley will have an immediate mandate from those in charge to return County to their home in the Football League.

H i s t o r y : The club’s early history includes a few “firsts” due to being established as a team so early. Beyond that, County mainly show up as a name on the CV. Neil Warnock, Sam Allardyce, Howard Kendall, Steve Nicol, Paul Ince and most recently Kevin Nolan and Harry Kewell have all held the position of manager by the Trent early in their managerial careers. There is also the inspiration of Juventus’ traditional kits through the same method as Forest with Arsenal, sending the nascent club a set of County shirts. On the pitch, the club arguably peaked in the post-war period, with a victory in a head to head race with Forest in the Third Division in 1949-50.

The Magpies then narrowly missed out on the Premier League windfall, getting relegated the season before the seismic shift in the league landscape.

G e t t i n g t o t h e g ro u n d : The only real difference when it comes to getting to Meadow Lane is that it is on the City side of the river Trent. This boils down to getting off your bus a stop earlier, or a shorter walk from the city centre.

F o r y o u i f : You want to get in on a team that will be new from almost top to bottom. Also if you are a Juventus fan for the historical ties there. County are the choice if you are a Premier League fan who wants something different, where every game has major stakes and the club has close ties to their homes.

“

Forest are for you if you want to adopt a side with a bit of history

” “ ”

“

On the pitch, the club arguably peaked in the post-war period

Every game has major stakes

”

Illustrations: Katherine Gomes

F i x t u re s t o ke e p a n e y e o n : With their stay in the National League, there are a number of lesser known teams visiting the city this year. Due to some grounds in league not coping well with winter, their fixtures are fairly frontloaded. In terms of recognisable teams, Sutton United visit on the 7th December, having had a couple of cup runs in recent years. Participants in last year’s playoffs, Eastleigh play at Meadow Lane on 14th March. Fellow relegated side Yeovil finish the season on the 25th April.

N a m e s t o k n o w : Kane Hemmings is a name that should be familiar to fans of Scottish football, having played for Rangers and Dundee. Former Republic of Ireland international Michael Doyle also joined the club this calendar year. There is also Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, younger brother of Liverpool’s Alex.

Callum McPhail

Image courtesy of Olivia Jester via publicdomainpictures.net

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PAYING TO PLAY: Expense of joining a sports team

Impact discusses the compulsory purchase of a university gym membership and extra equipment and kit costs when joining a sports team.

University is expensive. From the fees to the textbooks, to extracurricular activities; nothing is free.

Sports at university are no exception. But is it worth it?

The reality, of course, is that it depends what sport we are talking about. The University of Nottingham offers a plethora of sporting opportunities, but some undoubtedly provide better value for money than others.

“The IMS football IMS is the most accessible option. With most courses and leagues offer a great alternative accommodations having a to the compara- selection of sports teams that compete in internal competitively extortion- tions, the chance to play sport ate experience at a lower, but still competiof playing BUCs tive, level is relatively cheap (usually just requiring a socifootball” ety membership which rarely exceeds £5 for the year). Notably the IMS football leagues offer a great alternative to the comparatively extortionate experience of playing BUCs football, and is naturally far easier to get involved with.

Talking of football, you’d expect that to be pretty cheap, right? Unfortunately not. Like many of the sports at university, it requires the purchase of a David Ross Sports membership, which is upwards of £200. Add that to the cost of the kit, and you’ve shelled out about £300 before you’ve even played a match. Now this isn’t disastrous for everyone. Many players are likely to have bought a sports membership anyway in order to make use of the gym facilities and such, and so the extra cost is only really the kit.

However, for some, the expense can be enough to put them off the idea of playing football for the universi-

“Polo requires the renting of horses, trainers, equipment and a pitch, which is all heavily subsidised for students” ty, choosing instead to participate in the IMS league which doesn’t require the purchase of a sports membership. When finances stand in the way of a talented player having the opportunity to participate at the best available level, especially in the relatively cheap sport of football (certainly equipment-wise anyway), it’s a real shame.

In contrast, polo is a notoriously expensive sport to play, so unsurprisingly it’s one of the more expensive sports you could choose to partake in at university.

However, the added crux to this is that it’s actually the cheapest you could ever play the sport. Polo requires the renting of horses, trainers, equipment and a pitch, which is all heavily subsidised for students.

For example, the cost of a one hour private lesson for a student, including horse and equipment rental, is £40. The same for a non-student is £65. A unique scenario where it pays to be a student!

Overall, it’s expensive but it can be worth it. If you can afford it, then getting involved in BUCs teams is an incredible chance to play a sport you love at a high level, whilst simultaneously adding to the social side of your life. However, if the need for a David Ross sports membership was eradicated (and there’s definitely an argument for saying that the £9000 fee should include access to all facilities, although of course this is a more complex issue) then it would be far more accessible and reduce the number of people missing out for financial reasons. That said, there are so many options available to students at the University of Nottingham that finances, while providing a barrier to entry for sports at certain levels, rarely prevents students from getting involved in sport in some capacity.

Zack Palmer

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UNIVERSITY SPORTS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Image courtesy of Pxhere

Matthew Webb gives the limelight to four unusual sports at the University of Nottingham.

When most people think of university sports, they probably think of the boat race between Oxford and Cambridge, or your more mainstream sports of rugby, cricket, football, tennis and athletics. However, this article will provide you with an insight about four obscure sports that you can get involved with at the University of Nottingham.

FLOORBALL

Floorball is an extremely quick and entertaining sport, played on an indoor rink with lightweight sticks and a plastic ball. It’s like a cross between ice- and field hockey. It’s 6-a-side, and also one of the more affordable sports, with full “The University Korfball membership for the Club has five teams that year costing just £15. cater for all levels, so if A key point to note you’re already well-versed with this is that Floorin Korfball there’s a place ball provide all the kit themselves, keeping for you, but you can also costs minimal. It’s start afresh” easy to pick up, and also one of the few mixed sports at university. The only problem is that the training is on a Wednesday and Friday evening, but finishes early enough that you can still make it to Crisis or Ocean.

KORFBALL

With Dutch origins, Korfball is a cross between netball and basketball, with players alternating between attack and defence, ensuring a varied experience. Each team is mixed, made up of four males and four females, and it’s fast, non-contact and great fun. The University of

It’s definitely one of the more niche sports at the University of Nottingham, so if you want to try something very different this might be for you!

GLIDING

Gliding is the complete opposite of caving, taking to the skies in search of adventure.

Gliders fly unpowered aircraft Nottingham Korfball using naturally occurring Club has five teams currents of rising air in the atthat cater for all levels, mosphere to remain airborne. so if you’re already Uniwell-versed in Korfversi- “Gliders fly unpowball there’s a place for ty of ered aircraft using you, but you can also Notnaturally occurring start afresh. The teams ting- currents of rising air play in local leagues ham in the atmosphere alongside BUCS (British glid- to remain airborne” University and College ing Sports), with Nottingclub is one of the best in the ham’s Korfball team country with a world chamenjoying success in all. pion in our alumni and great records at the inter-university competition each year. They CAVING fly at weekends with their host This is a sport that club, RAF Cranwell, whose requires less explanaexperienced instructors will be tion, it’s quite simply able to give you all the skills going into caves. Most members start as com- and encouragement you need plete beginners and no to learn to fly solo and then use the sky to go wherever great fitness levels are required. The club also you want to go. provides all the special- This is just a small taste of the ist kit you need. There’s varied sports on offer at the University of Nottingham, to also the chance to go find more then the best thing on fabulous trips both to do is visit Welcome Fair in the UK and abroad, at David Ross Sports Village although how much you might see of these during Welcome Week. Who knows, you could be a world places is questionable if you’re spending most champion glider one day! of the time in caves.

Matthew Webb

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INVOLVED? Head to our website for more information

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