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InQuire The University of Kent’s student newspaper
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21 September 2015 Issue 11.3
Meeetings Mondays at 6.15pm in KLT3
Freshers’ Fancy Dress
Freshers’ First Aid
Culture Page 17
Features Page 8
Advice for Freshers’ from the Editors of InQuire Comment Pages 6 & 7
Welcome to the University
Photo by Daniel John
Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
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rom Saturday 21 September, the University of Kent started to receive a total of 5,500 undergraduates and 2,000 postgraduate students to both the Canterbury and Medway campuses during the Welcome
Weekend. This has now raised the total number of students studying at the University to a staggering 20,000. When speaking to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dame Julia Goodfellow, she welcomed students by saying: “I am delighted to welcome all new and returning students.
We have just completed our 50th Anniversary in great shape. League tables confirm us as one of the UK’s leading universities for both teaching and research, and we have been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education award for University of the Year. I encourage you to take advantage of the many
opportunities available to you on campus, as well as opportunities to study abroad.” This year is a particularly exciting year for both new and returning students, as Kent has just celebrated its 50th anniversary year. The most obvious display
of this celebration to those arriving on campus is the 33 metre high Kent Wheel, which has returned to Eliot Hill until Thursday 15 October. Kent students can now take in the view of their new home as the wheel showcases Canterbury and the campus.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
News 2014/2015
Editorial contacts: Just add @inquiremedia. co.uk
Editor-in-Chief
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Newspaper Editor Ruby Lyle
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Kent Shortlisted For Award Nuala Cochrane
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he University of Kent has been shortlisted for two Times Higher Education Awards this year, including University of the Year 2015. The University of the Year Award is open to all universities across the United Kingdom, and is granted in recognition of a university’s particular performance over the last academic year, and success in furthering the university’s
Nic Weatherill
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Vacancy
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Vacancy
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Otto Ilveskero
Amphitheatre at UKC?
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Features
Jessica Duncan newspaper.features
Holly Welch
Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
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website.features
Entertainment
Bethan Stoneman
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Max Beckett
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Culture
Shalyia Arumagathasan newspaper.culture
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Sport
reputation through excellent academic output. The second of the two awards is the Student Support Award, which is awarded to the university that has best managed to nurture their students’ potential, and has supported them in their endeavours. The nominations have been remarked on by the Vice-Chancellor, Dame Julia Goodfellow as “excellent news for everyone at Kent. It is also a timely announcement as, having reached the end of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, we look forward to providing new opportunities for future generations of students and staff, as well as building on many research and teaching
Vacancy
he crater along Eliot Footpath may soon be converted into an open air theatre as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations here at the University of Kent. Whether this concept will be made a reality, however, will depend upon a decision by the University’s executive group, and the raising of £1.3 million to build upon the site. The idea behind the proposed amphitheatre came from Senior Lecturer Keith Bothwell, of the Kent School of Architecture. Since joining the University, Bothwell has believed the crater site would make an excellent
open air theatre. He stated: “‘I think it could be a fantastic legacy for the University... I think it will be just amazing at night to sit and watch performances with the moon rising over the back of the stage.” To help actualise this idea, he opened a competition to students in 2010 to create designs for a potential amphitheatre. The winning design was submitted by student, Rob Elkins. It has now been developed as part of the Beacon 50th anniversary celebration projects. The future of the potential open air theatre shall be decided later this year by the executive group.
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achievements”. The University of Kent has already this year been ranked in the top 20 universities in the country by The Guardian, coming in at 16th in their 2015 University Guide, with subjects such as Architecture (3rd), Journalism (6th), and History of Art (6th) ranked among the top ten in the subject-based rankings. The University of Kent faces stiff competition for the two awards as other universities shortlisted for University of the Year include Coventry, Glasgow, Lancaster, Loughborough, and the Open University, whereas the Student Support award will be contested by Leeds Trinity, Newcastle, Newman, Worcester, and the University of West England. Times Higher Education is a branch of TES Global, and is the leading authority in the country for higher
education since 1971; it is also responsible for the annual World University Rankings, which it has been running since 2010. Times Higher Education held their first University of the Year award ceremony in 2011, where the University of Sheffield was granted the grand award for their excellence in performance. Indeed, following the announcement of Kent’s status as one of the top twenty universities in the national league tables, as well as achieving third place for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey, one would argue that this puts us in good stead for this year. Especially now they’ve finally finished the extension to the Templeman Library. The results will be released on 26 November at an awards night in London’s Grovesnor Place Hotel.
Keeping Secure Online at Kent W
hen you first arrive and your parents have left, then the first thing most students will do is get their laptop or phone out and get connected to the university internet. We spoke to IT Security Officer Matthew Trump from Information Services about what people should and should not do to stay safe online. There’s little more embarrassing than losing your essay just before the submission deadline, or losing control of your social media accounts. The following pointers will help to keep your computer and your personal data secure: Make sure all your operating systems and applications are up to date. For PC users this means running Windows Update, ensuring Flash Player, Java, Acrobat Reader, and other applications are up to date. Mac users should check the App store for updates and apply them. Install antivirus software This is important for both PC and Mac users. There are a number of free programs
available for both platforms such as Avast (www.avast.com). Don’t download or share copyright content such as music and films without permission via peer to peer (torrent) software Rights holders do monitor infringing activity associated with the University network and will notify the University if they detect illegal file sharing. Keep your password secure Don’t share it with friends as you are responsible for what happens with your account. Back up your data Make sure that you have a second copy of important files kept away from your computer. Services like Dropbox are a great way to make an off site backup. Physical security Don’t leave your laptop unattended or on show at home. It’s a very tempting target for thieves and they won’t care about your deadlines! Remember you can always ask the Student Helpdesk in the Templeman Library or Drill Hall Library for assistance with any IT matter.
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InQuire Monday 21 September 2015
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Humanoid Discovery Canterbury Knife Crime On The Rise From Kent Affiliates Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor
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Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor
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wo members of the School of Anthropology & Conservation at the University of Kent have played a key part in the discovery of a new species of Humanoid. Homo Naledi was discovered in a cave in South Africa, and the find, consisting of 1,550 fossil elements, has become the largest single discovery of its kind in Africa. The new hominin species was revealed to the world on 10 September by an international team of more than 60 scientists led by Lee R. Berger, an American paleoanthropologist. Experts have claimed the discovery will shed new light on the links between man and his early ancestors. Berger has described the remains as as the ‘bridge’ between primates and humans. “We’d gone in with the idea of recovering one fossil. That turned into multiple fossils. That turned
into the discovery of multiple skeletons and multiple individuals. And so by the end of that remarkable 21-day experience, we had discovered the largest assemblage of fossil human relatives ever discovered in the history of the continent of Africa. That was an extraordinary experience.” The findings have been published in the open-access journal eLife, yet the team have so far only uncovered 15 individuals, a fraction of which is yet to be uncovered. Dr Tracy Kivell and Dr Matthew Skinner were part of the team that worked on the fossils: Dr Kivell reads Biological Anthropology at the University of Kent, while Dr Skinner is a lecturer in Evolutionary Anthropology. Among the findings published in the study is evidence that early humans buried their dead in caves, and suggests the individuals were capable of ritual behaviour. The remains were found deep in the Rising Star cave, located
in an area known as the Cradle of Human Kind, around an hours drive from Johannesburg. Local cavers Rick Hunter & Steven Tucker discovered a narrow entrance to the chamber where the bones lay, and immediately alerted the relevant authorities. Ian Tattersall, a leading authority on human evolution remarked: “It’s very, very fascinating. No question there’s at least one new species here, but there may be debate over the Homo designation, though the species is quite different from anything else we have seen.” Mystery still swirls around the discovery, however, with scientists unable to predict exactly when the newly discovered species lived. The clay coating the bottom of the discovery pit defies standard dating techniques. Berger said that this species of humanoid could have lived as long as 2.8 million years ago, up until only a few tens of thousands of years ago.
still available include The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, which is worth €7,000, and The Chris Potter Sports Bursary, with awards of between £750 to £1,000 for students who have made a significant contribution to student sport. Karen Kennard, the founder of The Scholarship Hub, argued that students are often “missing
a trick” by not looking into scholarships when they start university, and continued: “Many applications only require a short essay or basic personal details like where you live, where you went to school, what your parents do, etc.” Exploring further possible avenues of funding may be beneficial to students to support their learning.
Scholarships still available Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
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tudents are missing out on a potential £100,000 worth of scholarships this year according to The Scholarship Hub. The organisation helps students to find an estimated total of £115 million in funding every year. Potential scholarships
ocal police have made attempts to reassure the public after a recent surge in knife related crime across Canterbury. Chief Inspector Mark Arnold has stated that there is no need for panic, and that levels of knife crime in Canterbury are “no higher […] than they are anywhere else”. A wave of incidents involving blades and needles have hit Canterbury in recent weeks, as well as the stabbing of a 19-yearold man at a house-party hosted by students in June. An 18 year old man was arrested in the aftermath of the incident, and is due to appear in court this month. On August 20, a man and a woman, aged 19 and 18 respectively, suffered knife wounds after being assaulted in St George’s subway. The assailant, a 32 year-old man, was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of wounding with intent, and threatening a person with a blade. Finally, on August 13 a Sainsbury’s supermarket security guard was pricked by a hypodermic needle following an incident at the shop in Kingsmead. The homeless man who was arrested had already been convicted this year for pulling a knife on a Boots shop attendant. He admitted threatening and abusive behaviour and shoplifting when he appeared before city magistrates. He was handed 60 days imprisonment suspended for 12 months, with a victim surcharge of £80, and costs of £235. But Chief Inspector
Arnold has told the public that “there are no outstanding offenders, and my officers are now working hard to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. I want to assure the people of Canterbury that we treat all types of violent crime, including knife crime, extremely seriously. When knife crime is reported, it’s invariably big news, but the statistics behind the headlines are no higher for the Canterbury district than they are for anywhere else. The small minority of people who carry knives or blades should know that we actively seek to prosecute them.” In the wake of the incidents, students will no doubt be comforted by the presence of uniformed marshals, tasked with improving student safety and cracking down on anti-social behaviour. The marshals are due to debut this Freshers’ Week, and are part of a scheme funded by both UKC and Canterbury Christ Church University. Arnold also emphasised the toughening up of knife crime related punishments this summer. Adults in England and Wales who have been convicted more than once of being in possession of a blade face a minimum six-month prison sentence. Young offenders aged 16 and 17 face a minimum four month detention and training order. Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to the St George’s Street incident near McDonald’s on August 27. Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, being sure to quote the reference ZY/026885/15.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
Issues & Analysis
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Working 9 to 5 what a way to...study? Issues
63% of students have a parttime job
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new survey has shown that nearly eight in ten students are taking up jobs in order to fund their studies and pay their bills; a rise of 18% since last year. The data, released by the student insurance company Endsleigh, is based on a survey of 4,642 students, conducted between June and July 2015 by the NUS Insight Team. The survey shows that 63% have a part-time job, with 33% working part-time during term time. Of the respondents, 14% revealed that they work fulltime; either during term-time, the holidays, or for the whole year. Wages from these jobs help supplement student incomes, on
A further 14% of students work full time The survey also stated that on average, women earn 36% less than their male counterparts during their employment at university. In the survey, the overall average of male earnings was £522 a month, versus £334 a month for women. A further suggestion from the survey is that university is becoming less and less affordable for students from low income families. According to
53% of students require familial assistance to afford university expenses. top of the stereotypical reliance on the Bank of Mum and Dad, with 53% of respondents saying they depend on their parents to help them through university. In addition to this, 74% said they relied on their student loan as their main source of income. Many students have taken up jobs in order to be able
74% of students rely on student loans as their main source of income. to afford their bills and earn extra cash for a night out. Of the survey participants, 57% said they use their earnings to pay for accommodation, food, and household bills, and 56% saying they use the money for socialising. Respondents also hoped that the extra work would improve their CVs and their job prospects, with 87% citing this as a reason for taking up employment.
The Guardian, the application rates for 18-year-olds from lowincome families is the highest it has ever been, yet those from affluent backgrounds are still twice as likely to go to university than their less welloff peers. Interestingly, the survey revealed that 56% of respondents said they had found university more expensive than they had expected it to be. The overheads for students vary greatly across the UK. In England, students pay £9,000 a year and can borrow a maximum of £5,555 to cover the costs of living. In Scotland, students can study for free, and can receive a non-means tested loan of up to £4,750. In Wales and Northern Ireland, students pay around £3,000 a year in tuition fees, and can receive a loan of around £4,000 a year. The findings of the survey suggest that while some students take up jobs at university in order to afford nights out with friends, an increading number of students are required to work in able to maintain a reasonable lifestyle and existence.
Analysis Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
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hen students first start at university, their parents often impress upon them the importance of getting a job as quickly as physically possible. The idea behind this is that it helps their child become more well rounded, more likely to gain employment after they graduate, and develops fiscal responsibility. Not to mention, having a nest egg on hand isn’t so bad when emergency strikes (although whether you class no vodka as being an emergency or not is entirely up to you). In theory, this mindset should be perfectly legitimate, what with maintainance grants, student loans and the quiet denial we all hold over the state of our finances until we hit our parents age regarding paying back tuition and loans. However, not only are maintainance grants being scrapped, but often enough, student loans don’t even cover rent in Canterbury. My new
house is pretty great by student standards. My room is huge, and in the five days that I’ve been living here so far, we’ve only had the shower break, tiles fall off the kitchen walls, a work surface which seems suspiciously rotten through, and an interesting oven. Usually the stories your friends tell you are far, far worse. But my rent is close to £400 a month and I fully expect bills to be about an additional £50. With your student loan being swallowed by your rent, how do you pay for food? And nights out? And books for your courses which your lecturers always inform you are vital? Not only do many have to rely on support from family, they are also required to work as many hours as physically possible. With Kent and Canterbury Christ Church in the same city (not forgetting of course the colleges and schools in the area too), it is almost impossible to find a job at all over here. I wouldn’t consider myself particularly unemployable, but I can reveal that I have been rejected by McDonald’s more
than three times. I am in my third year of University and I still haven’t succeeded in that vital goal of gaining a steady job. Frankly, I’m amazed that so many people are making ends meet, but then, there are the overdrafts. I’ve noticed that students seem to be keen to discuss just how far they are into it at the end of the year, as they try and find someone a little worse off to make them feel better about their own situation and gather the courage to inform their parents about it when they go home. Between this fight for work between students and overdraft woes, I can’t help but wonder how there aren’t student run cartels across the universities, delivering a range of baked goods. (I mean, everyone has seen Breaking Bad. Surely one or two of us could figure out how to distribute cupcakes without getting caught. Evidently bake sales are not allowed on campus for health and safety reasons). But hey, maybe I’m missing an obvious solution beyond contraband cupcakes.
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InQuire Monday 21 September 2015
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Issues & Anyalsis
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Sexual health services at Kent Issues
Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor On 6 June 2014, InQuire reported that sexual health services at the University of Kent were set to be reduced following the recommission of services by Kent County Council. At the time, the Mercury Clinic had its opening hours cut from being available two days a week down to one day. Now it appears that the Mercury Clinic is to be closed down entirely. Previously, the University Medical Centre has provided a three-tier Sexual Health Service, which includes chlamydia screenings, an Express Clinic, and the Mercury Clinic. The Express Clinic services cater as a general check to the sexual health of patients, while the Mercury Clinic more specifically helps those who display symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. The University Medical Centre website has issued a statement saying: “Please note that due to changes in commissioning the
future of the Mercury Clinic is uncertain. We have been given notice of service delivery, and at present have been informed that we will not be able to deliver current services from 19 June 2015. “We are meeting with the current sexual health provider in the area (Kent Community Health Foundation Trust) to try and ensure that the current level of service is maintained from the new academic year. If you have any concerns about the withdrawal of the Mercury Clinic service, please do not hesitate to contact the Medical Centre or the Vice-President
(Welfare) at the University of Kent.” With the sexual health services at Kent looking to be further reduced, InQuire spoke to Rory Murray, VP (Welfare), about his take on the services on offer at Kent. “Sexual health services are incredibly important to the students, one of the things on my manifesto this year was a commitment to run a SHAG week, which will be happening in February 2016. In the meantime I am currently working on protecting the on-campus Mercury Clinic from 50% cuts, and lobbying for a similar on-campus clinic
Photo by Rorro Navia / Flickr
on the Medway campus. As has become tradition, students can get hold of free condoms from Kent Union from both the Mandela and Student Activities Buildings.” A Sexual Health Advice and
Analysis Danielle Thompson
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n light of the beginning of Sexual Awareness week (16-22 September), the services provided by the NHS are continuously seeing growing demand pressures, with there being a persistent rise in the rates of abortions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By further limiting contraceptive provisions, as expressed by the FPA, it could result in the NHS spending £124.7bn on unplanned
Photo by University of Kent
pregnancies, and a further £314m on the treatment of STIs by 2020. With that in
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mind, the FPA exclaimed that with every £1 spent on contraceptive methods, there would be a saving of around £12.50, and therefore, any investment into sexual health services would in fact see money saved. With regards to our own local services through the University Medical Centre, an approach like Lewisham Council’s rejection towards their own public health care funds, should ideally be implemented. The University Medical
Centre is classed as an atypical practice, with its patient population being mainly that of the 14,000 students at the University; however with the Centre’s services being used by local residents as well, its classification is contradictive. In relation to this, despite the large student demands, the closing of the Mercury Clinic would have a devastating effect on both the student and local populations, causing a decrease in the level of trust and willingness to get help for
Guidance week was one of Murray’s manifesto points, and is something that is already in place in universities across the UK. The intention of the upcoming week is to promote sexual health and safe sex. Murray has also pointed out that the cuts mean that the already heavily used sexual health clinic will be forced to provide far fewer than the 28 appointments each week that were previously available. Students at the University may be forced to travel to the Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital to recieve necessary help. Although Murray fears that many students may choose to simply not recieve help at all. The future of the clinic is set to be decided in the coming weeks. sexual health problems due to issues such as travelling to gain such services. Especially for students, these services are vital, as they help new students gain the ability to navigate the challenges encountered throughout their university life. In addition to this, these vital services allow students to enjoy their sexuality, but in a safe and harmless manner, which is also an aspect encouraged and promoted by Kent Union. Despite all the doom and gloom about the Mercury Clinic’s apparent closure however, it is clear from relative articles and a petition, which gained hundreds of signatures, that Kent County Council are adamant that they will be able to provide such services. This is evident through promises for an integrated sexual health service, and the development of a mobile app called the Kent C Card iPhone app, which has been designed for those 19 and under.
Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
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Enjoy Halls While You Can Natalie Tipping Editor-in-Chief
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should probably start this article with a disclaimer that not every student landlord is a nightmare to deal with, but in the spirit of honesty, I feel I should tell you that the majority of the ones I’ve worked with have been, and I’ve been here for five years now. I lived in Rutherford in my first year, way back in 2011/12, and I hated it. Not the most elegant or luxurious accommodation, I loathed not having a kitchen, and the 2am fire alarms were the bane of my existence. Especially since they always seemed to happen on the nights where I had a 9am class the next morning. But there’s a few things you don’t notice when you’re paying to live in halls on campus. Firstly, you don’t have to worry about bills, you can live in blissful ignorance of how much water you’re using, and you can have your radiators on and your windows open in the middle of summer without it making the slightest difference to your bank account (although you are killing the environment kiddies, so perhaps don’t do that). Secondly, you’re literally five minutes from any lecture, and indeed anything you might need; campus is equipped with banks, a book shop and general store, and numerous bars and eateries - who needs anything else? Thirdly, and this is the most important thing by far, you don’t have to walk up either of the hills every morning. And anybody living in Tyler who is reading this and trying to tell
me they have to walk up a hill to reach campus, mate, don’t try me. But then you get past Christmas of first year and the panic of finding somewhere to live in second year sets in, and you have to start dealing with that most treacherous of beasts: the student landlord. Now, time for another little reality nugget: we live in the South-East, you’re going to have to pay out of your arse for anywhere you live, regardless of whether it’s habitable. In my second year, I lived in Hales Place, and we had mould growing on almost every wall in the flat from October through to May. It was lovely. The green fuzz really added something to the overall aura of the flat, and it was definitely a treat when a man from the council came to look at the place and told us our landlady had neglected to have the flat fitted with cavity wall insulation. We would put the oven on, cook our dinner, then leave the oven on with the door open to heat the flat. We had to have all of our clothes in piles in our rooms because if we hung them in our wardrobes they’d come out with the side that had been touching the wall covered in mould and the other side clean, but ever so slightly damp. And when the end of the year finally came round, our landlady turned round and fined us for all the mould, despite the fact that she was there on the fateful day when the council came. As I said at the start of this article, not every landlord is a nightmare. Last year in fact, I lived in a perfectly nice flat, for £366 a month no less, and
had a huge double room to boot. The boiler worked all year round, there wasn’t the slightest sign of mould, and I’m pretty positive there was even insulation in the walls - what a luxury! Now I’ve moved into what will be my final student house, and the landlord hasn’t kept his side of the tenancy agreement to redecorate and refurnish the entire house over the summer (while we were paying summer rent but couldn’t live there may I add) - and there’s seemingly nothing we can do about it. We’re paying £350 a month to live in a house that, when we moved in, had the kitchen light hanging loose from a wire, has a smashed plug socket in the lounge with live wires exposed, and had a smell hanging in the air of cats, even though we’re not allowed pets. My favourite thing was that the shower wasn’t working when we moved in, but clearly had been at some point, as the kitchen ceiling is bubbling and has holes in where water has leaked through the floor in previous years. These things are getting slowly fixed, thanks to the efforts of the letting agents, but nothing would have been done if we hadn’t complained about it. As it is we’re now talking about withholding rent until the necessary works are done, but who wants to deal with this while doing an MA? Not this person right here. I know the advice to new students is on the previous page, but here’s my little pearl of wisdom: enjoy halls while you can, and fight for everything you can get out of your landlords in later years.
Granny sofa anyone?
Advice for New
Photo Photoby bySimon SimonM M
Make sure you budget. Money slips away a lot faster when you don’t look after it. Don’t buy your weekly shop from Essentials. Always suck up to seminar leaders. Definitely play loud music at 3am. Your neighbours will soon realise that instead of sleep what they actually need is to re-live all of Black Sabbath’s greatest hits. Make sure you peel off all the labels from your new saucepans, or that burning smell won’t be coming from the food. Definitely make the effort to go out and meet people but don’t be afraid to take time for
yourself too. Get cheap students contents insurance. Try not to fall asleep outside Essentials after a night out in Venue. Try not to get lost on campus in a tiger onesie and nothing else in the middle of November. Find out who cleans what in your house and divvy up roles to keep your place liveable. There are places off campus, don’t get stuck on top of the hill. Don’t just let your plates stack up next to your sink, your housemates will plot ways to
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Students From the Editors of InQuire
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kill you, and, on a lesser note, it’ll really stink. Invest in earplugs. There are too many pubs in Canterbury to visit in one day, but in three years, maybe you could tick them all off. Don’t skimp on condoms although free ones are available in the Activities Centre - better to buy some from Boots than to get a 50 pack for 50p from Hong Kong on Ebay. Don’t be afraid to try new things. When turning up late to a lecture, try to confuse your lecturer by remarking that “a wizard is never late, he arrives precisely when he means to”.
Have an explore around town in the daylight before you hit it
Buy your paracetamol now and put it near your bed. The
Newspaper Editor Ruby Lyle says: “Don’t try to hoover up your vomit. Just don’t.” on a night out. You’ll want to be able to find your way home, and there is nothing harder than trying to do that for the first time drunk in the dark.
first time you wake up with a hangover that is threatening to end you and don’t have any will be something you don’t forget in a hurry.
Joining societies and clubs is probably the best way to make like-minded friends. Don’t live off foods that are just white or golden. Bread, potatoes, and chicken nuggets alone will make you terribly ill in just a week.
Flat wars are fun enough at first, but then at some point you’ll discover gone off chicken in your letterbox or mouldy yoghurt on your door. Those smells just never leave. If you use Sparknotes for an essay, try to
remove the footnote saying “Sparknotes, lol” before you submit the aforementioned essay. Check out the student banks. The feeless overdraft is handy, even if you should avoid touching it. Don’t worry if you feel homesick the first few weeks, everyone does. Keep a bottle opener in your room. Do we need to give a reason why? If you’re in Rutherford or Eliot, let’s face it, you’re not making it to breakfast. Dinner is something you might make it to. Might. When it comes to the amount of fancy dress
outfits you should have, the limit does not exist. When you come in from a night out, take your makeup off and drink loads of water. Turning up late for that 9am will be much easier to pull off if you don’t look like you’ve been in a fight. Hair straighteners make a great make-shift iron. Walk to town to do your shopping but get the bus back. It isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get on with your coursemates. Hangovers don’t really kick in until you turn 20. Always remember that.
Campus Photos by Daniel John
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
Features
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Doctor! Doctor! Freshers First Aid
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Manon Charles
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hilst packing for uni, it’s important to remember the basics - clothes, toiletries, kitchenware, and important things like alcohol. Freshers’ Week is often the first time that many
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of us leave home, and one thing that’s easy to forget to pack is health-related things. But with the inevitable freshers’ flu, and possible minor drunken injuries, here’s how to properly prepare yourself in order to make the most of the first few weeks of the term.
1) Plasters - this is a first aid basic. Plasters come in handy to fix a range of things. They can help you with blisters (from those heels that you swore you’d wear on every night out, only to chuck them in the back of the wardrobe after the first night) or any minor drunken
for the fifth time today! As well as talking to your parents, you can also see them, and they you, so hide those new clothes you just bought with the money they lent you for food! A great way to explore the country during your time at university and experience different nightlife is by visiting friends at their accommodation, although the alternative is getting them to come to you so you can show off
Canterbury’s finest clubs. No matter how far away they are, trains can get you to virtually any university - at a price - but buying a travel card is worthwhile if you’re thinking of doing a lot of visiting, as at a third off each ticket, it pays for itself. One way to make university go quickly when you’re missing home is countdowns - either to the end of term or visits from family members. Family will find any excuse to visit, because as much as you miss them, they’re missing you just as much if not more. If they can’t get to visit you, either because of where they are or because of work commitments on either end, packages of things that remind you of home, either food or belongings, especially around birthdays and holidays, can keep your spirits up and your homesickness at bay until the big reunion. Despite being around people constantly, it can be lonely. Living with quite a few others in the same position, you may feel you need to reassure them by spending all your time together, but surrounding yourself with photos of friends and family and the home comforts such as blankets and pillows that smell of home can create a relaxing environment to escape it all. The best way to enjoy living away from home is to throw yourself into university life, making friends and, ultimately, a new life, away from home. Don’t be afraid to try something as all societies have taster sessions, even if you go to meet people and don’t go again, it’s worth it!
injury that you might get. Fall into a bush and scrape your knee on your way home from Venue to Rutherford? Plaster it. But please, if it’s a serious injury, visit the nurse in Keynes! 2) Paracetamol/ibuprofen - or whatever pain relief floats your boat. These will be your lifesavers when you have 9am induction lectures, after a hardcore night at Venue. They will also relieve your headaches enough to make you forget how bad the hangover was and make you feel good enough to start pre-drinking again. This endless cycle could be what keeps you going during Freshers’. 3) Flu and cold tablets - to combat the dreaded freshers’ flu, which is a real thing so you need to prepare! These cold and flu tablets might seem like a silly buy when you’re stood in line at Boots. But trust me, they could save your life. When your nose won’t stop running and you’re that person coughing in the lectures, they’ll make life seem marginally more bearable. 4) Soothers/Strepsils - whilst these might not seem like an obvious thing to include in the first aid kit, throat sweets are a necessity in order to counteract the effect of the cheap vodka that has undoubtedly turned your throat to sandpaper. From cheap drinks to shouting the words to every classic song played in Venue, your throat gets a raw deal during Freshers’ Week. The least you can do is soothe it during the day. 5) Water - this might seem like a strange thing to include in the freshers’ first aid kit, but it is arguably the most important. During the week it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting new people and exploring new places, and often drinking water is something that is forgotten. However it’s important to keep yourself hydrated in order to fully enjoy Freshers’ Week. Especially if you’re drinking a lot every night. Do yourself a favour and carry a bottle of water around with you as you take in all that Freshers’ Week has to offer.
E.T. Phone Home! Please? Jessica Duncan Newspaper Features Editor
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eaving our friends and family is the scariest thing to do, but with technology , distance feels non-existent when you’re away from home. Things such as Skype allow us to speak any time of day, wherever we are. This can be annoying as that might be when you don’t want to talk to your parents
Photo by Do-Hyun Kim / Flickr
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I Spy With My Little Eye Jessica Duncan Newspaper Features Editor
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ampus itself is a universe within a city, with all sorts of different people within its limits. With this in mind, its residents make for a great game of I Spy within Freshers’ Week. Crazy hands A legend among University of Kent students, Crazy Hands can be spotted at most social events, notably Massive Mungo’s. If you don’t know who he is, he’s an easy spot - look for the man with the best dance moves in the building wearing white gloves (and possibly in dedicated fancy dress). Hard worker In an attempt to get ahead of themselves, some students plough into their workload, but this won’t last long once the late nights partying begin! These people can often be spotted in the library if they are feeling adventurous (and can find their way there), but also in the comfort of their new rooms, protected by the barricade of their door. Inseparable friends Like the animals that went into the arc, a few people make the move to University with a friend and are inseparable. Coming as a pair, where one goes, the other follows, but this can be a great deal, as by making friends with one, you also make friends with the other - whether you like it or not. Couples Much like the best friends, some people come to uni already in a relationship, others form with those they meet at university. Either way, scenes of PDA will be evident all over campus, most notably in Venue when the beer goggles are on. But university is a great place to meet people, so if you’re single, go out and mingle! Shy You may need to approach this person with caution, as you don’t want to scare them away, however once out these are often the people who go the hardest at the party. Hiding in their rooms, you may need to go to them, but don’t be put off, invite them into your room to bring them out of their shell. Party Animal Always the one to drag everyone out of the door, and a permanent resident of Venue’s dance floor, these types of people are common and keep the bars on campus lively. If you don’t know one, it’s likely it could be you!
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it’s Back to Work We Go Malika White
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he thought of returning to study after a long break can be daunting. It can be difficult to get motivated when you’ve spent the last three months with family and friends, going on holiday and sleeping in but now it’s time to get into study mode. It’s always best to start by getting into a routine of going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up at a reasonable time. Late nights and early mornings will do nothing for your concentration. It can also help to prepare your bag for lectures the night before, as well as what you plan to wear. Get some stretching or other exercise in if you can; it’s time to get back in the game! Setting up your routine for consistent sleep, a healthy breakfast, and exercise will help you get back into the swing of things. Planning your week ahead will help you to manage your time effectively and stay on top of things. You could use an academic diary or even your smartphone to record your uni timetable, assignment deadlines and times you plan to study. Making To-Do lists is another great way to get organised. Setting goals for yourself can be
motivating; they’ll help you focus on what exactly it is you wish to achieve this year or term. Goals don’t have to be uni related, setting personal goals can help achieve a good balance. Set up an appropriate workspace for yourself. I know that when my workspace is cluttered, just looking at it puts me off studying. If you keep your workspace tidy and organised, this will make it easier for you to work.
The hardest part of the process has to be cutting down on your time spent on social media, or even coming off of social media altogether. Time for social media should be made before or after study, never during. Social media is a great distraction and can stop you from working. If you find it difficult to help yourself, let technology help you by blocking access to such platforms during study time. Don’t let social media consume you, consume social media and overcome procrastination. Most importantly, a bright future should be your motivation. A degree from the University of Kent can open many doors. Quite soon you will have your degree, and your days of stressing about uni will be something you laugh about in the distant future. You will thank yourself for putting yourself through university, and realise that all the hard work was worth it. Returning to university can seem like a farewell to fun, but with a bit of preparation and planning, you’ll be into a routine in no time. Take a deep breath, get organised, and have an amazing Photo by Loren Javier / Flickr year.
Fresher’s: Your Week of Freedom Rosie Toy
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reshers Week is probably one of the most exciting and scary experiences of university life. It’s the beginning of what will be some of the most amazing years of your life, but it’s also one of the few responsibility-free points of university, so make the most of it! One of the biggest worries for me when I started at Kent was how I was going to make friends. Not knowing anyone can be a blessing or a curse, and it’s especially difficult if you’re shy. Firstly, invest in a doorstop, or whatever you have lying around, just keep your door open! People can be scared to knock on a door to say hi, so if yours is open it’s much easier for your house/flatmates to pass by and start chatting to you. It works wonders! Secondly, if someone asks if you want to go somewhere with them, even if it doesn’t seem like your thing, just go! Alternatively, if you want to go somewhere, ask your housemates if they
want to come with you, and don’t be deterred if they decline. Go by yourself; you’ll make friends there! Remember everyone is in the same boat, so don’t feel awkward about introducing yourself to people you don’t know. Probably the most anticipated thing for many new students is the string of nights out during Freshers’. Here at Kent we are lucky enough to have the Venue, which has events all week, featuring Freshbook, the ‘Skool disco’ and a night with guest DJ Hew Stevens. Price-wise these events tend to be £5 to £6 entry. For cheaper options, keep an eye out for events such as Massive Mungo’s events, held in Eliot college, which is free entry. These events occur occasionally throughout the year, and during Freshers’ there is usually one mid-week. Also look out for events in town, such as the Cuban, which has Trash nights every Thursday, charging £1 entry and drinks. For those who prefer a quieter
night out, there are events going on in the pubs around campus, which tend to be much calmer. Remember events will be busy during Freshers’, so arrive early! There are also plenty of things happening around campus during the day, so make sure you take the time to walk around campus and get involved with what’s going on! Freshers’ Fayre is normally held towards the end of the week, on Thursday and Friday. This is one of the best events during Freshers, not only are there lots of freebies, you can also find out about all the amazing societies we have here; from Harry Potter to sport societies to live music societies, I also hear Student Media is pretty great... Sign up for everything, even if you don’t join, going to the free starter events is a great way to meet people and discover an awesome new hobby! Whatever you do during Freshers’ Week, make the most of it, and have a fantastic time!
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Survival: Super Simple Stuff S
Pasta
tarting out at uni away from home and your parents, the main fear for most people is making friends, but one that is not often thought about until you are faced with it is how to cook. But if you master the basics you’ll be a chef in no time!
Boil a pan of water, add pasta and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Chicken breast To cook chicken in the oven, cook the meat for 10 minutes on each side at 180 degrees. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, cut into the middle and check that the inside is not pink. If you’re in a rush, or really hungry after a long day at university, cut the chicken into small pieces, heat a pan, add oil and cook for about 10 minutes or until white throughout.
Boiled eggs Boil water on a hob and add the required number of eggs. For a runny yolk, cook for four minutes. For hard boiled eggs, time for 10 minutes.
Rice Add enough water to a pan to cover the desired amount of rice and set to boil. Once boiling, add the rice and cook for 10 minutes on a high heat.
Jelly shots An essential recipe for Freshers! Just a 135g packet of jelly cubes, 300ml vodka and 175ml water is the perfect trio. Leave to set in the fridge overnight.
Potatoes For mash, cut the potato into small pieces, place in the water and cook for 15 minutes from the boil (or 10 minutes in a microwave in a tablespoon of water). For jacket potatoes, cook each potato for eight minutes in the microwave.
Emergencies! Photo by Nicole Abolde / Flickr
If the worst comes to worst, super noodles will always be a university student’s best friend and parents never want to see their children going hungry!
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Fun & games All puzzles by Matthew Sapsed
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Good luck with this issue’s puzzles. If you think you’ve got them all right, bring your completed puzzles page to the Student Media Centre and you could win a prize!
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Student Media: The Only Society You Need To Join Jessica Duncan Newspaper Features Editor
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tudent media can be a creative outlet not found in some degrees. If you have a flare for creative writing or photography of events around Canterbury, InQuire wants you! Lover of music and have aspirations to be a DJ? Join CSRfm! Fancy yourself as the next Steven Spielberg? KTV is the place for you! KTV isn’t just about performing, and if you’re not one for wanting to be in front of the camera, there are positions such as editing, directing, and marketing. Similarly, you don’t have to be the voice on the radio as there are plenty of options to work in the technical aspects or the music side, contributing to the music playlist but not necessarily
having your own show. InQuire also has opportunities to get your photography in print, as well as your writing. If you’re thinking of going into journalism, any of the three types of media are a great starting point. From working closely together and taking part in the excellent socials, the three groups are one big family who are there to give a helping hand. Another great reason for joining is our Student Media Centre, situated above the landmark of Canterbury, no, not the Cathedral, but The Venue. As the heart of student media, the hub is always busy. With a working editing suite suitable for all three types of
media, an incredible radio studio which broadcasts all over Canterbury from, and a TV studio, the SMC has everything you need (proven in the collection of awards). One thing you shouldn’t really have at university is spare time, according to parents and lecturers. If you do find yourself with some however, writing an article, joining a radio show, or acting in a KTV production is a great use of it, but there’s no pressure to add to your workload if it’s already too much. You don’t have to be sporty, rich, or involved every week! The memberships are cheap and there’s no pressure to turn up frequently. Membership for all three societies is only £20, whereas individually CSRfm is £15, KTV is a mere £10, and InQuire memberships are only £5 each. So whether you’re a budding journalist, photographer, or you fancy being the next Dermot O’Leary, join Student Media today!
Songs on repeat
Little Mix- Black Magic After making it big after winning The X Factor back in 2011, the girls are back with the song of the summer. ‘Black Magic’ has an addicitively catchy beat and a chorus that will make you believe that you’re fifteen again. Disclosure ft. Sam SmithOmen Over the past year, Sam Smith has achieved incredible things with his music. Now, after teaming up with Synthpop powerhouse Disclosure, the young artist has cemented his name as a huge talent in the music industry. This new record has the rhythm of an 80s dance song that stands out against the current pop dominated charts in the UK, and demands to be noticed. Ed Sheeran- Photograph After dropping his second studio album ‘X’ this year, Sheeran has been steadily releasing chart-topping singles that prove just how talented the 24-year-old is. This new track is no different, a moving song about love and family that boasts a song writing ability way beyond his years.
The Ultimate Freshers’ Week Events Timetable Bethan Stoneman Newspaper Entertainment Editor
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reshers’ Week can be a daunting time. With the prospect of a whole new social schedule, it can be hard to keep track. To ensure you don’t miss out, here is your jam-packed schedule for the week. Be sure to head along to events to meet new people, but try not to do anything stupid! 19 September: Campus by Night Tour - 7pm A chance to explore the University campus in a very different way to the open days. Meet the people you’ll be spending the next three years with, ending at the iconic Venue club. Venue’s Neon Hall Wars - 9pm After the night tour, Venue’s Neon party is the place to be. With colour coded outfits to fit your accommodation, and UV paint bubbles, this is the best first night of Freshers’ you could
imagine. 20 September:
afternoon for a taste of Canterbury’s cultural side, with a smoothie bar, Cathedral tours, and live music.
Woody’s Speed Meet - 9pm This event is a great way to meet new people. With a Hawaiian fancy dress theme and free entry, the fun never stops at Woody’s.
Darwin College Light vs DarkDarwin Entrance Hall at 1pm
Freshbook at Venue - 8pm Grab your free T-shirt on and get down to the Venue on Sunday night, as Freshbook is a night to find out the relationship status of all your new friends.
Eliot College Freshers’ Gladiator Challenge – Eliot Hall at 1pm Keynes Meet the Committee - The Red Room at 1pm KGSA Afternoon Tea - Darwin Rose Garden at 1pm
21 September: Woody’s Fest - 5pm Head back to Woody’s on Monday for a night of pulled pork, great drinks deals and live comedy. The Pop-Up Union If you’re not one for partying, head down to the main plaza on Monday
22 September: Tuesday afternoon is when Kent turns into the battle of the colleges! With each college putting on an impressive event, it’s hard to choose just one. Which will you attend?
Keynes Committee Outdoor Cinema- Woodys at 1pm Rutherford Chill On The HillRutherford Hall at 1pm Photo by Kent Union
Turing Arts Festival- Turing College Hut 8 at 1pm
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e To Ensure You Never Miss a Good Night Out 23 September:
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Green Fair Farmer’s Market on the Plaza - 11am Selling everything from olives to bread and herbal tea, this is the most interesting way to spend your Wednesday afternoon.
Freshers’ Fayre - 11am- 5pm The only place to be on Thursday. With the opportunity to sign up to some of Kent’s most exciting societies and grab some free pizza, it’s not to be missed.
England vs Wales Rugby World Cup – Woody’s 8pm kickoff If you’re a fan of rugby, Woody’s is the only place to watch England’s sureto-be incredible game. It’s not to be missed.
School Disco at Venue- 9am Dust off your school uniform and start practising your best dance floor moves, as the ultimate school disco is coming to the Venue on Wednesday night.
BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens at Venue- 9pm The hugely popular Radio One DJ comes to Kent for an unmissable night of great music.
Park Wood Committee’s Red, White and Blue American Party 9pm Celebrate all things American on Saturday night at Woodys. With cheap drinks and nachos meal deals all night, experience a different kind of night out.
Photo by Kent Union
NXT at the Venue- 9pm This night is brand spanking new for this year, full of good music and good fun.
Freshers’ Ball This is the biggest night out of the term. Artists such as Fuse ODG and Chris Stark come to Kent for an unmissable night of live music.
Photo by Kent Union
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Batman Arkham Knight: The Game of the Summer Alexander Reed
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his summer, the gaming world geared up for the sequel that everyone had been waiting for, Batman Arkham Knight. In 2011, Warner Bros. released the hugely successful Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 game, Batman: Arkham City, whereby Batman is incarcerated in Arkham City prison and has to uncover the secrets behind the Joker’s scheme. This June, Warner Bros. released the next instalment in the DC Comics’ Batman series, this time for Playstation 4 and Xbox One. In the new game, Batman faces his nemesis Scarecrow, who has launched an attack on Gotham city. This time however, Scarecrow is joined by the terrifying Arkham Knight in a plot to destroy Batman for good. Unlike Batman: Arkham City, this game introduces the Batmobile as a playable vehicle for gamers to drive, in addition to new gadgets and consoles for the hero to use against his enemies,
such as the Voice Synthesiser, which allows Batman to imitate his enemies’ voices to trap them. Like the previous game, most of the play is through the character of Batman, however there is a total of four characters who will be able to be played by gamers. On the dark streets of Gotham City, Batman is haunted by the presence of the Joker in his everyday life, as it becomes clear that the pair share an unbreakable bond that cannot be shaken off by the hero. In addition to stunning graphics and thrilling gameplay, the game has an updated combat system and exciting side missions, which relieve the gamer from the intensity of the main game. In addition to his enemy Scarecrow, Batman is joined in the game by old favourites of the series Robin, Catwoman, Penguin, Two-Face, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn, who provide comical and interesting narratives in the gameplay.
Since its release, the game has received brilliant reviews from critics across the world, achieving an impressive score of 87 metascore on Metacritic, and has proved to be one of the best and most exciting games of the year. As the games critic Dan Stapleton states, it is “an impressive game on almost every level, with non-stop variety and great action”.
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o you’ve moved into halls, you’ve discovered who the weird housemate is, you’ve partied both harder and more disgracefully than ever before... and now what? Here are my films for the four stages of Freshers’. Your hangover is threatening to destroy Tokyo, let alone just your head. If you’re anything like me, you were daft enough to either pack your paracetamol deep within those unopened boxes or simply haven’t bought any at all. There is only one thing for it. Water, begging housemates for help, and sticking on an old classic. The only option here is to stick on The Lion King. No I’m not joking, although loud, you’ll be singing along and forgetting about the hell that is tequila by the time Circle of Life is over.
You’re missing your pet. Let’s be honest, it’s your fluffy cat or dog that you’ve left at home that you miss the most. You’re not a terrible human being, you’ll start to miss your family the first time you get a cold away from home, or as the term draws nearer and nearer to Christmas. For now, however, you really can’t go wrong with a bit of The Aristocats or 101 Dalmations. I know, another Disney film, but what better choices to see such loveable characters?
Roll up, roll up - here comes the third stage of Freshers! You’ve spent a week living off super noodles, potato, bread, and cheese. Just because you now have access to a toastie machine, does not mean all your meals should include a combination of all these ingredients between two slices of bread. Because of poor life choices, you’re now feeling somewhat under the weather... or just
A selection of the best songs to get you in the party mood.
‘Golddigga’- Kanye West ‘Chelsea Dagger’- The Fratellis ‘Shake it Off’- Taylor Swift ‘Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself’- Jess Glynne ‘When The Beat Drops Out’- Marlon Roudette ‘I Want You Back’Jackson 5 ‘Anaconda’- Nicki Minaj
Photo by bhautikjoshi / Flickr
Feel Good Films For Freshers’ Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
Freshers’ Week Playlist
plain ill, tired, and fed up with all the happy, healthy people who seem to be constantly partying under your window. Run to Essentials and grab yourself some carrots as a matter of priority before sitting down to catch Hot Fuzz to lift those blues away.
‘Talking Body’- Tove Lo ‘Ignition’ (Remix)- R Kelly ‘Bang Bang’- Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj ‘Best I Ever Had’- Drake ‘Countdown’- Beyonce ‘Senorita’- Justin Timberlake ‘Yeah!’ - Usher ‘Black Magic’- Little Mix ‘Mr Brightside’- The Killers ‘The Hills’- The Weeknd
Unpacking. Yeah, I’m on to you. You made great progress the first day while under the watchful eye of your mum. Now you just have half emptied suitcases which serve as clean laundry dispensers. Don’t leave it for months; grab a drink and get to work with a bit of Bond to keep your pace fast.
‘Omen’ - Disclosure ft. Sam Smith ‘Party Rock Anthem’ LMFAO ‘Brown Eyed Girl’- Van Morrison ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’- Arctic Monkeys ‘Year 3000’- Busted ‘Wannabe’- The Spice Girls
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Owen Sheers in Interview A brief guide to the poet and his work:
Photo by Owen Sheers
Pink Mist was a recent release of yours which focused on the soldiers of the Afghan War. I thought it was very interesting how it differed so greatly from your collection, Skirrid Hill, which many study in their classrooms. I mean they’re completely different; it’s a bit like comparing an apple to a car - its the difference between a poetry collection and a verse drama. There are competitions for poetry collections, they are what are taught, they are the standard publishing of poetry. You try and publish a verse drama and you hit wall after wall of people going, “Oh no, no”, and yet what I’m hoping Pink Mist is doing as well is saying ‘hold on, this is a very accessible reading form’. I think it is a great potential doorway into other poetry, for kids especially. I suppose it’s drawing on the two sides of my life. I’ve always written poetry and novels and I do feel that with Pink Mist I am able to draw on both those sides of the mind. Looking at Skirrid Hill, I was wondering if you could possibly tell me what the front cover shows. (To a passer by) What do you think that is? A blanket? I always thought it was either a boob or shoulder. Sand? It’s not a nose. It is a shoulder, but purposefully the photograph has been enlarged and there is a colour tone over it to really accentuate the shadows. What I wanted was both the sense of body, but not necessarily sexualised because there are poems about death in here, and also a sense of a hill - and that is kind of the shape of Skirrid Hill. It is sort of both, because that is kind of the beginning of boob and that’s the
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heers is a Welsh poet, novelist and playwright who often draws upon his heritage in his work. He may be best known to our generation as the man behind the poetry collection, Skirrid Hill, which many will have studied during their A-Level English Literature courses. This interview, however, moves beyond Skirrid Hill and also talks of other examples of his writing, his plans for the future, and reveals a few secrets of his work. What follows is a quick synopsis of Sheer’s writing, which feature in this
interview with Ruby Lyle, Newspaper Editor. Pink Mist follows the narrative of three teenagers who have been deployed to Afghanistan in a verse drama form. Based on extensive interviews with soldiers, Prink Mist not only covers the lives of the soldiers, but the effect their time in Afghanistan has on their families. Skirrid Hill is a collection of poetry which covers all facets of personal identity including love, loss, family, childhood and, of course, Wales. White Ravens is a more modern
adaptation of the Welsh mythological tale, Branwen, daughter of Llyr. Sheer’s retelling is set in the 1940s and cleverly incorporates a setting more familiar to the reader to help bring the legend back to life for a wider audience. I Saw a Man is the most recent publication of Sheers. This novel is a thriller which journeys from personal grief and a focus on the domestic, to the realms of secrecy and guilt. To say too much is to give the plot away, so the only alternative is to sample some Sheers for yourself; the sooner the better in my opinion.
shoulder, so the head is just to the left. I’ll tell you something that no one knows, I took the photograph. That isn’t even credited. I’ve never told anyone that before!
really; not in terms of fiction. I think I’m becoming increasingly interested in trying to write fiction. It’s much harder, I think, to write contemporary fiction that touches upon what we’re experiencing now because we’re too close to it and we can’t see it. I have a novel, I Saw a Man, which came out in June and is contemporary, but again there is a four, five year time lag. So I’ve got no immediate plans for adaptations of that kind. It was a fascinating experience; what I liked about it was that the brief was very open - it was “respond to the original myth”. You could respond to a single line, you could be hitting every note of the story. That’s an enjoyable ludic, intellectual exercise. But novels are hard to write, they take a long time
In many ways the scariest thing about writing a novel is choosing which novel you are going to write. You have ideas like planes, stacked up at Heathrow and it’s like, which one do you want to land? I’m thinking a lot now, and there is no real time pressure except that my most recent novel came out in June this year and I’ve learnt through negative experience that the best thing to do when you have a book come out is to be on the journey of another one already. Otherwise you feel like a bit of an empty ship, talking about this thing you’ve done, and you’re only a writer when you’re writing. You’re not a writer when you’re talking about books. So I’m thinking about that now. What to write about. What do you think should be written about?
“I’ve never told anyone that before!” White Ravens is a very pleasing adaptation from The Mabinogion. Are you, or would you in the future, consider any other adaptations? Will they necessarily be from the Welsh, or perhaps other, traditions? Interesting - White Ravens was quite a departure for me. I enjoyed adapting a myth because I feel it gives you a licence to have a mythic sense of storytelling. Sitting down in a big arm chair by a fire, “I’m going to tell you a tale”, going back to the roots of why I want to tell stories. I’m certainly interested in adaptation, but probably only for theatre or film,
“You have ideas like planes stacked up at Heathrow, and its like, which one do you want to land?” and a lot of it goes wrong before it goes right.
I don’t know, I’m afraid I really don’t know. It’s a serious question, because when you look at the range of subjects that novels are about, I think it’s remarkably narrow actually. I’ve got to say, personally I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy genre that you always find in the back of WHSmith. But it’s interesting that you say that actually, because I am interested in that. I think we also have too many defined categorisations. I’m reading Kurt Vonnegut at the moment and it is a fantastic blending of literature and science. I’m quite interested in writing about time travel , but in such a way that people don’t know they’re reading sci-fi until they read it. I always think it’s good to do different things.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
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Places to explore this Freshers’ Shalyia Arumugathasan Newspaper Culture Editor
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hen you move to the University of Kent there is not just the uni life to enjoy, Canterbury has so much to offer, and I think there are three main places you should visit. Canterbury Cathedral - This is obviously the town’s most prominent landmark and has been visited by many. It is a must-see whilst living in the area as it is a gorgeous building and holds so much history. You don’t want the first time you see it to be the day you graduate. The Canterbury Tales - There is nothing that makes living in Kent more authentic than having seen the Canterbury Tales. Especially if you are studying English and American Literature, it’s something you should really go and explore. Marlowe Theatre - The theatre constantly has great plays and musicals being performed there all year round. It is a very popular and famous theatre.
It is perfect for an occasional evening out with friends, and tickets come at a reasonable price. Plays that you should watch out for in the coming months are as follows: 1. The incredible ‘Blood Brothers’, it
was first asked to be performed at The Marlowe Theatre 28 years ago, and since then it has soared through success in the the theatre world and picked up many fans along the way. It is now back in the Marlowe to showcase its grand
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performance about two twins who were separated at birth. The moving, heart provoking musical is guaranteed to keep you entertained. 2. Wuthering Heights. This is not just a boring performance of an old classic, what you will see is an amazing ballet version of the treacherous romance that is the epitome of Wuthering Heights. The story being turned into a ballet performance is sure to enhance emotion and create a spectacular masterpiece. For all of you Bronte fans out there, I highly recommend you watch it. 3. King Charles III. Out of the these 3, I must say I am most excited about this play coming to Canterbury. I watched it in the West End not too long ago and thought it was absolutely brilliant. A play that explores the future if Queen Elizabeth were to die. It is both dramatic and a hilarious satire of the royal family. Not only do the actors do a fantastic job at playing their roles of the royal family, but make us truly consider the future with Prince Charles as King.
InQuire Monday 21 September 2015
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Who Is Your Culture Industry Idol? Shalyia Arumugathasan Newspaper Culture Editor
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he culture industry is filled with so many people flying in the high ranks, by over succeeding in their career, promoting feminism and changing the industry themselves. Currently, my culture idol is Taylor Swift. Not only has her singing career completely taken off since her first album, which was released nearly 10 years ago, but she’s made incredible changes to the music industry this year. Swift made the risky decision to remove all her music from the music streaming website Spotify, which got mixed responses across the board. Although the company does give the artists some profit every time their music is played, Swift thought this margin was not fair, especially for artists who were just breaking out. Her decision was not to gain an increased profit, but to express her opinion on the value of music. Music should be valued as art is valued as it is one in the same. This, I personally find remarkable, and taking such a great stand at such a young age is inspired. This was not Taylor Swift’s only big move this year. The 25-year-old managed to get the music company
Apple to change its policy of not paying their artists during its new three month streaming trial period for its customers.
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The approach that Swift took about this change was ultimately elegant; a polite and thought-provoking letter to the CEO of Apple is all it took for this decision to be made. An astonishing accomplishment for such a young, female artist of her time. Not only do I consider her a culture idol because of her career achievements, but because of the people she chooses to surround herself with. She’s not only conquering the latest fashions but also surrounding herself with people in the industry, for example her best friend Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne. With regards to her new ‘Bad Blood’ music video, she has included her closest girl friends to produce a music video that promotes female power and unity. Swift and her friends create a strong female group of striving young women, with booming careers and do everything they can to encourage and support each other. As social media has coined it, they portray ‘squad goals’. My reasons for picking her as my culture idol vary, but it is evident Taylor Swift has not reached her peak and we can expect many more surprises from her. Her humble and loving attitude is something you often don’t see with many famous people these days.
What To Wear This Freshers’ Our Fancy Dress Guide
Pyjama Party
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90s Party
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Blog to watch! Shalyia Arumugathasan Newspaper Culture Editor
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hen it comes to blogs, there are so many out there, about all sorts of topics, that it’s hard to decide which ones to keep up with. Currently one of my favourites to keep up-to-date with is The Londoner, which can be found at www.thelondoner.me. It is one of my favourites as it contains a bit of everything. It isn’t just about food or fashion, it covers a variety of different things. Although the recipes are probably one of my favourite parts to this blog, it also has posts about travel and a life as a whole. The blogger posts regularly and never fails to entertain, she classes the blog as covering British lifestyle, so it is easily relatable and enjoyably quirky. The travel element is great as it covers both local areas in England and also holidays abroad. It gives ideas for possible weekend trips that can be organised in the short term, but also future goal holiday destinations. Travel is always a fun topic to read about and varies from blog to blog. For example the one I recommended in the last issue focuses purely on travel and select countries. This blog is not as specific, but still makes for an interesting read. I highly recommend putting it on your lists of blogs to read and be inspired by, its not only creative but consistent.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
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Summer 2015 London Hotspot: The Carsten Holler Exhibition Shalyia Arumugathasan Newspaper Culture Editor
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very summer a fun excursion should always be a gallery or exhibition. This year, mine was the Carsten Holler exhibition, and because of this visit to his Southbank exhibition I fell in love with his work. Not only does his art create an interaction with its audience, but it shows a clear sense of experimentation. At the very beginning of the exhibition you are required to go through some tunnels whilst it is pitch black. The way to get out is by keeping your hand against the left or right wall and following it to the end. From an instance, Holler is getting you to use all of your senses, he removes sight and expects you to use sound and touch to get out and into the main exhibition. Not only is it a thrilling experience
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but everyone is in the same boat; they feel scared, exhilarated, and try to anticipate what will happen next. It also uses and abuses its central city location with outdoor aspects to the art, including upside down glasses, as well as a tall harness that you can spin
around on and see an incredible view of London. The latter activity mentioned had quite a long queue, but it was most definitely worth the experience. It makes those who come to visit think about ideas of landscape and large
spatial areas in a new light. Similarly, the upside down glasses make us view the world at a completely new angle. Additionally, the title of the exhibition ‘Decisions’ completely reflects the art work and layout of it all. You are constantly faced with decisions whilst walking around, which room to go into, what floor to go on first, its all about choice, and you don’t know whether it is right or wrong. The exhibition appeals to both adults and children and had an incredibly exciting feel to it; from the beginning to the end it was a fun experience. The exit is a slide for goodness sake! in my opinion it doesn’t get any more exciting than that. The slide finale is what really makes the exhibition. It is unexpected and really fun for everyone there. The slide once again incorporates this idea of decision. Which slide do you take? Slide 1 or 2? You wonder will they both be the same experience or will one be more fun than the other? The location allows you to go and visit other exhibitions and events in the area, being so central in London gives you so much access to other events, whilst you are already there, why not experience more?
InQuire Monday 21 September 2015
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Britain and the Bake Off
Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor
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he Great British Bake Off is now more of a national treasure than maybe even Stephen Fry (controversial, I know). But when your everyday gossip now includes topics of pavlova and whether maple syrup actually is a sugar substitute or a cheat - I have been informed that it is in fact a perfectly legitimate substitute it is undeniably a show that has gripped the nation. I mean, who doesn’t remember Bin-gate? Or the Daily Mail headlines regarding whether or not Paul Hollywood was having an affair with the contestant, Ruby Tandoh, or not. But the love of Bake Off can’t just be seen in the proverbial
water cooler conversation, but in its further effects on British society. It is almost more interesting to look at the statistics surrounding the programme than to debate who should have won star baker last week. More than 12.3 million people watched last year’s tense Bake Off finale between Luis, Richard, and Nancy. In contrast, the finale of the usually ever-popular talent show, The X Factor, only recieved an average viewing rating of 9.1 million in 2014. Furthermore, it appears that more and more people have been inspired to not only take up baking, but to attempt to make a profit from it. Simple Business Insurance has recieved a staggeringly high number of cake-related quote requests since the show began; an increase of 325% in fact. I have no intention of starting my own bakery, but I can see the effect of The Great British Bake Off in my own kitchen. Mary
Berry’s cook-books take up a significant amount of counter space, as do my array of baking suplies in varying Cath Kidston and Keep Calm and Carry On designs. However, my victoria sponges and now fluffier and my ginger bread men more numerous. Fingers crossed my new housemates choose to ignore the level of washing up that comes from these Bake Off inspired creations and instead focus on the free biscuits and cakes that will be available whenever I have time and/or need to agressively whisk. Secretly I think we all want to be in that white tent, although maybe not on the other end of Paul’s acerbic comments. (Hanging out with Mel and Sue might be fun, however, who wouldn’t enjoy that).It certainly can’t be doubted therefore that university work can wait for another time once 8pm rolls around on Wednesdays. The Bake Off fix is something we all require.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
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Looking for a job? Life Art Models Ref: 1210 5 positions £15 per hour, 2 hour shifts, central Canterbury. A local aspiring artist and art group organiser is looking for a pool of around five Life Art Models to call upon when they require models for their class.
STA Travel Brand Ambassador
Ref: 1446 £7.50 per hour, 5 hours per week, on campus. Do you go doolally over all things travel? STA Travel are looking for Brand Ambassadors to shout about STA Travel and the services they offer!
Catering Assistant Ref: 1445 4 positions £6.63 per hour, zero hours contract, Canterbury. Would you like to work close to campus? A local boarding school is looking for Catering Assistants to work on a part-time basis.
Part-Time Tutors in all Subjects Ref: 1172 20 positions £15-£25 per hour, flexible hours, various locations in Kent. Looking for work that will fit in with the rest of your studies? A Kent based tutoring company are looking for Part-Time Tutors in all subjects.
Paralegal Ref: 1031 2 positions Meets minimum wage, flexible hours, minimum of 16 hours a week, Folkestone. Are you looking for your first step into the legal world? Centenary Solicitors, a member of Simply Lawyers, are seeking two paralegals on a part-time basis.
Student IT Support Assistant Ref: 1448 Application deadline 28 September £8.00 per hour including holiday pay, 7 hours a week term time only, Canterbury. Would you like to work for your Students’ Union? Kent Union are currently looking for a student IT Support Assistant.
Warehouse Operative
Ref: 1432 10 positions Application deadline 30 September £7.25 per house plus uplift for evening and weekend work, plus bonus, full-time and part-time work available, most shifts are Monday to Friday 9-6pm, some evening and weekend work available, Sittingbourne. Are you flexible, willing and hard working? Would you like to earn a bonus and shift allowance on top of your hourly rate? A local logistics company require some assistance in their warehouse. Various shifts available to suit most timetables.
Your search is over
Project Manager Ref: 1409 Salary dependant upon experience, includes accommodation, graduate position, abroad. Do you have some knowledge of accounting and law, and an interest in housing? Do you love project work? Are you looking for a fixed-term contract for around six months and would love to be working abroad in the sunshine? A holiday home business with offices in southern Spain and Kent are looking for a Project Manager to assist the Managing Director in their Spanish offices.
Weekend PA / Carer Support
Ref: 1435 £75 per day, Friday evening 7pm to Sunday evening 7pm, parttime, Canterbury. Do you have an interest in care or support work? Would you like a job that can really make a difference to somebody else? If so, this could be for you!
Catering Assistant Ref: 1447 20 positions £8.26 per hour, shift work, Central Canterbury. Would you like to work for a prestigious school situated in the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral grounds? Catering Assistants are needed to assist at various events. Everything from drinks receptions to three-course dinners.
Co-ordinator Ref: 1442 Application deadline 28 September. Salary is dependent on experience, part-time, around 20 hours per week, days of work are flexible, Canterbury. Would you like to work for a political communications agency based in the heart of Westminster but with the flexibility to work remotely?
Bar and Promotional Staff Ref: 1428 20 positions Meets minimum wage requirements, evenings and weekends, part-time, flexible hours, various shifts available, Canterbury. Are you a bit of a night owl? Do you like to burn the midnight oil? Do you love to work in a busy, buzzing and fast-moving atmosphere? Then joining the Club Chemistry team could be the job for you.
Web Developer
Ref: 1443 Application deadline 9 October Salary dependent on experience, additional performance bonuses, flexible hours, parttime, Whitstable. Do you have experience in web development? Would you like to work for a company based in the beautiful seaside town of Whitstable? JobsFest is also running between 28 September and 31 October.
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Monday 21 September 2015 InQuire
Sport
InQuire Talks to Kent Union’s VicePresident (Sport) A
head of another year at the University of Kent, InQuire Editor-inChief, Natalie Tipping, interviewed Nina Mehmi, Kent Union Vice-President (Sport), about the year ahead and what her goals are going forward. Explain who you are and your role within Kent Union. I am your Vice-President (Sport), so my role within the Union is to represent your voice within sport, and to improve the student experience. I am what people often call the pivot between students, Kent Union, and the University. Part of my role as a sabbatical officer is to be a trustee for Kent Union, and as a trustee we are financially and legally liable for Kent Union. For any new students starting at Kent this year, what are the opportunities on offer here to get involved with sport? There are endless opportunities to get involved in sport at Kent. We have 56 clubs on our Canterbury campus, and 13 in Medway. Everything from rugby and football, to MMA and korfball. We also have college sport structures, and Let’s play
- a fun and casual way to get involved in sport. All of our clubs cater for total beginners, as well as having competitive structures. What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to new students starting at Kent this September? The one piece of advice I would give to new students starting here is to give it a go, it is never too late to try something new. I didn’t join a club until six weeks in as at first I was nervous, but joining women’s rugby was honestly the best thing I ever did!
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for life, I’m sure of it! What would you say are going to be the potential highlights this year? The highlights looking ahead would obviously be another Varsity win, we would have a headline sponsor for Team Kent, and sport would get the recognition it really deserves from the University. In terms of teams to watch, all of the teams are great, we have tennis and women’s hockey 1’s that have just been promoted to the premiership, but also have women’s football and rugby that have development teams. So we definitely have something for everyone.
“The biggest strength of sport at Kent is by far the passion of the students involved”
Photos by Kent Union and Adam Webb
What would you say to students who don’t feel like they can get involved with sport? To all of you that are thinking sport is not for you... Think again.. Everyone has a place for sport at Kent, whether that is you kicking around a football in the park with your mates, trying something new for the first time, or competing for your country. So give something new a go, you will make best friends
What are the main campaigns that you’ll be working on this year? This year my main campaigns will be getting the University to commit to free sport for all students, to ensure that the University commit to the agreement of academic free Wednesdays, which would leave Wednesdays for sport, and to improve the performance level of clubs through the support and development partnerships.
Kent Sport and the Union affiliated sports teams are often seen as very separate entities, what is happening to bridge this divide? We have lots of projects over the next year, like developing partnerships to get better support for our clubs with nutrition, strength and conditioning, and coaching. We are also running an inclusion week, and as part of that giving students access to disability sport training. What would you say is the biggest strength and weakness of sport at Kent? The biggest strength of sport at Kent is by far the passion of the students involved, it is so inspiring and motivating representing everyone in sport. I think the weakness at Kent is definitely the recognition and lack of priority the University gives to sport, we are still at the stage of having to justify why we have sports clubs, as opposed to sport being at the forefront of student experience. Obviously Varsity is a huge part of the university sporting calendar each year, why do you think it’s so important, and what changes have you made to it this year? Varsity is alway an incredible event, and we worked hard last year to make it professional and slick. Those involved have noticed the improvements to branding and transport. I think Varsity is fantastic because of the spotlight it gives to sport alone!! Finally, if you could sum up sport here at Kent in a few words, what would they be and why? Fun, friendly and easygoing. For me it is the most fun I ever had, and anyone who has graduated after having been a member of a sports club will tell you the same I’m sure.
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Look Ahead to BUCS 2015/16
Photo by Kent Union | Facebook
Patrick Kamalu Website Sport Editor
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he arrival of the new 2015/16 academic year also signals the return of the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) league, the governing body for university sport in the UK. While Loughborough University have topped the overall points table every year since the league’s inception, the University of Kent sports teams will be hoping to build upon last year’s performance, which had plenty of positive results. A number of teams enjoyed success during the 2014/15 season, such as the women’s UKC Hockey 1st team, who
recorded emphatic wins over a number of London-based universities, including a 5-1 win over University College London. Maintaining a consistent level of results will be their main priority as they prepare for the upcoming season. UKC Lacrosse also experienced success on the field as they continued their outstanding dominance over their competitors and recorded 74 points, the highest points tally out of Kent Sport’s entries. The year also saw the emergence of a strong 2nd string squad for the men’s side for the first time in recent history. They will be looking to match and exceed last year’s achievements, which
included yet another Varsity win over CCCU. The Kent Falcons, UKC’s American Football squad, will be looking forward to the new season, having already begun their preparations with the appointment of a new Strength and Conditioning coach, and the revamp of their logo. They experienced an impressive run of form during the last season and gained a large number of recruits who help to define the club spirit, which they will endeavour to emulate as the 2015/16 season approaches. Positive results from the UKC Women’s Volleyball team, the UKC Tennis squad and UKC Badminton will hopefully
continue from last year and provide ongoing momentum as the 2015/16 season gets underway. However, despite the individual triumphs, Kent ranked 69th overall in the league, which is the first time in almost a decade that they have scored outside of the top 50. UKC’s Cricket and Volleyball teams will be striving to improve upon last season’s performances as the men’s side for both sports recorded shock defeats during Varsity 2015 and underachieved by their standards in the league. Both the UKC men’s and women’s Football teams will be hoping to bounce back from
a disappointing season where both the first and second squad also suffered Varsity defeats. The men’s 1st side in particular will also be seeking to record more victories after they went six games without a win in 2014. The doors open for new recruits during Freshers’ Week, and Kent’s sporting teams will be eager to inject some vigour and new talent into their respective squads as they wait in anticipation for the arrival of the new season. Inside: Get to know VP (Sport) Nina Mehmi in our interview!