Navigator Winter 2009 by James

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NAVIGATOR WINTER 2009

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOING TO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE

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I WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY

WHATEVER YOU WANT FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE, WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE IT. I WANT TO KNOW MORE. VISIT WWW.MDX.AC.UK/YOUCAN CALL 0800 069 6112 OR EMAIL ENQUIRIES@MDX.AC.UK TO REQUEST AN UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS. MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY, LONDON

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SOCIETIES

E R I F A Contents K R A SP

COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL

RELATIONSHIPS

JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON’T GO OVERBOARD AND JOIN ABOUT 12 SOCIETIES WITHOUT THINKING IT THROUGH

YOU LEAD THE WAY

HOW UNIVERSITY COURSEWORK RELIES ON SELF-MOTIVATION

JUICY CAREER FILLING

AN EMPLOYMENT-BASED SANDWICH YEAR CAN HELP IMPROVE JOB PROSPECTS

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SET YOUR SITES ON AostNEW HORIZON students vaguely know

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AS THE UCAS APPLICATION LOOMS, LEARN HOW TO TARGET YOUR STATEMENT that the Erasmus scheme MOST

STEVEN GLOSTER

Steven Gloster (24) went on an Erasmus year was named after some sort of in 2005 which changed his life. While studying FOREIGN philosopher. That philosopher French at the university of Portsmouth, Steven LANGUAGE DEGREES is Desiderius Erasmus of HOW TO AVOID DOING THE SAME was sent to a Belgian university for a year. He WHY PEOPLE LEAVE BEFORE GRADUATION AND INSIST ON AN ERASMUS Rotterdam – who travelled Europe opposing loved the beer and cheese – and before long, he SANDWICH YEAR, WHICH dogma in the 1400s. Inconceivably, Erasmus is even had a Belgian girlfriend. CAN PUT SOME STUDENTS also an acronym – standing for the memorable I asked Steven if he found settling in difficult? WINTER 2009 NO MATTER WHAT THEIR BEST INTENTIONS, THINGS EVERY STUDENT WILL DO European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility “It’s... imagine YO if UR someone asked you to add up OFF. STEVE GLOSTER TELLS COMPLE TE GUID E TO GO INGbrain of University Students. 1,544 and 73,698. You know how your TO UNIV just LUCY BUSUTTIL HOW ONE ERSITY AN D The Erasmus scheme was started in 1987 to boost freezes for a moment? That’s what not being able COLLEGE CHANGED HIS LIFE AND UNI OFFERS YOUcultural THE understanding CHANCE TO JOIN A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIETIES across Europe by allowing to speak French was like – and it lasted, like, two WHY HE THINKS OTHER students to spend a year at a university abroad. months! Your brain is working so hard whenever STUDENTS SHOULD On most language degrees, an Erasmus year is anyone talks to you - and even when you’re just GO FOR IT PREVIEW OF NEXT YEAR’S– and UKyour YOUNG AND ENGINEERS FAIR compulsory universitySCIENTIST’S helps you to planning to speak to someone. My God, you sleep apply to one. (The whisper goes that you don’t have soundly.” IT’S NOT GEOGRAPHICAL lectures – unless they study applied ph DISTANC to be hugely academically successful – just have So how did you get through it, I ask? E THAT’S THE PROBLEM But also do things you like alone – ot EVEN COUPLES WHO Geographical distance isn’t what kills uni you’ll completed all your modules in the previous year.) “I think 90 per cent is just telling yourself: ‘I resent your partner for putting yo THE PERSONAL ADVANTAGES OF TAKING AN ERASMUS YEAR ABROADWERE INSEPARABLE relationships. If you love each other then, even on hold. You’ll have something to tell ea There’s an “Erasmus grant” to help cover the fees. can’t understand it now, but I it’s will’. a time with your own friends. if your partner goes to Inverness, not aLearning Invest AT SCHOOL STRUGGLE threat – it’s just a drag. The real problem with Increasingly, continental universities are also language is such a gradual process – you have long-distance relationships is that one (or both) WITH LONG-DISTANCE AGREE THE RULES! offering courses in English to students of other days when you think you’ve picked upMake onea visiting schedule of you can change. At uni, you areonly exposed to – and learn to THREE MIND-EXPANDING GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD RELATIONSHIPS WHEN people, a new location and new to ideas more Sounds unromantic, but you don’t wan subjects. Talented scientists can study near CERN, noun. new When you compare that the thousands than ever before. Staying with your parents in ONE GOES ON TO one who’s always travelling. A good sys for example, or archaeologists can spend a year in of words youtown, need, you can despair. But your the same on the other hand, is often slower to take turns visiting every fortnight. (U UNI. LUCY BUSUTTIL school was. new information all the time, Greece. They have to go to the trouble of convincing brain than is digesting often only last 10 weeks – so home stay Make sure, then, that you do interesting things SHARES SOME SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES FOR LONG-DISTANCE LOVE AFFAIRS TOPS their department, though, and have to learn the local even when sleep, and before you knowpart it,of your life.) together.you Make an effort to meet their new friends You also need to make it clear about TO HELP MAKE THOSE you’reand do things they like. Going out to gigs or to see both mean to each other. You don’t language separately to their studies. speaking French.” hav

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GREAT ESCAPES 35Erasmus.indd 35 POINTING THE WAY TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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films is, of course, difficult long-distance. But you can borrow their books and DVDs and tell them what you thought of them. (You liked them, of course!) Maybe accompany them to one of their AS

HAVING MORE VARIETY IN YOUR DIET THAN JUST A TIN OF BAKED BEANS

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RELATIONSHIPS WORK

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what you’ll do when you graduate, or na future

Jack Russell – but you should agr Winter 2009 NAVIGATOR you are35 important to each other and tha

FOOD OF LIFE

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COMING OUT OF YOUR SHELL

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want to be together.

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ALL PULL TOGETHER

THE TOP FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU SURVIVE YOUR FIRST TERM AT UNI

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Editor James Donald l Designer Kathleen Rayfield l Writers Lucy Busuttil, Katy Parkes, Gareth Bracken Navigator is published by Educate Ltd, 84 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 OBE, 020 7902 1200. The opinions in the articles are those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of Educate Ltd or any associated personnel. Educate Ltd, the Editor and Publishers of Navigator do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any of the personal opinions therein. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of Educate Ltd. The paper used for Navigator is made from sustainable wood pulp. email: info@educate-direct.com

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COURSE WORK

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COURSE WORK

You lead the way How is university different from school? Katy parkes finds out what it takes to succeed

n the first day of school everyone is given a timetable which dictates where, when and what people are doing. At university some courses only have five hours a week of scheduled lectures and seminars. Academic learning is dramatically different between the two and the transition between them takes some time to get to grips with. But which is more beneficial? I asked students what the differences are and which environment most suited their learning styles.

Self discipline The first I find are huddling under an umbrella hiding from the rain, gave me a short answer; “self motivation”. Everyone I asked repeated this idea that university is all about learning independently. There is no legal obligation to go to university therefore it is expected that we should be reading, researching and forming opinions alone in the library. Sarah Kerr, studying Bio Medical Science believes that success at university “is all about personality, who can motivate themselves to put aside social occasions to work”. At school Sarah was a hard working student and achieved good grades whereas at university she admits “I have got so far behind with reading I just do not know where to begin. I didn’t think I would be as bad as I am at keeping on top of assignments, but when no one is threatening me with detention it just does not get done”. Whereas Vicky Gumbley who studies English Literature enjoys the flexibility of working when she wants, “at school lessons were structured, play was structured, nothing required thinking for yourself. Instead of

people disciplining me at school, at university I have to discipline myself”. Sean Cahill tries hard to put “aside time for seminar and lecture reading so I am able to build on ideas in seminars and keep up to pace with the lecturer, some of them talk fairly erratically”. The old saying that the more you put in the more you get out rings true for any university student.

relevant research Another common denominator among the responses was research. At school there were several subjects to study and a very regular intake of work to be marked. Whereas at university students are able to scratch below the surface by preparing for assessed deadlines weeks in advance. Vicky enjoys the detail and commitment she is able to achieve in her essays given “that I have the time to put hours and hours into essays that are limitless and ambiguous questions rather than knocking off a question that is designed to take 30 minutes”. Michael Johnson, studying Town Planning, found school work “pointless” compared with his university assignments which “are applicable to life, my dissertation on sustainability is so relevant to how we live our everyday lives and I would like to think that I am asking and challenging unanswered questions. That is exciting, rather than Pythagoras’ theorem”. University libraries are full of respected and relevant academic works, students are encouraged to form opinions from critical analysis of previous work both scientific and art based, as opposed jumping through the rings of a national curriculum.

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teaching styles

Special interest

Dan Baker, studying Town Planning, believes the greatest difference between university and school to be the teachers themselves. Everyday contact between teachers and students leads to a close relationship where the teacher is seen as more than an encyclopedia. School is designed to be an environment where children develop into their on person whereas the academic side of university revolves around expanding knowledge. Dan goes as far to say that “at school the teacher’s priority was to teach and support us, but at university the lecturers have the priority of research. Obviously there are exceptions, but the fact that many lecturers have not been teacher trained is evident in their inability to explain their ramblings and most importantly engage everyone in the lecture theatre”. However, Alistair Maclure, studying History, relishes the opportunity that university allows; “I am taught by people who write the books, all my reading lists include the names of my lecturers, how could academic work be more exciting”. Chloe Howe, also studying History, goes on to say that “still it amazes me that our seminar debates and essay arguments lead to new interpretations of an area closely researched by our lecturer”. Many students are intimidated to go and discuss essay ideas and problems due to their academic renown. But one on one the impersonal nature of a lecture theatre is eliminated and a strong teacher student relationship that many undergraduates appreciate can be achieved.

Practical differences such as lecture theatres or classrooms, national curriculum or university modules shape the two environments. At university people are there because they share a special interest for their subject. Sarah Twomey, studying English Literature, enjoys seminars where a group of like minded people are “sharing intelligent and imaginative ideas”. Everyone I have talked to does spare a remark for the seminars where no one talks or either rely on the same person each week to be the spokesperson. At university the responsibility is on the students not the teacher to lead discussion. If people have not done the work then the exercise is redundant, so it comes back to self motivation. Dan Baker, firmly believes he preferred the learning environment of school where “no one was intimidated to have a say in classroom debate. I have tried at university to recreate the schedule where you work from 9 till 3 then finish and go home, unfortunately I get distracted and hungover”.

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Driving passion An endless debate will continue between the benefits of school compared with university but we must conclude. Evidently it is a personal matter and everyone going to university has to adapt to a very different learning environment. As long as the drive that made you apply to university is still there then university will serve to nurture it and the benefits are fruitful and plentiful.

AC M C C FE ST O SE FO TH LA C UT G SE NC The benefits PR M are fruitful AN and plentiful G TIO TE UD TE E NE G AT C ND

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WORK PLACEMENTS

Juicy career Filling Graduation is no longer a passport to employment and students are starting to panic about their future careers. Lucy Busuttil talks to Leo Baker about what he is doing to IMPROVE his job prospects on a sandwich year

Practicalities

to do a year in industry have to ask their lecturers to defer their final year and set everything up themselves. “Some people think it’s better to do a sandwich year by deferring a year – because you don’t have to pay the university fees”, Leo says. “But I’m happy to still be a student because, even though I pay Hull half-fees, I don’t have to pay council tax because I’m still a student. Hull is assessing me this year – I’m going to write an essay about my experience – so I feel I’m contributing to my studies, not just taking a break.” I notice that Leo hasn’t mentioned placement years in English literature, history or philosophy – can’t humanities students do this? “Errr... no!” Leo admits. “A sandwich year is a paid year – you’re working for the company – it’s not work experience. I don’t know any museums or publishers that don’t already have loads of volunteers, so I’ve never seen a placement like that.”

The first challenge is explaining to your university why you want to take a year off! Some universities – like Leo’s university, Hull – are such fans of sandwich years they’ve built a gap year into their business degree. Others – like Liverpool business school, Leo says – don’t do anything to encourage placements. Students there who want

“Sandwich years are a chance to test-drive a career”, Leo says. “My friend Wei-Ying was dead-set on a career in paediatry – but after her year in a hospital, she changed her degree to a management course, because she didn’t like it.

’ve come to Manchester to meet someone on a sandwich year – a year spent working in industry between the second and third year. Leo Baker, 22, is taking a year off his business degree to work in HR and management, the field he eventually wants to find a job in. Leo (pictured) works for the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) – an independent charity that encourages science, technology, engineering, maths and business students to do a “Year in Industry”. For 25 years, the trust has been persuading businesses to hire sandwich year students and helping students apply to the businesses. Leo’s role is to visit schools and promote the scheme – explaining why his year has been valuable to him, and how it could be to them.

Why do it?

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WORK PLACEMENTS

“That might sound negative”, he says. “But it’s much better than realising you don’t like your chosen career after three years of uni and a lot of debt. It’s a chance to slightly change your direction – or, if you like your year, kindle a passion for your subject”. (Presumably though, it’s less disappointing to realise you don’t like your chosen career path on the EDT’s ‘Engineering Education scheme’ – a six-month placement for students who have just finished sixth form and are considering higher education.) So what are the advantages? “Sandwich years are work – you’re getting paid”, Leo says. “But you also have the safety net of everyone knowing you’re a student. You can see where you’re at and where you need to be. You might realise there’s something you really need to know before you return to work – like you need an MSc, or an IT starter course! “For me, it’s made my lectures more real – it’s helped me realise how everything I’ve studied works in practice”, Leo says. For businesses, offering a placement satisfies Corporate Social Responsibility demands – they’re showing that they’re helping young people and supporting the industry. “Many use it as a recruitment programme – they choose a student with a process like a job interview”, Leo says. “Then, if they perform well, they’ve got first

dibs on him/her when they graduate.” For students, it’s also a chance to make contacts. Even if you can’t guarantee a job from the year, you have someone to ask for advice - and maybe help you when you enter the scary job-seeking world. (Geoff Parks, the director of admissions at the Cambridge University School of Engineering, sits on the board of the EDT – so that’s a helpful friend if you want to do further study!) Quinti Q, a corporate body of the Ministry of Defence, calls their sandwich year a ‘one year job interview’ – like Alan Sugar, they’re getting talented people to jump through hoops at a cheap price!

Making it count The EDT refuses to partner any businesses paying less than minimum wage. Some universities allow their students to do placements for no pay, if their millionaire Daddy insists they’ll be able to live. But Leo is adamant there’s no point. How can employers know that person’s going to bother to stay the whole year? And why should they? I ask Leo if some students are neglected because they’re only there for a year. “I don’t know”, he answers. “I suppose not every year is successful for everyone. But for me, I never felt I

was getting anything less than the best projects except in my last two weeks!”

Recession There’s only one black cloud in Leo’s sunny picture. The recession has seriously damaged the ‘Year in Industry’ scheme. “We had students going to an oil refinery for many years”, Leo explains. “But the business had to lay off a thousand workers this year. So they told us they can’t let their Trade Union find out they’re hiring a student – with no family to support – to do a job one of those workers could do! They’ve quit the scheme we worked so hard to build.” To make matters worse, more students are now applying for sandwich years. When Leo applied, 60 members of his business school looked for placements. This year, it was 168! Clearly, people are trying to stay in education for longer – to ride out the recession – and are realising they need more than just a degree on their CV. But that’s just making sandwich years more of a prize. Leo tells me his year is the best thing on his CV – and that he’s learned a lot. Unlike the other thousands of students who’ll hit the job market in 2011, Leo knows what he wants from his career and how to get it – priceless knowledge in these unstable times.

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GET IN TOUCH

NAVIGATOR WINTER 2009

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WEB www.clubnav.com You can also tell us which unis you are interested in just by filling our online form. Go to www.clubnav.com and click where it says “Register for Info”. Simple.

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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOING TO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE

SCH OOL /CO UNI LLE VER GE SIT Y

You never write, you never call. Now there is no excuse. There are four ways to get in touch with us to receive more information from universities and colleges and to make sure you receive your next free copy of Navigator magazine. So choose a way and we look forward to hearing from you.

NAVIGATOR WINTER 2009

HELPING HAND

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Information is key when it comes to choosing your uni. And we can supply that information. Get in touch by any one of the four ways above and we will make sure you receive further information from any of these unis listed below, or all of them if you fancy it. Sit back, relax and wait for information to come straight to you.

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City University London

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Future Doctors

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University of Glamorgan IE University, Madrid International Academy Middlesex University Regent’s College London Teesside University Thames Valley University Trinity University College UWIC Winter 2009 NAVIGATOR

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ADMISSIOINS

SET SITES ON A IN THE LAST WEEKS BEFORE THE 15 JANUARY UCAS APPLICATION DEADLINE, KATY PARKES OFFERS ADVICE ON HOW TO TARGET YOURS

n 2009, the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) estimated that 30,000 applicants failed to get a place at university or college. Many of them will re apply this year, placing huge strain on admissions. Now more than ever applicants will be nervously tracking their applications online, waiting for the that elusive offer. Many applicants only have the personal statement to show why they should be offered a place. Universities and colleges place different emphasis on personal statements, Durham University take a lot from a personal statement because they see it as “the most objective way of determining academic ability; merit and potential”. Therefore it is better to ensure it is simple, concise and your own work. Samantha Palmer, now in her second year at Oxford Brooks was forced to take a gap year after the similarity detection software program on UCAS recognised that her personal statement was downloaded from the internet. Although several people I have talked to have complained the word limit is too restricting, all applicants are in the same boat so just work within the space. The UCAS website offers the essential dos and don’ts at www.ucas.com. Sarah Twomey, a third year English Literature, warns everyone to be careful of spell check. “After I had sent off my

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ADMISSIONS

NEW HORIZON

personal statement to UCAS I realised the spell check was on American mode, z’s everywhere”. With more and more people competing for one place grammatical and spelling errors are careless ways to let yourself down. Emma Derry Evans, did not send her application through UCAS “because I was applying to Trinity College, Dublin I applied through Central Application Office, Ireland. All I needed to do was specify the course I was interested in. There is no interview process with Dublin. So I didn’t have to withdraw Euros and catch a plane for an interview, that would make rejection worse.”

THE INTERVIEW Competitive courses such as medicine do require an interview. Mary Parkes, currently applying for medicine says that “interviews have varied from place to place. Some were intimidating and very structured with testing questions on a wide range of topics. Whilst some focused on my character others tested knowledge areas. One didn’t even mention my personal statement.” Nikki Trevett a third year medicine student thinks “interviews are important in something like medicine, because the ability to communicate with strangers and explain oneself verbally is essential to being a doctor. If you struggle at an interview it doesn’t bode to well for the future”. The Student Room advices people preparing for an interview to dress smartly

and to not expect or accept fizzy drinks or food, a mouth full of Danish pastry or salted pretzels is not too impressive. For more interview techniques visit www. thestudentroom.co.uk, the website offers very accessible and practical advice. The myth that interviewers are there to catch you out is false. Nikki assures me “that they are there to help draw information out. Remember to stop listen and think about each question. Also I know someone who had exaggerated the truth on their personal statement, and they happened to base the interview all around it”. Interviews tend to end with an opportunity to ask questions, and it is advised to “interview them as much as they interview you”. However keep questions relevant, Chris Parnell a medical student at Birmingham advises that you have prepared some questions before you go in. “For one thing it will mean that you have read around the subject area, which is essential”. A good starting point is information on the targets and challenges of the course provided by many university departments in their prospectus or website. In the rush to get there punctually do not forget ID, exam certificates and proof of work experience. Nikki tells me just as she is leaving that “everyone seems to think that everything rides on the interview. It is important and a really good opportunity to trump it. But applicants must remember that the interview is one part of the application”.

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ara Di Placito was accepted at Liverpool University studying Law but dropped out and is now an undergraduate of Sociology at Cardiff University. “After the autumn semester I had decided I really wanted to drop out I really didn’t enjoy my course, there was so much work that was either dull or difficult and to my surprise I wasn’t enjoying the student lifestyle either. The nights at the Union were poorly organised and never a good turn out. The campus was massive, and although this sounds lazy, halls were miles away from University. I didn’t tell a lot of my friends that I was dropping out until it were a sealed deal. I know my parents would have put pressure on me to stay if I hadn’t wanted to re apply. Liverpool tried to convince me to stay offering me alternative courses but I wanted to go somewhere else, doing something else. The actual administrative process was simple; all I had to do was fill in some forms in the law building. But contacting the Student Loan Company (SLC) was a much longer process. After dropping out I had to immediately reapply via UCAS to meet the deadline. I really do not regret my decision. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like graduating this year with a law degree but I know that doing Sociology at Cardiff was both the city and the university I was looking for.”

Shazia khawaja Dropping out of university is a leap of faith into the dark which can often led to regrets. Four ‘Drop outs’ share their experiences with katy parkes and explain why they have made the right decision

Shazia Khawaja is doing a Masters in International Relations at Cardiff but dropped out of Cardiff Law after the first year. “Very early on I became very disillusioned with the course. I had envisaged many more debates and discussions about the ambiguities and ethics of law. Instead I struggled to motivate myself to memorize and regurgitate complex statutes and cases. Basically I knew I would be spending three years studying something I didn’t want to do well in. It was tricky to come to terms with the fact that I would graduate a year later than all my friends but I made a wide circle of friends through societies. My father had been encouraging me to do Law since GCSE and it was his coaxing that made me complete a whole year and when I did drop out he was very disappointed. After discussing the decision with him I knew he would be far more disappointed if I had got a poor degree. My mother wanted me to study a course I enjoyed. Therefore I transferred to English Literature still at Cardiff University. I too found the process of changing course very easy, the head of the English Department was helpful and sympathetic. I am completely satisfied with the decision I made. University is about exploring

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DROP OUTS

and pushing your own intellect, developing your own opinions. English Literature has given me the opportunity to read even more widely and engage with texts on a critical level. The one thing I regret is not making the decision sooner.”

JEN WOODS For two years Jen Woods studied English Language at Cardiff but she decided to quit and embark on her life long dream to study Music, she is now in her first year. “I stopped going to lectures after one year and four months and started playing more and more music. I officially dropped out after 2 years, and transferred courses over the summer. I stopped English for the one big reason that the feeling of doing English for the rest of my life was dull. Deep down I’ve always wished to do music but I thought I lacked the necessary qualifications. It got to the point where I had to bite the bullet and give it a go, if I got a place on music it was meant to be. My parents were worried because of the extra work load, but they knew how much it meant to me and have been very supportive. After I had got a place to do music it was a very quick process, I just took a form to the English Department to be signed then I was out of there! I do not regret the decision it was the best one I have made. I did benefit from starting English as I know the levels of work required and I am incredibly settled in Cardiff to start again. I have never worked so hard in my life, but I have never been happier.”

ARNOLD TUCK Arnold Tuck accepted a place at Southampton University to study English Literature only to realise it was too far from home. “I lasted about three months. I wanted to drop out because I missed the familiar. I missed my family, friend... even the dog. I hadn’t formed any solid friendships at Southampton to ‘replace’ the people whose absence I was struggling with the most. Also I didn’t enjoy the course – Southampton is obsessed with Beowulf. My parents were very supportive, in fact they did not want me to stay as long as I did. For me the decision was gut-wrenchingly long, but the paperwork is alarmingly quick. Once I had dropped out I filled out job applications relentlessly for a month which led to eight months working for Media Wales selling advertising space and then onto the marketing department. I applied to Cardiff which is where I live and gave English Literature a second chance. My first year at Cardiff was one of the best years of my life. I have made wonderful friends.”

My parents were very supportive, in fact they did not want me to stay as long as I did

challenges ahead The negative connotations with the label “drop out” does not apply to any of the above cases, in fact the converse they all earn my respect. They are proof that dropping out of University should not be seen as an easy option or a proof of failure. Even with endless open days and research under your belt going to university is a complex decision and nothing can prepare you for the challenges you may meet when you arrive. The real failure would be to turn a blind eye to the all the other options and opportunities available to all.

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16/12/2009 13:17:16

JOIN THE JOIN THE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE

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To find out more about our leading Art, Design and Media, and Music and Performing Arts programmes, as well as our other degrees including Business and Management, Computing and Administration, Construction, Education, Engineering, and Health and Care, visit our website or come along to one of our Open Events. Find out more online.

Tel: (01206) 712777 www.colchester.ac.uk

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The top 1o things you never thought youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do as a student... but end up doing anyway. Lucy Busuttil lists the cliches everyone succumbs to. How did we start out so sensible?

Some first year girls think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s witty to come to an early lecture after a night of drinking in PJ bottoms and UGG boots

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STUDENT LIFE

your fate awaits you 1. Eating three chicken kievs in one day Even if you could cook before you got to uni, nobody can when they’re there! Something about poverty, laziness and the tedium of cooking for one means you will see more chicken kievs in your first year than you did in your entire life before. Don’t worry – it’ll wear off by your second year, when you’ll feel sick at the thought of them. (This also applies to all the unhealthy things you buy because your Mum’s not controlling the money – like microchips and Aero-flavoured yoghurt. There’s a reason she didn’t buy them – they’re disgusting!)

2. Going to school in PJs There are some things students think are fashionable that everyone else thinks are stupid. A classic? Some first year girls think it’s witty to come to an early lecture after a night of drinking in their PJ bottoms and UGG boots. This is particularly popular in the computer suites, where some people bring their cup of tea. While you boys laugh, please remember that chaps fall prey to similarly stupid fads – like beer funnels and ‘Daffy from N-Dubz’ hats.

3. Pulling an all-nighter to do an essay A-Level scheduling seemed easy. You got a piece of sugar paper, you wrote down when the exam was, then you revised before it. That’s how you got into uni, right? But student time is different to rest-of-thepopulation-time. Weekends are the days you also do nothing on. Noon is breakfast. Four AM is when you stop playing World of Warcraft. It’s no surprise, then, that deadlines appear out of nowhere and you have to down a pro-plus, fill a cafetiere and lock yourself in your room to study. The loss of motor function and emotional coping ability that comes with sleep deprivation (you end up in the library sobbing: “I’ve got two minutes to the deadline and the printer’s brokee-en”) makes this an emergency-only technique. Many students, though, take pride in only doing essays this way. It’s the same logic GCSE students use – if they’d tried, they would have got an ‘A*’ but they didn’t, so a ‘D’ is a bonus. Macho.

4. Getting a new look At college, you laughed at the emos who hung around on the lawn. But now you’ve got a whole new group of peers to impress, and being yourself doesn’t seem to cut it! Suddenly, people feel the need to reinvent themselves – by becoming a uni eccentric. For some, this means joining a clique – becoming a ‘Rowing ra’, an ‘Ultimate frisbee dude’ or a ‘People and planet leftist’. These types can be found at every university – as well as ‘the guy who wears a full suit to every lecture’, ‘the goth who wears platforms in a hailstorm’ and ‘the lecturer who doesn’t smell so good’. Uni is the last time you can have dreadlocks, pink hair or a tongue piercing – so experiment as much as you can!

5.Coming home in a trolley Even if you were your sixth form’s resident ‘Frank the tank’, everyone gets floored by alcohol in a whole new way at uni. For me, it was vodka red bull. I’d like to say go slow – but let’s face it, you’re not going to learn until you’ve been face down in the gutter yourself and filmed for a Sky news segment about the dangers of binge drinking.

6. Getting into an argument about toilet roll At home, you never have to put toilet roll on the hanger and it never runs out. So it doesn’t seem like something to argue about. Until your hallmates throw it at some girls/ forget to buy more/ buy more but buy the greaseproof ‘Tesco value’ variety. The same goes for milk. That poor sucker who everyone calls ‘Uptight’ for marking a plimsoll line on the bottle? That’s the person who actually bought it! So cough up for ‘quids in’ and never touch anyone else’s food. Sounds strict, but it’s how you get popular (or avoid being unpopular).

7. Watching Neighbours When your Mum asked you to watch Neighbours with her, you thought she was tragic. But now, you’re tuning in everyday to see if Lyn will reveal her terrible secret to Rebecca.

Same with Hollyoaks! Before uni, you thought the cast was a sad gang of lingerie models posing as actors, tediously bemoaning their non-existent problems in an ugly suburb full of mock-Tudor semis. But compared to the intellectual standard of most students’ conversation, it’s War and Peace. (Outsiders are confused by how students can study interesting subjects yet have phenomenally dull conversations. It’s sadly true – even postgrads only discuss what they drank last night, how bored they are of their workload and how infrequently their housemates pay the gas bill.)

8. Gain or lose weight So the cliché goes, boys gain weight at uni – after discovering beer and kebab-meat pizza – and girls lose weight – because they don’t cook or eat. Neither is healthy. Remember that students still need to exercise and that apple vodka isn’t a five-a-day.

9. Fall for an urban legend “The library is sinking because the architect forgot to factor in the weight of the books” “If your roommate dies, you’re guaranteed to pass your exams that year” “The bell tower is closed at exam time because someone once threw themselves off it” None of these stories ever happened, yet they circulate round British universities (in varying forms) like glandular fever. Each uni has its own stories, and finding people who’ve fallen for them (often journalists in student newspapers!) is half the fun.

10. Get fresher’s flu Students bring diseases from all over the country to universities. Then they weaken their immunity with late nights, drinking and the ‘chicken kiev diet’. They when they get sick, they realise they should have bothered to sign up to the university medical practice. Don’t get caught out! Stock up on lemsip. If all else fails, go home for some TLC.

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societies

COmE out of y

Just make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go overboard and join about 12 societies without thinking it through

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societies

f your shell Going to university means you can join a student society. They range from sports to winnie the pooh and are a great way of getting involved, says gareth bracken

Takes allsorts University societies really do have something for everyone. Here are a few of the more unusual ones we’ve found: Pembroke College Winnie the Pooh society This University of Cambridge society has been running since 1993 and boasts the Queen as a member. For £2 a year they offer regular meetings - where Pooh stories are read and discussed - as well as trips to Hundred Acre Wood and a Garden Party. University of Warwick Cheese and Chocolate Society Offering fondue nights, tasting sessions and themed socials this society has proved to be a popular one - especially as it’s only £3 to join. Members can also get involved with trips to Cadbury World in Birmingham. Sheffield Universities Guild of Change Ringers Known as SUGCR, this society is all about the art of bell-ringing. During term time they ring at St. Marie’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sheffield City centre. There are regular practises and even a separate session for beginners.

our first couple of weeks at university will be a daunting time. That’s nothing unusual, it will be the same for everyone, even those who attempt to pretend otherwise. One way you can help yourself settle in is by getting involved with a few societies. People will often tell you just as much without really giving you guidance as to how to go about it. It isn’t always as easy as it looks and the world of societies can be an overwhelming place - both when you’re deciding which ones to join and once you’ve actually joined. However they are also a fantastic way of meeting and getting to know new people so it’s worth making the effort. With that in mind, here’s some advice on how to get the most from the society-scene.

What to join? The bigger universities will have societies for pretty much every hobby, game, cause or interest imaginable. Even the smaller unis should still have a good range. Therefore the chances are that there will be a society that immediately appeals to you. If you love dance then join the dance club. If you love acting then join the drama club. If you love computer games then - anyway you get the idea. So once you have your main interests covered the next point to consider if how far out of your comfort zone you fancy going. Are you prepared to try something new? Before you know it you could be learning Chinese, writing poetry or broadcasting on student radio. It can be really refreshing to get involved with something you wouldn’t usually consider. Just make sure you don’t go overboard and join about 12 societies at once without really thinking it through. It’s great to be keen and obviously you’re allowed to try things out but if deep down you know you’ll probably have forgotten about half of them by the weekend then it’s really just a waste of both your time and theirs.

How to join The reason it can be easier than you might think to get carried away with joining societies is down to societies fairs. They’re extremely useful and often good fun but can also involve quite a lot of information being thrown at you. Most universities will have them and they’ll generally consist of something along the lines

of a big hall filled with stalls representing each society. Those manning the stalls will often be giving out flyers containing more information or perhaps even handing out the odd freebie - pens are a particular favourite. Some stalls will have a sheet where you can sign-up which is what makes it so easy to simply put your name down for everything going. Don’t be afraid to have a chat with a stallholder without actually signing up. Take a leaflet or a website address and have a look at it in your own time. Of course if you’re sure about joining a particular society then go for it. Some may want a membership fee so it’s always worth finding out exactly what you’ll get for your money. It’s also useful to know what days/times they meet - it’s annoying to sign up for something before realising it clashes with your most important lecture.

Getting involved Most societies will have a website and/or a regular email update which they’ll use to keep members informed of the latest news. There will usually be some sort of intro meeting where new members can meet and have a chat - and most probably a drink. These are always worth going to as you can get a feel for the kind of people you’ll be spending your time with if you decide to persevere with the society. It maybe doesn’t come naturally to everyone but it’s worth trying to be as sociable and outgoing as possible. Most people there will be pretty nervous at first and it’s amazing how much they relax and come out of their shells if someone with a bit of personality and character starts chatting to them. Obviously if you’re meeting in a pub or bar then as the drinks flow people will naturally relax anyway, but try not to be the one who gets blind drunk and makes a fool of themselves - do that and you may find people a little less keen to chat to you next time! With regard to the actual society itself, whether you’re going along just because you enjoy painting or rock music or whatever it’s all about or whether you have an eye on moving up the ranks within the group, the best advice is simply to get involved as much as possible. Go to as many meetings as you can, go to as many socials as you can and get to know as many people as you can. This will become easier as the weeks go by and before you know it you’ll be the one giving out the advice to someone new wanting to join your society.

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PROFILE

Teesside offers a brighter future Mohamed Hamad, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Mohamed is a second-year electrical and electronic engineering student at Teesside. “I’ve always been fascinated by the electronic, design and practical side of computers.”

006146 Teesside Big Bang 148x115

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Top of the class

high graduate employment rate

His first-year modules included Engineering Mathematics, Physics and Instrumentation, Digital Electronics and Microprocessors, and Mechanics, Materials and Programming. “This last module was great because it was all practical work. It involved understanding circuits and the components of circuits (resistors, capacitors, switches, diodes) – I could really get stuck into it. I’m definitely glad I chose this degree. “In the second year, we moved on to build circuits theoretically using computer programmes before progressing to using the hardware. The best bit is the teaching. Lecturers take it at a level we all understand – the pace is excellent.” Next year Mohamed will be doing a year’s work experience with a local electronic engineering company. “I’ve applied to BAE Systems, amongst others. I hope my placement year will help inform my future career plans. It’s not unusual for students to receive a permanent job offer with their placement company on graduation.“ And it’s not all work. Mohamed plays rugby for the University team in the British Universities and Colleges Sport league. ‘I’ve been playing soccer all my life but I started playing rugby here and I’ve completely fallen in love with it.’ Meet more students online at www.tees.ac.uk/science&engineering

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Science & Engineering

“I’d heard of Teesside’s reputation and high graduate employment rate both generally and, specifically, for engineering.” In fact, Teesside is ranked within the top 10 modern universities for graduate prospects, according to The Times Good University Guide. Backed up by maths, chemistry and biology A levels, Mohamed felt well equipped for his BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “I hadn’t previously studied physics but it wasn’t a problem – we were given plenty of support.”

work experience

23/10/09

Teesside is University of the Year

• • • • •

Professionally accredited courses Employer Mentoring Scheme State-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories Realistic crime scenes and court room BEng and MEng engineering courses

Courses include: • Biology, Chemistry, Food Nutrition • Crime Scene and Forensics • Computer and Digital Forensics • Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Control, Design, Electrical and Electronic, Instrumentation, Mechanical • Music Technology • Trading Standards and Consumer Protection To find out more visit www.tees.ac.uk or call 01642 342499.

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17/12/2009 11:36:50

MAKING AN IMPACT

The Big Bang

Introducing the biggest and loudest careers show you’ll see all year. From fashion to gadgets or nature to space… if it’s your passion, then make it your life.

AWARD WINNING SHOWS

 Brainiac Live  BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory

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 See it before anyone else does

The Big Bang - Bringing science and engineering to life!

The trade mark BIG BANG is the property of Big Bang Limited and is used here under licence

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A great day out

It’s Back From stunning shows to cutting edge technology, the big bang could be your biggest, loudest and best day out in 2010... and it’s all free www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

f you made it along to London in 2009 for The Big Bang, you already know how great it was. If you didn’t, don’t worry…we’ve got an even bigger spectacular planned for you in 2010. Taking place at the fantastic Manchester Central venue in the heart of Manchester, this year The Fair is going to be bigger and better… and we’d love to see you there. 2010 will see The Big Bang play host to fantastic shows like Brainiac Live – the show that laughs in the face of science and the BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory. The Royal Institute is also presenting their famous Christmas Lectures for the first time in the UK outside London. I can also tell you that the quality of this year’s National Science and Engineering Competition entrants is outstanding. Whether you’re there to showcase your own entry, or to feast on some of the ridiculously inventive ideas that other students have had, you’re in for a treat.

Pick a job, any job Ever wondered how you get to make computer games? Or design Formula 1 cars? Or how you can make your ideas – whether for gadgets, buildings or computer games come to life? Maybe you’ve dreamed about working in space exploration? Perhaps you’d like to help invent a new, clean power source to help clean up the planet? If so, we’ve got good news for you…we can help. Not only will some of the best and biggest companies around be at The Fair - so you can ask them about the jobs they have and how you could get one - but we’ll also have dedicated careers advisors on board to answer all your questions and help point you in the right direction.

pleasure – at The Big Bang. “The Big Bang looks like it’s going to be a really fun event, and we can’t wait to get there,” said Brainiac’s Dan Coleman.

Bang Goes the Theory Bang Goes the Theory will also be in the house putting science to the test. The team from BBC’s show for “anyone who is remotely curious about life, the Universe and pretty much everything” will be there especially for you.

ROYAL INSTITUTE CHRISTMAS LECTURES: 300 MILLION YEARS WAR Repeated for the first time in the UK, The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures come to the Big Bang in Manchester 2010. Plants are at war! For over 300 million years, they’ve developed many terrifying and devious ways to defend themselves and attack their enemies - animals. Vicious poisons, lethal materials and even cunning forms of communicating with unlikely allies are just some of the weapons in their armoury.

Bend it like Beckham Who says football players can’t be physics geniuses as well? Certainly not us…in fact we can prove it. Welcome to the fabulous Bend it Like Beckham show which uses pioneering engineering technology to reveal scientific truths in a way you’ve never seen them proven before. Goal!

PUNK SCIENCE

The thrill of it all

More like a stand up comedy gig than a lecture, Punk Science explodes on stage bringing science, engineering and technology alive through video, live music and bizarre experiments. Always ‘full on’, the audience participation looks more like a stage invasion at Glastonbury than your average lab.

The Big Bang will feature some of the loudest, biggest and best shows you’re going to see this year…and they’re absolutely free.

What could be better? How about we make it free?

Brainiac Live Do you want to laugh in the face of science? Then come on down and join Brainiac Joe on a breathless ride through the weird and the wonderful. That’s right…Sky’s multi awardwinning show will be appearing – for your

That’s right, it will cost you absolutely nothing to get in. Whether you go on Thursday 11th or Friday 12th March with your school, or on Saturday 13th March with your friends or family it won’t cost you a penny. Find out more and book your place at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk. See you in Manchester in 2010!

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“THE BIG BANG LOOKS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BE A REALLY FUN EVENT” BRAINIAC’S DAN COLEMAN

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The numbers game

IT all adds up What’s the connection between football, computer games and music? Why, it’s maths of course!

rofessor Marcus du Sautoy is not just any mathematician. In addition to being Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, he holds the Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science. If that wasn’t enough, he’s also in demand as a television presenter, with credits including the BBC TV series The Story of Maths. We’re also lucky enough to have him as a celebrity judge at The National Science and Engineering Competition finals, which are being held at The Big Bang. We caught up with Marcus to get the big story about big numbers.

You’re judging the National Science and Engineering Competition finals at The Big Bang. Have you had any surprises? I was surprised by the range of science that was on show…that was really exciting. It went from the really geeky end of people exploring the equations of maths and how they can predict things in space through to very practical applications of technology. That’s the beauty of science…it ranges from explaining the universe to helping you do practical things.

What does the competition offer students? It gives the chance to explore beyond the curriculum, which is vital in education. It shows the beauty and excitement of cutting edge science and gives the space to explore something that obsesses you, and that’s what science is about…getting fascinated by one little thing and celebrating that.

Some people think that the joy of maths hasn’t been communicated well. What do you think? I think that – in the other sciences – there is something tangible that you can talk about, but maths is often quite abstract. The challenge is to connect the abstract ideas to the world. Our modern world is founded on mathematical ideas…we couldn’t talk on the telephone or communicate through the internet without the skills of abstract mathematics and cutting edge science. It will also be the key to solving the problems of the future like climate change.

So you think people should be more aware of how maths fits into everyday things? Yes. Take computer games, for example. Every time you play a game you use mathematical techniques of logic and order to plan your strategy. Many games grew out of mathematical ideas. All those people who play games maybe don’t realise that to create such a realistic world – whether in FIFA 2010 or Assassin’s Creed – you need mathematical programming. The gaming industry in England is craving mathematicians so a lot of the gaming work has to be outsourced to mathematicians abroad.

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There’s a big correspondence between music and mathematics because the mind is searching out structure and patterns

What’s your favourite number? 17, because it’s the number I play for in my football team, and it’s a prime number. Prime numbers are one of the biggest mysteries in maths. They’re the building blocks of our world, but we don’t understand them at all and we can’t find any patterns in them. There’s a million dollar prize for the person who can understand these numbers. They’re also the key to internet cryptography…if you understand prime numbers you can crack codes on the internet, so they’re of immense practical importance.

You’re also a musician, is there a big link with maths there? Totally, there’s a big correspondence between music and mathematics because the mind is searching out structure and patterns. People tend to think of maths as being about long division to lots of decimal places and multiplication, but it’s actually about structure and patterns and that’s what music is about.

So we should think about maths as a creative thing? What people don’t realise is that maths and

science are incredibly creative subjects. There is a lot of intuition and creativity involved in doing science and mathematics... perhaps even more so in maths as you have more freedom to create new worlds. Entry for the National Science and Engineering Competition has closed for 2009 with our winners set to be announced at a gala awards ceremony at The Big Bang. Make sure you stay tuned to www.nationalsciencecompetition.org for details on how to enter in 2010!

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16/12/2009 13:29:11

BeScenta advertorial:Layout 1

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How do I become a radiographer? You need to complete a professionally recognised degree level course. This is a pre-requisite if you hope to register as a radiographer. Your fees will be paid for by the NHS meaning less worry for you about building up debts whilst at university.

Diagnostic or Therapeutic?

If you choose to study for a BSc Radiography at City University Radiography encompasses two distinct groups. Diagnostic London not only will you be in the heart of the capital, you’ll radiographers use the latest technology such as X-ray, magnetic benefit from professional training placements in some of the resonance imaging (MRI), computed most prestigious hospital Trusts in the country. tomography (CT) and ultrasound to All based in the London and Essex area. Your develop detailed, high-quality images time will be split 50:50 between academic study of patients for the diagnosis of injury and on placement. This is essential for building “One of the best things about or disease. Therapeutic radiography up practical experience and understanding before the job is feeling like you are concentrates solely on the treatment of you start in full-time employment. cancer, using detailed imaging methods to really making a difference to pin-point key areas for treatment (e.g. Your learning outside of placement will be done someone’s life. I also like the drugs, surgery or radiation) which can then via lectures, seminars and through clinical chance to work with some very experience gained in the Saad Centre , one of the be individually tailored and delivered. Many patients require long-term treatment, sophisticated and cutting edge best equipped clinical skills centres in the country. Learning is also aided by the use of WebCT, an so relationship building skills in the equipment”. – Elaine Dockerty innovative software system allowing students practitioner are essential. Across both specialist areas effective communication (Former Radiotherapy student to learn interactively, test themselves and view and the offering of support to both patients lecture notes. at City University London) and families is paramount. The City courses combine the challenges of academic and practical study helping you to What sort of person does it take? develop the best of your skills in both an Academically you’ll need to have three A levels at grade C or intellectual and caring capacity. above; plus five GCSE’s at grade C or above including English, Maths and Science. Or if you’re studying for an Access to Science What are the career prospects and how much qualification and are likely to achieve 75% of available level 3 can I earn? credits you’ll be eligible to apply at City. On top of that you’ll also need: Starting salaries are around £21,000 plus extra payments for working weekend or night duties. Prospects for progression and � Good communication skills. You’ll need to communicate promotion are excellent with opportunities for postgraduate with patients of all ages and their families who may study and self-development courses allowing specialisation or sometimes be frightened or uncertain. At the same the move into management or teaching. Work can also be found time you’ll be working alongside doctors and other in the private sector and within industry research, development medical staff and training in both the UK and overseas as the qualification is internationally recognised. A specialist can expect to earn up to � An interest in the sciences such as anatomy, physiology, around £40,000 with post-consultant roles paying £80,000 plus. physics and leading edge technology � A supportive and caring attitude � The ability to be adaptable as radiography is a constantly evolving subject

Find out about studying for a BSc in Radiography Diagnostic Imaging or BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology at www.city.ac.uk/radiography or call 020 7 040 5780.

� Good decision-making skills and to be quick and efficient

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You can make a difference_advert:Layout 1

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you can make the difference BSc Radiography BSc Optometry

You're looking for something special. So are we. If you've got a passion for science and technology paired with good people skills a degree in Radiography or Optometry could be for you. We'll prepare you for a rewarding career as a health professional with excellent prospects as we're proud to have one of the best graduate employment records in the country. Find out more about degrees at City at www.city.ac.uk/bescenta or call 020 7040 5780.

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Pleased to meet you

bright sparks At The Big Bang you’ll get the opportunity to meet people who are already making waves in some of the most exciting jobs you can imagine. To find out how you can make your own splash, come down and join us at Manchester Central in March 2010. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up some movers and shakers for you to get to know. You can find out more about them all – including how you can follow in their footsteps – by visiting www. thebigbangfair.co.uk/ pleasedtomeetyou.

When the chips are down Intel is firmly focused on making the technology today that will shape our tomorrow. To find out what happens behind their doors, we spoke to Anthony who has a foot in both IT and business camps. Name: Anthony Moglione Job: Business/Systems Analyst, Intel Background: Degree, Business Information Systems “The job and all the skills are fully transferable…and the industry is going to be around for a long time. It’s constantly changing and re-energising itself. If you look at Intel, we’re getting into new areas like schools and into healthcare…we’re changing what the future should be.”

Dig deep Since signing on with Shell, Poonum Parmar has already travelled around the world. And, as a Reservoir Engineer, her career is only just beginning. Here, we find how Shell’s graduate programme took her where she wanted to go. Name: Poonum Parmar Job title: Reservoir Engineer, Shell Background: Masters in Chemical Engineering “I look at reservoirs and analyse how much oil I can get from them. I work with a geologist and a geophysicist to model it, and then I take that model and put wells into it and try and predict how much oil we can get. ..Everyone says that their job is different, but I can truly say that is the case for me. Also, in Shell there is such as range of diversity that it makes me really love working for this company. “

On a mission to Mars Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence can truly claim to be ‘reaching for the stars’. As well as winning the prestigious IET Young Woman Engineer of Year award, she has been part of a team which helped send a NASA mission to Mars. Not bad for a 27-year-old at the start of her career, I’d say. Name: Hanna SykulskaLawrence Job title: Engineer and space scientist Background: PhD, Electrical and Electronic Engineering “I’ve always known [I wanted to be an engineer]. When I was born I immediately

grabbed for Lego…I’ve always been about creative and logical thinking, so it was just about working out exactly what I wanted to do. “…A lot of the hardware I’ve developed has been in micro-technology, so that’s something I’m quite interested in. I’m also interested in new and upcoming technologies, like quantum computing, which are very exciting…I’d like to get involved with them as well.”

Making it better Sarah Cowan works for Siemens in their healthcare division, rolling out some of the latest medical technology to diagnose and treat people. Name: Sarah Cowan Job title: Marketing Communications Executive, Siemens Background: Masters in Business “One of the advantages is that there are so many areas you can move into…you’re not pocketed into one space. Also, in healthcare, it’s really interesting to see what’s out there and we really have some fantastic pieces of kit. “ Come down and meet some more movers and shakers at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/ pleasedtomeetyou

Power up You may take the electricity that feeds your house for granted… but you probably shouldn’t. Keeping energy lines open is a challenging job and it’s also a very rewarding one. We spoke to Chris Buggins, an apprentice from Central Networks, to find out more. Name: Chris Buggins Job title: Overhead Linesman, Central Networks Background: City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Technology Engineering “I’m very happy here right now, and the good thing about the company is that there are loads of opportunities to rise and progress. You can go into project management and areas like that… the company is there to help you through it. If you enjoy excitement, being ‘hands on’, seeing different things every day and being outside, I can’t think of a better job. There’s so much varied work you can never get bored.”

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PROFILE

WHO DUNNIT AT HENDON ? MIDDLESEX UNIVERISTY TAKES YOU TO THE HEART OF YOUR CHOSEN SUBJECT . CHOOSE FROM COURSES IN CRIMINOLOGY, COMPUTING, SCIENCES AND HEALTHCARE

he reconstruction above took place at Middlesex University earlier this year, when school students worked with Middlesex staff and students, analysing DNA samples in Middlesex’s biological science laboratories with the latest techniques and state of the art equipment to identify the alleged “killer”. Middlesex students get a lot of hands-on experience, whatever their subject. You can choose courses across subjects which affect all aspects of daily life – IT, health, scientific developments and personal wellbeing. Middlesex’s School of Engineering and Information Sciences offers a range of computing, multi-media and computing management degrees. Middlesex also runs the first forensic computing degree in the London area, where students spend time in a newly-built high-tech forensic lab, learning to use specialist equipment to investigate computer crime such as identity theft or credit card fraud. Students studying graphics or design may be particularly interested in Middlesex’s degrees in Computing, Graphics and Games, and Product Design. Middlesex considers applications from students studying for a range of A-Levels. There are plenty of opportunities to learn practical skills too, such as designing and making computer-based objects. Earlier this year, two Middlesex PDE students won the gold WorldSkills UK Award, for their design and programming of a Festo Robotino mobile robot. Middlesex staff and students have also worked with presenters of Channel 5’s popular Gadget Show. If you want to work with people, then

Middlesex’s School of Health and Social Sciences probably has the perfect course for you. This School offers a range of vocational degrees in subjects such as criminology, social work, nursing, midwifery, psychology, environmental health, social science and politics.

MODERN FACILITIES Middlesex’s new science laboratories are in the Hatchcroft Building, on the Hendon campus, which opened in 2008 and this is where most science research and teaching takes place. Current research programmes at Middlesex include work on how cancer develops in the body, observing babies’ development in a specialist BabyLab and research into communication using podcasting and interactive mobile devices. The facilities and laboratories at the Hendon campus include some of the most advanced equipment available today. Middlesex teaching staff have an excellent reputation and many are recognised experts in their field. Middlesex also offers degrees in sports disciplines such as Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention, Nutrition and Exercise Psychology. There are excellent sports facilities at the Hendon campus, and some 2012 Olympic hopefuls are following degrees at Middlesex, combining studies with their training programmes. The University offers several Scholarships and Bursaries which can contribute towards students’ funding. Student accommodation is available in halls of residence. There is a wide range of sports and social clubs, and Middlesex students can also take advantage of cultural and other events in central London, which is only 30 minutes away.

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MEDICAL COURSES

BE PREPARED

veryone knows that medicine is traditionally one of the hardest courses to get into as it is so over subscribed. Potential medical students need all the help they can get to give themselves an edge when it comes to their application. Future Doctors was founded to help prepare these students before they start their application process. A Future Doctor course will help boost the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application and show what life as a medical student is actually like and open their eyes to the work that is involved in becoming a doctor. Future Doctors courses are run by experts who have years of experience and therefore give an unparalleled insight into what is in store. Future Doctors offer courses and school-based seminars which give a taste of life on the medical course, explain what sort of work trainee doctors are asked to do and even help prepare medical applicants for interviews and entrance exams. They also show them the skills they are expected to perfect by the time they come into contact with real patients. This should not only fuel their enthusiasm for the profession but by educating them on reforms within the NHS Future Doctors can make sure there are no unpleasant surprises. Here are some courses that Future Doctors run. Check their website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.futuredoctors. co.uk to see details of future courses as well as their web-based courses

THE INTERVIEW SKILLS COURSE The Medical School Interview Course is designed to improve your ability to discuss common topics that may be raised at interview. Future Doctors will show you how to lead the interview to your advantage and provide mock interview scenarios.

COMMITMENT TO MEDICINE Basic certificate: This one day course is designed to provide you with an overview of the body systems approach to basic anatomy and physiology. Future Doctors will then show how these systems apply to Medicine and Surgery. Medical Schools teach using the body systems approach. This approach fosters understanding of normal structure, function and disease in an integrated and holistic way. Advanced Certificate: In this course Future Doctors will put eight sub-specialties under the microscope. Individual sessions will be chaired by doctors passionate about their relevant fields.

CLINICAL SKILLS COURSE A two day program designed to teach you how doctors approach diagnosing the unwell patient. This includes clinical cases, investigations, history taking and the principles of life support.

BASIC CERTIFICATE: THEORY

GETTING ONTO A MEDICAL DEGREE IS HARD ENOUGH, BUT THEN MANY STUDENTS FIND THEY ARE UNPREPARED FOR THE WORKLOAD AHEAD. FUTURE DOCTORS SHOW POTENTIAL STUDENTS WHAT IS IN STORE ď Ź Clinical Case analysis, History taking, Bedside and Advanced Investigations. ď Ź Cardiovascular Examination ď Ź Respiratory Examination

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE: PRACTICAL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 DAY ď Ź Basic Surgical Skills ď Ź Hands on clinical examinations ď Ź Laparoscopic Surgery ď Ź Ultrasound scan Medical diagnosis begins with history taking and clinical examination. The Clinical certificate

courses will teach you to perform clinical examinations, recognise common problems and give you the opportunity to practice. Appreciating how doctors diagnose will give you insight into clinical teaching at Medical School. This will set you apart from the crowd in your Medical School application process. Tying surgical knots and suturing are skills that all doctors need to use. Future Doctors will demonstrate and teach you how to do it. These practical, fun exercises both give you an idea of whether Surgery is for you and also give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skill. www.futuredoctors.co.uk

Web Based Courses...London based Courses...Hands on Clinical Skills Courses

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CAREERS

THE BIG BANG IS MORE THAN A SPECTACULAR SHOW, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SPECTACULAR CAREERS AND LIFE THAT YOU CAN HAVE. THINK OF IT AS THE BIGGEST, BEST AND LOUDEST CAREERS SESSION EVER, WHERE YOU DECIDE WHAT DIRECTION IT TAKES

NICOLA HANNAM

YOUR CHOICE

t The Big Bang, we can introduce you to a world where you could work with robots, make the machines and medicines to cure people or even send people into space. You could also be on the frontline in saving the planet from climate change by making greener cars or other technologies that use low carbon energy…the choice is down to you. If you come down and meet us, we can help you get to where you want to be. Nicola Hannam, Head of Education and Careers at The Science Council, explains: “The Bang is a fantastic place to meet scientists and engineers and see some of the great jobs they do. We’re encouraging you to meet ‘real life’ people so you can ask them anything you want to about what they do: what kind of person they are, how they got to where they are today and what are the best (and the not so good) things about their jobs.” As part of the experience, careers quest lets you make your way around The Fair according to what areas you’re interested in. It’s a great way to see how the subjects you’re doing at school are used by people in the real world. Along the way you can meet some of the most interesting companies, colleges and universities where you could work, train or study, and some of the people – just like you – who are already there. It’s also a

great eye-opener to the kinds of jobs you can get with science and maths-related qualifications that you may not have known about. Even better, you have the chance to pick up a free goodie bag!

HANDS ON The Big Bang is also a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on the kinds of cutting edge gadgets and machines that you normally only get to see on TV or read about. They’re there for you to play with and for you to see how they fit in with what you’re studying at school, as Nicola explains: “It’s a great chance to have a lot of fun with some amazing ‘hands on’ technology and also to meet people and explore the enormous range of jobs that are available from studying science and maths related-subjects.”

“WE’RE ENCOURAGING YOU TO MEET ‘REAL LIFE’ PEOPLE SO YOU CAN ASK THEM ANYTHING YOU WANT ABOUT WHAT THEY DO”

to see what journey you’d like to take at The Big Bang. What does Nicola advise? “Before you visit, I’d suggest you visit www.futuremorph.org so you can get an idea of some of the unexpected places where science, technology, engineering and maths can take you. It’s also well worth visiting www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.”

SPEED NETWORKING

ON YOUR WAY?

In a hurry to get where you’re going? Not a problem, speed networking will be there to help. It’s your quick-fire way to meet people and quiz them about their careers and to expand the number of jobs you know about as quickly as possible.

So, apart from the shows, the gadgets and the sheer ‘wow’ of it all, why should you come along to Manchester Central on 11-13 March? We’ll leave the last word to Nicola: “This will be the best, most interactive careers conversation you will have this year”…we can’t say fairer than that (apart from that it’s free, of course).

GETTING READY With so much to do and so much to see in one day, you might first want to do some research

Visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk to find out more.

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e r i f a k r a p S

ost students vaguely know that the Erasmus scheme was named after some sort of philosopher. That philosopher is Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam – who travelled Europe opposing dogma in the 1400s. Inconceivably, Erasmus is also an acronym – standing for the memorable European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. The Erasmus scheme was started in 1987 to boost cultural understanding across Europe by allowing students to spend a year at a university abroad. On most language degrees, an Erasmus year is compulsory – and your university helps you to apply to one. (The whisper goes that you don’t have to be hugely academically successful – just have completed all your modules in the previous year.) There’s an “Erasmus grant” to help cover the fees. Increasingly, continental universities are also offering courses in English to students of other subjects. Talented scientists can study near CERN, for example, or archaeologists can spend a year in Greece. They have to go to the trouble of convincing their department, though, and have to learn the local language separately to their studies.

Steven Gloster Most foreign language degrees insist on an erasmus sandwich year, which can put some students off. Steve Gloster tells Lucy Busuttil how one changed his life and why he thinks other students should go for it

Steven Gloster (24) went on an Erasmus year in 2005 which changed his life. While studying French at the university of Portsmouth, Steven was sent to a Belgian university for a year. He loved the beer and cheese – and before long, he even had a Belgian girlfriend. I asked Steven if he found settling in difficult? “It’s... imagine if someone asked you to add up 1,544 and 73,698. You know how your brain just freezes for a moment? That’s what not being able to speak French was like – and it lasted, like, two months! Your brain is working so hard whenever anyone talks to you - and even when you’re just planning to speak to someone. My God, you sleep soundly.” So how did you get through it, I ask? “I think 90 per cent is just telling yourself: ‘I can’t understand it now, but I will’. Learning a language is such a gradual process – you have days when you think you’ve only picked up one noun. When you compare that to the thousands of words you need, you can despair. But your brain is digesting new information all the time, even when you sleep, and before you know it, you’re speaking French.”

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ERASMUS SCHEME

Steven warns, though, that other Englishspeaking Erasmus students can hold back your progress. “I have an English friend who, no lie, came back from his Erasmus year and couldn’t speak a word of French!” Steven says. “He’d been studying French for three years! He just didn’t make an effort to speak to people. I have to admit that he dragged me down – it was so easy to just go out drinking with him, or stay in drinking and torturing our neighbours by throwing sugar lumps at them.” “I forced myself to order baguettes and make friends – that’s the only way you learn”, Steven explains. “At first, French was gibberish – not a language at all – so I told myself I was in a play! If you smile, no one notices your nonsense grammar – and no one complains if they don’t understand if you want your baguette now, in the past, in the future or in the plu-perfect tense.”

Post-Erasmus syndrome Steven warns, though, that the biggest danger of an Erasmus year is not the first couple of months – but returning home afterwards. Steven suffered: “post-Erasmus syndrome” – where, after a year of parties, new friends and wild new experiences

he was shocked to be thrown back into the same shabby town, boring family and tedious schoolwork. “I was being French!” Steven exclaims. “And then I was just studying French. It was such an anticlimax.” Life at home hadn’t changed – but Steven had. After all the excitement of being someone rare and foreign – with his “cute Briddish accent” and bizarre method of keeping cheese in the fridge – Steven had to accept just being a normal person. “The biggest problem was my friends asking ‘What was your Erasmus year like?’” Steven says. “How can you explain a year that broadened your horizons that much? They didn’t even really want to know – they want a one-sentence answer, then go back to chatting about their problems and football. I didn’t feel I fitted in any more.” Steven tells me he just hung out with his English friend from the Erasmus course when he first returned to Portsmouth. But he eventually realised it was only their experience they had in common – he was just an idiot who liked throwing sugar lumps. The other problem? Erasmus years are academically, a bit of a doss. Language students

joke that it’s impossible to fail one – the standard of language taught at their host university is often laughably lower than what they studied the year before. After all that socialising, third year – where the exams count, and the workload gets turned up – is a shock. Universities should be doing more to help these students - but sadly, most are totally clueless about Post-Erasmus syndrome. Steven says, though, that his culture shock only lasted a month. His wanderlust, however, was permanent.

Where’s Steven now? The Belgian girlfriend didn’t last. But Steven’s Erasmus year sparked a fire in him which has sent him on a one-man language mission around Europe. “I did try getting a job in an English office when I graduated”, Steven explains. “But I just couldn’t bear it! So I moved to Genoa and I learned Italian within a few months. I teach English in a primary school now – I love showing the kids the thrill of a new language. When I’ve lived here for a couple of years, I think my next stop will be Spain. I’d love to learn Spanish.” And after Spain, I ask? “The world!” Steven laughs.

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Media and Performance (LSFMP) is aaoffers new programmes in subjects ranging from addition to2010 Regent’s LSFMP NEW FOR - TheCollege. London School of Film, Media and Performance (LSFMP) is new programmes in subjects ranging from addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP offers NEW FOR 2010 The London School of Film, Media and Performance (LSFMP) is a new programmes in subjects ranging from addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP offers Screenwriting Producing to Acting and addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and programmes inand subjects ranging from Media and Performance (LSFMP) is aoffers new addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP offers Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and programmes in subjects ranging from Media and (LSFMP) is a new addition toPerformance Regent’s College. LSFMP offers Screenwriting and Producing to gaining Acting and programmes in subjects ranging from Global Theatre, with aa focus on programmes in subjects ranging from Global Theatre, with focus on gaining Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP offers programmes in subjects ranging from Global Theatre, with a focus on gaining Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and addition to Regent’s College. LSFMP offers programmes in subjects ranging from Global Theatre, with a focus on gaining Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and practical experience that complements Screenwriting and Producing to Acting and practical experience that complements Global Theatre, with a focus on gaining programmes in subjects ranging from Screenwriting and Producing to Acting practical experience that complements Global Theatre, with a focus on gaining programmes in subjects ranging from Screenwriting and Producing to gaining Acting and and practical experience that complements Global Theatre, with a focus on academic learning. Global Theatre, with aa focus on academic learning. practical experience that complements Screenwriting and Producing to gaining Acting and Global Theatre, with focus on gaining academic learning. practical experience that complements Screenwriting andwith Producing to Global Theatre, a focus onActing gainingand academic learning. practical experience that complements practical experience complements academic learning. Global Theatre, with that a focus on gaining practical experience that complements academic learning. Global Theatre, with athat focus on gaining practical experience complements academic learning. learning. practical experience that complements •academic Foundation in Acting learning. •academic Foundation in Acting practical experience that complements academic learning. ••academic Foundation in Acting learning. Foundation in ActingIndustries* • BA (Hons) Creative in ActingIndustries* academic learning. ••• Foundation BA (Hons) Creative Foundation in Acting (Hons) Creative Industries* ••• BA Foundation in Acting BA (Hons) Acting Creative Industries* in Acting and Global Theatre* •• Foundation BA (Hons) Creative Industries* in Acting BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* ••• Foundation BA (Hons) Creative Industries* Foundation in Acting BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* BA (Hons) Creative Industries* Foundation in Acting • BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* Creative Industries* BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Acting and Global Theatre* BA (Hons) Creative Industries* ••••Foundation in Acting Screen Writing and Producing BA (Hons) (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* Creative Industries* •• BA Screen Writing and Producing Acting Global BA (Hons) Creative Industries* Screen and Writing andTheatre* Producing • BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* • BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Acting and Global Theatre* ••BA (Hons) Creative Industries* BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Acting and Global Theatre* •• BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Acting and Global Theatre* BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing BA (Hons) Screen Writing and •••BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre* BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Producing • BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing •**BA (Hons) Screen Writing and Producing Subject to validation Subject to validation * Subject to validation

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UCAS Code E77 UCAS Code R18 UCAS Code E77 UCAS Code R18 UCAS Code E77 UCAS Code R18 UCAS Codeour E77business programmes in UCAS Codeschool R18 with an action-centred We design A dynamic UCAS Code E77 UCAS Codeschool R18 with an action-centred We design our business programmes in A dynamic We design A dynamic UCAS Codeour E77business programmes in UCAS Codeschool R18 with an action-centred UCAS Code E77 UCAS Code R18 We design our business programmes in A dynamic school with an action-centred consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from UCAS Codeour E77 UCAS Codeschool R18 consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from We design business programmes in A dynamic with an action-centred UCAS Code E77 UCAS Code R18 consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from We design our business programmes in A dynamic school with an action-centred UCAS Code E77 UCAS Codeschool R18 consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from We design our business programmes in A dynamic with an action-centred ensure that we equip you with the most highly contemporary programmes that meet UCAS Code E77 UCAS Codeschool R18 We design our business programmes in A dynamic with an action-centred ensure that we equip you with the most highly contemporary programmes that meet consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from We design our business programmes in A dynamic school with an action-centred ensure that we equip you with the most highly contemporary programmes that meet consultation with the business community, to and practical focus; you will benefit from UCAS Code UCAS Code R18 We design our business in highly A school with an ensure thatE77 we equip youprogrammes withand theexpertise. most contemporary programmes that meet consultation with the business community, to anddynamic practical focus; you willaction-centred benefit from sought after skills, knowledge the requirements of a rapidly changing

Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s College, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1Web: 4NS, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk www.regents.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Regent’s Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 Web: 4NS,www.regents.ac.uk UK Tel: +44(0)20College, 7487 7505 Inner Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 Fax: +44(0)20 7487 7425 Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Web: www.regents.ac.uk

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Private Private Private Private Private Private Private

Higher Higher Higher Higher Higher Higher Higher

Education Education Education Education Education Education Education

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16/12/2009 13:45:45

GAP YEARS

Stand out from the crowd When you teach 30 kids in china a nursery rhyme, seeing their achievement is just magical

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How voluntary experience can help boost your career 17/12/2009 11:57:03

GAP YEARS

head start G After 13 years of exams, many students want a year off before starting uni. Lucy busuttil recommends three mind-expanding gap year opportunities

oing straight to uni straight after A-Levels can be an anticlimax. Everyone promises you’re going to have your mind blown by the excitement of new friends and parties – but returning to sitting with books and notes in the library feels suspiciously like an achievement treadmill. You should be thrilled by studying your new subject – not bored by it. Gap years, then, can be a perfect chance to take a well-earned break. University will wait for you (unlike most jobs) and, at this point in your life, you have no mortgage, kids or pets to tie you down. These three gap year suggestions won’t break the bank – but will change your life.

WWOOF World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a membership charity that was set up to help city dwellers learn farming skills by volunteering on organic, biodynamic and communal farms around the world. You work for free, but the farm gives you your meals and board. For anyone who harbours ‘Good Life’ fantasies – maybe hoping to set up an allotment or discover permaculture – this is the perfect opportunity to try farming without leasing a ranch and a tractor and spending £5,000 on fertiliser! American Hannah Dunby (20) says ‘woofing’ for a month on her gap year was the best fun she ever had. She joined a communal farm in Hawaii which grew corn and vegetables to sell in a farm shop to locals. “It was paradise”, she told me. “In Hawaii, stuff just – grows! The only work I had to do was picking corn for a couple of hours a day – I’m pretty small, but it was hardly strenuous. And then? After a delicious homegrown meal in the canteen? I spent my time exploring Hawaii, going to the beach, watching stunning sunsets and making new friends!” But Ben Davies (25) was not so lucky when he went to a farm in Fife, Scotland. “Because I’m an epileptic”, he said, “the owners refused to let me use the bath – health and safety nonsense. Because there was just that one bath, I couldn’t wash all month! And not in a ‘hearty country way’ – just in a smelly way. The work wasn’t so hard, but I felt trapped – I didn’t have a car, so I couldn’t explore my surroundings.” If you think the differences between their experiences was just the difference between Hawaii and Scotland, never fear – once you’ve become a member of WWOOF, you choose where you apply, and can do your research before you get there.

Inter-rail

Inter-rail is the greatest European travel opportunity ever invented – yet it’s still woefully underused in Britain. In 1972, the train companies of Europe collaborated to offer cheap travel with ‘interrail’ tickets. Now, under-26-year old European citizens can buy one month’s unlimited train travel around Europe for £359. The catches? You can’t use the ticket to travel in your own country (so you’ll have to pay for Eurostar) and some countries charge ‘reservation fees’. “I’m always sick on ferries, I find cars claustrophobic and I hate planes” says inter-railer Lara Bradshaw (21). “But I love trains. You get to watch the countries merge and the scenery change as you travel. You also see local people on trains – like the guy I saw eating a whole lemon, skin and all, in Sorrento, or the Dutch emos I started a chat with.” But doesn’t the cycle of new cities and hostels get you down after a few weeks on the road? “No – you sleep on the train!” Laura insists. “Really – you can pay a bit extra for a ‘couchette’ (bed) on overnight trains, and you’re rocked to sleep as you go. It’s cheaper than a hostel, and you arrive in a new city refreshed!”

TEACHING ENGLISH Chinese, Korean and Japanese school pupils, university students and adults are all desperate to improve their English. If you’re willing to work for a pittance and sleep in a tiny concrete flat, there are dozens of agencies that can organise a teaching job for you. “China’s not a foreign country – it’s a foreign planet”, says Sally Heywood (20), who taught English in a small rural Chinese school for a year. “I really tried to learn Mandarin – but it’s ludicrously difficult for Westerners. So when you teach those 30 kids ‘baa baa black sheep’ or ‘heads, shoulders knees and toes’, seeing their achievement is just magical!” Sally explained that the children she taught weren’t learning English from scratch – they had English vocabulary, but needed to learn grammar and sentence construction. Crossing the language barrier was no challenge with such well- behaved children, she says, and making up lessons was creative and fun. I ask Sally how she found Communist culture. “Weird stuff goes on in China, I don’t deny it”, she says. “There’s a lot of ‘saving face’ – where people lie to make things sound better. But meeting individuals – making amazing bonds with children and local people – was a once in a lifetime experience. I still email my new friends, and I can’t wait to go back to visit next year!”

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RELATIONSHIPS

Keep love hanging on Even couples who were inseparable at school struggle with long-distance relationships when one goes on to uni. Lucy busuttil shares some tops to help make those relationships work

It’s not geographical distance that’s the problem Geographical distance isn’t what kills uni relationships. If you love each other then, even if your partner goes to Inverness, it’s not a threat – it’s just a drag. The real problem with long-distance relationships is that one (or both) of you can change. At uni, you are exposed to new people, a new location and new ideas more than ever before. Staying with your parents in the same town, on the other hand, is often slower than school was. Make sure, then, that you do interesting things together. Make an effort to meet their new friends and do things they like. Going out to gigs or to see films is, of course, difficult long-distance. But you can borrow their books and DVDs and tell them what you thought of them. (You liked them, of course!) Maybe accompany them to one of their

lectures – unless they study applied physics. But also do things you like alone – otherwise you’ll resent your partner for putting your life on hold. You’ll have something to tell each other. Invest time with your own friends.

Agree the rules! Make a visiting schedule – and learn to drive! Sounds unromantic, but you don’t want to be the one who’s always travelling. A good system is to take turns visiting every fortnight. (Uni terms often only last 10 weeks – so home stays a big part of your life.) You also need to make it clear about what you both mean to each other. You don’t have to know what you’ll do when you graduate, or name your future Jack Russell – but you should agree that you are important to each other and that you want to be together.

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RELATIONSHIPS

if you fundamentally don’t trust your partner or don’t believe they’re a good person, it already doesn’t work

In some ways, you’re blessed. Remember how annoying this person can be when they’re around all the time, eating your crisps and not picking up their bottle caps. My friend told me she liked only seeing her boyfriend at weekends – because when they saw each other, it was romantic and they focused on each other completely. (She also didn’t have to shave her legs all week.)

Don’t drink and ring Nothing is worse than arguing over the phone. When you’re not there to hold each other’s hand, anything you say can be misinterpreted. This is also a pitfall of text messages, MSN Messenger and email. Obviously this is multiplied at 2am after a few blue vodka kicks. Emotions are heightened and tempers frayed. Try to wait until the next day and see if you still mean the things you wanted to say. And girls – try to accept that, if your boyfriend says something ambiguous, and one of the meanings makes you feel insulted, and the other doesn’t, he meant the other.

Keep them updated Yes, the phone is often your worst enemy. But it should be used to keep your partner updated. Let your boy/girlfriend know your little triumphs and despairs, and what’s going on in your life. There’s nothing worse than going out with your boyfriend’s friends and hearing them plan

a mini-break to Brussels you haven’t even been told about. Or finding out that your girlfriend is playing at an open-mic night through Facebook. It’s easy to become strangers without effort – and to let the friends who do know what’s going on in your life fill the gap.

You can get sad and, maybe, fish for reassurance. But you can’t check their phone (they’ll find out, and you’ll look psycho) or stop them making new friends.

Try not to be controlling

Remember how you fell out with your old friends in sixth form and made new ones? A tragedy of growing up is that everyone does it at different speeds. You grow out of some friends you once had everything in common with. Others grow out of you. If it happens in your relationship, forgive yourself – and end it cleanly. It’s wrong to break up with someone by text or email, yes. But phone, contrary to popular custom, is acceptable - sometimes you’ve grown apart to the extent that a long train trip and a painful meeting aren’t necessary. Everyone feels pressure to become friends straight away – especially if you have a friendship group in common. But sometimes you need time before that’s possible. Remember that if they hurt you, they can’t expect you to be their friend right off. It will make them feel better if you pretend to be fine, but that’s no reason why you should. And don’t be a diva. Remove all the info on your Facebook page. That way, no one has to see a ‘In a relationship’ become ‘Single’ – it’s not their business.

The less in control of something you are, the easier it is to be controlling. I know a girl who missed her French boyfriend so much she set her phone to alert her when he read her text messages – so that she could time how long it took him to reply to them. There but for the grace of God... If you fundamentally don’t trust your partner, or don’t believe they’re a good person, it already doesn’t work – distance or no distance. Long-distance, you can’t guarantee that your partner will be there when you’re sad. You will have to go to some parties alone. You can’t control this – so you have to accept it’s worth it.

Watch your jealousy! Some people think being a good boy/girlfriend means never getting jealous. Not true. Everyone likes it when their partner is a bit insecure – because it shows they care. It’s the psycho, cutting-up-clothes-feeding-you-dogfoodstabbing-the-other-girl-in-the-eye bit that’s upsetting!

If all else fails... break it off well

Make a visiting schedule - and learn to drive! Sounds unromantic, but you don’t want to be the one who’s always travelling

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16/12/2009 13:51:37

COOKING

food of life Lucy busuttil gets her oven gloves on to show you how to survive on a limited budget in the kitchen and still eat well

Egg fried rice Serves: 1 One small teacup of rice One egg Two tblsps of sunflower/vegetable oil Two rashers of bacon Half an onion One clove of garlic Frozen peas 1. Set a pan of water to boil, then add the rice for the number of minutes it says on the packet. (A small teacup is a good measure for one person’s serving.) 2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan. 3. Dice the onion and garlic and add to the frying pan. 4. Cut the bacon into strips, then add to the frying pan. 5. Finally, throw the peas in the frying pan. 6. When the rice is cooked, drain it and throw it into the frying pan. Move it round quickly so the rice absorbs the oil and goes golden. 7. Break in an egg, and move around very quickly – to make sure the egg is spread around evenly, but not overcooked. 8. Serve immediately!.

Blue cheese pasta Serves: 4 Two tblsps of olive oil 500g spaghetti One onion One clove of garlic 150g blue cheese (eg Dolcelatte) Two big handfuls of frozen broccoli florets A knob of butter 1. Set a pan of boiling salted water to boil. When the water reaches a raging boil, throw in the pasta and cook for the number of minutes it says on the packet. 2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan at a medium heat. 3. Dice the onion and the garlic, then throw them in the frying pan. 4. When the onion starts to soften, add the frozen broccoli florets to the frying pan. 5. When the pasta is ready, drain it and return it to its pan.

6. Add the butter to the pasta and stir it in until the pasta is fully coated. 7. Scrape the oil, garlic, broccoli and onions out of the frying pan into the pasta and stir them in. 8. Crumble in the blue cheese, then stir it all together. (The cheese will melt into a mild sauce.) 9. Add pepper to taste (the cheese is already salty). 10. Serve with parmesan, if your housemate has some.

No bake cheesecake Serves: 6 200g value digestive biscuits (half a packet) Big knob of softened butter 40g sugar 250g marscarpone 250g soft cheese (eg Philadelphia) 30g icing sugar Milk chocolate and white chocolate 1. Crush the digestive biscuits with the butter and the sugar. 2. Firmly press the crushed biscuit mixture into the base of a greased cake tin. 3. Mix the mascarpone, soft cheese and icing sugar together and put on top of the biscuit base. 4. Melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top theatrically. 5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. 6. Da-da!

shopping tips l Go to the market at 5pm on a Friday (when you can get crates of cheap goodies). l Go to supermarkets at 3:45pm on a Sunday (where, if you harass the guy with the “reduced to clear” gun, you can get cheap processed meats for 29p). l Change to value/basics products for fruit and veg and orange juice – where you know they can’t have slipped in any disgusting fillers. For everything else, do a taste test – so then, if you don’t like the value version, at least you know it’s not because you’re prejudiced. l Allow yourself some chocolate and treats – it’s a false economy if you end up buying Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at the Shell garage opposite your house at 3am.

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16/12/2009 13:57:14

FOCUS ON A FUTURE IN SCIENCE From forensic investigation to genetic discovery, a degree in a science subject from Coventry University can take you in some fascinating directions… s ! WIDE RANGE OF DEGREES IN "IOLOGICAL AND -OLECULAR 3CIENCES &ORENSIC 3CIENCE 0SYCHOLOGY AND LOADS OF PROGRAMMES IN 3PORT AND %XERCISE 3CIENCE s $ISCOVER WHAT IT S REALLY LIKE TO WORK AS A SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL THROUGH HAND ON LAB WORK AND WORK PLACEMENTS s 'AIN VALUABLE SKILLS THAT WILL HELP TO GET YOUR CAREER OFF TO A good start

To find out more about some of the courses on offer visit our website. And to see what it’s like to study at Coventry University, check out our video.

www.coventry.ac.uk/sciencedegrees

Pollen viewed through an electron microscope

Apply NOW to study on the beautiful south coast of England. Some of the Degree programmes we run in conjunction with our associate universities are:

A great place to live... A great place to study Some of the Degree programmes we run in conjunction with our associate universities are: • Applied Art and Design • Business and Information Technology • Business and Management • Computer and Information Technology • Computer Games Design • Computer Generated Imagery • Computer Networking

• English – Higher Diploma in English • Finance and Law • Marketing • Media Production • Multi-Media • Music and Sound Technology

• Performing Arts • Popular Music • Professional Culinary Arts • Public Services • Radio Production • Tourism Management

If you would like to know more about Higher Education at The College visit:

www.thecollege.co.uk/highereducation Call The College helpline on 01202 205205 or contact the HE Unit on 01202 205180 or email us: heunit@bpc.ac.uk

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great

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WALKING

escapes xxxxxxxxx x parkes laces her walking boots to katy x point the way to the great outdoor s x xxxxxxxx x x x x

n twenty minutes any student in the country could be a world away from damp houses and mountains of washingup enjoying some of the most varied, dramatic and accessible landscapes the world has to offer. So why not leave the drumming beats of student city living and escape? Walking gently exercises dance damaged limbs, allowing for quiet reflection on the events passed whilst gusts of wind are the best cure for hangover cobwebs. Here are five examples of great escapes from university taking in the vast fells of the Lake District, the ancient trail of Hadrian’s Wall, the fossil rich cliffs of the Isle of Purbeck and the stark gorges and wilderness of the Peak District. There are thousands more awaiting you on your doorstep, just follow your feet, or your Tom-tom.

THE LAKE DISTRICT Deservedly one of the most visited regions in Britain, the Lakes boast England’s highest mountain, Scarfell Pike and the deepest lake, Wastwater and make the perfect destination for a great escape. Windermere is surrounded by some of the best low level walks with more impressive fells just to the North. Take a steam boat across the lake to Beatrix Potter’s holiday home. Climb the Roman track that leads up from Troutbeck up on to High Street (829m) where wild horses are rumoured to roam. For a relaxing stroll around the lake and over the fells to Grasmere, renowned for its Gingerbread and the home of the poet William Wordsworth. Enjoy – An area of outstanding beauty with a variety of worthy mountains and vast lakes Stay - For a luxurious weekend stay at Craig Manor Hotel. Budget – Highly recommended is the YHA Windermere www.yha.org.uk Info – Take a look at www.golakes.co.uk or www. lakedistrict.gov.uk Nearby Universities – Bradford, Carlisle, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and York.

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Hadrian’s wall

ISLE OF PURBECK

Trace the spinal wall along Whin Shill Ridge offering incredible views of Yorkshire’s, Cumbria’s and Northumberland’s remote and wildest countryside. The wall is the natural border between the rolling green homesteads to the south and the heather moors and pines of the north. The walk bumps and twists over the landscape passing through show stopping moments such as Sycamore Gap used in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Hadrian’s Wall is the ideal walk for the navigationally challenged because for the most part the path traces the magnificent dry stone wall. As you follow the wall up to the top of the hill and down passing milecastles and Roman ruins one is overwhelmed by the 2 millennia of history that have taken place under your feet (Although do not actually climb on the wall).

The cliffs of much of this stunning coastline have the status of a World Heritage Site, which are accessible via the brilliantly marked South West Coat Path. The route takes one passed Brownsea Island and Sandbanks home of the rich and famous, through the traditional seaside town of Swanage, round to the Lighthouse at Anvil Point, St Albans Head and the tranquil and remote Chapmans Pool. The glorious limestone grassland, pockmarked with idyllic villages and farmland is the ultimate coastal destination. Enjoy – Corfe Castle (pictured above), the steam railway, Swanage Pier, Studland Beach and a pint at the Square and Compass pub. Stay – Be bowled over by the old fashioned town of Swanage by staying at Town Hall Lodge B&B. Budget - Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park, www.ulwellcottagepark.co.uk Info – www.visitingpurbeck.co.uk Nearby Universities – Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Enjoy – The most iconic and impressive Roman ruin in the country. The wall boasts some of the most complete Roman Forts, temples in the country and is also the earliest customs and exports office. Stay – The Twice Brewed Inn which has beds and grub for the walking weary. Budget – Once Brewed Youth Hostel, www.yha. org.uk Info – Browse www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ hadrianswall which has a comprehensive list of itineraries. Nearby Universities – Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.

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PEAK DISTRICT Pay a visit to the oldest national park in Britain established in 1957. Take the challenge of finding the 8, 756 km of dry stone wall. The Peak District combines rolling green dales, wooded valleys and vast stone gorges which makes it the perfect destination for outdoor activities, such as caving and climbing. For the less active visit the cream of the crop of National Trust and English Heritage properties or enjoy the world renowned Bakewell

Tart at its place of origin.. The River Derwent flows through the Park and into the town of Matlock which makes an ideal base for a great escape. Enjoy – The Heights of Abraham; Peak Rail Steam Railway, the Elizabethan magnificence of Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth House and Gardens, Bolsover Castle. If all else fails Alton Towers is nearby. Stay – Relish in the spa town of Matlock at the award winning Ellen House B&B Budget – Packhorse Farm Campsite - www. packhorsefarm.co.uk Info – All of these websites offer valuable information: www.nationaltrust.org www.english-heritage.org.uk www.peakdistrict.org.uk Nearby Universities – Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stoke on Trent and Wolverhampton Everywhere in the country there are great places to escape to so on Saturday morning do take a map and adventure into the countryside finishing with a pie and a pint. Extend the weekend if you can afford to, by spending a night in a warm B&B to wake up to a cooked breakfast. Take a turn around the gardens of any of the great National Trust or English Heritage properties open to the public. Tidy the weekend off by enjoying a cream tea on Sunday afternoon, before heading back to university revived, relaxed and refreshed and in time for the X Factor results show.

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PROFILE

CAMERA ACTION THE LONDON SCHOOL OF FILM, MEDIA & PERFORMANCE IS OFFERING A RANGE OF NEW AND EXCITING COURSES

he new London School of Film, Media & Performance (LSFMP) at Regent’s College London offers innovative, challenging and highly creative media and production programmes which bring together theoretical understanding and practical, hands-on experience.

OPEN DOORS Leaps forward in digital video, on-demand TV, streaming video and the internet have seen the creative and entertainment industries expanding twice as fast as the rest of the UK economy; recent predictions indicate that it will soon contribute 10 per cent to the national economy. Our programmes will open doors. We will foster your creativity but will also instil strong business sense, ensuring that you are well

prepared for employment. You will draw on the unique creative resources of London on both a professional and personal level, and will have access to industry specialists and targeted work placements.

mark in an industry which, more than any other, is hungry for new and original thinking, new talents and new people, we would be delighted to hear from you. Tel: +44(0)20 7487 7505 www.regents.ac.uk

CONTACT US LSFMP will welcome its first cohort of prospective actors, producers, film and screenwriters and performers in 2010. If you are a promising and talented student with the potential to make a

0800 036 8888 learning.advice@tvu.ac.uk tvu.ac.uk/navigator

get ahead REACHING YOUR POTENTIAL AT TVU

hames Valley University draws on a heritage of over 140 years in teaching and professional education. From the outset, TVU has played – and continues to play – a significant role in the educational, cultural and economic life of its region. TVU now has three principal campus locations in West London (Brentford and Ealing), Reading and Slough. As well as boasting a strong vocational emphasis in its work, TVU also maintains an extraordinarily diverse portfolio, both in the range of subjects and the levels of provision offered.

TVU is the largest single source of skilled and qualified people for employers in the Thames Valley and West London. TVU’s aim is to provide a university education that realises the potential of students, expands their skills and increases their employment prospects. All of TVU’s courses are designed to improve prospects on whichever career path graduates choose. Many courses are professionally related, providing an entry point into a specific employment sector. TVU is committed to offering students excellent employment prospects with relevant, up-to-date, vocational education.

Innovative and inspiring, our courses are specifically designed to take you to where you want to go. Choose from: s Accounting and Finance s Airline and Airport Management s Business and Marketing s Computing and IT

d improve y it s r e univ n* in L ondo

s Culinary Arts s Event Management s Hospitality Management s Law and Criminology s Travel and Tourism

We work with businesses to make sure that our courses give you the knowledge and skills that employers value, putting you in a great position for employment when you leave us. So why not join us and let us help you get ahead?

y universitate u d a r for g ent** employm

* The Guardian University Guide 2010 ** Times Higher Education, July 2008

the University in West London

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modern y universit n* in L ondo

Winter 2009 NAVIGATOR

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A lifetime experience… A campus-based college… where all you’ll need is in one place Friendly atmosphere… where you won’t be lost in a crowd Excellent student life… with an active Students’ Union that gets you involved in College life Fantastic location… which is easy to reach and has spectacular countryside and coastline

01267 676767 www.trinity-cm.ac.uk

Scholarships available… to help you make ends meet

it’s got to be Trinity!

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all pull

together T

he student who goes to uni then returns home that day may seem like a laughable cliché, but it happens more often than people realise. No one knows exactly what uni is going to be like before they get there – so even if you’ve been hardened by boarding school, it’s always a culture shock. There are things you can do, before you go and once you get there, to ease the transition – and ensure the change is exciting rather than scary.

Make friends Making good friends takes time, but at least at uni everyone’s in the same boat. Be brave – knock on halls doors, go to parties and strike up chats with people at your lectures. But although you have to work hard to find friends, there’s no need to panic. Some people think, after Freshers’ week, you’ll never be allowed to meet anyone again. In truth, you’ll be

a degree is one long, emotional mood swing - but its most concentrated point is your first month. lucy busuttil lists her top five tips to help you cope during your first term

meeting people throughout your three years and changing the groups you hang out with. Make sure you keep up your old friendships, too – enjoy phoning your friends from school. They might be going through something similar. If you really feel you’re in the wrong place – which everyone does at one point – talk to ‘Nightline’ (a student-run phone counselling service) or the university’s counsellor. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

Do your research You’re not just studying a new subject – you’re getting a new city. And just because you’re a student doesn’t mean you should be trapped doing only what students do. Buy a small A-Z and do a quick Google Maps recce of your new manor. Those first few weeks are a lot more fun if you know where the shops are and have a pie shop to visit!

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xxxxxxxxxxxx find out about clubs and societies and get free branded pens and frisbees. There’s never a better time to join a political society. People will never feel so impassioned again – or feel they have such a small pond to change things in. For “student humour” lovers, there’s always a tiddly winks club or a hide and seek club, depending on current fashion. For the tediously career-minded, there’s debate club, the model UN and student newspapers. Be very wary of “student politics” – elections for small managerial jobs in the student union – where people can be petty and mean precisely because the stakes are so small. Many unis have great sports provision and offer cheap facilities and classes in fun sports like Bollywood dance, Ju Jitsu or yoga. It’s exercise – which students need between pubs – but it’s more light-hearted than the Darwinistic unisports leagues. There’s only one sport it’s unsociable to take up – rowing. Rowers are another species of human. They get up at 5am to go nowhere fast on an icy river in an un-insulated boat. They wear shorts. On special occasions they throw each other in the water. They have to spend their whole day eating buttered bread to recoup the calories they’ve wasted and – to the rugby club’s horror – they’re the only sports society that doesn’t regularly drink.

Take care of yourself

Make sure you get a student bank account, get a young person’s railcard and check studentbeans.com for local discounts

Also look on the net for your university’s “alternative prospectus”. Most unis have a guide to the university written by the students – where you’ll find honest advice about the seedier reality of student life. Find out, in advance, what your uni offers new students. Some universities have excellent college mentoring systems. Others organise one pathetic pub crawl then let you fend for yourself.

Join a society University is an opportunity to take up crazy new hobbies you never knew existed. You’ll never be able to try everything – but that’s no reason not to try! Joining clubs is a great way to make friends you’re not forced to live with – which gives your housemates a break from you, and you a break from the house! Go to your Freshers’ fair to

There’s a lot of pressure for students to party every night and socialise every day – but you need to be kind to yourself. Students get Freshers’ flu because they’re not eating healthily, sleeping properly or giving themselves a break. As well as socialising and studying, you have to do a lot of tedious admin in your first week – registering for your course, getting your library card and your NUS card, checking you’ve got your loan and registering with a new doctor. It can be a whirlwind. When you need to, have a weekend at home – where you’re unlikely to be woken up four times a night by your Mum’s drum and bass music. You’ll get some proper cooked food, too. Hopefully, it will remind you how exciting your life at uni is – not make you homesick. The other major reason why students’ drop out? Running out of money! Again, no one’s going to encourage you to spend sensibly. Make sure you get a student bank account, get a young person’s railcard and check studentbeans.com for local discounts.

Make it home! When you’re packing, make sure you bring a few frivolous things – like posters, cuddly toys and fairy lights – that will make your bare student cell feel like home. You’ll need tea and biscuits – to make sure you can offer your new friends a drink. But although your Mum might try to load you down with a toaster, a kettle and a toastie maker, one of your housemates usually has one or you can buy one when you get there. Most unis hold markets where you can get the student essentials – lava lamps, a miniature cactus, a neon sign that says ‘Disco’ and a T-shirt with Bart Simpson dressed as Bob Marley on it.

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make the right choice • The top university in the UK for the help and support offered to students* • Ranked within the top 15 in the UK for overall student experience* • One of the best university locations in the UK - a student-centred city on the North Wales coast • Low cost of living - one of the most economical places in the UK to study • Over £2.8m in bursaries and scholarships available, including £5,000 Excellence Scholarships in a range of subject areas • Guaranteed accommodation for first year students • Come and see for yourself - Open Days on Saturday, October 10 and October 31

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www.bangor.ac.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: THE STUDENT RECRUITMENT UNIT, BANGOR UNIVERSITY, GWYNEDD LL57 2DG Tel: 01248 382005/382015 e-mail: marketing@bangor.ac.uk

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