www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk
04 _Issue l 5 _Vo
04 _Issue l 5 _Vo
_Issue 04 _Vol 5 Designed & produced by Leeds University Union. To contribute to the Gist please email: thegist@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
What’s On Listings:
12 Top Tips for Exams Mike Gladstone, Education Officer talks through his top exam tips!
13 Next Term Events We look at dates for your diary next term.
14 LUU Vs. Mozzas 15-22 The List
The ultimate guide to what’s on in your union; this month’s list covers events up until the end of January 2010, so make sure you get involved!
Features:
9 House Hunting
Sound advice on when to start your house hunt, we dispel some common housing myths!
9 Past Exec Officers: where are they now?
A look at some of the past Executive Officers and how being an Exec Officer helped them get where they are now.
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www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
The Supermarket Challenge: who is cheaper?
Every Month:
4-5 News
Headlines include ‘Rate your Union’ and more.
10-11 Exam Essentials This month’s spread looks at exam essentials!
23 Ask Maddie...
Madeleine, our Welfare Officer, answers your questions and queries about life at university.
Wow... term one at its end already. That was fast. Before you wind down completely, the gist is here to offer you some essential tips to help you enjoy the festive period and prepare for the New Year. If you’re worried about January’s exams, fancy putting yourself forward to run the Union/takeover student politics nationally, or want to find yourself the perfect house for next year, read on. 11th December is Christmas Day at LUU, so ho ho ho-pe to see you there. Have a fun break and see you in January.
ONLINE
Get extended news stories and the latest news online. Visit www.leeds universityunion.org.uk/thegist.
Mike Gladstone Education Officer The Gist 3
News.
ns Leeds University Unio
ONLINE
Get extended news stories and the latest news online. Visit www.leeds universityunion.org.uk/thegist.
Get up to date: www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist News in Brief:
Christmas Opening Times The Union building will be closing at 5.00pm on Wednesday 23rd December and will be closed for the Christmas period. It will be open again from Monday 4th January from 8.30am.
Chip and Pin
‘Calling all students at Leeds – this is your chance to Rate your Union.’
This is the last year of the Union Plan 2006 to 2010; and we need to evaluate how we did on trying to ‘be the most effective students’ union in the country’. To do this we need your help. Visit www. leedsuniversityunion.org.
uk to complete the ‘Rate your Union’ survey – it takes approximately three minutes to complete! There’s plenty of prizes up for grabs too! Plus the first 50 students to complete the survey will receive a £5 voucher to spend on lunch, drinks, books or tickets in the Union, so hurry, hurry. Thank you in advance! Leeds University Union.
Give it a Go in the New Year. We’ve got over 280 clubs and societies, and you can join any time of year. Give It A Go is a great way to take the first step to getting involved. Look out for the Give It A Go programme from Monday 25th January or go to www.leedsuniversityunion.org. uk/GIAG.
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You can now pay by card in LUU bars! Whether you’re paying for food or drink, enjoying a quiet afternoon in the Old Bar or getting warmed up for Fruity on a Friday night, there’s now no need to queue separately to get cash before paying at the bar. We’ve rolled out new chip and pin terminals in the Old Bar, Terrace and Wicked Cafe, so making a payment is now easier than ever!
Tunnel Club Returns! Remember the Tunnel Club? Well, for one night only, it is coming back to LUU, relaunching a special FREE night in Mine. So why not come and finish your Christmas parties here! Tuesday 8th December, 10.30pm to 3.00am, Mine, Union Building. www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Daystmofas Chris
Friday 11th December
From Monday 30th November to Friday 11th December enjoy a new offer each day in the Old Bar & Terrace: LIVE Raindeer outside the Union building
Day 1:
Mulled Wine & Mince Pie £2.50
Day 2:
Mint Hot Chocolate £2.00
Day 3:
Mulled Spiced Apple £2.50
Day 4:
Snowball £2.80
Day 5:
4 Apple Sourz Shots for £5.00
Day 6:
Winter Pimm’s £2.80
Day 7:
Pint of Kronenbourg £2.20
Day 8:
Baileys Coffee £3
Day 9:
White Russian £2.80
Day 10:
Bottle of VK £1.50
Day 11:
Bottle of Jack Rabbit Wine £6.50
Day 12:
Selected Pints for £1.75
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Friday 11th December is the last day of term, but it also means there’s only two weeks to go until Christmas Day! Embracing the festive spirit, the annual LUU Christmas fair will be taking place all day both inside and outside the Union building. There’ll be plenty to get you in the Christmas mood including live Reindeer, a snow machine and a guest appearance from Santa himself. Get ready to see your union like you’ve never seen it before! There’ll be live music provided by the Salvation Army band, not to mention Christmas hits old and new courtesy of our very own LSRfm.com.
It’s going to be a great chance to get in the Christmas mood with dozens of stalls offering Christmas gifts ranging from handmade cards and crafts to boutique jewellery and accessories.
There’ll be plenty to get you in the Christmas mood! There’ll be no turtle doves unfortunately, but our ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ bar offers will help things go with a swing – glass of mulled wine anyone? The Terrace barbecue will be providing the food, and what better way is there to mark the nearing of the big day than a traditional carol concert? Both students and staff are welcome! The Gist 5
The Common Housing Myths:
16A.IT0ti1ll
Myth #1 If you don’t start early you won’t find a house
W t this at leaste! da
Despite what you might hear to the contrary, there’s no shortage of housing in Leeds. In fact, there are 4,000 surplus beds!
HOUSE HUNTING? DON’T RUSH.
Myth #2 The best houses get snapped up straight away
The Unipol housing list isn’t released until 16th January – start looking before this date and you could miss out on hundreds of the best properties. Even after this date, with such a variety of student housing available and such a range of tastes, there’s no need to rush.
Ignore the housing myths – DON’T RUSH to sign for a house.
Myth #3 Smart Office = Good Landlord
Refusing to return deposits, failing to carry out essential repairs, generally offering poor service – all things that have earned some Leeds landlords a bad reputation in recent years.
Don’t be sucked in by gimmicks, pay attention to the things that matter. You aren’t going to be living in the letting agency office, so don’t let it influence your decision! Instead, focus on the quality of the house and get your contract checked by the Student Advice Centre.
Not all landlords are like this and you can avoid these bad experiences, you just need to choose carefully. We recommend using the Unipol website to start your search www.unipol.com/ leeds. You can easily filter results to find exactly what you’re looking for and browse the results from the comfort of your sofa – with no pressure at all! Unipol is a charity that aims to uphold standards in student housing. Their list
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www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
clearly shows which landlords have signed up to their code of standards, so you know straight away if a property meets a set of minimum requirements. Find out more about the code and what it offers www.unipol.com/ leeds/cos/. The Unipol property list isn’t released until Saturday 16th January, so there’s no need to start looking before this date. Exam time can be stressful enough without searching for a house at the same time. There’s plenty to think about before you start viewing houses too. Think carefully about who you’re going to live with: choice of housemates is just as important as choice of house! Do bear in mind that if you sign a joint contract
you may have to share liability for another person’s rent if they pull out. House Hunting Talks
If you’re in Halls of Residence don’t miss the House Hunting Talks, which offer advice you can trust. See page 22 in the List to find out when your talk is. There are also talks for anyone else who will be house hunting on Tuesday 1st December in Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, Michael Sadler Building, from 6.45pm to 7.45pm. Everyone is welcome. Remember, before you sign, get your contract checked by the Student Advice Centre, it’s FREE and will save you problems later on.
The Gist 7
ations Nomin : 25th CLOSEary Janu
The arrival of the festive period means there’s a lot to look forward to. Catching up with family and friends is a good excuse for a few drinks – but it can be easy to overdo it.
remember Unit 14:21.
Unit 14:21 tells you how much alcohol it is safe to consume in one week: that’s 14 units for women and 21 units for men. Going over your limit doesn’t just mean you’re at increased risk of alcohol related disease: drinking too much can make you do things you regret. That could involve you acting like an idiot in front of your grandparents, or it could mean engaging in unsafe sex – more than half of all cases of STIs are blamed on alcohol. At Christmas you also need to remain as vigilant as ever about the risk of drink spiking: don’t leave drinks unattended, don’t pick up a drink that isn’t yours, and don’t accept drinks off other people. Keep track of your units at
8 The Gist
unitcheck.co.uk, and stay safe this Christmas.
Tips
Know your units
Most alcoholic drinks have their unit content clearly marked on the side (a number inside a bottle outline).
Keep an eye on your weekly units
Just because you don’t wake up with a hangover each morning doesn’t mean you aren’t drinking too much.
Have a day off from drinking
Don’t get into a routine of drinking every day over Christmas; give your liver a chance to recover.
Mix it up
Alternating alcoholic and soft drinks will help you pace yourself over a long night, keep you hydrated and prevent the hangover from hell the next morning.
Don’t binge
Consuming all your units in one night can put your safety at risk.
If you want to stand for the Student Executive or NUS Elections nominations close Monday 25th January. The Student Executive are a six-strong team of sabbatical officers that represent the 30,000 members of Leeds University Union. They make big decisions in an organisation with a multimillion pound turnover. Nominations for the role are now open - but closing soon.
“...being able to walk into a room of strangers and walk out with contacts in hand: networking is a crucial skill.” Archie Sample Go to www. leedsuniversityunion.org. uk/stand/ to find more information about the role, details about the current Student Executive, and the views of former officers on how the position helped shape their future. Any current student can stand, in any year of their degree. Find out more today.
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Past Exec Officers: Where are they now? Archie Sample, Sports Officer 2006/07 What are you doing now?
I am currently a tea trader. I buy, sell and taste tea. I have just been to Assam, Vietnam and Darjeeling to make contacts, see the manufacture process and also to keep the producers on their toes! How did being an exec officer help you get there?
The main thing was that it taught me to work with people from all sorts of backgrounds, religions and countries. As you can imagine the tea trade is a very small field of work and if you do not get on with someone the business will suffer more than usual. You have to please many clients at once without stepping on anyone toes, it can be a juggling act at times. I learnt how to do this when working as Sports Officer. I had to make sure that all the teams were giving an equal measure of support according to their needs without putting one above another. Another skill it taught me was being www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
able to walk into a room of strangers and walk out with contacts in hand: networking is a crucial skill. Doing this as well as having other commitments prepared me for what I am doing today. Chris Johnson, Finance and Commercial Services Officer 2006/07 What are you doing now?
I’m Coordinator of the local pressure group: Leeds TIDAL, which works to coordinate, support and grow the global justice movement in Leeds. How did being an exec officer help you get there?
It taught me everything I know! From seeing first hand how an organisation is effectively managed, to leading strategic projects and honing my campaigning skills, it was an incredible experience that gave me the skills necessary to run a small charity.
James Johnson, Finance and Commercial Services Officer, 2004/05 What are you doing now?
I work in TV as a directormainly on documentaries for BBC / Channel 4 etc...
How did being an exec officer help you get there?
It helped me learn to deal with a range of people: mediate between students representing a broad spectrum of political and social views and backgrounds- this was pretty good training for working in factual TV. It was also a good opportunity to become more socially aware and active and represent issues I felt were important, and this is also my motivation for working in documentaries. It was a good bridge between student life and the real world, forcing me to learn to work as part of a team, sometimes under pressure, and tackle a wide spectrum of issues from dodgy landlords to the price of beer in the student bars. The Gist 9
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10 The Gist
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The Gist 11 * While stocks last. Items subject to availability. Prices subject to change.
What’s On Term 2 EXAM DOs:
avoid revision and 1. Plan your amming. ks and build last minute cr include brea n Remember to and have fun in betwee x in time to rela e library opening times at th ours/ work. Check .uk/library/h w w w.leeds.ac
make r timetable to t place ou y k ec h C 2. ng to the righ sure your goi e. m t ti c/exams/ or at the righ.le eds.ac.uk/ss rtal. le via the Po Go to: w w w rsonal timetab ges to rooms view your pe an ch last minute Be aware of r. etimes occu m so n ca that
ast papers. 3. Check pai w w.leeds. lable from w These are av ampapers/. ac.uk/ssc/ex
yourself when 4. Look after revising. sleep and avoid fizzy drinks .
Get enough caffeine or energy drinks h g fruit and too muc diet includin a balanced Instead, eat rribles! and veggiete
yourself. y life but 5. Believe in sit part of univer
to Exams are a r pressure. Try you’re unde d an ow d kn ee rs ke cc ill su mar ith that you w approach d an relax, have fa ok tlo your ou el be positive on perform better if you fe will u Yo k. or w to better.
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SKINT Sale
EXAM DON’Ts: 1. Be afraid to seek he
lp. Email your tutor to ma ke an appointment before the exams, visi t Skills@Library for exam tips - skills.librar y.le topic_exams _and_ass eds.ac.uk/ essment.php and remember Leeds University Union’s Student Advice Centr e can help you work out your option s if things don’t go as well as you’d ho pe ww w.leedsuniversityu d – log on to nio helpandadvice/ or visi n.org.uk/ t in person on the first floor of the Union building. Make sure to speak to your departm ent if you think you’ll require extra time in exams. 2. Put yourself or allow put you under too mu others to ch pressure. You can only do you r best.
3. Panic.
Being nervous is fine: nerves can give you energy, but try not to let feelings of anxiety take over.
4. Dwell on the past.
After the exam move on. where you might have Thinking about gone wrong isn’t going to help you. Sta rt revising for your next exam or celebrat e finishing instead!
Top tips for your exams from 5. Forget to collect yo ur feedback. LUU’s Education Guru, Mike ‘the This will help you improve for next time. Make an appointmen exam-man’ Gladstone! t to dis 12 The Gist
your tutor.
cuss it with
From Saturday 12th December to Sunday 31st January
Look out for the pink ‘SKINT’ brand around the Union building for some great offers in the union bars, venues and shops!
VOTE in the Exec & NUS Elections Monday 15th to 23rd February 2010
The nominations may still be rolling in at the minute, but in February it’ll be time to cast your votes in LUU’s biggest election of the year.
Green Week
RAG Week
Green Week is a week dedicated to ‘Green’ issues with events and debates to get involved with. From Green Week 2010, the Union is mandated (November Referendum 2008) to ban the sale of bottled water in our union shops.
Forget the sponsored silences of your youth, charity fundraising is bigger, better and much more exciting at uni. Expect a packed programme of events with plenty of opportunities to get involved.
From Monday 1st February
International Cultural Festival
From Monday 8th February
A week’s worth of celebrations bringing the world to your doorstep. Film, performance and lots of culture!
Recruitment Fair
From Monday 8th February
LGBT History Month Throughout February
February is LGBT History month, here to celebrate the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. There are events planned throughout the month, checkout the February issue of the Gist for a full list of events.
Monday 15th February
Looking for part-time work? Look no further, LUU will be recruiting for bar and retail staff. Get to the recruitment fair & pick up info and an application pack. www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Referendum 2
Motions open: Week commencing Monday 1st February
the year will be here at the end of April. If you want to propose a motion you can do so at the beginning of February, see www. leedsuniversityunion.org. uk/referendum/ for more information.
Valentine’s Day
Sunday 14th February
Don’t forget to get your Valentine’s Day gifts and cards from CATS in the Union building.
Body Beautiful
Week commencing 1st March
Awareness week dedicated to body image.
Summerball
Tickets go on sale: Wednesday 17th March Friday 4th June
The biggest event of the year happens on Friday 4th June marking the end of the academic year. Exams are over, some of you will be graduating, and 9,000 students will be getting together at Lotherton Hall for the biggest Summer Ball in the country!
The second referendum of The Gist 13
Our Student Brand Managers Investigate:
LUU Vs. Morrisons sket: Morrisons Ba
Your monthly rundown to what’s on in your union. Listings split by categories below!
£28.58
Ever wondered how the prices in your Union compare to a national supermarket? Last month we decided to investigate! We filled two trolleys with the same list of student favourites – one bought from Morrisons, one from Essentials – and asked you to guess which would be cheapest. And the winner?
The Morrisons trolley came to a total of £28.58, narrowly beaten by the Essentials trolley at £28.48 - not bad! You might think that an independent union shop couldn’t compete with a national giant; however we team up with all other students’ unions. when it’s time to restock the shelves, we’re able to guarantee great prices. “13p of every pound spent in LUU gets reinvested in
14 The Gist
services for students – everything from clubs and societies to the Student Advice Centre.”
Not only was the Essentials trolley cheaper, it had other benefits too. That’s because 13p of every pound spent in LUU gets reinvested in services for students – everything from clubs and societies to the Student Advice Centre. We are not for profit, just for students. Our SBM shopping list consisted of 27 items from well known brands such as ‘Heinz Baked Beans’, ‘Pringles’, ‘Uncle Bens Rice’ ‘Pot Noodle’ and more. Price comparison correct on 27th October 2009.
OUR PICK:
OUR PICK:
Wednesday 2nd December Vice-Chancellors Question & Answer Time (Q&A)
NER: THE WIN
Ever wondered why things are why they are at the University? This is your opportunity to ask the Vice Chancellor ANYTHING you want! From 5.00pm, Conference Hall, Union Building, FREE
£28.48
The LUU Trolley: LIVE R, EE RAIND A & SANT E! R MO
Winner of the food:
What did we do with all the food?
We gave it away in a prize draw to one lucky student. The winner, Lydia Boden (3rd year Politics, above), said:
“I really didn’t expect to win! My cupboards are getting bare so it’s great timing - thank you!”
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
CHRISTMAS DAY @ LUU! Friday 11th December across Leeds University Union.
Join us for Christmas day across the Union building! Celebrate the last day of term and come to the Union building for real Christmas fun! Meet LIVE www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
raindeer, Santa Claus, enjoy christmas carols, the Salvation Army Band and much more! There will be a Christmas Market in the Riley Smith Hall where you can get unique Christmas gifts, food and refreshments! Everyone welcome, come
R... LOOK OUT FO CATEGORIES: Bars & Nightlife Music, Film & Performance General Interest Society & Club Listings Give it a Go Listings Information & Support Democracy & Campaigns
The Gist 15
Bars & Nightlife. DON’T MISS: Crowds at the Tunnel Club
ONE TO WATCH:
running student nights. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building FREE until 11.30pm/£3 thereafter
Tuesday 8th December
The RETURN of the Tunnel Club Tuesday 8th December
It’s back! The sleeping giant has awoken from its 18 month hibernation for a one-off end of term party to end all parties. Do believe the hype The Tunnel Club will blow you away with its irreverent mix of cliché inducing Indie, Electro and New Wave Sound. The Tunnel Club is the best of the old and new scene and everything in-between. Ask around and follow the clouds. Entry is a free gift from us to you, well it is Christmas... Drinks offers include: Jager Bombs £2, Havana & Coke £1.75, Morgans Spiced & Coke £1.75, Bottle of Bulmers £1.50, Bottle of Fosters £1.50 2 Cocktails for £6. 10.30pm to 3.00am, Mine, Union Building, FREE
Tuesday 1st December Dance Like Your Dad DJ Sam promises you a night you will not forget with an eclectic mix of ‘50s-’60s pop, Garage, Beat, Surf, Motown, Soul and other. 9.00pm to 1.00am Terrace, Union Building FREE Carnaval’s 5th Birthday The Brazilian Society’s monthly night of Brazilian and Latin music. 10.00pm to 3.00am The Faversham £3.50 for Brazilian, SLAPSOC, ERASOC and Italian members/ £4.50 non-members
Thursday 3rd December
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Shoop! Motown and funky soul. 10.30pm to 3.00am Mine, Union Building FREE
Tunnel Club See ‘Don’t Miss’ 10.30pm to 3.00am Mine, Union Building FREE
Thursday 10th December Headphone Disco Xmas Party - A Silent Night! 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus & Pulse, Union Building £5.75 adv.
Friday 11th December Geneous: People in Action Charity Band Night Charity Band night to raise money for People in Action. 7.00pm to 1.00am Joseph’s Well, Leeds
7.00pm to 10.00pm Stylus, Union Building £11.50 adv. Brighton Beach Sixties style and music with a modern twist. 11.00pm to 3.00am Stylus & Pulse, Union Building £5 adv.
Saturday 19th December The Wendy House Two rooms of alternative, ‘80s, Goth and hard dance. 9.00pm to 2.30am Stylus & Pulse, Union Building £5 adv.
Thursday 31st December Metropolis & Wax:On New Year’s Eve Party A huge party across all of LUU’s club spaces! 10.00pm to 6.00am Stylus, Pulse, Mine & Terrace, Union Building £21.50 adv.
Friday 8th January
Andy C
Metropolis & Wax:On New Year’s Eve Party! Thursday 31st December
After munching your way through all the Christmas turkey and watching the final episode of Only Fools and Horses for the millionth time, New Years Eve is just round the corner. Once again two of dance musics heavyweights come together for a musical mash-up fusing together every genre of electronica from drum and bass to warbling fidget beats. This is by far one of the biggest line-ups we have had to date; representing Metropolis we have some of the baddest acts in business including Andy C, Rusko, TC, Commix, Steppa & Prophecy. Wax:On’s acts come in the form of Annie Mac, Jesse Rose, Doorly, Matt Walsh, People Get Real & Eskimo Twins. Definately a New Years you won’t be forgetting in a hurry! Our New Years event has sold out for the last 2 years running so get those tickets early to avoid disappointment. Limited edition earlybirds on sale now for £20 + Booking Fee. For further information, please visit www.waxonuk.com 10.00pm to 6.00am, Stylus, Pulse, Mine & Terrace, Union Building, £21.50 adv.
Freshly Squeezed The biggest warm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30am Terrace, Union Building FREE
Freshly Squeezed The biggest warm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30am Terrace, Union Building FREE
Friday 15th January
Fruity Leeds’ best and longestrunning student night. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £4 adv./£5 on the door
Fruity Leeds’ best and longestrunning student night. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £4 adv./ £5 on the door
Freshly Squeezed The biggest warm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30am Terrace, Union Building FREE
Saturday 12th December
Saturday 9th January
Saturday 5th December
The Mars Volta 7.00pm to 11.00pm The Refectory £21.50 adv.
Fruity: I love the ‘00s Leeds’ best and longest-
Little Boots supported by Ellie Goulding
Brighton Beach Sixties style and music with a modern twist. 11.00pm to 3.00am Stylus & Pulse, Union Building £5 adv.
Fruity Leeds’ best and longestrunning student night. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £4 adv. /£5 on the door
Friday 4th December Freshly Squeezed The biggest warm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30am Terrace, Union Building FREE Fruity Christmas Party! Leeds’ best and longestrunning student nights. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £4 adv. / £5 on the door
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Saturday 16th January
The Wendy House Two rooms of alternative, ‘80s, Goth and hard dance 9.00pm to 2.30am Stylus & Pulse, Union Building £5 adv. Central Beatz Dubstep and Drum n Bass. 10.00pm to 4.00am Mine, Union Building FREE
Thursday 21st January Shoop! Motown and funky soul.
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
10.30pm to 3.00am Mine, Union Building FREE
10.30pm to 3.00am Mine, Union Building FREE
Friday 22nd January
Saturday 30th January
Freshly Squeezed The biggest warm-up to the biggest student night in the country. 9.00pm to 1.30am Terrace, Union Building FREE
Wax:On House and electro. 10.30pm to 5.00am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £TBC adv.
Fruity Leeds’ best and longest-running student night. 10.30pm to 3.30am Stylus, Pulse & Mine, Union Building £4 adv. / £5 on the door
Thursday 28th January Top Gun Think power ballads, soft rock, ‘80s & ‘90s pop.
GET TICKETS For the latest club and gig listings and to buy tickets online visit: www. leedstickets.com.
05 _Issue l 5 _Vo
THE NEXT ISSUE...
OUT 29.01.10 INSIDE: Previews of Green Week, International Cultural Festival, Summerball 2010, Executive Elections, The LIST and more...
Pick me up from: around the Union Building, LUU Helpdesk, Halls & in LUU boards around campus.
EE I’M FR Y EVER ! H MONT
The Gist 17
Music, Performance & Film.
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) by one of the most important Spanish playwrights of the twentieth century, Antonio Buero Vallejo. Alec Clegg Studio, Stage@Leeds 7.30pm to 10.30pm £4.50 concessions / £5.50 full
Monday 7th December Film Showing: Perfect Blue Anime film showing.
7.00pm to 9.30pm Clothworkers South Lecture Theatre 2 (3.04), Manmade Fibres Building
Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th December Who Killed: Romeo & Juliet Eastern and Western theatrical traditions bring a contemporary twist to this classic tale. See ‘Our Pick’. 7.30pm to 10.30pm
Stage One, Stage@Leeds £7 concessions / £9 full
Saturday 12th December The Mars Volta See ‘Don’t Miss’ 7.00pm to 11.00pm The Refectory £21.50 adv. Little Boots supported by Ellie Goulding As a musician Little Boots sings as well as plays the keyboard, piano, stylophone and
a Japanese electronic instrument, called Tenorion. 7.00pm to 10.00pm Stylus, Union Building £11.50 adv.
Monday 6th January Classics at the Cottage Screening: High Society 8.00pm to 11.00pm Cottage Road Cinema, Hyde Park £4 students, children, senior citizens / £5 adults / £5.50 Pullman seats
Little Boots
DON’T MISS:
The Mars Volta Saturday 12th December
The Mars Volta debuted with the EP Tremulant in 2002, showcasing elements of hardcore, progressive rock and free jazz. Still, as much of their reputation was built on the strength of their live show, their highly energetic performances resulted in a wave of word-of-mouth hype that elevated the band to near-mythic proportions because so little of their recorded material was available to the public. The Mars Volta had recently returned from an European tour supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers, where they introduced brand-new tracks from the full-length De-Loused in the Comatorium, which was released via Universal the following June. The band returned in early 2005 with their second full-length, the ambitious song cycle Frances the Mute. (They also issued the live set Scab Dates later that year.) The album also featured an expanded role for the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante. Less than a year later, in late 2007, the new single “Wax Simulacra” paved the way for the fourth Mars Volta album, The Bedlam in Goliath, which debuted at number three on the American albums chart. Less than two years later, the band had prepared their follow-up, titled Octahedron, that became their debut for Warner Bros. Rodriguez-Lopez has also recorded multiple times, producing more than a half-dozen albums within the span of as many years. 7.00pm to 11.00pm, The Refectory, £21.50 adv.
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Wednesday 2nd December Classics at the Cottage Screening: Meet Me in St Louis 8.00pm to 11.00pm Cottage Road Cinema, Hyde Park £4 students, children, senior citizens / £5 adults / £5.50 Pullman seats
Thursday 3rd December
Carol Concert Brought to you by Christian Union. 6.30pm to 8.00pm The Refectory
Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th December Misión al pueblo desierto Presented by: The Department of Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies. A contemporary exploration of the
General Interest. Tuesday 1st December World Aids Day World AIDS Day is a day when people from around the world come together within a single effort to raise awareness about HIV and to express global solidarity with people living with HIV. Mature Students’ Drop-in See ‘Our Pick’. 12.30pm to 1.30pm Common Room (12.19), Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Building
OUR PICK:
Who Killed Romeo and Juliet Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th December
Eastern and Western theatrical traditions bring a contemporary twist to this classic tale. In an exciting collaboration with the University of Leeds, award-winning Chinese director Professor Lu Ang adapts a traditional British text; using puppetry, music and dance to create a dynamic and moving retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Stage One, Stage@Leeds £7 concessions / £9 full
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
10.00am to 3.00pm Starting from Temple Newsam, Leeds £10 registration fee
Tuesday 8th December A Discipline of the Mind Exhibition begins Tuesday 8th December to 27th February 2010 All Day Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
Thursday 10th December
Carol Concert Brought to you by Christian Union. 6.30pm to 8.00pm The Refectory
International Human Rights Day Every human has rights! Take part in the volunteering opportunities around campus. Contact volunteering@luu.leeds. ac.uk.
Saturday 5th December
Friday 11th December
Leeds 5km Tree-Athlon Gather your mates together and get ready for this unique fundraising event where simply by taking part you will contribute to the planting of thousands more trees and to making Leeds a better, greener city.
LUU Christmas Day LUU will be celebrating the festivities with a Christmas market, food, gifts and a special visit from Santa himself! All Day In and around the Union building
Thursday 3rd December
OUR PICK:
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Mature Students’ Drop-in Every first Tuesday of the Month
This is a regular mature students’ drop-in taking place on the first Tuesday of every month during term time. Students are invited to bring their own lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be supplied. 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Common Room (12.19), Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Building
LUU Christmas Day & Market! Friday 11th December
LUU will be celebrating the festivities with a Christmas market, food, gifts and a special visit from Santa himself! All Day, In and around the Union building
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Saturday 12th December
The building will close at 5.00pm.
Hanukkah
Friday 25th December
Skint Sales Begin Great discounts and offers in the Union building. Sale continues till Sunday 31st January. All Day Shops and Bars, Union Building
Friday 18th December Al-Hijira Islamic New Year
Wednesday 23rd December Union Building Closes for Christmas Holidays
Christmas Day
Sunday 27th December Ashura An Islamic celebration, Ashura is the day when God saved Prophet Moses from Pharaoh.
Friday 1st January New Years Day
Monday 4th January Union Building Re-Opens 8.30am
World Braille Day Louis Braille’s Birth Date: 4 January 1809. An annual opportunity for blindness organisations to promote braille literacy, showcase their work and raise public awareness of blindness issues.
Tuesday 5th January Mature Students’ Drop-in 12.30pm to 1.30pm Common Room (12.19), Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Building
Monday 25th January
Leeds Uni Christian: ‘Escape to Freedom’ Free cafe all day, talks each day 12.00 noon to 1.00pm with a free lunch and events every evening. 12.00 noon to 1.00pm
Persian Classes Get to know more about Iran and learn the Persian language. All levels of ability are welcome! 6.30pm to 8.00pm Baines Wing SR 1.14, Parkinson Building Carnaval’s 5th Birthday The Brazilian Society’s monthly night of Brazilian and Latin music. 10.00pm to 3.00am
OUR PICK:
The Faversham £3.50 for Brazilian, SLAPSOC, ERASOC and Italian members / £4.50 non-members
Wednesday 2nd December Meditation Session Join the Buddhist Meditation Society for their weekly meditation session. Beginners welcome. 2.00pm to 4.00pm Meeting Room 3, ARC
Thursday 3rd December
Get into the Christmas spirit by coming along to this event, brought to you by the Christian Union Society. 6.30pm to 8.00pm, The Refectory
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Monday 7th December Capoeira Dance Classes 5.00pm to 8.00pm Information Point, Union Building Tajweed Classes for Sisters Open to anyone interested in seeking knowledge with the goal to recite the holy Quran in the correct manner. 6.30pm to 8.00pm Seminar Room SR 1.24, Business School Film Showing: Perfect Blue Anime film showing. 7.00pm to 9.30pm Clothworkers South Lecture Theatre 2 (3.04), Manmade Fibres Building
Carol Concert Brought to you by Christian Union. 6.30pm to 8.00pm The Refectory
Saturday 5th December
Tuesday 8th December
Buddhist Meditation Society Day Retreat 10.00am to 4.00pm FWBO Leeds Buddhist Centre, Leeds
6.30pm to 8.00pm Baines Wing SR 1.14, Parkinson Building Pirate Party See ‘Our Pick’. 7.30pm to 11.00pm Mine, Union Building £3 fancy dress/ £4 nonfancy dress/ £5 for ninjas
Wednesday 9th December Meditation Session Join the Buddhist Meditation Society for their weekly meditation session. Beginners welcome. 2.00pm to 4.00pm Meeting Room 3, ARC
Thursday 10th December
OR... LOOK OUT F
Thursday 3rd December
Carol Concert
National Holocaust Memorial Day Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is about commemorating and continuing to learn from the events of the Holocaust. HMD is marked each year on 27 January – the anniversary of the date of the liberation of Nazi death camp AuschwitzBirkenau.
Burns Night A celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns.
Clubs & Societies. Tuesday 1st December to Friday 4th December
Wednesday 27th January
Persian Classes Get to know more about Iran and learn the Persian language. All levels of ability are welcome!
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
‘Jesus: For life or just for Christmas?’ A short talk from a Christian perspective. Lunch provided. 12.00noon to 1.00pm Riley Smith Hall, Union Building
Monday 14th December Capoeira Dance Classes 5.00pm to 8.00pm Information Point, Union Building
Monday 25th January End of Exams Ceilidh Celebrate the end of exams in style with a fun Ceilidh. 8.00pm to 11.00pm Mine, Union Building £3 for members/ £5 for non-members
Add your listings! Your club captain or society president can add your events to these listings, contact your Development Co-ordinator for more information.
Give it a Go Tuesday 1st December
(at a glance)
DON’T MISS:
Give it a Go Tai Chi Gung Breathing techniques to increase energy, reduce stress, improve concentration and feel great! 7.00pm to 9.00pm Meeting Room 2, ARC
Thursday 3rd December Give it a Go Judo Try ‘the gentle way’! 8.00pm to 10.00pm Sports Hall 3, Sports Centre
Friday 4th December Give it a Go Reflexology Using acupressure points to stimulate the energy around the body, this deeply relaxing foot massage can be used to heal many complaints from poor immunity to muscle and joint problems. 5.00pm to 7.00pm Resource Lounge, ARC £3
Give it a Go Trip to Liverpool Saturday 5th December
Take a day out to visit one of Britain’s most popular cities. Famed for its docks, complicated past and the homeland of the Beatles, Liverpool is a thriving city. Visit the Beatles Museum, enjoy the shopping or peruse the Tate Gallery. There is something for everyone in this city. 8.30am to 6.00pm, Meet at the Parkinson Building steps, £16 (please book in advance at the LUU Helpdesk)
Saturday 5th December Give it a Go Trip to Liverpool Come and see the capital of culture! 8.30am to 6.00pm Meet at the Parkinson Building steps £16 (please book) GIAG Anime Soc 11.00am to 6.00pm Conference Hall, ARC
Sunday 6th December Give it a Go Christmas Card Making All materials provided. 3.00pm to 5.00pm Meeting Room 4, ARC £2
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
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Ask Maddie...
Information & Support. DON’T MISS:
House Hunting Talks
DON’T RUSH into signing for a house!
Student Advice Centre advisers will be on hand to give you all the information you need to make the right choice when you start looking for housing next year, letting you know who the good landlords are and what to avoid in your search. There will also be 2nd and 3rd year students telling you about their experiences of house hunting and giving you some tips. See individual dates for locations and times.
Tuesday 1st December
Bar, Clarence Dock Halls 6.30pm to 7.30pm
House Hunting Talks: Leodis Common Room, Leodis Halls 6.30pm to 7.30pm
House Hunting Talks Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre, Michael Sadler Building 6.45pm to 7.45pm
House Hunting Talks: Clarence Dock
Wednesday 2nd December
House Hunting Talks: James Baillie Common Room, James Baillie Halls 6.30pm to 7.30pm House Hunting Talks: Devonshire JCR, Devonshire Halls 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Thursday 3rd December
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 12.30pm to 1.30pm Meeting Room 8, Union Building House Hunting Talks: Oxley Halls Oxley Common Room 6.00pm to 7.00pm House Hunting Talks: Opal 3 Common Room, Opal 3 Halls 6.30pm to 7.30pm
House Hunting Talks: Concept Place/Tannery For students of these halls. Conference Room, ARC 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Friday 4th December House Hunting Talks 12.00 noon to 2.00pm Pulse, Union Building
Thursday 10th December Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 12.30pm to 1.30pm Meeting Room 8, Union Building
Thursday 17th December Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 12.30pm to 1.30pm Meeting Room 8, Union Building
Democracy & Campaigns. Tuesday 1st December Referendum voting CLOSES 4.00pm Online and ballot boxes
Wednesday 2nd December Referendum voting COUNT 1.30pm to 3.00pm Terrace, Union Building
Wednesday 2nd December Vice-Chancellors Q&A From 5.00pm, Conference Hall, ARC, FREE
Friday 4th December
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Changing LUU Democracy: Workshop 1 5.00pm to 7.00pm Information Point, Union Building
DON’T MISS: ations Nomin SE CLO 5th 2 Thurs ry Janua
Monday 7th December
Changing LUU Democracy: Workshop 2 5.00pm to 7.00pm Game On, Union Building
Monday 25th January Union Council Meeting 6.00pm to 9.00pm Conference Hall, ARC
Thursday 28th January Exec & NUS Election: Nominations CLOSE 12.00 noon
Exec Elections: Nominations CLOSE Thursday 28th January
Nominate yourself in the Student Executive Elections and you could be representing over 30,000 people in an organisation with a multi-million pound turnover! There are six positions available; find our more about these roles and submit your nomination at www. leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/elections. Submit your nomination before 12.00 noon on this date.
www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
Maddie Harris-Smith Officer Your Welfare
Please send your problems to thegist@luu.leeds.ac.uk. All our questions are kept anonymous unless you state otherwise. Not all questions can be printed I’m afraid but we will try to answer as many as we can.
Dear Maddie,
housemates Halls and my use. Help! I’m in t finding a ho ou talking ab e liv to t an w have started I is I’m not sure huge amount a The problem e don’t have w – em a second th with worried that I’m d an on ell. If I w o to in comm go t might no r year together em do I have any othe th ith w e liv t n’ do options? ail Send by em It’s important to think carefully about who you live with, and it’s good you’ re not rushing into things – it’s a lot easi er to sign a contract than it is to get out of one! You do have other options, and it shouldn’t be too hard to find alternative housemates. The Unipol student to student notic e board is a great place to find other peo ple to live with; many of the people using this service will be in exactly the same situa tion you are! www.unipolnetletleeds.co .uk/ noticeboard/
Dear Maddie,
Everyone is talking about housing but I don’t what I need to do! It was scary enough finding Hal ls to live in… What do I need to know? Send by email
Dear Maddie,
I’ve heard a lot of stories about bad landlords, even seeing stories abo ut some Leeds landlords in the national press! How can I make sure I don’t get ripp ed off? Send by email
There are a number of ways to find a good landlord, one of the easiest ways it to use a member of Unipol code of standards. This is a voluntary code that involves the landlord making promises that are additional to the standards required by law. If a landlord has signed up to this code it’s a good sign that they want to do things right. You can get more information on the Code and see who signed up at www.unipol.org.uk/leeds. rd When you do find a property and landlo your get to t forge don’t with, y happ e you’r contract checked. The Student Advice Centre offer a free contract checking service for students, which will ensure your contract is legal and fair, and they can tell you about their previous experience of the landlord. Lastly, do make sure you keep up your side of the bargain. You may incur charges for late payment of rent, and you can only expect to have your deposit returned in full if you treat the property with respect and leave it clean and tidy.
to speed ailable to get you up nty of information av end one of our att is do n ca Don’t worry, there’s ple you g ing you using. The best thin when it comes to ho ich will tell you everyth that e the List, page 22) wh nts (se s de talk stu g of es ntin nc hu erie use ho n hear about the exp it until ca wa you d d an , an ing w, yth kno an need to es. Don’t rush into elv ms g the win all vie it rt gh sta ou have been thr ry 16th before you is released on Janua m the Union fro e (fre g ntin hu the Unipol housing list use sing/ for of LUU’s guide to ho helpandadvice/hou houses.Pick up a copy niversityunion.org.uk/ dsu ee w.l ww to go foyer) or more information. www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist
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New Leeds HiQ centre opens on 1st December 2009 Enjoy our comfortable waiting area with wi-ďŹ access and free tea or coffee while we take care of your car.
Driving home for Christmas? Leeds University students are invited to call in for a FREE tyre safety check and claim their free selection box.*
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We don’t just do tyres you know - ask us about MOTS, servicing, exhausts, brakes and batteries. Have a brew while you wait.
HiQ Leeds
147 Gelderd Road Leeds LS12 6BR
0113 203 5949 *Students must show a valid NUS card and have a tyre safety check completed before claiming a free selection box. Offer only available 24 The Gist www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/thegist during December 2009 and January 2010.