WINTER 2015
London Met Student Spotlights
Hello!
of It’s that time
year again.
ying in every la p s g n o s s left hristma wind and C got too long , ’t in n e ra v a r, h e th e a ere. W ersity The cold we t winter is h break! Univ a r th te l in a n w r ig u s o o in zing ello to store you g e’re all snee ctures and h w le d n to a , e y g b in d goo re loom of it. until we say ou, exams a ery minute y v e n o g p in u y g jo n n e pilli and e work mayb persevering p e e k t u b , ay atever along the w w start. Wh e n a d n a r 5 and new yea ack on 201 it will be a b , k U o lo LM to to r e return memb wintery When you n may be, re we’ve got a o , ti n o lu s o a s e re s s e ear’ r you; e festiv your New Y have it all fo days and th li e o h W . e e th in z te a lebra ter. e mag smile. To ce to go in win of your Verv s e e p c a la h s p t e s e th in s and b treat for you stmas movie ri h C e v fi p including to days. Happy holi Molly Arno ld - Editor BA Journali sm Third Ye ar
CONTRIBUTORS
ciaran bankwala - journalist BA english litERATURE second Year
carolina ciro - journalist BA Journalism second Year
t rnalis y - jou Year e l ig u d Q m thir Rosie rnalis BA Jou
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & a FAB new year FROM ALL THE VERVE TEAM!
CYdney archer PHER page PHOTOGRA t on Fr apy First year er th e nc da & BA sports
victoria penn ant - journa list BA Journali sm second Year
er
e design samantha cain - magazin Year BA digital media third
list an - journa emilie herm ar Ye d ir sm th BA Journali
dominika kubinyo va - journalist BA Journalism se cond Year
JOIN THE VERVE TEAM!
Isabella Michael - jou rnalist BA GRAPHIC DESIGN THI RD Year
t journalis burello ar Ye d joey tam alism thir BA Journ
vervemagazine@londonmet.ac.uk
Omotolani Shokeye - journalist BA Fashion marketing & Journalism first Ye ar TOGRAPHER CIS - PHO N NICK FRAN PRODUCTIO T S CA BROAD BA FILM & ar Ye d secon
DISCLAIMER: All contributions included in this magazine are those of the writer ONLY and NOT those of London Met SU or its associated trademarks, websites and services. London Met SU does not necessarily endorse, support, sanction, encourage, verify or agree with any comments, opinions or statements or other content provided by users.
IN THIS ISSUE... WINTER 2015
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT LET’S TALK MAKE-UP!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ORGANISATION HACKS HANDY HELP TO GET ORGANISED
STUDENTS’ UNION
LATEST NEWS FROM THE SU
FRESHERS’ FAIR PHOTOBOOTH CAN YOU #SPOTYOURSELF
BRICK LANE
HOME OF LONDON STREET ART
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURVIVAL TOP TIPS TO SURVIVE THE SEASON
TOP 5 CHRISTMAS FILMS
IS YOUR FAVOURITE ON THE LIST?
FRESHER S’ F
4 5 6 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22
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OTOBOOT PH H
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STU
DE N UN TS’ ION
12 SOCIETIE
SKINT STUDENT HOLIDAY SPECIAL
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PLACES TO GO THIS WINTER
POLICE ALERT
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STAY SAFE ON CAMPUS
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
TOP GIFTS TO BUY NEAR CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015
A FUN LOOK BACK AT 2015
UNIVERSITY CHECKLIST
TIPS TO OVERCOME WINTER STRESS
TV & BOOK REVIEWS FIND YOUR NEXT READ; MUST-WATCH TV
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DIGITAL VERVE MAGAZINE
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THANK YOU STUDENTS! For representing London Met and Verve Magazine this Winter
(Charmaine Grumet, James Allwright, Akash Seewoodhary, Victor Ballo and Abass Colcer-Bangalie)
FOLLOW US! www.londonmetsu.org.uk
facebook.com/londonmetsu
@LondonMetSU
@LondonMetSU
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT I graduated from London Met in 2006, achieving a 2:1 in Communications and Visual Culture. I was based at the Aldgate branch, it was exciting to be a student in a vibrant community. The inner London backdrop inspired the themes of a number of my projects. It was great! In 2007 I completed a Masters’ degree in Political Communications at the University of London, Goldsmiths College. My interest in Communications prepared me for the career I would later pursue as an author.
YE NATREEMA ASAFU-ADJA
In March 2015 I published my first book Melanin Monologues: A Black British Perspective. This is a self-published title released by The Wordsmiths Workshop Limited, an independent writers’ forum I created to launch the talent of new writers. I’m pleased to be a part of the London Met Alumni and its legacy of students who have gone onto cultivate their chosen careers and create new opportunities for themselves. I’ve been working very hard to promote this book which is now available in university libraries (London Met, Goldsmiths, LSE, SOAS), The British Library and The Black Cultural Archives (Brixton) as well as a number of public libraries across the UK. It’s a great feeling to have my work recognised! Molly Arnold
Even though she has just started her BA in Fashion Marketing and Journalism here at London Met, 25-year-old Omotolani Shokeye, from Greenwich, has been working as a freelance make-up artist for four years.
OMOTOLANI SHOKEY
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Having worked behind the scenes for magazines such as Glam Africa UK and Kychan Teen Magazine, the talented Nigerian-born has a real passion when it comes to everything to do with make-up. “Make-up is as important as wearing clothes,” she says. “But a lot of the fashion industry excludes make-up.” Surprisingly, as do many other make-up artists now days, she learnt the skills and techniques to do it by watching tutorials. “I’m actually self-taught,” she proudly states. One of her inspirations is London-based – and fellow compatriot - Joy Adenuga, a well-known professional make-up artist within the industry. However, Shokeye aspires to become a beauty editor and potentially have her own magazine. “You don’t have to forget about your dreams just because you can’t afford it,” she says. Carolina Ciro
If you are interes ted in getting a quote fo r bridal, editorial or any ty pe of make-up look, visit Shokeye’s webs ite: www.mebyomot ola.com or follow her on Twitter @MEbyOmotola and Instagram @mebyomotola
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ou’ve got a coursework deadline looming, an exam just around the corner, a pile of books on the shelf that needs to be read and your mum is expecting a phone call for a catch up. And there’s just not enough hours in a day to get it all done! Just breathe. Breathe through it all; it’s only the rest of your life that is counting on this essay...
It’s okay. We are all functioning adults (scary isn’t it?) and we can do this. All we have to do is get organised and that is pretty simple when you know how. Here are some great organisation hacks that get me through my endless amounts of journalism coursework, maybe they could help you too! Molly Arnold
ORGANISATION Hacks
THE WALL OF DOOM DEADLINES
If you don’t see your deadline date enough, you are bound to forget it. Write down all your essays, exams and coursework deadlines and stick them on your wall. Choose a section of your favourite wall and dedicate it to those looming deadlines. When I look at my Wall of Doom I cry, but at least I know when all my coursework is due!
REMEMBER!
REVISION NOTES
Here’s a way to annoy your flatmate, stick lots of notes around the house with handy revision tips on them. Stick them on the milk, the fridge, bread, the bathroom mirror, anywhere and everywhere. So when your lecturer asks, “What do you need to do to successfully sue for libel?” You’ll remember that you saw it on your pot of PG Tips in the morning and be able to proudly say, “You need to be able to prove serious financial loss.” Boom. You, my friend, are on the road to being a genius.
SCHEDULE TIME
Take a trip to your Wall of Doom and stick on a timetable that will help you prioritise your life according to your university deadlines. On Monday at 7pm, after having dinner, you will spend an hour researching ideas for your dissertation. On Tuesday at 2pm, after bingeing out on Netflix for a couple of hours, you will go over your notes for your exam. On Thursdays at 6pm, after ordering Chinese food, you will call your mum and spend the next two hours assuring her you are eating vegetables every day!
Whateve r you do to organise your time at universit y, the mo s t importan t thing is n o t to leave t hings un t il the night before.
TUTORIALS
If you want to get the best marks it’s vital that you discuss all coursework with your tutors. Let them go through it and cross things out that you’ve racked your brain over for the last few weeks. If you save everything to the last minute, you won’t be able to fit that tutorial in and that could lose you some easy marks.
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Hi from Obie and the SU team
OBIE OPARA FLSC OFFICER (SU PRESIDENT)
MARCO BRUNONE GFBL OFFICER (DEPUTY PRESIDENT)
W
ow! This semester has flown by and it has been a busy few months with lots of exciting things in the SU...
We had an amazing time over the freshers’ period meeting loads of new students at events such as our Speed Meet, Cass Start of Year Party and of course our big freshers’ welcome event: the SU Boat Party (what a night!). It was great to see so many students getting to know each other and settling into London Met. The SU were out in force at both the Freshers’ Fairs, with our very own Verve Radio providing the music, and our SU photo booth on hand to capture the memories. Over 500 of you signed up to join the #SeaOfRed team sport initiative, and over 1,500 students signed up to one of our many student societies. Since term started we have been busy getting StARs (Student Academic Reps) elected and trained, running Student Council meetings, hosting a whole range of Black History Month events and campaigning on issues ranging from the NUS #CutTheCosts campaign to Green Impact initiatives. We’ve also provided radio, magazine and society training and got our sports teams together and out playing competitive matches. Our Verve volunteers enjoyed a trip round the BBC studios and we were proud to host the regional SRA (Student Radio Association) training day and awards nominations evening. Our expert Student Academic advisors have also been busy as always, helping students with academic issues, enabled by the recent addition of new drop-in sessions in your student Hubs. Over the next few months, keep an eye out for our important upcoming SU elections, our free intramural sport offering (see page 8) and the SU Awards 2016, which will take place on 8th April 2016 from 6pm in the Great Hall (with the after-party in the Rocket). You can start making your nominations from 1st February at www. londonmetsu.org.uk/awards. All that’s left is to wish you the best of luck in your upcoming exams and a well-rested and enjoyable winter break. Hope to see you at one of our events next Semester!
SU Team
AMANDA MARILLIER CASS OFFICER
NICOLE MITCHELL FSSH OFFICER
www.londonmetsu.org.uk LondonMetSU LondonMetSU LondonMetSU Main Reception TMG-75, Red Zone - Holloway Campus 0207 133 4171 Open 9:30-17:00
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a radio station? These students are finding out by hosting their new shows on Verve Radio, our very own student radio station. Listen in to all our presenters - bringing you the sound of London Met: www.ververadio.co.uk/listen
Sylvie Weds @11am Frizz & Go
CHLOE HOPKINS @CHLOEHOFFICIAL All the latest show business and celebrity gossip, chart music, throw back days, student life, what’s happening in London, soaps and reality TV show news!! Plus, special guests chatting about all things exciting.
IMRAN RAFIQ (AKA, DJ RSD1) @IMZO101 Bringing you tunes by both British and American artists on a mainstream and underground level. Expect to hear artists such as Yungen, Sneakbo, Stormzy, Drake, Trey Songz and Kendrick Lamar.
SIMON SAMAKI OSAGIE @SAYMESAMMY Just like emojis, I want to represent my feelings each week through the music I play. I will be playing a range of music depending on my mood that week.
ALI RAZA @CLOUDMAKING I play new music releases - mostly hiphop, rap and indie but anything that catches my eye. Listen in to hear good music and chill.
SCOTT KIMBERLEY @MONDAYBLUESRS A cocktail of everything bluesy, electro-swing, dub, electronic, world and soul. Occasionally topped with rock and metal.
ASHNA SHOLEHPAK Meet a new international student each week, bringing their favourite dance/party music from their country. Highlighting different personalities and a range of music from all over the world.
Ashna Mon @12pm Dancing Around the World
Nick Fri @10am Alternative Music Essentials
If you want to get involved and join the team, contact us: ververadio@londonmet.ac.uk @ververadio www.ververadio.co.uk
(C) PHOTOGRAPHY NICK FRANCIS
TEAM SPORTS
THE STUDENTS’ UNION HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW TEAM SPORT INITIATIVE CALLED THE “SEA OF RED”, OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED AND PLAY THE SPORTS THAT THEY LOVE.
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here are currently competitive teams covering everything, including badminton, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, cheerleading, men’s football, women’s football, futsal, volleyball (mixed) netball and rugby union. And if that’s not enough for you look out for cricket, dance and dodgeball coming soon, as well as our intramural* sporting opportunities. In conjunction with the university’s comprehensive gym and recreational sport offering, the Union offers sports teams for male and female students of all backgrounds, ages and experience to play the sport they love and to represent the university and Union on a weekly basis. With a qualified coach and players taking part in the prestigious BUCS leagues, we are looking to improve on the university’s current sports ranking.
*Intramural sport is your chance to play free competitive team sports against teams from all across London Met. Get together a squad of 10 people from your course, your faculty, your student society, your halls of residence or almost anywhere else you can imagine within the university and get involved!
So far this year the “Sea of Red” has grown to over 130 people and with the new sports being added, we are hoping to grow to over 200 students and to become a major movement within the university. Playing sport isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s about feeling
part of the university way of life and part of the London Met community. Uni life can be tough, particularly for those a long way from home, and it’s crucial to get the right balance between studies and social life. With many sport courses taking place at the university, team sport helps create a great balance to ensure a positive experience from your time at London Met. Badminton captain Farah Mehdi feels that playing sport at the university is one of the best ways of settling into life, not just at university but in the busy capital too. “Coming from Yorkshire, adjusting to the fast pace and manic way of life in London took some time,” she said. “I wish I was a first-year student again, as having the team around me and trying to grow the sports I love has given me real focus and a real sense of ownership as well as helping me settle with new friends from across London and even the world!”
DANNY BAKER SU SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
UPCOMING KEY DATES
LONDON MET STUDENTS’ UNION
SPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE STUDENTS AT LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Newly appointed SU Sports and Activities Development Co-ordinator Danny Baker is keen to get as many students involved in positive sporting experiences. “The Union and university are working together to create the right sporting opportunities for London Met students. We have a number of great showcase events such as the ‘Big Day Out’ where all the sports teams are playing on the same day, ending with our basketball team playing a match hopefully in front of 500 students! Add to that coach education opportunities, a diverse intramural sport programme and more teams than we have had for a decade and it’s clear that sport is very important to the students at London Metropolitan University.”
Getting involved in University competitive sport couldn’t be easier. Go to the Students’ Union website (www.londonmetsu. org.uk/sport) and check out what sports teams you feel like you want to join. Try the session out and if you enjoy the first one, come to the Union and join the Sea of Red. If you want to know any more about the Sea of Red, stop anybody with a red hoody and ask them about what they do as part of the initiative or pop by the Students’ Union and speak to Danny, Hassan or any of the Students’ Union staff.
Make the most of your student experience by joining one of our student societies. You can expand your social circle, gain new skills, share your talents, develop your confidence, add it on to your CV and most importantly, have fun!
Societies In Focus BANKING SOCIETY We are the official Banking Society at London Metropolitan University, Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law. Created in 2011, the Banking Society has organised an array of events where key speakers have gifted our members with knowledge, updates and insights on the financial, economic and business markets. As well as hosting exciting speaker events, the society will be organising excursions to other universities and organisations. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, therefore look out for exclusive Banking Society social events where we get to let our hair down.
To join any society pop into the Students’ Union office, TMG-75 (Tower Building) and pay your membership fee. Go to www.londonmetsu. org.uk/societies for more information and to see a full list of our affiliated societies.
GAMES TABLETOP & SCIFI FANTASY SOCIETY GTSF is a London Met society for students to play the games they enjoy, discover new games, meet new people and explore London and its many conventions. If you’re interested in console, PC, or tabletop games, comic conventions and other pop culture conventions, and want to meet other students to group up and play with, this is the society for you!
BENEFITS Members acquire first hand, valuable information on the present market. This is information not available in books that may be useful for future assignments. The Society also gives you the opportunity to make new friends with like-minded individuals or groups, expand your network at events and gain confidence in the process. Join our enthusiastic, dynamic and creative team.
Some highlighted events from our first year are MCM Comic Con, Christmas and Halloween parties, LegoCon, AnimeCon, movie trips, VFX London, master classes with the head of Pixar and Guardians of the Galaxy, and Zombie Apocalypse Paintball! Some of the events we plan on doing this year are Super Smash, Splatoon, and other console game competitions (with prizes and food), comic con, LegoCon, and all manner of other pop culture cons, tabletop gaming days once a month or so: board games from Cluedo to niche games like Game of Thrones, card games, and D&D for beginners, laser tag, arcades, and much more. We hope to see you at future events!
www.londonmetsu.org.uk/ banking
www.londonmetsu.org.uk/ scifi
ELECTIONS 2016
A Day in the Life of a Sabbatical Officer Can you describe a typical day in the life of a sabbatical officer?
For me that would be waking up very very early and dedicating the morning to my project on childcare issues and going through the data on students and childcare commitments and university studies.
Then the rest of my day will be going through the emails I receive and then making sure projects in my manifesto are looked at, but also speaking to the students on Facebook and finding out what’s going on. Each day is different, from organising events, to attending university board meetings discussing governance.
What have you gained from being in your position?
I have gained a lot of knowledge in terms of the business world, politics and the way different people function and, if anything, negotiation skills and making sure that you kind of give the university what they want so they give the students what the students want. It’s a good technique to pick up because I think you get a lot more done.
THE STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS 2016 ARE JUST ROUND THE CORNER! Are you passionate about helping and supporting your fellow students? Are you good at speaking out and not afraid of a challenge? Getting elected as a full-time sabbatical officer is a unique opportunity; you will learn new skills, meet new people and take a paid leadership role in a dynamic organisation of over 12,000 London Met students. If you would like some more information or have an informal chat then speak to Eddie Rowley on: e.rowley@londonmet.ac.uk or by visiting www.londonmetsu.org.uk/elections
Why would you recommend a student to stand for election?
Because they will make a huge difference. I would only recommend that students who genuinely care about making a difference are the ones who go for it. If they care about what happens to every single student around them and how students are affected then they will be perfect. They need to be able to be vocal and express opinions of the students confidently and not feel intimidated, and they need to be genuine. They will gain good experience and they will be speaking for a lot of students who can’t speak for themselves so it’s extremely rewarding to be able to do that.
What has been your highlight through your time being an officer?
I’ve got a few! One of my highlights during my time in office was launching the Women’s Forum and getting a lot of money from the Board of Trustees invested into that, and now we have got our events going on. It’s a result for the women to create awareness around women’s issues. Another is getting in touch with lots and lots and lots of parents and finding out what their experiences are, and being able to communicate that to the university, which is really rewarding. A recent highlight would be Black History Month which has been really successful. I worked with my previous lecturer, Veronica Mason, and together we put a bunch of events on. I think it has been one of the best Black History Months at the university, as far as I have been told.
What’s next for Nicole when you finish in your role?
Who knows? I intend to go and do law and I have been offered a place at the University of Law, which is a huge opportunity, but there are always prospects being thrown my way, so it really boils down to how God planned it. I know I want to do law but I have developed other interests as well and other projects that I want to do. Dealing with the grassroots, looking at girls and the father deficit, working with women and young people, there’s loads of different projects that I’m interested in. So for now I’ll say law school but I don’t fully know. We’ll see. Watch this space!
StARs UPDATE The Students’ Union have been busy liaising with Faculties to facilitate the election of Student Academic Reps (StARs) for each year of each course. StARs represent their fellow students on the ground across the university. They engage with students on their course to identify and raise with their faculty relevant issues, and then negotiate solutions. They are a vital form of communication between the students and university. So far over 200 StARs have been trained this semester. The Students’ Union have also run a Q&A forum between StARs and the dean for each faculty. These are opportunities for StARs to raise issues directly with their faculty management and engage in dialogue with the aim of improving the student experience. For more information on StARs go to www. londonmetsu.org.uk/stars
Freshers’ Fair Photobooth 2015
(C) PHOTOGRAPHY ISABELLA MICHAEL
Grab a camera, a sketchbook, a pen and your will to explore and get down there!
Isab
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ersonally, I believe that the City campus is very underestimated. Apart from the amazing courses that are going on in the actual faculty, the area has so much more to offer! My favourite place for a boost of inspiration is Brick Lane.
You don’t have to study something art-related to enjoy this beautiful area that’s so close to campus. It could help you no matter what course you take, or it could just provide a chilled day out and break from university stress. Grab a camera, a sketchbook, a pen and your will to explore and get down there. I suggest you to start at the Aldgate side.
Walking down Brick Lane, it feels like something in between an old London neighbourhood and a neighbourhood from the East. There are coffee and food shops everywhere and some of them offer the most colourful desserts you could possibly imagine. But coffee and food is not what I want to talk about… although there is so much to mention. What I really want to say to persuade you to head to Brick Lane on your break is for the original street art.
Michael
STREET ART IN BRICK LANE IS AMAZING! THERE ARE SO MANY COLOURS AND DESIGNS. EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, YOU WILL SEE SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAT HAS BEEN CREATED BY... WELL, NOBODY KNOWS! On doors, walls, windows and even lamposts, street art in Brick Lane can be found everywhere. While you walk down the narrow road you’ll notice some alleys at the sides. Don’t walk past them. They hide the best street art and are great places for a cheeky photoshoot. If you’re studying art, film, media, or journalism, these alleys provide a great backdrop for video assignments and sketchbook ideas. If you keep on walking forwards, you’ll see the street food market, which has food from all over the world. Next to that is the Vintage Market. It sells clothes, items, vinyls, art, jewellery and I can keep going, but I think you better explore it yourself! There is just so much on Brick Lane and it’s so close to City campus. Brick Lane is a part of London that should not be missed. So on your dinner break or if you have one of those annoying breaks between lectures, Brick Lane is just an eight-minute walk from Calcutta House, a five-minute walk from Commercial Road and a two-minute walk from Central House.
Brick Lane is a part of London that should not be missed
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OU’RE STANDING IN A MONSTROUSLY LONG QUEUE IN MORRISONS AND A NUMBER OF SELFSERVICE CHECKOUTS BLINK RED. A sea of disgruntled shoppers grumble simultaneously as ‘Do they know it’s Christmas’ plays for the umpteenth time. A baby wearing a reindeer onesie chimes in with a ferocious battle cry and proceeds to drool absently into the distance. An elderly man mutters something racist and stares resentfully into a punnet of Brussels sprouts. You only came in for some loo roll and maybe an avocado, if it was on offer…
THE DEAD-EYED EXPRESSION OF A SANTA HAT-CLAD CASHIER SAYS IT ALL; HIS EYES, IN FACT, SCREAM IT CHRISTMAS IS COMING. You won’t notice at first. It starts with a few promotional offers on mince pies and some decorative mistletoe in your local Sainsbury’s. As the weeks progress, your local shop transforms into a grotto. Navigating your way around the jubilant, Brussels sprout-laden shitstorm can be somewhat tricky. Long queues, creepy shopping centre Santas, novelty headwear, fake snow, Mariah Carey - all these things are designed to break you… So I’ve compiled some quick shopping survival tips to ensure that you have a merry little Christmas. Or at least a bearable one.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURVIVAL ROSIE QUIGLEY
AVOID THE RUSH AND SHOP EARLY
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F YOU WANT TO ENSURE THAT YOU GRAB THE BEST, MOST AFFORDABLE GIFTS THEN YOU WILL NEED TO BEAT THE CROWDS.
Arriving late will ensure that you’re left with rubbish odd bits which you will have to present to your family as gifts. Rise early and get down to the high street just as the shops open. Doing this in the middle of winter isn’t ideal, but just imagine your nan’s face when you give her a pair of boot socks. Once you’ve gotten everything you need, make a triumphant exit. Glide down the escalator majestically and laugh smugly in the face of flustered shoppers.
JUST DO IT ONLINE
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OU MUST REMEMBER THAT FESTIVE SHOPPING IS NOT LIKE NORMAL SHOPPING; It evokes a primeval rage in people
when two-for-one offers on Toblerones are involved. If you go outside, you risk acquiring a black eye from an angry shopper and getting rained on. Online shopping allows for meticulous gift buying; you can scope out the best prices amongst an array of websites - just at home, with gin.
START A NEW ‘ANTI CONSUMERIST’ CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE
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T SEEMS A TAD SILLY TO THINK ABOUT BUYING GIFTS FOR OTHERS WHEN YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO AFFORD RENT, FOOD, TRAVEL, BOOKS AND BEER… You could just boycott the whole
gift-buying part of Christmas and use the time to really appreciate your loved ones. How long will this chapter in your life last? You don’t know; you’re in such a state of euphoric enlightenment that you haven’t contemplated this idea. You are zen and disconnected from all material things. But you suspect that your return to consumerism will begin around Boxing Day, just in time for the sales.
TOP 5 Christmas FILMS Joey Tamburello
LOVE ACTUALLY The film is an iconic look at the importance of family over the holiday period. Even though your ing family members may be all over the world, experienc tmas Chris that different things, the film manages to show us can bring to life the magic of life through love.
ELF ne would love Everybody loves Buddy and everyo in the North to meet the crazy elf who grows up his real ring Pole with Santa, before discove fect Sunday family in New York City. It is the per Christmas. night film to watch in the lead up to
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ns of all time! Probably one of the most amazing animatio until the big up This film can be watched from Halloween out the seasons. day, as it takes you on a journey through
HOME ALONE were young Everybody wanted to be Kevin when they how to all and even more so now, as he taught us ways ever. survive in some of the funniest cinematic
THE HOLIDAY More of a treat to watch around New Year’s Eve, this film makes you want to go on holiday and enjoy the sun at this cold time of year.
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ITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON JUST AROUND THE CORNER, IT’S QUITE HANDY TO START LOOKING AT WHAT THE CITY HAS GOT TO OFFER.
BROADGATE ICE RINK
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othing can be complete without ice-skating! After all, it is that time of year again; time to build snowmen and bake gingerbread men. Open from 16th November 2015 to 25th February 2016, 10am-10pm. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £9 for children and it’s just a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station! Perfect for those who live close to the Moorgate campus.
NO NEED TO PANIC IF YOU’RE NOT GOING AWAY, AS LONDON HAS PLENTY OF THINGS GOING ON ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. FROM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO ICE-SKATING, HERE ARE SOME OF THE CHEAPEST THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER.
HYDE PARK WONDERLAND
Carolina Ciro & Dominika Kubinyova
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he biggest free-entry event that happens each year in Hyde Park is your best bet if you’re seeking fun during the Christmas period. This place has everything you need to delve right into the holiday spirit The market stalls will tempt you with the smell of delicious food and drinks such as hot chocolate and mulled wine. Also, you will find beautiful Christmasthemed decorations and gifts. Then you can skate on the ice rink or take a ride on the rollercoasters, which are all lit up to give you that festive feeling. If you don’t like the adrenaline rush, you can always watch a show in one of the circuses or gaze at the beautiful ice sculptures in the Magical Ice Kingdom. As your night comes to a close, take a ride in the observation wheel, which goes up to 60m above London, which is great for a romantic date or just by yourself to take in the beautiful view. Winter Wonderland runs from 20th November to 3rd January so don’t forget to stop by!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON OXFORD STREET
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h yes! They are back and for the 56th time, 750,000 LED lightbulbs will lighten up central London up until the 6th of January 2016. Get yourself down there and get that Christmas shopping out of way - and enjoy the gorgeous light festival while you’re at it.
COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS
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nly five stops away from Holloway Road Campus, you can find another beautiful market full of food and drinks, as well as amazing hand-crafted decorations and jewellery. This market is more suitable for people who don’t like overcrowded places and long queues, but want to enjoy the majestic decorations and lights. Stand beneath the enormous Christmas tree, which glows with red and white lights on the west side of the square, and enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate. If you are an animal lover, you won’t be able to resist the reindeer that come to Covent Garden square every Saturday from 12pm to 4pm, when you have the opportunity to feed and take pictures with them. After you’ve enjoyed everything that Christmas at Covent Garden has to offer, finish off your shopping in the many boutiques around you.
STUDENT SKINT STUDENT SKINT STUDENT SKINT HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Christmas Shop
Christmas is really and truly all about the food! So if you want to create the best Christmassy spread, without breaking the bank, check out these Christmas-on-a-budget favourites. You can thank me later. Happy shopping!
TOP TemIPber to
Victoria Pennant
MINCE PIES
Christmas is not complete without the mince pies! Visit Aldi for their range of mince pies that do not compromise on taste. Specially Selected Aldi Mince Pies are on sale at time of print for £1.15 for a six pack and £1.49 for twelve.
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TURKEY
Instead of buying a whole Turkey, cut the costs and visit Asda for their Butcher’s Selection Boneless Turkey Thigh Joint only for £4. This turkey joint not only cuts costs, but time. It’s prepared in a special roasting bag, so all you have to do it pop it in the oven and dinner is sorted.
ROAST POTATOES
To accompany the turkey, grab a bag of Tesco brand roast potatoes – only 80p! Cheap, cheerful and gets the job done. Pop those in the oven along with the turkey and it will start feeling (almost) like mum’s home cooking.
TOP Costa Winter Drinks
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1. COSTA CARAMEL FUDGE HOT CHOCOLATE
It’s great for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for hot chocolate. Revel in the chocolatey goodness, it’s a great treat this Christmas.
Molly Arnold
2. BLACK FOREST GATEAU HOT CHOCOLATE
Not as sweet as the fudge hot chocolate, but just as tasty! It’s got a fruity tinge to it and I like to think of it as a healthier way to have cake! Surely there are less calories in the drink than the cake... right?
3. WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE
Nom nom nom. There’s not much more I can say other than ‘MMM’.
BE ALERT FOR PHONE SNATCHING City of London Police is warning people to be on their guard following a number of incidents of mobile phone theft, where the victim has been walking along the pavement with a phone in their hand when a suspect has mounted the pavement on a moped or push-bike and grabbed the phone. Unfortunately there has been an increase in this type of crime in Islington recently. Offences have taken place throughout the day and evening – particularly morning and evening rush hours. There will be an increase of uniformed and plain clothes police officers in the area to detect and prevent these crimes.
PC JASON BURTON, SAFER HIGHER/FURTHER EDUCATION OFFICER ISLINGTON BOROUGH METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE 07795121863
Verve magazine that was sad to hear ed this has happen to some of our students.
JASON.C.P.BURTON@MET.PNN.POLICE.UK WWW.CITYOFLONDON.POLICE.UK
STAFF AND STUDENTS AT LONDON MET CAN ASSIST BY CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING: IF YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR PHONE WHEN YOU’RE OUT IN THE STREET, BE AWARE OF WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND YOU. LOOK AT YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE EASE OF WHICH SOMEONE CAN SNATCH YOUR PHONE FROM YOU. INSTALL PHONE RECOVERY SOFTWARE. SET A PASSWORD ON YOUR APPS TO PREVENT IT BEING DELETED. RECORD YOUR IMEI NUMBER – USE WWW.IMMOBILISE.COM KEEP POCKETS ZIPPED OR BUTTONED UP
FACIAL BRUSH Magnitione Glow Cleansing Brush will make that perfect gift and it is one of the trending facial must-have products. Superdrug Stores are offering this particular brand on sale. It was originally £39.99 and is now £14.99, saving you £25. So grab a bargain - and enjoy.
FOOTBALL GAME TICKET If they’re a big football fan and you would like to give them the real experience (because Fifa is simply not enough), the best thing you can do is to get them a ticket for a local football game… if they support Arsenal, that is. Emirates Stadium on Holloway Road is just a five-minute walk!
X MA S G I F T S A
round this time of year, we all feel like we should show our nearest and dearest how much we appreciate them. Be it a parent, a sibling, a best friend or a partner, it’s very important to remind them just how much they mean to us. If you want to show them how wonderful they are and you don’t think words are enough, our writers have gone out and found a mixture of great gifts close by your campus to surprise them with! Dominika Kubinyova & Omotolani Shokeye
CANDLES Candles are also a great gift idea and TK Maxx have a range of candles on sales for Christmas. Bohama Scented Candles are on 69% sale from £25.95 to £7.99 saving you £18. TK Maxx is just a 15-minute walk from Aldgate.
A CHRISTMAS SWEATER Not only is it cute, but it will help them to stay warm during those chilly days and bitterly cold nights. Find plenty of Christmas-themed sweaters at Marks & Spencer on Holloway Road. It’s just a ten-minute walk from campus.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015 AS 2015 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, ONE TENDS TO REFLECT ON THE YEAR THAT HAS PASSED. THE HIGHS AND LOWS, THE TEARS AND SMILES AND ALL THE GOOD BITS IN-BETWEEN. WE’VE COMPILED A LIST OF WHAT WE LIKE TO CALL THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015.
SNAP CHAT FILTERS Snap Chat had a huge presence in 2015, especially when the filter update came out. People were vomiting rainbows everywhere, becoming cute bunny rabbits and scaring little kids. Check out Snap Chat’s new Halloween filters.
DRAKE’S (REALLY) AWKWARD DANCING It is arguably one of Drake’s best songs. Until he released the music video. Then the memes followed. As we have never actually witnessed Drake dancing in any music video, his moves did not do him any justice - whatsoever.
THE OPENING… AND THE CLOSING OF THE NIGHT TUBE Awkward, weird, loud and sometimes smelly night bus journeys were soon to be a thing of the past! The night tube was here! Quick, efficient and a student’s best friend. Until it closed. Our hearts sank and are now patiently awaiting its return next year.
winNER THE SEGWAY - THE FAKE HOVER BOARD
LAST ISSUE OF VERVE We asked you to write
As technology advances, the Segway is the cloud in the silver lining, the ray of hope that this is merely the beginning of the hover board. It also looks super cool, futuristic and is really worth every penny.
“Why I love London Met” for a chance to win an iPad Mini. Thanks to all our entrants. We are pleased to announce the winner of the competition is Mariana Magalhães, a first-year studying Media and Communications. Congratulations and well done Mariana! “What I love the most at London Met are the people. The people that surround you can do such a difference to your life. I’ve been amazed by how genuine, concerned and inspiring a person can be, and I’ve got to meet various different, inspiring and successful people. Every single person is different, everyone has different views, different values and different cultures, however that made me aspire to become myself. I strongly feel that because of inspiring people I’ve met along the way, I want to grow as person. And what better place to grow than London Metropolitan University?”
Let us know your favourite parts of 2015 and let’s look forward and see what 2016 has to offer! Victoria Pennant
EVERY YEAR, THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FEELINGS THAT EVERY STUDENT IS BOUND TO GET WHEN THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ARE COMING.
BRING VITAMIN C AND IBUPROFENS Wherever you’re going for New Year’s Eve, just make sure you have some by your bed for the next morning. Spare yourself the hangover and save a day!
On one hand, you get an overwhelming sense of positivity. It is a mix between the excitement of being able to see your friends and your family at any time of the day and the satisfying relief of not going to uni for a couple of weeks. It is a state of mind filled with joy, knowing that Weblearn can be replaced with Netflix and the stress of being late simply fades away and you can stay in bed until the sun goes back down. On the other hand, the closer to January you are, the more you realise that you have to work on your assessments and remember your university username and password. It’s a negative feeling that tends to push a lot of students to feel fear, stress, and anxiety. So to prevent those nasty feelings and keep your anxiety at bay, here are some top tips to be prepared for your January return.
N A M ER H IE IL EM T S LI K C E H C Y IT S R E UNIV BACK EARLY? A bit bored in your room? You can come to the library to work on your assessments. Just double check the opening times on the website beforehand, just in case.
SWITCH ON YOUR ALARM On the day you have to go back to London Met, obviously, but the trick is also to do that for a week prior to D-day.
DOING MORE IS BETTER THAN LESS Even if your deadline is in three months’ time, start doing your research. Read a lot. Write a first draft or just bullet points. Or, if you’re feeling motivated, all of the above.
DO YOU NEED A NEW NOTEPAD/NOTE BOOK? If so, buy it now or you will forget! Sainsbury’s, Tescos and Morrisons are close by, check out their great deals!
EAT HEALTHY FOOD A three-week diet of chocolate Santas, candy canes and sickly Christmas cake won’t provide your brain with the nutrients it needs. Go back to uni with healthy food inside you.
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EING A STUDENT ISN’T ALL ABOUT STUDYING AND PARTYING. SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO WIND DOWN WITH A GOOD BOOK OR TV SERIAL AND RELAX. THANKFULLY WE’VE NARROWED DOWN A LIST OF THE BEST SHOWS AND BOOKS AVAILABLE, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO! CIARAN BANKWALA
Have you ever wondered what the world of Batman was like before the infamous hero donned a cape and became the saviour of Gotham? Wonder no more. Named after the fictitious city, Gotham acts as a prequel to the Batman series and focuses on the role of James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) as the last moral man in a city full of crime. DC fans will rejoice to know that the series additionally focuses on the origins of some of comic book favourites including The Joker and The Penguin - shedding insight into how they became Gotham’s biggest criminals.
THE SHOW IS FULL OF VIBRANCY, YET IT PLAYS AGAINST DARK, MOODY BACKGROUNDS TO HIGHLIGHT GOTHAM’S DEPRAVITY. Gotham is currently in its 4th series and in 2014 it picked up an award for Most Exciting New Series in the Critics’ Choice Television Award.
When we say ‘Sherlock’, you’d be forgiven for thinking, ‘not another one!’ It feels like Sir Arthur Conan Doyal’s London based detective has been done to death, but the latest adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is a must watch! This Victorian classic has been brought up to date; where mobile phones and internet hacking are now in abundance.
SHERLOCK’S MODERN MAKEOVER BREATHES FRESH AIR INTO THE IDEA WITHOUT DAMAGING THE FABRICS OF WHAT MADE THE ORIGINAL PREMISE SO POPULAR. Bennedict Cumberbatch stars as the famous Sherlock Holmes, accompanied by his sidekick Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman). Character chemistry can be all you need in a good drama, and these two do not disappoint - thriving together in a fastpaced plot which will keep you guessing. Cumberbatch provides an excellent portrayal of Sherlock, bursting with enthusiasm and, (in his own words) operating with the traits of a high-flying sociopath. The show is sharp, witty and perfect for distracting you with its episodic mysteries. By the end of Sherlock, you’ll feel like a detective yourself.
You’ve probably heard of Breaking Bad by now; the TV serial which bagged a whopping 16 Emmy awards and two Golden Globes between 20082013. But have you considered watching its newly released spin-off series, Better Call Saul? Vince Gilligan has reunited with a host of writers from the Breaking Bad series to deliver an exciting drama, which tells the tale of Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), and his journey into becoming a corrupt lawyer. Better Call Saul is only in its first series (a second is due out in February 2016), which means you can watch it without locking yourself away from civilisation for months in a frenzied TV binge. Fans of Breaking Bad will no doubt fall in love with the show, however,
BETTER CALL SAUL MANAGES TO STAND ALONE WITHOUT WALLOWING IN THE SHADOWS OF ITS PREDECESSOR. this is a series which will appeal to old fans and new fans alike.
Imagine a post-apocalyptic world where society is separated into ‘fractions’ based on their skills and personality traits. The idea may not be original within young adult fiction, but Veronica Roth’s take on a dystopian world is a refreshing breath of fresh air. Divergent follows the story of 16 year-old Beatrice Prior who is swept away on a journey of self discovery and independence.
AT TIMES, THE PLOT THREATENS TO DRIFT AIMLESSLY - AND ROTH’S PROTAGONIST IS DRY AND SOMEWHAT CLOSED AMIDST THE NOVEL’S ACTION. Nevertheless, Divergent pulls its reader in with sufficient plot twists and mysterious characters who pique your curiosity. Hollywood was quick to sign a deal with Roth, which sealed the release of a successful film adaptation and the book additionally won Favourite Book of 2011 in the Goodreads Reader Choice Awards. If you like science fiction which delves into dystopian worlds, coupled with strong moral messages of identity and class, this could be the book for you.
Did you know that one third of marriages in America started online? Staggering! What was once taboo, the idea of finding love online has now become part of every day life thanks to the power of technology and social media.
IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE, BACKED UP BY A TEAM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FINDINGS, AZIZ ANSARI HAS DOCUMENTED HIS TRIP THROUGH THE MINEFIELD OF ONLINE DATING. Be prepared - there are some jaw-dropping facts along the way. Fans of comedy may recognise the name; Ansari is an established comedian and his light-hearted tangents reel across the book. For anyone who’s interested in social media or looking for an eye opening account of modern romance - this is a must-read.
TV & BOOK REVIEWS