SUMMER 2016
.. . r o F d e t i c Get ex
16 0 2 r e m m u S
INSIDE
SU ELECTION RESULTS
SEA OF RED SPORT STARS + MORE!
CONTRIBUTORS SAMANTHA CAIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER BA DIGITAL MEDIA
CAROLINA CIRO JOURNALIST BA JOURNALISM
CIARAN BANKWALA JOURNALIST BA ENGLISH LITERATURE
DOMINIKA KUBINYOVA JOURNALIST BA JOURNALISM
ABDUL ESSE JOURNALIST BA COMPUTING
OMOTOLANI SHOKEYE JOURNALIST BA FASHION MARKETING & JOURNALISM
EDITOR’S LETTER
Hello! And welcome back to the last hurdle of the year! There are only a couple months left to go until summer and the end of uni - for some. If you are not joining us again next semester, worry not, this issue is full of things for you to get up to during the holidays - so have a look at our cheap getaways and festival guide. And if you are returning, have fun, but not too much fun - classes start in September! We are not only getting you summer-ready but preparing you to finish uni with a bang, as a healthy, happy student. If you are more the Netflix and chill type (literally), there are TV and summer film reviews waiting for you. We have loads more goodies and treats inside for you to explore. And to those panicking about the final semester, try to remember: we all have to do what we have to do, in order to do what we want to do! The finish line is just ahead. Hope you all had an amazing Easter break and an even better summer!
NICK FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHER BA FILM & BROADCAST PRODUCTION
ervemag az l: v i i a
JOIN THE VERVE TEAM
uk
CYDNEY ARCHER FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPHER BA SPORTS & DANCE THERAPY
VICTORIA PENNANT EDITOR BA JOURNALISM
ndonme t . @lo ac . ne
MICHAEL GOLENIAK JOURNALIST BA POLITICS & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
em
PRIYAVANSHI DESAI JOURNALIST MARKETING & RECRUITMENT ASSISTANT
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.
14
SPORT STARS
F
SEA
O
R ED
6 STUDENTS’ UNION
GRADUATION PREPARATION
5
10
CONTENTS
4 5 6 7 8 9
GRADUATE DESTINATION GRADS TO-BE SHARE THEIR PLANS SUCCESS COACHES WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU GRADUATION PREPARATION TOP TIPS FOR THE BIG DAY HOW TO BE A HAPPY HEALTHY STUDENT AND AVOID STRESS! MET CARD GRAB YOURS TODAY! THE JUNCTION LONDON MET’S NEWEST PLACE TO EAT
SUCCESS COACHES
10 18 20 22 26 27
STUDENTS’ UNION LATEST NEWS FOR YOU SERIAL REVIEWS & MOVIE PREVIEWS LATEST TV & FILM CRITIQUES FILMS RELATED TO COURSES FIND A FILM TO SUIT YOUR COURSE SUMMER SPECIAL THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER + MORE GET THE LOOK FASHION TIPS FOR SUMMER PHOTOBOOTH PICS CAN YOU #SPOTYOURSELF?
DIGITAL www.londonmetsu.org.uk
facebook.com/londonmetstudentsunion
@LondonMetSU
VERVE
BA Journalism STUDENTS TAKE A VARIETY OF BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL MODULES, AND CAN SPECIALISE IN DIGITAL/PRINT, TV OR RADIO. WE HAVE DEDICATED TV AND RADIO STUDIOS. Met Today is the dedicated TV Channel for London Met journalism students. Employability is key for students, who enjoy a variety of work placements and make important contacts with industry professionals. Dedicated newsdays concentrate on specific issues. Most recently: London: the Affordable City? centred on the current housing crisis, with speakers from various political parties, think tanks and charities. Student satisfaction with BA Journalism is one of the highest in the country, according to the latest NSS results. High-profile guest speakers such as Jeremy Corbyn, the BBC’s Ben Brown and the Guardian’s Gary Younge have visited, and site visits to places such as Al Jazeera, Sky News, ITN and the Crown Court are an important part of the BA Journalism course.
DID YOU KNOW?
gone Graduates have News, on to jobs at Sky Action on Armed FM, IB Violence, Heart Talk Business Times, ntre Sport and the Ce for Investigative Journalism
Kam Sandhu (above), works as a royalties manager for a music label four days a week, and also comanages Real Media (realmedia. press), an independent news aggregation website which launched in April (following a funding grant)
S U C C E S S C O A C H E S WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
IF YOU HAVE BEEN AROUND LONDON MET AND NOTICED STUDENTS WEARING A YELLOW ID LANYARD, STOP WONDERING WHY. I AM HERE TO EXPLAIN. The Peer-Assisted Student Success (PASS) scheme, involving student mentors better known as Success Coaches, is a fairly new programme introduced last year to London Met. The scheme is aimed at first year students and is essentially a mentoring/coaching programme. Second and third year students from various courses across the university will either sit-in and aid the lecturer and student during the class or provide advice during one-to-one sessions to students on their respective course.
SUCCESS COACHES AID FIRST YEAR STUDENTS WITH ASSESSMENTS, GIVE ADDITIONAL HELP WITH THEIR COURSE AND ANY GENERAL UNIVERSITY QUERIES. As second and third year students, they have the insight, knowledge, experience and tricks of the trade needed to be a successful London Met student. They are able to give first-year students the low-down on course content, provide advice on assessment drafts and how to improve academic skills. Not only that, they are here to help them feel like they are a part of the London Met community. Success Coaches are overall here to help you!
Success Coaches are paid the London Living Wage currently set at ÂŁ9.40 an hour. A confirmation of your participation is also placed on your record after graduating.
For more information about the PASS Scheme and for any enquiries please email Wilko Luebsen at: w.luebsen2@londonmet.ac.uk.
Slightly worried that you might not get the help you need? All Success Coaches have completed PASS scheme training and are recommended by lectures. These Success Coaches have strong interpersonal skills - they are friendly, and have a high academic record and the qualities and willingness to help you.
By Victoria Pennant THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A SUCCESS COACH IN YOUR SECOND OR THIRD YEAR? There are many benefits to becoming part of the scheme. Not only does it enhance your CV, it also gives you invaluable skills and experience, and helps you gain a greater understanding of your course.
FIVE
GRADUATION
PREPARATION
APPLY FOR YOUR GRADUATION It is important to book for your graduation ceremony as soon as possible after you receive your posted invitation. Make sure both your home and local contact details are up-to-date so you’ll get an invitation - any outstanding debts must be cleared first. Read your invitation letter carefully, then book your ticket and your guests’ tickets so they can join in your big day, which will be held at the Barbican Centre. Then book your gown and hat. For more information, scan the QR opposite on your mobile or visit: HTTP://GOO.GL/D4JGXM
ORGANISE YOUR CLOTHES FOR THE BIG DAY Once you have booked your graduation, the next step is to find something to wear. Think smart - don’t wear scruffy clothes. Wear something nice like a suit or a really nice dress paired with smart shoes or heels - they’ll look great with your gown and hat, which will be issued at the Barbican - with help to ensure you wear them properly.
HAVE FUN!
I
f you are graduating this year with your long-awaited degree after an eventful three or four years of hard work, now is the time to start preparing for your summer graduation.
The last step is easy: go out and enjoy yourself. When you hear your name called, smile and go onto the stage, shake the hand (unless you don’t want to) of the presiding officer who congratulates you, and enjoy the applause as you cross the stage. Once the graduation is over, don’t forget the pictures! There will be several portrait studios to ensure great photographs of you and your guests, you can also get a close-up of you on the stage, plus the ceremony is filmed and you can take home a DVD on the day. Enjoy the socialising in the Barbican foyers after the ceremony – there’s a great atmosphere. Say goodbye to your friends and ensure you keep in contact.
By Abdul Esse
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR GRADUATION! GRADUATION CEREMONIES
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? EMAIL CEREMONY@LONDONMET.AC.UK PHONE 020 7133 2790
SIX
IT IS ALSO NOW TIME TO APPLY FOR YOUR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP CARD. PLEASE DO THIS VIA THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.LONDONMET.AC.UK/ALUMNI/MEMBERSHIP/
HOW TO BE A HAPPY EXAMS COMING UP? THE STRESS BEGINS...
Think revision, flashcards, stationary, downloading all the lectures from the previous seminars and asking friends how much revision they’ve done. You can feel the stress already. On top of all that, getting distracted by your hunger can be another issue. After reading this, you will understand the scientific connection between stress and diet. Although it’ll be different for everyone, learning how to manage a balanced diet and dealing with stress could be a lifelong skill.
B
eing stressed about your exams is entirely normal, but how you deal with the stress is important. Dealing with part-time jobs, coursework deadlines, other commitments and still managing to attend social events can be quite stressful.
Exercise can help decrease stress because your body produces endorphins which are responsible for making you feel amazing. It’s a ‘happy’ neurotransmitter which is released when your body experiences pain. Other ways to release endorphins are listening to music, eating cocoa, aka chocolate, using aromatherapy oils, like lavender, laughing out loud and eating hot peppers - weirdly enough. If you are feeling stressed, it can be good to take a 30-minute productive nap, meaning you’ll wake up slightly more awake and refreshed. But don’t overdo it, otherwise it may affect your regular sleeping hours. Writing a to-do list can be useful to de-stress, listing down small tasks to major ones and prioritising them. At the end, you can see your progress and it’ll help you keep on track! Making revision timetables or putting up post it notes may help. ‘Having a healthy diet is good for you’, the saying goes. But did you know that nutrition is also linked to cognitive, physical and emotional health? Although your brain controls your learning and memory, it also channels the neurochemistry, which controls mood and stress.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that improves your mood, and the good news is that it’s found in chocolate! Eating well can help you get rid of hunger pangs during the night, during revision and especially during exams. Try swapping readymade meals/fast food for a bit of fruit and veg, more fish and egg (protein), whole grain foods (fibre) and some dairy products (calcium). But that doesn’t mean you have to stop eating sugary food completely – simply cutting down on fatty foods, cakes, fizzy drinks etc. can help a long way. When it comes to eating well, having a good balance is key. This could be as small as changing little habits when making a cup of tea, like taking less sugar and using semi-skimmed milk. It isn’t necessary to eat salad at every meal, but every little helps. By improving your diet, you’re helping your body and mind become more active and more able to focus on your studies.
YAWNING DURING REVISION CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR EXAM RESULTS. WHY? BECAUSE YAWNING IS ACTUALLY YOUR BODY’S WAY OF SAYING YOU NEED TO SWITCH ONTO LOW POWER MODE. IT’S LINKED TO BEING TIRED AND FEELING BORED. SOUND FAMILIAR?
ADDITIONAL HELP While anxiety and stress are common among students and the general population, it needn’t be essential to life. Getting rid of stress is not quick and easy, but there are some very effective approaches. If your stress is serious or if it’s impacting on your life, relationships or studies, you may find it helpful to have a discussion one of our staff in Counselling & Personal Development. Talk now, before the stress silences you. TELEPHONE: 020 7133 2094 (HOLLOWAY) OR 020 7320 2370 (ALDGATE)
HEALTHY STUDENT By Priyavanshi Desai
By Omotolani Shokeye DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN GET DISCOUNTS WITHIN THE CAMPUS ON FOOD AND DRINKS? LONDON MET OFFERS FANTASTIC DISCOUNTS FOR ALL STUDENTS, HELPING US BETTER BALANCE OUR BUDGETS. THE METCARD IS YOUR EXCLUSIVE PASSPORT TO STUDENT DISCOUNTS AT LONDON MET – AND BEST OF ALL, IT’S FREE!
The Metcard gives you instant access to the best deals around the campuses, with food and drink promotions alongside discounted entry to events. Why not make the most of all the opportunities that come with student life and get your card now. You will save money on drinks and food at The Rocket and on selected menus in other canteens. Every penny counts - as students know all too well.
IT’S FREE!
HOW DO I GET MY METCARD?
It is easy and straightforward to claim your MetCard, there are no fees to pay. All you need to do is go to The Rocket in Holloway campus with your student ID and speak to a member of staff on till. Go on, give it a go - you know you want to!
Visit metcardapp.bluerunnersolutions.net for more enquiries
EIGHT
Happy Saving!
MET FOOD
THE JUNCTION
ADVERTISEMENT
After the winter refurbishment works, The Piazza is back - in a new and improved state. It’s been renamed The Junction, due to the adjoining corridors within the Tower and Rocket buildings all leading to the catering outlet. The official launch was on February 18th, when free food sampling was offered from breakfast to lunch. Students could sample the new panini range, taste the salad bar and try fresh soup and cakes. The launch was also a way of thanking both staff and students who have been patient throughout the works. Jerry Woods, Head of Campus Services, worked closely on this project. He said: “Over the last six months we had overhauled the menu in The Junction, but knew that we wanted to improve the space itself, not only to reflect the revitalised menu, but also to provide a space that would encourage students and staff to want to use a more informal space to eat, relax and discuss their studies.”
Open from 8am until 4pm Mondays to Fridays, The Junction is the perfect social space, with comfy seating and breakfast bars overlooking the courtyard and Holloway Road The Met Food team are dedicated to freshly prepared, good food to suit a range of tastes and palates. They regularly change their menu to suit as many of their clientele as possible. A fresh fruit-and-cereal breakfast bar and fresh salad bar are two of their latest innovations. The team are very proud of the new look and hope that you all enjoy it too. Don’t forget there there are five other catering outlets at London Met, with varying cuisines to suit all tastes. So whether you want to grab a quick coffee, order a sandwich or have a sit down hot lunch and catch up with friends, we have something for everyone. For all outlet locations and opening times, please see the ‘Food on campus’ site.
STUDENTS’ UNION
GREEN WEEK
7TH – 11TH MARCH 20 16 The Students’ Union enjoyed the University’s Green Week this year, which was big ger and better than ever. With a variety of events runnin g across the University, Green Week helped to raise aw areness of climate issues and promote sustainabi lity. All activities were organised by the sustainability team in London Met’s Estates depart ment and included film screenings, a photograph y competition, green cocktails in the Rocket and a Green Pledge Board.
www.londonmetsu.org.uk
We took on the Tower Run Ch allenge, a 13-floor race to the top of the Tower Building (against the lift!), to raise money for ChildReach Int ernational. Marco and Obie competed head to head in the ‘Battle of the Bins’. As part of our ongoing commi tment to increasing our green credentials, The Studen ts’ Union are going for Silver this year for the NUS Gre en Impact Awards and hope to build on on last year’s Bronze award. Follow the @GreenLondonMet twitter feed to find out more about the sustainability team at London Met.
facebook.com/londonmetstudentsunion
OBIE OPARA FLSC OFFICER (PRESIDENT)
@LondonMetSU
AMANDA MARILLIER CASS OFFICER
MARCO BRUNONE GFBL OFFICER (VICE PRESIDENT)
NICOLE MITCHELL FSSH OFFICER
K EXHIBIT YOUR WORK FOR FREE WITH THE CASS @ THE CASTLE 44 COMMERCIAL ROAD, LONDON E1 1LN
DO YOU WANT TO HAVE YOUR OWN SOLO OR GROUP ART EXHIBITION? This is your chance to create a one-night evening show on the last Thursday of every month. So far we have had photography, video installations and fine art paintings on display for people to enjoy. Contact Mandy to have your ideas come to life: cass.su@londonmet.ac.uk
FOLLOW OUR COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK: LAST THURSDAY AT THE CASTLE
SOCIETY IN FOCUS Tech Innovation and Human Well-bein
g Society
The TECH Innovation and Human Wel l-being Society at London Metropolitan University is mad e up of students who care about technology and human natu re. Membership is open to all London Met students and alumni. The society attends many outside univ ersity events in London’s tech city. We help students find funding for star t-up projects, host tech talks from interesting innovators and run an ann ual Tech Innovation and Human Wellbeing competition. We strive to maintain a network of peo ple who have/will go on to do great things with tech innovation and make an impact in multiple industries. We aim to bridge the gap between students ’ ambitions and potential careers, connecting them to those in the indu stry and to each other. We hold talks across a range of industries, alongsid e career and alumni events in the fields of technology, sustainability and community development. Facebook: /Tech Innovation & Human Well-being Web: www. londonmetsu.org. uk/techinnovation
Many society members work on their own start-ups. A recent one, called ‘Future Start Technology’, was founded by London Met student Byron Levin. Future Start Technology is a fintech start up that provides financial services investment software for UK wealth managers via robo-advisor solutions. Ultimately we aim to provide a commun ity for naturally curious, passionate and creative individuals who are willing to make a positive impact innovating ethical technologies for the future. Find out more and join us!
GET READY FOR FLORENCE AND BARBARA IT IS THE DAY AFTER THE ELECTION RESULTS
and the Students’ Union media office is truly buzzing. Two of the four newly elected Sabbatical Officers, Florence Onwumere (Faculty of LifeSciences and Computing and President) and Barbara Ntumy (Faculty of Social Sciences Officer) are in for a photoshoot. “I can’t believe it,” beams Florence. “I am still in total shock. I didn’t expect to win the officer role let alone President!” So how do you feel to be elected? “Ecstatic,” declares Barbara, “I am so excited...to give back. I feel like London Met has given me so much and I want to give back.”
www.londonmetsu.org.uk
The women are full of enthusiasm after a long week of campaigning together. “Now we can communicate with each other without even talking.”
facebook.com/londonmetstudentsunion
At that moment, Nicole Mitchell (outgoing FSSH officer) walks into the office. “Congratulations!” she says as she gives them a hug. “Congratulations, congratulations.” She then turns to Barbara excitedly, with raised eyebrows. “Guess what?” she laughs. “They’ve won. And... [pauses for dramatic effect] ...guess what?! They’re black [counting on her fingers], and..they’re women [adding more fingers] Talk about change.” “Yeah, last night I started planning Black History Month,” laughs Barbara, then with a straight face adds: “No, I really did. I started planning Black History Month already.” The positive attitude and excitement is truly contagious and as the women spontaneously burst into Destiny’s Child and strike ‘Charlie’s Angels’ poses with Nicole and Mandy (outgoing CASS officers), they certainly are strong independent women to be reckoned with. “Take a
picture of this!” says Barbara, who then posts it up on her Instagram page. But as I ask them their interview questions their determination and dedication is clear. They are visibly focussed and know exactly what they want to achieve. “What are you looking forward to most?” I ask Barbara. “I’ve got in my head what I want to get done. I’ve got lists already. This is crazy. I started writing a list when I got home of all the things I do outside of London Met that I think would be a great opportunity for students. Like bringing so many speakers and planning so many events just to get a sense of community and a sense of collaboration here. Just to turn it up to one hundred.” “I hope to make the Students’ Union more dynamic, more engaging with the students,” says Florence. “Letting students know that our presence is here. I want to make sure there is a stronger community overall.” “And what is your main goal?” “I want to make sure students have a one-of-a-kind student experience as that is something that you cannot find anywhere else except when in university,” says Florence. “I want to focus on the BME gap,” adds Barbara. “I also want students to be at the heart of the One Campus One Community project. We should be the driving force in all of this.” As we finish the interview I am looking forward to the year ahead. “I’ve just been asked to record for Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4,” mentions Barbara casually, and then as she leaves: “You are going to see my face a lot more. I am worried for all of you really!” We are not worried, Barbara. Next year is going to be amazing. We are expecting great things of you all, already. Next issue: Meet Tunde and Georgia.
@LondonMetSU
QUICK N FACT C E EL TIO VOTES 00 OVER 1,3 CAST E R E W AYS OVER 5 D
SU ELECTION RESULTS THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED IN THE SU ELECTION TO CHOOSE A NEW TEAM OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES & COMPUTING FLORENCE ONWUMERE (PRESIDENT)
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES BARBARA NTUMY
CASS FACULTY OF ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN GEORGIA ROBINSON
GUILDHALL FACULTY OF BUSINESS & LAW TUNDE TOKI
HUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS - FSSH AMUNDALA MULOLWA
LINDA-ZITA IMO
FLORENCE ONWUMERE FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES AND COMPUTING (PRESIDENT)
HUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS - FLSC
SAMANTA JHURRY
LAURA NEWBY
MOHAMED AHMED
SHARON O UMUKORO
HUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS - GFBL ANNA TESARCZYK
STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS
MARCIN SARNECKI
AIN QURATUL
NUS CONFERENCE 2016 DELEGATES
ANNA TESARCZYK
CHARLES WALKER
SHARON O UMUKORO
MARK BOANSI
PAMELA LINHARES
MARK BOANSI
MEGAN DAVIS
MOHAMED AHMED
SAMANTA JHURRY
LINDA-ZITA IMO
BARBARA NTUMY
VALENTINA GAVONI
KATARZYNA NOWAK
KARUNAKARAN THEKKEPPURAYIL
BARBARA NTUMY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
TUNDE TOKI GUILDHALL FACULTY OF BUSINESS & LAW
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH LOADS OF DIFFERENT STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT FACULTIES, AND PUTTING FORWARD LOTS OF POSITIVE CHANGES TO THE UNI - MARK BOANSI THIS YEAR I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEW EXPERIENCES AND SEEING NEW LIFE BOUGHT INTO THE STUDENTS’ UNION AND MORE PROACTIVE ACTIVITY - MOHAMED AHMED
NEXT YEAR YOU ARE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF CHANGES. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING PART OF IT - LAURA NEWBY
GEORGIA ROBINSON CASS FACULTY OF ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
KEY STATS
OVER 200 SEA OF RED MEMBERS (UP MORE THAN 50%
SEA OF RED THE CREATOR
www.londonmetsu.org.uk
ISAAC WALADBAIGI
facebook.com/londonmetsu
Isaac is studying Sports Psychology and Coaching and is the founder and coach of the Sea of Red Futsal team. The team have gone from an idea to a 20-strong squad that takes part in the London Futsal League in Leyton every Sunday. “Danny said that you can build a team and a community with hard work, dedication and organisation”
@LondonMetSU
SETTING UP THE FUTSAL TEAM AND PLAYING THE FIRST GAME EVER AT THE UNIVERSITY IS PROBABLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TIME AT LONDON MET SO FAR.
THE CAPTAIN
BROGAN BLACKBURN Working toward a degree in Sports Therapy, Brogan is the captain of the Sea of Red Cheerleading team. Thanks to her help, the squad has developed so that it finished 6th in the UK Championships held at the Copperbox Area in London’s Olympic Park. “Our main challenge is funding regarding cheerleading as it is an expensive sport… Support from the SU regarding funding was the biggest change for us” BEING A SPORTS THERAPY STUDENT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP OTHER SPORT PLAYERS WITH THEIR INJURIES WHICH HAS HELPED WITH MY KNOWLEDGE OF MY COURSE.
% FROM LAST YEAR)
15 COMPETITIVE TEAMS (UP FROM LAST YEAR)
THE ALL ROUNDER
KENISHA WHYTE
Adnan is studying Sports Psychology and Coaching and is the Head Coach of the Women’s Football team. The team have now got a steady squad of players and took part in a phenomenal 6-6 draw against Imperial College, where the Sea of Red were up 6-0 at half time.
Studying Sports Science, Kenisha is the captain of London Met’s Women’s Basketball team. Not content in just being a powerful basketball player, she helped the Women’s Football team out in goal and is now a valuable member of the football squad.
“The 6-6 draw was arguably the most emotional game of football I have been involved with. I guess that is what University is about.... new experiences with hopefully life-long friends.”
“Captaining the Women’s Basketball team has been tough but has helped me be a better person both in and out of basketball.”
COACHING THE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM HERE AT LONDON MET HAS HELPED ME WITH MY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THINGS FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.
COMING TO UNIVERSITY YOU ARE ALWAYS UNSURE OF YOURSELF BUT PLAYING BASKETBALL ALLOWS ME TO FEEL LIKE MYSELF.
SPORTS STARS
550 ENQUIRIES ABOUT COMPETITIVE SPORTS
ADNAN MOHAMED
£6000 PLOUGHED INTO SPORTS BY STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS
THE COACH
90 WOMEN MEMBERS OF SEA OF RED
WORK AND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STUDENTS’ UNION
If you are looking for some part-time work to tide you over alongside your studies, we may have the perfect role for you. There are a number of unique job opportunities in the Students’ Union. We will be recruiting for the following roles over April and May, with the majority starting in September 2016. STUDENTS’ UNION RECEPTIONIST Gain great experience as the first point of contact in our busy Students’ Union office at Holloway. PROJECT SUPPORT WORKER Work alongside our staff and officer teams to support exciting projects and fun, interesting activities.
t
PROJECT SUPPORT WORKER (MEDIA PRINT AND PRODUCTION) Design the next edition of Verve magazine, and produce marketing materials (such as flyers and posters) for Students’ Union events and activities. PROJECT SUPPORT WORKER – VERVE RADIO (MEDIA TECHNICAL SUPPORT) Keep the music for the radio station up-to-date and catalogued. Maintain the schedule and radio technical equipment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES VISIT: LONDONMETSU.ORG.UK/OPPORTUNITIES There are also a number of volunteering opportunities available in the Students’ Union • • • • • •
Become a Student Academic Rep (StAR) Get involved in sports clubs and societies Present a show on Verve radio Write for Verve magazine Stand as a Society Representative Consider running for election next year to be on the Student Council, as an NUS Conference Rep, as a Hub Committee Member or even for one of our four elected paid sabbatical positions. TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERING ROLES VISIT: LONDONMETSU.ORG.UK/VOLUNTEERING
YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS! WE ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVING OUR SERVICE AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. WE COLLECT FEEDBACK ON A DAILY BASIS, FOLLOWING STUDENT APPOINTMENTS AND INTERACTIONS. OUR FEEDBACK SHOWS THAT: • 93% rate service excellent or good in terms of access • 95% of students said their experience was excellent or good SOME COMMENTS MADE: • “My questions are easily answered and they are accommodating to my needs, very good work” • “Fast response always with useful information” • “Training was informative and helpful” • “I received clear and helpful advice, together with an offer for future support”
Your Views Matter!
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT: • “Bigger office and common space for the SU” • “I think they should organise more fun things for students like different themed days” • “Have hours up on the doors for staff and officers” AS A RESULT OF THIS FEEDBACK WE ARE: • Looking at common space as part of the One Campus, One Community project and are keen to pursue this • Reviewing the programme of events and activities we provide • Implementing this for the start of summer term
TAKE PART IN THE SU SATISFACTION SURVEY 2016, IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES AND YOU COULD WIN A 42” SAMSUNG TV WITH APPLE TV. THERE ARE ALSO VOUCHER PRIZES TO BE WON. WWW.LONDONMETSU.ORG.UK/SURVEY
SERIAL REVIEWS & MOVIE PREVIEWS
Azis Ansari has become a big name in America. Not content with a successful stand-up tour or the prestige of writing a book (which we reviewed in the previous issue of Verve) – the comic has now set his sights on writing and starring in his own TV series.
MASTER OF NONE FEATURES 30-YEAR-OLD DEV AS HE WADES THROUGH THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE, GUIDING HIS AUDIENCE ON A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE OF SINGLE LIFE Master of None feels like a warm, awkward sitcom fused together with the charming tact of a glossy Hollywood romcom. What Azis brings to the table is a series filled to the brim with jokes but one which also has a heart at its core. The show currently stands at 10 episodes long and the green light has been given for an additional series later in the year. Master of None won an award for Best Comedy at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards and Ansari was nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series at The Golden Globe Awards.
By the time you’re reading this, House of Cards will have launched its 4th series and you might be wondering what all of the fuss is about. On the surface, the serial looks like a dense, nonchalant political drama. But give the show a chance and you’ll discover a disturbing psychological thriller embedded in political embroidery. The show is not as casual as other serials on the market – and during the first few episodes it may feel as if someone is reading a large book to you very quickly. Once you overcome this minor hurdle (you’ll adjust, trust us) – House of Cards moulds itself into one of the most addictive shows since Breaking Bad. Kevin Spacey stars as Frank Underwood; the deceitful politician on a quest for absolute power. Robin Wright joins him at the helm as Claire Underwood, his devious partner in crime. Fans of Spacey will revel in this performance as the awardwinning actor does what he does best, playing the psychologically complex anti-hero with shades of depravity.
HOUSE OF CARDS NOT ONLY SHEDS LIGHT ON THE DARK, SINISTER SIDE OF POLITICS BUT ALSO ON THE TANTALISING TEMPTATIONS OF DESIRE AND HUMAN NATURE
By Ciaran Bankwala
The action in the series has been heating up over the last few years. And as America builds up towards the presidential elections, there isn’t a better time to get watching. Will life imitate art?
You might think we’re a little bit late on this one – Prison Break originally ran from 2005 – 2009 and bagged a host of awards during its run. But wait, with the recent success of reruns on various streaming services, FOX have commissioned a brand new series. Like most prison films and dramas, the show starts with the overdone idea of an innocent man (Dominic Purcell) facing the death sentence for a crime he did not commit. It’s only when his brother (Wentworth Miller), steps in to save him that things take an unexpected turn.
PRISON BREAK IS NOT OVERLY COMPLEX OR LADEN WITH DOUBLE MEANINGS; IT DOES NOT REQUIRE INTENSE FOCUS IN DECIPHERING ITS PLOT. WHAT IT DOES HOWEVER, IS WORK AS A GRIPPING ACTION-PACKED DRAMA WHICH REELS VIEWERS IN WITH CONSTANT CLIFFHANGERS At times, the show feels longer than it needs to (it currently boasts 81 episodes) but by the time you realise this, you’ll have invested an emotional attachment to the character and by then you can’t give it up. Both Purcell and Miller provide solid, consistent performances for the show and fuel the theme of brotherly love. But the show’s real strength is within the serial’s camerawork and sound, mirroring the works of a Hollywood movie. It’s a lot to invest in, we know, but Prison Break has been entertaining fans for nearly over a decade and it shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
This summer will see the launch of Bryan Singer’s third instalment of the X-Men series. The comic book adaptation has graced Hollywood nine times now – dazzling fans with reboots and spin off features galore, but Bryan Singer’s take on the Marvel universe has been an interesting one. Fancy costumes have been ditched in favour of darker, team-like attire.
THE SENSIBILITY HAS DEEPENED, OPENING AN EMOTIONAL SCOPE UNSEEN IN PRIOR FILMS; WHILE THE PLOT APPEARS TO HAVE FOUND THE MIDDLE GROUND BETWEEN ARTISTIC LICENSE AND FAITHFUL REPRESENTATION So far, it’s worked! The reboot has been hailed a huge success and we’re on the verge of receiving the final piece to Singer’s trilogy. X-Men Apocalypse looks set to grip viewers as the X-Men take on the biggest baddy of them all: Apocalypse. What could we see from the trailer? Nailbiting tension and clips of heart-stopping action. Singer’s previous X-Men film was cited by many critics as the best X-Men film ever and we’re about to find out if he can exceed his own directorial prowess.
Who could forget Dory? Disney’s Finding Nemo initially launched to widespread success. The simple but sweet tale of a lost fish scouring a vast ocean gave Pixar the accolade of 5th Highest Grossing Animated film of all time – and it wasn’t hard to see why! Audiences of all ages fell in love with the breathtaking animation and the heart-wrenching emotion laden in the film. It’s been over a decade since the success of Finding Nemo but Pixar have finally announced a sequel!
FINDING DORY TAKES PLACE A YEAR AFTER NEMO’S FINALE AND FOCUSES ON THE AMNESIAC FISH WHO SUDDENLY HAS FLASHBACKS ABOUT HER FAMILY We were worried that such hype could sour the experience of a genuinely good sequel; after all, Finding Nemo opened to little expectation at all. But we’re confident that Pixar know what they’re doing – they’re enlisted Andrew Staton to direct the film. He knows what he’s doing, he directed the first! It’s been a long time since Finding Nemo but it looks set to be worth the wait.
Superhero season is truly upon us! But in this case – it’s antisuper hero time. Picture Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto as menacing super villains. Throw in some more big names. Add a plot which puts all the villains together as they’re hired to carry out deadly missions. Mix it with death-defying action and cheeky, comedic one liners.. Behold, Suicide Squad!
IT’S AN ENSEMBLE OF OLD AND NEW DC NAMES AND SO FAR IT LOOKS VERY PROMISING The trailer didn’t give us a lot to work with but here’s what we can tell so far: 1) It looks pretty funny. 2) It looks pretty exciting. 3) Jared Leto is the Joker and he looks pretty terrifying. Suicide Squad is out this August.
NINE TEEN
Have you ever thought about taking a break from studying but still be able to learn? Hollywood has got a recipe! Here we break down films for students and it does not matter if you are studying Economics or Physics, you will find something to enhance your studies while having a good time...
By Michael Goleniak
SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES
BUSINESS & LAW
SCHINDLER’S LIST (1983) Looking back at occupied Poland, where a businessman saves thousands of Jews from Nazis (good for: history and political science students)
PHILADELPHIA (1993) A man fired from his firm because he announced he was HIV-positive hires a homophobic lawyer to help his case (good for: law students)
INSIDE JOB (2010) Shocking story about global economic crisis pointing out faults of financial institutions, businesses and governments (good for: economics and political science students)
GUNG HO (1986) A funny and thoughtful story about a clash and reconciliation of cultures (good for: business students)
GANDHI (1982) Biography of the famed leader of India, follows his story of becoming a peace leader (good for: history, law, political science students)
NORMA RAE (1979) True story of a woman fighting to unionise her textile mill to improve terrible working conditions (good for: business and law students)
HOTEL RWANDA (2004) The true story of a man hiding Tutsi refugees in his hotel during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda (good for: history, political science students)
JOY (2015) Another true story about a young entrepreneur trying to revolutionise the cleaning products market (good for: business students)
THE BIG SHORT (2015) Not everyone knows how the mid2000s housing bubble in America happened, for better or for worse. (good for: economics and political
THE SOCIAL NETWORK (2010) Mark Zuckerberg and the invention of Facebook (good for: business students)
THERE IS PLENTY OF INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION IN THESE FILMS FOR FUTURE LEADERS
MUST-SEE FOR THOSE TRYING TO START A BUSINESS AND THOSE TRYING TO PROTECT THE PEACE
YOU CAN SPEND SOME GOOD TIMES IN A COMFORT OF YOUR LOUNGE OR IN THE CINEMA WITH FRIENDS WHILE STILL GETTING VALUABLE INFORMATION OR IDEAS
LIFE SCIENCES AND COMPUTING
THE CASS
MICROCOSMOS (1996) A French film about the life of insects in a close-up (good for: biology students)
MY ARCHITECT (2003) A moving memoir about Louis Kahn, designer of noteworthy buildings in California (good for: architecture students)
THE FUTURE OF FOOD (2004) An eye-opening documentary about the disturbing truth behind unlabelled and genetically modified food (good for: public health students)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA A classical example of the perfect musical (good for: music, theatre students)
INTERSTELLAR (2014) Earth’s future makes it uninhabitable so NASA sends a team to find a new home through a wormhole (good for: science students)
DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989) Inspirational film for those that study poetry but not only (good for: creative writing, English literature students)
BE THE CHANGE (2008) A look into people that decided to live sustainable lives (good for: environmental sciences students)
THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) The famous film about the Von Trapp family during the Second World War (good for: music, theatre students)
PIRATES OF SILICON VALLEY (1999) History of Microsoft and Apple as well as their founders (good for: business students)
FRONT SEAT FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS TECHNOLOGY
HAMLET (2015) Shakespearean classic about the rise and fall of the King of Scotland (good for: theatre, screenwriting, literature students)
INSPIRATION FOR STUDENTS SEEKING NEW IDEAS AND THOSE HITTING PLATEAUS
TWENTY ONE
l a ci
pe
S r e
m m u
S
THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER
Summer is great when you have no lectures to worry about waking up to, or any deadlines to stress over! It’s all about getting out there, having fun and relaxing.
GET INTO SPORT
FA Cup Final in London’s Iconic Wembley Stadium, 21st May 2016. Even if you don’t have tickets for this event, soak up the football atmosphere at your local English traditional pub while watching the game or sports bar. The 2016 Summer Olympics is going to be hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro from 5th to 21st August so don’t miss out watching the major international multi-sport event!
THEME PARKS
Thorpe park, Chessington, Alton Towers and more! Get your adrenaline pumping with crazy rollercoasters and water-rides. During the summer, Thorpe Park occasionally hosts the iconic Ministry of Sound until 3am! Do look out for 2 for 1 vouchers and overnight packages.
By Priyavanshi Desai
CHILLING WITH DRINKS YOUR KIND OF THING?
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks with something for everyone. There’s boating on The Serpentine, horse riding, wildlife, self-guided walks, memorials, fountains and statues and myriad events, and also loads of space to sit down and chill. Events includes British Summer Time Hyde Park in mid-June 2016.
LONDON HAS BEEN FEATURED IN HUNDREDS OF FILMS Wouldn’t it be great if
you could take a film locations tour? Well, you can! There are locations in London such as Greenwich, Kings Cross Station, Notting Hill, Trafalgar Square and the classic London Underground Tube.
AFTERNOON TEA
If you’re the cuppa type of person or the tea and a cake type, then you’ll love afternoon tea. It’s literally a traditional tea-related ritual introduced to Britain centuries ago - in the18th century, to be exact. Afternoon tea normally consists of scones – clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries and treats and, of course, a kettle of tea. There’s hundreds of hotels and restaurants that cater afternoon tea from as cheap as £8!
LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL AFTERNOON...
head down to an Art Gallery like Tate Modern, the National Gallery or the Saatchi Gallery, where you’ll find contemporary sculpture, photography, fine art and modern art. There are lots of art galleries dotted around London.
BE A LONDON TOURIST... LITERALLY Check out all
the unique British places from Big Ben to the red telephone box. The common ones on the tip of our tongues are Tower Bridge, London Eye, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
LONDON NIGHTLIFE Have you seen how live London is at night? There are thousands of bars, comedy clubs, nightclubs and restaurants that turn into a dance floor at night. If you do go clubbing, some venues are known to have free entry before 11pm. But everyone knows realistically you either get in there or hope for the best when you join the everlasting queue. Always ideal to book on the guest list to stay on the safe side. Do look out for student nights which basically mean cheap.
GO ON A JOB HUNT Yes, you may be in
university but are you sure you know what career you want? Get some work experience, whether it’s a week or an internship. It’ll be good on your CV to see you’re ‘proactive’ about your career choice, and the experience may actually influence your decision on what to do after university. Whether it’s a fun parttime job or volunteering, you’re continually developing yourself.
Summer Recipe
SUNDRIED TOMATO PASTA
INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •
By Dominika Kubinyova
Pasta - penne or fusilli are the best option 3-4 cloves of garlic One dried chilli pepper About 3-4 medium tomatoes Can of sundried tomatoes Fresh basil Parmesan cheese for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
SUMMER
and especi
all
y holidays m that you w ill have a lo ean t of time to experim ent with an cooking sk d test your ills, which might have put aside d been uring your studies. W this simple e chose summer re cipe which upgraded a can be cco and imagin rding to your person al taste ation. It is a great lig for lunch o ht option r dinner (o r both) duri hot sunny ng the days and it ’s best serv some Coro ed with nas or whit e wine.
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Put pasta in the water and cook for about 8-12 minutes on reduced heat. 2. Cut tomatoes and garlic into small squares. 3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the garlic 1 minute, until tender. 4. First add sundried tomatoes and after 2 minutes add all of the fresh tomatoes, stir once a while. 5. Add basil leaves and crushed chilli pepper. 6. Drain the pasta and put it all in the skillet with other ingredients. Mix well. 7. Serve with grated parmesan cheese
l a i c
r e m
e p S
m u S
BRIGHTON Brighton is a classic that cannot be missed, in fact, it should be explored more than once. With its beautiful beach, famous pier, cute little stands with food and drinks and hot surfers (especially in summer), it’s the number one British beach town to visit. If you make a one-day trip or decide to stay longer, you definitely won’t get bored. Train tickets start at £5, if you book in advance.
SEVEN SISTERS SUSSEX Seven Sisters cliffs are located in Sussex and are a part of Seven Sisters Country Park. These interesting chalk cliffs are a beautiful natural phenomenon, and it’s definitely worth just walking on the beach and enjoying the nice view the area offers. It’s the best option if you’re looking for relaxation and peace - not for those with vertigo!
IRELAND Ireland has lots of places to offer, but do a little research according to what interests you the most first. With its lively nightlife and cozy atmosphere, Dublin is a manageable city for a great weekend getaway. Other places to visit might be Boyne Valley with its historic monuments and tombs. Flight tickets from London are cheap so book a holiday now and enjoy Ireland’s great heritage.
Cheap Getaways HOME & ABROAD
W
e’re sure that you’ve already noticed how warm it gets during the summer, which makes it a perfect time to sit outside with your friends while drinking ice cold beer. But too much of a good thing can be wearing, which is why most of us ditch the British sunshine for a week or two every summer, and travel abroad. You should definitely reward yourself with a trip full of adventures after a long year full of exams, homework and stress. We know choosing the right place might be difficult, since so many are worth seeing. But don’t worry, we have picked a few locations that might interest you. Have a look at some popular city breaks abroad, and see what takes your fancy. If you’re on a budget, we’ve got some closer to home as well. Happy browsing!
BARCELONA
PARIS
If you’re looking for a much sunnier place to escape to this summer, you should visit Barcelona. Not that Madrid isn’t nice, but Barcelona has a beach and that will be a priority for you when the temperature hits the top levels. Visit Gaudi’s masterpiece, Sagra di Familia, lie on a beach while eating an ice cream and try local tapas in cute bars and restaurants. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Prices for tickets with Ryanair are affordable, and Airbnb offers cheap places to stay, rented out by residents themselves. You can find accommodation for as little as £25 a night, so why not take advantage of an afforable holiday and rev up your batteries for the academic year ahead?
Paris, je t’aime. Pretty sure at least some of you have seen the movie Love in Paris and if not, you might want to do so now. Even if you don’t dream about finding love, Paris is a beautiful city full of attractions and places to see. If you are an art lover, go and have a look at the beautiful paintings and sculptures in the Louvre museum. Or you may prefer to have a French breakfast under the Eiffel Tower or fulfill your childhood dream - visit Disneyland. Flights are reasonable throughout the year, but book in advance since Paris is a very popular destination. Alternatively, you can get a great deal on Eurostar if you’re not in a hurry to get to the Champs-Elysees.
SUMMER IS FAST APPROACHING
FESTIVAL GUIDE HOME & ABROAD
and with it more free time to spend at music festivals. They are the best choice if you want to have fun with your friends but also meet new people and enjoy great music and other types of art this summer. It was very hard to choose the five best ones because we believe that every festival is great, but hopefully our insight will inspire you and help you decide where to go.
By Dominika Kubinyova
GLASTONBURY
The biggest greenfield festival in the world which is also inspired and still remains influenced by hippie culture. With headliners such as Adele, Coldplay, Stormzy, Disclosure, and Ellie Goulding as well as theatre, comedy, dance and circus, it is definitely the place to be this summer.
WIRELESS
One of the most popular music festivals in Britain which is happening both in Central London and in Birmingham with the same artists on different days. It is mostly popular for its headliners - this year some of the artists are Calvin Harris, J. Cole, Future, Craig David, Wstrn and Krept & Konan. Although it’s a day festival, you can buy tickets for only one or two days depending on which artists you want to see.
ISLE OF WIGHT
The Isle of Wight festival has its roots back in 1968 and creates a big part of music history with the Glastonbury and Woodstock festivals. It happens every year in June and lasts five days. Visitors can expect lot of great music and a big flower field, where free-minded people chill and drink beer together.
SZIGET (HUNGARY)
A very popular festival that was ranked one of the five best festivals in Europe by The Independent. It brings together all types of music and therefore creates a perfect place for everybody who wants to experience endless fun this August. Hungary is also relatively cheap so this Budapest holiday probably won’t break the bank. With more than 1,000 performances on offer.
MONEGROS (SPAIN)
It’s a festival of electronic music and it happens on a desert very close to one of the biggest cities in Spain, Barcelona. It has been compared to the Burning Man festival because of a similar environment, but it’s more for people who like to rave all day and all night long. Bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
TWENTY FIVE
GET THE
R SUMMELOO K
HATS
SCORE BIG IN A HIP HAT What Will YOU Be Wearing?
T-SHIRTS
CENTRAL TO EVERYONE’S WARDROBE
SHOES
STEP OUT IN STYLE
SHORTS
SHOW OFF THOSE LEGS
BAGS
SHOULDER IT, BABY!
GLASSES
THE SHADIER THE BETTER
TWENTY SIX
#SPOTYOURSELF
Smiley Booth Summer 2016