Verve Magazine Winter Edition

December 2017

Festive edition

R O F S R E 3 CHE MET LONDON O

ders a e l r e e h ur c pg.3

rock

From the Editor Hind Jain 1st year Ad, Marketing, Comms & PR Agony Aunt

Aaron Morris 2nd year BA Journalism Journalist

Aaron Patel 1st year BA Journalism Sports Journalist Oriana White

Contributors'

MA Creative Writing Journalist

Nekquai Adeniyi 1st year BA Textiles Journalist

Nelita Venelinova 1st year BSc Police Studies Journalist

Caroline Gottschalck-Hansen

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Warming winter recipes

Are you like your dog?

Hello, So the holidays are nearly here! This issue has lots of ideas for activities over the festive period, so learn how different people celebrate and get inspiration for making delicious treats for your family.

Check out our Society Spotlight pages showcasing what's on at London Met and also how you can get involved in other projects outside of university. Our pages are also jam-packed with advice from our new Agony Aunt, and for all you football fans head to the sports page for the latest news.

Page 35 One campus story so far

I hope you all enjoy your last couple of weeks at uni before the end of the first term. I always live by the motto "work hard, play hard", so don’t forget to use your time off wisely. Read that book you’ve been putting off reading, take some time to rest properly but also catch up with friends and family.

Contents

And eat and drink as much as you possibly can – that’s what holidays are about!

3rd year BA Comms & Journalism Journalist

Alejandra Gasso Azanza 2nd year BA Fashion Marketing Journalist Monika Marjomaa 1st year BA Journalism Journalist

Happy Holidays!

Leanne Carr

3rd year BA Journalism Editor-In-Chief

Jamie Bhalla 2nd year BA Digital Media Designer

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Photographer

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Cheerleaders

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Health matters

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Volunteer with SANE

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Help your degree with a

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Sport Spotlight: Boxing

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Society Spotlight: LGBTQ+

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Society Spotlight: Amnesty

18 SU SPECIAL

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How do you plan to celebrate

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Are you like your dog?

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Dear Aunty Hind...

Richard Hancox 1st year BA Photojournalism

Sport Spotlight:

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the holidays this year?

Indie band interview

volunteer job

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Student discounts that

can save you a bundle

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Christmas activities

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Warming winter recipes

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One campus, one community:

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promising festive fun

an update thus far

Sports Special: Football focus

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Three CheErs for London Met!

By Leanne Carr

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e spoke with Cheerleading Captain Laura Foroni to learn about life as a cheerleader. As well as being the cover stars for this issue, the London Met cheer team are involved in fundraising activities, competitions and cheering for London Met teams

Q: How long have you been cheerleading?

A: As a former gymnast, I started cheerleading in my second year of uni after a group of cheerleaders encouraged me to join the team. The current team is comprised of 29 men and women who have been doing it for 1-2 years, but the majority of this team is fresh with no cheerleading background.

Q: How can I become a cheerleader for London Met? A: We have official try-outs every September if you want to be part of the competition team. If you just want to join for fun you are more than welcome to pop along to a training session anytime.

Q: What’s a typical training session like?

A: There is no typical session, but usually our training includes the development of tumbling, stunts, jumps and dance. We cover some drills during the warm-up necessary to progress the new skills. We work hard, but we like to make sure we always have enough time to discuss our goals as a team, Sea of Red matches, and our social and future projects.

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Cheerleading photo Q: Do you provide the uniform?

A: As cheerleading uniforms are quite expensive, we are trying to raise some money with activities on Wednesday sports days and we have a GoFundMe page.

Q: When and where will you be competing next?

A: Our next competition will be at The Copper Box Arena in Stratford on the 17th and 18th of February 2018.

Q: What days, times and where do you train?

A: We train every Monday 6-9 in Benwell Road gym.

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It's a knock-out! LMU Boxing Club

By Leanne Carr

Third-year BA Sports Business Management student George Newman has been boxing on and off for about ten years. He's brought his passion to London Met by setting up the LMU Boxing Club

You don’t have to be the next Muhammad Ali or Nicola Adams to enjoy boxing - or to join the LMU Boxing Club. Just get yourself down to the Students' Union, and speak to Danny Baker about becoming a sports member.

For £40 you become a member for a year and

can take part in the training sessions not only for your chosen sport but for all of the sports on offer at London Met. Boxing sessions are held three times a week at The Black Prince Community Hub in Lambeth; Mondays and Wednesdays 5.30-7pm and on

"This is proper boxing training...we start with a warm-up then move on to boxing technique" Saturdays 5pm.

George wants to make sure people are aware this isn’t a boxercise class. "This is proper boxing training," he says. "We start with a warm-up then move on to boxing technique using the bags and pads then head into the ring for sparring.

"The session normally finishes with intense circuit training."

All of the equipment is provided and the sessions are for both men and women.

The Sea of Red boxers are currently training for the University National Championships and their first White Collar boxing event taking place during the Varsity on 26th - 28th February 2018.

We hope to see you there - either watching or in the ring!

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President Alexia Bavage in red glasses, Vice President/ Secretary Michelle Bavage in the baseball cap

Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Society

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he LGBTQ+ Society wants to empower our members and show that we exist within the university. In society today, it is important that we stand together and be proud of who we are for generations to come

By Alexia Bavage and Michelle Bavage

As a society, we represent all our LGBTQ+ students and want to ensure equality and inclusion for all, and we will not stand for any discrimination within the university. We will stand by our members who face this and help fight for their rights to identify as they wish.

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Also, we want to bring our members together through frequent meetups and social events including nights out in Soho, drinks at the Rocket or even a chat over coffee during lunch.

Our main goal is to support each other through ‘Uni life’ - and beyond into the real world outside.

Michelle Bavage with Alexia Bavage, with member Joanna White in the middle

It can be very daunting for those who come to a new, unfamiliar place and have no one to talk to - it can be very isolating!

We offer a friendly, open-minded environment where members can feel safe to be themselves and offer support when needed, whether that be a friendly face when you need a chat, or signposting how to get in touch with a professional LGBTQ+ organisation. Hopefully, great life-long friendships will be formed!

Lastly, we want the society to grow to allow it to be around after our current members have graduated. Building a strong supportive society, hopefully, will allow our newer members to take

LGBTQ.londonmet@gmail.com

an active role, and help them keep it going and pass the torch to new members. Having active, supportive members will allow us to plan for the future of the society to ensure this and allow us to hold more events and offer extra support to those who need it.

By joining the society, not only will you make lots of friends and have fun, you will have the support of all of us through university and life after. Don't forget - once you are a member of the London Met LGBTQ+ Society, you're a member for life! We can't wait to meet you!

London Met Uni LGBTQ+ Society

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WELCOME TO LONDON MET

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY “Together we can make a difference”

Amnesty International Society is one of the largest campaigning groups at London Metropolitan University and is part of a network of over 100 Amnesty student groups standing up for human rights in universities across the UK. As a movement of ordinary students from all walks of life, our purpose is linked to Amnesty's mission of protecting individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied.

By President Marie-France Nguo

Our Activities:

• Free film screenings on human rights topics.

Our next film for the month of December will be The Penalty, which investigates the human cost of the death penalty in the United States. It explores the stories of three people affected by capital punishment in the USA, including a man wrongly convicted who spent 15 years on death row; a lawyer fighting against increasingly inhumane, botched executions, and a mother battling against the state’s pursuit of the death penalty for her daughter’s murderer.

• Guest speakers. We invite speakers from Amnesty International and Human rights institutions to deliver talks focusing on human rights.

• Letter-writing campaigns. We put pressure on governments and embassies by writing letters to them whenever human rights are denied as well as writing solidarity letters for prisoners of conscience and those affected by human rights abuses worldwide.

Last year we organised a talk on refugees and took action together with speakers Richard Kotter, the European Union representative for Amnesty International and Krisztina Saroy, the country coordinator for West and Central Africa. It was a real success to see the involvement of students taking action on the Welcome the Refugee human rights global campaign.

Our Society is affiliated with Amnesty International and we are also in direct contact with the Amnesty UK section. Thanks to our links we receive invitations to the Human Rights Centre for a variety of conferences and trainings.

Amnesty members make change possible.

They’re the people we call on whenever and wherever human rights are under attack.

Their actions, big and small, put pressure on governments, institutions and decision-makers to do the right thing.

• Fun events. We organise pub quizzes at the Rocket, a yearly Comedy Night, fundraising events, workshops, conferences and much, much more ...

Drop us an email on: amnestyinternationalsociety@gmail.com and don’t forget to like our new Facebook and twitter pages: London Met Amnesty Society

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“We celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. My kids love to receive presents for both holidays and they love traditional Hanukkah food such as potato latkes with sour cream and apple sauce.’’

Wendy Sloane- Senior Lecturer Journalism

How do you

celebrate the holidays?

“With my family. I like that it brings everyone together. We don’t have a Christmas tree because I’m Muslim but we go and see other people's trees and the decorations in London.”

Zahraa Hussain- 2nd year BSc Chemistry

By Leanne Carr “I’m spending my holidays back in Portugal with my family.

I’m vegetarian now though so I won’t be eating turkey!”

Miguel Leal e Rigor- 1st year BSc Biomedical Science

“I celebrate by catching up with family and friends and on Boxing Day me and my dad stay up all night watching the Ashes.”

Danny Baker - London Met Sport

“I’m a Muslim so traditionally we don’t celebrate Christmas but I like to go to Kiev to celebrate with my Russian friends.”

Omer Ahmed - 1st year BSc Chemistry

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“I’m Hindu but we still do the whole Christmas tree and presents. On Christmas day we have family and friends that come over and have food together and gift giving.”

Mithusa Pirabakaran- 2nd year BSc Pharmacology

“I’m going back to Italy to see my family and friends but I’m not religious. My religion is science.”

Andrea Ibpolito- 1st year BSc Biomedical Science

“I’m going to be very busy with family. I have a tree and presents and a big party.”

Anietie Otung- 2nd year BSc Youth Studies

“I’m a Christian so I have a traditional Christmas back in Florence with my family.”

Christian Fallce- 1st year BSc Bio Chemistry

“I spend it with my family eating my body weight in food!”

Mia Outteridge- 1st year BSc Biomedical Science

“I’m going to Paris with my family!”

Abiola Fadeyibi- 2nd year BSc Youth Studies

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The Pale White

By Aaron Morris

After a life-changing summer playing some of the biggest stages in the UK including Glastonbury and Kendal Calling, The Pale White took five minutes to review their year, while telling fans what to expect in 2018 The Geordie trio (who ironically to their name sport black clothing, head to toe) have had the year of their lives, from playing tiny venues such as Jumpin’ Jacks, a shack fitting no more than 100 people, in their hometown, to a practically sold-out show at the critically acclaimed 02 Forum supporting The Amazons. Brothers Adam and Jack Hope, as well as Tom Booth, speak about their highlights from this year.

The Pale White EP dropped a little while back. How was that received?

The response so far has been amazing. We’ve had people from all over the world getting in touch and ordering copies of the EP on vinyl, which is beyond flattering. We see the EP as an introduction to the band. It’s the first era of TPW, an early collection of material that we love and wanted people to be able to have.

You guys are coming up for a short UK tour. How have you been preparing for that and how buzzing are you to get on the road for a headline tour?

It’s going to be really cool to get to take a longer set out to different cities outside of our hometown, and also try out some new songs and see how they feel. Headline shows are such a different beast to support slots. You have to work hard to get the audience on side sometimes cause they aren’t there to see you necessarily.

How was your recent tour with The Amazons, one of the UK's hottest bands?

Being on that tour with them was easily the most fun we’ve ever had touring. It was just a big gang of daft lads for two weeks. The shows were insane every night as well and the crowds were really receptive towards us, which was great.

Was it harder to break as a band given your origin in the north east?

It's actually really cool up in the north east currently. There are some bands making big noise and it really feels like there is a scene forming which is the strongest it's been in years. We’re really proud of where we are from and the city plays a big role in our identity.

After watching a couple of videos from earlier gigs on YouTube it appear your fans were going wild, especially at the Jumpin' Jacks gig. Do you still get that reception?

The Jumpin' Jack’s gig was actually our first ever headline show. We put a demo up online a couple of weeks before for people to listen to and get them to come to the show, and we sold the gig out in advance. That was one of the first big moments for us. Jumpin' Jacks is a great venue in Newcastle, and when the crowd gets going the whole room feels like it's shaking. Our hometown shows are always amazing and the crowds always go absolutely

wild, so we really love playing Newcastle. The more we gig around the UK you can slowly see people becoming less reserved when we come back there. They’re just testing the waters.

Some places are just crazy from the off like Manchester and Bristol. They know how to have a good time.

How was the whole Glasto experience for you guys?

Glastonbury is like nowhere else we’ve ever been. It was pretty nerve-wracking on the day because it was all people had been saying to us for weeks before, “Wow! Glastonbury! That’s big! You must be nervous!” Once we got onstage those nerves disappeared.

If you could pinpoint it: best gig this year and why?

Kendal Calling. I think the reason it was so good was because we were not expecting to have that many people show up. We played the Calling Out Stage and there had been a fairly modest turn-out all day as there were some really big acts on the main stage, so backstage we just prepared for a few hundred people. When we walked out the tent was just rammed from the front right to the back. People in Pale White T shirts and singing all the words back to us. It was just overwhelming. We kept looking at each other and just grinning. That was an absolutely incredible moment. We celebrated pretty hard that night.

Finally, what are the plans for The Pale White for 2018?

We will be releasing more singles next year and maybe a second EP later on in the year. Lots of touring and festivals next year and some more headline shows. We want to play as many shows as possible and get to some places we haven’t had the chance to go to yet. We're building towards the album slowly. Slowly but surely. We’ve already started experimenting and throwing ideas around, but for now we want to just continue building our fan base before we unleash it into the wild.

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HIDDEN HEALTH

By Oriana White

Not all disabilities are visible

Living with any health condition or having any form of disease in your life can severely hamper day-to-day routine.

We are so used to seeing the physical effects of illness but what do you do when you have an invisible one?

I have lived with Crohn’s disease - a long-term condition causing inflammation of the lining of the body's digestive system and also depression - for around 20 years since being diagnosed.

I had become so ill in my early twenties that I was forced to change my complete lifestyle. The breakdown at the time felt like a complete failure, which was compounded by the fact I had to stop working for a while. This took its toll on my confidence, self-worth and my own outlook on life. However it did give me an opportunity to take heed, and in fact it became one of the most valuable life lessons ever.

I spent a year on anti-depressants and having regular counselling sessions through the MIND charity, and I also managed to try some yoga. I was in need of calming my over-active thoughts and re-balancing myself.

I still find that I become isolated for long

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periods of time due to my health and I can become quite withdrawn, but now the difference is I reach out to all the support networks around me - and I’ve finally returned to university to study for an MA in Creative Writing. I may still be in pain on the inside, but I am no longer suffering in silence.

TOP TIPS FOR GOOD HEALTH Here are my top tips to keep mind – and body – in tip-top shape:

Eat well. Regular intervals help me, I’ve often got a packet of almonds or dried fruit on the go!

Drink lots of water. It's vital to

keep hydrated. If you don't water a plant for days it wilts. Same for us: we get brain fog, become sluggish.

Don’t forget to breathe. Deep

breathing can help release anxiety and enable us to feel calm. We also breathe out toxins, allowing space for good oxygen.

And be kind to yourself. Take

time to recharge your batteries, whether that means a fun night out with friends or a yoga lesson.

Volunteer with SANE

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By Monika Marjomaa

t’s considered the happiest time of the year by many. But the festive season can bring unique problems for those suffering from a mental illness. That’s why volunteers for mental health charity SANE are so valued

Financial troubles, pressure to have a perfect holiday and/or an increased sense of isolation can suddenly cause mental health problems, even for someone who has never experienced them before.

Because of the very present stigma that still surrounds mental illness in our society, seeking professional help can feel unachievable. That’s why there are non-profit mental health organisations that aim to raise awareness, educate the public about mental health and manage confidential message services that offer information on mental health issues, guidance as well as a sympathetic ear.

SANE'S MISSION One of these is the SANE Mental Health Charity. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental illness. The charity believes that living with a mental illness isn’t just coping and surviving but experiencing life fully. It has previously launched campaigns to reduce the stigma of depression and encourage those affected to seek help early.

When it comes to volunteers, SANE isn’t looking for professional knowledge about psychology or psychiatry. Instead, it values

personality traits such as compassion and empathy and a genuine interest in mental health. While having personal experience with a mental illness can offer helpful insight, volunteers need to be in a strong emotional place as providing support can be mentally taxing.

THE RIGHT ROLE FOR YOU SANE wants to match volunteers with a role in the organisation according to their individual personality, goals and experiences. Its training programme is meant to give skills that can be transferred into the volunteer’s professional as well as personal life. Volunteers usually work one night a week and the charity grants references after six months of volunteering.

SANE has offices in Islington, just a fiveminute walk from the London Met Holloway campus. Whether you’re looking to develop your personal skills or gain valuable experience or work in mental health, volunteering is a rewarding way to directly change someone’s life for the better.

During the holidays, why not be there for someone who has no-one else to turn to?

For more information on volunteering, visit www.sane.org.uk.

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Making yourself career-ready

U

sman Boie-Kamara, BA Accounting & Finance, First-class Honours, never thought volunteering would lead to a paid job

“I got interested in volunteering via a London Met lecturer. He emphasised how important it would be to get relevant experience and stand out in your field.

“Firstly I booked a meeting with Shauna from the Careers Team. We improved my CV then looked at what was available.

I got the opportunity to volunteer with Pembroke House, a community centre in Walworth, south London, within their finance sector as a finance assistant.

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I was taught within uni and build upon them.

I was quickly given more responsibility, using Sage and Excel to keep records and carry out allocations as well as more reconciliation exercises and internal controls.

“I also gained skills I could apply to my university curriculum, such as internal controls in auditing. I learned about time management and how to carry myself in a business environment. And I still had the freedom to ask for time off to study close to exams.

“Career wise, the experience helped immensely. Even before I finished uni I had the security of a part-time paid role. The

“Career wise, the experience helped immensely"

“I started volunteering three hours weekly, carrying out coding work for their bank statements, recording cash flow, updating petty cash books and creating invoices, letters and producing receipts.

company also had connections with bigger organisations, which helped my reputation as good things were being said about me to those directly in charge. When my exams results came out I was offered a job with a company called Edenred as an account assistant. I stood out to my future employers with a proven track record.

“After two to three months the company offered me a paid role while studying. It was just a few hours a week however this my enhanced relevant skills. Through this opportunity I was able to practice skills

“I would definitely recommend volunteering as it provides many opportunities. When university finishes thousands of people will be competing against you for jobs. Being a volunteer puts you in a different category."

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Dogs are famous for making snap judgements.

But are we the same?

ne i t a Ve l e N By

l i n ov

a

quick to judge people - without even knowing half their story.

Now back to Max. We all have our positives and negatives and Max has a selfish side – he does what he wants and does not listen to commands UNLESS I have a treat. Some people are the same; they call themselves

L

et me introduce you to my gorgeous boy, Maximilliano Jovani Bubetti, or Max for short. He is perceived as being loyal, kind, trusting and very intelligent; great characteristics for a companion. But, like some people, he also has a hidden part of himself.

Max is a bit macho – he thinks he’s cool, has a big ego and will become fierce with certain breeds. He was bitten by a Husky as a pup so he’s not a big fan of that breed, and can sniff one out in a minute.

People aren’t too dissimilar. The majority of us have at least once judged someone by the way they dress. I studied with a guy at college who was a hipster type. In reality, he was a bit quiet and shy - but sadly he was more often than not perceived by others as being stuck-up.

"He does what he wants and does not listen to commands UNLESS I have a treat" your friend yet only give favours when they get one in return. Others will be there no matter what. Life is about finding the loyal ones.

Just because someone is different doesn't mean they're weird. It's great to stand out from the crowd and not be like everyone else. Just remember not to judge a book by its cover. Next time you see someone sitting alone, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly.

Now, if only Max would take the time to explore next time he meets a Husky...

Just because that person was not the most talkative was not an indication that he was arrogant. In fact he turned out to be one of the coolest dudes I know. The majority of us are

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Dear Aunty Hind

Have a problem? Write to our Agony Aunt for some helpful advice

Aunty Hind

Dear Aunty Hind, I have started Uni and am finding it super difficult to fit in. The culture is very different from home and it doesn’t feel right. London is too commercial and I feel lost. I have found some friends on my course but I feel paranoid my English is not good enough for them to understand. I just can’t be comfortable here and I don’t know what to do. The Lost Boy

Dear Soon to Be Found Boy, Settling into a new place can be very challenging and I’m proud of you for being brave enough to make the move! London is a very big city, and it will take time for you to find your feet. Be patient and continue to explore the capital. There are plenty of small areas which accommodate for the tastes of many other cultures – find yours!

Be confident in your English and keep practicing – it will improve naturally. Take up a free English class, listen to the news and watch English soaps with subtitles.

Also, venture out your comfort zone to meet people – there is no shame in Tinder, my friend! Love, Aunty Hind

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Dear Aunty Hind, I am in third year and have been identifying as gay since first year – but only in my London life. I am from a small town up north where the community is tight and very judgemental. My family do a lot of work in the church but are very loving and accepting. I am sick of leading a double life and have started dreading going home because my family have no clue about who I really am. I’ve decided to come out this Christmas to them but I really don’t know how to do it, I’m terrified I’ll ruin the festivities. Help! The Closet

Dear Closet, Honesty is really the best policy and you are doing the right thing.

You need to address those people closest to you first. You said they are accepting so they’ll love you regardless. Soon you’ll feel liberated.

Judgemental people don’t deserve to be in your life and people who are meant to be there won’t judge. Be honest with yourself and your

family and remember, living your authentic life is most important. Be the authentic person you were meant to be. Love, Aunty Hind

Student Services provide much of the support you might need.

They should be your first port of call if you are looking to maximise your potential and make the most of your student experience, are having problems with finances or in finding accommodation, require support with a physical or mental health disability or are simply worried about missing the good things in life.

Students are asked to book appointments for all services (except counselling) through our student hubs. Until further notice, counselling appointments should be booked directly through Student Services.

Learning Centre, Mezzanine, (Holloway Road) 236-250 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PP - See map below Tel: 020 7133 2094 Email: studentservices@londonmet.ac.uk

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£ Quids In

By Caroline Gottschalck-Hansen

Being a student doesn’t have to mean you’re always skint.

These discounts help your money go further every month Living in London is expensive. Especially when you’re a student with limited funds for rent, transport, books and having a nice time with your friends.

Who knows economic hardship like we do? At the end of every month I’m a virtual prisoner, living on tins of tuna and stale bread, watching telly until my student loan kicks in. Take heart, dear student: there is a way to beat the poverty trap. What if you could afford nights out with friends, buy new clothes and go to the cinema - without having to bust your back?

It might sound like a Christmas wish that will never be fulfilled. But this holiday season, you can get your wish. All it takes is a little ingenuity, a sprinkle of willpower and an alert eye.

Extra student discount: Purchase a NUS Extra Card if you want more discounts. Prices from £12.

Student Transport Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photo card to get 30% off your weekly TravelCard. Make sure you say "cheese"!

Student Discount Webpages Studentbeans.com provides you with discounts on newspaper subscriptions, at the London Eye, at bowling alleys and much more.

Entertainment and Food Restaurants such as ASK Pizza are real value for money with a student card. Cinemas such as the Odeon offer discounts for students as well.

Student ID Always bring your student ID with you – you’ll never know when you’ll have your next opportunity to save at TopShop and more.

Student Discount App Download the free UNiDAYS app, which offers varied discounts on fashion, beauty, technology, food and drink, among others. If you like brands like Apple, Urban Outfitters and ASOS, you’re in luck.

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It's the most wonderful time of the year...

By Nekquai Adeniyi

W

hether you celebrate this time of year or not, Christmas is a great time to enjoy yourself.

Our Top 5 ideas will get you in the mood

“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!” Everyone knows this line from the famous scene in Home Alone, a major Christmas classic. If watching old Christmas films is your thing, definitely check out what’s going on at popups Cinema in the Snow and Snow Kingdom. But be quick, tickets are selling out fast so don't miss out!

For extreme Christmas lovers, a holiday show might be just the thing. Grab a pair of tickets to see a pantomime in one of London’s most famous theatres - the London Palladium - and become emerged in the humorous tale of Dick Whittington.

Visit www.reallyusefultheatres.

Visit www.popupscreens.

co.uk/our-theatres/londonpalladium

The Christmas holidays are a time to spend relaxing, having fun and appreciating good company. It also provides a fabulous excuse to get merry, throw a party and drink a lot… if you’re into that sort of thing.

What are you going to do with your weeks of freedom? If, like me, you haven’t put much thought into it, we can help you from getting bored on holiday, assuming you haven’t planned to simply sleep your life away (just because I’ve suggested it, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea).

If you’re planning to be out of the country, you’re very lucky and we expect to see evidence of your exciting adventures on insta!

For those of you staying in London, never fear! Not all is lost as there’s a load of great stuff going. Here’s a list to work from (you’re welcome).

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Visit hydeparkwinterwonderland .com/attraction/bar-hutte/

Do you really love belting out Christmas classics in public? Grab a few friends and go visit the Bar Hutte in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland?

It’s the ideal place for cocktails and karaoke! Alternatively, the warm wooden huts offer a great setting for a bit of romantic serenading - pucker up!

For more

Do you like Christmas lights? We do!

Catch the Magical Lantern Festival from 17th November to 1st January at Chiswick House & Gardens. You’ll be amazed by how beautiful the landscape looks decked in iridescent lanterns made from illuminated silk installations.

information visit www. visitkensington. com/events/ christmas-inkensington/

co.uk/tickets/events/upcoming/ christmas/ and www. backyardcinema.co.uk/snowkingdom/theatres/londonpalladium

Travel in time to 19th century England with a truly unique experience at Kensington Gardens this Christmas. Take part in themed activities, view live music and experience the season as it would have been in Victorian times.

The event is open from 1st December 2017 to 1st January Visit www.magicallantern.uk/ london to learn more

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Festive food

Chorizo and Almond Brussels

Make the festive season a real treat with these specialty dishes.

All you need is an oven, a mixer and a blender – and some prime ingredients!

Easy-peasy Christmas Cookies You will love these delicious biscuits, great for children and adults alike. They also add a holiday feel to any home.

Ingredients Makes 16 cookies

• • • • • •

220 grams softened unsalted butter 125 grams sugar 3 large eggs 1½ tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. salt 3¼ c. all-purpose flour

1.

Using a mixer set on medium-high, beat together in a large bowl both the softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. One at a time add the eggs carefully, followed by vanilla extract – or almond extract - and salt.

Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add all-purpose flour, beating until all the ingredients are combined. You’ll know you are on the right track when the dough feels a bit sticky.

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Ingredients Serves 4

• • • •

2.

Divide dough into four equal portions and cover each in Clingfilm, patting into 1/2-inch-thick squares. Chill until firm, either overnight or for at least two hours.

800g trimmed Brussel sprouts 100g butter 100g peeled chopped chorizo 100g roughly chopped blanched almonds

Ingredients Serves 8

• • • • • • •

3.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll out dough, a square at a time, to 1/3 inch thick. Cut out using ornament- or star-shaped cutters, or be creative. Transfer cookies to a parchmentlined baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.

5.

To decorate, either make your own icing using icing sugar, food colouring or water, or buy pre-made icing from your local shop.

1.

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.

Cook the Brussels sprouts for two mins, then drain and leave to steam-dry.

2.

Meanwhile, put the butter and chorizo in a large frying pan over a medium heat for five mins until the butter caramelises and smells nutty, and the chorizo begins to brown.

Method

4.

Bake until lightly golden, about 12 minutes. Cool completely on pan or wire rack before decorating.

Method

•

25g pitted dates 25g cashew nuts 25g dried apricots ¼ tsp mixed spice 100ml brandy 1 vanilla pod, using only the seeds 1l sweetened almond milk (oat or coconut milk can substitute) ice, to serve

3.

Tip in the sprouts and fry for 5-6 mins over a high heat until they’re tender, starting to crisp and are coated in the browned butter.

4.

Once sprouts are fully cooked, add blanched almonds. Don’t overcook or they will feel soggy.

Top tip: you can substitute chorizo with dried figs, and keep this a veggie dish if you wish. The sweet, tangy fruit mixes well with sprouts.

Vegan Egg Nog

Method 1.

Soak dates, cashews, apricots and mixed spice in the brandy overnight.

2.

The next day, tip the mixture into a blender and add vanilla pod seeds, along with the milk of your choice. Blitz until smooth and creamy, then pour into eight tall (or 12 smaller ones) glasses filled with ice. Grate nutmeg and/or cinnamon on top. Warning: Doubling this recipe has its merits...

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One Campus, One Community: What’s the latest?

The University’s One Campus, One Community (OCOC) project is going from strength to strength and there’s loads more to come.

London Met has a number of exciting estate projects planned, from the development of brand new refectories and learning spaces to the creation of an inspiring central plaza at the heart of our Islington campus.

Many developments have taken place in recent months and there is still more to come as the months progress.

A new home for the Students’ Union

Get involved!

London Met has spoken to over 600 students face-to-face to get their views in order to inform these major developments. There are many ways to share your thoughts too so get involved and make your voice known.

Join the Google+ group or email onecampus@londonmet.ac.uk Keep up-to-date on the latest One Campus, One Community news by visiting londonmet.ac.uk/onecampus

A teaching and learning centre coming soon Summer 2019 sees the opening of the new teaching and learning centre at our Islington campus. The current two-storey J Block building will undergo complete transformation, becoming a vibrant four-storey social learning hub with a number of exciting features. Plans for the centre include 25 teaching rooms installed with the most up-to-date teaching and learning technology, a variety of connected social learning spaces and a modern catering outlet that will seat over 200 people. We expect J Block to close in February 2018 when construction works are set begin.

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In November 2017 we relocated to the newly refurbished Harglenis Building, renovated as part of the OCOC project to provide students with an enhanced campus life experience.

London Met invested £1.2 million in the creation of our new home (previously in J Block), which has been kitted out with a new radio booth for Verve Radio, office spaces, digital screens, a stylish lobby area, a kitchen and disabled restroom facilities to ensure accessibility.

For the first time in the history of the Students’ Union we have a large and prominent standalone building to call our own. Come check out our new space!

The transformation of our Holloway campus courtyard Plans are being developed to create a large central plaza at the heart of the Holloway campus. The current central courtyard will be remodelled and transformed into an inspiring community square that has the capacity to accommodate 3,000 people.

The space is being designed by the renowned landscape architecture practice Gustafson Porter + Bowman (GP+B) whose iconic work

includes the Woolwich Squares in Greenwich, the Swiss Cottage Open Space in Camden, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park.

GP+B have consulted students, staff and the

community and are now using their feedback to develop what has the potential to become a major Islington landmark.

A newly renovated C Block plans to open in January 2018 Our University is to open three floors of teaching and learning facilities in a section of the Islington campus currently known as ‘C Block’ in January 2018.

Each learning space will be installed with state-of-the-art teaching technology and

modern furniture to facilitate innovative and creative learning.

C Block will also see the opening of the Highbury Canteen, which replaces Enrico's, featuring a new coffee shop and seating area.

The refectory will have an extended hot food service with a wider range of food options for all students to enjoy, which will supplement the Junction which has already undergone a complete makeover.

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Football Focus Is the dominance finally shifting in North London?

By Aaron Patel ast season for the first time in over 20 years, Spurs finished above Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League. Also, for the first time in over 20 years, Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League, whereas Spurs secured their place in the elite European competition.

L

Many Arsenal fans have called time on manager Arsene Wenger’s reign at the Emirates. By contrast, Spurs fans and critics alike have sung the praise of manager Mauricio Pochettino. The two different narratives and vibes around the clubs have ultimately sprung the question; Is the dominance finally shifting in North London?

In the summer of 2014, Mauricio Pochettino was appointed Spurs manager, and it is safe to say he has overseen remarkable progress at the club since his arrival. Despite a slow first season in charge, the Argentine has guided Spurs to two consecutive top four finishes, with last season’s second place finish above arch rivals Arsenal.

One would only have to look as far as Manchester City to see how much money Premier League clubs spend in the transfer markets. However, Spurs have perhaps become one of the most resourceful clubs in English football.

In a report published in January of this year, the club's official net spend was a reported £1M. Since his arrival at Spurs, Pochettino has brought with him his stern philosophies, which have created a new and improved aura to the club. One of his most impressive philosophies is the

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use of the club’s academy system.

Point in case: Pochettino gave Harry Winks an opportunity last season, and has not looked back since. The 21-year-old looks more than at home in the Spurs midfield.

Spurs on a whole have been riding a wave of momentum, with only the illusive Premier League Title seemingly escaping their clutches for the past two seasons. Playing Spurs was once a treat for some, but now it appears to be a challenge as they have more than made their presence felt in the past few seasons.

Has their era of dominance now begun?

On the other hand, just a train ride away, the Emirates Stadium has seen better days. After failing to finish in the top four and failing to qualify for the Champions League, Arsenal were more than just in a questionable state for some.

Manager Arsene Wenger can seemingly do nothing right, even winning the FA Cup last season, a vast majority of Gunners fans were calling for the end of his 20year plus reign in charge at the club.

However, in the long-term, are Arsenal

fans looking ahead? Who would they choose to replace Wenger?

So far, the 2017/18 season has proven to mirror last campaign, Spurs sit above Arsenal at this time of writing. But regardless of this season’s respective finish come next May, one would have to ask: Is Spurs finally taking dominance in North London?

Are Spurs destined for the Barclays Premier League Title? Has their era of dominating the League now begun? watch this space...

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