Special Freshers’ Issue 27.09.16
Cover
Welcome to Loughborough University.
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Contents
Contents
Regular Features 04 - Editorials 05 – Who Are We? 12 – Totty Spotted 13 – What is LSU Media + Loughborough Overheard
Front Cover, Back Cover and Contents Page Design and Illustration by Jessie Foxford
About
Editorials
News 4 06 – Black Lives Matter / One for the Weekend 5 07 – The Last Time That…
Who Are We?
What is LSU Media? | Loughborough Overheard News
Black Lives Matter | One The Last Time That...
Features Comment
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Features – The 5 Types of Student You’ll Meet for 08 the Weekend 6 this Freshers’ 09 – How to Survive the Big Move 7 to Uni
The 5 Types of Students You’llComment Meet
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Surviving the Big Move to Uni
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10 – Finding ‘me’ in Freshers’ 15 – Let’s Talk About Consent
Finding ‘me’ in Freshers’ Let’s Talk About Consent
Culture 10 16 – Loughborough’s Top 5 Indie Hotspots 17 – Loughborough at the Fringe
15
Culture
Style Loughborough’s Top 5 Indie Hotspots 16 18 – A Beginner’s Guide to Looking “Fresh” During Freshers’ Loughborough at the Fringe 19 – The Best Things About A/W 17
Style
Guide to Looking “Fresh” During MusicFreshers’ The Best Style Hacks for
Music
The Music Trail New Year, New Sounds
Sport
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20 – The Music Trail Autumn/Winter 21 – New Year, New Sounds 19
20 Sport 22 – The Future of English Twenty-20 21 23 – Shining a Light On… Loughborough Students Women’s Football
The Future of English Twenty-20
22
Shining a Light On... LSUWFC
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Disclaimer: Label is the publication of Loughborough Students’ Union. The opinions contained are those of individual contributors, not of Loughborough Students’ Union, the editorial team, or any other officer of the Union unless otherwise stated.
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EDITORIAL
Label Editor
I don’t want to keep you too long as I know you’re dying to join your friends and start the face painting session for whatever wacky theme your respective hall is holding tonight.
Just one final note… As Editor of Label magazine this year I am keen to make sure Label represents every single one of you, so see our magazine as YOUR platform to speak out to thousands across campus. You can email me at leannakightley@lsu.co.uk to get involved. Here at Label we can’t wait to see all of you at Make Your Mark (that’s a date for the diary, guys: Tuesday 11th October, 6-9pm, Union Piazza), and hope to inspire you to write and/or design for us! See you then!
It’s been three years since I was in your position. Yes, that makes me very old, but I vividly remember driving up to Towers Hall for the first time; being welcomed by Fresher Helpers, saying bye to Mum & Dad, and now I’m here!
This Freshers’ period will see you bombarded with advice, information and an outrageous amount of events. So listen to the advice, consume the information and go to as many events as you can - you’ll only regret it if you don’t!
Loughborough offers something unique, you’ll probably never quite put your finger on what exactly that is, but I’ll give you this hint; Loughborough is what you make it - so get out there and make your experience the best one yet.
And of course, make sure you keep an eye out for LSU Media’s coverage of not only Freshers’ but the whole year. With Label magazine, Loughborough Campus Radio, the Lens photography hub and LSUTV - we’ve got plenty of coverage of your Loughborough Experience.
Jennifer Taylor Media EO and Label Editor-in-Chief
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Design by Liam David Hopley
Leanna Kightley
Freshers’ will most likely be the best two(ish) weeks of your life, or at least they were for me. The people you meet will become friends for life, and the haunts of your Freshers’ Experience will form a huge part of your time at Loughborough. Within two weeks you may sample just about everything the LSU has to offer by taking part in a RAG raid or Action project, going to AU trials or catching a match, and of course reading Label (you can tick Media off the list) in the comfort of your perhaps-not-so-shiny-and-new bedrooms…
However, if I could give you one piece of advice before you jump on the Freshers’ crazy train it would be to do things you never thought you would do – try EVERYTHING. It’s the only way to get the most out of these very unique two weeks here at our amazing university, and indeed your whole Loughborough journey.
Illustration by Emily Forrester
To all the fresh students taking time out from your packed Freshers’ schedule, hello and welcome to Label! And to all those returning students who’ve managed to nab a copy of this Freshers’ Special, welcome back!
Who are we? Label Committee 2016-17 Alice Priestley ASSISTANT EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
What would be the title of your autobiography? Something like ‘Pizza, Popcorn and Puppies: A Memoir’, because I just love food. And puppies.
What is the worst present you’ve ever received? A friend bought me a tank of stick insects for my birthday a few years ago. They kept trying to escape!
Natali Dimitrova
Design by Liam David Hopley
Ellie Mackenzie
Emma Morgan
Beatrice Quarshie HEAD OF ONLINE, MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION Any advice for someone living in halls? Enjoy every moment of Freshers’! Halls will become your home away from home. #FalkEgg
Jamie Hutton
Asli Jensen COMMENT EDITOR How was your Freshers’ Experience? I didn’t realise there are 3 rooms in the Union and subjected myself to the torturous Fusion for 3 consecutive nights.
Lydia Kah-Pavlou
FEATURES EDITOR
FEATURES EDITOR
CULTURE EDITOR
CULTURE EDITOR
If you could match any celebrity on Tinder, who would it be? It would be impossible to have a dull date with Kevin Bridges. I can understand his accent, too!
If you could match any celebrity on Tinder, who would it be? I’ve never tindered as I like my matches the old fashioned way! But, if I did, Benedict Cumberbatch!
What is the one film you could watch over and over and not get tired of? I could watch Airplane a thousand times, I notice new jokes every time I watch it!
What is the one film you could watch over and over and not get tired of? I would say my favourite is Clueless, I love the fashion choices and still have the VHS tape of it!
David Boyden
Hannah Thompson
Arianna Rossi
Emily Harrison
SPORT EDITOR
SPORT EDITOR
STYLE EDITOR
MUSIC EDITOR
What is the weirdest thing you packed for freshers’? The cat, but he escaped before I could zip up the bag!
What is the weirdest thing you packed for freshers’? A pink fairy wand, even though it didn’t meet any of the needs of the freshers’ nights!
Which country have you always wanted to visit? Vietnam and Cambodia. The amount of colour and vibrancy of their clothing and traditional dress is incredible.
What is the cringiest album you own? The Ultimate Collection by Steps. I make absolutely no apologies for owning it either! All together now, 5, 6, 7, 8 …
Jessie Foxford
Liam David Hopley
Emily Forrester
Elias Ruiz Monserrat
ART DIRECTOR
HEAD OF DESIGN
HEAD OF ILLUSTRATION
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
What is the one thing in the world you couldn’t give up? The one thing I can’t live without is Red Bull ... I’m addicted!
What is the one thing in the world you couldn’t give up? My Spotify subscription. Designing just isn’t as much fun without some music on in the background!
What is the one thing in the world you couldn’t give up? My Spotify account. I love having access to loads of songs and albums at the touch of a button!
What is the one thing in the world you couldn’t give up? I would never give up my camera, it has now become a part of me.
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Whilst the news has been littered with accounts of terrorism recently, equally prevalent have been the ever-growing tensions between police and members of the black community in America. Stories of extreme police violence have emerged recently and statistics by the Guardian claim that white Americans are 50% less likely to be fatally wounded by a police officer than black Americans. This has led to the Black Lives Matter Campaign becoming more vocal in recent months and staging numerous protests. Whilst the police are not shooting at random people on the street; many of those who have been fatally injured were committing crimes. However, in a disgusting breech of responsibility, many officers are opening fire to deal with petty crimes such as vehicle theft. One example is that of 37 year old Peter Gaines who was shot by a police
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WHERE D ES UR FOOD REALLY C ME FROM? 6
M at t e r Campaign reaches an all time high
It is natural for people, particularly children, to question where the food on our plates originally comes from. However, a recent survey conducted by Genius Gluten Free and Allergy Adventures revealed that the 2,000 7-11 year olds who took part were far from clued up. Prepare for some cute albeit pretty worrying thought processes. Perhaps the most farfetched idea that these children appeared to believe was that sausage rolls are named as such because the sausages are rolled in flour and subsequently pushed down a hill. In fact, 7% of participants thought this was how the product was made. A further 6% did not realise that chocolate did not grow in squares on trees. Moreover, a staggering number of children were not aware that butter was an animal product or that ham
Many of the shootings and attacks reported in the newspapers are extreme, atrocious, and in some cases acts of unprovoked violence. It would appear that racial tensions and persecution are key issues here, and certain individuals have responded with horrific revenge murders of police officers up and down the country. The killings on both sides are unforgiveable, and once again stems back to America’s lack of gun laws and their nonchalant attitude to guns themselves. Both sides are attempting to fight violence with violence, and that will never lead to a satisfactory resolution. Ellie Mackenzie News Editor
came from a pig. As many as 25% of those surveyed also believed that nut allergy sufferers could still consume peanut butter. Whilst the idea of a sausage being rolled down a hill is an amusing one, this survey reveals a much bigger problem in that many children are not aware of the life of food products before they hit the shelves. Although it would be great if chocolate did grow in perfect squares on trees, perhaps parents and schools should place a bigger emphasis on food growth and production. For more bizarre, amusing and downright strange news stories, visit the LSU Media website and search ‘One for the Weekend’. Ellie Mackenzie News Editor
Design by Liam David Hopley
R ONE FO
ND E K E E HE W
Black Lives
officer in Texas, March 2016. Although Gaines lunged at the officer, his main crime was vandalising a traffic sign.
The LAST TIME that…
Design and Illustration by Liam David Hopley
NEWS
… We had a female Prime Minister was in 1990. Margaret Thatcher was the first UK Prime Minister to win three successive elections. To call her eleven year tenure divisive would be an understatement. Supporters commend her for reducing people’s reliance on the state and for allowing council tenants to buy homes of their own. Conversely, some people despise Thatcher: they believe that she destroyed important
industries and oppressed workers by weakening trade unions. Comparisons between Thatcher and Theresa May were made when our new Prime Minister taunted Labour MPs in a tone reminiscent of the Iron Lady. Despite such parallels, many hope that her vision for “a society which works for the many, not just the few” will lead to a nation which is less divided than it was in the 1980s.
… Labour went to war with itself was in 1988. Neil Kinnock saw off Tony Benn’s challenge by winning 88.6% of the vote. The incumbent this time around, Jeremy Corbyn, chaired his friend Tony Benn’s campaign in 1988. Owen Smith (Corbyn’s challenger) is the MP for Pontypridd, which isn’t far from Neil Kinnock’s old constituency of Islwyn. Kinnock fiercely criticised Corbyn before this summer’s leadership campaign began.
At the start of this summer’s contest, most expected Corbyn to comfortably defeat Smith, though it’s worth mentioning that Kinnock retained the support of most of his colleagues in 1988. This June, following the sacking of Hilary Benn (Tony’s son) and resignations from over sixty MPs – including Kinnock’s son Stephen – 81% of MPs said they had no confidence in Corbyn’s leadership.
… We weren’t part of the EU was in 1973. That year, the UK opted to join the European Economic Community – which was renamed twenty years later. Although a referendum was held on EEC membership in 1975, it wasn’t until this summer that voters announced their intention to leave the European Union. Remainers argued during the Referendum campaign that 43 years of close relations with Europe have made our nation more prosperous. Beforehand, they said, it had been described as ‘the sick man of Europe’.
We agreed to join a single market in 1973, allowing us to trade freely with neighbouring countries. The EU’s remit nowadays is much broader, including regulating pollution and workers’ rights. These interventions allowed Leave campaigners to argue that a vote to leave would protect our independence. Liam David Hopley Head of Design
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FEATURES
Freshers’ Fortnight is many things – fun, intense, stressful, memorable. In two weeks you’ll likely meet more new people than you have in the past two years. To help you navigate through the uncertain waters of new acquaintances here is a list of 5 types of students you’ll encounter.
The Rebrand
This person will desperately try to dissociate themselves from their school image. You’ll come to associate them with their hot pink hair, the heart shaped tattoo on their inner lip or the foreverpresent pack of cigarettes on their nightstand. How to spot a Rebrand? All you need to do is have a short chat with their friends from home. Hearing about how they acquired the nickname “Puddles” will put into perspective why they jumped at the opportunity to reinvent themselves.
The Keen Bean
This kid has been counting down the days to Freshers’ ever since their sibling left for uni. Night out? Keen. Water Polo trials? Keen. Quidditch Society? Well, you get the point. It’s hard to work out a Keen Bean’s personality, mainly because their behaviour is driven by a major case of FOMO. At the end of the fortnight they will have nominated themselves for Class Rep and signed up to 10 societies and 5 sports… so don’t count on their enthusiasm lasting.
The Wreck
There are subtle warning signs that someone belongs to this category. Being the first to start a cringe chant, referring to oneself in the third person and incorporating the word ‘legend’ into majority of sentences - all dead giveaways. Once the clock strikes midnight - much like with Cinderella, things deteriorate quickly. The playful banter turns to incomprehensible slurs; the drinking games escalate to dirty pints. By 00:05 you’re stuck propping them up in the queue of Papa Si’s after getting rejected from the Union.
The Player
This guy or girl is always on the pull. Whether they just broke out of a long-term relationship or are simply embracing life away from overbearing parents – they are constantly looking to chat someone up. Although they will drop a conversation halfway through a sentence if they see a pretty stranger, fear not. After having danced awkwardly behind their crush for a few minutes, the Player will promptly return and confidently declare they could do better.
The Athlete
Members of this group generally tend to stick their kind during Freshers’. Eat, sleep, train, repeat. You will likely cross paths with them one morning in the shop while you’re searching for bacon and paracetamol in last nights clothes. They, of course, will be grabbing a protein bar on their way to the gym. Nonetheless, beware – once everyone else has calmed down, here come the initiations and sport socials. Their uniform is fancy dress, their battle cry – some variation of “Loughborough Walks On Water.” Lock your doors, pull your blinds and wait for the storm to pass.
Natali Dimitrova – Features Editor 8
Design and Illustration by Jessie Foxford
Before you embrace the beautiful chaos that is Freshers’ I’d like to leave you with one piece of advice. Whether you fit into one of these categories, a different one altogether, or none at all - just be yourself.
The 5 types of student you’ll meet this freshers’
FEATURES Surviving the Big Move to Uni Moving away to university is probably the most exciting and yet the most terrifying thing you will ever do. Except maybe taking a driving test, that is truly awful. Tears may be shed; my Dad cried more than I did as he dropped me off on my first day. I quickly told him to leave because it was embarrassing and had the potential to make me endlessly sob whilst begging him not to abandon me. This feeling of anxiety about starting university is universal so here are some tips for making it through the first few weeks.
00:01
Participate What surprised me the most was how the Freshers’ activities, that can seem bit forceful, actually keep thoughts of anxiety and homesickness away. For anyone who is as much of a worrier as I am this busy and rigid schedule will help distract you from those ominous thoughts. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get legless and drink a bottle of wine every night, just make sure you join in the group activities. Even if this is just at first to help build your sense of belonging in
Design and Illustration by Jessie Foxford
Loughborough, as this is your new home, independence will come soon enough.
00:02
Contact Home That said there is only so long you can push back those feelings of homesickness. A few weeks in and even the most independent of you will begin to miss the little home comforts. I found my parents had given me space to live my own life and weren’t necessarily phoning me to chat all the time. At first this put me off calling home but just because you are being given space doesn’t mean people don’t want to hear from you. It can be a real pick me up, when you are feeling worried about something at uni, to talk to people from home that have known you for years. However, this is definitely a fine line. You don’t want to spend all your time talking to people at home rather than building relationships with the people around you.
00:03
Channel Your Anxiety As time passes and Freshers’ comes to an end you’ll find your first deadlines and exams looming when all you really want to do is go home for Christmas. This was the hardest part of the homesickness for me as during the build up to Christmas there is nowhere I would rather be than at home. The anxiety of passing the first set of deadlines and exams is to be expected, but the worst thing to do is sit around and worry whilst watching Netflix and wishing the Christmas holidays sooner. As many good intentions as you have no work will be done over the period with family reunions and food to be eaten. My advice would be to channel the homesickness and anxiety in the last couple of weeks to make a start on work. Believe me, before you blink your first term of university will be over and you will be anxiously wishing to be back in the Loughborough Bubble. Emma Morgan – Features Editor 9
COMMENT
Finding ‘me’ in Freshers’
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HAV I NG T I M E FO R Y O U R S ELF It’s vital to have time for yourself and indulge in home comforts. Yes, you know what I’m talking about. Time to whip out the junk food and sugary snacks … heart attack we’re coming your way. It’s always good to treat yourself to some Netflix and uhhh just Netflix. Following this with a phone call home or a cheeky Skype session with your old pals is always helpful. Even if it is calling mum to ask why your bank balance has a minus sign in front of the numbers – yes, I am guilty as charged. Yup, that’s it … and as a literature student, it’s time for the cliché quote courtesy of Oscar Wilde - “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Asli Jensen Comment Editor
Design by Liam David Hopley
MEET ING NEW PEOPLE It’s safe to say that we all innately want to be liked. Considering we come to university alone and practically know nobody on campus, it’s okay to feel out of place and want reassurance from others. In order to impress our course mates or ensure that our flatmates like us, we CATFISH. We highlight the best of our personality by being extra nice or speaking politely (unless your regional accent is incomprehensible). This façade crumbles mid-Freshers’ when your wild side comes galloping through… that weird part of you that everyone low-key loves. Don’t fret young ones, you’ll look back on those initial awkward meetings and together you’ll laugh about your innocence and generosity. At one point, you will remember how you were so nice and offered to share your butter with everyone and now, a glance at your butter equates to a meltdown.
T RY I NG NEW T HI NG S My top tip is to try new things. So if you’re into that weird World of Warcraft, reciting Shakespeare or even eating cheese and drinking wine … welcome to paradise. All is available here, including pole dancing – which isn’t as raunchy as it sounds (it needs major skill to combat by the way). Also, for those of you who aren’t in the best of shape, DON’T be put off trying sports because you think everyone is an elite athlete. I can assure you that many students try sports at beginner level, even the ones that play for Loughborough clubs – so in essence, they are all just as basic as you. Yeah … so go try water polo.
Photography courtesy of LSU Media
University is often noted as the ‘best time of our lives’, especially for those of us who are stupid enough to abandon three meals a day and free laundry as a means of gaining the whole Freshers’ experience. Amongst all the changes that occur around us, one thing remains constant … ourselves. To everyone who has ever said ‘university changes you’, please sit down. Unfortunately, university is just a catalyst for us growing into who we were always meant to be (highly functioning alcoholics). Being at Loughborough gives us the opportunity to experience all the things we never thought to before. We bring to light the aspects of ourselves that were subdued during our pubescent years. And now that I’ve written all that sentimental bullshit, lets get to the real stuff.
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ABOUT
What is LSU Media?
LSU Media consists of four sections: Label is the Union’s official magazine; LCR is our student radio station; Lens is the photography section and LSUTV specialises in, as the name suggests, student TV.
Label
Label is the largest of the LSU Media committees, allowing us to cover a variety of topics through volunteer involvement and our expert section editors’ dedication to making student journalism great. As Editor I seek to make Label represent each and every student, so follow us on Twitter, FB and Insta and check out the LSU Media website for our latest content. /LabelOnlineLSU
LCR
Design by Jessie Foxford
LCR is headed up by Tim Hunter, and aims to get volunteers involved in radio, creating their own shows and podcasts which you can find on the LSU Media website. So, if you want to catch your halls and your housemates on the radiowaves have a listen, you might even fancy having a go yourself! /LoughboroughCampusRadio
Lens
Lens, the photography contingent of LSU Media, has eyes all over campus. If you’re spectating or taking part in a sporting activity, on a night out in the Union, or just chilling in halls, you are likely to see Ushandan Kirupalaratnam and his team catching the very best moments of your Loughborough Experience. /LSUMedia
LSUTV
LSUTV is a widely popular student TV station, this year led by Katie Greenslade, which are forever filming, editing and producing fresh new content and covering the biggest events in the Union and across campus. The Sing Off? LSUTV will be there. Big match day? LSUTV will be there. Big debates? LSUTV will be there. Big Exec Election campaigns? LSUTV will be there. You get it, they cover the big stuff. /LSUTVOnline
Loughborough Overheard “Since when did Loughborough have a church?”
“I’ve just realised skin is waterproof.”
“Are Belgium and Brussels two different countries?”
“Gammon comes from a gammite, right?”
“That kitchen floor is filthy, you could catch something from that.”
“It’s chickens that can fly, not ducks” 13
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COMMENT tea
Design and Illustration by Jessie Foxford
Cup
Let’s Talk About Consent
x Pot
Rape
It’s an age old tale - you pull him/her in Fusion to the romantic melody of ‘Come On Eileen’, go back to your/their flat, stumble over each other to get to the bedroom, and there the magic happens… Or does it? In that moment, and all those that precede it, you have a choice. Yet both boys and girls across this campus and many others nationwide each year may feel pressured into sleeping with people they perhaps didn’t want to. Some may blame it on alcohol, some on lad culture, or some on a simple misinterpretation of the signals, but regardless it happens and when it does it can be devastating, shameful and downright depressing.
But what if the issue of consent affects you, or someone you know? You can be comforted by the fact that Loughborough offers support in droves.
During Freshers’ the concept of consent often becomes a little blurry. Do you want a drink? No. Well you’re having one anyway. Do you smoke? No. Here, have a cigarette. If you offered someone a cup of tea and they said no, would you whip up a brew anyway and force them to down the teapot? No, didn’t think so. What if they were drunk and defenceless? Still no? Exactly.
•
“Tea? What is she on about?”, you may ask. Well, Thames Valley Police created this analogy in 2015 representing how the issue of sexual consent is a simple yes/no question, as quick and easy as offering a mate a cuppa. Yet with 85,000 women and 12,000 men raped every year in England and Wales (RapeCrisis), we clearly aren’t as adept at asking this question. You wouldn’t force someone to drink tea, so why force someone into sex?
Here are just a few of many ways you can open up about consent related problems: •
•
•
•
Loughborough Nightline is a great resource, so call them on 01509 227 650 for anonymous advice. Pop into the Pinfold Gate Sexual Health Clinic for free advice and treatment – just check their website for details (and the surgery is hidden just behind Cineworld, FYI). See one of the friendly doctors and nurses to share any worries or get a quick check up at our on-site doctors. Talk to friends, family and even flatmates. You may not have known each other long, but it’s important to always be open with those you live with. A problem shared is a problem halved. And if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to new flatmates, but want personal help, your hall wardens are on hand to help you with any problems and can set in motion proceedings to ensure you are safe on campus.
So, next time you offer someone that cup of tea really pay attention to their answer, and if it changes so do you. And remember, there is no right answer. Leanna Kightley - Label Editor 15
CULTURE Loughborough is a town home to plenty of independent restaurants and cafes, whatever your occasion or budget is - whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or simply a hangover cure. So if you’re new to Loughborough or fancy something a bit different, here’s the top 5 places to grab something to eat.
Peter’s Pizzeria
Famous for both its pizza and decor, Peters prides itself on its authentic pizzas (which are arguably the best in Loughborough) and its quirky setting. Its affordable menu ranges from traditional pizzas to their “Pizza of the Month”. Or, if you fancy something different, try their Peterella Nutella dessert pizza.
Tucked away behind The Rushes Shopping Centre, Meet Burger is a hidden gem serving 8 types of burger and 7 types of fries. Meet Burger offers everything you’d expect from a traditional burger joint, from milkshakes to endless topping combinations to customise your burger. If you’re feeling adventurous take on one of their food challenges, from the wing challenge of twenty super hot wings to ‘the reaper’- an over-18’s challenge that involves eating three of the worlds hottest chillies in your burger which comes with a free drink and the opportunity to win £100 in vouchers, if you can complete it in twenty minutes.
Goodliffe’s
Browns Lane
If you have a special occasion or just want something a bit fancier, Browns Lane is the place to go. Serving everything from sandwiches to steak, if you have a bit more cash to spend, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the extensive cocktail menu. They also have a special Sunday lunch menu for any lazy weekends.
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The Print Room
Situated on the edge of town The Print Room cafe is a quirky place to grab a quick cup of coffee and sandwich with friends. Their menu also offers burgers, pastas, and gluten free options. The Print Room’s affordable prices, such as their lunch offer of a drink and sandwich for £6.50 makes it the perfect student hang out.
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Lydia Kah-Pavlou – Culture Editor
Photography courtesy of the restaurants
Goodliffe’s is situated in the heart of Loughborough and has loads of meal offers that every student can take advantage of. Their all day Sunday breakfast menu offers traditional fry ups, pancakes, and french toast but if breakfast isn’t your thing they also offer a burger night on Wednesday evenings where any burger is £10 with your choice of alcoholic or soft drink.
Design by Jessie Foxford
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Meet Burger
CULTURE
0:03 / 10:38
Photography courtesy of LSU Media
Design by Jessie Foxford
Loughborough at the Fringe
Student productions aren’t exactly lacking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival but this year Loughborough brought four productions that undoubtedly stood out from the crowd. Theatre company Rolling In the Aisles took not one but two shows to this year’s festival, both of which were comedies that lived up to the company’s name. The first of which, The Ladykillers, is a famous ‘black comedy about crooks, an old lady and musicians’ whilst the second, Four Plays for Course Actors, consists of ‘four mini plays where everything goes wrong stage’. Both of which seem perfectly suited to the fringe festival, somewhere world renowned for its comedy, with the former drawing in the crowds with its take on the famous farce, and the latter offering something more original (no easy feat on the fringe!) as well as standing out due to its ‘four-plays-for-one’ value for money. Both being on the Royal Mile, which is one of the festivals busiest areas provided the cast excellent opportunity to show off their flyering skills! Also on at the Space on the Mile was A.D.A.M – The Modern Frankenstein produced by Shade Theatre. Receiving great reception when performed last year in Loughborough this production again stands out as offering a different spin on a well known story. The play, written by Loughborough’s own Lewis Wood, is an ‘adaption of the Frankenstein story based around artificial intelligence’. Like many productions at the Fringe this year it
seeks to bring a classic story into the modern day and, although not short on laughs, it may offer a change of pace to those looking to escape the stand-up and comedy plays. For those looking for comedy that offers a little something more at the Fringe, Four Wheeled Theatre put on a performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a comedy musical that revolves around a fictional spelling bee in the Putnam Valley Middle School. The play boasts a cast of quirky characters from the six children competing to the three adult judges. The cast of this Loughborough production consists mainly of Loughborough graduates but have two current students within their cast. Performed at the Paradise in Augustines towards the end of the Fringe, the production showed just how varied and versatile the shows that Loughborough took to the Fringe this year have been whilst still providing the laughs that festival goers expect. Being the largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has become the place that young student actors are often desperate to perform at and with three production companies performing four plays Loughborough shows that the opportunity isn’t so hard to come by.
Jamie Hutton - Culture Editor 17
STYLE A Beginner ’s Guide to Looking “Fresh” During Freshers’ Dressing for the Loughborough Weather
Balls and Galas
Balls and galas, whether they be for your hall, sports team, or department, are some of the best nights you’ll have at uni. Other than being defined as ‘formal’, there is no designated dress code for these events, so its your chance pull the dress you’ve been dying to wear out of the back of your closet and really show off your style. Guys wear suits, which can make it difficult to be creative. If you’re looking to spice up you look, you can try a funky bowtie, a funny tie, or an interesting printed shirt. If you’re really outgoing, you can even opt for a fun coloured suit! For ladies, however, there are definitely more options. You can wear anything from a curve enhancing body-con dress to a full-length gown. The choice is yours, wear whatever makes you feel most like a ‘Bond girl’, or even a princess. Balls are great opportunities to get dolled up and show off your fancy side.
Union Nights Out
Loughborough has one of the best Student Unions in the country, and that means some of the best nights out. During Freshers’ week you’ll be wearing mostly fancy dress, but for the rest of the year that won’t be the case. Nights out at the union are a great way to blow off steam and let loose, so its always best to wear something comfortable — but also something that makes you feel fierce, like you can own the night. A typical guy’s outfit ranges from jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers; to chinos, a button down, and loafers. Ladies also have a wide range. Some girls like to keep it casual, in jeans, a cute top, and booties. Other gals like to go all out and wear dresses and heels. Again, the choice is up to you, to show off your style and express yourself through your look. Overall, the aim is to be comfortable so you can enjoy your night out. Arianna Rossi – Style Editor
Photography courtesy of LSU Media
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Hall celebrations and fancy dress are some of the most fun parts of Freshers’. Often your hall will select a theme for such events. These themes can range from Barbie v. Goths to Minions and Wild West. You’ll want to find cheap and unimportant garments for these celebrations, because often times you’ll misplace a lot of your costume pieces by the end of the night. Primark, Accessorize, and the Poundland are perfect places to shop for these occasions. Its definitely worth stopping by and stocking up on some key fancy dress pieces, such as generic face paint, funky accessories, and costume jewellery.
Design by Jessie Foxford
The Loughborough weather, much like most of England, is quite unpredictable. One second the sun can be shining and the birds will be chirping, and the next it will be raining, hailing, or an ungodly combination of the two. The best solution for this is dressing in layers and always being prepared for the chance of rain. Layers, layers, layers… and a mini umbrella. Loughborough has quite a sizeable campus, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Though there is a bus that runs all day and can take you from one end of campus to the other in no time, comfortable weather appropriate shoes are a must! Remember, you go to a sports uni, so you can leave your stilettos at home and save them for a special occasion. Iconic Stan Smiths or cute ankle boots are great options to achieve a stylish, yet comfortable outfit. Because it’s often windy, it’s best to avoid wearing skirts or dresses that can be blown up by the wind. Marilyn Monroe may look effortless and chic holding her dress down in the wind, but when you’re running late for lectures, its not quite as glamorous. The key rule to keep in mind is to make sure your outfit is adaptable. Opt for a cute pair of jeans, a top, a sweater and versatile jacket.
Hall Celebrations and Fancy Dress
STYLE
The Best Style Hacks for A/W
The fabulous thing about the fashion industry is there’s never a dull moment (unless you’re shopping in Clarks). It’s constantly changing and there are always new trends, styles and seasons to keep up with – and with some seasons, they’re more highly anticipated than others. Here are some of the best things you’ll look forward to as Autumn/Winter fashion season rolls around the corner (#YAY):
You get to wear black ALL the time
It’s indisputably easier to accessorise
If you know, you know. Black clothes and
Speaking of which, the freezing-cold weather
accessories just instantly make an outfit, and
is actually a huge fashion-related blessing in
Design and Illustration by Jessie Foxford
coincidentally, make you instantly look fierce. Wearing black all of the time can raise a few questions here or there, but when A/W comes around you can embrace it to the full. And let’s be honest, it just makes life so much easier as
disguise. During the A/W season, you don’t need to fret about over-accessorising. One can simply not wear too many layers, because this season is all about getting creative with accessories, be it with scarves, shoes, bags or headwear – or all of the above.
black matches with everything.
You can dig out your old scarves and hats As you being to feel the nip of autumnal weather in the air, rather than groaning in despair, you rejoice! This means you can FINALLY wear your big chunky-knit scarves and show off your impressive array of snoods with good reason again. And it’s once more acceptable to wear mittens and ear-muffs!
It’s almost party season
You can treat yourself to expensive outerwear Everyone knows you just simply have to have a brand new coat for winter. It’s practical - despite knowing you have literally 25 other poor neglected coats gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe. You know it will last you a good few years and who doesn’t like being warm, right?
It’s a great excuse to dress for comfort – stylishly A/W is officially Ugg boot season, and one where
With A/W promptly hitting the shops, you
you can layer up whilst looking good. Throw on
know Christmas is round the corner – and party
a chunky jumper with some skinny jeans, warm
season! At no other time in the year are the shops filled with such an array of beautiful LBDs, dressy combos, flashy accessories and sparkly shoes. What’s not to love?!
boots and a massive jacket and you’re good to go. And you won’t freeze. At least not that much. Alice Priestley - Assistant Editor 19
MUSIC
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We can’t hang around though, because the bastion of the record store is begging for a visit. With stores in New York, London and now Nottingham, Rough Trade is a shining cathedral of music, art, photography and food.
And so with that the trail ends. It’s been quick, we confess, but we hope you’ve enjoyed the ride. If you still want more though, have a gander at The Bodega, sip on an ale at The Musician, and of course, if all you want is a slice of cheesy pop, get down to the Union and make the most of Freshers’ 2016! Emily Harrison Music Editor
Design by Liam David Hopley
We start our journey at the home of the Premier League Champions at the aptly named Rockaboom. Situated in the Malcolm Arcade, Rockaboom is heaven on earth for record lovers. From The Boss to The Beatles and all that’s in between, Leicester’s primary record
But we can’t stay for long, because Nottingham is calling. A 20 minute train journey from Loughborough (or near enough), the former home of Robin Hood is a music gold mine in the rather flat and occasionally dreary Midlands. The question of where to start is thus a tricky one. Do we want more records, or maybe something a little more live? Since we started at a store, we’ll finish at one, which means that for the time being our musical journey is taking a detour into the sweaty music hall that is Rock City.
Around for 35 years and counting, Rock City has been a leading independent music venue delivering the best that the Midlands has to offer. Famous for its atmosphere, the club has hosted the likes of Ozzy Osbourne whilst the coming months sees 80s hero Gary Numan, indie rockers The Kills and Nottingham lad Jake Bugg take to the stage. If you want a wide variety of live music, this is the place to be.
Born in the 70s and making its way to the Midlands back in 2014, Rough Trade has seen it all. With acts such as The Libertines and The Strokes formerly part of the record label, and with a store that boasts multiple free music nights, stacks upon stacks of records, a bar on the second floor and an expanse of talks and events, Rough Trade really is one to check out.
Photography by Elias Ruiz Monserrat
Welcome all and join us, if you will, on a musical journey across the Midlands. We can’t promise scenic highways with mystical bus tours and some long-haired hippy strumming a guitar (although you may encounter one), but what we can promise is world renowned record stores, sticky music venues and a 4am train journey back to the mighty Loughborough. Sound good? Then buckle up.
store is a must visit for those who enjoy a less digital way of life. Independent for over 25 years, and holding a whole host of vinyl and CDs, Rockaboom is the first pit stop on our music trail.
Design by Liam David Hopley
Featured at the Nice Time pop up Reggae Festival in East London, the sweet and soulful Notts lad brought nothing but good vibes and sultry tunes to Hackney on a hot summer’s night. Signed to Syco the twenty-something is destined to make waves in the pop, reggae and soul scene. Don’t let his sporadic f-bombs stop you from indulging in his lyrical bluntness. Suleiman is bringing funk to the future. His raspy riffs and neo-soul flavour are not to be missed, be hypnotised by his silky smooth charisma and velvet vocals. If you didn’t catch him at Wireless or Secret Garden Party this summer, be sure to add him to your Spotify playlist.
Geko
From his Fire in the Booth to his Baba why you being a Pagan beat, fusing Afrobeats Arab musical influences Mancunian Geko is definitely one to watch. With Wireless and a stint at Cyprus’ Wired the Pool Party under his belt and an upcoming UK national tour Geko is keeping it 100% real with every new track he releases. The charismatic MC is making waves in the urban music scene. You know he’s outchea and if you don’t, you do now.
Izzy Bizu
For most the Euros theme tune is a tough reminder of England’s dire performance but performed by Bizu herself and the BBC Orchestra her honeyed tones are undeniable. White Tiger featured on the NCS advert this summer reached number one on Shazam’s national charts. Her contemporary twist and fusion of soul, pop and jazz make her ideal for easy listening. Listening to any Izzy Bizu track will make you want to run through a meadow in a long maxi dress, feeling young, wild, free and spirited as a daisy. With her debut album A Moment of Madness released in June it looks like 2016 is this South London singer-songwriter’s for the taking.
Causes
Hailing from their adoptive home in the Netherlands is the Indie-Pop four-piece Causes. Under The Bridges That You Built for Me, their debut album is a beautiful example of the freedom of fresh musicianship. Their album holds nothing back; the Causes boys have presented their refreshing take on indie pop. The eleven- track album is destined to set the boys up to follow in the steps of their alternative indie-pop brothers, Years and Years, Everything Everything and Bastille. It’s sophisticated; it’s brooding, full of heart and affecting from beginning to end.
New Year. New Sounds.
Ady Suleiman
Beatrice Quarshie Head of Online, Marketing and Distribution
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SPORT
Illustration by Jessie Foxford
The Future of English Twenty-20
One of the main arguments for this change is that it will revitalise a dwindling tournament. Whilst the IPL is going strong in India and competitions such as the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies are taking off with spectacular success, Twenty-20 in the UK is dying. Attendance at
county games is on the decline and efforts to emulate the foreign counterparts seem as forced as the smiles on the boundary dancers’ faces. With a franchise tournament based around the larger cities, Twenty-20 would be given a new lease for life with different opportunities for players and fans in addition to generating income for a domestic cricket institution that has been failing in the profit margins. Whilst the idea of an all-thrills franchise tournament seems very exciting it does have its setbacks. Many counties are concerned that they will miss out as they would only get a share of profits to compensate for the lost income if they do not host a franchise team; for some counties this could be a huge loss as Twenty-20s are the financial driving force behind the rest of their season. In addition to this, many fans are worried that a
tournament with only eight to ten teams would mean that they are cut off from home games and forced to watch via the TV. The English cricket establishment has often been accused of being slow and conservative but on a rare occasion, I agree with this approach. As much as I enjoy the BBL, I’m not sure it would have the same charisma in England. A lot of county cricket’s charm is in the history and character of each of the 18 sides and it is in these clubs that so much of the fans’ passion resides. Whilst a franchise tournament would undoubtedly be better for the investors, big grounds, and broadcasters, it would rob county Twenty-20 of its character and replace it with the ever more prevalent face of corporate cricket. I feel that the ECB should focus their resources on improving the current tournament rather than rebuilding the system. David Boyden Sport Editor
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Design by Liam David Hopley
Since the advent of the IPL and subsequent franchise tournaments, there has been a call for a similar system in the UK. At the moment, county cricket in England and Wales is made up of 18 counties that compete in the County Championship (four day cricket), One Day Cup (50 overs), and T20 Blast (20 overs) but many hope for Twenty-20 to break away from the traditional county structure and revolve around Test hosting cities in the same vein as competitions in Australia, Bangladesh, and India.
SHINING A LIGHT ON …
Photography courtesy of LSU Media and LSUWFC
Design by Liam David Hopley
Loughborough Students Women’s Football Loughborough Students Women’s Football Club currently has over 70 members registered, and four teams competing across multiple platforms. They run by the club ethos “four teams, one club”; ensuring all players are welcomed and all teams within the club are represented. The average week as an LSWFC player consists of a minimum of two training sessions and, depending on which team you are in, two games a week. Most importantly there is also at least one social each week. The first team and the second team play on Sundays in the fourth tier of women’s football - Women’s Premier League Division 1 and the Women’s Premier League Reserves Midlands Division respectively. These leagues are very competitive and enable the girls to get minutes under the belt as a team in preparation for BUCS WEDNESDAYS! If you don’t know what BUCS is, you soon will! BUCS is the biggest university competition in the country and Loughborough has won 36 times consecutively. From October 5th, the club will be in action with the first team hosting Leeds Beckett in the opening match of their campaign. Most Wednesdays you’ll be able to find one of the four teams in action from about 2pm on the Holywell pitches. Everybody is welcome to watch free of charge so make sure you follow @LSUWFC on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest fixtures, scores, and highlights!
When these girls aren’t on the pitch, they are going crazy at Hey Ewe (Wednesday nights in the Union). In 2015 they won ‘The Most Sociable AU Club award’ for all of their wild Wednesday nights out, annual tour (normally a messy week of football and beers), and sober day trips. They take themed nights to the next level with almost all members attending and all in organised fancy dress. From grannies to Christmas elves, these girls never fail to impress on the ‘Cogs’ dance floor. In fact, you normally hear the girls before you see them! They may be rowdy and chant a lot but a night out with these girls is always a great time. The football girls aren’t just your teammates on the pitch but they’re often your closest mates off the pitch too. Most of them live together, share the same social circles, and sit in the same lectures together; normally head to toe in stash from their 7am training slot. Aoife Hurley, first team and London Bees Women’s Super League player said: “It’s a great feeling to play for a team where everyone fights for each other. Being such close friends from socials within the club really helps on the pitch.” So, if you want to get involved with the club whether it be coaching, playing, or volunteering, sign up through the Loughborough Sport webpage or follow @LSUWFC on Twitter, @LSWFC_ Instagram, or like them on Facebook: LSUWFC. Hannah Thompson Sport Editor 23