Pi Magazine - Issue 732: Freshers Edition 2022

Dear readers,

Editors’ Foreword c Life at Pi and Beyond Wedgwood The Perfect Brew, In and Around Campus

With a warm welcome to all new and returning UCL students, we are excited to present the 2022 Freshers’ Edition of Pi Magazine. Within this issue you’ll find pieces written by students from across the UCL community, harnessing their distinct memories of their university experience and first-year life. Each student’s UCL is different from another’s, and we hope that this magazine brings the diversity of the university to life.

To incoming freshers: welcome to UCL! This magazine is catered to all of you, with writers offering their tried and tested insights on matters such as the best cafes on campus and ways to avoid first-year burnout. To all returning students, this issue is a pocket of nostalgia for a time not so long ago.

We hope you enjoy and we wish everyone an enjoyable start to the new academic year!

Your Editors-in-Chief, Anushka & Josh

Conor Walsh The A-Z of Student Life at UCL Zhang Wei Having a Bad Freshers’ Week? Better Times Lie Ahead Ludovica Ardente A Sober Freshers’ Week Chowdhury How to Beat Freshers’ Burnout and Start the Term Right Kovacs A Q&A with Seyi Osi Wedgwood Committee & Get Involved o n t e n t s

Written by Nell Wedgwood

Life at

“I was nervous joining,” Evie told me. She had no other writing experience outside of academic essays, with no student paper at her school. “She’ll laugh at me for this, but I literally cannot stop raving about Livvie Hall (Pi Media President 2019/20),” she said. Livvie’s friendliness and advice helped Evie to quickly feel comfortable and confident to write with Pi, and it was Livvie who encouraged her to join the committee and get more involved. “All of the roles at Pi are important cogs in the machine,” Evie said, but she was keen to have a set, regular responsibility on the committee.

BeyondandI followed in Evie’s footsteps, going from Social Media Officer in my second year to President in my final year. Evie believes Pi’s large committee - as opposed to the usual six to ten members in most other societies - provided the perfect opportunity to not only understand the publications inner workings, but also to develop skills in leadership, responsibility and communication. “I also got to learn all that boring stuff that no one ever teaches you, but is actually really helpful once you get out of uni and into a work setting,” Evie said.

What’s more, while she has not gone into a directly media related role, Evie’s time at Pi led her towards her current graduate work. Through collaborating with the SU as Pi President, Evie was able to demonstrate her work ethic and drive to her future employers. Now, reflecting on what feels like a natural progression from student society member to working for the SU, Evie describes how “it feels like I’m giving back, and giving other students that experience that was really positive to me.”

Societies like Pi curate communities of likeminded people, “even if you’re not writing together, you can discuss things and have fun together. It’s always a really lovely group of people who are into the same things as you.”

I couldn’t finish our conversation without asking her advice for freshers and new members. Her underlying point was to be open and confident with your writing - “If you want to write, chances are your writing is good. Student media is a platform where you can articulate your passions.” The beauty of a society like Pi is that you can pace yourself and take it as it comes, contributing as much or as little as suits you and your schedule.

“Develop relationships with your editors,” Evie said, “the more you put in, the more you get out of it.”

I met Evie on the first day of September, in the midst of her preparations to begin her new role as the Departmental Societies Coordinator for our Students’ Union, and for her graduation ceremony the following week. Not only has she just finished her tenure as Pi Media’s President, she has also just completed her English degree at UCL.

When I asked for the time to sit down with Evie, she suggested - perhaps predictably - the cafe at Foyles,

so we could squeeze in some browsing alongside our conversation. The quintessential English student, Evie always has a new book recommendation whenever I see her, and this love for reading is how she found her feet at Pi Media. As lockdown took over all our lives, Evie found herself reading all sorts of books and having lots to say about them. Wishing to share these thoughts with an audience, it took only a short message to the Pi editors-in-chief at the time to begin her student journalism career in earnest.

As well as her involvement with Pi, Evie was a highly active member of the Drama Society, directing last year’s production of RENT. She is a big advocate for involvement in clubs and societies while at university - beyond just a note at the end of your CV, you can develop real transferable skills, find a creative outlet, and make a solid base of friends. “It’s hard to get paid work-experience in the field you want to go into,” Evie said, “and it’s hard to balance this with a social life.”

Despite describing her fresher-self as “scared, overwhelmed and excited”, Evie’s involvement with

In conversation with former Pi President, Evie Robinson

“If you want to write, chances are your writing is good. Student media is a platform where you can articulate your passions.”

The Perfect Brew, In and Around Campus

Written by Conor Walsh

Coffee makes the world go round, or at least that’s how it feels. Our Bloomsbury campus is full of fantastic cafes, and in the heart of London there are tons of independent coffee shops that will knock your socks off too – metaphorically, of course.

So whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix, a break from your corporate coffee subscription or simply a change of scenery for all those bothersome assignments, here’s a list of my favourite spots in and around campus.

(Please note this is not an exhaustive list, but a selection of personal favourites!)

The Print Room Cafe, Union Cafe

A big name on campus, the Print Room is generally the place to be. Offering good vibes, great coffee and a wide selection of food – including their fantastic waffles –this is the perfect place for catching up with friends or chilling after a tedious day. As a Union cafe, every penny of profit is put back into the UCL community. So supporting the Print Room doesn’t just fix your caffeine craving, it’s good news for the community too.

The Bloomsbury Cafe, Union Cafe

Gather & Gather

While not as renowned as the Print Room, the Bloomsbury Cafe is one of my favourite study spots on campus. The lack of music is ideal for early morning study, with the later lunchtime hubbub of conversation creating a lovely social atmosphere. Situated in the Bloomsbury Theatre, the cafe has a great view of Gordon Street – ideal for people watching and even more ideal for any muchneeded procrastination.

The hot chocolate here is probably the best on campus, and like all the SU cafes, they offer a good variety of pastries and salad bowls.

Don’t forget to check out the other Union cafes too, all of which offer a variety of non-dairy milk alternatives, and be sure to bring your own cup if you want to get 25p off your brew –protecting your pocket and planet at the same time!

Campus is also home to Gather & Gather – an external coffee company with a range of venues, including the Bartlett Brew Bar and their much-loved Student Centre cafe. But, in my totally non-expert opinion, the best coffee on campus is served in their Science Library cafe. Not only is the coffee totally amazing, it’s also served with a smile by some of my favourite baristas. You’re welcome to sit in, or order take-away through their little hatch in the wall facing out onto Malet Place. Similar to the SU cafes, you should be sure to bring your own cup if you fancy that 25p discount.

Dillons Coffee, Waterstones £

Okay, so campus is getting a little stuffy, how about we look further afield? Well, where better than Dillons Coffee, located literally across the street in Waterstones. This bustling cafe sits on the corner of Gower Street and is the perfect study place if you enjoy busy environments. Sitting by the window is a personal favourite of mine; being surrounded

by books gives you that typical library feel. But their clean Scandinavian decor also makes for a cheerful change of scenery. If you have a sweet tooth their cakes are irresistible, and similar to the SU you can enjoy 50p off your brew if you bring your own cup. You would, however, miss out on using their famous yellow mugs – a true catch-22 dilemma.

Casa Jardim £ £ £

Although a tad pricier than the rest, Casa Jardim is a must-visit during your time at UCL. Located on the pictureperfect Woburn Walk, this independent coffee house also doubles as a plant emporium. Run by two life-long friends, you can be guaranteed to enjoy a coffee with a smile. The word scrumptious was invented for their cakes, and they offer a great selection of teas in addition to their homemade fruit juices. This little gem is an oasis of calm in the middle of the metropolis, and is the perfect place to meet a mate or grab a well-deserved treat after a long day of lectures.

The Observatory £££

Slightly further afield, the Observatory is the perfect study spot outside of campus. Doubling as an art gallery, you can be inspired by a bit of culture as you graft through your workload. Their coffee is always top-notch and a slice of their toasted banana bread is an irresistible study treat. Unlike most coffee shops outside of campus, you can sit here quite comfortably for hours upon end without feeling burdensome. As with all the other brew spots I’ve listed, this is also a great place to meet friends or coursemates and discuss all the latest shenanigans.

AskUCL: The university’s student enquiries system. You can get most of your UCL-related questions answered here, except maybe what the best student bar is or where to get cheap lunch on campus. That’s what this directory is for!

BT Tower: The beautiful communications tower on Maple Street, Fitzrovia, that we worship with unquestioning devotion.

Coldplay: A band whose members met when studying at UCL in 1996. The lyrics “lights will guide you home” in their hit song “Fix You” is allegedly a reference to how the aforementioned tower helped them find their way back to Ramsey Hall at night. (Someone will definitely ask you in the next few weeks if you knew this. Now you can say that yes, actually, you did).

Hare Krishna: The place to grab lunch if you’re studying near Torrington Square and can’t afford to treat yourself, despite a week of Tesco meal deals. The generous Hare Krishna people have fed over two decades of UCL students with free vegetarian meals from their stall on the corner of Malet Street and Torrington Place – every Monday to Saturday lunchtime. Pro hack: bring tupperware to secure dinner too.

Institute Bar: A Students’ Union bar located in the Institute of Education, open from midday to around midnight on weekdays. So, yes, you could start your day here with a study session, enjoy a £6 create-yourown-pizza for dinner, then end it with a cocktail (or more, depending on the day you’ve had).

Jeremy Bentham: The utilitarian philosopher whose auto-icon sits by the Student Centre entrance, reminding us every day to do good – in life as well as death.

The A-Z

BT Tower <3

Dr Michael Spence: Our President & Provost since January 2021, who has eight children and knows five languages.

ExCeL: UCL’s main examination venue, which most current students have never set foot in.

Farmers’ Market: The place to grab lunch if you’re studying near Torrington Square on a Thursday 9am–2pm and want to treat yourself after a week of Tesco meal deals. The stalls sell everything from pizza, to paella, to artisan pastries. Even better, all is made from local produce.

Gower Street: The street outside the Main Quad which, since opening to two-way traffic last spring, has become a serious safety hazard. Look both ways when crossing!

Institute Bar drinks!

Notable Alumni: They may not exactly be a part of our lives at UCL but they are a large part of what makes us proud to be here. Nothing boosts your ego like strolling across the Main Quad knowing that Mahatma Gandhi, John Stuart Mill, Christopher Nolan, and Ricky Gervais, among others, once walked here too.

Overheard at UCL: An Instagram page that posts snippets of conversations heard on campus. Sometimes funny but mostly concerning.

Phineas Bar: The biggest and most popular Union bar. It hosts LGBT+ club nights, indie nights, and pop nights monthly; Sports Night pres, jazz nights, and pub quizzes weekly; cheap drinks (and, therefore, drunk students) daily.

TCR: Short for Tottenham Court Road, a major road near campus that runs from Euston Road to the junction of Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road. It’s home to many restaurants, cafés, shops, and most importantly, our closest Lidl.

UCLove: An anonymous Facebook confessions page where students share their deepest, darkest, and most controversial secrets. Explore at your own risk.

Varsity: Historically an annual rugby game between KCL and UCL, which has evolved into a week of fixtures across a number of sports and intense but (mostly) friendly rivalry between the two institutions. Bleed Purple!

Welcome Fair: A two-day event on campus at the start of the year where you can shamelessly collect freebies from a bunch of societies that you’ll probably never join.

Written by Vivianne Zhang Wei

Wednesdays at Scala of Student Life at UCL

KCL: A sad, lowly place by the banks of the River Thames.

Leadership Race: A period in Term 2 when we elect leaders for clubs, societies, and the Students’ Union. Hard to miss if you’re on Instagram or in any UCL Whatsapp group!

Moodle: The platform where we access course materials, to which we have a complicated lovehate relationship. Sometimes we wish it didn’t exist but, every now and then, the software crashes and reminds us that we’re nothing without it.

QS World University Rankings: An annual publication of university rankings in which UCL has secured eighth position for two years in a row. That’s right, you’re at the world’s eighth-best university!

Refectory: Short for Wilkins Lower Refectory, a dining and study space in the Main Building ideal for group work over a hearty meal. Although, do beware of the lunchtime rush, a table hunt will likely await.

Student Centre (or Scala): Two places where you may find yourself around midnight on a Wednesday – the former being UCL’s only 24/7 study space, and the latter, the nightclub that hosts TeamUCL’s weekly “Sports Night”.

X of bullying or harassment, should not be a part of your UCL experience – but if it ever is, you should report it through the university’s “Report + Support” platform.

Yoyo: A payment app that rewards you with loyalty points when you use it in our student bars, cafés, and shops. As the Union says, “there is such a thing as a free lunch, if you collect enough points”.

Zero Carbon Buildings: Did you know that UCL buildings are 100% powered by renewable electricity? UCL has committed to net zero carbon buildings by 2024, allowing us to charge our laptops through library all-nighters in good conscience.

Having a Bad Freshers’ Week? Better Times Lie Ahead

Written by Ludovica Ardente Photography by Hasha Dar

Fear of missing out, not fitting in, laughing along but still feeling like you’re making an effort - these are common fears that accompany many during freshers’ week and beyond. But imagine not enjoying clubbing or drinking: is this the ultimate decline of your social life? I wouldn’t say so.

I remember checking out the freshers’ wristbands online - when I saw that they were all sold out I thought, ‘Thank God!’ I understand the concept behind clubbing - music, friends, getting your mind off things, dancing. The thing is, I don’t find any enjoyment in a sweaty dark room, smelling of all kinds of fluids, stickiness on the floors and in the air, occasional drink spillages and the unnecessarily loud speakers perforating my ears. Clubbing just isn’t for me, and I’m sure there are others who feel the same. Oftentimes, freshers might attend clubbing events not because they enjoy it, but because of their own fear of missing out or peer pressure.

As someone who didn’t buy a wristband or go to any freshers’ raves, I can assure incoming first year students that the rest of your year will not be determined by your choice to go (or not to go) clubbing in your first week.

Once I decided to avoid the late night part of freshers’ week, I proceeded to sign up for other events that societies had organised. These socials would be in daylight, with people who possibly shared some of my interests and actual opportunities to have a sober conversation and no loud music - I could see these events having potential. Yet, at each of these socials, I had a little lump in my throat and doubts continued to arise on how I was being perceived“Am I talking too much or too little? Am I saying something interesting? This week has to be perfect.”

Some people are temporary in life, and some are permanent; UCL is a huge university with thousands of students and opportunities, so don’t be disheartened if an event or a meeting doesn’t go exactly as you expected.

Well, it wasn’t perfect, and my stream of consciousness was bothering me the whole time. I went in with one certainty in my head - have no expectations - because this is where you start getting things wrong. Yet, it still was as awkward as I’d anticipated. But while such awkward moments felt almost impossible to avoid during my first week, it was not too long before I started to feel a certain comfort and ease strolling around campus and getting to know people.

Throughout my first year, I sometimes had cynical thoughts. As undergraduates, we’re only at UCL for three or four years, and this time is a stepping stone into adulthood. I realised not all friendships in university will be lifelong and meaningful, and that my friends from before university could be my only core friends for life. Yes, not all friendships are life changing; there will be people who you only say hi to and maybe grab a catch-up coffee with, people who likely won’t stay in your direct life forever. But many of the people you meet at university will stay in your life, especially those you don’t expect. And these could be people you meet on your first night out during freshers’ week or halfway through third year. It doesn’t matter whether you go clubbing or not. Friends won’t always come straight away and even if they do, they might be temporary - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Your university experience does not have to look a certain way, and freshers’ week is not going to determine its progression. Just stick to your principles, do not rest in comfort, and stay curious.

“As someone who didn’t buy a wristband or go to any freshers’ raves, I can assure incoming first year students that the rest of your year will not be determined by your choice to go (or not to go) clubbing”

“It doesn’t matter whether you go clubbing or not. Friends won’t always come straight away and even if they do, they might be temporary - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” “Yet, at each of these socials, I had a little lump in my throat and doubts continued to arise on how I was being perceived”

A Sober Freshers’ Week

Written by Samia Chowdhury

Socialising at university can seem daunting, especially if all you ever see is the drinking culture and you don’t drink. Freshers is no exception with all its wristbands and club nights. But, just as with most university experiences, there’s more to do in freshers’ week than getting drunk with friends.

Events

If you’re looking to get to know UCL better, the Student Union website will be your best friend. The “What’s On” calendar is crammed with all the events taking place throughout Welcome Week, many of which are alcohol-free. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from, ranging from ice-cream socials to board games nights, giving you ample opportunity to meet new people and simultaneously explore campus.

For those feeling more spontaneous, the Main Quad always has something going on during the day, so you are bound to find something that interests you. A couple of personal favourites from last year were the Arts Society Fair and poster sales, where you can meet people with similar interests while picking up a few posters for your new room.

Here is your guide on how to enjoy a completely sober freshers’ week.

Pro-tip: bring a pack of cards with you. It can be really difficult to start conversations with new people, especially once the classic questions “What do you study?” and “Where are you from?” are out of the way. Games are a great way to break the ice and take the pressure off of always having to think of something to say, and UCL cafes are the ideal place to test this out.

An honourable mention must go to Dillons Coffee on Gower Street - while it may not technically be a part of campus, it’s the perfect refuge to get some time to yourself and recharge your social battery. Grab a drink from the cafe and wander through Waterstones, where you might find a book that calls to you.

RelaxIf the bustle of orientation events becomes overwhelming, check out a student cafe on campus and take a break from the crowds. These sanctuaries are scattered all over campus, guaranteeing that a pickme-up drink is always a mere two-minute walk away.

If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, invite a few people with you to test all the cafes on campus! That way, you can socialise in a quieter setting and find the best coffee on campus in one go.

ExploreFeeling even more adventurous? Escape Bloomsbury and take a look around London. This one might seem obvious but you can often get caught up in university life and forget to make the most of the city. The beautiful colours of autumn can be seen anywhere in London, however, they are especially eye-catching in the city’s parks, such as St. James’ Park, Regents Park, and Greenwich Park.

If you’re looking for a more vibrant social scene, head over to Shoreditch and Brick Lane for a wide variety of vintage markets, second hand thrift shops, and great food stands. Alternatively, make your way to Camden Market, where you will find an abundance of choices catering to most dietary and budgetary needs.

On this note, despite the city’s notorious unaffordability, some generous institutions lend a helping hand to those wishing to soak up some culture on a student budget. Whilst there are hundreds of student discounts to be found, a favourite discovery of mine are the £5 tickets for plays at the Globe Theatre - only in London could you watch one of Shakespeare’s classics in the very place he began.

Above all else, remember that freshers isn’t the end all or be all of your university social life. Friendships form in the most unexpected of ways throughout the year - so stay open to trying new things. Good luck for your first week, and welcome to UCL!

Freshers’ Burn ut and Start the Term

Right

Written by Kamilla Kovacs

As all former freshers will know, the start of university can be an intimidating time. Whether it’s living on your own for the first time, getting to grips with a new city, or just meeting so many people, things can easily become a little overwhelming. However, being exhausted and stressed is hardly the best way to start the academic year. With this in mind, here are some tips I found useful when starting my first year (and some I wish I had known) to help you find the right headspace to start university and avoid a case of freshers’ burnout.

1. Remember to take a break

It is easy to forget about taking time for yourself during such a busy time. Whether you are someone who needs some alone time to re-energise and feel your best again, or someone who wants to be around people constantly, dedicating a little time to take a break can go a long way for your mental well-being.

My advice is to schedule some time to recharge between all the activities you plan on doing during freshers’ week. Use this time to do something you enjoy and that helps you de-stress. This could be as simple as going on a walk while listening to a good podcast, treating yourself to a coffee or smoothie, or making the most of the mild autumn weather in one of London’s parks.

If you feel your best when hanging out with friends, maybe suggest a more laid-back activity in the daytime to recharge from the previous night out and to get ready for the next. Getting lunch together or visiting one of London’s markets or museums can both help you to relax and get to know the city.

2. Stay grounded

Since your first weeks at university are a time of intense change, maintaining old hobbies and habits can be helpful. If you have moved away from home, keeping in touch with friends and family regularly can be really helpful in adjusting to your new life at university.

Forming or continuing some healthy habits can also help to provide some much-needed stability. Even though most of us tend to ignore this, exercising regularly and eating well really can benefit your

physical and mental well-being. Continuing these habits into the term can bring more structure to your days, which is helpful during the transition to university life.

3. Do not leave essential tasks to the last minute

While going out and making new friends is a very important part of the freshers’ experience, you should not neglect the less fun, but no less essential, parts of the new academic year. Even though admin laziness is often a student specialty, do try to not leave important tasks to the very last minute as this can add unnecessary stress that might hinder your ability to enjoy your freshers’ week to the fullest. Sorting out your enrollment, module selection, bank account and similar tasks should be your priorities early on, so once you are done, you can relax and start university with a (perhaps rare) sense of calm.

4. Remember your boundaries

During the whirlwind that is freshers’ week, it can be a challenge to stick to what you find comfortable, especially regarding going out and consuming alcohol. Please remember that meeting new people and going to events does not have to mean partying to an uncomfortable level, or even partying at all. It is okay to stick to your boundaries and say no if you feel overwhelmed in a certain situation. Of course going out and drinking is completely fine if you enjoy these activities, just remember to not overdo it, or pressure others into coming along.

5. Don’t overthink it

Lastly, my advice is to not take freshers’ week too seriously. This is only your introduction to university life, which means you will have plenty of opportunities to go out and meet new people after this period is over. You will make friends after freshers’ week in your seminars and lectures, society meetings, and elsewhere. So don’t panic if you feel like you haven’t found your crowd yet, you will have endless chances to meet others and build friendships during your time at university.

A Q&A with Seyi Osi

Interview by Nell Wedgwood Photography by Hasha Dar

Nell Wedgwood talks to this year’s Equity & Inclusion Officer about the SU and the freshers’ experience.

What does the Students’ Union mean to you?

I learnt that the SU’s mission is to be the heart of the campus experience, and to me it actually is just that. It is where I have met great people, and it is where I have developed as a person.

Can you describe your role?

I’m one of the Student Union sabbatical officers. We’re voted into our positions with the belief that we’ll have distinct ideas of how to better the student experience. With my focus on equity and inclusion, my priorities are based around creating a clear and varied programme for initiatives like Black History Month in October, as well as implementing small sustainable actions and plans - such as encouraging pronoun use and increasing visual and audio access for events.

What made you want to run for Equity & Inclusion Officer?

I didn’t really have the motivation for the academic side of my degree and what kept me going throughout my time at UCL was the SU and ArtsUCL. Within ArtsUCL, I started producing productions which during ‘the Covid year’ I then went on to do professionally. Having centred a lot of my freelance work around uplifting and celebrating marginalised identities, I thought that as Equity & Inclusion Officer I could utilise the skills I developed in the arts to do the same within UCL itself. Essentially, it’s about combining my passion as a black person with my work in the arts, and this SU role was a great opportunity to do that.

What societies were you involved in?

Ok, you can’t make fun of me, I was involved with Musical Theatre Society. I basically did loads of the arts stuff in my final year. I started in Musical Theatre and expanded from there to the Jazz Society and Live Music. I will say it gets easier to join new societies the older you get, because I think you have less fear with it. So if you want to join a society in your second or third year, do that!

What did being a fresher mean to you?

Oh no. The first word that comes to mind is sesh gremlin. Yeah, artsy sesh gremlin. I infamously spent more hours in Heaven than I did at university.

What’s your favourite spot on campus?

The Huntley or the CSC [Clubs and Societies Common Room].

What’s the most stereotypically ‘student’ thing you’ve done?

Going to the Student Centre at 10pm for a deadline the next day.

Do you have any tips for freshers?

Remember that everyone is in the same boat and everyone goes at their own pace. When I was a fresher I went to the Welcome Fair alone with my headphones in, took all the free stuff, and left - but then I had the best uni experience. Go at your own pace and don’t compare yourself to anybody else. I think what’s also really important is that it’s normal to feel lonely. I think freshers can be really really lonely, and it’s ok if you feel alone because it is a scary time.

SUPPORT FROM THE SU AT UCL

You can easily find all the advice and support available from the SU on their website: https://studentsunionucl.org

You can speak to advisers and book counselling, learn about the officers representing you, and get help to create the changes you want to see at UCL.

You can also get in touch on Instagram (@ StudentsUnionUCL) or Twitter (@TheUnionUCL).

c o m m i t t e