Issue 157 by The Rabbit, The University of Essex Student Newspaper

3 U n i v e r s i t y

o f

E s s e x

S t u d e n t

N e w s pa p e r

NEWS

COMMENT MUSIC FILM TV BOOKS

ARTS SCIENCE

SU introduces heirlooms

LIFESTYLE

NEWS

SPORTS saturday 4th october | Issue 157

COMMENT

The student experience

The new Doctor

LIFESTYLE

Student Lock-ins

New Freshers move in

Full story on page 3

News

Jake Stones, News Editor Fiolla Korenica, News Deputy Editor Shaun Quilter News Deputy Editor STUDENT

Editorial Dear readers, Welcome home, welcome back. It’s been a long summer of hard work and now its time to get back to university to relax and enjoy the weather. Or should that be the other way around? Perhaps so nonetheless we are all back. It is a strange idea for me that I have now started calling university home. In Finland when you go to university you move out of your home. You may go back for a weekend here and there, Christmas and maybe a few weeks in the summer, but you stop living at home. However when I came to the UK I found this to be quite the opposite. People would tend to spend holidays at home, their rooms would be exactly as they left them and even after graduation they might move back home. For me, I’m not sure home has ever really been a physical place as much as it is a state of mind. I moved around a lot during my life so making a home became less about what you owned or where you were but more about what you were surrounded by. The great thing about university is once you enter you are enveloped into a very tightly knit group of people who you quickly become very close with. After a while going to university starts to feel like going home, because the people that surround you make you feel like nothing can touch you, you are safe. Living at university is very much like living in a bubble, a practice world where sometimes your actions don’t have the consequences they should and something that in the real world would be dangerous and a bad idea suddenly seems like a good one. Over the summer our University has been hit by the sad reality that we are not untouchable and that we should all try to take better care of ourselves and more importantly look out for each other as best we can. If this is really meant to be a family then let’s try to treat each other better for it. The Students’ Union has given us a framework for this, a concept in which caring for each other should be a priority and now it is our responsibility to live by that. At the end of the day, it seems to me that a home exists where you make one, so don’t be afraid to have several. A sense of belonging is something worth cherishing, even if sometimes found in unexpected places.

Keeping it in the Family From Sunday 28th September, the Students’ Union will be launching its brand new Heirloom scheme. Every current Essex student is eligible to receive their own personalised heirloom - a handcrafted, solid steel charm that demonstrates a tangible membership of the SU family. Each charm is engraved with a unique number which will stay with the student for the duration of their time at Essex. Available in six different shapes - a teardrop, a dog tag, an E, a heart, a star or a house - the heirlooms can be customised to reflect the personality of the wearer, and can be attached to key rings, necklaces or bracelets in a variety of styles.

of the Essex SU family for life. Each student’s heirloom number is passed on when they leave Essex to a new student, creating generations of Essex students who share the same number. The SU hopes that when you leave, you will provide some advice or a message to the new student who inherits your number. Perhaps many years down the line your heirloom number can also help you find jobs, support and sustain a strong bond to Essex.

This is the latest scheme from the SU aimed at building a sense of family at the University of Essex, and it seems to be working. SU volunteer Kaiyan Li told us: “While here, I really feel like a family.”

What do you want your legacy to be? And what are your thoughts on the SU’s latest scheme?

I guess all there is left to say is welcome to the family.

Your Editor, Saga Eriksson

The long-term goal of the scheme is not just to create a sense of family in students who are still at Essex, but to remind people that you are part

Heirloom project volunteer Chloe Soto told us that the best thing about the heirloom project is that “you can leave whatever legacy you want.”

Tweet us @TheRabbit2014

Ed Smith

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

NEWS

First impressions from Freshers The 28th of September marked arrivals day here at the University of Essex. The Rabbit talked to some Freshers about why they chose Essex, what they expected to get out of their time here and what was the most essential item they packed with them. Julie Bragg Biomedicine

Jason Wilson Sport and Excercise Science

What do you want to get out of your time at University?

“I chose Essex because it was the only place that offered me an intervew so I got to see it before I came here.”

“A good degree. good choices of jobs and get some good mates for life”

What’s the one event you really want to go to during Freshers’ week?

What is the one essential item you packed?

“DJ Fresh.”

“My phone.”

Sian Connolly English Literature

Asa Nowers Political Theory and Public Policy

What are you most looking forward to in Freshers’ week?

What is the one essential item you packed?

“I guess meeting new people, the events that they’ve put on, maybe joining clubs and societies.”

“Pasta. I bulk buyed pasta before coming here.”

Billy Daus International Relations What clubs and societies are you thinking of joining? “I want to try new sports, maybe lacrosse. I’ve never tried it or seen it played but some people have recommended it.”

Arron Bernard Modern History and International Relatons Why did you choose to come to Essex? “I think mostly because of the environment and how modern the University actually is.”

Remembering Nahid Almanea Buddy system re-opened and Hannah Witheridge 2014 marks the fiftieth anniversary for our wonderful University. Thus far the University of Essex has seen tens of thousands of students walk through Knowledge Gateway, and out into the wide world to leave their own mark upon it. This new term shall welcome a few thousand more onto the squares and into the classrooms, however, although it is very easy to maintain one’s gaze fifty years into the future, we must look back briefly and pay our respects to two students of ours who have been denied the opportunity to complete their education. This past summer, two tragedies befell this University: the murders of two of our fellow Academics, two of our colleagues. Nahid Almanea, a 31 year old Saudi Arabian who was working towards her PhD and Hannah Witheridge, a 23 year old Masters student, will not be returning to the Squares this year. Nahid was making her way to campus on the morning of the 17th of June, when she was stopped and attacked on Salary Brook trail. The attacker stabbed her several times and left the scene of the crime before police could apprehend him. It is believed she died from the injuries sustained in the attack before the emergency services arrived. Essex Police released a statement on the 18th of September stating that the search for Nahid’s killer is still going strong. The units assigned to the case have been going through local CCTV with a fine tooth-comb, and have the utmost confidence in the capturing and arrest of this attacker, whom they believe is a male in his early twenties with dark brown hair. The University has held readings of the Qu’ran, the Islamic book of teaching, in accordance with Nahid’s faith, and has been fully supportive to her family. The hunt for Nahid’s attacker will be tough, but Essex Police are continually urging people to come forward with any information that they may have about the case. They claim this shall be a “detailed and time consuming process,” but we at the University of Essex will ensure that we keep our heads up and focus

on continuing Nahid’s name with our own successes for the University. What has been said for Nahid in this article must be stressed again for Hannah Witheridge. Hannah was studying for a Master’s degree in speech and language therapy. However, she too was tragically taken from us this summer in an attack. On the 15th of September, while on holiday in Thailand, she was attacked and died from the wounds sustained. She was killed alongside fellow traveller and student, David Miller, who it is thought was coming to her aid. The University has been quick to offer their sympathies and support to Hannah’s family. Over 150 officers have been used in the investigation to find those responsible for her death, however the killers remain at large. Recent developments reported in The Independent newspaper, indicate that Thai police now have two new suspects, due to DNA samples found at the crime scene. This isn’t a conviction, yet, but it is progress. Last year our Students’ Union began a re-launch campaign which championed the belief that we, as a campus and a University, are all part of one family. That campaign may not have taken off with as much energy as was hoped, but it is times like these when we as the students of the University of Essex truly do acknowledge the importance of the family metaphor. Losing Nahid and Hannah comes as a strong blow to us because they were our kin in educational beliefs. I cannot claim to have known either of them personally, but I speak on behalf of all students at the University of Essex in saying that their deaths do come as a shock to us. The University of Essex is a campus university, which gives us the privilege of significant exposure to one another; they were two faces we would have seen every day, but shall sadly see no longer. They will be missed, and it is our hope that their friends and families can find the justice they are seeking.

Jake Stones

Free Sport Almost all sport is free at Essex this year. This includes memberships to Students’ Union sports clubs, on campus training sessions, membership to the Essex Blades and Just Play drop in sessions. BUCS League travel and match fees, as well as use of facilities such as the Sports Hall, tennis courts activity halls and more! Where last year it could have cost you up to £130 to play a sport this year that has changed. The only exceptions are some sports that use external venues where there is a cost per person. However there is a possibility that some of this can be subsidised as well.

The buddy scheme is a new initiate started by our Students’ Union Vice-President International Hristina Kamburova. It is aimed at students who want to make friends with people from different cultures, and to practise or learn a new language. When the scheme was initially opened for sign-ups it received more than 113 responses from people who come from all over the world. The scheme has participants from countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Peru, Zambia, France, Spain, UK and the USA. This demonstrates students are genuinely interested in making friends and improving their language skills and a program such as this was in high demand. Due to the amount of interest it generated sign-up will be re-opened during welcome week. You can sign up following this link. essex.su/isa/buddy .

Course reps needed The Students’ Union and University are looking for students to become course representatives. The aim is to make the systems as representative and open as possible – anyone who wants to be a rep can be one! A rep will not only attend meetings but will be expected to liaise with other students to find out about their experience on their course, and provide solutions to issues that arise. Course reps do amazing work, achieving great results for students. The Students’ Union and University are driven to ensure the system is as engaging as it can be. The SU has met up with most departments, and will continue to develop the rep system across our multiple campuses. It is really important work as it allows us to engage and listen to what students really love about their course, and equally how we can improve it. In addition each course rep will receive full training from the Students’ Union, and new for 2014, there will be a development program and recognition scheme. For more information please visit Essex.su/coursereps or contact coursereps@essex.ac.uk.

Upcoming events The Students’ Union is introducing new weekly events this year with a different themes for each week. One of the exciting opportunities is a chance to explore England on Su organised trips to locations around the country. Below are listed the locations and dates of these trips in more detail. Sunday 12th of October - Trip to Stonehenge & Bath Sunday 19th of October - Trip to Colchester Zoo Sunday 26th of October - Trip to Oxford

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER | ISSUE 157

NEWS

Student survey: wide interest in Mobile App work. Out of this process, hundreds As the VP Education – having a Mobile App is a key priority. The idea is have already expressed they would like to be a part of shaping the App! simple, it would feature all the inforThe findings are actually very intermation you’d expect around the Uniesting. versity life - think of your personalised timetable, coursework mark, opening Working on the Mobile App project time, etc. It would to improve our the SU has already collaborated with everyday experience, and directly many University departments from ties in with our SU promise of “Benefiting All Members”. Is this the same the Academic Section and ISS to Learning & Development, and others. as the MyEssex portal you might ask? I’ve even manNo – 96.7% of the 671 students 98.36% said Mobile App aged to meet with the FindYconsulted wantdeed there to be an with timetables, library ourWay’s veloper. Having App, in addition reservations and up to reviewed the to the existing soluportal. It’s a far date information would available tions extensively more personalbe beneficial - we want a qualised experience. ity App that Essex students would want to use; a bespoAs part of our SU promises we are ken virtual-hub for Essex students. keen to have your opinion as a core Many of you have already told us over part of shaping this idea. Over the the summer, what you wanted the summer I have conducted survey

App’s priorities to be. Early versions be achieved when we work in partnerof the App would be hopefully de- ship with the University and key stulivered at some point later on in this dent provisions. academic year. It will be an evolving process with the most essential fea- In the meanwhile - bookmark the Unitures first versity’s Pocket such as SU features ranked as most de- timetable on your per- sired were safety bus informa- your smarts o n a l i s e tion and booking, buying event phone - try to timetable. use University tickets and memberships, and timetable site Now, un- getting updates on upcoming wherever possid e r s t a n d - sports and society events ble so all classes ably it’s a are upto date large pro(www.essex. ject. Your responses have allowed ac.uk/timetables/pocket). Additionally us to secure interests from the rel- be sure to check out Find Your Way Esevant University stakeholders over sex app (www.wai2go.com). Feel free the Summer - the next step is to to drop me an email at vpeducation@ send this project for approval to the essex.ac.uk if you’ve got ideas about formal University Committee struc- this or want to get involved! ture in late October. This allows the necessary resources to ensure the Michael Spencer, VP Education App could be made (it will be in good hands!). This project shows what can

BBC boss to front new journalism course A former BBC broadcaster is set to change the face of journalism at the University of Essex Describing his task as ‘daunting but compelling’, long-serving BBC news editor Jonathan Baker left his enviable post in May to join the ranks of Essex’s university lecturers. Jonathan will head the new BA Journalism course, set to open to applicants in 2015. He explains: “The opportunity arose and I jumped at it. It is such an interesting time for journalism – it has reached its own crossroads.” “Journalism’s ethics are being called into question, for example with the phone hacking scandals. Priorities have changed - a new era has been entered. Digital and online journalism is rising – we have to adapt to different platforms. It’s exciting.” As a former head of the BBC College of Journalism, Jonathan has experience of working with young reporters. As a trainee 36 years ago, Jonathan worked in the newsrooms of The Liverpool Echo and Radio City, having graduated from the University of East Anglia six months earlier. The former broadcast journalist is keen to equip new students with the skills they need to survive in a ‘rapidly changing’ industry. He ex-

plains: “I hope to change the traditional route into journalism. By working with other Essex undergraduates in degrees such as science and politics, I hope to challenge common stigma associated with a journalism career – the idea that you have to enter with a writing-focused subject. You don’t.”

“Working with Newsquest and other local groups will increase practical experience for students – it will give them the competitive media backbone they need to get recognised.” Essex’s current media facilities attracted Jonathan to the position, particularly the LIFTS-owned media centre.

The new BA in Journalism will be a three-year course. Students will learn key techniques in print, broadcast and online reporting. Having established a partnership with Newsquest, owners of The Gazette, Jonathan hopes to endorse the BA with two esteemed journalism qualifications.

“It’s not like starting from scratch – it’s already here. The newsrooms that will be introduced with the 2015 Media Centre will also be a fantastic help.” A dedicated website will be set up for the new journalism students, and will be ‘stringent’ and ‘extensive’ in its training capabilities. But he also wants to build on Essex’s already established connections. “I’m very interested in the current media activity at Essex. Exposure is what students need to get noticed – I can’t wait to work with everyone and be taught a thing or two of my own,” he adds.

“NCTJ and BCTJ are two accreditations that will take you far in the journalism business. The BA will contain elements that will teach students essential journalism knowledge. Media law, shorthand and public affairs are just some of the modules we are endeavouring to include.” He wants to enable students to work one day a week on a news desk alongside the hours of the course.

Campaigns at Essex For many students, the first year of university also represents the first year of their politicisation: especially at Essex, with its proud tradition of student activism. As the current Campaigns Officer, my job is to make sure that the door of the Students’ Union is always open to anybody with an interesting proposal. Campaigning is particularly important at a time when students are suffering the dramatic effects of austerity. On the one hand, the privatisation of education – tripling tuition fees and threatening the complete sell-off of the student loan book – impelled the NUS to pass a motion defending “free education” in its last conference. That’s why I encourage you to join the national demonstration “no fees, no cuts, no debt” on the 19th November in London. My opinion of free education is my own and not representative of the SU’s. On the other hand, NHS cuts have also made it to Colchester campus. University of Essex and the Rowhedge Medical Practice could be losing

33% of its core funding this year, resulting in the reduction of services. We need to support our fellow doctors every time they fight, not only for their working conditions, but for our own health care. Both the campaign for free education and the campaign to save the NHS share one thing in common: the defense of students’ interests. But they represent only two of the many struggles that you can get involved with this year at Essex.

Adrià Porta Caballé, SU Campaigns Officer

Jonathan will be visiting the University regularly throughout the year and will begin his teaching duties in September 2015.

Emily Townsend

Shout out for Southend With only one thousand students at the Southend campus, it comes as no surprise that our Colchester Campus gets more publicity and awareness. However the Students’ Union has not been put off from reminding our Southend cousins that they hold the exact same membership and value at the University of Essex as both Loughton and ourselves. The Students’ Union has created a space akin to a common room. The area is free for use for the students and its purpose can be adapted to those who wish to use it. With tea and coffee services, this makes the area a perfect social and study venue. Adding to this, the Students Union has purchased an Xbox One and PlayStation 4 for the room. It seems that Southend is on the rise, and now they have the perfect environment to facilitate that; of course with the ability to relax at the same time!

Comment

Philippa Dobson, Comment Editor

Editors Note: When I asked writers to share their positive and negative university experiences the responses were very similar. The whole university experience is never perfect and positive; there are many negative situations and issues involved with being a student. However, these negative experiences can teach us lessons, mature us, and ultimately make us well-rounded people. The views represented in this section are from those of the individuals and do not represent the editorial views as a whole.

A Family Heirloom The Students’ Union has announced its new heirloom scheme this year. Every student can get a uniquely numbered token in one of six designs that symbolises their membership of the SU, but more importantly identifies them as one of The Family. This idea of family is brilliant. Having spent last year studying in the US, I was struck by how strong the Americans’ ties are to their university. They all feel part of the same, crazy, varied family and it ties them together and makes them special; and not just while they study, but for their whole lives. While in the States, I worked at my college’s Alumni weekend, where past graduates return to campus just because. They come to see what had

changed and what had stayed the same, to talk to new students and old professors, to relive their student years and they come because they love it. So many people attended! There were people at the event who had graduated 60 years ago, and yet they still come from all over the country because they care that much about their college. People attended with their children and grandchildren - three generations of alumni at one event. Can you imagine going to the same university as your parents and being proud of it?! I can’t go into the same room as my parents and be proud of it…

I would love to have the same sense of belonging that they have, and I think the SU is finally cottoning on to that. As a campus university, we can build that sense of togetherness and pride, but only if we are given something to be proud of. I hope that when I leave Essex I am heartbroken - not just because I am leaving my friends, but because I am leaving the big crazy family that I have come to love over the past three years. I am not there yet, but, with projects like this heirloom thing, I think that we might just make it. I hope so.

Ed Gove

The Life of a Rocker I remember the day I moved to university almost as though it was yesterday. Finally the day had come; I had moved out and could go on to be my own person. However, having only one second year flatmate moving into my halls, I didn’t know any other freshers. A bolt of panic struck me; what if I didn’t meet any other first years? How would I get to know anyone if I had no one to go out with? Thankfully, being the friendly and welcoming university that Essex is, my Freshers’ week turned out just wonderfully. I bumped into a nice bunch of third years, who let me tag along with them to the arrivals day party. As the week progressed I got to know other people from my building, and chilled out over tea with people I met on the Essex Fresher’s page. I must admit, however, that I am not crazy about the whole clubbing and drinking culture. So, whilst I did enjoy Fresher’s week, I felt a little out of place. I needed to find my true home.

After searching for a while, I found it: metal society; a place where I could be my true self and didn’t have to worry about fitting in. I have made some really good friends there and have had some incredible experiences since joining. I’ve also met like-minded people through joining Jiu Jitsu club, and have spent countless Friday nights at the SU bar socialising, and just generally meeting people. I certainly didn’t neglect my social life. Psychological research supports that rewarding yourself for studying should encourage you to study more. I just had to remember to not feel pressured to socialise too much, and remember that my degree is my priority. Balancing my social life and studies like this really helped me feel relaxed throughout the whole year, whilst still getting all my work done to the best of my ability.

Having said that, it’s not always so easy to keep a balance between the two. So many times have I been tempted to socialise when I have had deadlines or lectures the following day. Then there is the tedious task of waking up for early morning lectures! It’s especially difficult after a night out - metal nights and gigs in my case – and it probably didn’t help that I often ended up staying up until 5am, going to my friends’ places and watching movies. However, the beauty of university is that you can study when it suits you; you can work around your social life and daily commitments. On top of all that, I had to learn to deal with so many responsibilities: budgeting; being thrust into the depths of complete independence (chores, groceries etc.); paying the rent and so on. But ultimately, these experiences simply matured me and developed me into a more selfreliant individual.

Zora Syed

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

The Housing Issue Making the most out of the whole university experience can be fairly taxing, fraught with ups and downs.

my second year was harrowing, I ultimately felt as though I’d learned from my mistakes in preparation for my third year.

While for some it may be easy to acclimatise to university life, for others it can be exceptionally difficult. The reality is that even negative experiences can have a positive outcome when attending university.

My failure to prepare led to my university experience becoming a mediocre one and quickly into my second year I secured a house considerably nearer to campus. I feel this preparation will allow me an opportunity to salvage the “university experience” and also makes me think of the importance of time spent at university.

From personal experience I found that my own errors ultimately taught me something in the long term. For example, my lack of preparedness when it came to selecting a new house for second year proved crippling for the entirety of the year. As a result of my inability to prepare, I found that second year was a difficult experience in which simple things, such as getting a train to university, led to a lack of control over finances, along with social isolation. However, from this experience I learned that preparation along with foresight can be valuable assets and whilst

I had believed that my three years would be a long grinding experience, but in reality time has blitzed past over the last two years. My one bit of advice, therefore, is to allow yourself the opportunity to experience both the negative and positive elements of university life without placing yourself within your own isolated bubble. After all, university is an upheaval of prior norms, and it would be mad to retreat from the tumultuous experience.

Callum Harkins

Prioritising Your Experience The Student Experience is something that is spoken about at length practically everywhere on the internet: various blogging websites, “LADmags” and newspapers publish as if there’s an ideal, a perfect level at which one’s own experiences of being a student should reach in order for it to be a worthwhile one.

pasta (I’m pretty wild, you can tell). Seriously though, it’s about challenge. Trying a sport you have never played (or heard of, like really - handball, that’s a thing now?), or picking a module on a subject that you would never imagine studying, or beginning to understand.

You’ll see photos or extracts of people protesting (if you’re the type, you’ve come to the right place), people passed out drunk in corridors, or - in my opinion the most irritating - first class marks on graduate transcripts, designed to enforce a view as to what “The Student Experience” is supposed to be.

As Freshers, this is likely to be the first prolonged amount of time away from your parents and you may feel that the above is an endorsement to just go wild: it isn’t. Being at university should be the making of anyone; it should enlighten and enflame the thirst for knowledge, both on an educational level and personal level, but at your own comfort.

Rubbish. To me, the student experience is about rejecting absolutely everything you have found to be normal in your life thus far, and constructing a hybrid of previous ideas about life you found to be true, and new ideas brought to you by the ridiculously diverse group of friends you’re bound to make.

If, like me, pasta is something that is there to be explored, then go for it: you shouldn’t feel like you have to pass out every night for it to be a great experience. It also isn’t worth the energy stressing over Firsts. It’s amazing to get them, but the majority of your peers won’t: they are not the be all and end all. The Cheese and Wine Society is though.

This can be born from the simplest things like dyeing your hair or trying a new shape of

Luke Smith

COMMENT

Liberation Groups Column In the comments section of the newspaper every two weeks we will be hearing from different liberation groups about the issues they find important and information students should have about their movement. It will be a point of information for students wishing to know more about the diverse groups we have on campus and a chance to learn about the experiences of others.

Words of Welcome Hi everyone, and welcome to Essex, or welcome back if you are a returning student! I am your Mature and Part-time Students’ Officer, a volunteer post within the Students’ Union. If you are a Mature Student – that’s an undergrad who is 21 or over when you begin your degree studies, or a postgrad of 25 or older when beginning, or if you are registered on any Part-time course at the University of Essex, then I am your first point of contact with the SU at Essex. I’m easy to find – in the SABB Offices I have office hours between 2-4pm on Mondays and you can email me anytime at rrayme@essex.ac.uk. If you have any worries or concerns about being a student, learning or living at Essex, get in touch and I will do my level best to help you to find a solution. If you meet the criteria above, you are also a member of MaPSA – the Mature and Part-time Students Association (essexsu.com/mapsa or mapsa@essex. ac.uk). Pop online and see what we are up to – regular weekly get togethers and socials, one off events on and off campus and of course fundraising. We are always looking for fresh new ideas so please get in touch if you have something to suggest. I will be around if you would like to join a friendly face for a drink/coffee. During Welcome Week, you will find us in the PG/Mature Common Room, between 2-4pm each day with coffee and cake. we will be in Top Bar – join us for a drink or a meal. I also hope to be meeting many of you in your various departmental welcome events through the week too. Be sure to register on the website to receive email updates about what’s on and where. Being mature or part-time at Essex is just the beginning!

Ruth Raymer

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER | ISSUE 157

Arts

ART

Jess Rich, Arts Editor Dani Kolanis, Arts Deputy Editor

An introduction to art at Essex Lakeside Theatre There are various opportunities offered by the arts scene at the University. We have the Lakeside Theatre right on campus under the library, with student and professional company productions, so get involved! This term we see the return of the much celebrated ‘Cradle Me’, written by Simon Vinnicombe and directed by Essex student Joe Lyndon. This was a popular student slot last year and is one to keep an eye out for. UPCOMING AUDITIONS The first audition of the year is for Steven Berkoff ’s ‘The Trial’, directed by third year drama student, Cathy Wilson, and produced by The Rabbit’s very own Jess Rich. Email her at jrichb@essex.ac.uk to register your interest. Theatre Arts Society (TAS): Another opportunity on campus is the five year gold standard winning Theatre Arts Society. Previous TAS productions have included Jim Cartwright’s ‘Road’ and the Annual RAW festival, a great way to display students’ creations! This term you should all keep an eye out for their 24 hour production of Steven Berkoff ’s ‘Darling You Were Marvellous!’ as well as the annual TAS Pantomime who will be performing ‘The Snow Queen’ this year. The Art Exchange We are lucky on campus to have a great art gallery which combines exhibitions from established artists with student exhibitions so get involved!

Dani Kolanis “We are the Theatre Arts Society (TAS) and pride ourselves on being your one stop shop for everything to do with the dramatic arts. As a Gold Standard society for five years running we are able to offer you experience in all aspects of theatre including directing, performing, writing, technical involvement, producing and stage management. TAS is run by a dedicated executive committee.”

Mitchell Bond (TAS President)

An Edinburgh Adventure This summer I won a Bursary from the Lakeside Theatre to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so that I could view all that was on offer. I had never been to the Fringe before so I was unsure of what to expect, but what an adventure I had! From buskers to puppets, I saw it all! I had such an amazing week. I felt that my mind had been truly expanded by my journey to the fringe. One of my favourite shows, ‘Sirens’ played at the Summerhall and was produced by Belgian company Ontrorend Goed. The production was wonderful. Combining powerful feminine voices with sexual liberation, the performance took the audience on a cathartic journey. The sirens in Greek mythology were temptresses who lured sailors to their deaths with their intoxicating melodies. The play incorporated the element of control women have over their lives through the use of music. As an audience member, I followed the characters through their emotional struggles and underwent a complete journey of female empowerment. I left the show with a new perspective of what it’s like to be a woman in our society. I felt uplifted – it was inspiring to see such a strong piece of female theatre being performed to an welcoming audience. However, a hindrance to this performance was the combination of language and

music. In places the powerful language was drowned out with guttural sounds from the performers. This felt uncalled for and disjointed within the piece. Furthermore, these noises went on for a considerable amount of time which meant that I lost the crucial focus between audience and performance. The sexist jokes were an interesting technique which I found repulsive and yet encouraged the audience to reflect on the language and sexual images they were viewing. The mood of the piece was a roller-coaster of slow pauses quickening to torrent abuse and I left the performance reeling from the exhausting experience. At one point there was a long monologue of bitter jokes, at first with a gap between them however the gaps got shorter until it became just a torrent of abuse. The actors gave you no time to think about what was being said which increased the power of the jokes. The fact, that these jokes were being said by a woman made you feel more empowered because there was no male giving a voice to these vicious remarks. Sirens was a brilliant show which cottoned on to the public perception of women and what their place is in society. The show demonstrated what it means to be a modern woman and is must see viewing for all.

Jess Rich

Music

Alex Driscoll, Music Editor

Festival Highlights Bestival Bestival. Rob da Bank’s musical baby closed the festival season in its customary style in early September: with dancing, drinking and the world’s largest glitter ball. This year’s line-up was not as star-studded as expected, but acts like OutKast, Nile Rodgers and Disclosure soon silenced the doubters. Bestival is the best way to end the British festival season. Hell, it’s the best way to end any festival season – it is as much about the experience as it is about the music. Lots of music festivals now have comedy tents, but Bestival led the way and is constantly finding ways to stay fresh and new. From spoken word poetry by Mark Grist (YouTube’s rapping English teacher) to burlesque performances. From DJ sets by the likes of Annie Mac on a giant white warship to fairy-liquid waterslides down hills, the game is raised year on year. Musically, Bestival excelled. Particularly good were Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. In their last ever performance together, the duo blew the roof off the Big Top. An explosion of lights, beats and dry ice, they had people dancing and chanting along, going crazy, despite it being the middle of the day. Pip’s effortless stage presence and light-hearted banter had the audience captivated from the start. Brilliant too, was Laura Mvula, whose soaring voice is perfect for any sunny afternoon in a field. Described as “like hearing Billie Holiday with the Beach Boys”, Mvula’s chilled vibe had the crowd swaying and clapping along to its perfect festival beat. In summary: Bestival – be there.

Ed Gove

T in the Park Balado Airfield, Kinross-shire has been the home of T in the Park for seventeen years. This year’s festival marked the end of an era, as 2015 will move to a new site – but organisers ensured that this was a T to remember! A plethora of Scottish acts including Fatherson, Twin Atlantic, Paulo Nutini, and Calvin Harris showcased some fine performances. Non- Scottish acts in the form of Haim, Royal Blood, Ed Sheeran and Sunday headliners Arctic Monkeys also delivered. Calvin Harris supplied an awesome headlining set on Saturday, introduced by Will Smith (yes, you read that correctly). After spending a decade working up the stages, Biffy Clyro took to the main stage and provided a devastating headline set filled with fire, sweat, tartan and bagpipes. Playing fan-favourites like‘That Golden Rule’, ‘Who’s Got a Match’, ‘Many of Horror’ and finishing on ‘Mountains’, they ruled the frenzied crowd who faithfully bellowed along, dancing their wellies off. A perfect opening headliner, as one fan declared “they just are Scotland!” There could be no better way to say bye bye Balado! Saturday Ticket: £54.50 Sunday Ticket: £43.00 Weekend Ticket: £83.00

Lucinda Andrews

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

MUSIC

Album Reviews

Royal Blood ‘Royal Blood’

The Courteeners ‘Concrete Love’ Adored by some and criticized by others, the latest release of Manchester’s The Courteeners, is dividing the critics, with the likes of NME suggesting ‘Concrete Love’ has a problem with “lack of inspiration” apparently due to “the speedy turnaround between this record and its predecessor.” But the fans disagree, as shown by the album’s two week slot at number three in the Official Album Chart. Although not dissimilar from last year’s ‘Anna’, ‘Concrete Love’ features all we’ve come to expectfrom The Courteeners, and what they do best. Heartfelt lyrics penned by frontman Liam Fray, combined with their distinctive musical style (acclaimed by Morrissey to name but one) this album is up there with their best work. ‘Summer’, the debut single from ‘Concrete Love’, has 1960s feel, inspired by the musical ‘Grease’. The uplifting song helped make summer 2014 just that bit brighter. The second single, ‘How Good It Was’, can’t help but evoke those memories of love lost, and the bitterness that follows - “And here’s to you out and enjoying / yourself well I hope that / you are but not that much.” Other highlights from Concrete Love include ‘Small Bones’: Fray’s intriguing realist lyrics make the “medium distance romance” not seem quite so bad, and his reference to the high speed train from Manchester to London injects their usual reference to ‘home’ – “just a Virgin Pendolino / and she’s asking me to dance.”

Just over a year ago, bassist Mike Kerr returned from nine months abroad in Australia. A phone call to drummer Ben Thatcher and one rehearsal later, the Brighton duo were facing their first gig the next day. A year on, we are greeted with their debut self-titled LP which peaked at number one in the UK album charts with impressive first week sales of 66,000. Influenced by rock gods Dave Grohl and Jack White, the pair have recorded the fastest selling rock album of the past three years and topped off a perfect year with festival performances at Glastonbury, Download and Reading and Leeds. The album opener and debut single ‘Out of the Black’ throws us head first into a cacophony of bass and drum riffs backed up by Kerr’s dark and raw vocals. The follow up track, ‘Come on Over’ instrumentally could be mistaken as an early Queens of the Stone Age song. Kerr’s vocals, driven by Thatcher’s aggressive drumming, lace the song with something distinct that will be sure to make any crowd leap. After Raconteurs-esque ‘Figure it Out’ and bluesy rock number ‘You Can Be So Cruel’, ‘Blood Hands’ offers us a minute of breathing space before the dive back into rock infested waters.

No, this album is not for everyone. But for followers of the band, it’s a welcome addition to an exciting discography. Their tour later this year is bound to be an experience. Have you got your ticket yet?

‘Little Monster’ follows – a crowd favourite and one of the bands earliest releases – along with personal favourite ‘Loose Change’ and the final three tracks, all of which repeat a similar pattern to those before. Royal Blood’s debut not only pays homage but takes the best of rock of the past five years and gives it a makeover. Who needs guitars and electronics when you can make this much noise with just a bass guitar, a drum kit and a distortion pedal?

Caroline Dunmore

Stephen Dudley

ONE TO WATCH:

Becky CJ

Croydon-born Becky CJ has a voice defiant of her petite size, and songwriting chops to rival even the most highly acclaimed balladeers. That’s not to say all her songs are ballads, though it is in this form her music is most potent. Laying claim to over a million views on YouTube, two charting EPs and a packed-out headline London show, Becky is clearly on the rise. Take the dramatics of perfect piano-based corkers like “Easy For You”, and pair it with her inevitable upcoming success, and the UK may have another tour de force songwriter under its belt.

Alex Driscoll

Film

Edward Lincoln, Film Editor

Remembering Robin Williams Born with a gift many young actors would sell their souls for, Robin Williams was never destined to be ordinary. Hailing from Chicago, the young Williams was known as “shy” and “reserved” by his peers, a far cry from the marvel he became. Yet by his early twenties he would find his path, becoming a student at the prestigious Julliard School on a full scholarship. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Williams found by his junior year that “there was no more that the school could teach him”, and left to pursue film and television. Thus began a lengthy career and through his charisma and humour Williams never failed to elicit laughter and tears, most notably for his performance in Mrs Doubtfire (1993). The film sees Williams take on the role of Daniel Hillard, a hapless father and actor, whose parenting style falls out of favour with his wife. Upon their divorce, Daniel goes undercover as a housekeeper in order to spend more time with his children.

What ensues is a hilarious transformation into a sweet natured, sixty year old Scottish woman, through which the extent of Williams’ comedic acting ability is demonstrated. His range is particularly showcased in scenes where Daniel and Mrs Doubtfire must appear in the same place at the same time. The film is littered with pure Robin Williams spontaneity, from improvised jokes referencing the issues of the day, to making voice acting seem effortless. Williams could have comfortably stayed within the comedy realm for the rest of his career, yet in between the TV show Mork and Mindy and the film Flubber (1997), Williams proved that he was no one trick pony. His versatility as an actor was certified in Dead Poets Society (1987) with his performance as Mr Keating, the English teacher we all wish we’d had. This film is laced with a dark message of the dangers of conformity, from which Mr Keating appears to the young students as a guiding light in the devel-

opment of their own opinions. Williams’ speeches hold resonance for every student feeling burdened by the pressure of expectation, particularly the repeated chant of ‘Carpe Diem’, and are delivered with a delicacy and grace that is worlds apart from the high-charged humour of Mrs Doubtfire. Through his extensive work in film, Robin Williams will be remembered for his ability to bring joy to his audience, and there is no better legacy to leave. It is a tragedy that such a talent for making other people laugh can be accompanied by such a deep personal struggle, but this once-in-a-generation actor and his timeless work will be remembered and loved for years to come.

Chloe Allcock

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Film Reviews

FILM

Drinking Buddies What do you get if you take a handful of successful Hollywood actors and combine them with a low-budget film and plentiful amounts of beer? The answer is Drinking Buddies, a funny, thoughtful, and realistic indie-film, which explores the relationship between two pals who work together in a Chicago brewery, and asks, can guys and girls just be friends? Directed by Joe Swanberg, the film boasts an impressive cast, with Olivia Wilde and New Girl’s Jake Johnson taking on the roles of friends Kate and Luke, and their respective partners, played by Ron Livingston and rising star Anna Kendrick. No wonder Swanberg chose such an esteemed line-up to steer this story along, because interestingly, this film has no script. Instead of being given lines to read, the actors were given an outline of how each scene should fit into the story, and then allowed to take the lead. The result is a mixture of spontaneous comedy and heartfeltcamaraderie, most notably between Johnson and Wilde, who react to each other so well they must have forgotten that a film was being shot amidst their drunken antics. True, the dialogue between the four characters isn’t as smooth as a scripted comedy sequence, but with the film aiming for reality, it succeeds in delivering it in abundance. Drinking Buddies is not a typical comedy-drama, and it won’t be for everyone, but for a film that takes a candid look at inebriated friendships, it does a pretty good job.

22 Jump Street Freshers’ Fortnight is perhaps one of the most daunting yet exciting things about university life. There are plenty of social events and partying to keep freshers occupied, but what do you do when you’re not busy keeping up with the social events provided by the SU? Why not take a break and watch one of this summer’s hottest films. 22 Jump Street stormed the screens of cinema earlier this year and is the perfect fit for a fresher’s film fest. A hilarious sequel to the block-buster 21 Jump Street, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum make another appearance on the big screen, but this time, they are headed to college, after destroying yet another high profile case. Now on the hunt for another elusive drug dealer, Jenko (Tatum) and Schmidt (Hill) are accompanied by many familiar faces from the previous film. Full of the high speed chases, sex and the crazy cop drama we have come to expect, 22 Jump Street does not disappoint with its full on, laugh-a-minute, firecracker comedy. This is certainly a must-see film for freshers who want to chill out and enjoy an afternoon of comic genius with their flatmates, so why not grab a copy, some popcorn and your flatmates and prepare for an afternoon of side-splitting comedy?

Georgia Lawrence

Edward Lincoln

Nisa Khan, TV Editor Amy Bater, TV Editor

The Doctor will see you now... Knock knock? Who’s there? Doctor, Doctor Who? If you went to a British primary school you almost certainly remember hearing this joke or some variation of it. The joke predates the first episode of the reboot; it is a joke that was still in circulation after twenty-five years off the air. To many children, myself included, Doctor Who was just a vague concept, a man in a scarf that my parents would make occasional references to. But the joke lived on and for 25 years it was our only link to a great British institution. I think there is something amazing about that, that the concept and the idea of something can live beyond its allotted time and take on a life of its own. Knock knock?

Out with the old and in with the... old. Critics have hailed Peter Capaldi’s debut a triumph, with the ‘fresh face’ of this regeneration befitting the aged wisdom of the twelfth Doctor. Capaldi seems to have taken a step away from the romanticism of his recent predecessors. His portrayal is much darker and his command over the action exude more seniority than eccentricity, a throwback to the original Doctor. Of course, with each regeneration the BBC runs the inherent risk of losing the audience; but that is the nature of the show and a primary reason for its enduring success. It is continually able to adapt, and its main characters never left to stagnate. I had become attached to Matt Smith’s Doctor, and at first I was reluctant to open my mind to somebody new taking the helm. Then I remembered how we watched in trepidation as the nation’s favourite David Tennant relinquished his throne, how we thought he could not be replaced and how in a matter of episodes Matt captured our hearts.

Who’s there? Doctor, Doctor Who? And he is here to stay.

Ross ‘Danger’ Homden

I still remain a little on the fence about the relationship between Clara and the new Doctor. That transition was not as seamless as Rose’s was from Eccleston to Tennant, nor does she seem to have the natural charisma and tenacity of the likes of Amy Pond. However I do get the sense that she is beginning to come into her own as a character so I remain open-minded. (Except new opening credits- that music has got to go. Some things remain sacred.)

Jessica Houlihan

Doctor Who is back, and it’s about time! With Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor comes a new era, and some very welcome changes. Capaldi creates a strong contrast to Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor. Capaldi’s unpredictable, edgy character and sharp wit are vastly different to the childish optimism and hyperactivity of the Eleventh Doctor, showing him to be the dark, gritty, and more serious Doctor that many Whovians have been hoping for. Series 8 has a lot to live up to after the last series and the highly acclaimed 50th Anniversary special, and it certainly seems to be shaping up well. Kicking off with the chilling ‘Deep Breath,’ then proceeding with the action-packed ‘Into the Dalek,’ and the enchanting ‘Robot of Sherwood,’ the series is off to a flying start. Episodes like ‘Time Heist’ and ‘Flatline’ look to be interesting and will bring new ideas for the series too. But the Doctor’s long-term enemies, the daleks and the cybermen will make a welcome return, showing that Doctor Who tradition remains alive. The Doctor’s story and his searching for Gallifrey is set to continue in a fantastic new direction, and after 50 years it’s clear that the programme is just getting better and better!

Alex Simpkins

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Breaking Bad After watching many television series I can confidently say that “Breaking Bad” is arguably one of the most successful TV shows in recent years. The series is set in Albuquerque and shows the story of a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides to secure his family’s future before he dies. To do this he turns to a life of crime, discovering that making and selling methamphetamine can bring in large amounts of money quickly. Producer Vince Gilligan has included many twists and turns in the script keeping the audience on their toes and engaged with the story. This plays a key part in the development of the characters, mainly Walter, in the way he deals with family life as well as secretly building a successful drug empire under the alias Heisenberg. Having DEA Agent Hank after Walter throughout the show in a game of cat and mouse creates tension for the viewers and entices them to keep following the thrilling series. One of my favourite characters has to be Jesse Pinkman, Walter’s former student and current drug dealer, who partners in Walter’s venture. Jesse has played an instrumental role in the story and has become an audience favourite, entertaining the viewers with his sense of humour whilst also assisting Walter through his journey. The producer has made a great effort in making the storyline realistic and entertaining. The series has won a number of awards, such as 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, eight Satellite Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a People’s Choice Award. In 2014, Breaking Bad entered the Guinness World Records as the highest rated show of all time. I have really enjoyed watching this series and would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it.

Ragaul Rajagopal

Introducing BoJack Horseman Netflix is quickly becoming one of the biggest and most powerful companies in the television industry. It’s a quick and easy method of watching television shows in bulk online whilst not even having to move, making it highly accessible to everyone. This raises its popularity tenfold and it is now one of the biggest powers in television’s waters. It has been going straight for the throat of companies like HBO with original dramas like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Orange is the New Black’. Now, with animated comedy ‘BoJack Horseman’, it is moving into new territories. The show centres on a narcissistic and lazy washed-up equine actor named BoJack Horseman (voiced by Will Arnett), a horse looking to restart his career by publishing his memoirs. His bitterness and sarcasm create a very dry and witty show, with his uninvited housemate Todd (voiced by Aaron Paul) often receiving the brunt of his wrath. The show also uses a great blend of silly puns and crude jokes which provide endless laughs, even if you do feel guilty afterwards. The show is a big hit for Netflix and, although not a groundbreaking show, it is definitely worth watching.

Aiden Mills

Books An excursus on the Cult of Beauty: Happy Birthday Oscar Wilde! Born: 16th October 1854 Eccentric, bohemian and scandalously exuberant: features belonging to one of the most discussed authors of the Victorian Age. Oscar Wilde blossomed into the world of literature under Walter Pater’s wings, absorbing his Aesthetic and Decadent theories and projecting them in his daily life. After graduating, he settled in London. Now, let’s just imagine a young mind, who had been previously injected by Pater’s subversive and demoralizing message, which went against the monotony of bourgeois life. A message which proclaimed “sacred” the pursuit of sensation, moral and physical excess, and collided with the costumes and the beliefs of the beating heart of the Victorian society. Of course, his cultural foundations did not allow him to blend entirely with the up-

per class, so he escaped into a dandifiedaesthetic isolation. His work, strongly demystifying, inspired authors from all over Europe, influencing and shaping other literature. An example is provided by D’Annuzio’s masterpiece, ‘Il Piacere’, from its main character, madly in love with the idea of love and beauty, to the fluency of its complex syntax, everything reminds us of the Wildean canon. Its powerful message penetrated through centuries and still affects our media today. The Cult of Beauty is a real deal, and it comes straight from our favourite 160-year-old dandy.

Fabiana Sforza

Georgina Dedman, Books Editor

Did you know? Oscar Wilde, whilst known for being an author, actually only ever wrote one book, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Even though he is more famous for his work and being imprisoned for accusations of homosexuality, here are some things you may not know about him: 1. His mother, Jane Wilde was a successful poet who wrote under the name “Sperenza.” Wilde’s father was also an author but became better known for his work in medicine - even being knighted for it. 2. Despite claims of homosexuality, Wilde married Constance Lloyd and they had two sons together. 3. One of Oscar Wilde’s early romantic relationships was with Florence Balcombe. She became the wife of Bram Stoker who wrote Dracula. 4. Oscar had two half sisters, Emily and Mary, who both tragically died in a fire. One was dancing close to an open coal fire and her dress caught alight. Her sister saw this, tried to put it out and died too. Five years before this incident, Isola, Wilde’s younger sister died of meningitis. 5. Oscar Wilde died of meningitis and his tomb was designed by Sir Jacob Epstein. Upon his request Epstein’s ashes were placed with Wilde’s when he died in 1950. The Angel statue on the tomb originally had male genitalia, which have since been vandalized. Gina Dedman

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green John Green is an American author who originally found fame as a vlogger from his YouTube channel Vlogbrothers, which he formed with his brother Hank Green. He had minor success in 2006 for his debut novel, Looking for Alaska, for which he won the Printz Award. His most successful novel however, and my personal favourite is ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. The novel follows the story of two teenagers brought together in their battle against cancer. Hazel, who narrates the book, was diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12. Now at the age of 16, Hazel has lungs so badly damaged she must carry around a supply of oxygen with her. One day she attends a cancer support group at her local church and meets Augustus who is 17 years old and recovering from osteosarcoma. Hazel and Augustus immediately hit it off and a romance blossoms between the two. A key component of the story is Hazel’s love for her favourite book An Impe-

rial Affliction by fictional author Peter Van Houten. The reason Hazel loves the book so much is that it seems to mirror her own life. Van Houten did not finish the book satisfactorily in Hazel’s opinion and so it is her dream to go to Holland and meet him to achieve closure. Hazel is a funny, sweet, and optimistic character. Her attitude towards her condition is heart breaking and she reacts to it all in a way that makes her character seem more believable. Augustus is a witty, deep, and quirky character who believes cancer should not dictate someone’s life. The interaction between Hazel and Augustus is very humane and charming. You can see they are perfect for each other. This novel is a breath of fresh air in young adult fiction. It is full of humour, irreverence and tear-jerking moments. If you read anything this year, read ‘The Fault in Our Stars’.

Ben Gregson

The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix Imagine the scene: 1920s England sharing a land border with a hostile country full of magic, necromancers and hordes of reanimated corpses. There is an ultimate battle of machine guns and rifles versus swords, spells and the magic of death itself. This is the truly unique world of Garth Nix’s ensorcelling Old Kingdom series. Through the book’s titular character, Sabriel’s eyes, we venture across the ancient wall between the worlds to the Old Kingdom. There, she attempts to find her father, the famous Abhorsen – binder of dead spirits and keeper of peace - who is captured by an evil and powerful dead spirit. Starting with the overconfidence of a school graduate, she expects her basic magical education from the nonmagical Ancelstierre to match the Old Kingdom’s dangers. This obviously falls into doubt as she approaches the wall

between the worlds. The vivid descriptions of miles of barbed wire, trenches and edgy soldiers barely able to keep the dead at bay, paint an ominous picture indeed. Most chilling, however, is “Death” - a partly physical, partly spiritual place where evil Necromancers and moral Abhorsens such as Sabriel can project themselves into without dying themselves. Once there, one may speak to recently departed spirits by using magic bells binding them to their will as slaves in life. However, the risks are high. Upon entering death, it immediately attempts to pull you under its great river and onto final death… The characters are diverse and never seem to fit normal stereotypical archetypes. Each, however, has an interesting theme of different emo-

tions, personalities and backgrounds. One situation may lead to a hilarious response from one character but a heart-breaking reaction from another. Sabriel seems to be a juxtaposition of intelligence and rashness in an imperfect character real enough to talk to. Lirael, the protagonist of the second book meanwhile is born into a family of seers yet has no powers of his own. The exploration of his characters allows Nix to explore concepts of emotional isolationism and depression even when a person is not physically alone. It is impossible to describe the books in a short article without spoiling the series. In short, the books combine many fantasy elements into an amazingly complex read. Highly recommended!

Luke Coomber

BOOKS

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

Science This week in science Scientists have achieved brain to brain communication and have sent a message from France to India. Blue whale populations are recovering from whaling in the 1800s.

Newly discovered: two species of mushroom shaped life forms found off the coast of Australia could rewrite the tree of life. Palaeontologists have discovered what may be the largest life form ever to live on earth: the Dreadnoughtus Schrani, which roamed Argentina 80 Million years ago.

Freshers’ Flu is a socially advanced poly-virus, 90% of University Students in the United Kingdom suffer from its symptoms over the first few weeks of term. The causes can be separated into three main causes: viral, social and psychological.

Alice Vardy, Science Editor

do-romantic encounters. As well as the less exciting new responsibility of looking after ourselves which may result in poor diet and dehydration.

This new found freedom for many maybe liberating but the aforementioned responsibilities, leaving Freshers’ week in its most basic interpretation is the safe habitat of our home and venturing out to the first week of the university year, the coming the new world of the towers maybe a daunting and together of thousands of students, all of whom will stressful experience. be socialising and mingling more than they will for another year. The viral cause is the accumulation Survival tactics of an exciting and multi-coloured petri dish of viruses and bacterium from all these new people. These three combining factors may result in the horrors of Freshers’ Flu but this advice may get you The social side of Fresher’s week is arguably the through: greatest detriment to the immune system. By · Keep hydrated this I mean the impetus to make friends, copious amounts of alcohol and the possible series of pseu- · Try not to sustain yourself on only curry flavoured instant noodles and double bacon cheese burgers acquired outside the SU at 3.24am Fake Science (may contain unreliable facts)

· Get some vitamin C to assist your brave immune system, orange juice and berocca will do nicely

· Be kind to yourself and have a night off to watch the Great British Bake Off Alice Vardy

Can you please breathe quieter? The science of hangovers. With Freshers’ Fortnight upon us, it is inevitable that many of us will wake up with sore heads, dry mouths and (worst of all) uneasy stomachs. All of the above symptoms are of course, classic hallmarks of a hangover and referred to in medical terminology as veisalgia. As we all know (or will shortly), hangovers are the result of excessive consumption of alcohol. But what are the scientific reasons behind what leads many of us to swear never to drink again? Although several biological processes give rise to hangovers, there is one chemical that produces an effect more obvious than the rest. Acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of ethanol breakdown, produces the infamous “alcohol flush”, characterised by reddish skin irritation.

Alice Vardy

The science behind Freshers’ Flu

A fever is caused by the body’s response to invading pathogens. The heat is caused by the burning of the homes and villages of indigenous red blood cells as pathogens plunder and pillage their way through your body.

Scientists have discovered the genetic “off switch” for autoimmunity.

SCIENCE SCIENCE

Acetaldehyde achieves this by causing blood vessels to dilate, which in turn causes headaches. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the stomach;

excess consumption can cause the stomach to increase its secretion of acids, resulting in irritation of the stomach lining. This irritation leads to stomach ache and nearly always ends in vomiting. But why are some hangovers more severe than others? One reason for this can be explained by congeners, an umbrella term for the toxic byproducts of the fermentation process. They are present in varying degrees in different alcoholic drinks. Congeners are present in the greatest concentrations in “dark” beverages, such as whiskey, tequila and brandy. “Clear” colour drinks, such as vodka, beer and white wine contain lower amounts of congeners. If consumed in equal amounts, “clear” alcoholic drinks will therefore provide less severe hangovers compared to their “dark” alcohol counterparts.

Ben Gregson

Lifestyle

Luiza Sandru, Lifestyle Editor

Student lock-in - the perks of being a student? Are sales at the beginning of the term an investment or just an occasion for students to spend money that they don’t have? With the new term now upon us we have so much to think about! More importantly, there are so many events that need to be put in our diaries: moving in to our new flats, Fresher’s fortnight and of course the ever famous student lock-in. Run by a Cardiff based company called Total Students and with over 40 of these events across the UK already in over 20 locations, Student Lock-ins promise to give the students an amazing start to the year.

months? But I also know that with the limited amount of funds that students have, we have to be careful that we don’t end up in our overdrafts for something that we buy as an indulgence, not something that we actually need.

With impressive deals exclusively for students, the live music acts and freebie giveaways, this seems like the perfect student event. However, with the average student racking up more debt than ever, is this something that students can actually afford to take part in?

Students are notorious for nights out and spending heaps of money, so could this type of event be a saviour in disguise? Could this one night of unbelievable student discounts and one time only offers, offer us some sort of heaven? It could be seen that way - St. David’s shopping centre in Cardiff was the first ever shopping venue to host one of these nights and it actually received a marketing award back in 2011, during the BCSC Purple Apple Awards.

Of course we as students want to be geared up in all the latest trends, and who can say no to a discount on that favourite black jacket you’ve been after for

This highlights the amount of support the events have from its student fans and the retailers who will receive a dramatic surge of sales during that night. Because

surely it makes sense that if you can get that gorgeous dress for £5 instead of £30 then you are going to attend this event. You’d be foolish not to, right? But I‘m very sure that the likes of Martin Lewis, the money-saving expert, would agree here, that just because the discounts and exciting events are there for you to take advantage off, you still need to be careful how you spend your money. Don’t let the lock-in take advantage of you. Be careful with your money and don’t spend it all in one place. You don’t want to have the dream outfit but have nowhere to wear it. But, that said, Student Lock-in is a brilliant night to attend if you know how to compromise and how to not get ahead of yourself. So go on, treat yourself!

Emma Louise Allwod

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

LIFESTYLE

New Kids on the Block A story about how passion can make you start a successful business I began the VMI project during my first year of University as an International Relations student. I have always been fascinated with the social and political instability of Africa and the world’s societal structures as a whole. The contrast between the poverty existing in Africa and the affluence and wealth of Western economies has driven me to combat poverty throughout the world; and seeing the vast inequalities that are present, both in this country and Third World countries, has fuelled my desire to strive to help others, especially in the context of poverty alleviation. What better place to start than in my Motherland, Africa? Back in 2012, VMI was created as a social platform to inspire and generate change through fashion. I invested my own money and began making handmade earrings and bracelets. Now in 2014 VMI has expanded into a team of four and together we create and source handmade, high quality African and Afrocentric jewellery and accessories.

The aim is to become a mainstream brand born from a love of all things African. At present, VMI designs a range of unique jewellery and clothes inspired by all regions of Africa. VMI has held stalls around the UK and have sold on popular sites such as DEPOP and Ebay. With this being said, one of our images was used on DEPOP’s homepage on our first week releasing VMI products. Since then, we have created a website through funds raised from DEPOP and my own investment.

VMI aims to bring local African artistry to the international market. Not only does this provide exposure for Africans but it also allows them the same opportunities in the global fashion industry. This is just one of the first crucial steps to raise the standard of living throughout Africa. Exciting times are on the horizon and I am pleased that so many people support our expansion and vision. The future looks bright for VMI.

Vanessa Iman

VMI aims to launch its official website in September and has already established relationships with universities across the UK to help advertise, promote and market VMI goods. We have received an overwhelming reception and have been invited to cultural events in the coming months. This is exceptionally good, as it allows us to display our products and receive feedback from our target audience of 18-25 year olds.

My Perfect Job Have you ever thought of making money in the sun, working abroad and topping up a really nice tan all at the same time? I found myself having these daydreams all the time, until I finally did something about it this summer. Have you ever heard of au pairing? An au pair is a student who lives with a family abroad to either teach their children English or to help out with childcare. Depending on the family’s needs you will be paid an equivalent of around 60 to 100 pounds a week which is your own ‘pocket money’, not really a real wage but enough to treat yourself once in a while. Whilst looking for ‘jobs abroad’ I found a really good social network for potential au pairs – AuPairWorld.com – a place for students and families to meet, chat and organise future work. Having created an account, within a couple of hours I was receiving literally hundreds of messages from potential families across the globe. Messages were coming from the United States, Australia, China, Italy, Spain and many more. The general nature of the system is to sell yourself. Both families and students are advertising what they have to offer, whether it’s childcare experience, teaching expertise, spoken languages, or

even just families with two swimming pools and a tennis court trying to catch your eye. Within a couple of days I had found the perfect family; 2 young girls who want to learn English living outside of Milan, Italy. The opportunity was out of this world: fly to Milan, spend 3 days driving through Italy seeing all the famous sights and arrive at the southern beaches for 2 months in the sun. My contract was to teach 3 hours a day, including planning lessons and activities. However, what I must stress to anybody interested in this experience is that it is and will definitely feel like a 24/7 responsibility. I’m sure you’ll already feel like living with your own family is hard enough sometimes, but imagine living with complete strangers who do things totally different to what you’re used to. Although you only have to teach for a few hours each day, the responsibility to be that fun and friendly family member never ends, which can feel pretty tiring. However, I think most people will agree that a job like this is an amazing experience and opportunity, so depending on what you think you can handle, why not give it a try? My time spent travelling and teaching in Italy was an

incredible and unforgettable experience. I loved being fun and creative in planning and teaching my lessons, and every day I went to the most beautiful beaches and hung out with some real friends who I hope to never forget. Whilst it was a very emotional experience being away from my family and friends for the first time, it was an experience I will never regret and certainly never forget.

Alice Walsh

Chicken curry I think my previous housemates will agree with me when I say I’m no Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen. While I might not have a Michelin star pinned on my wall, one year of living in halls without the luxury of my mother’s cooking gave me a bit of experience with ingredients. By getting the basics sorted at the beginning of term, you’ll have something to whip up, even if you forget to do a food shop. But, what are the basics? I’d say the following are a few cupboard essentials; a big pack of pasta, big pack of rice, jars of herbs, stock cubes, curry paste, oil, salt, vinegar, tins (sweetcorn, tuna etc). When I started university I thought I would turn into a domestic goddess. Realistically, this doesn’t happen. You might have some days with hours of lectures, a meeting and maybe something else as well and the last thing you want to do is cook. Sometimes we want something easy and cheap to make that isn’t pasta or a pot noodle. Something I find myself repeatedly eating is chicken and rice, both are so adaptable and they can be mixed with everything in the world. This recipe will cost a fraction of the price you would pay for a ‘takeaway’ (£2.10 per serving).

The ingredients (serves two) • 1 tablespoon oil to fry • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 potato, cut into cubes • 2 chicken breasts • 1 teaspoon flour • ¾ mug water • 1 tablespoon mild curry paste • 1 chicken stock cube • ½ mug natural yogurt • rice

Method

Heat a little oil in a wok and fry the chopped onion, garlic and potato.

2 Cut the chicken breasts into pieces and add to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.

Add the flour, water, curry paste and stock cube. Stir well.

4 Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are cooked.

5 Stir in the yogurt but do not let it boil. Cook gently

Students are pledging to end poverty ‘Anza - Empowerment through Social Enterprise’ is a charity working with local communities in rural Tanzania. The organisation employs young people to volunteer in the ventures and to represent the charity. ‘ANZA’ works to fight poverty and to help young people in Africa, mainly through educational and entrepreneurship projects. Why Tanzanian people need your donation? · In Tanzania 66% of the population is under 25 · In the region ANZA work in 56% of people under the age of 30 are unemployed · In Mwika, a village that ANZA work in, approximately 71% of youth (15-30) do not have a secondary school diploma. Where your donations are going? · Your fundraising will pay for a Tanzanian trainer to give training to rural youth in entrepreneurship and leadership. · Your fundraising will allow these income generation projects to get off the ground. · Your fundraising will allow the youth to set up their own businesses at the end of the training. Also, ‘ANZA’ is working with the ‘KiliPads’ project. KiliPads is a social enterprise run by a women’s group in rural Tanzania making and selling reusable, affordable sanitary products. Delivered alongside feminine health & menstrual management workshops, KiliPads was successfully piloted in 2013 in Msitu wa Tembo (Tanzania). ANZA worked with a small women’s group (8 women) from this village to provide them with knowledge on important health issues such as personal hygiene, urinary infection, puberty and menstrual health. Your donations will allow ‘ANZA’ to: · Employ a sewing teacher · Buy materials to make the pads · Roll out training to other villages · Purchase a sewing machine so we can employ more women to work on the project · Employ a business trainer to teach the women how to run a successful enterprise and ensures it is sustainable for the future. Are you interested in international development and charity/fundraising? Would you like to help children and women in need? Then do not ignore this opportunity! Now we are offering an exceptional opportunity for YOU! We offer a position in our amazing team (the trip to Africa is not compulsory). To apply or ask questions please contact:essex@teachafrica.org.uk

for 1 minute.

6 Serve with rice. Claudia Rosa

Evelina Semaskevic

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER | ISSUE 157

LIFESTYLE

Sports

Tom Phillips, Sports Editor

A Note from the Editor: Welcome to the Sports section of the Rabbit Newspaper. This is the place where we talk about everything that involves Blades, Colchester United, Derby Day, BUCS and sport in general. We have seen plenty of success of by our sporting athletes with graduates competing in the London 2012 Olympic Games, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and even in first-class cricket. So rest assured there is loads of potential across our sports. From your BUCS coverage to the almighty Derby Day, we will be first to report sporting news throughout your time at university. In addition to this we are always welcoming new contributors to join our growing team. Simply email me at tjphil@essex.ac.uk and I will happily get you involved in student media.

Colchester United Cowling did not hesitate to find a new manager and promoted from within their staff ranks with academy manager, Tony Humes. Humes, speaking to The Gazette, admits that the appointment was a nerve-racking experience: “It’s something I’ve never done before and I’m sure they’ll be nerves and excitement. I hope I’ll be calm come kick-off time – whether or not I will be I However, starting the season with just a point to their don’t know.” name, Joe Dunne was dismissed from his role as manHumes saw his first win in his new job with an away ager, along with assistant Mark Kinsella. victory against underachievers Leyton Orient, and has Despite the sacking, Chairman Robbie Cowling still has maintained a promising defence record with only 2 goals conceded in his 4 games in charge. nothing but praise for the former player. It has been pretty much a rollercoaster ride over at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The U’s started off pre-season in ecstasy after being awarded Category Two Academy status in the new Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), and with academy graduates joining the first-team squad, all seemed great.

Speaking on their club website he says: “Joe has done a remarkable job as manager over the past two seasons. He is a Colchester United legend and I am grateful for the way he kept our club in League One during these challenging times.”

The U’s are hoping they can shake off a winless streak of five games at home when Fleetwood Town come to visit on Saturday 11th October. This will be the first time these two sides have ever met.

Tom Phillips

Ones to watch Women’s Hockey 1st Cup winners last season. Constantly hungry to push for more as they develop as a squad this year. Volleyball (all teams) Performance sport – showcase games with London 2012 commentator, Alex Porter, as coach. Basketball (all teams) Another performance sport – high tempo showcase games with GB coach, Mark Lloyd at the helm. Ami Lake

saturday 4th october | ISSUE 157

Get involved! (Visit our website for the full list of almost 50 sports on offer) American Football President: Ashley Rennalls (arennaa@essex.ac.uk) Teams: 1 (Mixed) Training: Tuesdays (Grass Fields) 7pm; Thursdays (Astroturf) 7:30 pm Just Play: Thursday 7:30 pm Astroturf Division(s): BUCS East Conference Archery President: Saira Hussian (smhuss) Training: Saturday (Sports Hall) 5 pm JustPlay: Wednesday (Sports Hall) 11 am Division(s): BUCS, British University Team Challenge (BUTC) and the regional archery league (SEAL) Athletics President: Rachel Winfield (rwinfi) Teams: Mixed Training: Mondays 7:30 pm & Wednesday 6:30 pm (Colchester Garrison Track) * JustPlay: Wednesday Running Club 1pm (Sports Centre) Competition(s): Essex Cross-Country League, BUCS Championships

British Universities and Colleges Sport (or BUCS as we like to call it) is the governing body for higher education sport in the UK. BUCS fixtures take place every Wednesday and some weekends all across the country and Essex has 57 teams from nearly 20 sports registered to compete for the 2014/2015 season! BUCS works on a league system, which for us is based in the South East, with regular cup matches alongside individual championships for sports such as boxing and archery. Essex is never short of a competitive sports match, with every Wednesday and weekend being BUCS fixture heavy with teams competing for the league title.

This year there will be huge incentives for achievements for all clubs involved with BUCS fixtures. We want no walkovers (yes captains; no walkovers) and top attendance and performance in every competitive game this season. There is nothing better than supporting the Blades either playing or spectating. Support and passion will go a long way in a very important year for sport for the Blades family!

Ami Lake

Match updates

President: Alex Macgrey (amacgr) Teams: 2 Training: Monday 9 pm; Friday 7 pm (Sports Hall) Division(s): BUCS South Eastern 2B & 3B Basketball (Women’s)

Cricket

President: Abba Beranova (abrean) Teams: 2 Training: Monday 8 pm; Friday 6 pm (Sports Hall) JustPlay: Tuesday 9 pm Division(s): BUCS South Eastern 2B & 3B

President: Jay Collison (jcollih) Teams: 2 Men’s and excellent external links to Women’s Cricket Training: Tuesdays 4 pm; Fridays 3 pm (Sports Hall) Division(s): BUCS Indoor Tournament and Outdoor Season and Braintree Indoor League

Boxing

Dance

President: Jake Stones (jstoneb) Training: Mondays 7:30 pm (Boxing Academy, Colchester) Tuesdays 7 pm; Thursdays 7 pm (Activity Hall 2) JustPlay: Thursday 6 pm (Activity Hall 2) Division(s): BUCS & ABAE

President: Ellie-Mae Clarke (eclarkf) Jazz: Wednesdays 2 pm (Activity Halls 1 & 3) Commercial: Wednesdays 3pm (Activity Halls 1&3) Street: Wednesday 4 pm (Beginners); 5 pm (Advanced) (Activity Hall 1&3) Indian: Fridays 6 pm (Activity Hall 1&3) Latin & Ballroom: Fridays 7 pm (Activity Hall 1&3) Contemporary: Fridays 8 pm (Activity Halls 1&3) Ballet: Fridays 9 pm (Activity Halls 1&3)

Cheerleading President: Patricia Louise Sarenas (plsare) Teams: 3 – Ignite (JustPlay), Blaze (Level 1) and Inferno (Level 2) Blaze Training: Mondays 7 pm (Activity Hall 3) Inferno Training: Mondays 8:30 pm (Activity Hall 3) Gymnastics Training: Tuesdays 8:30 pm (Daves Gymnastics Academy) Pom/Jazz: Alternate Wednesdays 7 pm (Activity Hall 3) JustPlay: Mondays 6 pm (Activity Hall 3)

All you need is BUCS

Sport is set to be huge this year at Essex, with new developments in the Just Play programme (but we will save that for another time) and a real push for all teams competing in BUCS leagues and championships. We want to be in the top 25 institutions in the country in just 5 years’ time! And it’s possible with your participation.

Basketball (Men’s)

SPORTS

Football (Men’s) President: Joe Heap (jmheap) Teams: 5 Training: Mondays & Thursdays 6 pm (Astro/Grass Pitches) JustPlay: Fridays 12 pm (Astroturf) Division(s): BUCS, Essex & Suffolk Border League and Colchester & East Essex League

Football (Women’s) President: Emily Walker (ewalkea) Teams: 1 Training: Mondays 7:30 pm (Grass Pitches); Fridays 5 pm (Astroturf) JustPlay: Social League Division(s): BUCS Southern Tier 1A Hockey President: Jack Sexton (jsetoa) Teams: 4 – 2 Men’s & 2 Women’s Women’s Training: Tuesdays 6 pm (Astroturf) Men’s Training: Tuesdays 8 pm (Astroturf) Mixed/Fitness Training: Sundays 5 pm (Astroturf) JustPlay: Tuesdays 5 pm (Astroturf) Division(s): BUCS South Eastern Netball President: Jessica Dawson Teams: 4 – 2 BUCS & 2 Colchester Training: Tuesdays 6:30 pm; Thursdays 6 pm (Tennis Courts) JustPlay: Tuesdays 8 pm (Tennis Courts) Rugby Union (Men’s) President: Andrew Nettle (ajnetta) Teams: 2

Training: Mondays 7:30 pm; Fridays 7 pm (Grass Pitches) JustPlay: Mondays 5 pm (Grass Pitches) Division(s): BUCS South Eastern Rugby Union (Women’s) President: Laura Baney Teams: 1 Training: Mondays 6:30 pm; Fridays 7 pm (Rugby Pitches) JustPlay: Mondays 5 pm (Rugby Pitches) Division(s): BUCS South Eastern Tennis President: Laurence Shimell Teams: 6 – 3 Men’s; 2 Women’s & 1 Mixed Training: Mondays 5 pm; Fridays 3 pm (Tennis Courts) JustPlay: Mondays 7 pm; Thursdays 4 pm (Tennis Courts) Division(s): BUCS South Eastern Ultimate Frisbee President: Claire Lawn (clawn) Teams: 3- Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Training: TBC Division: BUCS