The University Paper Birmingham - December 2014 by The University Paper

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PAGE 9

Drink tests fail to win over students after breathalyser packs up

BREATH TRIAL ‘A BLOW-OUT’ WILL GILLINGHAM

A PUSH to tackle excessive drinking by breathalysing students before they can get into a popular club has been dismissed as ‘pointless’. The initiative by West Midlands police could put more students in danger as they could �ind themselves barred from entering and having to walk home at night on their own, it is claimed. And the �irst night of the breathalyser trial at Fab n Fresh turned into something of a farce when one of the test devices gave wildly inaccurate readings owing to a calibration error. The Guild of Students has started breathalysing Fab and Sports Night clubbers on their way into the Guild. The eight-week trial is an initiative headed by the West Midlands Police, intended to minimise the levels of violent alcohol-related crime in the area. While a similar scheme has proved successful on Broad Street and Bristol Road, University of Birmingham students were critical of the move to introduce it at Fab n Fresh. Third-year English student Katherine Grayson said: ‘We are all adults now and can accept the consequences of our actions. ‘It doesn’t really seem to be having any effect, so it’s just pointless and a waste of time.’ Third-year law student Sam Lomax said the breathalyser testing added an unnecessary element of risk. ‘It’s a stupid idea,’ he said. ‘If people

Keep blowing: A student takes the breath-test

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December 2014

Ebola party is just sick LAURA PEBERDAY PROMOTERS behind an ebolathemed Halloween party have been lambasted by students for their poor taste. Critics branded the event as a ‘joke too far’ and said it was trivialising the outbreak which has seen tens of thousands of people, mainly in Africa, die. However, promoters of the event – held at Risa in Broad Street – said the idea of Halloween was to ‘shock and scare’. On the day of the event, Risa posted the following statement on its Facebook page: ‘I Love Risa is back tonight with a massive Halloween party!! The venue has been designated an infection free zone. The World Health Organisation advises everyone to head to Risa for Decontamination and Quarantine!!’ K-ci Jones, head promoter for another popular student venue, the Indi Bar in The Arcadian, said: ‘It’s going too far, I would never promote something disgusting like that. People are dying and you do a

In good taste: A poster used to promote the ebola-themed Halloween party

Jo brings opera to the young BIRMINGHAM Conservatoire PhD student Joanna Lee has composed the score for the English National Opera’s first show for children. The Way Back Home is an adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ book of the same name, which follows the journey of a boy who crash-lands on the Moon and comes face-to-face with a stranded Martian. Joanna, from Suffolk, said: ‘This is a wonderful project to bring contemporary opera to a young audience.’

Now, where is the ‘on’ button? FED up with shrinking that new jumper? Frustrated at dyeing another t-shirt pink? Help is at hand. Birmingham City University has put together a How To... guide on washing clothes. It follows a recent survey in which 60 per cent of undergrads admitted not knowing detergent from conditioner. Two-thirds of new arrivals at uni said they had ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ done their own washing. The guide includes information on the basics of how to wash your clothes, such as separating colours, washing at the right

temperature, checking your pockets and turning the washing machine on. Sian Howarth, assistant director of student services, said: ‘From the survey findings, it looks like the dull but necessary tasks might not have been allocated equally in all households, but now is the time to learn!’ The How To... guide can be found on the student info section of BCU’s website, part of its ‘top tips for living in student accommodation’, which includes advice on house rules, labelling food and not having to pay council tax. Andy Stewart

Promoters defend ‘shock and scare’ break-out party? That’s disrespectful.’ He also took to Facebook to express his disgust, sharing Risa’s promotional poster on his Facebook wall with the comment: ‘I am not one to usually comment on other club’s nights but why the hell would you have an ‘‘Ebola breakout party’’? ‘You wouldn’t do a cancer death party, would you?’ Rob Howard, a student at Birmingham City University, also expressed his anger on Facebook, saying: ‘The occasional joke is all right, but this seems a bit silly. They wouldn’t hold a party under the name of a different terminal disease, so why this one?’ Tabby Earp, also from Birmingham City University, said Risa holding an ebola-themed party was another example of

how people in Britain were trivialising the outbreak. ‘First we have ‘‘Sexy Ebola’’ Halloween costumes and now parties based on the illness. It’s horrible, do people not realise how others suffer?’ she said. The Risa promoters defended their actions. In a statement, they said: ‘The ebola outbreak is shocking and potentially scary to people in the UK and, whilst people may be offended by our event being based around a current news story, we don’t believe it is any more offensive than people dressing like murderers, monsters or their victims.’ However, the day after the party, they announced all profits would be given to Doctors Without Borders, a charity currently working to help fight the spread of ebola.

December 2014

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Life in slow lane such a drag for Virgin students WILL GILLINGHAM FRUSTRATED students claim their course work is being hampered by pitifully slow internet connections. More than 350 students living in the Selly Oak area have complained about download speeds. Many have found that, when using wi-fi, broadband speeds as slow as 0.1mb/s are being recorded, in contrast to the promised 100mb/s. Students have claimed ‘it is impossible to stream videos or use Skype’, ‘it is having a huge impact on the work I need to do as part of my degree’ and ‘as students, we are being taken advantage of’. A petition has been created on an open Facebook group

called Students Unsatisfied With Virgin Media Service. It calls on Sir Richard Branson’s company to ‘uphold their end of the contract’ and expresses discontent among students who believe they are ‘paying precious student loan money for next to nothing’. It has so far been signed by more than 350 people. Virgin Media said any broadband issues were ‘likely to be down to wireless signals and interference’. The company added: ‘Electrical equipment near the modem, especially TVs, hi-fis, microwaves, cordless phones – anything electrical or has speakers, and even non electrical items, will take its toll on the signal.’ It insisted it was

delivering the service being paid for and that testing internet speeds via an ethernet cable should prove this. Even those living on the edge of Selly Oak say they are experiencing problems. Joshua Perryman, a third year chemistry student, said: ‘Living on Umberslade Road, I had hoped to avoid the rubbish internet. But it’s just as bad.’ To combat slow speeds, Virgin suggested ‘third party equipment like range extenders, power line adaptors and running ethernet cables to the more affected areas’ could help. Virgin says the issue should be rectified by February, while the petition is to be sent once it reaches 500 signatures.

FEW things say Christmas is coming more than seeing the Coca-Cola truck advert on TV. Now the real thing is making a stop in St Martin’s Square, outside the Bullring. The truck, complete with festive livery and a cola-swigging Santa on the side, will call in on December 11, between 1pm and 9pm. Laura Peberday

contactLIST Email us at birminghameditor@unipaper.co.uk EDITOR: GEORGIA TINDALE News editor (UOB): Ellicia Pendle News editor (BCU): Laura Peberday News editor (ASTON): Hannah Shepherd Comment editor: Keisha Fraser-Bruce

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inBRIEF

Club drink test ‘is pointless’ from p1 get turned away at the door, it encourages them to walk home alone, putting them in greater danger.’ The breathalysers are used by bouncers to test clubbers as they try to get inside. Too high a reading and you’re on your way. No one was turned away at Fab n Fresh on the first night. However, one of the breathalysers gave an inaccurate reading, claiming students who had consumed at least 12 units of alcohol were below the drink-drive limit. West Midlands police say the breathalysers shouldn’t be seen as the deciding factor in whether someone is turned away.

December 2014

‘Ghastly’ Apprentice piles on the pressure JACKIE MORGAN LORD Sugar’s search for an Apprentice has been attacked for heaping the pressure on already stressed-out students to succeed. The hit BBC reality TV series, which shows young business people striving to outdo each other in a number of tasks, has been described as ‘ghastly’ by one Birmingham City University academic. Prof Craig Jackson, head of psychology at BCU, said: ‘We know that young people have a host of significant and growing pressures in their lives – from doing well in education to getting a good job or looking great. ‘I’m sure ghastly uber-competitive shows such as The Apprentice do little to help.’ He was speaking as a survey of new undergrads showed 45 per cent had concerns about their own mental well-being.

Santa Run in aid of Acorns BRUCE Springsteen may not be around but Santa Claus is coming to town. The annual Santa Run, in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice, takes place at Brindley Place, Birmingham, on December 6. It costs £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and includes a Santa suit. You can choose from a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll. Visit www.acorns.org.uk/ santa Jessica Syposz

Who’ll be good enough to win? ASTON University is to be part of the prestigious Hult Prize for the first time. The business school is to host the regional quarter-finals on November 28. The Hult Prize is the world’s largest student competition for social good and this year is focusing on education in urban slums. It is backed by ex-US president Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative. Hannah Shepherd

Keeping stress at bay Connect: Spend time developing relationships

to volunteering, giving can aid your mental well-being

Be active: Make simple things like walking or cycling part of your life

Take notice: Call it ‘mindfulness’ if you like, but knowing how you feel right now can help you to cope

Keep learning: New skills, such as cooking or playing a musical instrument, can give you a boost

If you have any concerns over your mental health, make sure you talk to someone

Giving: From a kind word

Although ‘academic work’ was the main concern for students, ‘managing finances’ came second. ‘Most people have insight into when they are stressed,’ added Prof Jackson, ‘but roughly four out of ten won’t be aware of what is happening to them and why’. He added: ‘Stressed people eat, drink or smoke twice as

much as they usually do. They rush around more, get into more conflicts, and they are more likely to develop lowlevel mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.’ Prof Jackson urged students to seek help if they felt stressed. ‘We can help. We want to help. And we were all students once,’ he said.

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One-minute guide ‘is a powerful tool’ BUSINESS graduate Nelson Sivalingam has been nominated for a prestigious industry award. His restaurant booking platform, One Minute London, is in the running for micro business of the year at the Smarta 100 Awards. The Aston University management grad’s website provides you with information about menus, pricing and directions for each

eatery accompanied by a 60-second video showing the decor and the vibe. ‘This has the potential to become a really powerful, (dare we say indispensable?) tool for Londoners and restaurants alike,’ say the judges. One Minute London was founded two years ago and is up against nine others in the category. It is not yet available in Birmingham. Hannah Shepherd

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Protest father defaces family statue

inBRIEF

A DISGRUNTLED father ‘defaced’ a statue celebrating family values. Bobby Smith, who is embroiled in a paternal rights dispute with the mother of his children, tied pictures of his two daughters to the Real Birmingham Family statue. He placed a sheet over the figure of the ‘mother’ on artist Gillian Wearing’s work. ‘This statue brings the message across that young people today can think that they don’t need a proper father figure in the child’s life,’ he said. The 32-year-old HGV driver from Hereford has been using social media to press his case to see his daughters, who are ten and seven. The £100,000

£1m donation of e-books TWO Singapore business leaders have donated £1millionworth of e-books to the new University of Birmingham library. Prof Kok Khoo Phua and Doreen Liu studied in the city before setting up the World Scientific Publishing Company, Asia’s largest scientific publishing company.

Bursary award for graduate

Fighting on: Bobby Smith makes a stand on the bronze celebrating a ‘typical’ Birmingham family PICTURE: SOPHIE HACK bronze statue, outside the Library of Birmingham, was commissioned to represent a regular family in Birmingham. Sisters and

single parents Roma and Emma Jones were selected along with their children Shaye, Kyan and Isaac for their strong bond as a family

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and their commitment to the city. Wearing said: ‘A nuclear family is one reality but it is one of many... this statue

celebrates what constitutes as a family should not be fixed.’ The statue was unveiled by director of Ikon Gallery Jonathan Watkins.

AN Aston graduate has been awarded the best research project in mental health pharmacy for her dissertation. Medha Kothari was given the College of Mental Health Pharmacy bursary. Her web survey evaluated whether secondary care mental health groups comply with national guidelines.

Rats and rubble bedevil student rented housing HATTIE JORDAN STUDENTS are splashing out thousands of pounds on rented houses only to face a litany of horrors including finding rats under beds. One house undergoing ‘light decorating’ was left in such a state, students could not tell if the floor under all the debris was safe or not. Two second year psychology students told the UP: ‘We agreed a contract of £6,000 for summer rent along with three other housemates. This included ‘‘light’’ decorating. ‘When we arrived, this work was incomplete and it meant a total rebuild of the house.’ One added: ‘One bedroom was so badly covered by wreckage, we couldn’t tell if it had a secure floor. Several rooms had plaster missing

Light work: Debris covers a house floor from the walls and there were rats under the bed.’ For a UoB student moving into Selly Oak, the average weekly rent is £70 to £85. With most contracts starting on July 1, that’s at least £560 being spent on an empty house over the summer. Housing issues extend to

students at Birmingham City University. Residents in rented accommodation in Halesowen complained of poor maintenance, with one first year applied performance student describing a damp problem that ‘made my flatmates and I really sick’. Concerns have also been reported about overcrowding in Selly Oak. However, two planning applications have been made to Birmingham City Council. The first, by architecture company ADD proposes 329 bedrooms in studio and cluster flats on Elliott Road. The second project by MAS Architecture and Avaro plans to demolish 23 houses on Bristol Road and build a four-storey building able to house 100 people.

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December 2014

Facebook status: Killer Social media traits of murderders revealed HANNAH KAY THERE are six type of killers who use Facebook to stalk their prey or brag about their crimes online, Birmingham City University researchers have concluded. Criminologists focused on 48 killings over �ive years in which Facebook had been a factor. They identi�ied six personality traits among the killers: reactors, informers, antagonists, fantasists, predators and imposters. The most common type, concluded Elizabeth Yardley and David Wilson of the applied criminology department at BCU, were reactors. These are people who react to content posted online and then attack their victims of�line. An example of a reactor would be south Londoner Wayne Forrester who hacked his wife Emma to death with a meat cleaver after she changed her marital status

Be wary of mobile deals STUDENTS have been warned about being snared into mobile phone contracts that end up costing a fortune. Many ﬁnd themselves signing up to pay monthly deals and being caught out by the small print. One UoB student told TUP she was hit with a £10 charge for exceeding her text limit. She said: ‘They should make it easier for things in that contract to be changed.’ Clare Horrigan

Composer up for gong BIRMINGHAM Conservatoire graduate Samuel Bordoli has been shortlisted in the British Composer Awards. Samuel, from Bedford, is nominated in the Choral category for Live Music Sculpture 3 – a work commissioned by the City of London Festival. ‘I’m very excited to be shortlisted,’ he said. This year, more than 300 works were submitted by over 250 composers.

on Facebook to ‘single’. Antagonists escalate their hostile online exchanges into of�line violence. One antagonist studied was Daniel Ekemba, who murdered schoolboy Hassan Mahmood in Birmingham last year after their online Facebook arguments escalated into a �ight in a local park. Ekemba took a knife to the meeting and fatally stabbed Mahmood in the back. The study revealed that, apart from the younger age pro�ile of both victim and perpetrator, there were few differences between ‘Facebook murder’ and other cases of homicide and that the perpetrators’ use of social networking re�lected its increased use in society. ‘Facebook is no more to blame for these homicides than a knife is to blame for a stabbing – it’s the intentions of the people using these tools we need to focus upon,’ said Dr Yardley.

Charging towards £30,000 Powering ahead: The Petalite Flux Battery charges in just 15 minutes

THE clock is ticking for the future success of a revolutionary smartphone battery charger. The Petalite Flux Battery, developed by 2010 Aston University graduate Leigh Purnell, has been launched on crowdfunding website Indiegogo. He needs to raise £30,000 for his invention, which can charge a phone in 15 minutes, to be taken to the next stage. The venture was set up with the support of the Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network programme, with the mission of creating the world’s fastest charging external battery. Hannah Shepherd

Daily gamble on legal highs

MANY students are gambling with their health by taking legal highs on a daily basis, a survey for The University Paper has shown. Some six per cent of those questioned admitted to consuming the drugs daily, with a similar percentage saying they indulged at least once a week and a handful take them several times during a week. The survey also showed one in ten students had taken legal highs at least once in the past year. One Google search reveals the large number of legal

high shops in Birmingham. After a comment about one shop’s service online, a supplier writes: ‘Make an order and all your wildest dreams will come true.’ Legal highs include such drugs as meow meow, poppers and GBL. The Centre for Social Justice says legal highs were linked to 97 deaths in 2012 and hospital admissions rose by 56 per cent between 2009-12. It forecasts that deaths related to legal highs could be higher than heroin by 2016 - at about 400 deaths a year. Hattie Jordan

IN THE RUNNING: Aston graduates Sam Wilson and Ellie Bekalo with awards sponsor Shaun Knight after their virtual assistant website, Virtalent, was shortlisted for a £20,000 start-up prize

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December 2014

I can’t kick my stationery habit LUCY ROBINSON MY NAME is Lucy and I am addicted to stationery. I’m now in my third year at university and I’m realising that I have a strange obsession with stationary. I, like many journalism students, enjoy a good notebook, a sturdy folder, some vibrant highlighters, and some smooth pens to get me through a year of academic chaos. But every now and then, I have this undeniableurgetofillmygiant bedside trunk with more pens and stacks of paper to last any student at least two lifetimes. Looking in this trunk on a semi-regular basis makes me realise how nobody really needs 150 black biros or three unopened sharpies even if they

Highlights: You can never have enough Sharpies

PICTURE: CASS ART

were on offer or come in handy for Bar Crawl T-shirts. I think it stems from somewhere down the line, I realised that a student can never have too many pens or highlighters (except for when you realise you have more highlighters than textbooks) and this stemmed back to the beginning

of it all – primary school. We all remember the glory days of bringing a new set of felt-tip pens into a new year in September, thrusting you into the height of popularity. Getting a new pencil case that could fit a rainbow of colouring pencils, a pen for every day of the week, a ruler, rubber and sharpener, was the most important thing to get during shopping trips. Personally, I don’t think there is a cure for this stationery addiction that I have – it’s unnecessary but something we’ve all gone through once. Especially when you return home from Wilkinsons or W H Smith with a familiar looking notepad, to realise the reason it is so familiar is because you already have four.

If you spot an error, we are committed to putting it right. Contact us at corrections@unipaper.co.uk. If you do not wish to receive a copy, then email us with your address at nothanks@unipaper.co.uk. We print 200,000 copies in 16 university cities. The University Paper is published by The UniPaper Ltd, in association with Simian Publishing, 23-24 Margaret Street, London W1W 8RU. Printed by Newsquest, Oxford.

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talkingPOINTS BAD LADS: I am in my fourth year and I have seen and, unfortunately, been a part of, this lad culture that engulfs university life. I have witnessed the excessive drinking sports societies enforce on each other and the initiations which involve rituals such as drinking each other’s urine. I have seen my friends hold competitions to see how many women they can pull in one night, witnessing one of them grab girls as if they were items on a shelf Ross Darragh

ALWAYS THERE FOR ME: Despite ending ten years ago, Friends is something people can watch over and over again, reciting favourite lines and crying at the on-off romance of Ross and Rachel. How is it that a simple TV show can still bring such raw emotions out of you when everyone knows the ending anyway? This has to be the greatest skill a TV series has, to draw you into the characters’ lives and cause you to forget that you don’t know the group personally. You genuinely feel like they are your friends and you are theirs. It is simply known as one of the greatest shows of all time Daisy Vickers

AIM HIGH: A first – so unattainable that many students don’t even consider aiming for it. Instead, many have decided, a 2:1 will suffice. A 2.1 is a great achievement but that is no reason to stop yourself aiming higher. University comes with a hefty price tag. Why not make the most of your £9,000? One way of doing this is swapping the occasional back-to-back Friends marathon for an extra hour in the library. Boring... but necessary? Jessica Bott

POWER OFF, PLEASE: PowerPoint tends to trap lectures on a strict pathway. Lecturers will follow their dozens of slides, and rarely stray from them. They are stripped of their teaching freedom and resort to reading the information off the board, forgetting that their students can read perfectly. Should students just accept these lectures? Their investment of nine thousand pounds a year seems rather steep for just PowerPoint slides. Even going back to basics with a whiteboard and marker would give more learning satisfaction Claire Douthwaite

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CAMPUS?

IF SO THE UNIVERSITY PAPER WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. We are scouring the UK for student journalists, so whether you are looking for work experience or simply spending too much time in the SU, get in touch today. We are on the look out for opinion leaders and change makers who can write engaging copy. Your pieces will be printed in The University Paper which is read by thousands of students across the UK and you will get that all important byline - perfect if you are looking to build a portfolio. Not to mention that age old adage, it will look great on the CV.

LUNCHBOX STIGMA: You, as students, have total control over your dinner. You can eat whatever you want! You feel like jam and cornflake sandwiches? Sure! Have 20 of them! The lunchbox is your oyster. There is one problem, however, the social stigma. It is well known that making sandwiches at home, wrapping them and taking them to campus in a Tupperware container is cheaper than buying an overpriced meal deal at the local supermarket. It is healthier and gives you greater control over what goes into your body while you’re out of the house. Yet, there is still a certain sense of uncoolness about munching on homemade sandwiches! Benjamin Philpott

MO THANKS: Most guys in Movember look like they’ve acquired a new furry friend on their upper lip when they grow a moustache. If this is you, in all honesty, you probably shouldn’t grow one. If you do, it’s important to keep it under control; just because you can’t shave it, doesn’t mean you can’t trim it. You can take part without looking like you’ve been on a week-long drinking binge Kelly Smith

So if you would like to be an influential voice for the student community or just have a strong front page tell us what is going on - pitch your ideas to The University Paper, email: editor@unipaper.co.uk

You can read fuller versions of these pieces at www.unipaper.co.uk/comment. Then, let us know what you think; email us at comment@unipaper.co.uk

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December 2014

theINTERVIEW: Example

Cashing in? Never, I’m setting an Example

Thinking of the future: Fatherto-be Example

‘I

THINK every artist has the duty to use their talents and following to raise money for charities.’ Singer-songwriter Example is on a roll, once again taking aim at some of his moneygrabbing peers. ‘I was quite outspoken in an interview last year about artists who keep meet and greet money for themselves and how I didn’t think it was the right thing to do,’ he says. ‘I am always happy to sign memorabilia for a fan or have a photo taken when I am out and about touring the country. ‘Not everyone has to give their

Rapper Example tells DANIEL ROBBINS why he doesn’t feel bad charging some people to meet him, how acting could be the next step in his career and what makes Plymouth so special... money away from paid meet and greets and it is not for me to tell them what to do. I just think the whole idea of charging someone to meet you is ridiculous.’ Currently on tour celebrating his �ifth album, the 32-year-old – real name Elliot Gleave – is using his meet and greets to bene�it the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity where he has been an ambassador for many years. ‘I will always endeavour to meet fans outside the venue

INSIDE: What’s on listings P10-13

but if others want to pay for the ‘‘privilege’’ of meeting me then my perogative is to give that money to charity,’ he says. ‘It is half-an-hour out of my day and if I pass the money on, then it is going to a good cause, with this tour alone set to raise £40,000.’ He is in the middle of one of his biggest British tours - while his wife, Aussie model Erin McNaught, is on the other side of the world, pregnant with their �irst child. But the gigs are keeping

him focused. ‘Stoke was amazing to start the tour on the �irst night, Leeds followed up on that but Plymouth has probably been one of the best gigs for a long time,’ says the Londoner. ‘Some gigs take three or four songs to get going, or it might not even be until the last song of the set. In Plymouth, they were massively up for it from the start.’ With a baby on the way, a sixth album in the pipeline, a tour to �inish, you would expect Example to barely have time to breathe. Yet, he has already begun to think about what could lie beyond music. ‘Someone backed me into a

Ghetts grows up P14

corner last year and I mentioned I wouldn’t mind directing or even acting in a few movies,’ he reveals. ‘I studied �ilm at Royal Holloway when I was at university. ‘My �irst acting role came in a recent independent �ilm and could be something I go on to do. As for whether I do ten albums or whether it is just a couple more, I don’t know at the moment.’ So what of his immediate plans with the baby on the way? ‘I will head back Down Under for four months to spend time with the family before heading out on tour there in March,’ he says. ‘We can’t wait to start a family.’

Gorgon ready to roar P15

9 xx

December 2014

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what’sON clubbing November 24: VIBE, Bambu, tickets £8 before midnight November 25: SUPA FRESH, Gatecrasher, student tickets from £5 November 25: FRAT HOUSE, Bar Risa, tickets free entry before 11pm November 26: ZOO, Popworld, student tickets from £3 November 26: BIG WEDNESDAY, Snobs, £5 November 30: GLAM, Bar Risa, free before 11:30pm November 30: 360, Mooch Bar, student tickets £3 before 10:30pm November 30: REPLAY SUNDAYS, Luna, student tickets £3 before midnight December 1: MONDAY CLUB, The O Bar, FREE December 1: VIBE, Bambu, tickets £8 before midnight December 1: RENDEZVOUS, Electric, student tickets £4 December 2: AMNESIA TUESDAYS, Individual, student tickets £2 before 11:30 December 2: 90S NIGHT, Nightingale Club, student tickets £4 December 6: HOUSE PARTY, Arca Bar, student tickets £3

Atmosphere is Electric in reborn venue ALAS, two years ago Oceana closed its doors on us for good and the students of Birmingham bid farewell to one of the biggest nightlife attractions the city had to offer. But, fear not fellow ravers, although we begrudgingly moved on to Broad Street’s eclectic range of bars and clubs, we’ve been given the opportunity to experience it all over again. In September, we witnessed the opening of Birmingham’s newest superclub: Electric. The once-loved Oceana has been refurbished and transformed with a new brand to cater to all of our hedonistic needs. With the capacity of more than 1,600, Electric December 6: GUESS WHO? RAVE, Q Club, tickets from £20 December 6: Cream: The 8th Year Anniversary, Rainbow (& Warehouse), students £20 December 7: GLAM, Bar Risa, FREE before 11:30pm

Shockingly good: Electric! is the new name for the revamped Oceana

has left us in awe with its futuristic design and chic décor. Last month, it held the after party for the concert of American rapper Tyga, establishing the venue as an A-list attraction with a celebrity that actually stayed for more than ten minutes! December 8: HANKY PANKY, Bar Risa, student tickets £5 December 8: GATECRASHER MONDAYS, Gatercrasher, student tickets from £3 December 8: VIBE, Bambu, £8

customers to have a dance with their cheeky cigarette, keeping up the vibrant atmosphere! Popular student nights such as I Love Tom’s Mum are being re-homed here from Risa every Wednesday; with free entry to anyone called Tom and free drinks if they bring their mum! Monday night is time for Rendezvous, with drinks starting at £1.25 and only £4 entry, making it oh-so-much easier to enjoy your night! The event was the Electric truly lives up to epitome of the perfect the name with its powerstudent night out, with driven music sets in their cheerfully cheap drinks rooms; The Vaults and and enthusiastic bar staff. The smoking area has a fun The Safehouse, giving a variety of music choice and unusual addition with fitted speakers pumping in from dubstep to house music from the main room. to r’n’b and hip-hop. Shannen Rehman This encourages

December 9: ALT TUESDAYS, The O Bar, FREE before 11pm December 9: 90S NIGHT, Nightingale Club, tickets £4 before 11pm December 10: I LOVE RISA, Bar Risa, students from £3

December 13: BHANGRA, Aura, tickets £5 December 15: MONDAY MADNESS, The Hub, £5 December 15: ULTRA!, Gatecrasher, tickets £3 December 16: FRAT HOUSE, Bar Risa, FREE before 11pm December 17: ZOO, Popworld, tickets from £3 December 17: HOOCH @ MOOCH, Mooch Bar, £3+ December 18: DETROIT SOUL, The Jam House, £5-£8 December 18: OH HELLO, Bar Risa, £3 December 18: MINTED, Mechu, tickets £5+ December 19: XXL, The Core Club, tickets £5 December 19: SOVIET, Players Bar, tickets £3 after 11pm December 19: VIP FRIDAYS, Mono Bar, FREE before 11pm December 20: FACE X HABIT CHRISTMAS PARTY, Rainbow (Warehouse), £10+

December 12: SWISH, Arca Bar, FREE before 10pm

December 22: MONDAY CLUB, The O Bar, FREE before 11pm

December 12: LUCHA LIBRE, Bodega Bar, FREE

December 22: RENDEVOUS, Electric, tickets £4

December 12: CONCEPT, Bambu, tickets TBC

December 24: BOOM, The O Bar, ticket FREE before 11pm

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December 2014

what’sON music November 24: THE PRETTY RECKLESS AND HEAVEN’S BASEMENT, The Institute, tickets £17.50 November 26: LILY ALLEN, O2 Academy, tickets £36.56 November 27: DREADZONE, The Institute, tickets £15 November 27: REGGAE REGGAE THURSDAY, The Brown Lion, FREE November 27: ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, NIA, from £39+ November 28: TONIGHT ALIVE, The Institute, tickets £13.75 November 29: FREE RADIO LIVE 2014, LG Arena, tickets £36.45+ November 29: IF, Bushwackers, tickets £10 December 1: SLASH, LG Arena, tickets £50+ December 2: JANET DEVLIN, Hare and Hounds, tickets £11 December 2: MICHAEL BUBLE, Barclaycard Arena (NIA), tickets from £56.45 December 3: URBAN INTRO, The Jam House, tickets £5 before 10pm December 3: A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS, The Red Lion (Kings Heath), tickets £12 December 3: BASEMENT JAXX, The Institute, tickets from £28.25 December 3: ELECTRIC SIX, O2 Academy, tickets from £13.50 December 4: BOYZ II MEN, O2 Academy, tickets from £33.75 December 4: POP 2 THE PUNK, The RoadHouse Birmingham, tickets £5

Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Birmingham. If you have an event which you would like included please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk

Michael checks in for relaunch Michael Bublé will be headlining at the official launch of the Barclaycard Arena, which will be the new name for the National Indoor Arena, this December. The new partnership between the NEC Group and Barclaycard is behind the name change. This comes alongside the arena’s £26million redevelopment. The venue now boasts increased capacity and more comfortable seating. The exterior has seen a revamp, too, with a new glass facade, as well as the 46m Sky Needles. The canalside venue is best known for hosting competitions such as the European Indoor

December 5: FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CAROLS, Aston Hall, tickets £7.50 December 5: CHIC, The Slug and Lettuce, free entry December 7: THE WHO, NIA, tickets from £70 December 10: BY THE RIVERS, The Institute, tickets from £8.25 December 11: U.K SUBS, The Institute, tickets from £11.25 December 11: ALFIE BOE, LG Arena, tickets from £65

Taking the Michael: How the arena will look and, inset, Michael Bublē

Athletics but also pulls in the crowds for shows as diverse as Walking With Dinosaurs, Dancing On Ice and Cirque du Soleil. The relaunch will see the Canadian singer perform tracks from his latest album To Be Loved on December 2 and 3. The December 13: THE BEAT, The Institute, tickets from £19.50 December 14: CHRIS REA, NIA, tickets from £39.90 December 16: ARCH ENEMY & KREATOR, The Institute, tickets £25.75 December 18: WILEY, The Institute, tickets from £14.85 December 20: MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE, Corus Hotel, tickets from £23.95

Fielding finally finds the funny bone An Evening With Noel Fielding: Wolverhampton Civic

On form: Noel Fielding

HE is best known for his creation, Vince Noir, in The Mighty Boosh. But anyone hoping for more of the same from Noel Fielding had to bide their time. The first half was ordinary with Fielding running through some audience participation before a typical anecdote about a dream where he took the mind of a teabag and a story about his wife having an affair with an isosceles triangle. The second

comedy November 27: LEE MACK, LG Arena, £31.50+ November 30: COMEDY NIGHT: DANNY BUCKLER, Hare and Hounds, tickets £5

half was more what was expected, with a large part of the show being animated and a lot of dressing up as characters from his shows. This was a neat performance by Fielding, tying all of his own creations into an hour-long extravaganza of eccentricity that gave a unique peek into his wacky mind. Truly funny and very much a must-see for Fielding and Mighty Boosh fans Matt Bullin

December 7: DAN WHITEHOUSE, Harriet Harkcom, Glee Club, tickets £14 December 9: JQ COMEDY NIGHT, Rose Villa Tavern, tickets £5 December 21: RUSSELL HOWARD, LG Arena, tickets £31.50

chance to see Bublé in for both nights within Birmingham doesn’t half-an-hour. Phil Mead, come cheap, however, managing director of with tickets starting at arenas at the NEC Group, an eye-watering £56.45. said ‘It is fantastic that our It’s clear that the singerlaunch night has proved songwriter remains so popular and we can’t extremely popular, as wait to see the completed committed fans snapped arena in operation and 306_129.5x162.5_StudentOffer_312768.ai 1 29/10/2014 up all 24,000 tickets full to the rafters.

‘The ability to attract a global superstar such as Michael Bublé to bring his arena show to Birmingham and mark the occasion ensured that tickets were extremely popular and we are certainly in for an exciting, special evening.’ 10:24 Sabrina Dougall

December 2014

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what’sON theatre

Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Birmingham. If you have an event which you would like included please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk

Rebel who fought to lift veil on war

November 25: HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, The Old Rep Theatre, tickets £14+ November 26: THE BFG, Birmingham Rep, £13+ November 28: THE NUTCRACKER, Birmingham Hippodrome, tickets £18+ November 29: DANCING QUEEN CHRISTMAS PARTY, Palace Theatre, tickets £19.25+ December 6: THE BFG, Birmingham Rep, student tickets £13+ December 7: THE WITCHES, Crescent Theatre, student tickets £12 December 8: CINDERELLA, Palace Theatre, £16+ December 10: JERSEY BOYS, New Alexandra Theatre, tickets from £17.90 December 12: DRAMA & STREET THEATRE WORKSHOP, The Dance Workshop, tickets tbc December 13: THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, The Blue Orange Theatre, tickets £10 December 14: CINDERELLA, Solihull Arts Centre, tickets £30+ December 17: ALADDIN, Artrix, tickets £7 December 18: TWELFTH NIGHT, Crescent Theatre, tickets £8 December 19: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Birmingham Hippodrome, tickets £25+ December 20: THE BFG, Birmingham Rep, £13+ December 21: PETER PAN, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, £13+ December 21: A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS, Town Hall, tickets £10.50+ December 23: HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, The Old Rep Theatre, tickets £14+

Haunting: Nevinson’s A Star Shell from about 1916 PICTURE: TATE, LONDON

THE powerful art and contradictory personality of British war artist Richard Nevinson are explored in the highlight of this season’s exhibition programme at the Barber Institute Of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham. Nevinson is predominantly known for his haunting images of World War One – its battlefields, hospitals and soldiers. However, the often unpalatable effects war had on society at home were also a major theme for this fascinating painter and printmaker, whose wideranging, critical gaze also alighted on the war effort in British industry and on the effect war had on the role of men – and women – including those whom he regarded as profiting from the war effort. Even after peace was declared in 1918, war remained a preoccupation

for Nevinson. Disturbing depictions of conflict recurred in his work throughout the 1920s and 1930s and indeed right up to his death shortly after the end of World War II. This major exhibition – which marks the centenary of the World War I – is the first to focus in depth upon the longevity of the theme of war in Nevinson’s works. Always a rebel and never satisfied with conformity, Nevinson produced work that ranged from official war propaganda to anti-war condemnation; some of which was not only censored in its time, but also still remains unsettling today. The exhibition runs until January 25, except for December 24-26 and January 1, in the Lady Barber Gallery, admission is free. Georgia Tindale

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December 2014

what’sON other November 25: BIRMINGHAM’S CHRISTMAS MARKET OPENS, Victoria Square, FREE November 27: THE TRIP TO BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST, Irish Centre Birmingham, tickets £5+ November 28: DIVERSITY, NIA, tickets from £28+ November 29: THE 2014 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO, NIA, tickets £17+ December 2: BOURNVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS SWITCH, Bournville Village Green, free entry December 4: POETRY JAM, Urban Coffee Company, free entry December 4: SUBSIDE MOVIE NIGHT, Subside Bar, free entry December 5: ROLLER DISCO, The Tower Ballroom, free entry before 10pm December 6: CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET, Mac, FREE December 6: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, FREE December 7: Aspen Rocks, NEC, ticket £34+ December 8: A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL, Highbury Hall, £20

Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Birmingham. If you have an event which you would like included please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk

The best of the wurst and very much more

Shoppers’ paradise: The German market has 180 stalls December 9: OPEN MIC CLUB, Bohemian , FREE December 10: ACOUSTIC WEDNESDAYS, Suki 10c, £2 December 10: ROCKET, The Jam House, tickets December 11: THURSDAY BLUES NIGHT, The Spotted

WITH more than 180 stalls ranging from gifts and jewellery to German classics such as bratwurst, brezel and glühwein, the German Market guarantees to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! The outdoor market, sprawling across Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, runs until December 22. Open from 10am to 9pm every day, it promises to have something for everyone. It brings together traders from all over the country selling beautiful hand-made items that you

Dog, student tickets TBC December 13: BIRMINGHAM’S CHRISTMAS MARKET, Victoria Square, FREE December 13: THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS, The Old Joint Stock, tickets £12 December 14: Christmas with

the Salvation Army, Symphony Hall, tickets £8+ December 14: SOUL AND MOTOWN NIGHT, Bull Ring Tavern, FREE December 15: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TOWN HALL GOSPEL CHOIR, Town Hall, FREE

can snap up as an extra Christmas present or as a unique decoration to add a yuletide touch to your home. If wandering around stalls isn’t your thing, there is loads more to do. Accompanying the fair every year is an ice rink, which can be found in front of the Library of Birmingham. You can even take a horse ride on a carousel right in the heart of the market. If you prefer to just relax and watch everyone else do the shopping, find one of the wooden shacks selling the famous German beer and soak up the Christmassy atmosphere. Sarah Tattersall

December 15: SELFIES, Birmingham Rep, FREE December 16: Christmas Dinner & Carol Service, Highbury Hall, tickets £21+ December 16: THE BBC BIG BAND PRESENTS: A SWINGING CHRISTMAS, Town Hall, tickets £17.50+

December 16: RED LEMONS, The Jam House, tickets £5+ December 17: MIDWEEK MELTDOWN, Subside Bar, FREE December 17: GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS, The Old Joint Stock, tickets £10 December 20: CHRISTMAS CLASSICS, Symphony Hall, tickets £12.50+ December 21: OFFICIAL SUBWAY CITY REUNION, The Tunnel Club, tickets £5 December 22: GOSPEL CENTRAL, The Jam, FREE December 22: JAM JAH REGGAE SESSION, Bull’s Head, FREE December 23: NOTHING BUT THE BLUES, Asylum, FREE December 23: DIRTY OLD FOLKERS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA AND PANTO, Kitchen Garden Café, tickets £12.50+ December 23: JAZZ TUESDAYS, The Spotted Dog, FREE December 23: HANG LOOSE, The Oobleck at Alfie Birds, FREE December 24: GLORY OF CHRISTMAS, Symphony Hall, tickets £12.50+ December 24: MIDWEEK MELTDOWN, Subside Bar, FREE

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December 2014

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theBEAT

The bad boy who grew up G

HETTO has grown up, lost the ‘o’ and left London. The grime star, now going by the stage name Ghetts, may have settled in Surrey and into the pre-school run but is not showing any signs of slowing down. Last month, he was nominated for three Mobos including best male act. He made his breakthrough appearance at the awards at the age of 21, when Grime MC Kano invited him on stage to perform in 2005. Now invited back to perform material from his

debut album, Rebel With A Cause, he said: ‘The Mobos were a milestone in my career. To be given a chance to perform on prime time? That was good. I watched that �irst performance the day before going on and I was laughing because I could see I am very different. It is funny to see how far not giving up has got me.’ Ghetts has been on the scene and working hard for ten years. ‘I am always doing work,’ he said. ‘Every time I am in the studio it feels like I couldn’t live without it, I wouldn’t be

able to give up. I am just meant to be doing this no matter how long it takes me or how hard it is.’ His journey started in East London, Plaistow, with a �ist �ight that resulted in him being stabbed. ‘The stabbing shaped my life,’ he said. ‘I was mischievous but I was a good kid before that. I was 12 going on 13, �irst year of secondary school, I wasn’t aware of gun culture or knife culture. I was a scrapper like any young boy, but when I got stabbed, I changed. I never wanted to

Settling down: Ghetts’ next single, Fire Burning, featuring KOF, is out on November 30 on Disrupt

be a victim again, I wouldn’t open up to anyone and I was always on edge.’ That attitude saw Ghetts spend time in youth offenders’ institutions between the ages of 16 and 19 but being inside was

where he found his voice. Thanks to a music course he began to rap. The rapper, who turned 30 last month, has returned with a bang after taking some time out to look after his two-year-old daughter.

He said: ‘I am going to start work on a new album soon. 2014 has been my best year in music and I want to keep the consistency going and keep putting out music as regularly and learn more.’ Laura Raphael

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theBEAT

December 2014 Love your music? So do we! Tune in here for all the latest interviews, previews and reviews

They’re ready for the big time

Deep house duo Gorgon City talk student DJs, chart success and a new album with MORGAN HINTON

ORMED just two years ago and cutting their teeth on the University of Bristol student DJ circuit, North London duo Gorgon City have been the crossover success of 2014. Signed to independent London-based Black Butter Records – the same label which gave us Clean Bandit, Bipolar Sunshine and Kidnap Kid – Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott have enjoyed a meteoric rise, providing support for the likes of Chase and Status and labelmates Rudimental, as well as remixes for Basement Jaxx. But the boys have tasted success in their own right, with their smash hit Ready For Your Love, released back in January of this

with it �inally out there it feels like people are feeling it. The new record features loads of collaborations; who were you most excited about working with? Maverick Sabre was a big one for us. We’re both massive fans of his. Everyone on there from Yasmin to the American artists like Tish Hyman and Erik Hassle have been amazing. What experiences as a fan listening to music in�luenced the way you approach your live sets? Growing up in and around London, going to drum and bass and garage raves de�initely in�luenced our music and the beats we make. Being young DJs in the UK interested in

year, peaking at No.4 in the singles chart. Following the release of their debut album, Sirens, we caught up with Robson-Scott, to take a look back at this year – and to see what’s next. With so much energy surrounding you right now, how will Sirens maintain the group’s momentum? It feels like people are connecting with it quite well. It’s been a long time coming for us. We started writing this album about a year-and-a-half ago, it’s been a long process and

underground dance music has massively in�luenced how we DJ, how we play live and how we produce our music. How does your approach to producing change from your approach to mixing? Which do you enjoy the most? We really enjoy both as we’ve both been doing it for quite a while now. Although we love DJing in clubs there’s nothing better than getting in the studio, producing a cool tune then playing it out on the weekend to 2,000 people. I couldn’t really choose

‘

There’s nothing better than getting in the studio, producing a cool tune then playing it out on the weekend to 2,000 people

Breakthrough act: Gorgon City enjoyed chart success this year with their song Ready For Your Love either-or, they both kind of go hand in hand. How does your creative relationship with Kye affect the music? We both grew up listening to drum and bass, jungle and garage. That’s the thing we really have in common, a love for that UK underground sound. We’re both really into the energy you get from that type of music. When it comes the house tunes we play out now, I think we’ve both just got a common love for that kind of music. When writing Ready For Your Love did you have a feeling that it would gain the success it did or did it come as a surprise? Once it was �inished, it de�initely felt like something special. We were quite excited about getting it out there. Although we didn’t think it would get as big as it did and get as much love on radio or the charts, it really was a great surprise. You’re just wrapping up your UK tour but will you do anything differently to prepare for your US dates? We did a mini tour this summer. It’s cool; the audiences are really up for it and they’re really into the UK sounds at the moment. It’s such a good time for British music in the States right now, we can’t wait to get back out there.

December 2014

hiTECH

www.unipaper.co.uk The latest in everything gadgets and gaming

8 times as much fun Super Smash Bros Nintendo Wii U

IF there’s one thing Nintendo does well, it’s multiplayer fun. In this battle beatem-up you can play as a host of Nintendo’s most famous gaming heroes and villains, including Mario, Link and Donkey Kong, as well as a few icons from outside the universe such as Sonic The Hedgehog and PacMan. Eight players can now do battle at the same time and, as with previous instalments, beginners can button bash their way to victory, while more committed gamers can learn to devastate their rivals with combos. This will be a great party game or one for nights in with housemates. PH

Evolved to kill: The creature from Alien: Isolation is that rare specimen, one which captures the true terror of the original Ridley Scott movie

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Perfectly captured organism Alien: Isolation (Xbox One, PlayStation 4) Rating: 5/5

VERY once in a while a game comes along that either changes the gaming landscape or rede�ines a genre. Alien: Isolation is one of those games; survival horror titles were getting a bit predictable but not this. Set in the world of the Xenomorph monster between Ridley Scott’s 1979 �ilm and James Cameron’s 1986 all-action sequel Aliens, you play Amanda Ripley on a mission to �ind out what happened to your mother, Ellen, 15 years after the events of the Alien �ilm. It’s a rare delight when a game can totally immerse you in its world. Alien: Isolation does that. The

attention to the details from the cult sci-�i classic are staggering. There have been lots of Alien games but this is the �irst title that truly captures the essence of the ‘perfect organism’ that is the alien and the terror conveyed in the �irst �ilm. You can’t �ight it, all you can do is hide and if it spots you, then your only option is to run. It will kill you. There are genuine frights, at times unbearable tension and shocks all woven within a movie-quality plot. It’s a de�inite contender for game of the year. Be warned, if you buy it your social life and coursework will suffer. Phil Hamilton

Party: Mario in action

Ideal for a night out Polaroid Cube £89 Rating 4/5

NIGHTS out, clubs, sport, there’s so much to do... and you want to capture these moments. This fun action video camera is perfect for that. Other action cams are over-complicated but Polaroid’s take on it is fun, quirky, a little bit retro. And it’s so simple to use, one button takes HD photos and video. It also claims to be ‘weatherproof’ but I wouldn’t want to spill a pint on it. It has decent battery life and 35GB of storage. At only 35mm high, it’s small enough to go in your pocket, perfect for those nights out, although you may not want to watch the footage the next day! PH

Simple: Polaroid Cube

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December 2014

onSCREEN

Love a good night at the movies? Or perhaps you need a quiet night in front of the TV? Read on to find out what’s on...

Bilbo back for last battle The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies - out December 12

out soon

ILBO Baggins and his company of dwarves return to Middle Earth for the final instalment of The Hobbit trilogy next month. The dwarves might have reclaimed the treasure of Erebor but now they must face Smaug and the Dark Lord. Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson has revealed that the movie, based on the 1937 novel by J R R Tolkien, will culminate in a 45-minute battle scene. And if the spectacular CGI send off wasn’t enough to keep Tolkienists on the edge of their seats, Lord Of The Rings star Billy Boyd will also make a guest appearance for the closing song, The Last Goodbye. The world premiere for the film, starring Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom, will be held in Leicester Square on December 1. Laura Raphael Small role: Martin Freeman returns as Bilbo Baggins for the final instalment of the Hobbit trilogy, out later this month

Are you hungry for more Games time?

tvPICK

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 – out November 20

ONE of the most anticipated films of the year, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, is finally out this month. Katniss Everdeen once again takes up the fight to save the oppressed peoples of Panem. Everdeen - fresh from shattering the Games at the end of the second film, Catching Fire - finds herself in the long-forgotten District 13 as the figurehead of the rebellion, her mockingjay emblem its symbol. Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must

also find a way to rescue her captive love, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Lawrence’s portrayal of everyone’s favourite bowwielding heroine from caring sister to national hero is one of the film’s main strengths. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman also stars in his last full-length film. With returning director Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 will surely live up to the hype. Aaron Lembo

Fighting girl: Jennifer Lawrence in the third Hunger Games film

Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco Polo

Marco Polo – out December 12 ONLINE streaming giant Netflix has blown a reported £55million on producing its next original series, Marco Polo. The hotly tipped tenepisode drama, which premieres next month, follows famed explorer Polo through his adventures in 13th century China. Co-produced by Game Of Thrones director Daniel Minahan and starring Italian newcomer Lorenzo Richelmy, the series promises sex, drugs and medieval gore.

November 25: HOCKNEY: Live from LA November 28: I Am Ali November 28: Rurouni Kenshin 2 November 28: Horrible Bosses 2 November 28: Men, Women And Children November 28: Monsters: Dark Continent December 5: Black Sea December 5: The Pyramid December 12: Merchants Of Doubt December 19: Dumb And Dumber To

December 2014

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inSTYLE

Check, mate: T-shirt, £18, Next

Flight of fancy: Bird print shirt, £38, Debenhams

Oh, deer: Festive knit, £20, Burton

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Bold brights: Playsuit, £27.99 New Look

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We use the highest quality fabrics to create soft dresses and separates; with the use of delicate velvets, vegan leathers, silks and georgette overlays. Attention to detail is what makes this brand so charming. This is carried throughout all designs, giving a feeling of femininity with an urban edge keeping Little White Lies in touch with premium fashion trends. The brand is stocked across the UK, Europe and the USA making a name for itself as Drapers Young Fashion Brand finalist. To celebrate the growing success, Little White Lies would like to offer University readers 25% off their next shop online at www.littlewhitelies.com

Go to www.littlewhitelieslondon.com and enter code LWLU25 to claim your discount Can be used on full price items only, cannot be used in conjunction with other coupons.

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inSTYLE

December 2014 From fashionable festive knits to a little bit of winter sparkle, these are the picks perfect for any stylish student’s Christmas wish list. Chosen by SASKIA QUIRKE

Heavy metal: Chain, £14, Topman

Gothic glam: Dress, £68, Topshop

Dancing shoes: Silver heels, £39, Miss Selfridge One-piece wonder Onesie, £28.50, Debenhams

Buckle up: Boots, £89.99, Zara

Petal power: Clutch bag, £35, Accessorize

yourNIGHT

Enjoyed a big night in Birmingham? We have all the pictures from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself. Thanks to Bump and Grind, Cellar Door, Ladybird

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December 2014

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mealBREAK Just don’t tell your dentist! Three simple

A French way with chicken

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Coq au vin

Ingredients: One tbsp butter; two tbsp olive oil; four chicken pieces; four pieces of smoked bacon, cut into strips; two onions; two carrots, diced; four mushrooms halved; two cups red wine; tbsp tomato paste; cup of chicken stock made using two chicken stock cubes; two tbsp plain flour; salt and pepper Method: 1. In a Ziploc bag put flour, thyme, salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and leave for five to ten minutes 2. Brown the chicken pieces in olive oil for three minutes on each side 3. Take the chicken pieces out and put them into a plate. Cut four pieces of bacon into squares and fry 4. While the bacon is frying

Banana bread

French fancy: Red wine and bacon make a classic combo chop up onions and carrots 5. Add the chopped onions and carrots to the bacon 6. Once the onions, carrots and bacon are fried add in a cup of red wine 7. Once the wine has been added add in a tbsp of tomato paste 8. Add the remaining red wine and create your chicken stock (made by adding boiling water to two stock cubes)

10. Once you have added the chicken stock put the chicken pieces into the pot and leave for ten minutes 11. Put the dish in the oven for one hour on 350C 12. Fry the chopped mushrooms and add to the top of the cooked dish. 13. Mix two tsp flour and butter together and add to the coq au vin 14. Add some salt, pepper and serve Aramide Pearce

N absolute classic, banana bread is a tasty snack or dessert that’ll appease your sugar cravings while delivering a dose of fruity goodness.

Ingredients: 100g softened butter or margarine; 150g sugar, two eggs, 225g self-raising flower, two tablespoons milk, two large or three small ripe bananas Method: 1. Set your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line your loaf tin with butter and greaseproof paper or

Who can resist a sweet treat? Reach for the mixing bowl and try these great recipes from CAMILLE BROUARD your cupcake tray with cupcake cases 2. Mix together the sugar and melted butter or margarine until the mixture resembles a paste. Mix in the eggs and milk and then fold in the flour in a figure-ofeight motion. If the mixture is too dry add more milk 3. Mash the bananas in a small bowl and mix them in. Add in any extras you fancy, like raisins or chocolate chips 4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level it

out on top. Cook for one hour or until the cake is golden with a springy texture 5. Leave the cake to cool for a few minutes before loosening with a palette knife and turning on to a wire rack or plate Tip: Other ripening fruits such as three or four plums, two peaches and 15 to 20 raspberries or blueberries, can also result in a delicious loaf cake. With these options you can up the sugar a bit, as these fruits aren’t as sweet

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December 2014

mealBREAK recipes which are guaranteed to keep those sugar cravings at bay

We’ve all got to eat. So whether you fancy preparing something at home or popping out for dinner, we have the recipe for a great meal

in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water 3. Mix the chocolate into the cereal, then scoop the mixture into cupcake cases 4. Put in the fridge so the cakes can set Tip: if you’re not so into chocolate you can mix things up with marshmallow (melted in the microwave) or honey with a sprinkle of sugar Chocolate and buttercream butterfly cakes

Giving you wings: Nothing can beat chocolate cake with buttercream Chocolate-covered cereal cakes

OU may not have made these since you were ten, but cereal cakes still taste as good as ever and are so simple to make. Ingredients to make 12:

100g cereal, 150g chocolate for melting, chocolates/ sweets/dried fruit for decoration Method: 1. Grab your go-to cereal box (Rice crispies? Cornflakes? Go experimental

PICTURE: WEMMY OGUNYANKIN

with Shredded Wheat?!) and pour into a bowl. If you don’t have weighing scales you can get the right amount by pouring cereal into a cupcake case 12 times. 2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave (on medium-high, two minutes at a time) or

HE richness of chocolate and sugary sweetness of buttercream is a match made in heaven. Don’t deny your taste buds these delicious cakes! Ingredients to make 24: 175g softened butter or margarine, 165g sugar, 125g self-raising flour, three eggs, two tablespoons boiling water, 50g cocoa powder. For buttercream: 175g icing sugar, 75g softened butter or margarine Method: 1. Set your oven to

200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Line your trays with cupcake cases and put to one side 2. Sieve the cocoa powder into the bowl and add the boiling water, mixing into a paste 3. Add in the remaining ingredients and beat together with a wooden spoon 4. Divide the mixture evenly into the cupcake cases and bake in the oven for ten minutes or until risen and springy to the touch. Cool in the cases for a few minutes 5. Take a sharp knife and cut out a circle in the top of each cake, about 1cm away from the edge. Cut each circle in half and put to one side 6. To make the buttercream, beat the butter in a bowl until soft then slowly add in the icing sugar until mixed 7. Place the buttercream into the spaces on top of the cakes, and then place the cake semicircles on top so they resemble wings Tip: For a special occasion, buy decorations, such as chocolate buttons, to fill the spaces between the ‘wings’

Extreme cures for a hangover

IF your standard fry-up is not doing the trick, then you need a hangover cure that is so peculiar that it may just do the trick. Try these... at your own risk! Ice lollies: Yes, this may seem like the last thing you’d be craving with a hangover. But they’re tasty, cheap, refreshing and provide hydration Irn-Bru sausage: It’s exactly what it says it is: a sausage cooked in Irn-Bru. It could work wonders … or taste so revolting you forget you ever had a hangover Raw eggs: Eggs have a better nutritional value when left uncooked and it is suggested they give the body the vital nourishment it needs after a heavy night. It’s popular in the US but a kill or cure remedy Monique Bailey

December 2014

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an you match the quote to the well-known person?

A: ‘You know, it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass’

B: ‘I’m pretty feminine. I think so... what does that mean, you’re a lesbian or something?’

C: ‘The word “genius” isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein’

D: ‘I think gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman’

E: ‘I never said I hated anyone but just because I feel sympathy, compassion and forgiveness for others, such as Hitler, means I am now a monster?’

Take a break and put your grey cells to work with our selection of puzzles

Who said what? 1 Farrah Abraham 2 Dan Quayle 3 Terry Bradshaw 4 Tila Tequilla 5 George Bush 6 Arnold Schwarzenegger 7 Donald Trump 8 Katy Perry 9 Axl Rose 10 Joe Theismann F: ‘It’s really hard to maintain a one-onone relationship if the other person is not going to allow me to be with other people.’

7 2

4 3

I: ‘I’m so obsessed with you I want to skin you and wear you like Versace’

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£2000 WORTH OF APPLE PRODUCTS

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4 6 8

1 7

6 7

4 3

Can you unscramble these singers’ names…

13” Macbook Pro | iPad Retina | iPhone 5S | iPod Touch

J: ‘I may be dumb but I’m not stupid’

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7 PAGE FOR A

9 3

5 8

H: ‘For Nasa, space is still a high priority’

G: ‘Put the “off” button on’

ANSWERS

8 2

in a

muddle

1. LEAZ YIGAGA 2. AN SHEERED 7. HAS MISTS 3. LIPARSAM HERLLWIL 8. LACRIS HARVIN 4. BANED CLANIT ANSWERS 4. FESGERPRO SOREN 6. SWITOR TAYFL

1. Iggy Azalea 2. Ed Sheeran 3. Pharrell Williams 4. Clean Bandit 5. Professor Green 6. Taylor Swift 7. Sam Smith 8. Calvin Harris

brainTEASE

A7 B2 C10 D6 E4 F9 G5 H2 I8 J3

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December 2014

competitionCORNER

Your chance to win fantastic tickets, trips and treats

A night to remember WIN a

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Get your hands on an iPad

New Year party for you and a friend

E’VE got your new year party all sewn up with a VIP expenses paid trip to Egg London. We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win two VIP tickets to Egg London on New Year’s Eve. The 18-hour event – yes 18, – boasts all the biggest names in house with DJ sets from Patrick Topping, Leftwing and Kody. Oh yes, and did we

Party time: Egg London is hosting an 18-hour party It couldn’t be easier to enter; just email your name, university and year of study to win@unipaper.co.uk

mention we’ll pay for you to get there and you won’t even

have to get the �irst round in? As a VIP you’ll be fast

tracked into the club’s exclusive loft and treated to

a wonderful champagne and canapé reception.

WE are offering one lucky reader the chance to win an iPad. As well as the iPad, the winner will receive £60 of Tactus accessories – a Buckuva iPad case and VitriFender iPad screen protector. Tactus has developed a range of products to ensure that your shiny new piece of kit is immune to spillages, scratches and shattering. Hell, you can even take it hammer to it if you really want to... To enter email your name, university and year of study to win@unipaper.co.uk

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DRAGON2 This Christmas we’re giving 5 lucky winners a chance to win a copy of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Out now on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. To win the prize email win@unipaper.co.uk with your answer to the question

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December 2014

Help is at hand for the bullied

MOVING into university halls is a big change for many young people; it brings them into a bustling community with people from all backgrounds. However, not all students’ first taste of life away from home is a positive experience. Anyone subject to bullying at university may feel extremely isolated... but help is at hand. The University of Liverpool, for example, has bullying and harassment advisers who can suggest strategies for dealing with problems. Its counselling and student support services, as well as hall tutors, are also on hand. Diversity and equality officer for the University of Liverpool Darren Mooney says: ‘Students should seek to informally resolve any complaint or grievance with the alleged perpetrator. If an informal resolution cannot be found, a student can make a formal complaint.’ Chelsea Dytham

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

Horoscope

What’s written in the stars for you this month

Aries: March 21-April 19 There will be many hurdles to overcome in the first two weeks of December, Aries. However, don’t give up as your luck will change come December 17. Your career and finances will begin to flourish as well as your relationships. Now is the time to travel and broaden your horizons but be aware those around you will need some convincing of your new direction Taurus: April 20May 20 Energy levels will be exceptionally high this month, Taurus; however there is no need to turn into a bull in a china shop. Be humble and down to earth and on December 17

you will enter a period of positivity and possibility. You will see marked changes in career in particular as new avenues arise

Gemini: May 21-June 20 Confrontation with relatives will be rife until December 17 but don’t let this get to you, Gemini. Be creative and find ways of spending time with those near and dear to you that will not end in conflict. It is not all doom and gloom. Your social circles will increase this month and your career will directly benefit as a result

Cancer: June 21-July 22 Have you be feeling a certain amount of haughtiness of late? Be

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warned this will only create controversy Cancer. You are bound to be feeling a lot more in tune with those around you come December 17th, when you will gain support from your superiors through your dynamism and resourcefulness

Leo: July 23-August 22 There will be tension among your siblings this month, Leo, and you are more than likely to be at the centre of it. As long as you don’t let your ego take over, a little competition can do no harm. It may even give you that extra push to undertake a big project that will carry on into the new year

Virgo: August 23September 22 You could be plagued by health problems at the beginning of this month, Virgo, so make sure not to over do it. However come December 17 you will be fighting fit and back on form. Your energy levels will be high and despite a slow start to December new avenues that will arise will take you pleasantly into the new year Libra: September 23October 22 You need to keep your wits about you this month, Libra. Your personal and professional relationships will be tested to the max. However, the added stress and strain could give way to greater wisdom of how to deal with others. As long as you are flexible redeeming opportunities will come your way and not all will be lost

Scorpio: October 23November 21 You need to make yourself crystal clear this month, Scorpio, otherwise you will be left feeling exasperated. Your expectations are not too high, it is simply how you go about executing them. The beginning of the month will be a test of character but don’t lose faith. Stick to your guns and,

come December 17, your luck will be on the up

Sagittarius: November 22-December 21 Play your cards right and you will prosper this month, Sagittarius. A period of positivity means that your confidence will be at an all-time high and you are centre stage. Those around you will be instrumental in your growth so be careful to not to let the limelight go to straight to your head. Your hard work is beginning to pay off but you still have a long way to go Capricorn: December 22-January 19 A dip in confidence at the beginning of the month could leave your energy levels somewhat lacking, Capricorn. Don’t let this leave you down in the dumps; take the time to meet up with friends who you have not been that attentive to of late. You should soon be feeling back to your old self in no time and there may just be a surprise around the corner

Aquarius: January 20February 18 Nothing is stopping you this month, Aquarius, your diary is full and so is your bank account, it appears. Although it may seem like the perfect time to indulge, if you take this even a little too far you could be reaping the repercussions come December 17. Avoid speculating and undertaking major projects. You can still charge ahead but keep your cards close to your chest Pisces: February 19-March 20 This month is all about focus for you, Pisces. If you feel as though you have been drifting for some time, now is the time to grab hold of the reins. However, it is not all hard work and no play, as your focus will pay off financially as well as socially. But be aware this could lead to issues arising with those close to you

let’sTALK

Curse: The Tinder app

Why we can’t put out the Tinder flame

REBEKAH WILSON asks whether the universal craze for swiping left or right based on a possible six photos and 499 characters is really healthy for us WHEN we get lonely on a Tuesday night, watching Celebrity Juice and late re-runs of Family Guy accompanied by Ben and Jerry, we have a natural desire to be needed. Then our smartphone sneaks out of our jeans pocket egging us on. Go on to Tinder, you’ve only got 300 matches with five of them actually speaking to you, let’s get swiping. Without a moment’s thought there we are, using every thumb muscle we have, having a Tinder fit. Shockingly, two years after its release, our generation is starting to take Tinder seriously. Going into a restaurant we are guaranteed to find at least two Tinder dates awkwardly working out a ‘how we first met’ story. Are there just too many people so the only way to find someone and speak to them is via the most frivolous and fanciful dating app yet? What will become of our generation? A pack of wild, sex-driven vultures or could Tinder actually become the fastest and most efficient way to date? Either way, Tinder is here to stay…well, until a newer version with video chat and picture messaging. Then, God help us!

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December 2014

let’sTALK

Relationship trouble? Sex worries? Feeling low? We’ve got wise words to set you right

Alice ask

Worried about your weight?: Try going out for an early morning jog

O far in the first term of university I’ve gained plenty of friends, not to mention memories to last a lifetime, but I have also gained plenty of pounds. It has got to the point where I can’t face going home for Christmas but, with term ending in a matter of weeks, what can I do? Louise, Swansea Louise, I’m about to tell you something more horrific than any hangover. A bottle of wine is the equivalent to three Mars bars, a Big Mac with medium fries or six jam doughnuts. Even if you don’t drink you can fall foul of the lack of routine that comes with university and the cheap stodge on offer at the supermarket. Gym memberships can be expensive so head out to your local park. And, as for Christmas, everyone back home will be too excited to see you to care about a couple of pounds.

’M the centre of every party back home but that couldn’t be further from the truth on campus. I didn’t embrace freshers and I’ve been going home almost every weekend. First term is almost over and I don’t even know where the SU is. Tom, Bristol

’VE moved half way up the country to Edinburgh but my mum is still checking in on me daily. So much so, stalking my Facebook has become her new part-time job. To make matters

worse, I was tagged in a picture having a cheeky cigarette recently. She is now threatening to come stay with me in halls to keep a closer eye on me. Alice, Edinburgh

I don’t need a label to be me

Contact your mother more often, even if it is just a quick email. She will feel involved in your life and might be less inclined to go looking on social media. It might also be an idea to change your privacy

In our monthly look at LGBT issues, masters student FILIP BIGOS discusses why he dislikes being known by a label

even I have some labels but what is the point of them? There is a big discussion going on at the moment as to what the non-straight part of the population should be called and which umbrella term we should be using. Some people don’t like the good old LGBT (that’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans for the uninitiated) because it is not inclusive of queer people, intersex people, polysexuals, asexuals… The list goes on. To accommodate this we add +s and *s and Qs the end of the acronym. But why

settings on Facebook, What you and your friends find funny might not go down a storm with parents. And remember, believe it or not, your mother is only looking out for you.

identify as a non-binary, gay man. This implies, apart from being cocky and sassy pretty much the whole time, that, while I am a man, I don’t need to prove that I have a pair. So I wear heels and a snapback. Sometimes a wig, nail polish - depending on how I feel. I don’t fit within the ‘accepted’ binary of male. I go by ‘they’. This means I don’t want people to refer to me using male pronouns such as ‘he/him/his’ because I do not agree with the binary gender division within society. When it comes to selfidentification, people choose to call themselves many different things. And, yes,

exactly do we feel the need to label everything? I am a non-binary gay man because I have to have a label. People expect me to have one. People who fit into the ‘standard’ expectations of society as far as sex, sexual and gender identities are concerned need labels to put on others to help them understand the concept of difference So I please them. To help the cause. But, ultimately, I want to live in a society where people are accepted and taken at face value and one where we won’t have to explain ourselves.

n Young people all too often suffer at the hands of bullies. This is particularly true for young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. NUS research found one fifth of LGBT students have experienced bullying or harassment on campus. For trans students, this figure was one in three. During Anti-Bullying Week this year many young people told us they felt isolated and alone when facing bullying. Stonewall’s NoBystanders campaign asks people to take a pledge and stand up for any time they witness any form of bullying. Learn more at nobystanders.org.uk

Submit your questions and get the answer in next months issue alice@unipaper.co.uk

There are no two ways about it, first year is hard. Some might cover it up better than others but you will all be feeling it. However, it is not all doom and gloom; there is life after freshers and societies are a great place to start. Try to cut down on going home, too, otherwise you’ll miss out and your friends back home will still be there when you go back at Christmas. Struggling with your studies, wrestling with a relationship or is your social life at a standstill? Contact our agony aunt on alice@unipaper.co.uk

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December 2014

moneyMATTERS

We’re all on a budget... here are our ideas on how to make it stretch as far as possible

Labour for love... or cash Should you choose a subject just for the financial rewards?

AST your mind back to the carefree days of 2012 when graduates left university with a measly £26,100 of debt instead of the estimated £53,400 they rack up nowadays. In those days, fresh-faced university applicants pricked up their ears and listened when teachers and parents told them ‘study a subject you enjoy!’ Sadly, for many young people ‘enjoyment’ doesn’t always have a lot to do with their choice of degree. Since tuition fees have reached an all-time high, it makes sense to investigate the most rewarding subjects – so which degrees lead to the highest salaries? So, first a few important details: these numbers come from HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency, which we think should stand for Hardly Ever Simple Answer. HESA sends surveys to graduates six months and

three-and-a-half years after graduation, and this is the information collected in 2012 from 2009 graduates. Most subjects in the top ten probably won’t surprise you much; it’s well known that doctors, dentists and vets earn a comfortable salary. But the £25,000 a year paid to architects earn is surprising, especially as they have to train for a whopping seven years. Of course, the uni you choose can be a factor, too. The survey showed that graduates from Russell Group universities earn the highest salaries, with a mean of £27,500 compared with the next highest, the 1994 Group of unis, which has now disbanded but included Birkbeck and UEA, at £26,500. It can be hard enough to motivate yourself to work and, if you hate the subject your studying, it’s fair to say you’ll hate the job at the end of it, too. But, if you’re happy

superSCRIMPING FANCY moving in more glamorous circles? It takes just a few clicks… and it won’t set you back a penny

n Rub shoulders with the A listers: Get up close and personal with your favourite stars by being part of a TV audience. Head to the studio with sroaudiences.com and be metres away from Graham Norton’s A-listers, go behind the scenes with tvrecordings.com or take to the set as an extra with lostintv.com

n Get ahead of the crowd:

Sign up to showfilmfirst.com and it will tip you off about all the preview screenings. You can view some from the comfort of your own home using an online code and in return for filling out a survey

n Look the part: You’ll need to glam up, so check out salonguineapig. co.uk. The website offers hair and beauty treatments across Britain from trainees who need models just like you, meaning a makeover is no longer a forbidden luxury

to pursue a subject you dislike for lots of dosh, fair play to you. If not, revive that carefree spirit and study what you love. Bethany Miall, from Go Think Bigger, a digital hub giving young people career advice and work experience opportunities

Just flick that switch and watch the savings pile up THE definition of a student: finding any way possible to save money. When someone else paid who cared about leaving that bathroom light on in the middle of the night? Or turning the heating up during winter so you can stay in your shorts and T-shirt? I know students who refuse to turn lights on or wash their clothes because they live in constant fear of those numbers on that bit of paper at the end of the month. Perhaps it would be better to consider some less drastic measures than stinking clothes, to keep the bills down? First and foremost: shop around! nGet those deals. Some

Bright idea: Turn lights off electricity companies offer cheaper prices if you use your electricity at off peak times nSpeaking of washing machines, on average you can save around £9 a year if you wash your clothes at 30° instead of 40° nThe morning cuppas – don’t fill the kettle to the top just boil the amount you need nRemember to shut the fridge and freezer doors! Don’t put hot food in

the fridge – it ruins it but also requires more energy to cool the food nUnplug your chargers after use. To charge a phone for eight hours costs only a penny but when we disconnect our phones and leave the plug in it still uses energy nLaptops use 85 per cent less energy than the typical PC nUnplug the TV and other devices by the wall instead of leaving them on standby You will be surprised by the difference each of these things can make leaving you extra money for that new pairs of shoes or a cheeky night out in the week. Rebecca Kiff

Moody’s – 12 Month Graduate Placement In joining Moody’s 2015 Graduate Programme, you will have the opportunity to work with analysts on the rating process, including drafting credit documents, formulating ratios, preparing spreadsheets, comparative statistics, as well as exposure to special projects, at times on a global scale. Location London, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris

To find out more and apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/milkround-jobs

Salary Competitive package Posted 03 Nov 2014 Closes 03 Jan 2015

The Berkeley Group - Graduate scheme, Construction & Property

REPL Group – Graduate Management Consultant

The Berkeley Group is looking for the brightest graduates with degrees in disciplines related directly to the skills and knowledge required in our operational departments. Berkeley Homes are currently recruiting for graduates in the following disciplines: Land and Planning, Technical, Commercial (Quantity Surveyors), Construction, Customer Service Location London (Greater)

REPL is a fast growing UK based technology group with offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore. We deliver sophisticated project management techniques to unlock commercial potential. Our team sits at the cutting edge of where the retail industry meets the next generation of mobile technology, where gamification overlaps with multichannel.

Salary £27,000

Salary £22,000pa + London Weighting, travel allowance, bonus and benefits

Closes 17 Nov 2014

Hastings Direct - Graduate Scheme

Accenture- Industrial Placement

We have ambitious plans to attract 3 million customers by 2020 and we are looking for talented graduates to join us whilst we grow and help shape our business. As we are relatively small compared to the big names, you will truly get the opportunity and exposure with our management team to do this. Our Graduate Scheme is designed to help you develop as a future leader of our business, fast tracking your career within Hastings Direct. Roles available in Accounting & Finance, Insurance, Marketing & PR.

Bring your talent and passion to a global organisation at the forefront of business, technology and innovation. Collaborate with diverse, talented colleagues and leaders who support your success. Help transform organisations and communities around the world. Sharpen your skills with industry-leading training and development, as you build an extraordinary career.

Location Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex Salary Competitive Closes 04 Jan 2015

Avanti Communications Group plc – Graduate Engineer Are you expecting a 2:1 or higher in a computer related subject? Are you interested in working in a fast paced environment with the latest technologies in a truly global footprint? Yes? That’s a great start, but beyond that? Avanti seeks your inspiration, your energy and your enthusiasm.

Location London or Midlands

Location Nationwide Salary £Competitive Closes 28 Aug 2015

J.P. Morgan – Technology Graduate Programme There’s not a single part of our business that isn’t empowered and enhanced by the creative thinking of J.P. Morgan technologists. In an industry this competitive, being the best means deploying high-speed software and infrastructure alongside leading engineering and application development. Location London, Bournemouth, Glasgow

Location London (Central)

Salary Competitive + benefits

Salary £23,000 p a

Closes 30 Nov 2014

Closes 31 Mar 2015

Opus Energy – Graduate Analyst Opus Energy, a dynamic and fast growing organisation, is recruiting to expand its analytical support. Analysts with Opus Energy carry out a wide range of analytical tasks designed to help keep the company on track. Location Oxford, Oxfordshire Salary £23,000 - £25,000 DOE + £1,000 welcome bonus + £1,000 at end of year 1 & 2 Closes 03 Dec 2014

Rothschild – Private Equity Long Term Internship – Merchant Banking This London based 4-6 month internship is an exciting opportunity to intern with Rothschild’s flagship private equity fund, Five Arrows Principal Investments – a €600 million fund focused on mid-market companies in Western Europe. Location London Salary Competitive Closes 31 Dec 2015

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December 2014

beyondUNI

Need a job? Considering a gap year? Graduating and struggling for inspiration? Then, read on...

Job in Tesco? Travelling? Lucy hits the catwalks of Paris instead

I put degree on hold to be a model

OR most 18-year-olds, the dream of roaming the runways of Paris Fashion Week, wearing exclusive Givenchy designs is exactly that – a dream. Lucy Zoe Evans decided to put her studies on hold and pursue that dream and has been rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous . Recently returned, fresh from Paris Fashion Week, Lucy took part in the Givenchy show, directed by critically acclaimed Riccardo Tisci. She shared the limelight with leading models such as Cara Delevigne and Kendall Jenner and appeared in front of celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. She saud: ‘I’d have to say the highlight of my career so far is walking in my first ever runway show for Givenchy.’ Lucy, from Stoke-on-Trent follows in the footsteps of her older cousin, Sarah. ‘As a child, I remember talking to Sarah about her eight year modelling career and ever since it’s always been a dream of mine, so when I was spotted out shopping at The Clothes Show in 2009, I was more than happy to jump at the opportunity.’ Although she has only been a professional model for two

Think gap year and you think of backpacking adventures across the world or endless hours of tedious work experience; but for one teenager her gap year has become a world of couture and Kardashian. CHARLES WORRALL talks to model Lucy Zoe Evans months, Lucy kick-started her career with an ad campaign for Republic at the age of 13. She said: ‘During my school years, I was granted a licence allowing me to take time out of school but I kept castings and jobs to a minimum to enable me to concentrate on my compulsory education. My gap year has allowed me to model full time before heading back into education.’ But the path to a successful career in modelling is paved with disappointment and criticism. She said: ‘The reason for the excessive castings and meetings with clients are so they can judge if you’re the right model for them. Not being chosen for a job can at first seem offensive and disheartening but over time you come to realise that being told “no” is part of being a model.’ Sticking to a diet remains another major challenge but Lucy shrugs off criticism of the fashion industry over its use of stick-thin models. She said: ‘The utmost initial shock that came at the beginning of my career

was having to be as strict as possible when it comes down to my diet. I try my best to work out every day, even if it’s a quick ten minute run. ‘Just like being a ballerina or an athlete, you have to be a certain size and shape. ‘Part of my job is to be toned and healthy. ‘Since starting modelling full time, I’ve seen such a difference in my body, skin, energy and mood.’ She has deferred her degree in business and textiles at Brighton University until next autumn but it still seems borderline insanity to imagine balancing education alongside an international modelling schedule, especially when your average student struggles to attend a 9am lecture. ‘I’m intending on travelling, achieving almost all of my aspirations for my gap year and gain as much experience in the fashion industry as possible,’ said Lucy. ‘Working with Givenchy again and, just like every other girl my age, being a Victoria’s Secret model is something I dream of doing.’

In vogue: Lucy Zoe Evans says being a model requires the same dedication as being an athlete

LUCY ZOE EVANS IS REPRESENTED BY SELECT MODEL MANAGEMENT, INSTAGRAM: @LUCYZOEEVANS

Places you should visit before leaving for your gap year SO, you may not have a gap year as an international model lined up... but you may be thinking about taking a year out and travelling. Before you head off, you will want to sit and plan how and where you want to go. Here is a quick guide to some great websites to help you plan your adventure.

Rough Guides: If you are unsure of where to head for your gap year, these are the best place to start. Full of great information on all the best destinations including accommodation, when to go, itineraries, travel essentials and cultural etiquette so you won’t get yourself in to trouble while away. You can also book hostels through the site

and it has a great community you can interact with and get first hand information from. www.roughguides.com Gap Year: This site that is packed full of information to help you get the most out of your travels. From booking your accommodation to researching places to visit and stay, Gap Year has all this and much

more. It also includes sections on jobs and volunteering to help you develop skills that will be transferable to your chosen career and even has a place you can plan your whole trip. The perfect one stop site. www.gapyear.com Real Gap: If you are worried about the cost of your gap year, Real Gap has a great section on

how to travel for less and still get the most out of your travels. It also has many of the features the previous sites has, including information on destinations, jobs, volunteering and has some last minute deals available too. www.realgap.co.uk So, when you’ve read all this, the only question left is what’s stopping you? Kizzy Bass

December 2014

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yourSPACE

Turn your room into your home

ou’ve been at university for a few weeks now and if it doesn’t quite feel like home then here are some inexpensive quick-�ixes. Most importantly, you need a bedroom that re�lects your style. Find some cheap bedding in high street shops – cheap and cheerful is key. Then, why not spruce it up with funky blankets and throws. For this, turn into a true hipster and try the charity shops. You may have to have a bit of rummage but, if you’re lucky, you’ll �ind some really decent, well-

made stuff for a price that doesn’t bury you into your interest-free overdraft. Every living room or bedroom needs cushions … many, many cushions. If you’re feeling crafty and need to procrastinate from writing that essay you could even have a go at making your own! If you’re not the next Great British Sewing Bee just pimp up plain cushions by sewing brightly coloured buttons and ribbons to them. Nothing makes a room more homely than pictures and posters that mean

Invaders you need to repel

Finishing touches: A few cushions and fairy lights can make all the difference something to you. That way, when the inevitable homesickness threatens, you are always surrounded by friendly faces. Get creative with noticeboards and cover them in a collage of your favourite photos. Just remember to hide the many drunken ones from Granny when she comes to visit! If you’re looking for a bit of

ambience then mood lighting is your new best friend. From creating the princess room you’ve always wished for to dimming the lights for late-night guests, fairy lights and lamps will give your room the edge. Go green and buy some cheap plants for your humble abode. Flowers are always good for adding a bit of colour

PICTURE: JENNI NEED

and life to a room... just make sure you water them! Lastly, an easy way to guarantee that you feel at home is to be comfortable. You may have invested in all the cushions and plants in the world but that’s no good if you can’t relax in cosy pyjamas, slippers and a dressing gown. Jessica Bott

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IT’S the news we all dread. One of your housemates is having an old friend to stay. Here are the guests you don’t want... The Alien Thief: Spends the entire weekend communicating in in-jokes with your ﬂatmate. Steals them for the weekend and shows how little you know them The Bodily Incompetent: Drops a nuclear bomb every time they use the communal facilities and projectile-vomits in the kitchen The Better Housemate: Painfully delightful. You connect in a way you have never before with another human being, only highlighting the inferiority of your current housemate Jack Meggitt-Phillips

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December 2014

yourSPACE The best time for house hunting is November, any later and you’re not left with much choice. Make sure that you question, question, question. Is the heating on a meter? Can you see mould growing anywhere? Is the roof about the cave in? Lucy Robinson

How to find the right place to live, the right people to live with and how to keep your place right

A significant issue M

OVING into a house can be stressful at the best of times. There are bills to sort out, new housemates with bad hygiene to deal with and an ever-pervasive knowledge that your hot water is likely to cut off at any moment. When these issues do rear their heads, is it better to have your significant other around or will it just make things far, far worse? This may depend on your type of relationship but there are certain unavoidable truths. If you have been together for just a month then maybe living in the same house is a little over-ambitious. Getting to know someone far quicker than expected can kick the honeymoon period out the window before you can even mutter ‘date night’. You don’t want to discover to soon that your partner has far more negative traits than

The infamous flat party is an obvious first step to consecrate your new pad. Make sure you invite a strong, largish friend. Anyone with a vaguely intimidating presence so that kid who got too drunk can be asked to leave without too much hassle Blythe Lewis

No matter where I go, the oven never works. A ten-minute pizza takes closer to 30. Our landlord sent someone to fix ours. When we came home, there was a new temperature dial but no numbers on it. Cooking for the rest of the year involved a lot of guesswork Bryony Plumb

Happy ever after? It can’t all be romantic Gruesome gum stuck on your clothes? Put the garment in the freezer for a few hours. Once the gum is frozen scrape it off with a blunt knife. Squirt on a little washing up liquid and salt. Rub against the thread of the fabric and the rest should come off Eva Coutts

Moving to Preston and living in England for the first time was a peculiar experience, to say the least. People would waltz around with multi-coloured hair and they call what I used to think was lunch, their dinner Mane Grigoryan

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Cosy: His and her toothbrushes

PICTURE: ALEJANDRA CESPEDES

you first thought. There is also the chance of an awkward break-up. You need to be sure that this is unlikely. It is difficult enough being around someone you’ve got history with, let alone having to read the gas meter with them. If you are sure you know

your partner well enough for it not to end unceremoniously over the cornflakes, then the answer to whether you should live together lies in your relationship type. If you’re that couple that loves to spend long afternoons staring intensely into each other’s eyes without speaking then go for it. If you have friends that you would like to spend time with independently of each other and other interests then perhaps find houses in the same area but with several streets’ separation. Alternatively, make the sane decision and move in after university. Alex Green

PICTURE: SOPHIE SEAR

How to survive living together SO, you’ve decided to take the plunge and live with your partner during your university years? Here’s how you might make it work... Lead your own life: Since you’re probably both studying, a busy schedule is to be expected. Talk through your plans and that way miscommunication will be avoided. This will also allow you to plan that romantic weekly date night Pull your weight: Boys, don’t leave the dishes for the women. And girls, invest in a screwdriver so you can at least dabble in the handiwork Spread your wings: There’s nothing worse than a

The perils and pitfalls of your SO moving in

couple who never spend time with their other friends. Friends you make at university are friends for life. So do not push them away! Accept it won’t be sexy and romantic all the time: You might think that living together is going to be similar to just being partners but this actually means you’ll see the best AND the worst of your significant other. Remember, no one is perfect, lower your expectations, take each day as it comes and breathe. You’re still young! If you’ve thought about all of this and still want to move in with the love of your life, then good luck. Fredrikke von Z Wongraven

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December 2014

yourSPACE

How to find the right place to live, the right people to live with and how to keep your place right

Picking perfect flatmates Avoid the messy but embrace the mother

HE group of mates you met during freshers’ week, won’t be around for long. If they are you’ve been lucky! But for most, those friendships tend to fade away and you start to hang out with a different crowd. Soon, the dreaded period of choosing housing for next year creeps up. Before you start getting too excited and pick your new BFFs, here are a few tips on how to choose the best housemates. 1. Seek the studious: It is honestly good to have this person around to keep you on track. This housemate brings positive peer pressure which has amazing benefits: assignments finished before the deadline and still time to

party. Also, a perfect buddy to have study sessions with. 2. Avoid the messy: You will spot this person very quickly. They are always untidy and unkempt. It’s funny from a distance but do you really want to be cleaning up after them or be straining the friendship by asking them to stop leaving the dishes for a month in the basin? 3. Embrace the father/ mother figure: Everyone wants the sense of freedom that comes with moving away from home. The father/mother figure is going to take care of you when you fall sick and worry when you come home late. It is nice to know someone is looking out for you. 4. Think thrifty: Be on the

Making a stranger a friend

Crowded house: This bunch looks friendly... but would you want to live with them? same page about money matters. Money is such a sticky matter but if handled properly everyone can have a great year together. Get to know your

friends’ money habits. Stingy ones are difficult ones. 5. Choose happy: Everyone has his or her ups and downs but there’s bound to be that

one cheerful, chirpy person who will keep the spirits up no matter what. It will help to maintain the house’s sanity. Benazir Parween

STUDENTS all over the country are being forced to double up after universities ran out of rooms. Here’s our tips to help you get by No secret hobbies: Forget goofy dancing or weird singing to the mirror Buy some PJs: Not everyone wants to see you naked Learn to clean: You can’t litter the floor with all kinds of mess Talk to them: Sharing space is easier if you’re less of a stranger and more of a friend!

Aditi Verma

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December 2014

theC-WORD

We couldn’t ignore it as it’s less than a month away... but not all our students are in the Christmas spirit

They’re killing the magic Too much, too soon at Christmas

theGRINCHES IT’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…but, wait, it’s just been Hallowe’en. Christmas is weeks and weeks away but it doesn’t look like that on the high street. Every store you dander by is jammed with everything from decorations, to loofas, to every shaped chocolate imaginable. But is this right? Is Christmas an overly commercialised holiday, bullying other holidays Rebekah Heath out of existence?

T’S Christmas! Or so some people seem to think judging by the amount of Christmas trees you see nicely lit up in living room windows and the festivethemed shop displays. Hallowe’en has only just passed by but the scary thingis the plague of sparkly lights and candy canes. I love Christmas decorations as much as the next guy, but you know… at Christmas. In Newcastle, for example, Fenwick on Northumberland Street their autumn display has gone up, which is fine of course - it is autumn. But then you go up the escalators on to the second floor and

A bad case of tinselitis?: Christmas decorations were up early Edinburgh PICTURE: ANGUS DUNCAN suddenly you’re confronted by Christmas lights and decorations and blinded by the festive colours of green and red. I find myself thinking: ‘Did I take the

time-travelling escalator and emerge two months later?’ Seriously, the clue is in the name: Christmas decorations. There should be a law against decorations before

mid-November. Christmas is good because you have to wait all year for it. If you just start whenever you feel like it, it defeats the magic of it. Edward Jones

THE idea of Christmas invades every spare surface like the looming ebola pandemic. The thought of Christmas is so far from my mind it’s unreal; the space up there is occupied by technology project ideas, dissertation research, photography projects, endless presentations to prepare for and Harvard Referencing; not whether my boyfriend would prefer Hugo Boss or Armani after shave Anna Landi

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sportNEWS sport In full ﬂight: Bethan Partridge completes a jump

High jump star keeps her Olympic dream alive

Bethan aims high University of Birmingham graduate Bethan Partridge tells us about competing for England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and her hopes for the season ahead

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WHEN did you start doing athletics and why? My passion for athletics grew from my physical education teacher in primary school. I loved running around and being active but it was her belief in me which gave me the con�idence to enter competitions. I’ve still got the �irst cross country medal I won when I was eight! What is your training schedule like? Currently, my training schedule is intense. Winter training is where the hard work goes in for the next season. I have double sessions �ive days a week, with Wednesday and Sunday being rest day – not that I get much rest, I work on those days! Who is your biggest inspiration? I do not have a single person who inspires me. All the athletes and people I have met and places I have travelled through inspire me. What is your biggest motivation? My family. My mum and dad have always been there for me supporting me in everything I do and now I have a little niece, I want to be the best role model for her while she’s growing up. I am hugely self-motivated

and you have to be. Athletics is an individual sport, no one can do it for you, you’ve got to want it more than anyone. How’s it feel being a Commonwealth Games athlete? It was such an amazing experience for my �irst major championships and one I’ll never forget! I remember going to watch the Manchester Commonwealth Games and now I’ve actually competed in one. It’s the pinnacle of my career so far! What do you hope to achieve over the next year? I set myself targets every year. In November 2013, I started high jumping again after being injured for a yearand-a-half and set reaching the Commonwealth Games as a target. My new target for the 2015 season will be to jump 1.90m! What are your long term ambitions and targets? Not only do I aspire to compete in competitions such as the European, World Championships and Commonwealth and Olympic Games, I want to use my success and determination to inspire young athletes, people and friends to continue to push themselves to achieve their own dreams. Yashi Banymadhub

Life as a sub is tough to take LIFE on the subs bench can be just as demanding as getting game time. From the players you speak to at university level who are on the bench, a mixture of attitudes come out about their position in the team. There are those who carry themselves well they work harder in training, eager to press their case for a starting slot. There are those who are ambivalent about playing. And, there are those who get angry. What I have found is having a frank and honest conversation with this sort of player can help in changing their attitude to the team and their position within the squad. Players who are currently warming the bench just need to remain patient, carry on working hard in training and focus on breaking back into the team. Stuart Smith

Benched: On the ball

Aston working for elusive win ASTON Women’s �irst team will be hoping to bounce back from a 5-3 home loss against Lincoln with a 2A League tie against Staffordshire Women’s �irst team on December 3. Both have struggled for form this season, occupying �ifth and sixth in the league.

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December 2014

sportNEWS

Power of the pep talk

Lions blow away rivals in opener

THE glitz, glamour and razzmatazz of American football is back. XpLosION 2014 drew a crowd of more than 3,000 fans to Bournbrook to mark the start of the British Universities American Football League. Birmingham Lions faced the Hertfordshire Hurricanes in the season opener. The rivalry between the two sides goes back a few years and the best of what the BUAFL had to offer was on show. In the end, the Lions blew away the Hurricanes by three unanswered touchdowns, running out winners 22-0. BURN FM posted regular updates and quarterly highlight packages, while Redbrick live texted the event on its website. The

High flyers: Cheerleaders perform during the half-time show in front of 3,000 fans Birmingham University Dance Society and cheerleading squad the Birmingham Pussycats (also performed as part of the half-time show.

Hannah Haynes, a second year sport science student and flyer for the Pussycats, said: ‘It went so well. I was really pleased.’ Thomas Dodd

From zero to champions in just 3 years LAURA PICKERING DODGEBALL has finally come home. Just three years after being formed, Birmingham Lions women’s first team are English Open champions. The team secured gold on home territory, beating Leicester City Ligresses 8-6 in the final at Munrow Sports Centre. But the Lions had to earn their shot at glory the hard way. They topped their group, beating Balls of Steel B, Reepham Raiders and

Win: The girls celebrate Derby, with a draw against Winchester Bullettes. A tough quarter-final against Oxford Vixens saw a narrow 6-4 win. In the semi-finals, the intensity increased as Birmingham

played previous national champions Hinckley for a spot in the final. At the end of full-time, the sides were locked at 5-5 but the Lions stayed focused and secured the win in overtime. The society has grown quickly in a short space of time and now has three competitive teams, alongside non-squad members. The women’s firsts have secured promotion to the premier league and the women’s seconds are currently the highest ranked seconds team in the national league.

PICTURE: 50012 PHOTOGRAPHY

IF there’s one thing you need before a tough game, it’s a solid pep talk from your captain. But how can you get a team pumped up for a full game in just a few seconds? ‘I usually get angry myself when talking to the lads before a game,’ said BCU thirds captain Robert De Silva. ‘I don’t mean to but if I want to get them going, I usually end up shouting. It sounds aggressive but it seems to work.’ De Silva said it should not matter who they are facing. ‘We should never underestimate the team we’re playing,’ he said. Meanwhile, hockey 1st team captain Gemma Brookes, said talking the other team down often works. ‘I think it gets their confidence up more than telling them how to play. They look for weaknesses that I’ve told them about.’ Calum Sexton

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