The University Paper Birmingham - November 2014 by The University Paper

BIRMINGHAM NOVEMBER 2014

ED SHEERAN ON THE RECORD

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THE LATEST SPORTS FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY

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‘NAZI SCUM OFF OUR STREETS’-

STUDENTS AND BRUMMIES UNITE AGAINST FAR RIGHT SOPHIE HACK, NOEMI BARRANCA, CLARE HORRIGAN AND ROBYN TOWNSEND

of last year’s protests would be repeated. The July 2013 EDL rally in Birmingham resulted in 20 arrests after a series of assaults and angry clashes between the opposing groups. This year’s protests which called for this extra security were, for the most part, peaceful and contained. Our reporter Robyn Townsend said: ‘Arguably, the most aggressive behaviour was witnessed towards the police, rather than against the EDL. People may have been frustrated with the number of police present during the rallies. She continued: ‘When a member of the public was taken aside due to verbally assaulting a police officer, phones were raised to take photos.’ Unite publicised the Unite Against Fascism event outside the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus on Friday before the march. Their representative told us: ‘the response from students has been good. We have received about seventy signatures for our petition against the EDL in Birmingham’. Brian O’Sullivan, the West Midlands Regional Chair for University & College Lectures Union, took a key role in speaking at the event. When asked about his reasons for attending the protest, he said it was: ‘to protest the indignation of the EDL’s demonstration in Birmingham’. He continued: ‘the EDL are scapegoating Muslims and attempting to divide a proud multi-cultural city’. Many speakers spoke about Birmingham as a proud and culturally

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HALLAM STUDENT DODGES CAMILLE BROUARD AND ANNABEL TWIST

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDENT Krystle Morley, currently studying at Sheﬃeld Hallam University, managed to narrowly escape death twice this summer. “Car sized” boulders came crashing down on her twice whilst she was climbing Franz Joseph glacier in New Zealand. Having returned to University this September, Morley is feeling a new zest for life after her ﬁrst experience of ice climbing,

PIC: KRYSTLE MORLEY

a long-term ambition inspired by her love of travelling and adventure, went dreadfully wrong. Morley commented that for the main part of the expedition “trying to do vertical climbing whilst holding onto ice axes was painful!” but also “really good fun”. Her small group, including an experienced climbing guide and two Australian climbers, ascended Franz Joseph

within a matter of hours, blissfully unaware of the lurking dangers. Waiting on the helipad for her ride home, Morley took a photo of the beautiful mountain scene behind her, eager to share her experience with those back home. She added: “we’d taken our crampons oﬀ, our helmets oﬀ, we were all getting ready to be taken away.” Soon after she heard a loud, thunderous, rumbling

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sound, coming from nearby. She recalled: “There was a clear blue sky, so we didn’t think it was thunder. I thought maybe someone was shooting or blasting up the valley.” It was at this moment that her pleasant, ﬁrst experience of ice climbing rapidly changed into a desperate ﬁght for survival. She turned around to see

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STUDENTS ACROSS Birmingham witnessed the EDL rally last weekend. Around 500 members of the far right English Defence League (EDL) gathered at Bar Risa last Saturday morning before marching to their rally point in Centenary Square. On entering Broad Street, where EDL members awaited the demonstration, sounds of chanting could be heard from as far as the ICC centre. EDL supporters chanted: ‘There were six Muslim bombers in the air’ to the tune of ‘She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain ’. Keturah, a student at the University of Birmingham, watched the demonstration across the road from Risa. She told us: ‘This isn’t the first time Risa have hosted this. They were forced by police to host it, to prevent violence on the streets’ She continued: ‘I think it’s pretty disgusting, but everyone is entitled to free speech.’ Between 250 and 300 members of anti-EDL protest groups - including Unite Against Fascism - also took to the streets to send a firm message to the English Defence League and express their outrage. The UAF protesters had their own chants to counter the EDL, including ‘Nazi Scum off our streets.’ Gathering in Birmingham’s Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, they stopped the EDL from marching through the centre of the city. There was a marked increase in police activity during the protests, ranging from New Street Station to Victoria Square and Centenary Square. While New Street shoppers continued to go about their business without disruption, there was anxiety that the violent events

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

L CAL NEWS

EBOLA ALERTS IN BIRMINGHAM KEISHA FRASER-BRUCE

PIC: PUBLIC HEALTH IMAGE LIBRARY

ASTON UNIVERSITY HITS TOP 10 FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT HANNAH SHEPHERD

PIC: ASTON UNIVERSITY PRESS OFFICE

FOR NEARLY half a century, graduate employability has been an integral part of Aston University’s mission. Their success to date is evident from The Sunday Times University Guide 2013, in which the university ranked eighth for graduate employability, at 89.2%. LinkedIn has recently ranked UK schools based on the success of their graduates in acquiring top quality and highly desirable jobs. In a total of five categories of professions, Aston University placed in the top ten of two of the categories; marketers and financial professionals. The bigger success of the two categories was Aston’s placement at second in the marketers category, losing out on first place to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The Aston Alumni LinkedIn profiles show that

IN AUGUST, universities in Birmingham were issued with the warning of a potential outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the city. With the disease diagnosed in around 6,500 patients and killing over 3000 people in West African countries, there is a high worldwide alert concerning the new epidemic.While the University of Birmingham is thrilled by its large and vibrant community of international students, this has proved to be a potential risk for the spread of Ebola. The 2014 academic term saw around 10,000 international students arrive in Birmingham’s universities to continue with or begin their studies. Along with China, Africa is one of the main home countries for the students. However, universities are not only focusing on these international students, but also home students who have travelled to the affected regions over summer. Many Birmingham students remain unfazed about EVD, and whilst the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) at Public Health England (PHE) has categorised the outbreak as ‘low

risk’, it still claims that there are potential high consequences. The universities are working alongside Universities UK, the body that represents vicechancellors of each UK institution. This union ensures that any EVD updates from government officials will be forwarded onto the universities with advice and support. A spokesperson for Universities UK, said: ‘Universities take the welfare of all their students and staff very seriously. From contact we have had over the course of recent weeks, we know many are closely monitoring the situation with regard to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and any impact this may have on their institution.’ Despite the alerts over the outbreak, EVD has yet to attack Birmingham. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has released precautions against Ebola, highlighting that the disease is not airborne. For more information on the disease, please visit; who.int/ebola

the top destinations of Aston graduates include internationally acclaimed companies IBM and Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC). Of the five universities in Birmingham, the only one other than Aston to place in the top ten for any of the five categories was the University of Birmingham, which placed eighth for media professionals. Aston’s success in these rankings could be attributed to the fact that around two hundred graduate employers visit the university every year. In addition, the high quality of the students’ performance during their placement years means that around a third of Aston students find themselves in the favourable position of being hired by their placement year employer.

LFRESHERS CAL NEWS GUIDE Debunking Drug use on Birmingham Campuses 4

NATALIE WELLINGS

PIC: PETR BROZ

STEREOTYPES ABOUT students and drug use at university have always been abundant. UKcrimestats.com compiled data which shows only forty three drug related crimes were reported between August 2013 and July 2014 in Selly Oak – a densely populated student area. Similarly this was the case in Edgbaston with only fifty two reports over the same period. However, when speaking to students it becomes clear the true number is much larger. One second year student said that he had both sold and brought cannabis on his campus. He explained that: ‘Students are skint, if you have any street smarts you can buy a cheap ounce and undersell to the posh kids.’ This means the statistics could be unrepresentative. In an increasingly competitive market universities have reputations to uphold, meaning some instances may be hushed up.

When questioned about the University of Birmingham’s policy towards drugs, Vice President of Welfare Frankie Greenwell replied that the university were no more sympathetic than the police. He said: ‘Both the University and the Guild of Students have a zero tolerance attitude toward drug use on campus.’ He described the relationship between the Guild and local police as a ‘proactive partnership’. At a point where cannabis legalisation appears to be on the horizon, it is not difficult to see why some would turn a blind eye to a crime which could cost a student their place at university and their future career.

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BCU ANNOUNCE LATEST CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS HOLLY BARRY

BIRMINGHAM CITY University have announced their latest building development: the Curzon Building. This will neighbour the Parkside Building at the City Centre Campus and help to transform the Eastside area of the city. The building, costing 63 million pounds, is currently under construction and is due to open in summer 2015. It will be welcoming students from the Business, Law, English and Social Sciences faculties. The Curzon Building will act as a student hub for the campus, providing facilities including a library, catering facilities, student services and a students’ union. As well as being a learning facility, it will provide accommodation for the faculties of Education, Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City Business School and the University Directorate. Professor Cliff Allan, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: ‘The Curzon Building will offer our students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub, which will incorporate all student support services.’ He continued: ‘Positioning the university at the heart of the city will attract students to Birmingham and enable our students to interact better with the city. It will allow us to capitalise on existing connections to engage with local and national businesses, support our focus on professional and practice-based courses and development to attract and retain highly skilled graduates in the region.’

NOVEMBER 2014

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

Sex Trafficking and Burglaries: Crime in Selly Oak

ELLICIA PENDLE

GRIM UOB FRESHER DOES ‘THE WORM’ IN VOMIT

PIC: ELLICIA PENDLE

MEGAN ROSE GIBSON PIC: GEORGIA TINDALE

At the Stock Exchange event in the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students, there were reports of an unidentified stench coming around 10 metres away from the centre of the dance floor. As the evening continued, retching was heard across the room and there was increasing interest into what that smell might be. Unsurprisingly, the stench soon revealed itself as the crowd parted, and in the middle of the newly made circle of people, lay a pile of vomit with no victim to be found. The person responsible must have fled quickly to hide embarrassment or to continue their behaviour elsewhere. According to students who were at the event,

Students returning to Selly Oak for the new academic year could be at an increased risk of crime. CRIMES RECENTLY reported include the mugging of a third year student on Teignmouth Road and suspected sex trafficking, with police finding ten Romanian females aged 18-25 at an address in Selly Oak. However the ‘I Love Selly Oak’ scheme, supported by the Guild of Students, states that the most common crime in Selly Oak is burglary, adding that during the first term of every new student year there can be between 50 and 100 student victims of burglary. Due to its large student population, Selly Oak is one of the more targeted places for burglary across the region. Student homes are at risk because they contain a lot of valuable and portable items, from laptops to mobile phones, and because students simply do not do enough to keep their homes safe.

Students can take simple steps to protect themselves from crime. The ‘I Love Selly Oak’ scheme states that around 85% of burglaries are a direct result of open and unlocked windows, doors and gates. Students can also keep their homes safe whilst out by giving the impression that they’re in, using a timer switch to switch on lights or even a TV or radio whilst they’re gone. The ‘I Love Selly Oak’ scheme also asks students to be aware of false callers and ‘distraction burglars’ and says: ‘don’t be afraid to ask for ID or to call your landlord or letting agent if someone is at your door claiming to be the window cleaner, gardener or repairs man for instance. When out and about in Selly Oak, students should also remember to walk home in groups, not have their headphones in, and to report anything to 101 or 999.

the majority of the dance floor carried on dancing and pretended not to be affected by what had just happened when suddenly a student - obviously with a drink or two inside him - flung himself into the sick and started doing the worm. The general groan from the crowd was: ‘Ew, why would he do that?’ The student then got up, looked down at the state of his red t-shirt, started laughing and tried to show people his top as if no one had just witnessed what had happened. To exacerbate the situation further, another intoxicated girl, completely oblivious to what had just happened, danced her way through the middle of the vomit leaving footprints wherever she went.

COMMENT FRESHERS

GUIDE WHERE ART THOU

NOVEMBER 2014

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

SPECIAL

We confront the issues that ma er to you, right here on campus. Have an opinion? Contact us at: editor@unipaper.co.uk to have your say

THE BIG QUESTION

Sports Initiations: Are they getting out of hand?

MATTHEW BULLIN

PIC: MATTHEW BULLIN

WE’VE ALL heard the horror stories behind the notorious university sports teams’ initiations. Ranging from downing dirty pints and eating foul things, to exhausting physical tasks and borderline sexual harassment, these are all regrettably performed in the hope of winning your peers’ respect. Having spoken to a few of my sports enthusiast mates, I’ve heard their experiences of initiations. The majority of them involved downing pints (usually of Frosty Jacks) whilst doing another activity simultaneously, like having eggs thrown at you. An ‘obstacle course’ of demeaning and embarrassing tasks also seems to be a common theme. Apple bobbing maybe? Or bobbing for onions in a toilet and then eating that onion. Or maybe being forced to submerge yourself in a paddling pool full of “all things disgusting” If this wasn’t enough, there have been vicious rumours flying about freshers drinking out of a pig’s head and balancing a bull’s ballsack on their foreheads. Are people not able to prove themselves through their actions on the pitch? Instead it seems that they must be humiliated and forced to do unthinkable things just to give the seniors a laugh. I don’t know the origins of initiations but the general consensus means that it continues year after year. Well, it doesn’t seem fair if you can’t ‘get your own back’ by initiating the new freshers, now does it? But I do believe some seniors don’t want to be involved with the initiations,

perhaps thinking they’re ‘above it’, however even they are peer-pressured into it. However, despite having to do these vile tasks, most people still want to be a part of the team. Although this could simply be for a chance to meet the seniors and have a quiet chat over a pint, rather than seeing them as ‘those people who forced me to drink Frosties and threw eggs at me!’

SPARE COMPUTER?!

LIZZIE LONGLEY

COMPUTERS ARE an everyday necessity for people around the world and without them we would be lost. People have become so dependent on computers, whether it’s for browsing random things on the internet, online shopping or studying for a degree, computers are constant in many people’s lives. So why is there never any available to use in the university library? The library is always full to the brim of students on the computers, but very rarely are they doing work. I’ve seen people watching funny videos on YouTube or listening to the latest Number 1 in the music charts. The amount of girls that use the library as a room to online shop is endless and I wouldn’t be surprised if you caught boys having a cheeky look at porn and giggling to themselves. I don’t condemn these people for using the computers for these things because like them I online shop and endlessly watch YouTube videos (minus the porn) but when they are taking up a computer that is needed for educational use that’s when it starts to get irritating! It’s not just the students that take up all the computers for unnecessary use, it’s the random

astray of baggage and jackets that claim a seat. So many times have I gone over to what I thought was a spare computer to find a jacket taking charge of the seat without a body in sight. Whoever it is that leaves their stuff there for hours must be a very trusting person. But, when a jacket is taking over the chance for you to work you know there is an issue. I say all this but I’m sure I’m probably guilty of all these things (again minus the porn) so I don’t really have room to talk. I don’t believe there are enough computers in the library to accommodate to the vast amount of students, whether doing work or not there still should be enough computers on campus for the students to use. We are spending £9000 a year after all….

CONTACTS EDITOR: Georgia Tindale LOCAL EDITOR (UOB): Ellicia Pendle LOCAL EDITOR (BCU): Laura Peberday LOCAL EDITOR (ASTON): Hannah Shepherd COMMENT EDITOR: Keisha Fraser-Bruce

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THE UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 2014

Indepth, Insightful, & uncompromising: Interviews by ANDY WELCH

A Good Ed On His Shoulders Ed Sheeran is sitting in his dressing room in Melbourne Cricket Ground. In the background, Tom Jones can be heard soundchecking. “WE’RE SINGING the Prince song, Kiss, together,” says Sheeran, “but we’ve already rehearsed that.” The night before, Sheeran and his new pal Jones - who performed together in Australia last week went out for a few glasses of wine, and 74-year-old Jones regaled 23-year-old Sheeran with stories of appearing in The Simpsons and hanging out with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas back in the day. This is the world in which Sheeran now lives, where rather than him seeking out the biggest names in music to learn from, they request an audience with him. Elton John asked to perform with Sheeran at the Grammy Awards in 2013, and Paul McCartney, after the special concert earlier this year, marking the 50th anniversary of The Beatles landing in America, invited him to his trailer for a margarita. “I wasn’t expecting that one. I was with my parents and ready to go home for the night, and the next minute, that happened,” he says, like it was no big deal. He counts Taylor Swift and Harry Styles among his closest showbiz friends, and while recording his second album x last year, Friends star Courteney Cox let him stay in her Malibu home. Sheeran had been performing in LA when Spin City and Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence, and his actor wife Christa Miller, asked if their daughter could have her photo taken with him after the show. “The next night, I was having dinner in Malibu and Bill and Christa were in the same restaurant. They came over to thank me for being nice to their daughter and then invited me to a house party.” “I thought, ‘Why not?’ It turned out to be Courteney’s house party. It was miles from anywhere, and I’d sent my driver home so I had to stay over, and that’s when we became friends,” the singer explains. He’s a long way from Framlingham, the Suffolk village where he grew up, but spend any amount of time with Sheeran and it’s not hard to understand why so many A-listers want to hang out with him; he’s impeccably mannered for a start, and down to earth in a way most multi-million-selling artists just aren’t. Unassuming isn’t the word. He admits he’s changed a bit, though, since his first album was released and worldwide fame followed. He’s a bit more paranoid, and wary around new people, he says, but he’s generally much happier with his lot than he was three years ago. “I was quite well known among people my age, from the mix-tapes and YouTube videos that were doing the rounds, so I would get stopped and asked for photos and things,” he says. “That still happens, although back four years ago, I was broke, so there wasn’t the upside. Now I’m financially comfortable, and I’ve made my family financially comfortable, so I can see the rewards.” Other musicians seek him out too, including Pharrell Williams and producer Rick Rubin, who both went to Sheeran offering their services on a collaboration. The track with Williams, Sing, resulted in a No 1 single, while Rubin produced two tracks on x pronounced multiply - Don’t and Bloodstream. Of Sing, he says it was the first time he’s tried to write a song without a deep, emotional meaning. “Going in with Pharrell, I knew I wanted to

“I knew I wanted to make a bona ﬁde pop song ”

make a bona fide pop song and we were just trying some things out. It’s just me explaining how I had fun on a night out, had a drink and had a dance with a girl, and that’s it.” “I’ve never really done that before, and it was nice to do it and to not worry about how it would make people feel, and whether it was me opening up enough. I just wanted to write a song that was fun.” He says if the aftermath of his debut + taught him anything, it was that his songs were being used as emotional crutches by his fans. “I’d get people talking to me saying they’d listened to my record on their own in their bedroom, while eating ice cream and crying, or that they’d listened to my record after they’d broken up with a partner, so it was a very melancholic album.” “I learned I need to give people some fun here and there. I am not a hugely depressed person, I like to have fun and the melancholy doesn’t reflect who I am. Sometimes, it’s just good to sing about stuff that’s pointless. Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo is not a song that comes from a lot of heartbreak or upset, but it is a great pop song, and I want to do that too.” Despite the success of his first bona fide pop song, he still doesn’t see himself as a pop singer, however much he’d like to be “I really want to be in that world, among those big pop singers,” he says, referring to the likes of his friends Taylor Swift and Pharrell Williams. I think I am placed in that world when it comes to award shows and things, but I don’t get mentioned

in the same sentence as those stars when it comes to music.” If he’s not seen as a pop singer yet - he’s more your little brother’s scruffy mate who plays the guitar - it won’t be long. So far, x is the fastest-selling album in the UK this year, having sold 180,000 copies during its first week, beating Coldplay’s Ghost Stories, which had previously held the record, by around 15,000 copies. “Yeah, but,” counters Sheeran, “that Coldplay album is the only one they’ve not really promoted, so they could still beat me if they wanted.” His grasp of the way records sell is second to none, and some might accuse him of careerism. It’s simply not the done thing for an artist to admit they’re so acutely aware of how their music is selling, or how many tickets have sold for a forthcoming tour. Of course, Sheeran’s not really an exception here - almost every artist is just as aware of this stuff as he is, he just talks about it in interviews, while they feign ignorance. After the UK leg of his tour, he’s off around the world again, due to finish up next August, when he plans to take a break and write some more songs. “This is the first tour I’ve ever done where I set off on one date and know when I’m going to finish. All my other tours have started, and then 30-date tours in other countries keep getting added as we go along,” says Sheeran. “This time, it’s structured, and if there’s one thing I’ve been lacking for the past few years, it’s structure.”

NOVEMBER 2014 THE UNIVERSITY

WHAT’S ON

The BEST nights this Freshers week & throughout the month

THIS MONTH MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER

● Ed Sheeran @ LG ARENA ● Bird @ BIRMINGHAM REP ● Legendary Monday Night Jam @ THE BROWN LION ● Monday Madness @ THE HUB ● Vibe @ BAMBU TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER

● Maverick Sabre @ THE INSTITUTE ● Punk in Africa @ THE DRUM ● The Big Reunion @ LG ARENA ● Party Animalz @ WALKABOUT ● Frat House @ BAR RISA WEDNESDAY 22ND OCTOBER

● Clean Bandit @ O2 ACADEMY ● Fall Out & Club @ BIRMINGHAM REP ● Paul Chowdhry @ GLEE CLUB ● I Love Cheese @ REFLEX BROAD Street ● Boom @ THE O BAR THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER

● Nick Mulvey @ THE INSTITUTE ● Ghetts @ O2 ACADEMY ● Speed Dating –

SHANICE ABBOTT

The Vaults (age 26-38) @ THE VAULTS ● Open Mic Night @ IVY LEAF ● Fresh Thursdays @ INDI VIDUAL FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER

● All Years Leaving @ HARE & HOUNDS ● Afrovibes Festival: Mamela @ THE DRUM ● Frankenstein @ THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE ● Friday Night Lights @ ISLAND BAR ● Concept @ BAMBU SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER

● George Ezra @ THE INSTITUTE ● Anthem @ IBAR ● Peter Andre @ SYMPHONY HALL ● Pulse @ ARCA BAR ● Departures @ WALKABOUT ● Back to the 80s @ EDEN BAR SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER

● All Years Leaving @ HARE & HOUNDS ● Glam @ BAR RISA ● Zinc @ ISLAND BAR ● The Hangover Club @ BAR RISA ● RLA Sundays @ REVOLUTION

MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER

● Roadhouse Open Mic Mondays @ THE ROADHOUSE ● Jam Jah Sound @ THE BULL’S HEAD ● Motomo Mondays @ THE LORD CLIFTON ● Loaded GC @ GATECRASHER ● Monday Madness Freshers Special @ THE HUB TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER

● Fuse ODG @ THE INSTITUTE ● Amnesia Tuesdays @ INDI BAR ● Milkshake @ GATECRASHER ● Frat House @ BAR RISA ● Karaoke @ MISSING WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER

● Boom @ THE O BAR ● Big Wednesday @ SNOBS ● I Love Vodka @ REVOLUTION ● Hooch @ MOOCH BAR ● Zoo Wednedays @ POPWORLD THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER

● Tiki Thursday @ ISLAND

BAR ● Sing-a-Long Rocky Horror @ THE JEKYLL AND HYDE ● Cocktail @ THE JAM HOUSE ● Kinki Birmingham @ PLAYERS BAR ● Pounded @ NIGHTINGALE CLUB

MONDAY 3RD NOVEMBER

● Dirty Dog @ BAR RISA ● Room Service @ MOOCH BAR ● Industry Night @ POPWORLD ● Loaded GC @ GATECRASHER ● Sam Callahan @ THE INSTITUTE

FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER

● Halloween Party at Honey @ HONEY CLUB ● Halloween Weekend @ THE FLAPPER ● VIP Fridays @ MONO BAR ● Session @ TUNNEL CLUB ● Te Amo @ VELVET MUSIC ROOMS

TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER

● Jazz Tuesdays @ THE SPOTTED DOG ● Cineflower @ THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE ● Sound and Vision @ THE VICTORIA ● 90s Night @ TUNNEL CLUB ● Retro Quiz Night @ THE JEKYLL AND HYDE

Fresh Thursdays @ INDI BAR ● Bombzai @ MISSING ● House Party Thursdays @ BAMBU FRIDAY 7TH NOVEMBER

● Lucha Libre @ SUGARLOAF ● Walkie Rocks @ WALKABOUT ● After Work Fridays @ THE RED LION ● Bounce @ SUBSIDE ● Poise Fridays @ SOBAR SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

● La Roux @ THE INSTITUTE ● John Bishop @ NIA ● Pulse @ ARCA BAR ● Runway @ MYYST ● We Love Saturdays @ TE BAR

SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

● Play House @ KARMA ● Spin Saturdays @ BAMBU ● We Love Saturdays @ NUVO ● Shipwrecked @ BAR RISA ● Passion Saturdays @ MONO BAR SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER

● Future @ THE INSTITUTE ● Zinc @ ISLAND BAR ● Confidential Sundays @ MOOCH BAR ● Super Sundays @ CHIC ● Cream Sundays @ SENCE

WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

MONDAY 10TH NOVEMBER

THURSDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

● Canvas @ THE BULL’S HEAD ● I Love Cheese @ REFLEX ● Uncle Zubo’s Student Party @ THE RAINBOW VENUES ● 2 Good 2 Miss @ MISSING ● Midweek Meltdown @ SUBSIDE

● Rock and Roll Bingo @ HARBORNE STORES ● Playtime @ WALKABOUT ●

● Paloma Faith @ SYMPHONY HALL ● Monday Club @ THE O BAR ● Vibe @ BAMBU ● Rendezvous @ ELECTRIC M ● Quizbox @ THE ACTRESS AND BISHOP

● Party Animalz @ WALKABOUT ● Alt Tuesdays @ THE O BAR ● Frat House @ BAR RISA ●

YO YO H FO SO W

TO TI YO A TO

THE UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 2014

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AND IN LOCAL NEWS:

THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF MECHU REBECCA WAILING

Milkshake @ GATECRASHER ● Jewellery Quarter Comedy Night @ THE ROSE VILLA TAVERN WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

● The Reflex Factor @ LUNA ● Big Wednesday @ SNOBS Nightclub ● Stars and Stripes @ VELVET MUSIC ROOMS ● Alright Wednesday @ ISLAND BAR ● I Love Vodka @ REVOLUTION THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

● Lords Of The Riff Vol. 2 @ O2 ACADEMY ● Lady Gaga @ NIA VWhite House @ PLAYERS BAR ● Thursday Club @ NUVO Bar ● Minted @ MECHU THURSSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

● Big Beat Thursdays @ EVOQUE● Pound Party @ MACs ● Loveshack @ Baluga

PIC: SOPHIE MARIE DRAKE

MANY OF you reading this will already have experienced the mania that is Mechu. For those of you who arrived into Brum this year, here’s the lowdown on one of the most popular student nights out. So, you’re new to the city and you’ve heard that Broad Street is the place to go, but after several nights out at the same clubs you fancy something different. It was first described to me as your generic kind of club, with music from the charts and usually packed with students, but a ‘classier’ version. This brings me to the first rule of Mechu – Dress Posh. As long as guys are in shirts and girls are in cocktail dresses you can be as elaborate or as low key as you like – anything goes! There’s a second rule attached to this dress code. It’s one I strongly urge you to stick to if you want to walk away at the end of the night on a high and not with tears and mascara streaming down your face. We don’t want that £200 French Connection dress you’ve saved up for to have cranberry-vodka chucked over the front of it. Do not be fooled by the classy appearance of the people going into this club or its interior – by the end of the night they’re as bawdy as the rest of us! If you enter this club you’ll have several drinks spilt on you. Although the getup may look expensive, I can assure you everyone is wearing that bargain outfit they got at the end of the summer sales. My third and most important rule is going on a 2 for 1 drinks night. If you don’t then be prepared to watch your money burn as you’re asked at the bar to pay £9 for your drink! So those are my unwritten rules for one of the messiest nights in Birmingham. If you’re determined to have a good night out then I suggest grabbing a ton of pre-drinks, that £7 dress you bought.

YOU AND THREE OF YOUR MATES COULD BE HEADING TO AMSTERDAM FOR VALHALLA FESTIVAL SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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THE UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 2014

BY PHIL HAMILTON

PICTURES: BANG SHOWBIZ AGENCY

NUDE PHOTOS OF KELLY BROOK have been leaked online

The 26-year-old model - who recently split from her ﬁancé David McIntosh - is the latest star to have intimate images of herself, which include her lying naked on a bed, posted online and she is said to be “very upset” about the leak.

A FRIEND of Kelly told The Sun newspaper: “She is naturally very upset. “She may have profited from images of her body in the past, but these were private images pumped out to the world. She’s horrified.” The brunette beauty was previously named in a list of celebrities whose private photos had been targeted by online hackers - which is also said to have included stars Jennifer Lawrence, Kim Kardashian and Kate Upton - but denied the existence of the stolen images. She said at the time: “The only nude photos that you’ll ever see of me are the ones that I ‘leak’. And the ones that my head are superimposed on.” Fellow victim Jennifer Lawrence - who was targeted for the second time last month when trolls released a further 55 x-rated images of the star on websites 4Chan and Reddit has spoken out for the first time following the scandal and has defended her decision to take the nude shots. She said: “Just because I’m an actress does not mean I asked for this. I was in a loving healthy relationship for four years. It was long distance and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he’s going to look at you.”

Ed Sheeran listens to Britney Spears and N-Dubz’s greatest hits albums when cooking. THE FLAME-HAIRED singer likes to rustle up his own meals when he is not busy touring the globe and he can’t get enough of the 32-yearold singer’s successful songs because he is a “big fan” of both her and the pop trio. He said: “I’m a big Britney fan! I’ve actually got her greatest hits, I cook to it. I cook to Britney’s greatest hits and N-Dubz’s greatest hits - what does that say about me? Seriously, I’m not joking.” Ed also admitted he would love to write a song for Britney one day but insists it would resemble her slow song ‘Everytime’ rather than her more fast-paced eﬀort ‘Work Bitch’. He added: “She’s had consistent hits for a while but I wouldn’t write ‘Work Bitch’. It’d be something a bit more like ‘Everytime’. Remember that one?” When Ed isn’t penning tracks for pop superstars he could be found performing at his fans’ weddings after he accepted a supporter’s

PROFESSOR GREEN SLAPS CONCERTGOER PROFESSOR GREEN slapped a concertgoer on Friday night (03.10.14). The 30-year-old rapper was caught on camera getting into a scuﬄe in the middle of his gig at Durham University’s Student Union Welcome Ball after a member of the audience shouted abuse at him. However, the scrap didn’t last for very long as the ‘Remedy’ hitmaker - whose real name is Stephen Manderson - returned to the centre of the stage to explain why he ended up swinging his arms at a fan. He told the audience: “That’s what happens when you call me a c**t. Are we going to have a f***ing good time tonight or what?” A representative for Pro Green, who is

married to reality TV star Mille Mackintosh, conﬁrmed that the star had got into an altercation with a fan during his set and the student was later escorted oﬀ the premises. The spokesperson told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “During Professor Green’s live show at Durham University on Friday night, a student verbally abused Green repeatedly and then went to strike him. Green reacted. The student was subsequently escorted out from the venue for being too drunk. Green carried on the show to perform his full set.” Pro Green then appeared to reference the aggressive situation on Twitter after the show but later deleted the post from his social networking site.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE SAYS SHE FELT SEXUALLY VIOLATED AFTER HER NUDE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE LEAKED ONLINE.

invitation to perform at her nuptials in February 2016. After being asked by the lucky fan at an #AmazonFrontRow Q&A in central London yesterday (30.09.14) whether he would play on her big day, he replied: “That’s actually a possibility because I’ve got nothing booked in February 2016. It’s not on my birthday either. “We should talk. Do you have a card? Give me your work card. I’ll drop you a line. If I’m not working then it’ll be cool.” Ed Sheeran performed live for customers at the #AmazonFrontRow event at the Amazon London oﬃce roof top. For more information on Amazon Music visit www.amazon.co.uk/music

The 24-year-old actress, who is dating Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, admits she was very upset and angry after hackers stole dozens of private images from her iCloud account and posted them on websites in late August. The Oscar winner told Vanity Fair magazine: “It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime. It is a sexual violation. It’s disgusting. The law needs to be changed, and we need to change.” The ‘Hunger Games’ star also hit back at critics for suggesting she shouldn’t have taken or stored the intimate images in the first place, insisting they were only meant to be seen by her ex-boyfriend Nicholas Hoult, whom she split from earlier this year. She said: “I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years. It was long distance, and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he’s going to look at you.” The blonde beauty initially planned to apologise for the photographs because she was worried about her career. But she said: “Every single thing that I tried to write made me cry or get angry. I started to write an apology, but I don’t have anything to say I’m sorry for. Just the fact that somebody can be sexually exploited and violated, and the first thought that crosses somebody’s mind is to make a profit from it. It’s so beyond me.” She added: “Just because I’m a public figure, just because I’m an actress, does not mean that I asked for this. “It does not mean that it comes with the territory. It’s my body, and it should be my choice, and the fact that it is not my choice is absolutely disgusting. I can’t believe that we even live in that kind of world.”

NOVEMBER 2014

MUSIC LITTLE

SIMZ LAURA RAPHAEL

ALREADY A hip hop heavy weight, there is definitely nothing pint size about Little Simz. Having been picked up at the tender age of 16 by Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Semtex, she has gone onto receive critical acclaim from superstars such as Jay-Z, headline a gig in Times Square, not to mention she has just been nominated for two MOBO awards. The MC honed her craft at St Mary’s Youth Club in Islington, alumni to stars such as Alexandra Burke, and if 2014 is anything to go by Little Simz will be another name to add to the roll call. So remember you heard about her in The University Paper first.

LIFE OF THE PARTY? ALWAYS OUT AND ABOUT? Did you catch up with our snappers? Check out pages 10 and 11 to see if you made the cut.

2014 has been quite the year with the release of E.D.G.E and your Madia Vale session with Huw Stephens, how has it been for you? I didn’t expect for my EP to do that well which is always good to exceed your expectations. And to be like the first unsigned rapper to do Madia Vale is a good achievement in my eyes. Huw has heavily championed me throughout the year so for him to give me that opportunity was crazy. How was it playing the BBC 1Xtra stage at Reading and Leeds this summer? I felt it was inevitable that it would happen but when it actually did I was like “shit this a surreal” but it was sick and hopefully I can do Glastonbury and Wireless next. I was actually meant to play Glastonbury this year, but I was in New York and our flight got oversold so we were stuck in the airport. I felt like it happened for a reason, I don’t think I was supposed to play this year, but at the time I was so annoyed. You have received a lot of underground acclaim through SoundCloud, that and for recording in your bedroom, do you prefer the stripped back approach? Where I am not signed everything has to be done myself and it is hard to get a big push especially releasing music, there are only so many outlets. It is not conscious decision, it is just me having freedom for now.

me a lot, but I have comes to terms with it now. There isn’t an easy way to describe it, but I feel that this is bigger than me being a female or even a rapper. I want to be an entrepreneur and a humanitarian and I hope music is going to take me to those place in life. Considering you are only 20, how does it feel having been championed by the likes of Zane Lowe? I feel like I have a long way to go. I’m studying Music Technology Specialist in West London and learning how to balance things. I was thinking of dropping out because the last year has been so crazy. But I want to challenge myself, to break barriers and prove that it is possible to have a degree and be unsigned, instead of say having a particular look. What’s next for Little Simz? I am going to be working on new tracks and doing a collaborative project that I can’t name just yet, but it is going to be exciting. But right now? I am just trying live to be honest. I have done a lot musically, there was a point where I was writing everyday and it was getting repetitive as I was talking about the same things. So I am just trying to be 20 and live this uni life and be me in order to have more to write about.

Have you been approached by any labels yet? I have been approached by everyone, but I don’t feel like I want to be signed right now. I’m in no particular rush or eager for a deal. I would like to more business minded before signing away a lot of my power, especially when I am an up and coming artist. I feel like I have worked too hard to hand my music over to a group of executives, they need to understand me, my music and my vision first. What is it like being a female rapper? I’ve tried not to let that phase me and look at myself as an artist regardless of gender or age that instantly categorises me. It used to bother

How to become a hipster in 400 words

PICTURES:OLI POULTER

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

OLI POULTER

THE RISE of hipster culture seems to have emerged through the amalgamation of the nerd and the suburban street wise kid, giving birth to this cross hybrid contradiction. After the drug crazed intensity of the rock and roll era, it now seems to be classed as cool to use big words like ‘idiosyncratic’ and talk about Avant guarde films with apparent ‘deeper symbolic meanings’. We’ve been observing these fascinating creatures and have come up with a few simple steps to show you how to jump on the bandwagon and become as edgy as ever. A fixed gear bike is key to any kind of success in the hipster arena. Weird wacky colored wheels are only the start of your newly found creative lifestyle. Fixies are limited to 1 gear only and are commonly ridden without brakes, to slow down you must reduce your pedal rate. You can design your own fixie with infinite combinations of crazy colors at http://www. mangobikes.co.uk.

Music is a large part of anyone’s life and when it comes to embarking on your new expressive lifestyle, weird music is a must. Your ITunes must be packed to the brim with undiscovered tunes comprising of odd distorted bass lines and un-quantised beat loops that no one really enjoys to listen to let alone dance to. It’s real easy to let yourself go and dance to Jason Derulo in Forum on a Friday night, but we suggest you maintain your hipster front by seeming unimpressed and make a request to the disc jockey for some unknown music group that may not even exist. Check out the boiler room for some outstanding role models in the hipster music scene. When it comes to clothing anything goes. From bomber jackets with deliberately tasteless color schemes to ridiculously long silk shirts, it’s all good stuff as far as the hipster assemblage are concerned, just make sure the clothes you buy are vintage to really enhance the bohemian theme you’re looking for. Be

sure to check out Wavey Garms on Facebook for more ideas. Finally on to the gratuitous additions. From the research we’ve undertaken it seems compulsory to wear some kind of overbearingly big glasses whether you need them or not. Facial

hair for the guys is optional, but we think it really adds that edge. Unfortunately the plight of the dreaded top knot still seems to have a firm grip upon the hipster community but we advise against it, quite frankly it looks like a cry for help.

NOVEMBER 2014

TECHNOLOGIC PHIL HAMILTON

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

GADGETS

GRILLING MACHINES

GAMES

MOBILES

COMPUTERS

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

TABLETS

APPS

BEAT YOUR MEAT

Remember George Foreman? Here are two of the best machines out there giving the boxer’s grill a hiding.

REVIEWS BREVILLE HALO+ HEALTH FRYER RRP: £169.99

I CAN remember a time when most households in Britain had a deep fat fryer. What could be better of an evening than crispy chips and fried sausages all cooked in the same pan of oil which could catch fire at any moment and burn down the house in minutes? Then the health police told us it was bad for our hearts and arteries and everyone got rid. Now I have the Halo+ Fryer in my life, the fryer for the “health conscious”. You only need to use half a tablespoonful of oil to cook 1kg of chips in this one. And if you have any doubts that they won’t come out delicious, think again. My first attempt produced a plate of golden brown, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the

TEFAL OPTIGRILL BLACK DO YOU like eating mouth-watering steak but don’t have the energy or will to turn it over mid-cooking? Do you like chicken but don’t have the attention span to watch it to make sure it’s cooked and won’t give you salmonella poisoning? Do you enjoy the delicious taste of lamb chops but can’t be bothered to fry them in a pan? Well now you don’t have to with the Tefal OptiGrill Black. It is the Rolls-Royce of grills, making the George Foreman grill look like a Robin Reliant. Everything about it is automated. Plug it in, choose the type of meat you’re cooking and then wait for it to heat up. Once it’s ready, slap your meat on and the grill’s in-built technology automatically measures its thickness and starts cooking it, both sides. The LED display tells you what stage it’s cooked at (with rare, medium and well done settings) and an alarm goes off at each of those. I tried an aged rib eye steak on it and it

RRP: £149.99

“IT IS THE ROLLS ROYCE OF GRILLS, MAKING FOREMAN’S KIT LOOK LIKE A ROBIN RELIANT” was seared, juicy and took less than five minutes to cook. This is a top bit of kit that sorts out all your meat needs and gets it to the plate without you having to do much actual cooking. Luckily for your wife, girlfriend, significant other it still needs cleaning so they’re not redundant just yet (I know - ho, ho, ho.) Available exclusively at Argos.

HEALTH GIZMO OF THE MONTH

BREVILLE BLEND-ACTIVE NO-ONE will ever accuse me of being a regular gym goer, cycling enthusiast, ardent jogger, yoga stretcher or a follower of any currently popular fitness fad. Rest assured I’m not turning into some huge lump of lard like Katie Hopkins. I still regularly drag my body round the football pitch and then complete my workout with a couple of nutritious pints. For those of you who do partake in regular sports, I’m assured the Breville Blend Active is perfect.

inside potato goodness. Just add the salt and pepper and ketchup and you’re away. I haven’t tried making Crème Brulee in it – the manufacturers say you can – but I did cook sausages, chicken and battered fish in it and it was top notch. The parts can go in the dishwasher and there’s grill and roasting options. Yeah, it’s a bit pricey but is well worth it. And for the cash you can fry a whole meal in one again, with much less chance of torching your gaff.

Like all good gadgets the beauty of the Blend Active is in its simplicity and practicality. Before this bit of kit you had to make up your protein shake and then pour it in your sports bottle. What a pain in the arse eh? With this product the sports bottle is the blender chamber – you pop on the blade cap, put on the base unit and blend your drink. Take it off and replace with the drinking cap and you’re ready to head to the gym with your refreshment in hand.

RRP: £25 If you’re not a fitness freak you can use it to make a fruit smoothie for the train in the mornings, or an iced coffee, or a milkshake. You get the picture – it blends stuff and you take it with you. I still prefer to just pay £2 for a ready blended drink before I squeeze myself onto the packed Tube with a bunch of ‘hipsters’ whose religions are obvious through their skinny jeans. But that’s just me. I have more spare cash these days because I don’t actually pay for these gadgets.

EVERY YEAR that gets us fuelled Geor This is bas of the legend It’s been g original Sega of British kid smashing sp Despite ne or live – alth during a grid – I’ve always This latest The graph commentato realistic and next-genera Its biggest since the las defensive pl when your te you’re encou tackling. I re order to sack

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

TRANSFORMERS

TOASTIE MAKERS

HEADPHONES

SPEAKERS

GAMES

LAPTOPS

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

DRONES

VUVUZELAS

REVIEW: DIABLO III: ULTIMATE EVIL EDITION

SO IT’S finally made it to consoles. Blizzard have brought Diablo III to those of us who mainly use PCs for work... and other extra-curricular pursuits of course. The good thing about playing on a console is multiplayer is much better. And the thing practically everyone loves about Diablo is it involves exploring, crafting and killing together - or killing each other. The game is addictive with friends (if you have any.)Unless your improvisation skills are great you will get bored playing alone. Without friends the game feels like repetitive button smashing to

hack’n’slash and that isn’t always enough. But with friends in the co-player modes it comes alive and you start feeling like a true basher-smasher-lasher-dasher killing machine. The graphics are nothing to shout about. They keep the look of the series but you’d think on a nextgen console Blizzard would at least brighten its different worlds and improve the artwork. Unfortunately it is dull and boring and the best thing about the artwork is the crows that decide to sit on the lamps, because, well, I like crows. Problem? However, at the beginning the intro is surprisingly amazing, the faces look real, the people act real, it feels real and I’m disappointed they couldn’t achieve that in-game. I’m torn about Diablo III. The main character is unappealing and hard to understand. The storyline is very linear; the plot is dull and could do with a more interesting twist. In summary, this edition is only made for multi-player.

PREVIEW: ALIEN ISOLATION

“YOU’VE ALREADY PAID £44.99 FOR THE GAME. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR A GAME-PLAY OPTION TOO? IT ANGERS ME ME”

REVIEW OF THE MONTH MADDEN NFL 15 EVERY YEAR the FIFA franchise gets an update that gets us more excited than a vodka/Red Bullfuelled Geordie in a tanning salon. This is basically the American football version of the legendary soccer title. It’s been going strong since 1990 and the original Sega Mega Drive introduced a lot of British kids (including me) to the bonesmashing sport of the NFL. Despite never being a fan of NFL either on TV or live – although the beer and snacks they serve during a gridiron marathon numbs the boredom – I’ve always been a big fan of the Madden games. This latest edition doesn’t disappoint. The graphics are brilliant. Players, commentators and coaches all look ultrarealistic and we’re now starting to see what these next-generation consoles are really capable of. Its biggest improvement gameplay- wise since the last edition (Madden NFL 25) is in the defensive play. Before, you felt like an onlooker when your team was defending, but in this game you’re encouraged to get fully involved in the tackling. I recommend you use the Hit Stick in order to sack a quarterback in the same way a

school bully crushes a nerd. Offensive play has been tweaked for the better. Your runners speed through the opposition defence like a fatty running for a finger buffet and when you’re passing as the quarterback you’ve got more options than a customised Domino’s pizza. Purists will complain there are too many interceptions and all those NFL intricacies which hold up play. But Madden NFL has always eradicated some of the more boring aspects of the real sport (how many fucking time-outs do they really need?) in order to make a video game that is more fun and has plenty of flow. There are loads of game modes including Connected Franchise where you get to choose to be a player, coach or owner to try and take your team (it’s got to be the Miami Dolphins for me) to Super Bowl glory. The Ultimate Team option is great but you have to pay extra for it. You’ve already paid £44.99 to play the bastard game! So it makes me angry you have to pay extra for a gameplay option. It’s still a must-have for gaming American football fans.

THIS IS the game I’m most excited about getting my hands on this year. It’s just you – as Amanda Ripley, the daughter of Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley from the 1979 Alien film – with one of the alien creatures (known as a Xenomorph to movie gimps) and you’re determination to find out what happened to your hard-arsed mum. It’s a survival horror and you only get a tracker and whatever you can get your hands on to protect yourself. The game is set in 2137, 15 years after the events of Alien. It sees Amanda flown to the space station Sevastopol to find the flight recorder of Nostromo, but an alien is already there. It’s your job to find out what happened to your mother and the people who were living on the space station – which has been painstakingly recreated in the

style of Ridley Scott and late surrealist artist H. R. Giger’s work on the original movie.\ From what I’ve seen of the title there’s a lot of detective work to do all while trying to avoid attracting the attention of the Xenomorph – which is set to be one of the most intelligent AI characters in video game history if it lives up to Sega’s hype. I cannot wait for this game. Alien is my favourite film of all time, survival horror is my favourite video game genre and this title puts you firmly in those two settings. I really, really, really don’t want this game to be shit. Next issue we’ll know.

Coming soon for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox 360.

KNOW THE INSIDE

DO YOU

T R AC K O N

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. 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

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

CURRENT

» CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER

‘NAZI SCUM OFF OUR STREETS’- STUDENTS AND BRUMMIES UNITE AGAINST FAR RIGHT

attempting to divide a proud multicultural city’. Many speakers spoke about Birmingham as a proud and culturally rich city. Support for the protest was wide, with many different groups attending to show their support. The Nation Union of Teachers backed the protest officially, BEMA (black and ethnic minorities association) attended alongside the National Union of Students. When addressing the crowds, Malia Bouattia - the Black Students’ Officer from the NUS - said that she was there to represent people from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Bouattia had a clear message for the EDL: ‘Hell no! We offer them no platform’. University of Birmingham student Alex Dean told us: ‘I’m here to show support for Birmingham, and to say no to causing trouble’. Another UoB Student who was present at the anti-EDL demonstration told us: ‘It’s really sad that people have to blame certain groups for our problems.’ Jade Foster - a student from the University of Derby - said of the protest: ‘This is bigger than the EDL, this is about

anti-discrimination in general. It’s important to protect universities from the fascist movement by opposing it in the wider community’. Executive Councilman Barry Bowls attended, saying he was there to personally show his support for the protest: ‘I represent a diverse area; I’m here representing the people of Hall Green and surrounding areas and to show an opposition to the EDL’. Following the protests, ten people were arrested for causing disorder on the streets. Bar Risa initially refused to host the rally. Superintendent Richard Baker of West Midlands Police called it a ‘difficult decision’ on Bar Risa’s part. He added: “Bar Risa is the best venue for this policing operation due to its size […] it’s always better to provide a meeting point for a large protest group as this causes minimal disruption to the city’. Bar Risa donated the £1,500 made at last year’s EDL rally to the Midlands Air Ambulance charity, and plan to do the same this year. They told us: ‘We do not, have not and will never support the EDL in any way, shape or form’.

» CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER

HALLAM STUDENT DODGES DEATH TWICE She turned around to see her photogenic landscape transformed into one of instant threat, as a rock fall began hurtling towards the group. “The rocks came flying down and started bouncing up over the side of the glacier. Big boulders, the size of a small car, started coming over. The guide shouted, “run!” I didn’t know where I was going to be running to, because there was nothing to hide behind. “Knowing it was coming after us … we were just running away from what could potentially hit us, obviously when there’s rocks the size of dinner tables flying through the air there’s no way you can outrun that.” Morley slowly struggled to escape due to icy conditions up on the glacier. Slipping on the ice, an embarrassing but minor incident for most during the winter, could have been perilous in her situation. Thankfully the guide quickly grabbed her and hurled her away from the impending boulders. They both took cover at the edge of the helipad, which was dipped in and allowed the rocks to fly over them. “I wouldn’t say the first rock fall went over a minute, but it seemed like an eternity when it was happening, watching things fly past us”, said Morley. When the first rock fall ended Morley and the other climbers slowly made their way onto the helipad, checking themselves over for injuries whilst waiting for a helicopter to make its way to them. Unfortunately, just as they were about to board the helicopter, disaster struck a second time. “Me and the guys were almost there, just underneath the propellers, but we saw the helicopter pilot pull a funny facial expression and he flew off again.” A second, smaller but equally dangerous rock fall began,

forcing the helicopter to flee without the climbers. Once again Morley was in imminent danger and jumped into survival mode. They found shelter in the same helipad edge, which had saved them the first time. Miraculously they escaped yet another terrifying ordeal unscathed. Thankfully for Morley and her group, the helicopter arrived soon after. They all frantically jumped into the helicopter, urging it to fly away quickly. Morley commented: “as we left, the pilot flew over where the rock fall originally came from, and we could see a massive chunk out of the top of the cliff. We then had a rather thankful journey back to base.” Even after such an extreme incident, Morley’s appetite for climbing and other adrenaline-inducing sports is still strong: “I actually want to get out more to climb, because I will not be defeated by a bit of rock! “I do get a bit more cautious when I’m climbing on a flake, or a chockstone that’s a bit wobbly, and I was in the Lake District last week going through Hardknott Pass, there’s been so many rock falls there, there’s just boulder fields. “The experience has made me more aware, but other than that I just want to go out more and more.” The incident has even inspired her degree choices and future career interests. She has recently swapped an elective module on Conservation to one about Natural Hazards, wanting to find out more about the significance of natural dangers in tourism and sports. “Following the rock fall I realised I know nothing about natural hazards or mitigating them. It’ll be part of my future career prospects hopefully.”

NOVEMBER 2014 THE UNIVERSITY

Fashion

Whether you want to dress up or down, we’ve picked the top ten buys for guys and girls out this month. From cosy faux fur and parkas to striking sequins and suits, make this your shopping tick list.

n e m o W

FURBULOUS

ANIMAL PRINT

Wrap up in a little bit of luxury with this faux fur coat.

These leopard print block heeled boots are the perfect day to night number.

£89.99, ZARA

SHOWPIECE

Julian MacDonald gives the pencil skirt some of his signature sparkle.

£149, M&S

£40, DEBENHAMS

STATEMENT SLACKS Beautiful winter florals with a splash of this season’s teal.

POWER PRINT

This geo print pelmet skirt packs a stylish punch.

£28, DOROTHY PERKINS

£36, TOPSHOP

JUICY JEWELS

Add these colourful gems to upgrade any outfit.

£17.99, NEW LOOK

CUFF IT

This pretty Perspex number is part of Accessorize’s Christmas collection.

£12, ACCESSORIZE

HAT TRICK

Top off your winter look with a floppy felt hat.

PETAL POWER

Daisy print + navy + ruffles = the perfect playsuit

£46, TOPSHOP

£8, PRIMARK

PRETTY KNITS

We love the floral detail on this charcoal sweater

£69, MONSOON

THE UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 2014

N E M BUCKLE UP

This smart backpack in grey will go with any outfit.

TOP TEE

Idle Man has collaborated with streetwear label Hype resulting in this exclusive range.

£69.99, H.E AT MANGO

£25, HYPE X AT IDLE MAN

BUTTON UP

This cosy parka will keep you warm and look good while it does it.

SEEING SPOTS

£65, NEXT

Forget winter brights, statement prints are the way to get spotted this season.

£28, RIVER ISLAND

BLACK AND BLUE

Be bold and put some animal in to your outfit.

WINTER WOOLIES

£79, REISS

This bright beanie hat will keep you toasty.

£12, NEXT

SUITED & BOOTED

A simple, no frills suit to smarten up your party season look.

JACKET £79, BURTON TROUSERS £40, BURTON

CHECK MATE

This style staple will look great under 6 and 7.

£16.99, BLUE INC

FANCY FEET

Pull on these bargain Chelsea boots for an instant feel/look good factor.

£29.99, NEW LOOK

ADVICE

NOVEMBER 2014

NO-NONSENSE ADVICE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

A word of advice

Know when to quit

BY THIS point, you’ve almost certainly had all sorts of people ambushing you about how to make the most out of university. Interested in your course? Become an academic rep. Student journalist? Get work experience, and write for as many places as possible. Human being? Join a society filled with other human beings who may or may not share interests with you. There’s some truth in the phrase that university is what you make of it. But it’s a big commitment that costs nine thousand pounds - with the cost of living added to that - and graduate employers aren’t just going to disregard you because you didn’t join four sports clubs and a

tea appreciation society. If universities offered nothing more than your local sports centre or church hall, there wouldn’t be any point going. So it is, then, that you need to know when to quit. Yeah, nobody likes a quitter - but you’re more likely to find a job at the end of your degree if you’ve done one thing and you’ve done it well. By all means, join all the societies you want, but unless you want to become an all-singing alldancing Swiss Army Knife of a person, know when to say: “I’ve done enough to be proud of myself.” That’s all anybody can ask for, and anybody who wants more isn’t worth it.

you can do to make yourself easier to live with Hey, we’re all guilty of this. But if you’re a big fan of neo-classical folk rock or melodic doom metal, there’s a smidge of a chance that people in your household won’t share your enthusiasm. Start quiet and slowly turn the music up as the days go by, rather than starting loud and waiting for them to complain.

Come on, we’re adults. You probably know this one. But I lived with a guy who would use all his stuff, refuse to wash it, and then start using everybody else’s. He was about as popular as diarrhea, and almost as inconvenient. Don’t back up the sink with plates that have last week’s food on it, as it’s only going to make everybody’s life harder - especially your own, if you have to scratch dried leftovers off a plate with a fork.

3 4. PAY THE BILLS, ON TIME

Compared to the other things on this list which are just conveniences, this one is essential as not doing so might land you in court. If you leave your housemates in the lurch, you can damage their credit rating (or your own), and you’re not going to avoid paying the cash - so pony up sooner rather than later. That goes for damage, too. Don’t be the guy who sets a fire extinguisher off and makes the whole flat pay for it. Nobody likes that guy.

STUDY ESSENTIALS

Feeling productive? With the right equipment, you can always get more out of your time. Try the following if you need a little something extra

2. DO THE WASHING UP. NOW.

Do the cows a favour: buy 4 pints for the house rather than a pint each. It’s more economic in terms of space, and certainly more cost effective. And that goes for more than just milk - share pasta, rice, and even toasters and other general equipment. If you’ve got multiple smoothie machines in your house, you’re either working for innocent or you’ve got too many.

1. KEEP THE MUSIC DOWN

3. SHARE!

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

A GOOD CALENDAR APP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE.

GUM.

Google Calendar is great and even syncs across multiple devices, so you can always stay on schedule. The reminders are fantastic, too!

Yes, it’s the bane of every cleaner’s life. But chewing (“mastication,” for those inclined towards funny sounding words) has been shown to improve learning and your ability to recall details. Just don’t stick it under the desk!

USB STICK KEYCHAIN.

Always be able to say “yes” if someone asks if you have a memory stick by attaching one to something you can’t leave home without: your keys.

A VACUUM FLASK.

Sometimes, water isn’t enough (although a bottle of water is another great thing to keep on you). A Thermos full of coffee is a great thing to keep on you for a day of lectures so you can stay focused while saving time and money you’d spend on trips cafés.

DROPBOX.

Ok, so it’s not a thing per se - it’s a service. But Dropbox and services like it provide a space for you to backup essays in case your computer dies. Like the keychain, it’s also accessible from home.

TABLET COMPUTERS.

Yeah, iPads and kindles cost a lot of money. But it’s an investment: digital books can save you lugging course reading around all day, making trips to the library less painful.

A GOOD DATA ALLOWANCE ON YOUR PHONE.

I’m lucky enough to have unlimited 4G, meaning I’m never without an internet connection. Perfect if you need to access resources such as timetables on the move - because who doesn’t forget where to go on the ﬁrst day?

POST-IT NOTES.

Chances are you’re not actually studying a degree if you haven’t felt the need to put sticky notes on absolutely everything. Indulge and buy a stack before long, you’ll be hooked.

The

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

Homesick? FRIENDS ARE NEVER FAR AWAY PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

IF YOU’RE feeling the burn of being away from home, chances are you’re not alone. Not everybody is rushing away from the creature comforts that come part of living with your parents. Home cooking is effort free, and as the good book says: Man cannot live by Instant Noodles alone. But jokes about microwave food aside, many complain that a real sense of loneliness sets in once the novelty of halls wears off. Even people in second year and beyond find themselves missing home, sometimes without warning. Yet take solace: we live in a hyper-connected society. It’s a bit of a trite phrase, but it’s absolutely true. Almost every laptop and tablet PC has some sort of webcam, so if your parents don’t use computers, keeping in contact with Skype or FaceTime is a great incentive for you to teach them. And while adding your parents on Facebook is a generally big no-no, adjusting your privacy settings so they don’t see the worst of you but can like the odd results post you make is a great way to keep them updated without expending too much effort. Distance is a horrible thing, and it can affect you profoundly when you’re in no position to travel. But the internet has made the world feel a lot smaller. Even if it’s too late at night for you to turn to someone from college or your family, listening services such as Nightline are never far away and deal with problems like this on a daily basis.

FRESHERS:

There’s life outside of halls. LAURA RAPHAEL PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

What’s the best hangover cure? The answer might surprise you. PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

YOU’VE HAD a heavy night. You and your mates said “just one more” quite a few times, and you’ve woken up feeling like you’ve been hit by a car made of pure vodka. What do you do? Spoilers: there’s no such thing as a hangover cure. A greasy breakfast? A myth. Aspirin? It’ll help the headache, but not the dehydration. Another drink? Don’t be crazy. They say time heals all wounds. In this case, they’re right: there’s no doubt that drinking water helps (and if you can do it on a night out, then all the better), but you should be drinking water anyway given that it’s a big part of staying alive.

Buying a huge breakfast isn’t going to do anything for you except hurt your wallet and leave you feeling bloated. And while fry-ups are nice, nobody’s ever been prescribed fried eggs and bacon. (If you have, please get in touch. That’s one hell of a story). Of course, I’m not going to tell you that the best cure is not to drink. It’s hard to avoid a night out at university. What I can tell you that if somebody’s selling a miracle remedy, then chances are, it won’t work, or it will make you feel worse. Save your money, nurse your head, and brace yourself for the next time you have one too many.

eeting new people is terrifying. There’s no doubt that once you’ve settled in with your flatmates and all learned how to get along you probably won’t be rushing to repeat the experience. However, beware: good housemates are a blessing and a curse. Too many people spend their first year with housemates they were randomly allocated. Seeing as relationships generally don’t rely on random chance, rushing into a house with those in your hall can lead to disaster once you realise that you’re all significantly different people. And while you may not realise that during the second semester, chances are you will by the end of year two. That goes the other way, too. Making a single group of friends outside of your house - a society committee, for example - isn’t going to do you any favours either. Life as the absent housemate will only alienate you from people you can’t really avoid, especially if you’re not lucky enough to stay in an en suite room. Remember: there are thousands of people at university. You’re doing yourself no favours by limiting yourself to a certain group. Step outside, breathe the air, and find some people without being grouped together by chance.

NOVEMBER 2014

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

MY MONEY IMPARTIAL, EXPERT ADVICE BY: LAURA RAPHAEL

THE MONEY LIST

Get paid for your opinion Ge ing paid to lie in bed on the internet might sound too good to be true when it comes to making money, but thousands of students diligently fill out online surveys every year. So if you are a sucker for BuzzFeed quizzes this might just be the perfect job for you. Here are The University Paper’s top three sites:

The OpinionPanel Community

The Opinion Panel is the largest youth and student research community in the UK with over 120,000 members. What’s even better as a student you get paid a tenner simply for signing up. You can take part in surveys and online focus groups for big brands and get paid for writing for their website opinionpanel.co.uk.

YouGov

This one is a little different to the rest as the surveys focus on social issues from politics to public affairs. The results are then used by clients such as The Economist, so if you have strong views yougov. co.uk is for you. Also you’ll be quids in if you get your friends to sign up too.

Toluna

One of the best perks of being a student is the freebies right? So what could be better than Toluna sending them directly to you to road test. You don’t even have to send them back afterwards. You can also fill out surveys on their website uk.toluna.com in return for Amazon vouchers.

Don’t sell yourself short Out of 2,300 students 80% do not have enough money to live on and what’s more one in four would even considering selling their body in order to stump up some extra cash. The students questioned as part of a survey conducted by Save the Student said they would either turn to the adult entertainment industry or medical trails. WITH AN estimated £600,000 to £3m per institution going straight into higher education from the sex industry this is nothing new. But even less is know about students undertaking medical trials. However it is not as simple as turning up to hospital, popping some pills and receiving a cash injection. First you have to go through initial assessments to make sure you are fit for the trial, followed by a hospital stay and follow-up sessions that can last months. However you do receive food and board while staying in hospital.

There are also different types of trial, the best paid being a phase 1, as these drugs have never been tested on humans before and for this you can expect daily rates of £120. All clinical trials are run by a regulatory agency and ethics committee to ensure that they are in the interest of the public and medical profession. However this does not safeguard you from side effects and in the extreme have results in death. Volunteers are contributing to medical science but it is best to arm yourself with the short and long-term consequences before committing.

ENTREPRENEURS

MOVE OVER GANDHI, HERE’S ROB AND PAUL

Changing the world one flipflop SUPER at a time… SCRIMPING LAURA RAPHAEL

Freshers has been and gone, along with your student loan. Sure your ﬁrst payment for halls took a chunk out of it with the rest falling somewhere between your local boozer and Perfect Fried Chicken. use these apps to make up the rest.

» REDLASER

Want price comparison at the click of a button? While you are out and about simply scan the barcode of the product you want to purchase and it’ll ﬁnd you the cheapest store both online and oﬄine. You can then purchase items through the app and have it delivered right to your door.

» METER READINGS Ok, so this one will set you back £1.49 but it could save you hundreds over the course of the year. As we head into autumn it is all too easy to whack the heating up or spendﬁve more minutes in the shower: Meter Readings however will allow you to keep a track of how much you are spending before you go over budget.

» 0800 WIZARD

So you’ve got unlimited minutes on your contract but ironically calling the bank of all places is costing you a small fortune. Calling 0800 numbers can be as high as 20p a minute but 08 Wizard replaces the 08 with a 01 or 02 landline number and you won’t face a charge on top.

This year will mark the tenth anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami that claimed 230,000 lives. A poignant anniversary for brothers Paul and Rob Forkan who lost their parents that day, and only narrowly survived themselves. However out of tragedy is where Gandys ﬂip ﬂops was born. The brothers began the social enterprise out of their bedroom in Brixton to now with a growing team behind them in their London HQ. CO-FOUNDER Paul Forkan says: “the idea is to give back to those less fortunate - profit for purpose”. With 10% of all profits going into the Gandys Foundation, towards their mission ‘Orphans for Orphans’. The brothers have been able to fund children’s homes in Sri-Lanka and India, giving underprivileged children access to basic essentials such as housing, healthcare and education. Paul says it has been: “Exciting as well as a challenging journey... You are basically just a flip flop to people, so when you are competing against big brands who have been going 50 odd years you have to think outside the box and Gandys is proving to deliver this success through our new ever changing designs and prints. ” The brothers have already been invited to don their signature flip flops at Buckingham Palace and Number 10, even flying to Sri-Lanka with David Cameron in 2013. Rob laughs: “The only place we’ve actually been turned away from for wearing them was our local pub a couple of months ago”. And the future is set to be even brighter with the brothers vision to open children’s homes all over the world.

“The only place we’ve actually been turned away from for wearing them was our local pub a couple of months ago”

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

YOUR QUESTIONS: ANSWERED Yo ho WHAT? It’s only November!!!

FORGIVE US for mentioning the c word but with Christmas fast approaching it is time to start applying for seasonal jobs. And what with the festive period rearing its ugly head earlier and earlier every year, it is time to start handing out your CV already. Christmas creates new jobs as companies employ extra staff to see them through the festive period. What’s better there is even the lure of time and a half over the bank holidays. But if you fancy a job a little out of the ordinary here are jobs for you. Just like marmite - some people love them and some hate them but with £50 million spent on sprouts alone in the UK someone has to pick them! However, if you want to get your hands dirty but sprouts aren’t your thing then how about becoming a professional present wrapper? Or even a Christmas cracker joke writer, we kid you not. Although with this comes great reasonability in beating “what is brown and sticky”. And finally what a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than being an Elf or even Father Christmas himself at a department store or garden centre near you.

How not to get ripped off as an intern PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

IF IT isn’t bad enough you are having to fork out £9k a year for tuition fees alone now you are expected to work for free? Ah yes, internships. Some have even gone under the hammer at Christie’s, with a week’s worth of experience at GQ finishing up at an eye watering £3k. However, it is not all bad news. Internships can set you apart

from the crowd, get you valuable contacts and sometimes even paid work. And considering Simon Cowell started out in the EMI post room you might not want to scoff. However a recent Inland Revenue crackdown on unpaid internships just goes to show you need to know your rights. If you are doing an internship as part of a higher education course, the company are not

entitled to pay you, but you should receive a reasonable allowance to cover your travel and lunch. However if you undertake an internship outside of your course you may qualify for “worker” status, which means national minimum wage and no more than 48 hours a week. What’s more if you are promised future work from the offset you immediately qualify for worker status.

NOT ALL DEBT IS BAD

Did you know there is such as thing as good debt and believe it or not your student loan is just that. Considering we’ll be paying it off way into our 50’s with the average debt totaling £44k it is hard to believe, I know. So what exactly is good about that?

PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s basically an investment, as it will increase your potential future income and it has lower interest than other loans. So now that you have invested wisely, here is how not to get into all sorts of bad debt. The worst offenders of bad debt are payday and cash advance loans. Why? This is not a long term investment and whatever you squandered it on has probably already lost its value. Many student unions have even banned payday loan companies from even advertising on campus as they believe they target vulnerable students. Not only will you have to pay back the original sum borrowed but also interest incurred, with some starting at 300% annually. Credit cards are another to watch out for. So your bank have just given you a shiny new piece of plastic and it’s contactless to make paying even easier. Fantastic. Until all those clothes from Topshop have been sitting on your statement for three months and the interest you are

It’s basically an investment, as it will increase your potential future income and it has lower interest than other loans. paying on them is making them even more expensive than they were in the first place. Sometimes dipping into the red might be unavoidable that’s what your interest free overdraft is there for, but reserve it for emergencies.

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NOVEMBER 2014

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STUDENT CHEF

TOP

PICTURES:SHUTTERSTOCK

EASY STUDENT

MEALS

STIR FRY 1. CHICKEN

4. RICE (MIXED WITH WHATEVER)

Quick, simple and easy to make! This dish work can work as a meal for the whole house or just a couple of meals for yourself throughout the week. Using some of the easiest ingredients to get hold off, meat, vegetables and noodles, this dish can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. It also an easy dish for any cooking novices as well, with the recipe relatively easy to follow. Cut the chicken, fry for around five minutes, and then add the other ingredients including sauce to have a perfect little healthy dish. A further bonus is the use of pots is kept to a minimum meaning less washing up to do after you have finished eating.

Ever wanted the perfect way to get rid of a number of leftovers in the fridge? Then look no further than this tasty little dish. All you need is rice and whatever else you want but it is recommended to mix some meat and vegetables in throughout. Cooking the rice is simple, boil a pan full of water and add the rice which will be ready in around ten minutes. In a separate pan, fry whatever it is you want to mix in with the rice and when both pans are finished, mix the contents and there you have it, a perfect little dish which has used up a number of leftovers.

2. HEALTHY PIZZAS Pizza is an essential part of any student diet but normally Dominoes is the first port of call. That was until now! With this cheaper take on the classic spinach and egg â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;florentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pizza, the healthy alternative will also work out as the most rewarding. Using flatbread instead of traditional dough, you will have to spread 1-2 tbsp of passata over each one. Next you need to get as much water out of the spinach as possible before scattering them across the top. Baking two pizzas at a time, you will have to crack an egg in the middle of each before seasoning with nutmeg. Bake until the cheese is melted and the egg is cooked to how you would like, approximately seven minutes.

PASTA BAKE 5. TUNA

Another simple dish and one that always seems to be a winner amongst housemates, if you like tuna that is! Easily made from an assortment of ingredients that should be found in many student houses (even if you have to raid the other cupboards in the house). Start off by boiling pasta but the sauce is a key ingredient! To start you need to melt butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour, cook for one minute and then add some milk to make a thick white sauce. Moving back to the pasta, drain it before adding the white sauce, tuna and sweetcorn before putting it in to a baking dish and topping with grated cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes and you have yourself a perfect meal.

CHILLI 3. TURKEY JACKET POTATOES Jacket Potatoes are staple food in a student household, with a number of different options for toppings. This version incorporates a Mexican-style twist and the best thing about it is turkey mince is cheap and quite easy to get hold of. Whilst the potatoes are cooking in the oven, prepare the chilli with the mince, onion, garlic being cooked before the spices are added towards the end. An easy meal to make for one or more of your friends, depending how many potatoes you have! When everything is ready, cut a cross at the top of the jacket and add chilli before sprinkling with cheese.

NOVEMBER 2014

ESSENTIALS TO HAVE AROUND THE HOUSE

Different type of cooks in the household FRUIT

It might seem obvious but having any amount of fruit in your room, draws or just in the general household is a must. Takeaways and fast food won’t ever be far away, but when you are looking for fruit, the healthy option can sometimes go amiss so make sure you have some in.

PASTA/RICE

This ingredient will probably make up 50% of your meals at University! Pasta and rice are key ingredients to have in your cupboard as they go with whatever you would want to cook of an evening. Both also provide quick and easy meals aplenty when you are looking to maximise your pre drinking time.

JACKET POTATOES

Just think of the endless possibilities that can be had on top of a jacket potato. Beans and cheese? Chilli? Coleslaw? Whatever you want, as long as you have something to put them on, you can create many weird and wonderful toppings for your tea.

There you have it, all the food you need to move yourself away from having McDonalds every day.

PICTURE:SHUTTERSTOCK

THE UNIVERSITYPAPER

Moving into University is a great experience for many reasons, but what really brings many first year (and second/ third) students down to earth is cooking for themselves. EVERY STUDENT will learn to get by but it is the different ways in which young people look after themselves that differs from house to house. You have the people who think they are professional chefs. These students get every ingredient they need (not easy on a student budget) and make some wonderful dishes that everyone wants to try. However, by the time they have finished cooking the meal it has taken them a number of hours to prepare, not good for nights when you want to start pre drinking early. You can also have the people who are reliant on readymade meals and takeaways. Hardly a ‘cook’, this student has every takeaway menu in their room and on

the odd occasion they do use the kitchen, it is normally to microwave a Tesco’s own lasagne or chicken tikka masala. And then you have the student who falls in the middle! Not quite able to prepare the meals associated with the ‘professional chef’, this person still knows how to look after themselves even if the takeaway menu is lost. They are more at home if they can just put something in the oven, but if a tasty meal needs preparing then they don’t mind putting in a little bit of work. So which category do you fall in to?

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NOVEMBER 2014

HOROSCOPES ARIES

MARCH 21 - APRIL 19 The beginning of the month is big for you Aries with the Full Moon on October 8th. It is a time to indulge yourself and a time for high romance too. On October 23rd during the New Moon you may well feel the weight of the world on your shoulders but this will soon pass on October 26th when Mars enters the sign of Capricorn. ST

TAURUS

SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22 Sparks will be flying during the Full Moon on October 8th Libra and you are the one they will be shooting off. When Mercury and Venus conjoin on October 17th, your heart and head will be perfectly in tune. Expect this to be a period of productivity. You will find some relief from finances during the New Moon on October 23rd you will finally be free from that nagging debt.

APRIL 20 - MAY 20 The Full Moon and Luna on October 8th will be a time of intense introspective soul searching for you Taurus. Take some time to be alone and you will learn lots about yourself. When Mercury enters Libra on October 10th you will be at your most peaceful with a generous air of give and take. Expect a shake up on October 23rd when The New Moon will hit you hard.

SCORPIO

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

MAY 21ST - JUNE 20TH On October 4th Mercury goes retrograde and to avoid chaos, patience and organisation is key for you Gemini. But you will soon reap the rewards on October 8th when your social life is in full swing. During the New Moon on October 23rd you will get an awakening which will remind you to take care of your heart, head and soul

CANCER

JUNE 21ST - JULY 22ND It’s time to show everyone what you are really capable of Cancer and during the New Moon on October 8th your potential will only be too apparent. On October 14th be aware of people spending time with you who may have alter motives. You will be at your most in tune and creative on October 23rd with the New Moon these memories will last a lifetime.

LEO

JULY 23RD - AUGUST 22ND Be ready to be the go to person for help, advice and favours Leo during the Full Moon on October 8th. And if you’ve been waiting to meet that someone special October 17th could just be it when Mercury conjucts Venus. The New Moon on October 23rd will be a productive time and you will feel at ease if you finally get down to your finances

VIRGO

Who Said What?

MATCH THE QUOTE TO THE CELEB...

AUGUST 23RD - SEPTEMBER 22ND You will be all about goodwill and getting problems solved during the Full Moon on October 8th Virgo. When the moon is in Virgo on October 20th you will enter a period of stability and sensibility and you will be awash with good feelings. The New Moon on October 23rd will be a time to celebrate and you will be even closer than usual to your friends.

AGONY AUNT :

ASK ALICE

LIBRA

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

(WE DON’T KNOW ANYONE CALLED ALICE, BUT IT SOUNDED BETTER THAN ALAN)

CONTACT ALICE: editor@unipaper.co.uk

OCTOBER 23RD - NOVEMBER 21ST Take care during the Full Moon on October 8th Scorpio, you are craving something reckless and you are not entirely sure why. Be careful what you wish for. Come October 23rd, you softer and sweeter side will be flourishing, so express to impress. This will boil over on October 25th when Mercury goes stationary - say what is in your heart to be accepted.

NOVEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 21ST Your inner child will run riot during the Full Moon on October 8th Sagittarius. It will be all fun and games as long as you don’t gamble. October 23rd will be a quiet time of reflection, especially of those around you. If there has been a secret or two lurking among friends now it is the time to get it out into the open. Come October 27th, you will be feeling fabulous, enjoy it

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19 At the start of the month you may be feeling paranoid or on edge Capricorn, relax your sign can handle this better than most. Come the Full Moon on October 8th your family and home life will be the centre of attention. On October 23rd you are bound to feel under pressure at work. Don’t let your public image slip now is not the time to be insecure about your accomplishments. ND

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 20TH - FEBRUARY 18TH Don’t expect a bump free ride on October 4th Aquarius, even the best-laid plans are bound to go awry. During the Full Moon on October 8th you will enjoy a small social gathering with a select group of friends. Prepare for a spiritual insight during the New Moon on October 8th. Your heart and head will be open and you will connect with others on an entirely new level.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19TH - MARCH 20TH Your finances will be fruitful this month Pisces, money is the name of the game. This will trigger a new found independence, be proactive and not reactive and you will reap the rewards. The New Moon on October 23rd will draw you close to those around you, their concerns and how to approach them.

I’m loving everything about university except for the lectures. It’s not that I’m in bed with the hangover from hell compulsively watching catch up, I just don’t think a degree is for me. I can’t see myself making it to the end of the year let alone three. Everyone was so proud when I left for London and I’m the first in my family to go to university. How do I break it to them? Tom, London At some point every student has questioned whether they are on the right course, I even had moments right up until I graduated. But believe me this is all part of being a student and finding your feet. Not everything works out in life how you had imagined but it is best to consider your options before you act. Give your course a chance or look into transferring. But first of all, book a tutorial with your course leader. They will have seen many students over the years in the same situation. Whatever you decide, good luck. Freshers week was a blast, so much so I haven’t exactly stopped and I’m downing jager bombs on a daily basis. All my flatmates have started to settle into their courses but I’m worried that my focus is going to Sainsburys for their £4 bottle of Soave. Sarah, Falmouth

“I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe - I believe what I believe is right.”

You’ve moved to a different city, met a load of strangers and had information overload in lectures, so sure a glass of white has helped you along the way but don’t let this become your crutch. Keep drinking to the weekends, it’ll keep you and your bank balance healthy. If you find that scaling back your drinking is taking its toll then head to your SU for some confidential support. My neighbours in halls are doing my head in. I can hear them having sex what seems like 24/7 and to make it worse did I mention I am a virgin. I think I’ve managed to get through freshers unnoticed as a sexual novice but this constant daily reminder of what I’m missing out on is not helping. Cherry, Leicester You are not the first and definitely not the last student to arrive at university a virgin, and you know what some even leave with their flower still intact - so don’t worry. Concentrate on your course, and if the time is right it will happen. But don’t make it your mission or you might live to regret it. As for your noisy neighbours I suggest on investing on some ear plugs, hopefully they will soon tire each other out.

There are four basic human needs: food, sleep, sex and revenge.”

I’m Crazy, I’m nuts. Just the way my brain works. I’m not normal.

I won’t go into a big spiel about reincarnation, but the ﬁrst time I was in the Gucci store was the closest I’ve ever felt to home.”

I have a different constitution. I have a different brain; I have a different heart; I got tiger blood, man.

We are going to turn this team around 360 degrees

Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost an important part of your life

Predictions are difﬁcult, especially about the future.

Brooke Shields

Yogi Berra

Charlie Sheen

Britney Spears

Kanye West

Banksy

Justin Beiber

Jessica Simpson

George Bush

Jason Kidd

Is this chicken, what I have, or is this ﬁsh? I know it’s tuna, but it says ‘Chicken by the Sea.’

I’ve never really wanted to go to Japan. Simply because I don’t like eating ﬁsh. And I know that’s very popular out there in Africa.

est

THE UNIVERSITYPAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

MENTAL AGILITY

AND IN LOCAL NEWS:

Luxury shopping centre reveals plans for central Birmingham LAURA PEBERDAY PICS: GRAND CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM

A FIRST of its kind shopping centre is set to rival the Bullring is due to open in Birmingham City Centre in September 2015. Featuring 60 luxury shops, bars and restaurants, Grand Central Birmingham will replace the current Pallasades shopping centre, becoming fully integrated with Birmingham New Street Station and creating a new landmark for the city. The centre will adjoin a new 250,000 square foot flagship John Lewis store which is also set to open in 2015. Many of the bars and restaurants taking up residence in Grand Central will be making their debut in Birmingham. Of the first ten restaurants and cafes to be announced by the developers, seven of these are new to the city, with most currently only found in London and the south-east. These include Pho, a Vietnamese street style restaurant which will overlook the station concourse and Square Pie, the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever gourmet pie company which specialises in quadrangular pies. The centre is set to boost the Birmingham economy creating up to one thousand new jobs, and a unique experience for shoppers coming to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second city with an estimated 50 million visitors expected through its doors each year. Extensive demolition is due to begin in order to make way for the main atrium of Grand Central which will be the size of a football pitch.

KNOW THE INSIDE

DO YOU

T R AC K O N

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. 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

NOVEMBER 2014

Picking the right part time job

HOW THE “SOCIAL YOU” CAN SCUPPER THE “REAL YOU” I guess now’s the time the more forward-thinking of you third years are starting to think about applying for jobs... constructing your CVs, agonising over the wording of your covering letters, completing endless online application forms and, if you’re lucky, being called for interviews and assessments. The rest of you are either panicking about impeding exams or are sitting in a pub with your heads ﬁrmly stuck in the sand. However all of you, unless your parents are very generous, will have to, at some point, bite the bullet and seek employment. Not just employment… a ‘real’ job… the ﬁrst step in your career. Over the next few issues I’m going to be offering you, hopefully, helpful hints and tips on the practicalities of how you go about this, e.g. where to look for jobs, what employers are really looking for, interview and CV preparation and how not to shoot yourself in the foot before you even get started.

Maintenance loans only go so far. If you want to socialise, stay entertained and still have enough money for books, you’re going to need to budget like an accountant or get a job. HELP IS AT HAND Thankfully, most universities have job boards and employment centres associated with them. These may offer jobs in the local community, or even within the university itself. But you may end up employed by people who perhaps aren’t as understanding when it comes to working with students. As such, picking the right part time job is important. So what should you be looking for?

LOOK AT HOW THEY OPERATE f they presently employ a large number of students, that’s normally a good sign as they will be used to dealing with the needs of those in study. Casual shifts, freelance work and remote work are great as they allow you to set your own hours - but these opportunities can be hard to come by.

PLAN AROUND YOUR DEGREE Avoid taking hours which are too close to scheduled study periods. If you don’t have the time to talk to staff after lectures, it may damage your degree in the long run. And remember: no job is more important than your degree, as it’s what you’re trying to fund in the first place.

That’s where we’re going to start – have you any idea how many employers ‘google’ you before they’ve properly read your CV masterpiece? Lots I’d guess, I know they shouldn’t – I bet they do. With social media becoming arguably the primary method of communication for Generation Y (that’s you), it has now become an instant snapshot of your life, your friends, your actions, your habits, your likes, your hates… in short – you. Whereas in my day, with a well constructed CV, a cleverly placed phone call or a good recruitment agent, I could make my first real impression with an employer at interview – now it’s likely to be your 5am shenanigans in Magaluff or your nek nominate in the ladies loos. So before you even put yourself out there in the job market – clean up your online self. Take down those Twitter rants rivalling James Arthur, set your privacy settings to maximum on Facebook, replace your profile shot with something innocuous and think carefully before you Instagram anything from last Friday night. The very proactive of you might even set up a LinkedIn profile – this is pretty much Facebook for business people and we’ll talk about it in coming weeks. In the meantime, take my advice and make the ‘social you’ a complementary façade for the real you. Sara Sainsbury is Group Talent Director for RSG Plc. RSG is an independently owned, and Bristol based specialist recruitment business, with over 35 years of trading history, operating across the U, and recognised as one of the Sunday Times “Top 250” fastest growing organisations in the UK, with a current turnover in excess of £170m.

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT :

ACE THE INTERVIEW So, you’ve filled out a 1000 online applications, you’ve spoken to every recruitment consultant from here to Lands End, you’ve written more covering letters and emails than you can shake a stick at – now you’ve got it….finally…an interview. APPROXIMATELY 60 minutes to launch your career trajectory, to make/break/change your life forever. No pressure then.

START WITH BASICS – this might seem blindingly obvious but you’d be amazed how many people fail at the first hurdle. Where is the interview and how do you get there? Check the date, time, location; which bus to catch, where’s the nearest car park, how long can you park there, how much change to have ready. BE ON TIME. Do not, EVER, be late for an interview, you might as well not bother showing up at all. Don’t be ridiculously early either – anything more than 10 minutes early makes you look, at best, like you’re confused between the big and the small hand, or at worst, like you’re just a little bit obsessive. WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW FORMAT? Establish in advance what the interview format will be e.g. Q&A, competency based, one to one/group/panel and how many stages there are? Who are you meeting, what is their role?

RESEARCH THE COMPANY thoroughly and make sure it’s the right company – don’t start reciting the mission statement and values of Bloggs & Co when you’re interviewing for Blaggs Plc. Look into their history, nature of business, USPs, competitors, success, values – all the information you need is just a Google search away, and interviewers know that. If you don’t demonstrate a good knowledge of their business it’s insulting to them and lazy of you. Most interviews these days are competency based, meaning the employer has a set of core competencies that are required in all their jobs. Again, you may be able, through the power of t’interweb to find out their specific competencies or you could just assume they will be along the lines of the generic e.g “team working”, “problem solving”, “taking initiative” “results driven” etc and be prepared with examples of when you displayed these traits. This is worth quite a lot of thought at this stage in your career, as whilst you may have a number of vacation or university jobs under your belt, you may not have a vast array of examples from a professional sphere. So be prepared to use examples from your school/university/ sporting/extra curricular activities.

KNOW YOURSELF. It’s a clichéd and dull interview question but the less creative interviewers amongst us could well ask “What are your weaknesses?” - do not at this point say “I’m too much of a perfectionist” unless you’re happy to receive a punch in the face – even a metaphoric one. Know your weak points but also how they can be improved with training and commitment – dwell more on your strengths.

DRESS SMARTLY. If in doubt wear a suit – preferably in a dark colour, keep the cream linen number for Hawaiian theme nights; gents wear a tie – a normal one, not a bootlace/kipper or comedy tie. Lose the facial piercings/flesh tunnels and hide all tattoos. Have normal hair – don’t overgel it/crimp it or decide to try out that crimson rinse the day before. In short, do not try to express your personality through your wardrobe on this occasion – let the employer know you are a blank canvas….a smart, respectable, well groomed blank canvas. RELAX, maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake (practice this, preferably with a friend rather than yourself), be positive and enthusiastic, keep to the point and listen. Have prepared some relevant questions – NOT “what time is lunch?” more along the lines of “what are the company’s plans for expansion”, “what’s been your progession at XXX” or “I’ve read your blog on blah blah blah, what led you to write it”? The last couple are good ones – you should’ve fully researched the interviewer so you know who you’re meeting, but everyone loves talking about themselves. THIS WORKS TWO WAYS. Finally, remember this is a two way process. You are meeting them ostensibly to “sell” yourself, however, you need to be completely comfortable with what they are describing in terms of the role, the company, the opportunity and a good interviewer will want you to “buy”. It’s your life and your choice…..there is a chance that you’ll be offered a job but you decide it’s not the one for you. That’s fine, don’t be pressurised by anyone: friends/parents or the company themselves into accepting something that doesn’t feel right for you. Just identify what you didn’t like, change the focus of your search and commence the hunt for your new opportunity with renewed vigour. Good luck!

WWW.CV-LIBRARY.CO.UK

THE UNIVERSITYPAPER

NOVEMBEBER 2014

OPPORTUNITIES

Graduate Technology Consultant

Graduate Graduate Graduate HR Assistant Tech support PHP consultant Developer (permanent)

(permanent)

Graduate Scheme Audit

Location: London Salary: £32,000

Location: London Salary: £20-£24,000

Location: Harrow Salary: £21-£23,000 D.0.E

Location: Nationwide Salary: £18,000

Job ID: UP25728050

Job ID: UPHR2201

Job ID: UPTS6505

Job ID: UPAD01

Location: Nationwide (several locations) Salary: £20-£25,000 Job ID: UP25534475

Description: My client is looking for an ambitious graduate to join a growing team. Minimum requirements: 2:1 degree, 300 UCAS points and knowledge of at least one programming language. You must have real drive and a thirst for learning. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above.

My client is looking for intelligent, hard working graduates to their company at an entry level HR position, candidates must be keen to advance as progression will be available and you must have a good understanding of HR. Candidates must have a 2.1 and 300 ucas points. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above

Our Client is a leading email marketing software and services provider. They are looking for an ambitious IT graduate to join their expanding technical support team in Harrow. The candidate must have a Computer Science degree and must have achieved a 2.1 or above from university. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above.

My client is looking a graduate in a computer related degree to go into PHP developing. They are looking for someone with good knowledge in PHP, Javascript, CSS3 and HTML along with SQL. This would be ideal for someone looking to get into the software side of IT.

Graduate Web Developer

Graduate Training Managerial

Graduate Graduate Recruitment Research Consultant Associate (permanent)

(permanent)

Graduate Finance Assistant

Location: Nationwide Salary: £18,000

Location: Nationwide Salary: £25,000 Job ID: UP25690464

Location: London Salary: £25-£28,000 + discretionary bonus Job ID: UPDTR2528

Location: Nationwide Salary: £18,000 - £22,000

Job ID: UP6491746

Location: Nationwide Salary: £18-£23,000 + uncapped commission Job ID: UPDTR7698

My client is looking a graduate in a computer related degree to go into PHP developing. They are looking for someone with sound knowledge in PHP, Javascript, CSS3 and HTML. You will be involved in the development of websites for the company and their clients. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above.

My client is looking for ambitious graduates to join a management development program. Minimum requirements: 2:1 degree, 280 UCAS points, geographically mobile around the UK. You must be able to demonstrate leadership skills or potential. An interest in transport and logistics would be beneficial. For more information and to apply please email london.graduates@reedglobal. com quoting the Job ID above..

My client is looking for an ambitious graduate to join a growing team. Minimum requirements: you must be ambitious, money hungry and willing to put in the time for big reawards. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above

My client is looking for intelligent, hard working graduates to join an elite company based in the city of London, you must have at least a 2.1 and 320 ucas points. For more information and to apply please email london.graduates@reedglobal. com quoting the Job ID above.

My client is looking for a ambitious graduates to join their expanding company. Although they are currently based in London they are looking to open additional offices over the UK due to a continued aggressive growth plan. You must be ambitious, have ay eye for detail and passionate about a career in finance ideally with a 2:1 from a related degree. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above

(permanent)

My client, a top 4 accountancy practice have a few spaces left on their 2014 graduate scheme - 3 year program. Minimum requirements: 2:1 degree, 300 UCAS points, English/Maths GCSE A or B. You must have an interest in Audit, study support for ACA qualification available. For more information and to apply please email london. graduates@reedglobal.com quoting the Job ID above.

(permanent)

Job ID: UPF521698

To find out more and apply please visit http://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/graduate

WWW.CV-LIBRARY.CO.UK

SPECIAL

NOVEMBER 2014

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

ACCOMMODATION

TOP 3 TIPS FOR:

HOUSE HUNTING 1

DON’T PANIC! There can be a lot of pressure from other enthusiastic students to start looking at houses and sign up straight away.

This attitude is not only unnecessary, since areas such as Selly Oak have had a surplus of rooms in previous years, but also sadly exploited by too many landlords and agents (The ‘we have another group about to sign up for this house’ line is rarely ever true).

THERE’S NO HARM IN TAKING YOUR TIME, and considering you’ll be entering a legal agreement for a year, it’s a good idea to be sure of everything first.

Do your research: The Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS) requires landlords and agents to take a course before becoming members, and will expel them if they do not uphold

By Ciaran Allanson-Campbell PIC: GEORGIA TINDALE

good standards. A full list of their landlords is available at http://mlas.org.uk/ members/landlords/. Simply Googling a landlord or agency can also be revealing and save you an enormous amount of bother later on.

KNOW THE FACTS: Read everything before signing it – and yes, the whole thing! Tenants frequently find themselves in hot water later on for signing a tenancy they haven’t read properly.

At the University of Birmingham, both LIVING (based in University Centre) and Advice and Representation (or ARC, in the Guild) offer contract checking services. If you need advice, you can also visit ARC, or check Shelter’s website (http://england.shelter.org. uk), which has clear and concise information about your rights.

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION CIARAN ALLANSON CAMPBELL

PIC: GEORGIA TINDALE

lords is as.org.uk/ Simply r agency can save you of bother

HOUSES VS. HALLS

TS: Read e signing whole Though deadlocks and burglar alarms can be requently helpful (some insurers may insist on these), the in hot r signing a most useful thing a house can have is a security ven’t read chain or a peephole. This allows you to actually see the person asking to be let in before opening the door, and irmingham, minimises the chance of being involved in an University opportunistic attack. Most landlords will be more than willing to supply these if you explain d that you’re trying to keep criminals from C, in the entering your house. hecking

n also ’s website g. oncise ghts.

KEEP YOUR HOUSE SECURE

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

If you know you’re going to be vulnerable (for example, on a late-night drunken stagger back home), try to get friends to walk with you. Opportunistic criminals are less likely to

LAURA PICKERING

harass a large group, as they know they are more likely to fight back.

BE SENSIBLE

The more vulnerable you appear, the more likely you are to be harassed. Is it late (i.e. after 2 in the morning)? Are you walking through an area where it’s dark, or easy to be targeted (the Five Ways underpass, for example)? And if so, is there another safer, better lit way to go (for example, by crossing the ring road at the traffic lights)? Do you have expensive gadgets such as phones or iPods on you, and if so are they hidden from view?

Students are, in general, a more vulnerable portion of the population, but as long as we are a bit street-wise, we can avoid the worst.

PIC: GEORGIA TINDALE

ARE YOU thinking ahead of where to live next year? Look no further as the main question is answered in our battle of Houses vs. Halls. University halls are usually closer to campus and surrounded by other students in the same situation, whereas houses can be further from campus, but closer to supermarkets and takeaways. Although houses tend to offer the prospect of a double bed in every bedroom, university halls offer the opportunity to have an ensuite, which would be a rare find in a house! Houses are likely to be cheaper with the requirement of more cleaning, whilst university halls are more expensive yet offer additional security. In university halls all bills are inclusive of your accommodation cost, but for a house, bills

are usually paid separately. Living in a house is great for the fact you can wash your clothes (and dry if you’re lucky) without having to leave your property, whereas in university halls washing and drying must be done in a laundrette a short walk from your halls. Living in university halls can be great for a short, safe walk home after a night out, while houses can be a taxi ride away from the students’ union. Applying for a house must usually be done earlier than if you’re applying to live in university halls. Choosing your accommodation early is key whatever the decision. Weighing up the pros and cons may seem difficult but if you’re living with a group of friends you’re guaranteed to have a blast wherever you decide to reside.

YOU AND THREE OF YOUR MATES COULD BE HEADING TO AMSTERDAM FOR VALHALLA FESTIVAL SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

VALHALLAFESTIVAL.NL

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

WHAT CAN SPORT DO FOR YOU AT UNI? JONATHON RUSSELL

SPORT BCU PLAYER PROFILE

MATT NICHOLS: FOOTBALLER CALUM SEXTON

PIC: MATT NICHOLS

A START of the new footballing season can only mean one thing, the eagerly awaited return of third team senior, Matthew Nichols. The centre back spent his pre-season at Clay Cross Football Club back in his hometown of Chesterfield; ‘The last thing I wanted to do was come back to uni with dreadful fitness, so I joined my old Sunday league team’, said Nichols. He will be playing alongside Vice Captain James Martin, who together have formed a great partnership during the previous season. ‘We’ve learnt how to play to each others strengths after playing together for so long’. He continued, ‘he won’t mind me saying that I’m a lot faster than him, just as much as I won’t mind saying he’s better in the air than me.’ The duo will face their first opponents in mid October against the University of Coventry; when asked about the meeting Nichols said, ‘I’m feeling positive about our first game, we know that first we’ve got to bond as a team which will take time but overall I think we’ve got a good squad to show off’. BCUFC will certainly look to Nichols for leadership over the first few games of the season. With over a year’s service to the football club, he’s seen plenty of players come and go; ‘I know what it’s like joining in first year. As social secretary I want to make sure the first years fit in well with us on and off the pitch’.

PIC: BCU

DODGE, DUCK, DIP AND DIVE ROSS WATSON

AT UNIVERSITY you will spend three or more years attaining your degree, which can - all being well - springboard your career. Sadly though, many things take a backseat because of this. For most people, healthy living is the first thing to be abandoned. It’s a struggle at the best of times, but when you have deadlines around the corner, a salad is the last thing that comes to mind; the two for one pizza offer down the road will be simply too good to resist. Participating in sport at university will help alleviate the sense of pizza-based guilt, while also keeping you in top shape in the process. So, here are my top 3 reasons for joining a sports team at university.

WHY JOIN A SPORTS TEAM? Quite simply, joining a sports team at university is possibly one of the most valuable areas of the university in terms of staying active, building friendship networks and developing communication skills. You are also given the chance to socialise with other sports teams at the Students’ Union, with these cheap and safe nights out being something to look forward to. And, if you attend enough of them, you might finally get the courage to make a drunken move on the cheerleader you’re too scared to ask out. WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE SOCIALISING? You’re not alone in this. Many people when they first join university spend almost all of their time locked up in their room. If you can’t socialise

PIC: UOB DODGEBALL CLUB

then you don’t have to, staying active is the main reason to join a sports team. Socialising is just an added benefit that can help you grow during your time at university. WHAT IF I CAN’T PLAY A SPORT? Universities will typically have a development side, so even if you’re not quite ready to join one of the teams the university has to offer, there is still a chance for you to play, get active and socialise with other members of the sport. Joining a sports team at university comes with plenty of benefits. Staying active, socialisation or even finding the love of your life (for the next month at least…) You simply don’t know until you’ve given it a go; join now and explore what a sports team can do for you.

We caught up with Head and Captain of UoB Dodgeball, Rhiannon Hickinbottom, to talk about the coming season and her long-term ambitions for the team.

How has the early part of the season gone for you? The early part of the season has been really good; we have had a record 150 people turn up to the taster sessions and the first social which is really promising! Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the rest of the season? We worked tirelessly last year and as a result were promoted to the Women’s

Dodgeball Premier League (WDPL). This season our main aim is to not come in the bottom two teams; I feel this target is both realistic and achievable. What are your long-term aims and ambitions for the team? I would love us ultimately to win the WDPL. It will take a long time and countless hours of practice but I feel that we are heading in the right direction!

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER

NOVEMBER 2014

SPORT

HOW TO WIN STEVIE WONDER STYLE: SUPERSTITIONS IN SPORT

YASHI BANYMADHUB

PIC: SOPHIE MARIE DRAKE

BEING AN athlete takes raw talent, long hours of training and an ability to handle a lot of pressure. But for some sports stars, their preparation is not complete without superstitious rituals to bring them luck during their all-important games. These superstitions include drinking urine, wearing gold thongs or wearing your socks inside out. Even the greatest athletes take their quirks to the extreme. Christiano Ronaldo has also revealed that he wears his right sock first. Even Michael Jordan relies on superstition and wears his University of North Carolina shorts under his uniform. Perhaps the strangest ritual of all is Moises Alou’s habit of urinating on his hands before a game and his grudge against batting gloves, which he refuses to wear. Here is a list of other common superstitions that are taken very seriously by certain athletes:

BASEBALL: •

• •

Spitting into your hand before picking up the bat will bring good luck. As does a piece of chewing gum stuck on top of a player’s hat. For certain players, stepping on one of the bases before running off the field at the end of an inning is considered lucky. Do not ever lend another player your bat or you will be jinxed. Some players have slept with their bat to maintain a good hitting pattern

BASKETBALL: • •

•

Cleaning the soles of your trainers will bring good luck. Bouncing the ball before taking a foul shot is believed to bring good luck. The last person to shoot before a warm up will do well in the game.

FOOTBALL: • •

•

Double numbers on a player’s uniform brings good luck. It’s bad luck for a footballer to change his number when he is traded to another team. Most football teams have a mascot for good luck.

TENNIS: • • • • •

•

Sit to the left of the umpire. Don’t hold more than two balls at a time while serving. While waiting for serves, blow on your right hand. Walk around the outside of the court when switching sides. Make sure that you get the ball boys and girls to throw underarm. On the night before the game, sleep in your uniform shorts.

AND FINALLY GOLF: • • • •

Only start with odd-numbered clubs. Avoid balls with a number higher than 4. Carry coins in your pocket for good luck. Steer clear of stray balls. If you pick up another person’s ball that was hit out of bounds, your game will be cursed.

CALLING ALL DENTISTS! BDSA SPORTS DAY COMES TO UOB

YASHI BANYMADHUB

PIC: BDSA

THE ANNUAL Dental Olympics is coming to Birmingham on 17th and 18th of October, in the form of the BDSA (British Dental Students Association) sports day. The BDSA is a student association run by dental students for dental students to promote educational interests and unite all budding dentists with their fun socials. The BDSA Sports day is the biggest night on a dental student’s calendar, involving all dental schools in the country and uniting over 1,000 students. Each year, a different university will have the chance to host the event and Birmingham has been chosen to hold this year’s BDSA sports day. Upon their arrival in Birmingham, students from other universities will be settled into their hotels and then taken to Birmingham’s infamous Fab ‘n’ Fresh club night, where each university will be wearing a different colour t-shirt to visually show the rivalry and competition that will fuel the upcoming games during the sports day weekend. Sports teams from the different universities will play against each other on Saturday the 18th and compete in a wide variety of sports including netball, football, hockey and rugby, culminating in the finals games where the winning team will be presented with the much coveted trophy. Celebrations will involve a fancy dress bar crawl with this year’s theme being horror (fittingly so, as these dental students will probably end up looking strikingly similar to the mangled figures from Dawn of the Dead after giving their all in the competition). So on Saturday night, vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies and other terrifying creatures of the night will descend onto Broad Street and finally end up at Gatecrasher. Sunday will be a day to recuperate and recharge the batteries before taking the dental fun back to the lecture theatre on Monday morning. Students will be returned back to their universities to resume their courses and to no doubt attempt to frantically fit in some last minute work that they didn’t manage to complete over the weekend. This fun-filled event is one that dental students most anticipate every year. BDSA Sports Day is a great way for dental students to keep fit and network with their peers from all over the country whom they could end up working with in the future. The team at Birmingham have been working tirelessly to ensure that students will have an unforgettable weekend.

YOU AND THREE OF YOUR MATES COULD BE HEADING TO AMSTERDAM FOR VALHALLA FESTIVAL SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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