BRISTOL NOVEMBER 2014
WIN: A holiday to Les Deux Alpes & tickets to Rise Festival FIND OUT HOW ON PG 12
FRESHERS EDITION ED SHEERAN ON THE RECORD
PAGE 07
THE LATEST SPORTS FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY
PAGES 37 & 39
SIR DAVID OPENS LIFE SCIENCE BUILDING LUCY ROGERS
PICS: VLADA KANTOROVITCH, JODIE COLLIGRIDGE
SIR DAVID Attenborough gave an inspirational speech at Bristol University to mark the opening of the new Life Sciences Building. Professors, students and the Lord Mayor gathered to hear the British treasure’s passionate words about the importance of saving the environment in early October. It was an invite-only event where excited clusters of people from all areas of the university waited eagerly for the dignified broadcaster. A motorway accident delaying Sir David left the crowd standing in anticipation until eleven. The natural history icon appeared in a downpour of rain, immaculately dressed in a blue suit, with a presence that lit up the fifty-six and a half million pound building. His words were genuine, humble and incredibly passionate. Sir David started his speech by asserting that “There can be no more important area of knowledge for humanity at the moment than the Life Sciences”. His words acknowledged the world-class facilities for science research and teaching but his message was bigger than the building itself. He explained the urgency humanity should have to find the answers to our environmental issues. His emphasis was on the communication of these answers to “community at large, the world at large”. Sir David himself has spent a sixty-year-long career in broadcasting and communicating environmental issues. There was the distinct feeling in the room of our duty to solve the questions
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS LEAVE STUDENTS UNSURE ELOISE VANSTONE
PICS: LUCY ROGERS
Students Saddened Over Latest Statistics of environmental problems. Sir David pointed to his small audience and said “we in Britain have been leaders in understanding the life sciences. And you will be the leaders of tomorrow”. Although his words were often urgent and serious, Sir David, who holds an honorary degree at University of Bristol, spoke candidly about his passion for nature. His hands were held to his chest when he said “Those things (nature) bring joy and resonance and delight to our lives. Understanding
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The latest crop of university rankings published over the past month have revealed considerable disparities in the performance of Bristol’s universities. UWE’s latest rankings are indicative of a considerable improvement, whilst the University of Bristol appears to have suffered considerably.
The rankings, published by several major newspapers as well as independent companies, review British universities based on a number of different criteria before assigning them a position on the table. The Guardian’s 2015 table has placed UWE in forty-ninth place, an impressive climb of fifteen places compared to last year’s ranking. This success is reflected in several of
the specific indicators used by the paper. Students’ satisfaction with teaching quality has risen from eighty-six percent to nearly eighty-nine percent over the past year. This is echoed by the career prospects for UWE graduates, with the percentage of graduates in a career after six months rising from sixty-four percent to sixty-eight percent according to The Guardian’s figures.
W W W.UNIPA PER.CO.UK
Despite UWE’s cause for celebration, The Guardian’s ratings paint a bleaker picture for Bristol students whose overall position has dropped considerably from twenty-third to thirty-fourth place over the last twelve months. Additionally, teaching satisfaction has decreased by almost one percent in this year’s tables. There has
» CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
3
NOVEMBER 2014
L CAL NEWS
RWANDAN GENOCIDE SURVIVOR GETS CHANCE OF A LIFETIME TO STUDY IN BRISTOL JESSICA BURRIDGE
PICS: DANIELLE ALLEN
LAB EXPLOSION ON BRISTOL CAMPUS MATTHEW BARON PICS: JODIE COLLINGRIDGE
The Fire Department were called to University of Bristol on Wednesday 1st October as a Lab experiment went wrong AN EXPLOSION occurred in a chemistry lab cupboard at the start of this term. All students and staff were forced to evacuate the building and the fire fighters had to be called. An experiment in the chemistry department of University of Bristol required the presence of fire fighters. Upon arrival at the university the fire department was told the issue was no longer a major concern, as there seemed to be no sign of danger or flames anymore. The University is yet to state what occurred within the lab but it seems
that there was no serious damage or injuries from the potential danger of the explosion. James Bladon, speaking on behalf of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said “There was no fire or any further risk of one so the matter was left in the hands of the university’s staff”. Luckily this explosion turned out to be fairly minor. It is a reminder to those members involved in the classroom of the many dangers of working with chemicals in a lab.
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Beginning university might be considered one of the most important and life-changing moments in a persons life, but for Hyppolite Ntigurirwa it means more than anything, after he survived the Rwandan genocide around 20 years ago. HYPPOLITE HAS shown defiance in the face of adversity and just started a Masters degree in Sociology at the University of Bristol. Around 850,000 innocent people were brutally killed in Rwanda, including eighty members of his own family, by Hutu extremists in 1994. Hyppolite was just seven when the genocide began. Hiding in bushes for 3 months amongst many dead bodies, hoping not to be seen by extremists, is not the life a seven year old should have, but this is what Hyppolite had to endure. Hyppolite got into contact with Professor Tariq Modood, one of Britain’s leading experts on the theory of politics, racism and racial equality, about his place to study here. Hyppolite was intrigued by Professor Modood’s Youtube conferences and online research. The inspirational student said, “I emailed him
one day to ask about the course. I didn’t have high expectations so was very happy and excited when he replied. It’s an unimaginable opportunity for me and I hope to eventually complete a PhD and become a professor in Rwanda, contributing to social research which will one day help my family and community.” Hypollite’s mother and five siblings still live in the village of Cynangugu in Rwanda and wish him the best for his studies. When the University heard and understood Hyppolite’s circumstances they generously granted him his tuition fees and £10,000 for his living costs. For the future, for applicants who may be in a similar situation as Hyppolite, the University have set up a “Survivor Bursary” to help fund them.
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LFRESHERS CAL NEWS GUIDE 4
BRISTOL BRINGS NEW HOPE FOR MS SUFFERERS AMIE MARSHALL
PIC: JODIE COLLINGRIDGE
BRISTOL’S BIOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH PEOPLE SUFFERING from multiple sclerosis (MS) could be one step closer to an effective treatment method after a breakthrough by researchers at the University of Bristol. Researchers have discovered they can ‘switch off’ autoimmune diseases by adapting the immune system so it learns to tolerate the part of the body it is attacking. They focused exclusively on the cells responsible for causing autoimmune diseases, working to make them capable of protecting rather than attacking the body whilst maintaining a healthy, defensive immune system. A healthy immune system identifies antigens that pose a threat of infection and attacks them but in sufferers of autoimmune
diseases it attacks harmless proteins and healthy body tissue comes under fire. There are hopes that in the future this therapy could be developed for specific conditions, targeting the individual proteins that each disease responds to. Professor David Wraith, of Bristol University, leads the research. He says the findings “have important implications for the many patients suffering from autoimmune conditions that are currently difficult to treat”. Clinical development of the research by biotechnology company Apitope is currently underway. The MS Society has welcomed the research, describing it as an “interesting and encouraging study”.
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If you love keeping up-to-date with what’s on in Brizzle, Made In Bristol is the new channel that will tell you everything you need to know. . FORGET MADE in Chelsea, Made in Bristol is the latest television treat to hit your television screens. Launching on October 8th on Freeview channel 8, Sky 117 and Virgin Media 159, Made in Bristol is a local television channel aiming to report everything that’s going on in Bristol, from local entertainment to local sports. There’s a definite emphasis on the local. Made in Bristol Television aims to produce and broadcast stories which are important to those residing in Bristol. The launch of Made in Bristol gives residents who are eager to find local news stories the opportunity to tune in and discover what’s going on in their city. Station manager Chris James has previously worked with the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports so the channel already has a talented skillset to live up to. The television channel is set to take local viewers by storm and promises to deliver top quality content. It’s exactly what it says on the tin: a local television channel for local people.
NOVEMBER 2014
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
5
NOVEMBER 2014
Bristol Feminst Racism Storm BEN SAUNDERS COURT
PHOTO CREDIT: HENRIETTA PAINTER
Freshers’ Bunk Bed Nightmare
BEN SAUNDERS COURT
PIC: DANIELLE ALLEN
UP TO fifty students have had to sleep in bunk beds with strangers after an oversight led to over one hundred and fifty students (including international students) being forced to share with people they have never met before. This comes as a result of Bristol University overfilling courses, facilities and accommodation after limits were lifted on the amount of students universities can admit. This year has seen record numbers of students ‘trade-up’ from their desired university through clearing and be accepted on to courses at Bristol University. As a result of this the university’s ‘student living
FemSoc Ban Member For Calling Out Racism BRISTOL UNIVERSITY’S Feminist Society has come under fire for reprimanding a member who highlighted apparently racist behaviour. FemSoc member Sara Jaffer was cautioned and subsequently removed from the society’s Facebook page. It would appear this was because she confronted another member for using the ‘N-word’. After accusing the member of “racial slurs” Sara was herself accused by a group moderator of “...basic name calling, aggressive and confrontational language”. Following these messages, which were exchanged in public on the Bristol FemSoc Facebook group, Sara was contacted privately by the society-appointed group moderator. This time Sara was told: “It is not your job to call out or reprimand racism. Doing so makes you guilty of breaking policy. This calls into question your place in the group.” “I have messaged [The member using the ‘N-word’] several times and I’ve requested that when we review policy later this month that people start getting banned from the group for this continued aggressive behaviour. However responding to it and not to me means that you are now also guilty of that aggressive behaviour and could also be banned”.
Sara replied to these threats and allegations with a measured reply. She wrote “it is everybody’s responsibility to call out racism, particularly within an activist movement. Not calling it out is tolerating and enabling it.” Having blown the whistle on possible racism in a Bristol University institution and later being held as the aggressor Sara finally received this reply from the FemSoc moderator: “Sorry Sara I’m not going to respond any more as I feel you’re being personally aggressive towards me. I’ve also been authorised to remove you from the group. Please don’t message me again. [name redacted]”. She eventually received an informal apology from one FemSoc committee member and a formal apology from the committee as a whole. It is also understood the moderator that made the accusations has since stepped down from her role within the society. Sara spoke to us at The University Paper about developments since she received the apology. She told us that “not much has happened since. The questions I posed weren’t answered and I still have not heard from the President [of the Feminist Society] who authorised the ban”.
officer’ Tom Phipps has set up a Facebook forum for concerned students to voice their views and share photos of this dire situation. A similar situation arose in 2012 when freshers arrived to find unfinished building work at Hiatt Baker hall which led to protests and mass compensation being paid to students. Most students have resigned themselves to room sharing until Christmas at the earliest and all are seeking remuneration from the university. But, as far as a first taste of living away from home goes, every one of these one hundred and fifty new students must feel short changed.
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COMMENT
NOVEMBER 2014
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
Out-of-Date Friends
JESSICA BOTT
PIC: WILL HEASON
SO YOU’VE started university and met a whole bunch of new friends. You get on like a house on fire and, because you live with them in halls or student housing, are starting to feel like family. But where does that leave you with your old mates from school? Well, you don’t have to abandon them because you’re at university - especially as some of them will be in the exact same boat as you. And hey, you need someone to brag to about how amazing your university is when you’re back home, right? However, there’s no need to hop on expensive trains home every weekend – in this digital age there are much easier and cheaper ways to keep in the social loop. Firstly, make use of social media. The odd Twitter exchange or goofy Snapchat selfie will not only make your old friends giggle, but will remind them of how close you are. Why not make a Facebook groups to update each other on all of your reckless university antics? Or, alternatively, you could go old school and send letters. Secondly, you aren’t at university for the whole year. Make an extra effort to meet up with your old friends during the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. A cheap holiday can be a great way to reconnect away from the circumstances that made you question the friendship. Let’s not pretend it will be easy – during your time at university you will mature and make new friends. There’s no getting away from it. You will change, your old friends will change, but as long
as you are prepared for this and stay in touch you will be fine. It has never been easier to stay in touch with old pals – bring on the reunion!
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WHERE ART THOU 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….
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SPECIAL
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.”
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OCTOBER 2014 THE UNIVERSITY
WHAT’S ON
The BEST nights this Freshers week & throughout the month
THIS MONTH MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER
● Canteen Jazz Session @ THE CANTEEN ● Nic Jones with Joe Jones @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● That F**king Tank @ STAG AND HOUNDS ● Bed @ BUNKER ● Ella Eyre @ THE O2 ACADEMY
THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER
● Open Mic @ THE VITTORIA ● Tapas and Dating @ LITTLE KITCHEN ● DJ Adski @ NUMBER 51 ● Win Win @ THE BIG CHILL ● Salsa Night @ PLANTATION FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER
TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER
● The Quiz-cotheque @ THE MOTHERS RUIN ● Blankety Quiz @ NUMBER 51 ● Richard Hughes @ THE CANTEEN ● Snenaigans @ THE CROFTERS RIGHTS ● Wide Eyes E/B.traits @ LAKOTA WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
● Quiz Night @ THE VITTORIA ●Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● DJ Alfie @ NUMBER 51 ● Jackson Live in Concert @ BRISTOL HIPPODROME ● Killa Disko @ SYNDICATE
● Eden Fridays @ SYNDICATE ● Boogie Café @ THE BIG CHILL ● Woahnows @ THE MOTHERS RUIN ● Five Dollar Shake & Tremor @ TIMBUK2 ● In:motion: Swamp 81 @MOTION SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER
● Halloween Weekender @ SYNDICATE ● A History of Garage @ THE BIG CHILL ● Wildscreen Fringe Film Fest @ WATERSHED BRISTOL ● Oxjam Bristol Take-over @ PLANTATION ● The Neighbourhood @ THE TRINITY CENTRE
SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER
● Avon George Cruise @ BRISTOL PACKET BOAT TRIPS ● First Raitt Band @ THE CORONATION TAP ● Kate in the Kettle @ THE CANTEEN ● Westerly Showband @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● Tangled Roots @ THE TRINITY CENTRE
THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER
● Curry Club @ LITTLE KITCHEN ● Open Mic @ THE VITTORIA ● DJ Adski @ NUMBER 51 ● Presteigne Festival City Tour @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● Salsa Night @ PLANTATION FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER
TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER
● Language Exchange @ LEFTBANK ● The Quizcotheque @ THE MOTHERS RUIN ● A Barbershop Harmonious Affair @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● Blankety Quiz @ NUMBER 51 ● Buffo’s Wake @ MR WOLFS WEDNESDAY 22ND OCTOBER
● We Love Wednesdays @ THE BIG CHILL ● Show me The Animation Presents @ CUBE MICROPLEX ● Stand Up for Ugly Animals @ COLSTON HALL● Diatribe @ NUMBER 51 ● Killa Disko @ SYNDICATE
● Oliver Night @ THE BIG CHILL ● Eden Fridays @ SYNDICATE ● Port Erin Album Launch @ MR WOLFS ● Simple Things 2014: Opening @ MOTION ● The Tune Factory @ THE MOTHERS RUIN SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER
● Project at Syndicate Halloween Festival @ WILD PLACE PROJECT ● The After Hours Quintet @ MR WOLFS ● The English National Baroque E @ MR WOLFS ● 45 Live Bristol Presents... @ THE BIG CHILL
SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER
● Tomorrow’s Warriors Connexions @ THE TRINITY CENTRE ● Cider Sunday Returns! @ THE EXCHANGE ● Lily & Meg and David Smith @ THE LOUISIANA BASEMENt ● Sarah Olivier @ THE CANTEEn ● The Schmoozenbergs @ THE TOBACCO FACTORY TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER
● Language Exchange @ LEFTBANK ● The Quizcotheque @ THE MOTHERS RUIN ● Blankety Quiz @ NUMBER 51 ● Mae Karthauser @ THE CANTEEN ● Rumdog Billionaire @ MR WOLFS WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER
● Halloween Beer Festival @ THE VICTORIA ● Killa Disko @ SYNDICATE ● Anonymous Sound @ NUMBER 51 ● We Love Wednesdays @ THE BIG CHILL ● Sefrial @ THE CANTEEN
THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER
● Open Mic @THE VITTORIA ● Scribble and Scratch First Birthday @ THE BIG CHILL ● Jacqueline Ross & Linda Nichol @ ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL ● Salsa Night @ PLANTATION – Free Salsa Lessons FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER
● Halloween Party @ THE OLD STILLAGE ● Halloween Special @ NUMBER 51 ● Bedmo Disco Presents #007 @ THE BIG CHILL ● Tommy Andrews @ THE BE-BOP CLUB ● Eden Fridays @ SYNDICATE SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
● Project @ SYNDICATE ● Department Club Bristol @ LANES BRISTOL ● In:motion Just Jack @ MOTION ● Smirnoff’s Big Night Out @ PRYZM, BRISTOL ● Tremor Presents… @ BLUE MOUNTAIN
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THE UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 2014
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CARNAGE
REVIEWS
WITH CARNAGE AROUND THE CORNER, STUDENTS ARE PREPARING FOR THE NIGHT OF THEIR LIVES.
THE PROMISE AT ARNOLFINI This summer Arnolfini revealed ‘The Promise’. It’s a temporary exhibition which explores the potential future of cities and the role of architecture, and the arts within these premises. In addition to the physical and literal spaces within the city, the project further engages with the viewer on a more personal level. We are invited to travel within the psychological entity of our imagination, revealing how we construct, for ourselves, an image of the city with which we can identify with - further questioning our existence within this rapidly evolving, and increasingly isolating, eventuality of modernity. An intentional emphasis is placed upon the city of Bristol, and how we can begin to conceptualize its story. The focus is on points in history such as the changing agendas of social planning and the redevelopment of the harbourside. These are then criticised through contrasts with the current environmental issues facing Bristol as it wears the portending badge, winning ‘European Green Capital’ in 2015. The exhibition looks forward and beyond; it imagines futuristic ideologies of urban planning. Yet one must realise that although special attention is placed upon Bristol, international artists such as Marcel Breuer, Abraham Cruzvillegas and John Miller are invited to participate. These, amongst others,
With Carnage known as the UK’s greatest student night out, the streets of Bristol need to be prepared for a big clean up the following morning, as there are sure to be lost shoes, purses, smashed bottles and plenty of student vomit. As a student, this event is one not to be missed! With a pyjama party theme on October 16th, you know for sure the students of Bristol will be getting up to some serious, well…carnage.
help to show the ways in which Bristol has been imagined, yet not always realised. Although much of the exhibition concerns itself with the physical expansion of spaces within cities; we always return to the fundamental relationship between the city and its inhabitants, and thus we, the viewers, are asked to become active participants. The exhibition in Arnolfini’s gallery spaces is complemented by installations, performances, sculptures, walks and family events throughout Bristol. These events further explore the relationship between the city and its residents, inspiring all to rediscover Bristol Dania Arafeh.
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THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
NOVEMBER 2014
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13
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.”
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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.
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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.
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THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
17
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
19
THE UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 2014
CURRENT
» CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS LEAVE STUDENTS UNSURE » CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER
SIR DAVID OPENS LIFE SCIENCE BUILDING
them enhances them. Understanding the natural sciences will give you joy for the rest of your lives. It brought great joy to me. The well-loved eighty-eight year-old presenter revealed the commemorative plaque and officially opened the building before toasting the occasion with a sip of champagne. The room looked-on as Sir David was photographed with the gorilla that sits in the atrium of the building. The Gorilla, named ‘Going Going Gone’, is one of the
sixty-one Wow! Gorilla’s. Bristol Zoo set up a trail of artist-designed gorillas in 2011 to celebrate its one-hundred and seventy-fifth birthday. The sale of these gorillas raised four-hundred thousand pounds for the local charity ‘Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal’. Sir David’s speech left a sense of the potential of the great building. Twothousand people worked on the project, including twenty-eight architects from ten countries, that will become the focal point for globally-leading research.
half a percent increase in graduate prospects. The Good University Guide echoes The Guardian’s sentiments about UWE, placing them at fifty-third place, an increase of three places from its previous rankings. The ranking again demonstrates increasing career prospects, with almost sixty-eight percent of graduates employed after six months as opposed to last year’s sixty-four percent. Bristol University faces disappointment yet again after falling three places from fifteenth to eighteenth in the overall scope of British universities, seeing a fall in graduate prospects of two percent. However, despite disappointment for Bristol University in the British rankings the university has enjoyed success in the worldwide league tables published earlier this month. The QS World University Rankings saw Bristol jump from thirtieth to twenty-ninth place, receiving seventh place out of the British universities on the list. Professor Sir Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “Our continued success in the global league tables is testament to the absolute quality of our research and teaching at Bristol. Bristol is renowned for being a world-class institution, with a strong focus on academic achievement and this is underlined by these results.” These rankings are considered by thousands of prospective undergraduates deciding where to study and are therefore subject to considerable scrutiny by those responsible for their production. As a result, there are multiple areas to investigate before an overall decision is reached. Since The Guardian University Guide began publishing an annual review of Britain’s institutions it has used eight indicators to decide where a particular institution should fall in the table. Three of these indicators are drawn from the National Student Survey (NSS), an annual survey which has been drawing together the views of final year undergraduates about the quality of their courses and universities since its inception in 2005. The Guardian also
compares the entry qualifications and overall degree scores of undergraduates to estimate the probability of students obtaining certain degrees. The Complete University Guide has been published annually since 2007 and is compiled by the renowned Mayfield University Consultants, a group operational since 1997. The guide uses all the criteria considered by the researches at The Guardian but also adds a number of extra points before finalising their rankings, including the expenditure by the institution on academic services and student facilities and, crucially, an assessment of the university’s research output. Despite the drop in standings both Bristol University and UWE have seen their undergraduate intake rise considerably over the past few years, raising questions as to how influential these stringent ranking systems are on the decisions of prospective undergraduates. These rising student numbers have left both universities facing criticism after over-recruitment of undergraduates left hundreds of freshers without the accommodation they expected. Around one hundred and seventy new students at Bristol University are being forced to share rooms and sleep in bunk beds after the surge in numbers left many halls oversubscribed. An email sent to frustrated students explained these issues were down to Bristol University being “more popular than usual” and that they could expect to be allocated single rooms “within a couple of weeks”. Similar problems are being experienced by hundreds of UWE students, with many being allocated halls earmarked for demolition after it was announced their expected accommodation was still under construction. Students expecting to move into halls on Frenchay campus have been temporarily relocated to the abandoned St Matthias halls. “It’s just so frustrating to be stuck here when we were expecting brand new rooms”, commented one of the students affected. Another branded the lack of accommodation “a shambles”.
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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
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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
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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
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.
8
1
1. KEEP THE MUSIC DOWN
3. SHARE!
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
4
A GOOD CALENDAR APP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE.
5
GUM.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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
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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.
M
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.
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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
25
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
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
STUDENT CHEF
TOP
5
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 ‘florentine’ 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
1.
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.
2.
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.
5.
4.
3.
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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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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
TH
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
TH
TH
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
RD
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
ND
(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
TH
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
dd
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
29
NOVEMBER 2014
MENTAL AGILITY
Halloween Party
at Grosvenor Casino Bristol Friday 31st October 8pm Prize for best fancy dress Lucky dip games Halloween cocktails
Student loyalty card
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for men who know who they’re talkin’ to...
DE NIRO & STALLONE BOB AND SLY BEAR A GRUDGE
NEED TO KNOW
GUIDE TO 2014
SIX NATIONS
CHRIS ROBSHAW
ECO WARRIOR
MATT DAMON
FEBRUARY 2014 £4.20
02 7 9 771353 347258
Emma Glover GETS ALL SWEATY AND STUFF
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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!
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THE UNIVERSITYPAPER
33
NOVEMBEBER 2014
OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate Technology Consultant
Graduate Graduate Graduate HR Assistant Tech support PHP consultant Developer (permanent)
(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)
(permanent)
(permanent)
(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
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SPECIAL
34
NOVEMBER 2014
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
ACCOMMODATION
To TV, or Not to TV? That is the Question
By MEGAN DAVIES PHOTO CREDIT: MEGAN WILSON-DE LA MARE
THERE ARE many things that make student houses feel they’re not quite… home. That musky stench, that suspicious stain on the carpet and the stack of broken toasters hiding in the cupboard are just a few. But something else seems to be missing. I currently live in a seven-bedroom house in Redland and we are lucky to have landed ourselves with a generously sized living room. There is a dining table, the aforementioned stained carpet and a number of sofas and chairs facing around what seems to be a focal point. A focal point that consists of what used to be a fireplace, a Virgin Media box and a candleholder. There’s definitely something missing – but what?! A TV set, that’s what. Unfortunately its absence is very noticeable and the debate over whether to all chip in for one is very much alive. We have found that, without repeat episodes of “Friends” to sit and passively watch while we scoff down our beans on toast, we end up staring at each other for a little too long. But perhaps, I have started to realise, this is how it is meant to be? This is how humans are supposed to interact. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so freaked out at seeing each others faces and asking how each other’s days have been? Actually, I think, as awkward eye contact no. 143 of the evening occurs, ‘we should just get a TV’.
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THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
35
NOVEMBER 2014
DO NOT DISTURB SEX RULES ALEX GREEN
PIC: VLADA KANTOROVITCH
1. KEEP IT DOWN To the screamers out there, please have some courtesy and keep the noise down.
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2. LOCK THE DOOR This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s embarrassing how often this small consideration is overlooked and it can have catastrophic consequences.
m house anded ng room. ioned and chairs al point. ed to be a ndleholder.
3. GIVE AN EARLY WARNING In the flat, give your friends some warning if you have someone to stay or they may end up thinking they have a burglar on their hands. Maybe work out a “hat on the door” system between you and your flatmates.
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4. RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS And don’t sleep with them. Avoid this at all costs or your year may be an awkward one.
t episodes TOTAL FREEDOM, nights out, copious amounts h while we of alcohol and the incredibly thin walls of student d up staring accommodation: A dangerous combination. It’s inevitable that, at University, some se, this is shacking-up is going to occur along the way. But mans are who knew that the consequences of this would uldn’t be so be so overbearing on our neighbours? With this s and asking in mind The University Paper has set out to find a ually, I few ground rules to make your sex life a little less of the inconvenient for your patient flatmates. TV’.
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5. FRESH MEAT Fresher’s - avoid those predatory second year students. Second and third years - don’t become those predators circling the Lounge dance floor. 6. CLEAN UP! Don’t leave any mess. Clear up those johnnies!
YOU ARE WHERE YOU SLEEP MARLEEN KIVISELG
PIC: VLADA KANTOROVITCH
With a heavy schedule of napping, working and yet more napping; the typical student spends a lot of time in his/her room. Eventually, a bedroom becomes a seamless extension of a student’s personality. So what does your bedroom say about you?
1
THE ONE WHO NEVER UNPACKED Cardboard boxes scatter the floor and a suitcase performs what should have been the function of the wardrobe – you could easily mistake this room for a storeroom. This person is uneasy about the future and restless at the idea of staying in one place.
2
THE MESSY ONE Their floor acts as a dustbin and there is a distinct odour of mouldy socks. This person is a lot of fun but nobody wants to go near them.
3
THE NEAT FREAK Ever since you came in and tweaked the position of a coaster you have been banned from this person’s room. They are likely to be well organised and successful but, let’s face it, not much fun to be around.
THE POSTER GIRL/BOY This one is a keen fan of a certain band or singer and wants all that enter their room to know it. This person is obsessive and, like the many faces staring at you from their bedroom walls, kind of scary.
4
5
THE GAP YEAR ROOM Or so you think. That pretty wall hanging? That hand-made cushion or throw? Yeah, that’s not from Cambodia, but from a charity shop down the road.
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THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
37
NOVEMBER 2014
SPORT ‘I LIKE TO RIDE MY BICYCLE’ – DO YOU?
BRISTOL PERFORMANCE SPORT SQUAD TEAM
BIKING HAS BECOME SUPER-TRENDY AS OF LATE. IT SEEMS THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR TIGHT-POCKETED STUDENTS KITTY HALL
PIC: VLADA KANTOROVITCH
ANCA PRECUB
PIC: DANIELLE ALLEN
Sporting Success at University Both universities in Bristol offer High Performance Sport to help the Mo Farahs of tomorrow achieve sporting excellence. You’ll have access to highly qualified staff who are there to assist you with both your sport and your individual development. Not only that, they can provide you
with a mentor for the whole year, regular meetings, use of the Olympic Conditioning facility, weight rooms and much more. If you’d like to join, you must study at Bristol and complete an application form. You also need ambition, commitment and a high level of sporting achievement.
UOB NETBALL: THE DEBRIEF MEGAN DAVIES
PIC: MEGAN DAVIES
Vic Beach is the captain of UoB’s netball team. She talks to the University Paper about that infamous UWE rivalry and her excitement for the coming year.
AS YOU can all see from the mountains of bikes lined up outside every single Bristol library, many students have aptly taken to the idea of biking as a form of getting around university and exercising without the pricey gym membership. However, the question for non-bike users is whether this cheap from of transport is worth the chronically steep climbs you will face at almost every Bristol corner? As nice as it is walking through the streets of Clifton or Redland on a bright sunny day, Bristol is famous for its wet weather. Cutting your journey from ten to fifteen minutes (forty in the case of Stoke Bishop Halls) to three to five minutes seems like a no-brainer. Next time you are walking into university, especially if you’re braving the infamous St Michael’s hill, have a look around and you will bear witness to the desperate attempts of the cyclists. As they try to climb an almost 90 degree angle with as much elegance as a 90 year-old woman attempting to outrun a lion, we are all asking ourselves the same question - is it worth it? Why not look towards our Eastern brothers and
sisters in Laaandaan. The Boris Bikes – although always connected to stories of fatal accident – are an extremely popular transport choice. And this is in a city where buses come more often than British rain and the Tube helps travelers dodge traffic completely! If you manage to pluck up the courage to heftily dip into your student loan and buy a super edgy set of wheels, mainly to keep up with all the other trendy students at Bristol University, then yes, it is worth it. After this (once you are at least two-hundred quid short) remember this is just the beginning - for cycling in Bristol is not for the faint-hearted. This is a tough form of exercise (although it is of course healthy) and no matter where you live in Bristol the fierce hills are inescapable; you would be mistaken to underestimate them. Taking this all into consideration, however, in the case of cycling why not follow the crowd and deal with the consequences of hardship and poverty later, it’s a known fact, people with wheels are much cooler.
You must be really excited to be captain now. What are your hopes for the year? I’ve got massive hopes for this year as all the squads are really strong. I’d especially like the ones to get promoted to Prem, all other teams to do better than last year and, generally, for everyone to have a great season. What’s the team’s relationship with UWE like? Is there a lot of rivalry? I think Varsity is always really competitive. Last year it was amazing but we lost a few close matches! Already excited for this year, though! When is your next big match? BUCS matches start on October 15th and the Bath match is usually a good one to attend.
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THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
NOVEMBER 2014
39
SPORT
UOB RUGBY ROUND UP LUCY ROGERS
PIC: ANYA SHASHKOVA
The First Team had their opening BUCS game away against close-rivals Bath. Captain David Watchorn described it as “pretty tough”. All was well within the team but by half-time they were 10-8 down. A half-time pep talk couldn’t bring the game back. Second half mistakes were made and the team grew tired and defeated. They were faced with a disappointing score of 35-11. The positive aspects of the match need to be carried forward into the first home game against Exeter. Watchorn forecasts that it could be another tough task for the team. In better news, the second team beat Reading’s first team 14-7. Watchorn was happy about the team’s performance, acknowledging it as a “brilliant result for their first game if the season”. Of course, University rugby wouldn’t be the same without the word-hard, play-hard mentality. It was a well-earned heavy night for the boys after a mixed-bag of results.
SLIMMING OR JUST SEEDY? SAM MIDWOOD
IN RECENT years, pole dancing has become the latest craze of exercising, allowing people to keep fit whilst having fun. With benefits including greater core strength, increased self-confidence and muscle strengthening, the popularity of the dance has more than doubled in the last couple of years. The once traditional perception of pole dancing as a seedy and promiscuous night club activity seems to have become a thing of the past with vast numbers of adults and children participating in classes across the globe. It has become such an accessible activity that women, regardless of their age or body shape, feel they are able to try it out. Without the fear of being judged or demoralised like they might at a gym, the comfortable classes promote a supportive female atmosphere, as well as a sense of empowerment. This is a sport which enables you to use core muscles you didn’t know existed whist still maintaining an outward elegance. Now that’s girl power! Its popularity has increased so much that there is even talk of it becoming an Olympic sport in the future, although this remains heavily under debate, not everyone accepts pole dancing as being merely a very ‘modern’ sport. The old-fashioned (yet also understandable) controversy surrounding the sport lies in its origins as an activity which sexualises and degrades women. It’s almost impossible to overlook where pole dancing originally came from. It used to be seen to degrade our culture as an activity in which women were objectified and seen as a means to an end and this reputation of the sport in recent years has been hard to shake off! Whether or not it is appropriate for young girls as a sport is another question. It is undoubtedly known for its eroticism and association with lap dancers and in such a way it still retains its seedy and sexy associations. So it remains a controversial topic, although some support the craze wholeheartedly, seeing it only as a fun sport which tones the body and increases fitness levels, others condone it - it’s sexiness can’t be easily ignored! As time goes on, however, its seedy origins are slowly but surely being overturned and more and more people are beginning to appreciate pole dancing not only is a good way of exercising but as a fun and freeing activity.
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