NOTTINGHAM NOVEMBER 2014
ED SHEERAN ON THE RECORD
PAGE 07
WIN: A holiday to Les Deux Alpes & tickets to Rise Festival FIND OUT HOW ON PG 12
THE LATEST SPORTS FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY
PAGES 37 & 39
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO SING NECROPHILIA CHANT ALICE DICKSON
THE UNIVERSITY of Nottingham Student Union is investigating claims first year students were encouraged to sing about violence and necrophilia after a video showing students singing the chant recently surfaced on the internet. The chant was led by Week One Reps, a team of second and third year students who welcome freshers to the university and chaperone them during the Week One events whilst establishing a sense of community between the newcomers. Freshers week is aimed at making new students feel welcome and comfortable in their new environments. One fresher said, “It was the first night of freshers week and the reps started these chants. I half shouted to a rep, ‘I’m not singing that’ and he said ‘yeah it is a bit naughty.’” “I was angry because it was the first night of my university experience, which I’d been looking forward to for a long time. I was upset that I was already experiencing misogyny on my first night. And I heard the reps encourage the chant more times that week.” Nottingham S.U says the fresher reps are taught to “provide a friendly face and support for the new students when they arrive and help them to have a great introduction to university life”. Reps sign a contract in taking on the role, which includes the clause, “I will not promote the singing of abusive, offensive, crude or intimidating chants and songs.” The contract also confirms the reps are, “the first representative of the University of Nottingham that
new students will meet and therefore recognise that [they are] a role model”. Yet the video in question shows reps encouraging the first year students to chant violent and obscene lyrics. The full chant says: “I wanna be a Cavendish ranger, living a life of sex and danger. High flying, 69-ing. These are the girls that I love best, many times I’ve sucked their breasts. F**k her standing, f**k her lying, if she had wings I’d f**k her flying. Now she’s dead, but not forgotten, dig her up and f**k her rotten. You wish, you wish, you wish you were in Cavendish…” A spokesperson for University of Nottingham said, “The University does not tolerate behaviour of this kind from its students, and is currently supporting the student union with an investigation into this matter.” “We expect all student union representatives to adhere to a strict code of conduct and, if this is breached, we ensure that appropriate action is taken.” The video drew much attention, with present and past members of the university commenting. A former student, Frances Pearson said, “This was going on when I was a fresher at UoN seven years ago. It’s absolutely disgraceful. Such a shame to see nothing has changed.” Another said, “I’m surprised it’s taken this long for the chants to be reported, and a shame that one hall has been singled out when all of them chant similar lyrics.” One former student points the blame to the entirety of the students union
» CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
MAN FALLS FROM BALCONY AT ROCK CITY
JENNY LEE
PICS: ALICE DICKSON
A Nottingham student has suffered a serious head injury after falling from the balcony of the music venue and nightclub Rock City. The 19-year-old male attending the University of Nottingham night Crisis, fell from the main room balcony plummeting three metres down onto the dance floor. Sustaining a fractured skull, police say his injuries are not life threatening and are
not treating the incident as suspicious. CCTV footage from the venue confirmed that the individual fell of his own accord and police are not cautious towards another party being involved in the situation. The victim’s identity has not been confirmed and but it is believed to a student of University of Nottingham. The incident took place at approximately 12.40am and Crisis staff were quick
to attend to the young male with paramedics arriving at the venue in less than four minutes. His condition after the fall was described by the hospital to be stable. Soon after the paramedics the police arrived at approximately 1am where the victim was then carried out the nightclub on a stretcher. No CPR was performed at the scene, as the victim was conscious on the
W W W.UNIPA PER.CO.UK
paramedic’s arrival despite his serious head injury. It is reported that when the victim was being carried out of the venue, onlookers applauded paramedic’s assistance towards the incident. The victim was then rushed to the Queen’s Medical Centre for immediate emergency treatment. Thousands of students flock to Nottingham club
» CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
YOUR LIFE YOUR HOME Find your new student home from a choice of great value flats with a free bus service to both universities and the city centre.
unite-students.com/nottingham 0300 303 8641
Terms and conditions apply. Visit unite-students.com/legal-booking for full details. Images and photography are representative of accommodation only.
LEICESTER & NOTTINGHAM UNI ADVERT.indd 2
15/10/2014 15:09
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
3
NOVEMBER 2014
L CAL NEWS
FAVOURITE NTU GRADUATES UNVEIL NEW BARS TO BE CLOTHES STORE WITHDRAWN FROM NTU SOCIALS ALICE DICKSON
TWO NTU graduates have opened a clothing store in the Broadmarsh Centre. Prisma clothing sell men’s and women’s hoodies, t-shirts, vests and accessories including items featuring their original Prisma logo with James Kellett and James Thomas opening the store in September on the top floor of the shopping centre. James Kellett said, “We sell independent brands from across the UK and items by local designers. They are clean, simple designs. “We decided to set up a business because we wanted to go for it while we were young, rather than going into a graduate job. “We wanted to have a go at running a physical business. I think it will provide us with some really good experience.” Prisma was born whilst the pair were studying entrepreneurship at
ALICE DICKSON PIC: ALICE DICKSON
Some of the favourite bars for Nottingham Trent University’s Wednesday sport socials bar crawls are set to be withdrawn. EDWARD AND Moore are owners of many of the popular bars featured on Trent bar crawls but have been rejected by many sports teams for sponsorships. Edward and Moore was, up until last academic year, one of the biggest sponsors of sports clubs at NTU but failed to pay the agreed sponsor fee, breaching their contract. Committee members received warning that NTU would not be accepting any contracts signed by Harry Kumar, CEO of Edward and Moore, until the debt was cleared. The company have since paid the money but sports clubs have been warned of the incident, resulting in many
PIC: ALICE DICKSON
sports clubs avoiding their bars altogether. Edward and Moore run favourites such as The Blue Bell Inn, Up ‘n’ Down Under and The Ropewalk. The company also ran Dogma, which lost its license in July following a stabbing in the club in June. During a hearing on the matter, the city council’s special licensing panel heard there had been 14 reported incidents between January and June, with another stabbing on May 11 which was not reported to the police. The bar will only be able to re-open when a new license is granted.
Trent, with help from the University’s centre for entrepreneurship, The Hive. The Prisma duo hosted music events at some of Nottingham’s favourite bars like Bar Eleven and Spanky Van Dykes to promote the brand. The store has air-hockey tables and any customer who defeats them in a game can claim ten per cent off purchases. Broadmarsh Centre manager, Adam Tamsett said, “I’m sure that it will be a popular store. We are delighted to welcome them to the centre.”
LFRESHERS CAL NEWS GUIDE 4
NOVEMBER 2014
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
NTU announces finish date for Clifton Campus transformation ALICE DICKSON
PIC: ALICE DICKSON
The heart of Nottingham’s city centre is beginning to undergo some major improvements that will prove beneficial to students. A FEW of the changes and proposed plans include a contemporary arcade being fitted in the Cornerhouse, the construction of a brand-new Aldi supermarket situated near the train station and the modernisation of the Victoria Centre and Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. New state-of-the-art remodelling in both the Victoria Centre and the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre have seen over a joint £190 million put towards their redevelopment and refurbishment. The Victoria Centre will see a new catering cluster around the clock tower area as well as improved mall finishes featuring better lighting, upgraded toilet facilities and new entrances installed. Improvements will also be made to Milton Street, Parliament Street and Clumber Street around the new Intu Victoria Centre that will benefit the northern side of the city and help complete the transformation of the city centre’s retail core. Similarly, the Broadmarsh shopping centre
NOTTINGHAM STUDENTS TO BRING £522M TO THE CITY DAISY VICKERS PIC: DAISY VICKERS
IT IS estimated that students in Nottingham will bring in around £522 million to the city over the next year. A large chunk of this goes towards paying rent, but both shops and bars see a massive increase in business during term time. This works out at around £8,708 per the 60,000 students studying across University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University collectively. According to the NUS the average student will receive a maintenance grant of around £934, which students do not pay back and £4,335 maintenance loan, which students are required to pay back when earning. Hashim Pervase, a second year Media with Practices, reflects on his financial situation positively saying, “Personally, I have found for the most part that my loan covers me given that I get quite a large loan.” He however went on to mention the struggles some of his friends face, “many of my friends receive only smaller loans and without their parents help they wouldn’t have enough to live on.” A student house in Nottingham can cost on average anything from £65 to £90 per week based on a 39 academic year contract. This leaves around £2,500 to cover the rest of living and travel costs for the year. However, this is not the case for a lot of students. Third year pharmacology student Darren Chan said, “I was expecting the normal amount for my loan but this year it was cut by around £2,000, leaving me well short of rent money and nothing at all for living costs.” “My parents can’t really give me an extra £2,000 so I’ve had to take up part time work taking on as many hours as possible which I didn’t really want to do in third year.”
will receive much needed improvements including a wider selection of revamped shops and restaurants that are expected to create up to 2,000 jobs. Nottingham’s entertainment district, the Cornerhouse, has proposed plans to replace its Chinese restaurant known as the Flaming Dragon with a leisure arcade bursting with computer simulation games and air hockey facilities. The Flaming Dragon is set to close in December and so far the city council’s planning department is still considering the arcades proposal. Plans for a new city centre Aldi supermarket at the junction of Queens Road and London Road have been also proposed to Nottingham City Council. This would result in the warehouses already on site being demolished. The discount supermarket will provide up to 30 jobs and would become a cheap food shop solution when compared with the many small metro-type shops in the area.
25% OFF GLASSES FOR STUDENTS PLUS FREE EYE TEST
Valid for one test booked on or before 27 December 2014. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only.
Nottingham 20-24 Wheeler Gate. Tel 0115 958 8361 West Bridgford 25-27 Central Avenue. Tel 0115 969 4830
Student discount: Cannot be used with other offers. 25% off £69 range and above. Monday to Friday. Present NUS card or other valid student ID at time of purchase. One pair of complete glasses only, with single vision lenses and scratch-resistant treatment. Excludes reglazes, safety eyewear, contact lens products, non-prescription sunglasses. Discount not transferable in whole or part for cash. SKU 25263053. ©2014 Specsavers. All rights reserved.
TS
ST
cember nnot be hers or o a free csavers
0
9 range and t ID at time lenses and ontact lens in whole or ed.
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
5
NOVEMBER 2014
Student Outcry over Deposit Shock
JOE CLARE
PHOTO CREDIT: ALICE DICKSON
NTU make £74,000 in library fines
JACK NORTON PHOTO CREDIT: ALICE DICKSON
NOTTINGHAM TRENT University made a mammoth £74,153 last academic year through library fines across all three campuses. While this works out at an average of around £2.53 each between the 28,000 students enrolled it could pay for a year’s tuition fee for eight students. Details of late return fees are listed clearly online with different rates for different mediums, for example 10p per hour for electronic devices such as laptops. These variable per hour rates may explain how some students saw significant fines, the highest charge one student faced last year was £41. NTU explain fines are necessary to ensure
Formula One Gym Simply the best student prices around Student Prices 2014
Angered students took to social media after discovering they had received an accommodation deposit refund, from the University Partnership Programme, for as little as £20. WHEN BOOKING university accommodation, students at Nottingham Trent University were required to pay £200.00 deposit fee to cover damages that may occur throughout the year. Provided there is no damage and accommodation is left in good condition the deposit should be fully refundable, but when students received their invoices many were outraged. UPP deals with thirteen UK universities and was nominated by NTU as the CUBO Business Partner of the Year 2013. Despite this, a Facebook page set up by students previously living in Peverell Halls of Clifton Campus showed many had been charged significant fees by the company for room items that were fully functioning, and even in some instances, charged for things they never had. One student said, “it feels like theft, on top of the burden of tuition and accommodation fees it’s a joke.” Students are instructed to write an inventory at the beginning of the year, which many failed to
do. Innes Wood, of S Block, argued that, “It’s a job that should have already been done by university staff. It’s the last thing on a fresher’s mind to make a list when you want to be out making friends.” The company charged £90 to clean a single mattress but after an internet search students found brand new single mattresses for as little as £60. Max Graf Von Schweinitz said, “After having a broken chair and stained mattress all year since moving in you can only question where this money is going.” After receiving complaints the university have directed students to a ‘Deposit Disputes’ page where students can request their inventory and photographic evidence of any damages. One student, charged £25 for putting blu-tak on a cork board, reported that even after going through the process received a photograph that was not of her room. However, damages that were reported throughout the year were promptly taken care of. Jodie Savage, studying History and International Relations, was impressed with the speed that the university responded to her broken door which was fixed within a day. The University says this is unprecedented and advises students moving into Halls of residence this academic year to ensure they check their inventory list fully and report any instances at the beginning of the year. As of yet, UPP have declined to comment on the matter.
Session Week Month (standing order) Month (cash)
No Joining Fee No Contracts Freeze Your Membership Formula One Gym 21 Victoria St, The Lace Market Nottingham NG1 2EW
Call
0115 9505 009 email
enquiries@formulaonegym.co.uk or visit
www.formulaonegym.co.uk
£4 £8 £18 £20
the service isn’t abused and books are readily available, students are also urged to renew their library loans online if they are unable to return items on time. The University couldn’t give details of how much of the money was invested back in to student services stating, “Any money from fines is part of the University Library’s overall income and is not earmarked for specific investments or spend”. One second year studying Media with Practices said, “with such a high amount of money being fined, the students at the university deserve some form of explanation as to where it is being spent within the university.”
four reasons why you should join us > FREE Personal Training > FREE Classes > GIRLS get their own exclusive gym > BOYS get a huge, dedicated free-weights area
4 months for
£50 That’s less than £13 a month!
Term-time special
£100 until June 2015 That’s less than £11 a month!
F1 Student Summer Flyer Aug 2014 A5.indd 1
04/09/2014 21:21
COMMENT FRESHERS
6
GUIDE WHERE ART THOU
NOVEMBER 2014
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
SPECIAL
We confront the issues that ma er to you, right here on campus. Have an opinion? Contact us at: editor@unipaper.co.uk to have your say
THE BIG QUESTION
Emma Watson UN speech debate
SPARE COMPUTER?!
LIZZIE LONGLEY
The speech Emma Watson gave at the UN last month caused some great split opinions amongst both men and women… here’s what you thought: MICHAEL LEONHARDT: Emma Watson’s speech at the UN has done exactly what she initially wanted it to do, increased the debate about the issue at hand and in turn increased awareness. She spoke about the ‘HeForShe’ campaign and gender inequality towards both sexes. My opinion is that she made an excellent job of the speech and some of the points that she made were bang on the money. Watson spoke about the misconception in modern society that feminism is viewed as ‘manhating’, something I think is true. However, the speech makes it seem as if it’s just men with this view, something I strongly disagree with. Women perpetuate this wrong idea just as much as men, with overclouding ‘girl power’ sentiments skewing the feminist ideals. Overall I think Emma Watson made a great effort of such a high profile speech which is obviously out of her comfort zone and could easily have turned into a rant or lecture.
hairy pits and legs, it’s about equal rights in every way and I’m totally for it. Both men and women are stereotyped so much in today’s society: women being weak and emotional whilst men are seen as the strong ones who cannot be sensitive. In all honesty, who cares if a man shows his emotional side a bit?! I think it takes a real man to show some compassion for the things he cares about. I find that a lot of women can also be very hypocritical when it comes to wanting equal rights. The majority of girls these days shout about feminism and then get angry when a boy wants to split the bill after a meal. Being equal means just that, we are equal human beings in an equal society.
VICTORIA MUXLOW: From a quite a young age I’ve always been interested in feminism but too scared to make my opinion known in fear of being branded a man hater. Emma Watson’s speech however, has put everything into perspective for me. Feminism isn’t about walking around with
S
U T h -
£5
COMPUTERS ARE an everyday necessity for people around the world and without them we would be lost. People have become so dependent on computers, whether it’s for browsing random things on the internet, online shopping or studying for a degree, computers are constant in many people’s lives. So why is there never any available to use in the university library? The library is always full to the brim of students on the computers, but very rarely are they doing work. I’ve seen people watching funny videos on YouTube or listening to the latest Number 1 in the music charts. The amount of girls that use the library as a room to online shop is endless and I wouldn’t be surprised if you caught boys having a cheeky look at porn and giggling to themselves. I don’t condemn these people for using the computers for these things because like them I online shop and endlessly watch YouTube videos (minus the porn) but when they are taking up a computer that is needed for educational use that’s when it starts to get irritating! It’s not just the students that take up all the computers for unnecessary use, it’s the random astray of baggage and jackets that claim a seat. So many times have I gone over to what I thought was a spare computer to find a jacket taking charge of the seat without a body in sight.
Whoever it is that leaves their stuff there for hours must be a very trusting person. But, when a jacket is taking over the chance for you to work you know there is an issue. I say all this but I’m sure I’m probably guilty of all these things (again minus the porn) so I don’t really have room to talk. I don’t believe there are enough computers in the library to accommodate to the vast amount of students, whether doing work or not there still should be enough computers on campus for the students to use. We are spending £9000 a year after all….
CONTACTS For all editorial enquires please contact: nottinghameditor@unipaper.co.uk
For all advertising enquires please call: 020 7580 6419
Shhh hh ... It’s only for students - Sunday to Thursday only -
NOTTINGHAM St,
Cornerhouse, Forman Nottingham NG1 4AA
Available to students only with a valid NUS or student card. Bella Italia reserves right to withdraw the offer at any time and without notice. bellaitalia.co.uk
7
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.”
8
NOVEMBER 2014
WHAT’S ON
The BEST nights this Freshers week & throughout the month
THIS MONTH MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER
● Clifton Comedy Club @ THE LOFT, ● Dirty Monday @ THE FORUM, ● Pub Quiz @ THE HORN in Hand ● UniOf: Vice @ COCO TANG, ● TFIM @ OCEANA
FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER
● Assault @ THE LOFT, ● International Fridays @ THE LEVEL, ● UniOf: The Big O @ OCEAN, ● Bopp @ PANDORA’S BOX, ● Dollop @ STEALTH, ● Both: Pop Confession @ BODEGA.
TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER
● Zoo @ OCEANA, ● Coffee House Sessions @ THE SU ● UniOf: Fuck Hip Hop @ MARKET BAR, ● Gin & Juice @ RESCUE ROOMS. ● Both: Baacode @BAA BAR
SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER
● Climax @ SU, ● UniOf: Stealth vs Rescue Rooms, ● Both: Baa Bar Saturdays! @ BAA BAR, ● Rise and Shine @ THE COOKIE CLUB, ● Barefootin’ (Random Saturdays @ BODEGA)
WEDNESDAY 22ND OCTOBER
● Wednesdays @ OCEAN, ● Coco Tang, First Base @ THE LOFT ● UniOf: Crisis @ ROCK CITY. THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER
● Quids in @ SU ● Live @ THE LOFT ● Tuned @ ROCK CITY, ● Gold Teeth @ BODEGA ● UniOf: 4Play @ THE FORUM, ● Dive @ MARKET BAR, ● Gold Teeth @ BODEGA, ● Both: Tribes @ RESCUE ROOMS
SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER
● The Super Mega Quiz @ THE LOFT, ● UniOf: Pub Quiz @ ROPEWALK ● Both: ‘I Love Sundays’ @ THE REVOLUTION BAR, ● Retro and modern party classics @ YATES
LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR A
CHANCE TO
WIN
£2000 WORTH OF APPLE PRODUCTS facebook.com/TheUniPaper
13” Macbook Pro | iPad Retina | iPhone 5S | iPod Touch
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
9
NOVEMBER 2014
FOR THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
Get the party started!! Lewis Wilson talks film and music “BUT I REALLY ENJOYED IT AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE FILM – AND THE 30 SECONDS I’M IN IT!”
Night of the Month: Tribes
LAUREN LEE
“I never thought it was achievable. I got very lucky because I kept at it.” Watson played the Rescue Rooms on October 2nd, supported by Nottingham’s Amber Run, who are signed to RCA. It’s wasn’t Watson’s first visit to Nottingham. “We’ve been three times already and I’ve loved every show,” he says. “For some reason, we get a massive response in Nottingham and yet I have no link to the city. “It’s one of my favourite places to play; I always love coming back.”
THURSDAY NIGHTS just got a whole lot more exciting as Rescue Rooms teams up with Stealth to release a new club night. The night, called Tribes, is the latest place to be – with two music rooms full of garage and house sounds. The opening night of the event saw a packed-out
Stealth, with many students deciding to dress up for the occasion. Another great thing about the night is that it caters for both universities – which will make an interesting rival for neighbouring venue Rock City. Tickets can be purchased from Student Clubber, with ticket prices ranging from £4-£7.
RE N SO SP O
FIND US ONLINE
AND IN LOCAL NEWS:
LAUREN LEE
D
Lauren Lee interviews rising star Lewis Watson where he talks acting, his love of music and, of course, Nottingham. As well as a music career that includes a top 30 album, Lewis Watson will soon be appearing on the big screen in a film version of John Niven’s cult Britpop novel, Kill Your Friends. It’s set in London during 1997, with the British music industry enjoying a winning streak and A&R man Steven Stelfox enjoying the fruits of it, with an expense account, drugs and parties... until he turns to murder. Watson aged 21, who grew up in Oxfordshire, joins the likes of Nicholas Hoult and James Corden in the film. “I think the book is brilliant and when I was approached to do it, I jumped at it,” he recalls. “I’ve never acted before and I’m terrible at it,” he adds, laughing. Watson has been steadily building his profile over the past two years, touring heavily and releasing five EPs, all of which have reached the iTunes top ten. His debut album, The Morning, released in June, went straight into the UK chart at No. 28. “It’s the dream of anybody who loves music to be able to create and play music for a living,” says Watson, who started playing the guitar when he was given one for his 16th birthday.
www.unipaper.co.uk www.facebook.com/theunipaper www.twitter.com/theunipaper
NG1 Nightclub: At the heart of night-time Nottingham Located on Lower Parliament Street, just a few minutes walk from Nottingham’s Old Market Square; NG1 boasts luxurious interiors, 4 bars, 2 dancefloors and a huge capacity of almost 1000. Originally opening in 2000 as a gay club, in recent times the club has reinvented itself as a mainstream venue, welcoming people of all sexualities - and is arguably Nottingham’s best late night premium club, opening Fridays 11pm – 6am, and Saturdays 11pm – 6:30am. Forget everything you’ve heard: NG1 is for EVERYONE!
National Recognition NG1 has been accredited as a Best Bar None approved venue under the national scheme which recognises quality venues that go the extra mile to ensure their customers have not only a great night out, but a trouble-free one. The Best Bar None accreditation is fitting recognition of how seriously NG1 takes its responsibility to look after its customers and cements it’s 14 year strong reputation as one of Nottingham’s safest clubbing destinations.
Global clubbing brand coming to Nottingham MINISTRY OF SOUND are very proud to announce the launch of their brand new student night, SOCIETY on the first Friday of every month, exclusively at NG1. Student entry to Society events is FREE with a valid student card! 2 floors and massive drinks offers before 2am: 2 Jagerbombs £3.50 / 2 Smirnoff Vodka & mixers £3.50 / Red Stripe cans £2.50 / £2.80 cocktails all night! For more information visit ng1club.co.uk.
Sponsored by NG1
10
NOVEMBER 2014
BUY ONE GET ONE
FREE
*
*on collection. Add side for delivery.
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
West Bridgford 0115 982 5252 Beeston 0115 922 1111 papajohns.co.uk
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
NOVEMBER 2014
11 Need a little something to spice up your pre-party? Check out Mindbenders
» MINDBENDERS ON PAGE 28
“Come rain or shine, Nottingham City Transport gets me there for £199!” Tally, BA Hons Politics, University of Nottingham
Nottingham City Transport offers unlimited travel for just £199! * With frequent buses direct to University Park, Jubilee and Clifton Campuses. Buy online at nctx.co.uk or visit our Travel Centre to get yours before 18 th October for unlimited travel until 30 th June 2015!
£199 for unlimited travel through the academic year on any NCT bus day or night, weekends and during holidays. Order online or ask in our Travel Centre. Offer available from 8 th September to 18 th October 2014. Travel expires 30 th June 2015.
*
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.”
15
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.
16
NOVEMBER 2014
TECHNOLOGIC PHIL HAMILTON
TECHNOLOGY EDITOR
GADGETS
GRILLING MACHINES
GAMES
MOBILES
COMPUTERS
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
TABLETS
APPS
BEAT YOUR MEAT
Remember George Foreman? Here are two of the best machines out there giving the boxer’s grill a hiding.
REVIEWS BREVILLE HALO+ HEALTH FRYER RRP: £169.99
I CAN remember a time when most households in Britain had a deep fat fryer. What could be better of an evening than crispy chips and fried sausages all cooked in the same pan of oil which could catch fire at any moment and burn down the house in minutes? Then the health police told us it was bad for our hearts and arteries and everyone got rid. Now I have the Halo+ Fryer in my life, the fryer for the “health conscious”. You only need to use half a tablespoonful of oil to cook 1kg of chips in this one. And if you have any doubts that they won’t come out delicious, think again. My first attempt produced a plate of golden brown, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the
TEFAL OPTIGRILL BLACK DO YOU like eating mouth-watering steak but don’t have the energy or will to turn it over mid-cooking? Do you like chicken but don’t have the attention span to watch it to make sure it’s cooked and won’t give you salmonella poisoning? Do you enjoy the delicious taste of lamb chops but can’t be bothered to fry them in a pan? Well now you don’t have to with the Tefal OptiGrill Black. It is the Rolls-Royce of grills, making the George Foreman grill look like a Robin Reliant. Everything about it is automated. Plug it in, choose the type of meat you’re cooking and then wait for it to heat up. Once it’s ready, slap your meat on and the grill’s in-built technology automatically measures its thickness and starts cooking it, both sides. The LED display tells you what stage it’s cooked at (with rare, medium and well done settings) and an alarm goes off at each of those. I tried an aged rib eye steak on it and it
RRP: £149.99
“IT IS THE ROLLS ROYCE OF GRILLS, MAKING FOREMAN’S KIT LOOK LIKE A ROBIN RELIANT” was seared, juicy and took less than five minutes to cook. This is a top bit of kit that sorts out all your meat needs and gets it to the plate without you having to do much actual cooking. Luckily for your wife, girlfriend, significant other it still needs cleaning so they’re not redundant just yet (I know - ho, ho, ho.) Available exclusively at Argos.
HEALTH GIZMO OF THE MONTH
BREVILLE BLEND-ACTIVE NO-ONE will ever accuse me of being a regular gym goer, cycling enthusiast, ardent jogger, yoga stretcher or a follower of any currently popular fitness fad. Rest assured I’m not turning into some huge lump of lard like Katie Hopkins. I still regularly drag my body round the football pitch and then complete my workout with a couple of nutritious pints. For those of you who do partake in regular sports, I’m assured the Breville Blend Active is perfect.
inside potato goodness. Just add the salt and pepper and ketchup and you’re away. I haven’t tried making Crème Brulee in it – the manufacturers say you can – but I did cook sausages, chicken and battered fish in it and it was top notch. The parts can go in the dishwasher and there’s grill and roasting options. Yeah, it’s a bit pricey but is well worth it. And for the cash you can fry a whole meal in one again, with much less chance of torching your gaff.
Like all good gadgets the beauty of the Blend Active is in its simplicity and practicality. Before this bit of kit you had to make up your protein shake and then pour it in your sports bottle. What a pain in the arse eh? With this product the sports bottle is the blender chamber – you pop on the blade cap, put on the base unit and blend your drink. Take it off and replace with the drinking cap and you’re ready to head to the gym with your refreshment in hand.
RRP: £25 If you’re not a fitness freak you can use it to make a fruit smoothie for the train in the mornings, or an iced coffee, or a milkshake. You get the picture – it blends stuff and you take it with you. I still prefer to just pay £2 for a ready blended drink before I squeeze myself onto the packed Tube with a bunch of ‘hipsters’ whose religions are obvious through their skinny jeans. But that’s just me. I have more spare cash these days because I don’t actually pay for these gadgets.
EVERY YEAR that gets us fuelled Geor This is bas of the legend It’s been g original Sega of British kid smashing sp Despite ne or live – alth during a grid – I’ve always This latest The graph commentato realistic and next-genera Its biggest since the las defensive pl when your te you’re encou tackling. I re order to sack
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
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
MAN FALLS FROM BALCONY AT ROCK CITY Rock City every Wednesday for University of Nottingham’s weekly student night, Crisis. A statement from the Rock City’s website confirmed that the main room was closed shortly after the incident, given the serious nature of the events. An eyewitness said, “I was stood with my friend on the dance floor just under the balcony where he fell and I saw something move through the air and a sudden thump on the ground. “I looked to inspect what was there and initially saw an arm under the shuffling feet of students and assumed someone had thrown a mannequin from the balcony. It was only when I looked closer that I realised it was a boy. “The shock of it made me turn away and panic, then after my mind was settled I decided the best thing to do was to phone 999. “I was panicking and could not hear the person on the other end of the phone, so I was mainly just repeating ‘a boy at rock city has fallen off the balcony’, but I hoped I had got the point across.” One student who attended Crisis said, “We were on the steps and all the lights went on and the music stopped. We went up on the balcony to see and there were ambulance people and the guy was carried out. There was blood all over the floor.” Many have taken to social media to send well wishes to the unidentified male: “Hope the guy that fell off the balcony in Crisis is okay - looks pretty serious!” “If what happened at #rockcity is true my prayers go out to him and his family.” Rock City staff refused entry to all ticket holders after the main room was pronounced as closed. A prestigious venue known for its student club nights and concerts thanked attendees of the night for their cooperation towards the tragic events and wishes the victim a quick recovery. Management of student night Crisis offered their apologies and full refunds to all those who had purchased late entry tickets and had not arrived at the event. Crisis said, “We are pleased to hear that the individual involved in falling from the balcony yesterday evening is in a stable condition. He suffered a fractured skull that, while serious, we are relieved to hear the injuries he sustained were not worse. “We would once again like to thank ambulance and police crews who attended and thank our customers for their cooperation on the night and for their continued support for the individual concerned. “Safety is extremely important to us as event organisers and the venue who constantly seek to ensure all their events are as safe as possible for their customers. Rock City are reviewing health and safety regarding this incident and have been cooperating fully with relevant authorities. It’s too early at this stage to comment on any changes that would or could be made but rest assured the right people are looking into the matter. We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery and that he suffers no long term effects.”
» CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO SING NECROPHILIA CHANT One former student points the blame to the entirety of the students union which they claim is, “steeped in lad culture and popularity contests the whole way through – to a degree that is utterly alienating.” President of University of Nottingham’s student union, Harry Copson, said they are conducting a thorough investigation and, “The student union wishes not to undermine the brilliant hard work put in by all members of the week one team. We are confident that our system of week one reps is a invaluable addition to the welcome package. “In future we will continue to work with and provide training for them in order to ensure they can fulfil their roles as effectively as the large
majority have this year.” The video surfaced just two weeks after University of Nottingham student, James Heseltine, caused controversy with a Snapchat video in which he is seen kissing over 30 girls in one night. Speaking about the video he said, “I don’t want to be portrayed as an awful human.” “It was just funny and I don’t see the issue.” The film has been viewed by thousands, showing the student kissing 31 women and one man. One viewer said, “I am not shocked by this because it is something a lot of lads are doing.” Earlier this year the National Union of Students (NUS) launched a national strategy in a bid to
tackle lad culture in university. Speaking at the ‘Confronting Lad Culture’ summit, NUS national women’s officer Kelley Temple said, “We know that lad culture is a real issue on campuses. It threatens to disrupt students’ education.” NUS president Toni Pearce closed the summit saying, “This doesn’t just have an impact on people’s experiences of their university time, it has an impact on people’s lives and it has an impact on women in a way that it doesn’t have an impact on other students at university. “As an organisation that represents seven million students across the UK, it’s absolutely our responsibility to stand up and challenge that.”
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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.
24
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.
www.unipaper.co.uk www.facebook.com/theunipaper www.twitter.com/theunipaper
FIND US ONLINE
26
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.
27
NOVEMBER 2014
3
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?
LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR A
CHANCE TO
WIN
£2000 WORTH OF APPLE PRODUCTS facebook.com/TheUniPaper
Kopi L INDON 13” Macbook Pro | iPad Retina | iPhone 5S | iPod Touch
Kopi Luwa coffee” (yes, expensive co made by coll of a cat-like somehow I c #catpoocoffe
Marti NEW Y
28
NOVEMBER 2014
HOROSCOPES ARIES
MARCH 21 - APRIL 19 The beginning of the month is big for you Aries with the Full Moon on October 8th. It is a time to indulge yourself and a time for high romance too. On October 23rd during the New Moon you may well feel the weight of the world on your shoulders but this will soon pass on October 26th when Mars enters the sign of Capricorn. ST
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 UNIVERSITYPAPER
29
NOVEMBER 2014
MENTAL AGILITY
AND IN LOCAL NEWS:
City Centre Improvements JENNY LEE PIC: ALICE DICKSON
The heart of Nottingham’s city centre is beginning to undergo some major improvements that will prove beneficial to students. A few of the changes and proposed plans include a contemporary arcade being fitted in the Cornerhouse, the construction of a brand-new Aldi supermarket situated near the train station and the modernisation of the Victoria Centre and Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. New state-of-the-art remodelling in both the Victoria Centre and the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre have seen over a joint £190 million put towards their redevelopment and refurbishment. The Victoria Centre will see a new catering cluster around the clock tower area as well as improved mall finishes featuring better lighting, upgraded toilet facilities and new entrances installed. Improvements will also be made to Milton Street, Parliament Street and Clumber Street around the new Intu Victoria Centre that will benefit the northern side of the city and help complete the transformation of the city centre’s retail core. Similarly, the Broadmarsh shopping centre will receive much needed improvements including a wider selection of revamped shops and restaurants that are expected to create up to 2,000 jobs. Nottingham’s entertainment district, the Cornerhouse, has proposed plans to replace its Chinese restaurant known as the Flaming Dragon with a leisure arcade bursting with computer simulation games and air hockey facilities. The Flaming Dragon is set to close in December and so far the city council’s planning department is still considering the arcades proposal. Plans for a new city centre Aldi supermarket at the junction of Queens Road and London Road have been also proposed to Nottingham City Council. This would result in the warehouses already on site being demolished. The discount supermarket will provide up to 30 jobs and would become a cheap food shop solution when compared with the many small metro-type shops in the area.
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
32
NOVEMBER 2014
Picking the right part time job
HOW THE “SOCIAL YOU” CAN SCUPPER THE “REAL YOU” I guess now’s the time the more forward-thinking of you third years are starting to think about applying for jobs... constructing your CVs, agonising over the wording of your covering letters, completing endless online application forms and, if you’re lucky, being called for interviews and assessments. The rest of you are either panicking about impeding exams or are sitting in a pub with your heads firmly stuck in the sand. However all of you, unless your parents are very generous, will have to, at some point, bite the bullet and seek employment. Not just employment… a ‘real’ job… the first step in your career. Over the next few issues I’m going to be offering you, hopefully, helpful hints and tips on the practicalities of how you go about this, e.g. where to look for jobs, what employers are really looking for, interview and CV preparation and how not to shoot yourself in the foot before you even get started.
Maintenance loans only go so far. If you want to socialise, stay entertained and still have enough money for books, you’re going to need to budget like an accountant or get a job. HELP IS AT HAND Thankfully, most universities have job boards and employment centres associated with them. These may offer jobs in the local community, or even within the university itself. But you may end up employed by people who perhaps aren’t as understanding when it comes to working with students. As such, picking the right part time job is important. So what should you be looking for?
LOOK AT HOW THEY OPERATE f they presently employ a large number of students, that’s normally a good sign as they will be used to dealing with the needs of those in study. Casual shifts, freelance work and remote work are great as they allow you to set your own hours - but these opportunities can be hard to come by.
PLAN AROUND YOUR DEGREE Avoid taking hours which are too close to scheduled study periods. If you don’t have the time to talk to staff after lectures, it may damage your degree in the long run. And remember: no job is more important than your degree, as it’s what you’re trying to fund in the first place.
That’s where we’re going to start – have you any idea how many employers ‘google’ you before they’ve properly read your CV masterpiece? Lots I’d guess, I know they shouldn’t – I bet they do. With social media becoming arguably the primary method of communication for Generation Y (that’s you), it has now become an instant snapshot of your life, your friends, your actions, your habits, your likes, your hates… in short – you. Whereas in my day, with a well constructed CV, a cleverly placed phone call or a good recruitment agent, I could make my first real impression with an employer at interview – now it’s likely to be your 5am shenanigans in Magaluff or your nek nominate in the ladies loos. So before you even put yourself out there in the job market – clean up your online self. Take down those Twitter rants rivalling James Arthur, set your privacy settings to maximum on Facebook, replace your profile shot with something innocuous and think carefully before you Instagram anything from last Friday night. The very proactive of you might even set up a LinkedIn profile – this is pretty much Facebook for business people and we’ll talk about it in coming weeks. In the meantime, take my advice and make the ‘social you’ a complementary façade for the real you. Sara Sainsbury is Group Talent Director for RSG Plc. RSG is an independently owned, and Bristol based specialist recruitment business, with over 35 years of trading history, operating across the U, and recognised as one of the Sunday Times “Top 250” fastest growing organisations in the UK, with a current turnover in excess of £170m.
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT :
ACE THE INTERVIEW So, you’ve filled out a 1000 online applications, you’ve spoken to every recruitment consultant from here to Lands End, you’ve written more covering letters and emails than you can shake a stick at – now you’ve got it….finally…an interview. APPROXIMATELY 60 minutes to launch your career trajectory, to make/break/change your life forever. No pressure then.
START WITH BASICS – this might seem blindingly obvious but you’d be amazed how many people fail at the first hurdle. Where is the interview and how do you get there? Check the date, time, location; which bus to catch, where’s the nearest car park, how long can you park there, how much change to have ready. BE ON TIME. Do not, EVER, be late for an interview, you might as well not bother showing up at all. Don’t be ridiculously early either – anything more than 10 minutes early makes you look, at best, like you’re confused between the big and the small hand, or at worst, like you’re just a little bit obsessive. WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW FORMAT? Establish in advance what the interview format will be e.g. Q&A, competency based, one to one/group/panel and how many stages there are? Who are you meeting, what is their role?
RESEARCH THE COMPANY thoroughly and make sure it’s the right company – don’t start reciting the mission statement and values of Bloggs & Co when you’re interviewing for Blaggs Plc. Look into their history, nature of business, USPs, competitors, success, values – all the information you need is just a Google search away, and interviewers know that. If you don’t demonstrate a good knowledge of their business it’s insulting to them and lazy of you. Most interviews these days are competency based, meaning the employer has a set of core competencies that are required in all their jobs. Again, you may be able, through the power of t’interweb to find out their specific competencies or you could just assume they will be along the lines of the generic e.g “team working”, “problem solving”, “taking initiative” “results driven” etc and be prepared with examples of when you displayed these traits. This is worth quite a lot of thought at this stage in your career, as whilst you may have a number of vacation or university jobs under your belt, you may not have a vast array of examples from a professional sphere. So be prepared to use examples from your school/university/ sporting/extra curricular activities.
KNOW YOURSELF. It’s a clichéd and dull interview question but the less creative interviewers amongst us could well ask “What are your weaknesses?” - do not at this point say “I’m too much of a perfectionist” unless you’re happy to receive a punch in the face – even a metaphoric one. Know your weak points but also how they can be improved with training and commitment – dwell more on your strengths.
DRESS SMARTLY. If in doubt wear a suit – preferably in a dark colour, keep the cream linen number for Hawaiian theme nights; gents wear a tie – a normal one, not a bootlace/kipper or comedy tie. Lose the facial piercings/flesh tunnels and hide all tattoos. Have normal hair – don’t overgel it/crimp it or decide to try out that crimson rinse the day before. In short, do not try to express your personality through your wardrobe on this occasion – let the employer know you are a blank canvas….a smart, respectable, well groomed blank canvas. RELAX, maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake (practice this, preferably with a friend rather than yourself), be positive and enthusiastic, keep to the point and listen. Have prepared some relevant questions – NOT “what time is lunch?” more along the lines of “what are the company’s plans for expansion”, “what’s been your progession at XXX” or “I’ve read your blog on blah blah blah, what led you to write it”? The last couple are good ones – you should’ve fully researched the interviewer so you know who you’re meeting, but everyone loves talking about themselves. THIS WORKS TWO WAYS. Finally, remember this is a two way process. You are meeting them ostensibly to “sell” yourself, however, you need to be completely comfortable with what they are describing in terms of the role, the company, the opportunity and a good interviewer will want you to “buy”. It’s your life and your choice…..there is a chance that you’ll be offered a job but you decide it’s not the one for you. That’s fine, don’t be pressurised by anyone: friends/parents or the company themselves into accepting something that doesn’t feel right for you. Just identify what you didn’t like, change the focus of your search and commence the hunt for your new opportunity with renewed vigour. Good luck!
WWW.CV-LIBRARY.CO.UK
THE UNIVERSITYPAPER
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
WWW.CV-LIBRARY.CO.UK
SPECIAL
34
NOVEMBER 2014
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
ACCOMMODATION
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN VIEWING STUDENT HOUSING
Handy tips to help find your home sweet home. By Laura Donnington PHOTO CREDIT: LAURA DONNING-
PICKING A house is an exciting time. After a year in halls you’re ready to spread you wings and search for greener pastures but it can also be a daunting experience. It’s important to know who you’re renting from and what kind of terms and conditions you’re entering into. We recommend starting the viewings early but we understand it may be a little hard when you’re still acquainting yourselves with new people and new potential housemates. We’ve got a few tips to help you out in the search for the house of your dreams. IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION..... When looking at a property you’ll need to see if you’re near a bus stop so that you can get to university, gym, work, or supermarket. The house may be perfect but if your miles away from any form of civilization you’ll find yourself with a case of cabin fever.
£200 FIRST DEPOSIT BONUS 100% deposit req uired
www.loadedcasino.co.uk
BILLS. When moving into shared accommodation bills can become a worry. Glide is a company that deals with all your bills and puts them into one easy monthly payment. They share the bills out and charge everyone separately so you don’t have to worry if someone tries to avoid paying. SMALL POINTERS WHEN LOOKING AROUND A PROPERTY: Take Pictures. Look For damp. Talk to tenants. Pests e.g. mice. Security e.g. burglar alarm, fire alarm, locks on doors What’s included e.g. furniture, kitchen appliances? It’s important you don’t feel pressured into renting a property, one in eight student groups go with the first accommodation they see. Look around and find one that everyone is happy with.
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
35
NOVEMBER 2014
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT HOUSEMATES LEWIS MILLS
PIC: OLI POULTER
AS A fresher you may have only just settled into the exciting yet daunting life of halls, so it may be hard to believe that your second year is just around the corner. Soon enough you’ll be deciding on where and who to live with. House hunting can be an effort but housemate hunting can be harder. We’ve got a few top tips to pick the perfect housemates for your future years.
hared an become pany that s and puts nthly he bills out eparately so DON’T CONSTRAIN YOURSELF TO THE y if someone COMPANY OF YOUR FLAT MATES. It’s often easy to bask in the comfort zone of your designated flat mates but by second year you’ll HEN be wishing you explored a little further. PROPERTY: JOIN A SOCIETY! Societies are a great way of making friends and generally making your university
TOP WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AWAY FROM HOME OLI POULTER
experience that little bit better. Going on Wednesday socials will help you meet new people and hopefully find those housemates you’ve been eagerly awaiting. BE PATIENT It’s easy to assume your first few weeks at Trent will be the only time to meet and greet with your friends for life. It’s important to keep in mind that your friend group at the start of the year may very well differ from your friend group at the end. Living in a house can be stressful at times and living in close quarters is inevitably going to be hard. Making friends is easy, living together is entirely different. Follow these simple steps for future housemate harmony.
arm, fire
urniture,
on’t feel a property, oups go odation they ind one that h.
PIC: OLI POULTER
ONE OF the lowest points of your university career will undoubtedly be the times of financial destitution. When loans come in its all fun and games but by the end of term many of you may find yourselves living off a diet of chicken noodles. It may serve as a better strategy to start budgeting early. Here are some ideas to help prevent yourself from being truly skint.
1
BUDGET Work out how long you have until the end of term alongside the funds you have available. Set yourself a weekly target and try and stick to it. It sometimes helps to withdraw the amount of money you’ve budgeted at the start of the week, and then set aside your card for emergencies only.
2
EAT WISELY It can be tempting to splash out in those occasional moments of intoxication. Chunky Chicken’s fillet burger may well look very appealing whilst meandering home from a night on the town but it’s much cheaper to cook up a storm at home (not advised if your completely sloshed).
3
DRINK WISELY Getting boozy every night would be ideal but the sad fact about the matter is that it’s also an expensive affair. If your dead set on 27947-Kexgill Quarter pageitad.qxp_Layout 1 opt 03/10/2014 12:48 Page 1 a night on the town then may be better to for the cheaper beverages.
LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR A
CHANCE TO
WIN
Live with your friends in ultra modern fully inclusive accommodation BOOK A VIEWING ON-LINE www.kexgill.com
£2000 WORTH OF APPLE PRODUCTS 13” Macbook Pro | iPad Retina | iPhone 5S | iPod Touch
facebook.com/TheUniPaper
call 01159 582258 9-11 Wollaton Street, Nottingham NG1 5FW
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Sign up at MoveMber.coM and join your univerSity network
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
37
NOVEMBER 2014
SPORT SOCIETY TO WATCH: WATER POLO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM TOM REES
FOUR WAYS TO STARVE OFF UNI FAT
TOM REES PIC: OLI POULTER
PIC: DAVID PHILIPSON
WATER POLO is unlikely to have been a sport that many of the University of Nottingham’s 70-member strong Water polo Club had come across before. “Because it’s quite a niche sport, the majority of the people we get in have never played the sport. About 70% have never played before,” says Dave Philipson who will this season take on the role of club president for the second successive year. This has its advantages of course, being a sport where fellow beginners are thrown into the deep end together so to speak. For strong swimmers or those looking for an alternative to more traditional sports, Water polo can provide a physically intense and socially intimate university sport experience. The club prides itself on its openness to those new to the sport, guaranteeing game time to all those that get involved with a Men’s and a Women’s team competing in two national competitions and friendlies during the season. The club, despite its
relatively small size, came top out of all of the university’s water sports with both the Men’s and Women’s team looking to improve on successful campaigns last season. The club is also looking into making a second team to compete in the BUCS and Upolo league and will be only the second university to do so, meaning that even more game time can be shared amongst its members. This doesn’t however dampen their ambition with ex-national team players competing for the club and both the Men’s and Women’s team finishing second in the Midlands 1A BUCS League. The former also managed to reach the quarter-finals for a national cup and were narrowly pipped to the top of their respective league by just three points. Many of those at the club have a background in competitive swimming, including Philipson who argues that Water polo makes a “much more interesting” alternative by converting “your swim skills into a game form.”
“You get to be in a team and get that team mentality. There’s no better feeling than winning in a team,” says Philipson who believes that the close knit nature of the club appeals to swimmers used to competing as an individual. According to Philipson the social aspect of the club is key to its success. “Because of our small size, it’s much easier to integrate people into the club compared to many other sports. The cliquey environment scares a lot of people from sports but we’re a lot more welcoming,” the fourth year student says. The club holds socials every two weeks ranging from their “infamous trunks and trainers social to tapas nights” and Philipson says that the club’s taster sessions “are done to integrate everybody and everyone gets to know each other very quickly”. The club trains every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with more information on how to get involved on the club’s Facebook page and Student Union profile.
SEVERAL PINTS of lager every couple of days and a ready meal diet will undoubtedly catch up on you. You might have promised yourself that this year will be different and that your five minute commute to class is enough to keep the pounds off but weight gain at university is almost inevitable. Here are four of the best sports to help stop you bloating up over the winter. DANCING - Simply dancing until the lights come up at Ocean on a night out won’t keep you looking trim and dancing for an hour at a class can burn as many calories as other cardio workouts. Lots of gyms now hold dance classes and both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have specialised societies for different types of dance. Zumba is a new dance craze that has taken off in popularity in recent years but those looking for a more traditional style of dance can participate in classes ranging from Salsa to Ballroom. SWIMMING - Swimming can give you a full body workout
without putting as much strain on your muscles as other sports. The great thing about swimming is that you can go at your own pace with some strokes being more intense than others. As it uses your whole body it’s good for helping tone all of your muscles and if doing laps in the pool on your own becomes boring you can go into competitive swimming or use your swimming skills in a sport like Water polo. RUNNING - The best thing about running is that it doesn’t require anything apart from yourself. Not only can it fit around your schedule but it’s something that can be done with your friends and around where you live. Fun runs and competitive races are held frequently which can give you a target to aim for if running around your neighbourhood becomes a bit dull. TENNIS - Running can have its advantages but why not combine that with a sport open to all abilities. All you need is a couple of your mates, equipment and you can have all types of fun whilst getting fitter.
THE UNIVERSITY PAPER
39
NOVEMBER 2014
SPORT
A GUIDE TO WATCHING LIVE SPORT IN NOTTINGHAM
TOM REES
FOR/AGAINST THE RITUALS OF INITIATIONS OF SPORTS CLUBS DOMINIC WOOTON/SARAH HARWOOD
PIC: DAN ROBBINS
focus on alcohol in initiations, and maybe too heavily so, but the main idea behind it all is to help integrate everyone and break the ice. Team morale in sport is key and initiations help everyone get over any initial awkwardness and give the club a talking point or two for the following couple of weeks. Although to outsiders the initiations look degrading and pointless, the majority of people who have taken part in them would agree that they were fun and helped them make friends.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAN ROBBINS
WITH ALL the trials and taster sessions finished, the university sports clubs will be turning their attention to their first social of the year and of course initiations for the newcomers. Are they good for team building and breaking the ice or just over the top and dangerous? FOR - DOMINIC WOOTTON Initiations get a really bad reputation in the press but more often than not the examples given by sensationalist newspapers are the exception rather than the rule. I’ll admit that there is a
AGAINST - SARAH HARWOOD Everyone knows someone with an initiations horror story and it almost certainly puts lots of people off from joining sports clubs. Obviously some of the clubs have initiations which are fun and safe but other clubs (mostly notably rugby) seem happy to live up to their already risque reputations. Since their rise in popularity there have been numerous injuries related to over the top initiations and student unions must do more to try and stop these dangerous rituals getting out of hand. Some say it creates a good atmosphere in a sports club but I think that if anything it makes integrating into a sports club as a fresher even more intimidating.
adams
A CITY WITH A DEEP SET SPORTING TRADITION, NOTTINGHAM HAS AN IMPRESSIVE VARIETY OF LIVE SPORTS ON OFFER TO ITS 70 000 STUDENTS. THIS FOOTBALL
ICE HOCKEY
The city was recently chosen as the first City of Football, beating off competition from Manchester and Portsmouth, and Notts County are the oldest professional football club in the world. County, which was formed in 1862, are however overshadowed by their more successful neighbours, Nottingham Forest, who will be pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season. Although the club hasn’t been in England’s top tier since 1999, they still have an impressive trophy collection including a First Division title and two European cups. Both clubs occasionally do big student discounts on tickets so football fans should keep an eye out for any offers.
If you’re looking to watch something a bit different then Nottingham’s resident Ice Hockey team could be what you’re looking for. The Nottingham Panthers are one of the most popular Ice Hockey teams in the UK, attracting an average of over 5000 spectators for every home game. They play at the Capital FM Arena, which also hosts entertainment events, and last season won the Challenge Cup. The cheapest seats are usually sold at less than ten pounds, meaning Ice Hockey is cheaper than its more popular sporting counterparts, although they don’t offer student discounts.
CRICKET Trent Bridge, Nottingham’s 17 500-capacity cricket ground, has since the 1830s hosted Test matches, One-day Internationals and County cricket games. Located directly next to the two football grounds which sit opposite the River Trent from one another, the ground has recently seen multimillion pound developments to both the Pavillion End and the Radcliffe Road End. County cricket team Nottinghamshire call the ground home and England have played at Trent Bridge since 1899. India were the last team to visit and the fourth of next summer’s Ashes Tests will be played at the ground.
OTHERS Those who prefer their sports a bit rougher and tougher can watch Nottingham RFC play at Meadow Lane, which they share with Notts County. The 137year old Rugby Union club lingers in English rugby’s second tier and although the club has seen more illustrious years it can fill a gap for any fresher rugby fanatics looking to watch the sport in their new city. Although not in the city itself, Donington Park Racing Circuit is nearby, and a must-visit for any petrol head with the venue currently hosting MotoGP and Superbike events having in the past held a Grand Prix.
restaurant & brasserie
£79