The University Paper February 2015: Cardiff by The University Paper

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SIMON AMSTELL: HOW I DEALT WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS OF BEING PAGE 9 A HUMAN BEING

A REAL CLAUSE FOR CONCERN WHO says being a farmer is all about getting up at the crack of dawn, wading through swill and spreading muck? There is a more glamorous side to it – and Cardiff University maths student Naomi George is a prime example. The 21-year-old farm worker has made it to the final ten in the hunt for Britain’s Sexiest Farmer, awarded by Farmers’ Weekly. ‘I love getting stuck in, particularly in lambing,’ she says. ‘The satisfaction you feel after a hard day’s work of saving lives makes all your effort seem worthwhile.’

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Students signing ‘illegal’ contracts for their courses JADE ATTWOOD

STUDENTS in Cardiff are signing contracts for their £9,000-a-year degree courses that are so unfair they could be illegal. They are unwittingly agreeing to small-print clauses that allow the city’s universities to modify elements of their course without sufficient warning. In some cases, consumer watchdogs have found the terms and conditions so stringent they could be unlawful and would not stand up to a court challenge. Both Cardiff University and Cardiff Met were singled out by Which?, who examined Freedom Of Information-requested documents from 131 universities that students were expected to sign. One, from Cardiff University, told the researchers: ‘My decision was largely based on course content, so it was a kick in the shins to find the content of some modules had been changed without notice. ‘There should be more account-

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ability and a structure in place for change of module content to ensure students get what they thought they were applying for.’ And Christina Harris, who studies economics at Cardiff Met, told TUP: ‘Giving us course guides is just pointless. Countless changes were made to my course which weren’t listed in its original description and, frankly, didn’t match the exact specific lines of work I wanted to work.’ Which? highlighted Cardiff’s unfair terms in relation to the right to make changes to courses while Cardiff Met was said to be acting unlawfully because its terms were unfair in relation to varying fees and inadequate information to assess the right to make other changes to courses. It was contacting the Competition And Markets Authority to check which universities were complying with its new guidance on how consumer law applies to

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February 2015

Fashion guru Gok Wan picks farmer as one of Britain’s sexiest

Naomi is top of the crops

THE first headline act has been announced for returning endof-exam celebration The Color Festival. Dutch music producer Oliver Heldens will help students shake off their stress at the party in Splott Warehouse on June 6. The organisers have also announced that the event will go on longer than last year, running from 2pm till late. The festival takes its inspiration from the Hindu Holi festival, where coloured paint is thrown into the air. Last year’s event brought Annie Mac, Chase and Status, Kove, Zane Lowe and DJ Fresh to the stripped-back venue, as well as local DJs. Tickets have already gone on sale. They start at £30.

JOHN SHAW

Lottery digs opera plans OPERA buffs at the University of South Wales have secured a £54,000 boost. First Campus, based at USW, will use the cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund to perform The Archaeologist’s Wife – an opera about Tessa Wheeler who found a Roman amphitheatre. It will run at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s Tredegar House, in Newport, in April.

Harvesting votes: Naomi George has made the public poll

NAOMI GEORGE is normally caked in mud rather than make-up. But that hasn’t stopped her from making it into the final ten of Britain’s Sexiest Farmer 2015. The Cardiff University maths student, who is hoping to specialise in farm accountancy when she graduates, was picked out from 300 hopefuls by fashion guru Gok Wan. Naomi, 21, from Powys, said: ‘From a toddler, I have always played an active part of the team, particularly in the lambing season, which is my favourite time of the year. ‘As farmers, we’re feeding the nation. People occasionally need lawyers, doc-

tors, teachers, but every day – three times a day – they need a farmer.’ Gok added: ‘This academic and outgoing girl can rock any look – from wellies to a LBD.’ Naomi was up against four other women including Nerys Edwards, 34, from Carmarthenshire. But they missed out to 27-year-old Lizi Clubley, from Yorkshire. The annual competition, run by Farmers Weekly, crowns one male and one female as Britain’s sexiest. It aims to make ‘farming look less frumpy and flatcap’. The two winners, chosen by public vote, will win bespoke wellies from the Original Muck Boot Company worth £100 and a profile in Farmers Weekly.

February 2015

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Green and lean buildings key to first-class grade HENRY EDWARDS CARDIFF Met’s green credentials have been hailed as firstclass in a national survey. The university was ranked 19th of 151 institutions reviewed by student campaign group People & Planet. It was commended for its effort to tackle waste and its ethical commitment, with particular emphasis on its top-class environmental policy, ethical investment, carbon reduction, sustainable food and recycling. Met’s environmental concern also played a part in the design of new buildings, including Cardiff Management School, Food Industry Centre, i-zone and the

new Cardiff School of Art and Design, which were all planned with energy efficiency in mind. Vice-chancellor Prof Antony Chapman said: ‘I am delighted the university has once again been recognised for reaching the highest standards in the management of its environment. ‘The award acknowledges the work of our dedicated team across our two campuses in Cardiff to reduce our carbon footprint.’ People & Planet spokeswoman Hannah Smith added: ‘We’re particularly impressed to see Cardiff Met taking strong action to support students with the skills and understanding they need to

meet the challenges of climate change and global inequality, no matter what they study.’ Cardiff University, meanwhile, finished in 46th place, a rise of 39 places, securing a 2:1 award for its efforts. ‘As a research-intensive university with many old buildings we continue to face many environmental challenges,’ said deputy vice-chancellor Prof Elizabeth Treasure. ‘Staff and students are working hard to ensure our day-to-day operations are generating less waste and are more efficient.’ Dozens of universities refused to take part in this year’s survey, saying the Freedom Of Information requests were too time-consuming.

CARD SHARPS: Cardiff Met textile students smile after being rewarded for their work on an industry-linked design project. Four – Sarah Morris, Tiffany Gravenor, Ellie Jarvis and Lauren Bevan – were identified as creating the best line of greetings cards and gift wrap for Ystrad Mynach-based International Greetings

contactLIST Email us at cardiffeditor@unipaper.co.uk EDITOR: JADE ATTWOOD News editor: Alex Norton Your place: Kirsty Fardell

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One in 10 sees fees increased from p1 the sector. Cardiff University said it would be ‘reviewing all relevant policies’ in light of the guidance, adding: ‘We take the views of our students seriously and we will continue to work constructively with our students’ union to address concerns.’ Which? showed six in ten students nationwide had experienced a change to their course and one in ten had seen fees rise partway through the year or between years. Which? boss Richard Lloyd said: ‘It’s worrying to see such widespread use of unfair terms in university contracts.’

February 2015

£800,000 redundancy bill for just nine staff ‘is over the top’ MINISTERS have criticised a university’s redundancy payouts as ‘excessive’ after it emerged nine staff members received £800,000 between them. They

spoke out after Cardiff University’s accounts showed four employees were given a combined £415,000 after applying for voluntary redundancy and, in 2014, five

HAZEL POSTMA A VICE-chancellor who earned up to £260,000 last year claimed more than £1,000 of expenses during that time – including £6 for a taxi ride. Cardiff University’s Prof Colin Riordan (pictured) was paid £238,000 plus £31,000 of pension payments in 2013/14. Yet he claimed more than £1,000 in expenses during that time, including £194 for an overnight stay and the £6 fare, figures obtained under Freedom Of Information laws show. Students accused him of splashing the cash while their

who has come under fire over his expenses, earned between £250,000 and £259,999. Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas said: ‘These pay-offs do seem excessive.’

tuition fees had risen. Chris Cole, an English language third year, said: ‘We pay £9,000 a year to pay these big shots at the top of our unis for taxi fares? ‘I can’t get over this overspending when my course says it doesn’t have enough funding to print off lecture slides.’ Ellis Hall, an English literature student, said: ‘I don’t get how the university has let someone use its funding this way. ‘It makes me wonder h o w many

other charges we’re not told about.’ Prof Riordan claimed £1,010.98 in expenses between June 2013 and May 2014, including £266.50 for a twonight stay in London. He also claimed £6 for a cab fare in January last year and £7 for another in March. A university spokesman said there were clear guidelines for claiming expenses. ‘As head of Wales’ leading research-intensive university, it’s vital our vice-chancellor represents us at major meetings in Wales, the UK and internationally,’ he added.

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A MAN suspected of murdering ex-Cardiff University student Nadine Aburas has been arrested in Tanzania. Sammy Almahri, 44, was caught after a manhunt involving police from the UK, US, Bahrain and east Africa. The New Yorker had known Nadine, 28, who was found dead in a room at the Future Inn hotel in Cardiff Bay on New Year’s Eve, for three years. Extradition proceedings for Almahri have begun.

A PROJECT helping past and present members of the armed forces has earned the University of South Wales an award from the Ministry of Defence. The university is the first in the UK to launch a dedicated scheme for regular, reserve and former servicemen and women to earn credits for up to two-thirds of a degree, based on what they have learned in the forces. It was given a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award.

employees received £385,000 between them. They also showed 129 workers were paid more than £100,000 in 2014 – while vicechancellor Prof Colin Riordan,

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by the Miss Inspiration UK competition. ‘I’m in 100 per cent pageant mode right now,’ said the 21-year-old, a promoter for the Shotgun Rules night at Revolution. ‘I thrive off helping people and want to make a difference in the world.’ The final is on March 21. Jade Attwood

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February 2015

Crossing price rise ‘will take its toll on students’ JADE ATTWOOD RETURNING to university after a swift trip home is set to cost English students a little more if they use the Severn Bridges. The toll to travel from England to Wales via the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Bridge has been driven up once more, with the fee for cars rising by 10p to £6.50. Jessie Duckworth, a history and Italian student at Cardiff University, said: ‘I drive home almost every weekend, crossing the bridge. ‘Even though it’s a small cost, the rise in price is going to add up, so there’s no way I’ll be able to get home as much as I’d like.’ Small goods vehicles and buses will now have to pay 30p

Rising costs: Severn Bridge PICTURE: GLEN WALLACE

more at £13.10, while heavy goods vehicles and coaches have seen a rise of 40p to £19.60.

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BUSINESS BRAINS BOOSTED

The increase, made in line with the retail price index, was introduced to cover maintenance costs. Owner Severn River Crossing has warned rises will continue to be made each year. However, there have been calls made to cut the toll completely for the 80,000 vehicles that cross the M4 and M48 bridges each day. The Liberal Democrats have pledged to scrap the fee if they are voted into power in May’s general election. The bridges are due to come back into public ownership in 2018 after the contract with SRC runs out. However, it could take up to two years to clear the remaining debts.

Kick-start: (l-r) Emily Gallagher, Gemma O’Hagan and Kat Howells THREE entrepreneurs have taken their businesses one step closer to becoming a success after being selected for a fast-track development project. Cardiff Metropolitan University graduates Kat Howells, Emily Gallagher and Gemma O’Hagan were all accepted on to Simply Do Startup, which will provide them with a salary and relevant training to help them kick-start their ideas.

Kat and Emily impressed judges with their plans for a vintage clothing outlet, while Gemma has created a graphic design company. She said: ‘The best thing about working for myself is having control over my work and the job satisfaction, which I don’t think I would get working for somebody else.’ The scheme was set up by former Cardiff Met employee Lee Sharma.

High-five! Burger chain to open new restaurant IT’S long been a haunt for students across the nation and now Cardiff is to get its own Five Guys. The US burger chain has revealed it will take up a spot in the Brewery Quarter next month, much to the delight of hungry students. Ollie Dawes, a second-year neuroscience student at Cardiff University, said: ‘I’ve been to the Five Guys in Bristol and there’s nowhere like it. I’m so happy I can

finally get my burger fix here in Cardiff, along with the endless bottomless drinks.’ Sophie Brazzel, a thirdyear bioscience student, added: ‘Even though I’m veggie, I am so excited about Five Guys. No one does a veggie sandwich like them – and don’t even get me started on the fries. ‘For once, a decent meal on a student budget.’ Zenn Wong

Tasty: Five Guys

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February 2015

Therapists get royal approval

inBRIEF

Mother’s story no Meek tale A CARDIFF University graduate’s short story has come third in a major literary award. Jellyfish, by Joanne Meek, tells the story of a mother returning with her children to the coast she once called home. Members of the public were able to download the six finalists and vote for their favourite. Joanne, who won £500 in the Costa Short Story awards, completed her MA in creative writing at the university’s school of english last year.

Journalism is going hyper... A MASS-learning online journalism course which attracted almost 8,500 people from 113 countries is to return next month. The Cardiff University course is aimed at people aspiring to become community or hyperlocal journalists. ‘I’m delighted so many learners from around the world joined us for the inaugural run of the community journalism course,’ said Prof Richard Sambrook, director of journalism.

Steven goes back to school GRAPHIC communication student Steven Chen has gone back to school to help out the lord mayor of Cardiff. Steven, 21, is using skills developed at Cardiff School of Art and Design to design a poster advertising a competition for schools. They have been asked to create their own poster on the theme Cardiff: City Of The Future and Steven’s vision is hoped to inspire them.

Delight: Anne, the Princess Royal, tours an occupational therapy clinic for children

FIFTY years of occupational therapy education in Wales has got the royal seal of approval. Anne, the Princess Royal, was guest of honour as Cardiff University hosted a day-long celebration and conference to mark the occasion. Dr Steven Whitcombe, professional head of occupational therapy, said: ‘As patron of the College of Occupational Therapists, the Princess Royal is a

leading advocate for our vital work.’ Anne toured the new occupational therapy children’s clinic, which was opened last year and is the first of its kind in Wales. From a small terraced property at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary, the College has grown to new state-of-the-art teaching facilities at the University Hospital of Wales. Some 2,000 students have since gained occupational therapy degrees.

My son was dumped and left to die by road JENNY MONAGHAN versity, had been out in

THE grieving mother of a student found dying of hypothermia at a roadsidebelieves he must have been dumped there unconscious. Marissa Bunney said she could not believe son Ali (pictured) had managed to walk four miles to the spot beside a busy road. Speaking after a coroner ruled it to be a ‘tragic, alcohol-related death’, Mrs Bunney disputed the findings. ‘I don’t believe he walked all that way,’ she said. ‘It’s a mother’s instinct. I don’t believe he walked four miles in an hour – someone dumped him there. ‘As a mother, I believe he was dumped there unconscious but no-one believes me.’ Ali, an economics and accounting undergraduate at Cardiff Uni-

Cheltenham drinking with friends in February last year. After eating, they went to a nightclub – but Ali disappeared at about 2.30am. One friend testified he was ‘staggering’ and ‘swaying from side to side’. It is thought he set off to walk the nine miles home wearing only a T-shirt and trousers as temperatures fell to just 4C and it was raining. He was found the following afternoon by a man walking his dog near Gloucestershire Airport, in Cheltenham. Tests showed Ali was about four times the drink-drive limit, the inquest heard . Gloucestershire coroner Katy Skerrett said: ‘He chose to depart from the plans of going back to a friend’s house and it seems more likely than not that he was trying to make his way home.’

In My Life with The Beatles... HE’S worked with The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie and Pink Floyd, so Ken Scott knows a thing or two about making music. The legendary sound engineer captivated music and sound students at the University of South Wales with his stories of life at Abbey Road and beyond. ‘With a vast

knowledge of production and engineering techniques, he was able to pass on some of the valuable lessons he has learnt in his career and relate them to modern practice, as well as provide an insight into how the art of record production has progressed,’ said senior lecturer Stuart Jones. Jade Attwood

February 2015

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talkingPOINTS

Comment, opinion and the occasional wild rant from our student writers across the country

Top dog Farage will get my vote MANDY FULLER ‘WHO are you going to vote for?’ is one of the most-asked questions at the moment. With the general election in May, the major parties don’t have long to win us round. Personally, I’d rather have a tea party than the Labour Party... but I can’t see the Great British public voting for that. However, I am genuinely tempted to vote Ukip. No, I haven’t lost my mind. I believe every dog has his day and, let’s face it, Nigel Farage is a bit of a dog – in that bloodhound, jowly cheek look he wears so well. As a student, I

Future PM?: Ukip leader Nigel Farage PICTURE: TWITTER often have to work long hours for s*** money, so any man that promises I don’t have to pay tax because I’m on the minimum wage is the man for me. I don’t

care if he’s branded a racist misogynist – and, as a black girl, that should really bother me. I want to keep more of my hard-earned cash. The main reason I’m going to vote Ukip is because of their pledge to remove tuition fees for university students on certain courses, based on academic performance. Let’s face it, the political party that allows me to take home more of my wages and cuts tuition fees – allowing me to spend more on my alcoholic, party-animal lifestyle – is definitely the political party for me. Nigel Farage for prime minister!

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

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PARTY POOPER: The words ‘house party’ and ‘danger’ go hand in hand. Waking up in a bleary-eyed haze to find someone has scrawled rude drawings in permanent marker on the kitchen walls or to discover vomit that hasn’t quite made the toilet bowl has to be among every host’s worst nightmare. So, is that ‘small gathering’ that you were about to publish on Facebook (accidentally without the ‘invite-only’ setting) worth it? Michael Quinn

PICTURE: WIKICOMMONS/KF

EXAM STRESS: We are constantly being told that today’s youth has it far too easy when it comes to education, so there is now a demand for exambased learning. Surely it is counterproductive to only be tested on less than ten per cent of what you have learnt in the space of a couple of hours while under intense pressure? Students should be encouraged to exercise their skills about the subject thoroughly and this is best achieved through coursework. It also allows a student to choose their own question, encouraging them to pursue and expand their own ideas which they are passionate about Natalie Wellings

I HEART VALENTINE’S: Whatever complaints the anti-Valentine’s brigade has, no-one can resist the excitement of knowing someone out there holds a special place for you in their heart. Regardless of the tacky merchandise of February 14 and the 11million additional texts sent on the day of love, the simplistic act of giving an anonymous card will undoubtedly bring a smile to anyone’s face Lucy Kehoe

PICTURE: WIKICOMMONS/ FLICKRLICKR

LOVE SICK: Whether you’re single or taken, Valentine’s is utter tripe. I just don’t think a heart-shaped box filled with cheap chocolates picked up from Card Factory for 99p, or an over-sized teddy bear that will ultimately be abandoned once the endorphin-filled day loses all its glory, class as romance. Watching couples flap about confessing their undying love for one another because they are compelled to do so really does have me contemplating shooting a fat little Cupid’s arrow through my own head Ema Brewer

COST OF EDUCATION: Students shouldn’t get a free ride – but getting a degree surely isn’t a free ride? The truth is – as if you hadn’t noticed – the economy is on the fritz and paying for higher education seems to be a knee-jerk reaction. Instead of genuine economic pragmatism, paying for education is yet more evidence that austerity is ruining people’s outlook. Saddling ambitious, forward-thinking students with debt – or, worse, making further education unavailable to some – is regressive in the most devastating way. Student Loans has already lost a load of tuition fees, the rest won’t ever get paid back – why not just scrap them altogether, George? Joe Evans

DIS-MAY: I agree with chancellor at the University of Birmingham Lord Bilimoria, who has attacked Theresa May’s plan to clear out non-EU international students from the UK. Closing Britain off to foreign students would damage its reputation as a nation that attracts talent from all over the world and cut off important cultural ties. Every international student pays thousands of pounds more than any British student each year and they do not get a loan like home students. It seems like Theresa May’s plan doesn’t have either economic reasoning or support behind it Natalia Alyukova

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February 2015

theINTERVIEW: Simon Amstell

The journey to a comedy awakening S

IMON AMSTELL is delving into his psyche. Describing his �irst taste of the hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca during a trip to Peru – the inspiration for his latest stand-up tour, To Be Free – he says it failed to transform his thoughts in the way locals and gap year truth-seekers had claimed. ‘I imagined afterwards I’d have the feeling of total peace and serenity and I’d no longer feel stuck or limited,’ he says. ‘But despite this life-changing, profound, unexplainable experience, I’m still imprisoned by my own various insecurities.’ These stubborn doubts seem to be almost an asset for the 35-year-old, who does not shy away from letting his �laws take centre-stage. ‘My last tours were both quite… sad,’ he laughs. ‘Loneliness and the feeling of disconnection were big themes. However, this one is about me trying to �ind total freedom in my life. ‘I no longer feel as broken or troubled, so I think there’s generally more joy in this show. Although I’m still dealing with all the various problems of being a human being, they’re not quite as tragic as they were in previous shows. ‘I think I’m now closer to a fully functioning

TV presenter-turned-comedian Simon Amstell talks to CASSIE DONEY about psychadelics, clowning, Buddhism and the struggle to become a functioning human being human being than I’ve ever been.’ But the trope of the troubled comic has endured, partly through 2012 sitcom Grandma’s House, where his drifting ex-TV presenter character’s situation seemed to mirror his own life following Never Mind The Buzzcocks. He sees his ability to turn pain into humour as a survival skill. ‘If I didn’t have comedy as a career, I’d be desperately trying to �ind some other way to cope,’ he says. ‘I’d probably be in therapy full time.’ Although his stand-up show touches on the politics of the meat industry and the ‘absurdity’ of having a royal family, Amstell is not mounting a Russell Brand-style call for revolution quite yet. ‘I think the best thing for me to be doing is to retain the mask of the clown, where the clown is cheekily questioning things around him,’ he says. ‘I think the moment you become the politician, you lose the clown. And I feel like the clown is freer than the politician.’ The role of clown is one Amstell takes seriously. He

studied at Philippe Gaulier’s prestigious clown school in Paris – an experience he likens to an aspect of Zen Buddhism, where young monks are given puzzles to solve. ‘The reason they’re so tricky is that the mind can’t solve these puzzles,’ Amstell says. ‘The solution was to throw away rational thought – to be instinctive and childlike. And I wasn’t good at any of those things.’ Not all clowning around has been worth it, though. ‘I learnt to juggle as a kid,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t get you sex. It gets people to look at you for about 30 seconds, and then they go and look at something else.’ Watching acts at the Edinburgh Fringe, things �inally clicked, however. ‘The performers I found funny were the ones who had a sense of childlike wonder,’ he says. ‘Because everything is essentially ridiculous – and, through comedy, you can express that ridiculousness of everything we experience being an absurd illusion created by our ego monkey minds.’ He pauses. ‘There’s a quote for you.’

SIMON AMSTELL plays Liverpool on February 12, Bristol on February 26, Coventry on March 5 and Glasgow on March 18 and 19

Long trip: A Peruvian drug inspired Simon Amstell’s tour

INSIDE: Toddla T looks to lose his mind, The Wombats go wonky and Sigma make a racket

February 2015

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clubbingCALENDAR monday, feb 16 Bump and Grind, Buffalo, £3 MNT, Tiger Tiger, £3-£5 Jagerfest, Glam, £3 Get Lucky, Przym, £2

tuesday, feb 24 Sync, Revolutions ,£4 Knee Socks, Buffalo, free

wednesday, mar 4 Yolo, Y Plas, £3 WTF, Retro’s, £4 Shotgun Rules, Revolutions, £4

thursday, mar 12 Cake, Przym, £4 Hullabalooza, Moon Club, free TNT, Walkabout, £4 Propaganda, Glam, £3

tuesday, feb 17 Sync, Revolutions ,£4 Knee Socks, Buffalo, free

wednesday, feb 25 Yolo, Y Plas, £3 WTF, Retro’s, £4 Shotgun Rules, Revolutions, £4

wednesday, feb 18 Yolo, Y Plas, £3 WTF, Retro’s, £4 Shotgun Rules, Revolutions, £4

friday, mar 13 Smack, DC, £4; CYNT, Ladybird, £4 Studio, Soda, £4 Antisocial, Glam, £4 Koosday, Tiger Tiger, £4 Karma Club, free

Cake, Przym, £4 Hullabalooza, Moon Club, free TNT, Walkabout, £4 Propaganda, Glam, £3

thursday, feb 26 Cake, Przym, £4 Hullabalooza, Moon Club, free TNT, Walkabout, £4 Propaganda, Glam, £3

thursday, mar 5 Cake, Przym, £4 Hullabalooza, Moon Club, free TNT, Walkabout, £4 Propaganda, Glam, £3

thursday, feb 19

friday, mar 6 Smack, DC, £4; CYNT, Ladybird, £4 Studio, Soda, £4 Antisocial, Glam, £4 Koosday, Tiger Tiger, £4 Karma Club, free

saturday, mar 14 Flux, Y Plas, £4 SOS, Bunker, £4 Vice, Ladybird, £5 Karma Club, free

friday, feb 27 Smack, DC, £4; CYNT, Ladybird, £4 Studio, Soda, £4; Antisocial, Glam, £4 Koosday, Tiger Tiger, £4 Karma Club, free Ten Walls, Y Plas, tickets £17

saturday, mar 7 Flux, Y Plas, £4 SOS, Bunker, £4 Vice, Ladybird, £5 Karma Club, free

sunday, march 15 The Sunday Club, Viper Rooms, free

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February 2015

clubbingCALENDAR friday, feb 20 Smack, DC, £4; CYNT, Ladybird, £4 Studio, Soda, £4 Antisocial, Glam, £4 Koosday, Tiger Tiger, £4 Karma Club, free

saturday, feb 28 Flux, Y Plas, £4 SOS, Bunker, £4 Vice, Ladybird, £5 Karma Club, free

saturday, feb 21 Flux, Y Plas, £4 SOS, Bunker, £4 Vice, Ladybird, £5 Christoph, Karma Club, tickets TBC

sunday, mar 1 The Sunday Club, Viper Rooms, free

sunday, mar 8 The Sunday Club, Viper Rooms, free

monday, mar 16 Bump and Grind, Buffalo, £3 MNT, Tiger Tiger, £3-£5 Jagerfest, Glam, £3 Get Lucky, Przym, £2

monday, mar 9 Bump and Grind, Buffalo, £3 MNT, Tiger Tiger, £3-£5 Jagerfest, Glam, £3 Get Lucky, Przym, £2

tuesday, mar 17 Sync, Revolutions ,£4 Knee Socks, Buffalo, free

sunday, feb 22 The Sunday Club, Viper Rooms, free

monday, mar 2

Bump and Grind, Buffalo, £3 MNT, Tiger Tiger, £3-£5 Jagerfest, Glam, £3 Get Lucky, Przym, £2

tuesday, mar 10 Sync, Revolutions ,£4 Knee Socks, Buffalo, free

wednesday, mar 18 Yolo, Y Plas, £3 WTF, Retro’s, £4 Shotgun Rules, Revolutions, £4

monday, feb 23 Bump and Grind, Buffalo, £3 MNT, Tiger Tiger, £3-£5 Jagerfest, Glam, £3 Get Lucky, Przym, £2

tuesday, mar 3 Sync, Revolutions ,£4 Knee Socks, Buffalo, free

wednesday, mar 11 Yolo, Y Plas, £3 WTF, Retro’s, £4 Shotgun Rules, Revolutions, £4

thursday, mar 19 Cake, Przym, £4 Hullabalooza, Moon Club, free TNT, Walkabout, £4 Propaganda, Glam, £3

February 2015

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what’sON pick of the month MUSIC ONCE every couple of years, a band comes out of nowhere and captures the imagination of everyone from fans to radio bosses. It seems Lonely The Brave might just be that band. The Cambridge quintet, made up of David Jakes, Andrew Bushen, Gavin Edgeley, Ross Smithwick and Mark Trotter, are winning rave reviews for their high-energy performances and catchy hooks. The rockers are also coming off the back of a huge run of co-headline dates with alt-rock band, The Marmozets. They play Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, on March 4. Entrance to the night costs £8.

THEATRE CHALLENGE your prejudices with Twelve Angry Men, starring stage, film and TV heavyweight Tom Conti. A jury is deciding

including supporting Neil Young in Hyde Park and playing the second stage at Glastonbury in 2013, where she was singled out as one of the festival’s rising stars and labelled ‘the standout female vocalist of the weekend’. Catch Lucy at The Globe.

the fate of a young delinquent accused of murdering his father. At first, the case seems open and shut, with the jurors eager to get home. That is until one juror stands up for what is right and fights for the accused to get a fair trial. What seemed simple at first becomes less than obvious as the evidence is called into question and people start to change their opinions. Twelve Angry Men shows from February 17 to 21 at New Theatre in Park Place. Tickets start from £9.50.

COMEDY

MUSIC FOLK songstress Lucy Rose is back on the road. Ahead of an eagerly anticipated second album, slated for release in the summer, Rose is playing a nationwide tour, stopping off in Cardiff on March 10. She will be supported by The Half Earth, aka singer–songwriter Conor Stephenson. Tickets are selling fast. Rose tweeted

Making a return: Lucy Rose is on tour again and is set to play Cardiff next month last month: ‘Jeeeezz, looks like the second London show in March is also sold out, can’t tell you how

excited I am to be playing live music again x.’ The follow-up to her 2012 debut album, Like I Used

To, has been a long time coming. She has stepped out of the studio for rare live shows,

DO YOU feel like you are struggling to keep up with the modern world? Perhaps you don’t understand how 3D printers work or you’re not too sure what coding is? Well, don’t worry – you are in excellent company. Welsh comedian Lloyd Langford will be discussing his struggles with the present day in his new tour Old Fashioned. The man from Baglan, Neath Port Talbot, will be talking about being in your 30s but feeling in your 70s during the show at the Glee Club in Mermaid Quay on March 1. It will be a mix of his last Edinburgh show and new material. Tickets cost £10.

74,630 Students in Cardiff enjoy themselves every month Make sure they know about your event

To place your listing please contact listings@unipaper.co.uk

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February 2015

what’sON

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

Olden... but still Golden Punk’s ‘old farts’ hit the road again The Stranglers are back in Glastonbury’s good books and still bringing the house down with Golden Brown. Now, they are happily hitting the road again after 41 years together, as frontman Baz Warne tells SHANICE ABBOTT

OW does it feel to go back on tour together? It always feels special. We feel proud of what we’ve achieved and that we’re still able to go out there. Did you ever think you would be so successful in the business for so long? No – I don’t think any of us thought we’d be in it for 40 minutes, never mind 40 years! How important is it that your fans have stayed loyal to you? It’s a cliché but I mean it – we would not exist without the fans coming to see us and buying our music. Now, because we’re such old farts, they bring their children and, sometimes, their children’s children. It’s been 41 years since the band formed. What’s been your highlight? One was when we played Glastonbury in 2010 because they said that ‘over their dead bodies’ would they ever have The Stranglers on. There was some trouble back in the

early days when we were less than complimentary to the people. But 80,000 people came out to see us anyway – it was fantastic. Can we expect a new album this year? That’s an interesting question. We have been knocking ideas around and emailing each other snippets of music. But these days we live spread out across the UK from each other. I wouldn’t totally say there will be an album this year – but there could be one next year. What inspired you to get back together for your 40th anniversary last year? We’d never really broken up. We were just on a break. We all have our own lives now but it doesn’t matter how old you get or how successful you are – you always want to go back. What’s the one song that gets the crowd going? I would have thought the obvious – Golden Brown. Our audience is built with some very die-hard fans, so they’re probably sick to death of hearing that

Back in black: (l-r) Baz Warne, Jet Black, JJ Burnel and Dave Greenfield

song. But that’s the one we perform and the place just blows up. Where has been your favourite place to tour and why? We did a pretty memorable tour in Australia with Blondie and David Bowie. I mean, we’ve toured with them lots of times over the years, so we know them quite well. But these big tours we always look forward to. n The Stranglers play Cardiff University students’ union on March 10.

People know what we are YOU could argue Enter Shikari are the Millwall of heavy metal music: no-one likes us, we don’t care. Only that would be selling them short. While there are many haters, there are plenty of people who do enjoy thier music. Speaking to us ahead of their sell-out gig at Y Plas on February 17, bassist Rory Clewlow sums it up: ‘People know what we are and that’s what they want to see. As long as you’re happy, job done. ‘Whenever we have doubts about tracks or negative comments, we just support each other.’ Formed in that not-so-rock heartland of

What you see is what you get: Metallers Enter Shikari St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 2003, Enter Shikari have pushed the boundaries of the heavy metal genre, fusing loud guitars with everything from drum ‘n’ bass to electronica. Their new album, The

Mindsweep, marks a return to the band’s diverse style, including heavier tracks such as their latest single, Anaesthetist. And if at the end of the day, no-one likes it, they won’t care... Jade Attwood

February 2015

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theBEAT

We need a scene where we lose our minds On the verge of dropping a new mixtape, Toddla T chats to MORGAN HINTON about DJing at the age of ten, promotional politics and being proper s**t at school

hen did you discover your love for music? I got heavily into music aged about nine or ten. When I was ten I had turntables but they were unusable – all you could do was select tracks. Anything else and the needle would snap. What moment did you commit to being a DJ? I’ve got a bit of a weird mind in that I can’t concentrate on things I’m not into. At

school I was proper s**t – not because I’m thick, I just didn’t give a f**k. Music was one of the only things I could really focus on. With raves now promoting unknown line-ups, would you play at an event that wouldn’t advertise your name on the bill? One hundred per cent – I think that’s a really good idea. If you can sell tickets with the night being the

FO F F O RSITY PAPER E UNIV EADERS R

In the mix: Toddla T has been in the studio with singer Protoje focus over the DJs, that’s the ultimate winner. How do you feel about the underground scene in Britain? Dance music has got so popular over the last few

years, with so much money in the industry, you get all the bulls**t that comes with it. It’s necessary to have underground nights, now more than ever. Dance music has become new and shiny,

whereas the underground scene should be somewhere you go to lose your mind. What are your aspirations for this year? I’m doing a mixtape with a Jamaican artist called

Protoje. We’re blending his instrumentals and trying to merge the Jamaican sound with the UK sound. Toddla T and Protoje’s mixtape is due for release this month.

Little White Lies is a British, London based brand bringing timeless quality pieces to the 18-35 year old fashion conscious women. Little White Lies creates exquisite collections, each piece has a unique point of difference- a trim, beautiful buttons or hidden pockets. Every garment has been thought about in detail from beginning to end creating contemporary modern pieces with a nostalgic retro charm.

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

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

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theBEAT

February 2015 Love your music? So do we! Tune in here for all the latest interviews, previews and reviews

It all got kind of moody Record pushed us to edge of reason

They’re back: (l-r) Tord, Murph and Dan have been working on their third album

The Wombats frontman Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy tells PORTIA FAHEY about pouring his soul into the new album, what it’s like having LA as your fantasy girlfriend and his new-found fondness for dogs

HE Wombats have ‘pushed themselves to the edge of the human soul’ to create their latest album, Glitterbug. ‘The back end of the recording process was nuts for me,’ according to the band’s lead singer Matthew Murphy, aka Murph. ‘I was back and forth between London and LA. It was very exhausting and it all got kind of moody towards the end. All I know is that I’m incredibly proud of the album.’ And so he should be. The new record, due out in April, has taken four years to complete and Murph – along with bandmates Dan Haggis and Tord Øverland Knudsen – is about to embark on a 26-date European tour in March to promote it. ‘We’re all perfectionists and a lot of the songs have been through heavy critiquing by myself before the others get to them, or they’ll send me a backing track and I’ll work on it and rewrite and rewrite and then it goes back to them,’ he says. ‘We are all definitely guilty of over-analysing things.’ ‘I’m not saying we’ve had

to go down the mines every morning. I’ve certainly put a lot of myself into this album emotionally, psychologically. ‘It’s hilarious – I’m only starting to realise now that when I was in it, I actually had no idea what was going on.’ Thankfully, the band had Bastille’s producer, Mark Crew, on hand to guide them through some of the darker moments. Murph, 30, says: ‘Mark was unbelievable and would take the p*** out of us so much, which is something no one’s ever done before – well, not to our faces, anyway!’ The Liverpool-born singer has also found three new loves in his life: LA, his girlfriend and her dog, Daisy. ‘Daisy’s awesome and I’m completely obsessed with her,’ he laughs. ‘I spent the majority of yesterday just staring at pictures of her.’ And his obsession with LA has become so strong, the city is the main focus of the new album. ‘I’d stay over in LA and I fell more and more in love with the city,’ he explains. ‘I got to know it a lot more

Rising star: Laura Welsh

LAURA WELSH entered the mainstream last year when she featured on Gorgon City’s top ten hit, Here For You. Now, the singer is looking to cement her place there. She spoke to TUP ahead of the release of her debut album, Soft Control, in March. What was it like working with Gorgon City? Musically, it’s completely different to what I do but it was an amazing experience – and to play festivals with them gave

Catch The Wombats on tour during April in Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle. Visit thewombats.co.uk

and then, suddenly, it was this person that I’d written the songs about. I’d created this non-existent person in my head and thought about what it would be like having a long-distance relationship and dealing with jealousy and things like that.’ But most of all, his love is for the fans. ‘It means f*** all if you don’t have some fans that care about you and we’ve always been very lucky in that our fan base is strong but they’re also obsessed with us,’ he says. ‘Everything else is just background noise.’

Singer without compromise me the opportunity to play in front of much bigger audiences. How was the recording process for the album? It was incredible to have it finished and mixed for me. The most important thing was that I’d made the record that I wanted to, without compromise. What do you like to do in your down time? I love photography. I’ve got a Canon film camera so I like shooting on that. Edward Jones

For a longer version of this interview, log on now to www.unipaper.co.uk

tourDATES

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

February 2015

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Together... because we loved to make a big old racket

Passion: Cameron Edwards (left) and Joe Lenzie scored No.1s with Changing and Nobody To Love

ISTENING to drum ’n’ bass duo Sigma chat about getting soaked in champagne and downing trebles, you would think life was just one big booze-fest. But Joe Lenzie and Cameron Edwards have been working hard, releasing four EPs and �ive singles since 2010, two of which – Changing and Nobody To Love – made it to No.1 in the charts. They have also collaborated with the likes of Paloma Faith and Labrinth, who features on their forthcoming single. Catching up with them on their way to the studio as they take a break from live shows to work on debut album Life, due out later this year, I ask how they felt about Kanye West’s track Bound 2, which they reworked for Nobody To Love. ‘Overall, it sounded like someone was having a musical heart attack but we really liked the d’n’b part, so gave it a mix,’ says Edwards. Kanye’s management contacted the duo about playing at Wireless Festival last summer but they declined, preferring to ‘do our own thing’. The pair met at the

They have gone from two mates who fuelled their passion for drum ‘n’ bass with nights out to professionals with two UK No.1s under their belts and a single with Labrinth soon to be released. HENRIETTA PAINTER speaks to Sigma about champagne, doves and staying healthy University of Leeds, where going out three or four nights a week together fuelled their passion for drum ’n’ bass. Those nights were ‘without a doubt the best places to go’, claims Edwards, a former events student. They formed Sigma out of ‘a mutual love for making a racket together’ and were originally going to be called Lesbian Doves. Can I ask why? ‘One night a pair of lesbian doves �lew down from Joe’s shed,’ Edwards explains. ‘So we wanted to call ourselves that – but it sounded too r’n’b for us.’ Twelve years on, and do they still feel Leeds has a healthy d’n’b scene? ‘It’s changed a lot now, but then again all scenes have,’ says Lenzie. ‘We love to go back to Leeds whenever we play there. The d’n’b scene has become really healthy.’ It is clear the duo are not shy of a party or four. ‘I can’t remember my best memory from uni – it all seems like a constant haze,’ says

Edwards. So, what are their other favourite places for a night out? ‘We played at HAU5 festival in Newcastle last year and ended up at an afterparty in Tup Tup,’ says Lenzie. ‘I can’t tell you all the details but we were covered in a lot of champagne that night.’ He confesses he’s never had a treble, though – at which point, Edwards proudly announces that he has. ‘Cam’s still a student deep down,’ says Lenzie. Making music has always been on the cards for them, although Edwards once had a yearning for the army. ‘It’s weird,’ muses Lenzie. ‘When you’re growing up, you don’t realise that music is this whole massive industry.’ It is one they’re getting stuck into and life at the moment is a mixture of touring and studios, fuelled by beer, their PlayStation and vitamins. ‘On tour it’s great to have each other,’ says Lenzie. ‘And the vitamins keep us healthy.’

Sigma will perform at Future Music Festivals across Australia on February 28 and March 1, 7, 8 and 9, and Germany’s Sputnik Springbreak Festival from May 22 to 24. Higher, featuring Labrinth, is released by 3beat records on March 22.

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February 2015

onSCREEN

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

out soon

Just mates: Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan in What If?

Predestination (Feb 20) A TIME-travelling agent (Ethan Hawke) working for the ‘temporal bureau’ is sent on his final assignment to stop an infamous terrorist who has eluded him. He is forced to hop between the years to prevent a major crime, picking up a new recruit in John Doe (Sarah Snook) along the way. Jakub Szweda Kill The Messenger (Mar 6) REPORTER Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner) exposes the shocking truth of the CIA’s role in importing cocaine into America and using the profits to arm Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Despite threats from drug lords and CIA operatives, Webb keeps on digging – endangering his career, life and family. Antoniya Gerimpapazi Chappie

(Mar 6)

UNNATURALLY clever robot Chappie (Sharlto Copley) is kidnapped at ‘birth’ and later adopted and raised by a dysfunctional family. Director Neill Blomkamp (District 9) is known for addressing big issues such as race, discrimination and freedom – and this latest outing looks set to do the same. Aaron Lembo X+Y

(Mar 13)

NATHAN ELLIS (Asa Butterfield) is no normal child. While others play, he hides away and solves problems. When his teacher Martin Humphreys (Rafe Spall) finds his rare gift, he sends him to the International Mathematics Olympiad, where Nate realises there is more to life than maths. Antoniya Gerimpapazi

In the friend zone? DANIEL RADCLIFFE, star of What If?, out on Blu-ray and DVD this month, tells TUP about friends he doesn’t want to sleep with, correcting pronunciation and banter

OES sex always get in the way of a good friendship? Daniel Radcliffe explores the thin line between friends and lovers in What If? What were your first conversations with director Michael Dowse? He was referencing movies like It Happened One Night and When Harry Met Sally. They were big touchstones for us, because it’s all about how relationships are built through banter and taking the p***. When the script came to you, what shape was it in? It was pretty much as it is now. The moment I knew I was going to do the script was on

n TINA FEY’S latest comedy offering, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, sees Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) escaping to New York after spending 13 years in a doomsday cult. She is determined to start her life again, finding work as a nanny for a wealthy Manhattanite (Jane Krakowski) and friendship with Titus (Tituss Burgess), a larger-

page two, when Wallace is correcting Chantry on her pronunciation of a word, and I was just like, ‘Ah, I’m that guy.’ The film seems clear men and women can be friends. How does it strike that balance? I’m friends with lots of women who I have no intentions to sleep with. There is also the question of whether men and women who are incredibly sexually attracted to each other can just be friends. That’s the issue that is present in the film. What’s Toronto like to work in? I had a great time there. I ate really badly – lots of poutine, which is chips in gravy, cheese and bacon. It was a really fun.

tvPICK

than-life singer who works as a robot in Times Square. Created by Tina Fey, the show has signed up to two seasons on Netflix, with the first coming out on March 6. Rebecca Thomas

February 2015

hiTECH

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

Ambitious street car racer is bit of a drag The Crew (Xbox 360) Rating 3/5

LUNGING gamers into the heart of Detroit’s illegal street racing scene, The Crew is looking to redefine the open-world racing genre. Players will attempt to infiltrate and take down the 510 gang that pulls all the strings in motor city. But the action isn’t limited to Detroit, as the massive game offers coast-to-coast, online-only action from LA all the way to New York. The best thrills emerge in the vast, inter-city stretches that perfectly capture the experience of the great American road trip. Unfortunately, that ambition leaves the gameplay

Resident Evil Revelations 2 ONE of the great horror series returns with some familiar faces. Fan favourite Claire Redfield stars with Moira Burton, the daughter of the legendary Barry Burton. The two women, who are working for antibioterrorism organisation TerraSave, are captured at the start of the game. What follows is a gory quest for survival and answers. Fans can expect better gameplay from the previous outing, while features such as raid mode allow players to fight through a map without following the main storyline. Out on March 2. Aaron Lembo Project CARS

On the road: The Crew takes you on a high-octane journey into Detroit’s illegal racing scene feeling stretched. The immense landscape gives a poor frame rate, causing lagging, dubious graphics and sketchy audio. The AI isn’t

quite right either, veering from erratic decisions to outright cheating in a bid to ramp up the tension in what is a flat driving experience.

Added to this, online matchmaking is a work in progress – a serious issue for the online-only campaign. Josh Mcloughlin

THIS is the racing simulator that gamers have been waiting for. The highly ambitious racer, which has been in production since October 2011, lets players take control of a huge variety of motors, from karts to supercars. They can also take on real-life race tracks, such as

out soon Donnington, Silverstone and Brands Hatch. Everything from the nuts and bolts up has been wonderfully recreated to replicate their real-world counterparts, with the game also boasting fully dynamic weather systems and a competitive online feature. Released on March 20. Umar Hassan Battlefield: Hardline ARE you going to be a cop or a criminal? Choose your side in this highspeed multiplayer mode. There are seven online games to choose from, including rescue, a tense five-on-five match in which the police have to save hostages before time runs out, while the perps do everything they can to stop them. In the single-player campaign, gamers can now use nonlethal force takedowns to gather intel on criminals. There are also a number of new weapons, cars and bikes to keep seasoned fans entertained. It’s out on March 20. Matt Bullin

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theTRIP

February 2015

Every journey begins with a single step... take the first one here, with our look at great places to go abroad

Foster far-flung friends Get travel ideas off pals from overseas

So, where should you go? Our favourite getaways

ESPITE tough talk from the government about international students, our campuses hold a wealth of people who have come from overseas to study. The diversity of the university population is an indication of how enlightening travelling can be, with the melting pot giving undergrads an insight into a host of different cultures – so why not get inspiration on where to travel from global friends? The cost of a trip abroad can put many off but if you stay with an international friend, you can reduce the cost considerably, as well as get off the tourist trail and find out what living in the country is really like. Study leave and the Easter holidays provide a perfect opportunity to get away for a few nights. If you’re looking for something more than a quick break, most universities offer the chance of studying at campuses across the world at summer schools and as part of the Erasmus scheme. This allows you to study abroad for between three months and one academic year, with no extra tuition fees. You can also apply for a grant under the programme to cover any extra costs of studying abroad. Andrew Griffiths

ISTANBUL: East meets west in this city, where the Galata Bridge offers views over both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean and you can find Christian art in the Hagia Sophia mosque, which was once a church. The Blue Mosque (pictured), with its awe-inspiring dome, is also worth a visit. As a

student on holiday with friends, I found it affordable – our student discount cards were taken at the huge imperial Dolmabahçe Palace and we filled our backpacks with beautiful food – in terms of taste and colour – at the spice market while sticking to a tight budget. Anupama Subramaniyam PICTURE: AS

NEW YORK: The Big Apple, the ‘city that never sleeps’ – New York City has many affectionate nicknames. And for good reason. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and glittering Times Square, pictured. If you usually prefer beach resorts or countryside estates to

city breaks, make an exception for New York. Aside from feeling as if you have stumbled on to the set of a film or TV series, the city has something to suit everyone, whether you want to sample some culture at its museums and galleries, catch a musical in Broadway or wander through Central Park. Adiba Khatoon PICTURE: FRANCISCO DIEZ

FINLAND: When people ask me about my favourite holiday destination, they don’t expect me to say Finland – the Nordic country can sometimes fall off the getaway radar. But in Helsinki, you can sip an espresso in an ultramodern coffee shop surrounded by hippies, while being haunted by

the city’s Soviet past and inspired by its neo-classical cathedral (pictured). The street food festival, in March, involves talks and parties as well as delicious meals – while a traditional Finnish sauna followed by a run through the snow is not to be missed. Mane Grigoryan PICTURE: TAZRIAN KHAN/FLICKR

KEFALONIA: Nicknamed ‘the jewel in the Ionian crown’, this western Greek island is home to the soft white sands and the turquoise waters of Myrtos, widely thought to be one of the best beaches in the world. You may recognise the island from the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was set and filmed there and took much of

its mood from the surroundings. You can take a yacht from Argostoli, the island’s main working port, which has a natural sheltered harbour, to explore the coastline. If you want a break from the beach, there are plenty of villages and medieval castles to explore. And keep a look-out for the island’s famous turtles. Charlotte Seddon PICTURE: CS

Signs of trouble: Yellow flowers, feet and thumbs SNOG someone outside a chicken shop on the way home from a night out in the UK and you could find a compromising picture posted on Facebook of you and your ‘friend’. But in the Middle East or India, it could land you in serious trouble. A smooch between a British couple in Dubai in 2010 led to a prison sentence – and, while PDAs between your housemate and their

‘significant other’ sometimes put you off your beans on toast, you probably don’t want anyone to end up behind bars. Here are some other faux pas to avoid while on your travels. 1. Learn your left from your right. In many cultures, including the Middle East and parts of Africa, people eat with their right hand and find using the left disgusting –

it is reserved for more, er, intimate acts in the bathroom. 2. Avoid pointing the bottom of your feet at anyone if you are in a Muslim country, as they are considered the lowest and most unclean part of the body. 3. If you think about getting a bouquet of flowers for a Ukrainian friend, never bring an even number – and avoid yellow. This

may appear to be odd but the colour is considered impolite, while even numbers of blooms are associated with funerals. 4. A thumbs-up is interpreted by most Brits as a sign of approval or thanks but if you are travelling around Afghanistan, Iran or parts of Italy, it takes on a whole other meaning – think middle finger. 5. In Japan, when you are out

with your drinking buddies, it is traditional to pour beer for one another as a gesture of companionship and respect. 6. In Nepal, it is thought to be ill-mannered to open a gift in the presence of the giver, to avoid offence – so don’t take it personally if your hosts leave your offerings unopened on the side. Joe Taylor

yourNIGHT

Enjoyed a big night in Cardiff? We have all the pictures from the city’s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself.

Enjoy free wine when you dine with us*

Salut

— Our Student Offers — Enjoy our Pre theatre menu all evening Sunday to Friday. 20% discount on our A la Carte menu Sunday to Friday. *Terms and conditions. Dine with us between 1st February and 28th February to enjoy a complimentary 500ml carafe of house wine with our lunch or pre theatre menus, or a bottle of house wine with our a la carte menu. Our two-course lunch menu is £10.95, two-course pre theatre menu is £14.95 and is available all evening. To receive your free wine you must present this voucher to your server when you arrive. This offer is not valid with any other offer. This offer is only valid at Cardiff. Manager’s discretion applies.

Caroline Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FG

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February 2015

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foodBREAK

Save dough with these budget eats

A fast �illing �ix for a night out... Chilli, artichoke and cheese dip

A GOOD host knows that food should be on offer if guests are coming – especially if you are about to head off together on a big night out. But, with limited amounts of time and cash, what’s the best way of feeding your friends without breaking the bank? For ease and speed, it doesn’t get much better than a chilli, artichoke and cheese dip. For just under £15 you can create a taste sensation that will have your friends praising your culinary skills for years to come. All you need is 250g of grated mozzarella, 50g of grated parmesan, three cans of artichoke hearts, two to three chillies (a combination of red and

green for colour) and 325g of mayonnaise. Finely chop the chillies and either half or quarter the artichoke hearts (depending on how chunky you like it). Next, combine the ingredients together and stir until well mixed. Pop your concoction into an oven-safe dish, about an inch-and-a-half to two inches deep, and stick it in the oven at 200C for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve with tortilla chips and voilà... your guests will think you put a lot of effort into making a tasty treat, while you will have time to get ready and a bit of dosh left in your pocket. Aria Dixon

Cheap treats: Baked beans and Dolmio sauce

TUDENTS are masters of scrimping – especially when it comes to food. But what should every undergraduate’s cupboard contain? Check out TUP’s top ten bargain bites. 1. Garlic bread – This family favourite will cost you less than a quid and it couldn’t be easier to cook. Stick it in an oven and come back ten minutes later. 2. Rice – There is barely a country in the world that

 HUNTING for a student-friendly shop? Look no further than Aldi. If you can keep up with the lightning speed of the cashiers then this is where you should head for a bargain. Pick up frozen tuna steaks at a decent size and price (400g, £2.99) or take advantage of their weekly ‘super six’ deal, where all the fruit and veggies are just 59p Cheryl Culliford-Whyte

doesn’t have a rice dish. From Spanish paella to Jamaica’s rice and peas, it can be added to most meals and doesn’t cost the earth. 3. Noodles – A packet of

simple noodles can cost pennies but are perfect for adding bulk to stir fries. Mix them with a spicy sauce and a load of your favourite vegetables for a healthy,

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February 2015

foodBREAK

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

Economic edibles: Filling up on noodles, garlic bread, cereal or rice is a tasty way to save some cash PICTURES: ZOE MACNAUGHTON PHRAWR/HAT M/ MAMMA MIA/FLICKR

quick and, most importantly, cheap meal. 4. Ready-made tomato sauce – While making your own is undoubtedly better, there’s no reason why a ready-made tomato sauce can’t be used when time is short. Throw it together with some pasta or even in

a ratatouille to add a bit of �lavour. 5. Cereal – Start the day with a delicious and quick snack. Add your fruit of choice for some much needed vitamins, or try some yoghurt and honey. 6. Baked beans – Although they taste great on a baked

potato or over toast, why not use them in a stew? They make a great addition to a sausage casserole – and, let’s not forget, they are a vital component for a Sunday morning fry-up. 7. Crisps – Not healthy – but everyone deserves a treat every now and then. They

can be eaten as a snack but also used for a quick-�ix meal, such as nachos. 8. Potatoes – They can be roasted, baked, mashed, fried or boiled. In fact, the ’tater is an extremely versatile ingredient. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even cook a gratin

dauphinois to add sparkle to the humble spud. 9. Bread – Obviously useful for simple sandwiches or toast in the morning. Add butter, raisins and an eggand-milk mixture to make a marvellous bread-and-butter pudding. 10. Rolled oats – During

the cold of the winter months, there aren’t many other dishes that warm you up better. A bit bland on their own – but add some milk and jam, and you have a wonderfully �illing way to begin the day. Antoniya Gerimpapazi and Zoe Macnaughton

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February 2015

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

A: ‘I love the smell of diapers; I even like when they’re wet and you smell them all warm like a baked good’

B:‘At the end of the day, I just know I’ll probably have the worst, spoiled little kid ever’

C: ‘I’m not that good-looking. I think I’m a pretty weird-looking guy’

D: ‘In an action film you act in the action. If it’s a dramatic film you act in the drama’

E: ‘Being a Scientologist when you drive past an accident… you know you have to do something about it because you know you’re the only one that can really help’

Who said what? 1 Tom Cruise, 2 Lindsay Lohan, 3 Kristen Stewart, 4 Sarah Jessica Parker, 5 Eminem, 6 Jay Z, 7 Ryan Gosling, 8 Dennis Rodman, 9 Jean Claude Van Damme

F: ‘How come when Kanye acts like an idiot he gets a gold record but when I act like an idiot, I get a police record?’

G: ‘Don’t be an asshole. That’s my relationship advice.’

ANSWERS

H: ‘Chemistry is a class you take in high school or college, where you figure out two plus two is ten or something’

I: ‘I’m stupid, I’m ugly, I’m dumb, I smell. Did I mention I’m stupid?’

Can you unscramble these singers’ names…

1. MR SOON RANK 2. ROHANN MAIGRET 3. THIN L BAR 4. RENE HONDA SELL 5. SIR THIN MARC 6. NEW HO BEAN

in a

muddle

7. KIN P 8. GLAZES ME ONE ANSWERS

1 Mark Ronson, 2 Meghan Trainor, 3 Labrinth, 4 Ella Henderson, 5 Chris Martin, 6 Ben Haenow, 7 Pink, 8 Selena Gomez

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

A4 B6 C7 D9 E1 F2 G3 H8 I5

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February 2015

competitionCORNER

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NO cash? Don’t let that take away your right to a proper coffee. Win one of eight Breville Coffeexpress machines and �ilter your morning �ix straight into a takeaway bottle on your way to a lecture, or just make a cuppa at home. It’s easy to use – just add water and your favourite ground coffee, �lick the switch and go.

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Non-stop party: Explore Mallorca’s clubs and chill at the beach on this ﬁve-night holiday

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February 2015

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

Horoscope 

What’s written in the stars for you this month

ARIES: MARCH 21APRIL 19 Your social life might seem scrambled, Aries. However, this is a blessing in disguise, as you will be able to see people’s secret agendas. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind

TAURUS: APRIL 20MAY 20 Take control, Taurus. Your workload has signi�icantly increased since the new year but this shouldn’t be a challenge. If you do not have enough time, simply say so GEMINI: MAY 21JUNE 20 Don’t lose track of your �inances, Gemini. A matter will arise early on in the

month. You are more than equipped to deal with it; just do so swiftly, or you will be in a vulnerable situation CANCER: JUNE 21JULY 22 Now is not a time to shy away from the world, Cancer. Stand tall and you will surprise yourself. Someone may even catch your eye who will inspire and improve your world

LEO: JULY 23AUGUST 22 You need to make some changes, Leo. Rediscover some of your sparkle that for some reason has fallen by the wayside recently. This month, you can be the life and soul of the party

VIRGO: AUGUST 23SEPTEMBER 22 Take this time to take a long hard look in the mirror, Virgo. You have been doing more than enough for everyone but yourself. Take some well-needed time out or you will burn out

LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22 This month is full of temptation, Libra. Don’t get carried away. You need to put someone at home �irst – but that doesn’t mean you should put your social life on hold SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 21 You have been yearning for something out of the

ordinary, Scorpio – and now is the time to realise it. Right now, it seems as though anything is possible – and, if you focus, it is SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22DECEMBER 21 Respect yourself, Sagittarius. Someone in particular might be calling in favours left, right and centre – but what you don’t realise just yet is that they do not need the help as much as you think

CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22JANUARY 19 This month is all about patience, Capricorn. You are about to hit the jackpot but

Go online to: www.unipaper.co.uk for more quizzes.



if you rush the decisions along the way, all you will be left with is fool’s gold AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 Stay focused, Aquarius. There is an important opportunity coming your way but you will miss it if your eyes aren’t wide open to everything that is happening around you

PISCES: FEBRUARY 19MARCH 20 You have immense in�luence, Pisces. Use it your advantage and you might just break through the solemn secrecy surrounding a certain situation. Take action to regain the reins

Be careful which pal you ditch OUR �irst semester ended in a blaze of glory. Surrounded by new friends, you drank your way into the holidays, safe in the knowledge that a month separated you from deadlines and exams. This is where the gloves come off. You return after Christmas, brimming with con�idence after a month with your adoring ‘home friends’, and decide to trim the fat in terms of misguided friendships. But tread with care: ditch the wrong acquaintance and you could �ind the hands of friendship withdrawn left, right and centre. While it’s unlikely every pal you made was a wise choice, considering you were drunk half the time, it’s worth remembering you

let’sTALK

came to uni to get a degree (well, that’s one reason). The coolest friends may not be the ones who will stick around when you’re knee-deep in 17th-century politics – and they may not be the kind of people you want to live with next year. So use your common sense and judge kindly. Moving away from home and being doused with cheap alcohol doesn’t bring out the best in many people – second semester could be the time for second chances. That homesick girl who invited you round for a cup of tea every �ive minutes? She could be a mate for life. The dubious conquest who kept in touch via occasional creepy Facebook messages? Not so much. Lindsey Coombs

Equality: Gay marriage PICTURE: PARGON/WIKICOMMONS

Let’s focus on people, not the masses

THE new year is a time to look back at our achievements – and 2014 was a big milestone for the LGBT liberation campaign. Yes, I am talking about marriage equality. The fact it was passed in the UK gives an example to many other countries. And, of course, anyone can now get married – we are all equal. You may wonder what else there is to do. LGBT activists could give you a list: trans* equality and health services, integration in workplaces, tackling homophobia… all important things. Yet I think something is missing. Something very important. And that is people themselves. Activists tend to look at problems as applying to groups. But what if we made a new year resolution to focus on individuals, rather than the masses? What if we started to listen to what minorities need and want, as opposed to ignoring the details of the mosaic we are a part of? Let’s listen to those who struggle with their sexuality – because unless we do, nothing can be changed. Filip Bigos

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February 2015

let’sTALK

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

Alice ask

Tough time: Cancer can devastate families PICTURE: ANNETTE/FLICKR

Y mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at new year. I’m devastated. We are at opposite ends of the country and the train fare alone is more than £100. I feel so guilty for not being there. Sophie, Edinburgh

I’m so sorry to hear that, Sophie, but try not to feel guilty. Find other ways to be around her. Right now, she needs you to bring her some light and joy – and even if that’s just a phone call every night, she’ll know you are there for her. And don’t suffer in silence. As much as your mother needs support, so do you. Request a pastoral tutorial. You can apply for extenuating circumstances for your coursework and, if you decide to, you could also apply for a leave of absence. This is an authorised break from your studies that would allow you to go home and return to university next academic year.

WAS doing drugs in digs and I’ve been issued with a 28-day notice to quit. I didn’t go to the disciplinary meeting and now I don’t know what to do. Aaron, Warwick

If you have broken your tenancy agreement, it is unlikely that you will be able to argue your case successfully. However, just because you have been given a notice to quit doesn’t mean the university won’t

Separate but together... is it possible?

ONG-distance relationships are always controversial. While some believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder, others think it can only lead to break-ups. Of course, every couple is different – but there will always be ups and downs when your other half is living in a different city. But doesn’t every relationship have good and bad moments? Being a student who has experienced a long-distance relationship throughout university, I can say – it is not easy. A lot of people think that students can’t hold down relationships at the best of times, so one with the added pressure of distance – no chance, right?

Miss you: Time apart is hard PICTURE: ANGELA MARY BUTLER/FLICKR

Wrong. While it is tough to spend long periods away from your partner, seeing each other after a busy few months can be more than rewarding. Spending time getting to know each other at a steady, slow pace can work

wonders. On top of this, when you’re in the middle of a hectic semester and all you have time for is research and essay-writing, it’s probably a good thing your other half isn’t around. If they were, you would want to spend every waking hour with them – and that’s time when you should probably be doing work. At the end of the day, it’s simple: distance alone can’t destroy a relationship. In some cases, in fact, it can even help to strengthen it. If they’re ‘the one’, they’ll wait for you. And if they’re not, they won’t. Semesters aren’t that long – and you can always visit home in your reading week or at the weekend to see them. Kelly Smith

continue to support you. Go in person to your hall residence manager or accommodation services team. Although you might not be able to stay in halls, they will be able

Submit us your questions and get the answer in next month’s issue

to help you find private sector accommodation or extend your notice until you have found alternative digs.

FLUNKED January exams and now there is a real possibility I might have to re-take first year. I like my course but I haven’t been keeping up with reading or essays, which makes it even easier to skip class. James, Manchester You will be entitled to funding for the duration of your course, plus one extra year, in case you have to repeat – and repeating a year isn’t the end of the world. But, first of all, you need to identify why you haven’t been keeping up with your coursework. Whether it’s time management or you need someone to do your reading with, head to academic support for some advice – otherwise, this time next year, you will be saying exactly the same thing. Struggling with your studies, wrestling with a relationship or is your social life at a standstill? Contact our agony aunt on alice@unipaper.co.uk

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February 2015

beyondUNI

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

What jobs work for you? Don’t just RETAIL? YOU’RE TWIXT A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE wait for right role

VERYONE knows someone with the worst part-time job in the world, be it dodging �lying plates in a pub kitchen or serving screaming children from an ice cream van. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some ideas for jobs to suit all schedules and personalities. 1. Cafés and restaurants – waiting staff have the option of working during the day or evening. You can add tips to your wages if you’re good with customers and maybe even pick up free food. 2. Fast food chains – places such as McDonalds or Burger King may sound less than glamorous but many big companies offer training opportunities and good terms for part-time staff. 3. Pubs and clubs – if you have no time to work during the day or you are simply a night owl, you might consider applying for a job at a bar or club. Bar and door staff alike have a great social life together after work. 4. Supermarkets – you can apply online for a wide

Breaking point: A Twix-related customer complaint added drama to one worker’s shiftPICTURE: SCOTT EHARDT I WAS funding my way through a media and communications degree at Birmingham City University with a job at a well-known supermarket chain. During one evening shift, a man came in threatening to sue the store because of the price of a Twix. He

range of roles at superstores. The applications will take you through a couple of tests, including on your numeracy and literacy skills, as well as a behavioural test – but don’t worry, they’re not too tough. 5. Universities – from bar-tending at the union to designing a website, a job at your university can offer some of the best opportunities to develop your skills. 6. Newsagents – if you

then proceeded to state his interpretation of consumer rights law at me. I said: ‘For 60p, you’re kicking up a fuss?’ He then unwrapped the Twix and ate it in front of me, saying between chews: ‘Consumer rights my a**e.’ Greg Edwards

like cycling and are good with directions, you could become a paper boy or girl. The job is not the best paid but at least you get to be the �irst to read the papers. 7. Manual note-taking – many universities get temporary workers to take notes for students who need support with their work. You will need to be able to write clearly and quickly and be understanding of the people you help. Antoniya Gerimpapazi

Good, bad and the messy BUSKER

THE grind of long shifts or having to get up for work while suffering with a hangover can make that part-time job an extra drag. If, like Glasgow Caledonian University student Stephen Mars, you can sing or play an instrument, being your own boss and taking up busking could be the answer. Stephen, who can make up to £100 a day busking on the city’s streets, says: ‘It’s doing what I love, when I want. What could be better?’

Aynsleigh Hollywood

CHUGGER

I ONCE spent a long summer working as a professional fundraiser – otherwise known as a charity mugger, or chugger – to help me through my studies at the University of Central Lancashire. I went from door to door asking people to support charities like the British Red Cross. My colleagues were fantastic but this did not make up for the commission-only pay or the abuse, which was so harsh you would think I was the one causing the humanitarian crisis. Luis Sanchez

SHOT GIRL

SHE patrols the club selling dubious-looking spirits from a belt to boozed-up, over-excited punters until the wee small hours, wearing less to sell more. The job of shot girl is not enviable. One past owner of this title is Raisa Begum, who once worked the sticky ﬂoors of Liverpool’s clubs. She says: ‘They were awful shifts. Bosses would often ask workers to stay past their ﬁnishing time.’ Sophie Sear

WHEN it comes to jobs, I have the best of both worlds. I work as a part-time sales assistant at Debenhams while studying at Swansea University. While it means being on my feet for ten hours during a shift on a Saturday, it brings with it the beneﬁt of the ‘travel transfer’. During term time, I can ﬁt work around my lectures in Swansea – then, when I go home for the holidays, I can move seamlessly to a branch in my hometown of Cardiff. My student loan covers my tuition fees and rent but for nights out, food and textbooks, I’ll use my wages. It means I’ve never had to touch my

overdraft – and, if I did, I would be back in the black as soon as my pay came through. Working on a shop ﬂoor may seem pretty simple but you will be gaining essential life skills – such as customer service – that your university course will not teach you. These can really make you stand out on a job application form and you never know who you’re going to meet – one of your colleagues could end up helping you get a job in your chosen career after graduation. So, even something as seemingly simple as retail work could really make an impact on your future. Rebecca Thomas

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February 2015

beyondUNI

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

Big nights out are off the cards for aspiring teacher and mum

When story time meets deadlines

HILE many students would only be up at 6.30am if they were crawling into bed after a night out, Gabby Rea is already up and about, getting her son ready for nursery. The 20-year-old juggles the duties of being a mum to twoyear-old Teddy with studying English at Birmingham City University. She has just over an hour in the morning to get them both ready and fed, before leaving the house to drop Teddy off at nursery and heading to lectures herself. ‘It’s all about balance and organisation,’ she says. ‘I try to make sure I have a routine that sticks, for Teddy’s best interests as well as mine.’ Fitting Teddy around student life is tricky, however. His dad, from whom Gabby has separated but remains on good terms with, is in the army, based in Chester and can only see his son every other weekend. Nursery charges are £150 a week and, although Student Finance England pays 85 per cent of Teddy’s fees, it all adds

When English student Gabby Rea has an essay due in, first she has to think about caring for her toddler, Teddy. MEGNA FARMAHA finds out if you can still have a social life while mixing tantrums and tutorials up. With limited choices for childcare, Gabby admits there can be a conflict between studying and spending time with Teddy. ‘It’s hard to distinguish between the important tasks,’ she explains. ‘It’s a constant battle knowing whether a bedtime story is more urgent than the assignments I have due soon. ‘Sometimes I may miss out on a field trip because Teddy needs new shoes. But he is my priority and I’m totally willing to give things up so he has the best.’ She aims to become an English teacher after she graduates, to try and build a better life for her and her son. ‘It’s all about the bigger picture,’ she says. ‘I may feel guilty sometimes but there need to be sacrifices for the future and, one day, my boy will understand I did it all for him.’ Being a single parent

means Gabby has to forgo the wild nights and drinking sessions many associate with student social life. ‘I do miss out to a certain extent,’ she admits. ‘I want to be involved but having a child means this is put on a kind of back burner.’ But it’s not all work. ‘I do get to socialise,’ she adds. ‘Just not in the stereotypical student way. My social life is much more relaxed, rather than alcohol-fuelled.’ She has support from family at home, as well as the university’s student parents and carers’ association, which organises social lunches and coffee mornings. She says the responsibilities of motherhod have taught her a lot. ‘It’s quite clear, to me more than anyone, that I’ve matured since being a mum,’ she says. ‘I feel like I have an older perspective on

Tiny housemate: Gabby Rea with her two-year-old son, Teddy things compared to my peers because I’ve experienced a lot more. ‘To be honest, it can make me feel slightly alienated – my peers don’t understand

my situation, which can be a little frustrating. I live in a whole other world to them.’ So, does she have any advice for others in the same situation? ‘Balance all your

PICTURE: MEGNA FARMAHA

responsibilities,’ she says. ‘It’ll make things ten times easier. ‘And never forget to leave time for yourself, to unwind and de-stress, before it all gets too much.’

Tarot cards showed me the way to ease cash woes AS A journalism student at De Montfort University in Leicester, I wanted to avoid struggling for money but I didn’t fancy facing angry or drunk customers at a takeaway. So I decided to work from home doing something that I am passionate about – tarot card reading. Most of my work is done online. I passed some initial tests and have been working for two websites over the past few years.

The first benefit is being able to work from home and sit, warm and toasty, in front of a laptop. Having said that, however, it’s a difficult profession. You are revealing information to someone that could seriously challenge their

emotional well-being. Learning the strict boundaries needed took me a while. I always used to get too connected to clients and you can’t always afford to do that. I have had negative experiences, such as trolls coming into my chatroom, and that

can be horrible. I have had to learn to brush it off. It has also taken a lot of time to build up clients, meaning I’ve had to spend vast amounts of time online just to make sure I’m earning enough money. I get irritated by many of the popular psychics. Many are said to be fake and use psychology as the basis for reading people. They tell the clients what they want to hear, just to keep their likeable image. Life isn’t always

going to be OK and, sometimes, these psychics give us honest clairvoyants a bad name. While you must be careful not to get ripped off working online, if you find a reputable company, it can solve many of the problems of having a part-time job, such as spending money on travel and having to deal with people face-to-face if this isn’t your thing. And it doesn’t hurt to earn some extra – life is expensive. Emma Thompson

February 2015

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When they’re sharing the love a bit too much

HETHER they are gazing longingly into each others’ eyes or in the middle of a blazing row, couples can be a nightmare. There are ways to make your life easier, however, without trying to break them up. 1. Invest in ear plugs: Whether it’s love-making or shouting, ear plugs will help you get on with work. 2. Establish boundaries: The last thing you want is for the person who doesn’t pay rent to be drinking your milk, so draw the line. 3. Make friends: Getting to know your flatmate’s partner will make you feel more comfortable around them and it won’t be awkward when you’re left alone. 4. Remain respectful: Remember what it’s like to be

yourSPACE I LIVED with a guy in second year who had his girlfriend over all the time – to the point where she had practically moved in. The worst part, besides the baby talk, was how selfish they were. Her laundry was everywhere and they’d take over the living room for days, leave the heating on for hours – even in warm weather – and basically disregard the rest of us. We eventually confronted them and the short story is that it got ugly. He didn’t even say goodbye when we moved out. James King, University of Birmingham

LIVING with others is difficult enough at uni – and then some of them couple up, making life a special type of hell. Sleep is almost impossible because 4am is obviously the ideal time for the world to hear their bedroom activities… normally bickering over trivial matters. Natassia Tang, UCLan

Get a room: Living with a coupley couple can be awkward PICTURE: FLICKR

head-over-heels for someone. Sometimes it’s better to keep your cool and just have a laugh with them.

5. Communicate: If their relationship is making you uncomfortable or they’re distracting you from your

work, make sure you talk to them or to someone you can trust, such as a residential mentor. Olivia Clark

I LIVED with a girl whose boyfriend visited so frequently he should really have paid rent (or at least offered us some beer). Instead of cosying up on the sofa, they insisted on spending every minute together... cooking. I’m talking MasterCheflevel cooking, with huge carving knives and meat mallets. They took up the entire kitchen, chose really awkward times to cook and left heaps of washing up for us while they indulged in their Michelin-standard cuisine. And we didn’t even get a nice meal out of it. Mollie Carberry, University of Sheffield

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February 2015

yourSPACE

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

We uncover the spookiest student homes in the nation... with terrifying results

Homes with the wooooo factor

Spine-chilling: Students have reported ghostly sightings and strange sounds in their homes

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BUMP in the night, a creaking floorboard, a tap that drips no matter how many times you turn it off... Surely there is a logical explanation for what you just heard – or is there? I am convinced a ghost haunts my house in Leicester. I have called her Harriet, in the hope that will stop her from harming me. I think she lives in my attic – but, unfortunately, I don’t have a ladder to get in and reveal the truth. Sam Rose, a games WHEN viewing the house, we never asked what was in the room – we were only told not to go in there. On the top floor of our six-bedroom property is a battered doorframe, chipped and cracked, with thick, rusted double locks. It was through collective fear that, on hearing a shrieking female voice, we did the unthinkable. With a little manual labour, we managed to wrench the door open. Among the rubbish that filled the room, there were some interesting photos, along with letters from a past generation. We fixed the door – but every now and then we hear that same blood-curdling shriek and can’t explain why. Tom Bean, Bath

programming student at De Montfort University, has also had an unwelcome guest. He says: ‘The front door was being knocked on but no-one was ever there. We stood by the door and waited for the noise and found no-one. It freaked the s*** out of one of my housemates.’ He says he

was so scared some nights, he would play movies constantly with the lights on until he could get to sleep. Unbelievers will say there is an explanation – but what if there isn’t? Hannah Louise Wilson, creative writing and journalism student, De Montfort University

‘MY FRIEND was talking and joking that there might be a ghost in our house,’ says one University of Strathclyde student who lives in a spooky 200-year-old property. ‘Then the lightbulbs in the chandelier above her popped and all the lights in the house went out.’ Things got even creepier in the haunted house after the friend went home, as the doors were opening and closing all night long. Zahra Faqir, Glasgow A HOUSE near Swansea’s city centre had a ghostly woman who stalked one room. She did no harm – but in this house there was a room that was never opened. It had always been locked and gave the students living there a weird vibe. Even more surprising is that, when the room was opened by the landlord, it was spotlessly clean. Another house nearby has experienced something similar. The housemates heard footsteps coming from above. One went outside, looked up and saw an unknown woman peeping through the bedroom window. Anupama Subramaniyam JAMES ARMSTON, 21, a Liverpool John Moores University student, rented a house that came with a rocking chair in the corner. He thought no more of it until, dead in the middle of the night, the residents of the Cretan Road house walked into the room to find the chair rocking back and forth as if someone had just stood up from it. Sophie Sear

I STARTED worrying about ghosts in Constantine Court after following a shadow into my bathroom. I’ve also seen lights flickering around my room. I didn’t believe it at first, so I recorded it on my phone. You can shrug it off but one thing’s for sure – these happenings seem to be a bit more than just a coincidence… Abigail Gillibrand, Manchester I BEGAN to notice things move places. We would also hear noises coming from rooms that were empty and locked. Then we were told that students had reported seeing a young girl. Apparently, a children’s hospital used to be where the accommodation is now. Emma Brooks, third-year media and communication student, BCU As told to Jakub Szweda

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yourSPACE

February 2015

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

Avoid a flap over a fill-in

Hunt down a housemate before it costs you dearly

Box clever to brighten your room

IF YOUR bedroom looks like a bomb site, you will probably find it difficult to get on with that important coursework. Keep it clutter-free with these top tips. Beautiful boxes: Pick up some quirky, patterned boxes that fit with your decor. They will also act as a good footrest when you’re studying. Out of sight: You’ve bought the new season’s fashion trends, only to realise your wardrobe is ready to burst. Store clothes in a suitcase and slide it under your bed. Hang it up: Dangle jewellery from hangers. Not only will this add a bit of colour to your room but it will remind

Neat solution: Stash junk in boxes to keep it tidy you to wear accessories you have forgotten about. Rack ‘em up: Get a shoe rack that hangs from a door and you won’t have to sacrifice

PICTURE: CHARLOTTE SEDDON

any footwear for space. Look high: Take advantage of dust-filled spaces by hiding junk on top of your wardrobe. Charlotte Seddon

OU’VE sorted who you’re living with, found a house and paid your deposit – then, out of nowhere, someone drops out, leaving you with a room to fill and bills looming. You need to get someone in as soon as possible but how are you going to do it? Here are a few steps you can take to make sure the house – and, more importantly, your bills – are shared by the right number of people. 1. Out and about: There’s no point hoping someone will come to you. Be proactive and ask people on your course. Sometimes students who live at home might want to move out in second or third year. 2. Spread the word: You could try advertising the room on your university’s noticeboards or website. Sometimes they have a

page where fellow students can advertise spare rooms. International students or people who start later in the year may be looking for a room for six months or under. It’s worth bearing this in mind if you want to get that room filled. 3. Get web smart: Websites such as student.spareroom.co.uk allow you to advertise your room, flat or house to potential tenants all over the country. It is designed specifically for students and allows you to advertise spare rooms based on your location or university campus. 4. Post it: Get on social media and post statuses and tweets with photos of the bedroom you need to fill. Get help from your friends by asking them to share your work. Gemma Sargent

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February 2015

wellFIT

Advice for a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape

Go online to get in shape

IKE CHANG, CT Fletcher, Furious Pete and the Hodgetwins may sound like obscure DJs – but they are part of a fast-growing breed of internet fitness gurus with a combined YouTube following of more than 6million. Health, fitness and workout channels have gained mass popularity as people turn to social media personalities for advice and motivation on training, diet and even the best gym apparel. Mike Chang, owner of the Six Pack Shortcuts YouTube channel, currently has more than 3million subscribers to his high-energy workout and weightlifting guide, which is thought to be one of the biggest workout channels. Online fitness coaches have the benefit of being accessible anywhere, thanks to smartphones. And, while apps and videos offer something magazines cannot, Men’s Health still boasts more than 13million readers worldwide. Anthony Gilmour

our pick of the YouTube work-outs

chosen by Samantha Coles

Blogilates

Subscribers: 1,894,736

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCg_gh_fppI

THE detail that sprightly host Cassey goes in to makes these pilates videos perfect for beginners. Along with working the abs, legs and arms, she also explains the principles of lateral breathing, posture and form, ensuring you get your technique right. The clips are 15 to 30 minutes long and vary in difficulty, so you can increase intensity as your confidence builds, while the energetic tracks will keep you moving. Cassey also offers sound advice on ‘cheap, clean eats’.

FitnessBlender

Subscribers: 1,712,910

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-5VTmZYDko

MOST of these workouts, created by friendly husband and wife duo Daniel and Kelli, need no equipment. If weights are required, they will suggest a household alternative – and even perform one routine lifting their puppy. With more than 300 videos ranging from four minutes to half-an-hour and more uploaded every week, you can mix it up and find something to fit every schedule and ability level. The pair also offer meal plans and nutrition advice, and post FAQ videos.

BodyRock

Subscribers: 851,909

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjU6NVAyvs0

IF YOU’RE a fan of high-intensity impact training or have a hectic schedule, BodyRock is ideal. Offering a wide range of vids featuring some of the more unusual moves, instructor Lisa-Marie will have you sweating in less than 15 minutes. If her impressive physique isn’t motivation enough, the channel has a great community, with ‘BodyRockers’ sharing their before and after pictures. The real-time daily workouts make you feel like you’re all in it together.

February 2015

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sportNEWS

Sam plays a captain’s role in new Irish tie-up JOHN SHAW WALES and Ireland may be fierce rivals on the rugby pitch but they have been pulled together by British Lions rugby captain Sam Warburton. Warburton is at the forefront of a new collaboration in learning that binds online expertise with top-notch offline facilities. The University of South Wales and Setanta College in Ireland, one of the lead-

ing education providers in the field of strength and conditioning, have designed two new courses that take advantage of the superb facilities, experience and internet resources both institutions have to offer. Warburton is currently studying for a qualification in strength and conditioning with Setanta College but now has the best of both worlds as he can continue to learn online, or attend lectures given by USW’s

Hoping to get a kick out of varsity

Hard graft: Sam Warburton is launching a new Wales–Ireland collaboration and Setanta’s internationally respected academic staff in Wales. ‘The information from Setanta College is online every week and includes video tutorials and online assignments,’

PART OF A SPORTS TEAM? Get a write-up in this month’s paper.

Contact: editor@unipaper.co.uk

he said. ‘During the week, I may be chock-a-block with rugby but I may have a day off on Sunday and I have a study day to catch up. Some material will be delivered in the gym or

the lab so, for me, it’s the perfect combination.’ Both institutions can also develop their contacts within major sports organisations around the world.

Mica aims big after rival, 16, steals glory SPRINT star Mica Moore smashed her personal best... but saw hopes of further glory snatched by a teenage team-mate. The Cardiff Met student clocked an impressive 7.5 seconds as she landed the women’s senior 60m at the Cardiff Met and Welsh Athletics New Year Classic Grand Prix. But at the Welsh Indoor Championships two weeks later, she found herself outdone by 16-yearold Hannah Brier, who was with Moore in the team which set a new 4x100m Welsh relay record at last summer’s Commonweath Games. Brier set

a new under-20 Welsh record in the semi-final to set up a clash with Moore, who has been studying sport and education for four years at Cardiff Met. But Brier then lowered the record to 7.41 to claim victory and leave Moore, 22, to settle for silver. The Cardiff Met athlete of the year said she was pleased with the outcome but was now focusing on the BUCS Nationals being held in Sheffield. Moore, who has never won gold at the event, said: ‘It will be tough because there are some really good sprinters there but I have started the season well so I have to aim big.’

IT’S just weeks until the biggest sporting clash of the Welsh calendar as Cardiff University goes head-to-head with its rival in Swansea. This year’s varsity will see the debut of some niche sports, such as ultimate frisbee and kickboxing. Often typecast as a glorified exercise class, kickboxing is looking to make a real impact at varsity. Hazman Hadian, president of the Cardiff club, said: ‘It will be our first time, so anything can happen. We hope to leave a good mark for the club. ‘Preparing for varsity requires a completely different view to training, with a mentality focused on the fight rather than attaining graded beltings, which the club previously emphasised. ‘The mixed-sex squad are training tirelessly at both technique and fitness to be ready to fight against the Swansea team.’ Tickets for Welsh Varsity are on sale now. It will be held in Swansea for the first time in five years.

Scholarships up to £1,000 AN enhanced scholarship programme is now being offered to Cardiff Met’s most accomplished sports stars. More grants than ever are being handed out this year, with young athletes getting awards of up to £1,000 towards their training and transportation costs. Many of those selected will also benefit from universityfunded private medical insurance, which is worth in the region of £300, as well as free gym membership. Some 15 different sports are covered.

www.unipaper.co.uk

February 2015

sportNEWS

Archers strike the gold Blinding Suns win nets first trophy ASHLEA CAROL HILTON-WILLIAMS THE Cardiff Met Archers lifted their first-ever cup title with a victory over the Sevenoaks Suns. The women’s basketball team secured a 74-63 win at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield to secure the National Cup. Player/coach Stef Collins said: ‘We were absolutely thrilled to hear that final horn. We performed well in the games leading up to the final which gave us great momentum and confidence when facing Sevenoaks. ‘We have sharpened our skills in recognising our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, often highlighting their primary threats offensively and executing a game plan that limits their production. ‘Overall, I would say the biggest impact for us is our ability to score and create for each other. We know what it takes to perform at our best and the consistency that is

involved over the course of a game and the season.’ Cardiff took a narrow 19-12 lead into the second quarter but by half-time, Sevenoaks had reduced the gap to 33-31. The Archers kept their opponents at bay, with the score at 52-48 going into the final quarter, holding on to win the match. Hungarian Judit Fritz won most valuable player after netting an impressive 24 points – with her family from her home country there to watch her in action. Lucy Power, director of basketball at Cardiff Met, said: ‘It’s a real achievement to win the final of the biggest cup competition for women’s basketball in the UK. ‘There was a great atmosphere and it was fantastic to see so many of our Archers family supporting us in Sheffield and making the day a real club event. Looking at the names on the cup and the calibre of teams who have previously won, it makes it extra special.’ ‘Our team performance,

Smooth moves: Cardiff Met Archers player/coach Stef Collins, right, dodges an opponent on the court experience and fitness was a key factor in the win, and we have to thank Cardiff Met Sport for their support and the students’ union for all the help they’ve given enabling us to train at this level.’ The victory also saw Great Britain guard Collins named Molten WBBL coach of the month for January for the first time.

Take a bow... Emily breaks BUCS record

On target: Emily Williams

ARCHER Emily Williams posted a BUCS record score to retain her ladies longbow title at the indoor championships. The University of South Wales sports scholar scored 439 – with 60 hits and six golds – during the tournament at the Telford International Centre. She held off Helen Woodcock, from the University of Central Lancashire, who scored 356. There was also joy for the USW Newport golf team, who sealed the BUCS Premier South title

with a commanding 4.5-1.5 win over Buckinghamshire New University in their penultimate game. Captain Theo Baker secured a 5-4 win over his opponent, while USW’s Oliver Mottram won his match 4-3. Baker said: ‘The hard work over the past couple of years from everybody involved with the golf school has been rewarded with this BUCS title. ‘We aim to take our fantastic team spirit and work ethic into the remaining competitions to build on our recent success.’

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