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February 2015

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SIMON AMSTELL: HOW I DEALT WITH PROBLEMS OF BEING A HUMAN BEING

HUNTING FOR A POT OF GOLD REBECCA THOMAS BIG-NAME developers and money men are eyeing up Swansea for a £500million city centre revamp. They are being invited to invest after a blueprint, including a major waterside redevelopment on the site of the Civic Centre and a business district featuring hi-tech start-ups working with the city’s two universities, was agreed. The plans – which also include a new complex of of�ices, housing and retail at the St David’s shop-

ping centre and hailed by councillors as the best chance for revitalising Swansea in a generation – will be showcased to potential investors in London this month. Most students in the city welcomed the plans. History and English undergrad Ben Waldron said: ‘The redevelopment of Swansea’s city centre is long overdue, especially when you compare it to other cities in the south-west, such as Cardiff and Bristol.’ However, others believe the money could be better spent else-

where. Laura Phillips, a sociology, English and religious studies student at Neath College, has applied to go to university in September. She said: ‘I think they are wasting money on the wrong things and forgetting about serious matters, such as the homelessness.’ Central to the plans is the sale of the Civic Centre, the redevelopment of St David’s and the multi-storey car park and the demolition of much of The Kingsway district. The Central Library and archive service – currently in the Civic Cen-

tre – will also be found a new home in the city centre, and a joint project with Swansea’s universities for the archives is being explored. Also part of the proposals is the redevelopment of High Street and a major development of student �lats and shops on the site of the nearby Mariner Street car park. The report also recommends that the Parc Tawe site be redeveloped as a new residential quarter, and that the Mansel Street and Alexandra Road area should become an area for ‘city living,

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working and learning’. City council leader Rob Stewart said: ‘The people of Swansea... have waited many years for the city centre they want. ‘The city centre’s importance can’t be overstated – it’s a major economic driver for our region, which stretches all the way from Neath Port Talbot to Pembrokeshire. ‘We want to develop a thriving, vibrant and viable city centre. ‘We need to create a city centre that operates 24 hours a day. The

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PICTURE: RAINBOW OVER SWANSEA BY JO EVANS/FLICKR

Students welcome city revamp... now to ﬁnd the £500m to fund it

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February 2015

Brilliant or a pub killer? Your take ‘IT’S a brilliant concept. The only thing that I can fault with it is how will a bartender or landlord know when someone has had ‘‘too much’’ if there’s no face-to-face contact anymore?’ Emily Swiss, second-year law student, Swansea ‘It’s great because I drink beer but, for my girlfriend, it’s limited because she doesn’t drink beer and doesn’t like the idea of setting up a bar tab. We’re 50-50 towards the idea.’ Matthew Bourne, aerospace engineer apprentice student

Mine’s a pint: Students and punters with landlord Mark Lingwood, centre, in front of the seven-tap, self-serve beer wall

iDrink therefore iPad REBECCA THOMAS BRITAIN’S first self-serve, iPad-powered pub is proving a big hit with students. The Westbourne in Swansea opened late last year and is garnering national attention, having recently featured on BBC’s The One Show. There are four tables which have iPads fixed to them, allowing punters to choose a pint from one of two beer taps, or order other drinks and snacks from the bar, which are brought over to them. Student drinkers say the con-

Self-serve pub is a hit but will it kill bar jobs? cept is brilliant – although some can see a few pitfalls. Katie Hutchinson, an Egyptology student at Swansea University, said: ‘I think this is a great idea. Whereas usually half of your night would be spent at the bar queuing, you can now spend more time socialising.’ Taylor Pearce, who studies economics, said the student in him recognised the benefits.

But he added: ‘The economics side of me would say that if it became popular, it would have a negative effect on employment – there’s no need to replace bar staff! It needs regulating by staff who can see when people have had too much.’ The idea was the brainchild of landlord Mark Lingwood who invested £20,000 in the technology from the Robot Pub Group. Line them up: An iPad fixed to a beer table

‘It’s probably way quicker and easier from a customer perspective but the landlord might find difficulty, especially with underage drinking, as there would be no way of IDing and telling if someone’s had too much to drink.’ Rachel Edwards, secondyear law student, Swansea ‘I have a few concerns, one of which is the possibility of less techsavvy individuals struggling to use the system. Some regulars may feel the old-fashioned ‘‘pub experience’’ is being ruined by technology.’ Ross Smith, computer science student, Swansea ‘Entrusting the pouring of alcohol in the hands of increasingly drunken students is inefficient and would require regulation.’ Loren Pearce, French student, Swansea

February 2015

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Green exams are passed with flying colours JOHN SHAW GREEN teams from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea universities are celebrating after passing their eco exams. Both received first-class rankings in People and Planet’s assessment of sustainability at 151 higher education institutions across the UK. UWTSD came top in Wales and eighth nationwide, scoring 100 per cent for its environmental staff and 90 per cent for its sustainable food. It marks a vast improvement on the previous year, when it came 113th and was given a third-class rating. Dr Jane Davidson, associate pro vice-chancellor for sus-

tainability and engagement at UWTSD, said: ‘We care about sustainability – although delivering it has meant a fundamental review of what we do and how we do it across the university: its culture, campuses, curricula and communities. ‘We believe that universities should actively ensure their graduates become responsible citizens and creative problem solvers that the uncertain world we live in demands, so we reflected this in our strategic plan.’ Meanwhile, Swansea University came 21st in the UK and third in Wales. It scored full marks in areas including environmental policy, environmental staff and

education. Dr Heidi Smith, sustainability manager at Swansea University, said: ‘Staff, students and friends of the university have worked hard again this year to support our social and environmental projects. ‘This is reflected in our top 30 position in the table.’ Hannah Smith, spokeswoman for People and Planet, said: ‘The progressive universities at the top of our league are proving their ability to change their impact on communities and the wider world. ‘These are the universities equipping their graduates with the skills they need to tackle the threats of climate change and global inequality.’

BACK FROM THE USA: With their Hollywood smiles, these University of Wales Trinity Saint David students look to have picked up a few tricks in the US, where they spent a semester studying for life on the stage. The acting and design and production undergraduates went to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the California State University in Fullerton to learn their trade

contactLIST Email us at swanseaeditor@unipaper.co.uk EDITOR: REBECCA THOMAS For all editorial enquires please contact: swanseaeditor@unipaper.co.uk For all advertising enquiries please call: 020 7580 6419

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February 2015

Shocking death picture is a winner for Amy NO, IT’S not a printing mistake – the image to the right is meant to look like a blurry splodge, in a bid to hide its gruesome content... The grim picture, by recent University of Wales Trinity Saint David graduate Amy Edwards, shows the lifeless body of a man who was found hanging from a bridge in Mexico. Macabre, maybe – but the image, called What A Wonderful World, has seen leading art experts name the �ine art graduate as the British Council Wales International Young Artist of 2014. Amy said: ‘While stumbling upon the original image on the internet, I was not shocked, sickened or sad but very intrigued. It

Cinema plan is ‘stupid’ from p1

Frightful scene: Amy Edwards, inset, won an award for What A Wonderful World made me think about the deceased human, which can now be viewed by anyone at a click of a button. However, I had speci�ically chosen to

censor it because it is far too upsetting to show the original image in real life.’ Entrants to the competition were challenged to interpret

Niggly Nigel is placed on email watch JOSEPH CHARPENTIER THE outspoken school of management dean at Swansea University will have his emails to students screened after angering postgraduates. The measure was introduced after Prof Nigel Piercy upset 11 economics students by moving their of�ices from the Richard Price Building. They were going to be relocated and given a different schedule after expressing dissatisfaction with the facilities – but Prof Piercy later said it was �ine for them to stay, according to Times Higher Education. It also reported that Prof Piercy’s emails to students would now be signed off by

Under scrutiny: Prof Nigel Piercy education of�icer Ilana Cohen and Raymond Ciborowski, the university’s registrar. Prof Piercy’s reign has been littered with controversy. Students’ union of�icers said that, at its worst, they received up to 20 complaints a day over how the school was run. A petition, launched by Ms Cohen, has garnered more

than 1,000 signatures calling on Swansea University ‘to listen and act on student concerns regarding the recent events at the school of management.’ It adds: ‘Students at Swansea University have serious concerns regarding the negative pro�ile of the school of management in the local and national press. We are worried that the school and university’s reputation has been damaged and this will negatively impact on the value of our degrees.’ Swansea declined to comment on the emails but said: ‘A new management team, led by Prof Nigel Piercy has been leading a programme of change and innovation in the school of management.’

the work of Dylan Thomas. Amy, right, used his 1933 poem, And Death Shall Have No Dominion, as the inspiration for her work.

night-time offering needs to be rebalanced so that families can enjoy a night out in the city centre.’ The vision of the future has been broadly welcomed by students. Danielle Joyce, criminology and criminal justice student at Swansea Uni, said: ‘I think the city centre needs to be done up in order to compete with Cardiff as that is where most of the money is being spent.’ And Ross Smith, who is studying computer science at Swansea, added: ‘Expanding on the current quadrant shopping centre would be a great idea. Building a new shopping centre as well as a new cinema is stupid as we already have a cinema and shopping centre that are very welllocated in the city.’

February 2015

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We’re driven to distraction by this M4 go-slow REBECCA THOMAS STUDENTS say new traffic cameras installed on the gateway to Swansea are just making life more difficult and are failing to slow drivers down. More than 500 motorists were caught in the five days after the average speed enforcement cameras on the M4 at Port Talbot went live at the beginning of January. The 50mph zone covers a two-mile stretch of the motorway – one of the busiest arteries into and out of Swansea. Sadie Rogers, a second-year student at the University of Wales Trinity St David, travels in every day from her home in Abertillery and believes the speed cameras will have a big

been introduced and I worry about the serious action that is going to be taken in 2015. ‘This will affect me if I’m running late and need to drive that little bit faster. I don’t want to get fined for going 5mph over the speed limit – which I will when I get to this section.’ Hannah Trigg, a student nurse at Swansea University, also had concerns about the effect of the traffic calming measure. ‘Although I know that enforcement is there for the right reasons, I can’t afford to be stuck in traffic and waste petrol through rinsing by slow-moving traffic,’ she said. A pilot scheme carried out before Christmas caught 700 drivers a day breaking the speed limit on that section of the M4.

Red lights: Spell danger impact on how long it takes her to get to university. She said: ‘It takes me an hour to an hour-and-a-half to get to uni, which isn’t too bad. However, I have noticed a difference since the traffic cameras have

Foot off the gas: Keeping a wary eye on the speedo in the enforcement zone

Minister lauds £450m Bay development

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SWANSEA University bosses have given a first-hand update on the £450million Bay Campus project to a senior government minister. Vice-chancellor Prof Richard Davies and provice-chancellor Prof Iwan Davies, who is leading on the development and delivery of the science and innovation complex, gave Welsh secretary Stephen Crabb a full briefing on the work so far. Mr Crabb, right, said the campus was a clear demonstration of the university’s determination to compete on an international stage. ‘We

know that success in the 21st century belongs to those economies that can harness innovation and knowledge,’ he said. ‘World-class universities are vital for achieving that.’ The campus is on course to be open to students in September. Prof Davies added: ‘The Bay Campus development, as well as new developments and refurbishments on our Singleton Campus, will allow Swansea to make even greater strides in the future – bringing us significantly closer to realising our ambition of becoming a top 200 global university.’

Mining records to be digitised A GRANT of more than £18,000 will see the records of the South Wales Miners’ Federation digitised. The fund will enable the many hundreds of fragile records to be preserved. They cover a period from 1899 to 1934 and feature details of World War I, the 1926 General Strike and the Great Depression of the 1930s. One masters student in media and public relations said: ‘I think this is a fantastic project because it sheds light into a period which seems to have been marked by issues which are very present nowadays too.’ The digitisation will be carried out by the Richard Burton Archives at Swansea University. Anupama Subramaniyam

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Cab pay delay lifeline for stranded students ANUPAMA SUBRAMANIYAM FINDING yourself stranded after a night out with no money for a cab could become a thing of the past if a new service takes off. Swansea University students’ union has teamed up with taxi company Data Cabs to set up an emergency journey scheme. Under the Safe Taxi plan, stranded travellers can show their student card to the driver and the SU will pay their fare. They can then pay the union back the next day. The idea has had a mixed reception from students and cabbies alike. Second-year law student Yami Ng said: ‘It’s a good idea in order to ensure the safety of the students, especially on nights out.’ But Mashal Asif, a third-

year psychology student, voiced fears the service would make her careless with her cash. ‘Now that I am aware of the scheme, I may take it for granted and be less bothered about carrying enough money with me when I go out,’ she added. Data Cab driver Paul Hopkins said the scheme would be a good idea, although he added he had not heard about it from his bosses. ‘I’m hearing this for the first time,’ he said. ‘For me, whatever happens, I want to get our customers home safely. ‘If they don’t have enough money, I ask them for their address and pick up the money later.’ Asked if he thought students would be tempted to abuse the service, he said: ‘Only once I haven’t received money

February 2015

inBRIEF See the world in a new way THE ways people with autism find friends and make sense of the world will be explored in a talk at Swansea University’s college of medicine on February 5. MSc student Rhys Jenkins will speak about the condition, which affects how people communicate. Free tickets are available at www. eventbrite.co.uk.

Polishing up on metal skills

Free ride: Data Cabs in Swansea is taking part in the students’ union Safe Taxi initiative PICTURE: SUNDEEP CHEVOUR for a job, so I don’t think there will be a misuse. ‘Of course, if a customer uses the scheme often, we will have to look into the matter.’ SUSU warned on its Face-

TEN MINUTES TO HAVE A SAY

FILLING in a survey may not be high on everyone’s list of priorities when there are essays to hand in – but illustration student Laura Lettinga, of Trinity St David, hopes her poster will encourage others to do the National Student Survey. Her design won a nationwide competition. Posters will be printed in bilingual and Englishonly versions. The survey is online at www. thestudent survey.com.

book page students should not routinely rely on the scheme, adding: ‘We must stress this is an emergency service and usage will be monitored.’

A TRAINING project aimed at reviving skills in Wales is up for an award. Swansea University’s college of engineering has been shortlisted for a Semta Skills award after running courses in metalwork for Tata Steel workers in a bid to fill a knowledge gap in the country. Winners will be announced on February 24.

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!

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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 2 Bombtastic Mondays, Yates’s, free Mega Monday!, Revolution Monday Ting, Kon Tiki, free

tuesday, feb 3 Happy Hour, Revolution, free Karaoke Night, Pop World, free Tight Ass Tuesdays, Divas, £2 Open Mic Night, JC’s, free

tuesday, feb 10

wednesday, feb 11 Quids In, Yates’s, £2 We Love #Wednesdays, Lava Lounge, free Biggest Student Night, Revolution Wednesday Night Madness, Jack Murphys 4 Play, Idols, £3 Play On Wednesdays, Fiction, free Poundabout Wednesdays, Walkabout

Happy Hour, Revolution, free Karaoke Night, Pop World, free Tight Ass Tuesdays, Divas, £2 Open Mic Night, JC’s, free

wednesday, feb 18 Quids In, Yates’s, £2 We Love #Wednesdays, Lava Lounge, free Biggest Student Night, Revolution Wednesday Night Madness, Jack Murphys 4 Play, Idols, £3 Play On Wednesdays, Fiction, free Poundabout Wednesdays, Walkabout

thursday, feb 26 Sin Savers, Sin City, £3 Karaoke, Yates’s, free THEATRE: The Woman in Black – Live Theatre Experience, Swansea Grand Theatre (until February 28) from £13

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thursday, feb 19 Sin Savers, Sin City, £3 Karaoke, Yates’s, free

friday, feb 27 Friday Sessions, CoCo Bar, free UV Fridays, Idols, free Lava Fridays, Lava Lounge, free Monsters of Rock, Sin City, free Fiction Fridays, Fiction, free before 10pm/£4 Tooters, Divas, £3 Aloha Fridays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3

wednesday, feb 4 Quids In, Yates’s, £2 We Love #Wednesdays, Lava Lounge, free Biggest Student Night, Revolution Wednesday Night Madness, Jack Murphys 4 Play, Idols, £3 Play On Wednesdays, Fiction, free Poundabout Wednesdays, Walkabout

thursday, feb 12 Sin Savers, Sin City, £3 Karaoke, Yates’s, free LIVE MUSIC: Sworn Amongst and Born of the Jackall plus support, Static Rock Bar, £5

friday, feb 20 Friday Sessions, CoCo Bar, free UV Fridays, Idols, free Lava Fridays, Lava Lounge, free Monsters of Rock, Sin City, free Fiction Fridays, Fiction, free before 10pm/£4 Tooters, Divas, £3 Aloha Fridays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3

saturday, feb 28 Sink Swansea, Sin City, £3 Big Night Out, Idols, £3 Saturday Sessions, Walkabout, free Saturdays at Fiction, Fiction, £5

thursday, feb 5 Sin Savers, Sin City, £3 Karaoke, Yates’s, free

friday, feb 13 Friday Sessions, CoCo Bar, free UV Fridays, Idols, free Lava Fridays, Lava Lounge, free Monsters of Rock, Sin City, free Fiction Fridays, Fiction, free before 10pm/£4 Tooters, Divas, £3 Aloha Fridays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3

saturday, feb 21 Sink Swansea, Sin City, £3 Big Night Out, Idols, £3 Saturday Sessions, Walkabout, free Saturdays at Fiction, Fiction, £5

sunday, march 1 Pub Quiz Night, JC’s, free Rimto Latino Sundays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3 Student Sundays Live, Lava Lounge, free

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February 2015

clubbingCALENDAR friday, feb 6 Friday Sessions, CoCo Bar, free UV Fridays, Idols, free Lava Fridays, Lava Lounge, free Monsters of Rock, Sin City, free Fiction Fridays, Fiction, free before 10pm/£4 Tooters, Divas, £3 Aloha Fridays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3

saturday, feb 14 Sink Swansea, Sin City, £3 Big Night Out, Idols, £3 Saturday Sessions, Walkabout, free Saturdays at Fiction, Fiction, £5

sunday, feb 22 Pub Quiz Night, JC’s, free Rimto Latino Sundays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3 Student Sundays Live, Lava Lounge, free

monday, mar 2 Bombtastic Mondays, Yates’s, free Mega Monday!, Revolution Monday Ting, Kon Tiki, free

saturday, feb 7 Sink Swansea, Sin City, £3 Big Night Out, Idols, £3 Saturday Sessions, Walkabout, free Saturdays at Fiction, Fiction, £5

sunday, feb 15 Pub Quiz Night, JC’s, free Rimto Latino Sundays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3 Student Sundays Live, Lava Lounge, free

sunday, feb 8 Pub Quiz Night, JC’s, free Rimto Latino Sundays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3 Student Sundays Live, Lava Lounge, free

monday, feb 16

Bombtastic Mondays, Yates’s, free Mega Monday!, Revolution Monday Ting, Kon Tiki, free

SPORT: Six Nations rugby screening – Scotland v Wales, Castle Square, 3pm

monday, feb 23 Bombtastic Mondays, Yates’s, free Mega Monday!, Revolution Monday Ting, Kon Tiki, free

tuesday, mar 3 Happy Hour, Revolution, free Karaoke Night, Pop World, free Tight Ass Tuesdays, Divas, £2 Open Mic Night, JC’s, free

tuesday, feb 24 Happy Hour, Revolution, free Karaoke Night, Pop World, free Tight Ass Tuesdays, Divas, £2 Open Mic Night, JC’s, free

wednesday, mar 4 Quids In, Yates’s, £2 We Love #Wednesdays, Lava Lounge, free Biggest Student Night, Revolution Wednesday Night Madness, Jack Murphys 4 Play, Idols, £3 Play On Wednesdays, Fiction, free Poundabout Wednesdays, Walkabout

monday, feb 9 Bombtastic Mondays, Yates’s, free Mega Monday!, Revolution Monday Ting, Kon Tiki, free

tuesday, feb 17 Happy Hour, Revolution, free Karaoke Night, Pop World, free Tight Ass Tuesdays, Divas, £2 Open Mic Night, JC’s, free

wednesday, feb 25 Quids In, Yates’s, £2 We Love #Wednesdays, Lava Lounge, free Biggest Student Night, Revolution Wednesday Night Madness, Jack Murphys 4 Play, Idols, £3 Play On Wednesdays, Fiction, free Poundabout Wednesdays, Walkabout

friday, mar 5 Friday Sessions, CoCo Bar, free UV Fridays, Idols, free Lava Fridays, Lava Lounge, free Monsters of Rock, Sin City, free Fiction Fridays, Fiction, free before 10pm/£4 Tooters, Divas, £3 Aloha Fridays, Bambu Beach Bar, £3

February 2015

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what’sON

I can be in the zone, absorbed in the music...

For the full version of this interview, log on to unipaper.co.uk

Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor was just 11 when he was crowned BBC Young Musician Of The Year. Now 22, he tells REBECCA THOMAS about regretting giving up the cello and how being on stage can be uncomfortable When did you �irst begin to play the piano? My mother is a piano teacher and she started me on the instrument when I was �ive. I don’t think I had any particularly strong interest in it at �irst. She wanted all her children to learn instruments and that was the one that I chose. What does it feel like when you play the piano? A dif�icult question! I suppose it depends on the situation in

DO YOU

which one is playing. Playing alone is very different to playing to an audience, when the adrenaline is �lowing. Sometimes it can feel quite uncomfortable on stage, and I can feel rather removed from the music I am playing. At other times, I can be in the zone, absorbed in it and nothing else and that can be quite an experience. Do you play any other instruments or any other

In the spotlight: Benjamin Grosvenor has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame and is collaborating with Thomas Søndergård styles of music on the piano? I gave up the cello at the age of 11 and I do regret that now. I have also played a number of jazz pieces over the years, although I can’t improvise myself. How do you gear your

KNOW

THE INSIDE

T R AC K O N

CAMPUS?

style of music so it interests students and young people? Promoters and orchestras try various inventive things to connect with a younger audience but I’m not sure one can gear the style of music itself. Beethoven is

Beethoven. Although classical music is never going to be for everyone – no style of music is – I think it does suffer from some misconceptions. What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a career in music?

I’d say that through all the hard work and toil, one should try not to lose sight of why one is passionate about music. n Benjamin performs with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on February 4 in Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.

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 lookout 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 at: editor@unipaper.co.uk

www.unipaper.co.uk

February 2015

what’sON

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

I knew you’d ask that Magician gets inside your mind

Are you up for a Narstie surprise?

SWANSEA is steeling itself to welcome some of the biggest names on the British grime scene. Big Narstie, the charismatic MC from Brixton, south London, is joined by east London crew Newham Generals, famous for their singles Frontline, Hard and Like It Or Not. Also on the bill is DJ Magic (most popular for releasing one of grime’s most anticipated mixtapes, No Hoods No Hats Edition 1) at Sin City. You can buy your ticket online on the Swansea University students’ union page. Entry £10 and doors open at 10pm on February 21. Antoniya Gerimpapazi

Magic has come a long way since the days of Paul Daniels. The likes Dynamo and Derren Brown have made it trendy again. REBECCA THOMAS tries to learn the secrets of mind-reading from Alex McAleer, one of the Champions Of Magic... Tell me a bit about the magic company... There are five of us. Edward Hilsum, he’s the sort of manipulation magician, and uses things such as doves, where they appear out of nowhere. Then we have Fay Presto, who is a ‘close-up’ magician. Young & Strange are grand illusionists – the type of magicians who do the crazy, insane things – and then there’s me, the mind-reader. What does your magic entail? What I do is mindreading – however, I’m not psychic! Think Derren Brown. So what elements of psychology are involved in your magic? I put ideas in people’s heads and it’s presented as where I can look at someone and read their mind, knowing everything about them and persuade them to do certain things. Have you got any embarrassing stories involving a student? There was a bit where I got people

Now that’s magic...: Illusionists Richard Young (l) and Sam Strange feature as part of the Champions Of Magic show to think about facts or secrets about themselves. And there was one student, from Swansea University. Basically, her fact was that she was on holiday. While on stage, she blushed and I think she knew I was about to guess something embarrassing. The end of the story was that, basically, she pooed in the sea. So, how did you get into the field of mind-reading? Most kids get into magic when they are given a magic kit and that’s what happened to me. When I was about 13 or 14, I was quite into psychology and memory tricks, and I saw Derren Brown on television.

I thought, ‘Wow, that looks amazing! I want to do that.’ How does your magic act appeal to students? It’s the fun of secrets being revealed and I think students, in particular, really appeal to it. Are student minds the easiest to read? No, actually, because they are bit more sceptical and wise to it. Are you allowed to use it for your own personal gain? I would never do something like that – but I have been with my partner, Daisy, for nine years and people always assume I have persuaded her. n Champions Of Magic perform at Swansea Grand Theatre on February 13.

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A study in controlled horror SUSAN HILL’S acclaimed ghost story The Woman In Black comes to life in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation. Now celebrating 25 years in the West End, Robin Herford’s gripping production is a study in illusion and controlled horror. A lawyer obsessed with a curse he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman In Black engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story. It runs from February 23 to 28 at Swansea Grand Theatre.

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February 2015

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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.

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

www.unipaper.co.uk

theBEAT

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.

www.unipaper.co.uk

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 Swansea? We have all the pictures from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself.

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

Your chance to win fantastic tickets, trips and treats

Have a party on us! WIN

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Walk away with a real caffeine �ix

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ANCY dancing away on the party island of Mallorca by night before kicking back on a water park all day with a group of your best friends? All you need to do is grab three mates and some cheap �lights and we’ll provide you all with a four-star suite at BH Mallorca for �ive nights. You’ll get unlimited access to its water park, beach club and open-air festival gigs. With meals at buffet-style restaurants included, plus free wi�i, all you’ll need to worry about is which dancing shoes to bring...

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.

To enter, email your name, university and year of study to win@unipaper.co.uk

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

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

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

February 2015

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researchROUND-UP

Our flick through the most fascinating findings from universities around the country

What a melt... ice cap is vanishing from view ALARMING satellite pictures have uncovered the melting of an Arctic ice cap. The observations were made by a team of scientists from the University of Leeds who noted that, since 2012, the ice cap has thinned by more than 50m – about one sixth of its original thickness. The study also showed that over the past two decades, ice loss from the south-east

region of Austfonna, in the Svalbard archipelago, has increased significantly. There is evidence that the surrounding ocean temperature, which has increased in recent years, may have been the original trigger for the ice cap thinning. Melting ice caps and glaciers are responsible for about one third of recent global sea level rise.

Hang on, I feel I’ve read this before...

Thawing out: The red regions show where ice loss has taken place

PICTURE: CPOM/GRL

Losing streak? Blame it on your body clock

S NOTHING going right for your team? Every shot going wide? Every tackle a foul? Well, don’t call in the ringers just yet – it could be that the timing of the games is out of sync with your body clock, research shows. An athlete’s performance can vary by more than 26 per cent depending on what time of day it is, according to a University of Birmingham study. And early risers perform best in the afternoon, while night owls are at their best later at night, they say. Dr Roland Brandstaetter explained: ‘If a one per cent difference in performance can make the difference between first place and fourth place in a 100m race and actually winning you the gold medal at the Olympics, then imagine what a 26 per cent difference in your performance could give you. ‘Our research takes us away from the idea of “time of day of the race” and directs us to internal biological time.’ Dr Brandstaetter and co-author Elise Facer-Childs studied 20 sportspeople with different sleeping patterns, testing their cardiovascular

IF YOU feel as though you’ve already seen that TV programme, then you are probably watching Dave... But one unfortunate man had to stop watching telly, listening to the radio or reading newspapers after he started experiencing persistent déjà vu, stemming from anxiety. The 23-year-old said his episodes made him feel as though he was ‘trapped in a time loop’, according to a report from Dr Christine Wells, a psychology lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. ‘Rather than simply the unsettling feelings of familiarity, our subject complained that it felt like he was actually retrieving previous experiences from memory, not just finding them familiar,’ she said.

Praise fathers from the past FATHER’S Day may be ages away but dads from the 19th and 20th centuries deserve a pat on the back, say Leeds and Manchester historians. British fathers were more involved in their children’s lives than previously believed, their research showed. Dr Julie-Marie Strange, from the University of Manchester, addded: ‘Since the Victorian era, men seem to have been just as hands-on as they are today and equally as affectionate.’

Learning the tools to talk On the ball: The University of Birmingham’s Emily Defroand (l) and Holly Payne, who participated in the study PICTURE: ANDY SMITH endurance at different times of day. They found subjects who were early risers were best in the early afternoon, while those who slept later were at

the their best later at night – contradicting the previous belief that all athletes were better in the evening. It means managers or coaches who want to find

out an athlete’s personal best performance should consider a number of factors, including testing them at different times of the day. ‘Obtaining a personal best

performance is on everyone’s agenda – but how to do it? Now, that is a different question,’ Ms Facer-Childs added. John Shaw

Bored of the same old football shirts? Blame capitalism CASH looks to have another victim in football – the lairy kit. Although new shirts have become more frequent, their designs have become more traditional, analysis

of home kits since 1888 shows. Dr Chris Stride, a statistician from the University of Sheffield, put the trend down to plainer strips offering a less intrusive

background for sponsors. ‘Though most clubs now change their home shirt design every season, changes usually consist of just minor details

– small flashes, collar styles or trim. The innovation in football shirts has shifted from design to marketing tactics,’ he wrote in Sport In History.

CAVEMEN did more than just grunt and wave clubs at each other, it seems. Our early Stone Age ancestors had a more sophisticated language system than previously thought, according to researchers from the University of Liverpool. The team studied the way tools developed in the Oldowan period and how the techniques to make them could have been passed on. The increasingly complex nature of the tools means it is likely a proto-language was used, they found.

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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 �ind 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

oooo

BUMP in the night, a creaking �loorboard, 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

Sirens look to spell out success at nationals REBECCA THOMAS GIVE us an ‘S’, give us an ‘I’, give us an ‘R’, give us an ‘ENS’... Go, Sirens..! Swansea University’s elite cheerleading squad will be gunning for glory on the national stage. They will be among 65 societies representing universities the length and breadth of the nation taking part at the Future Cheer University Nationals, where they will

perform a series of dances, tumbles, stunts and jumps. ‘To stand out in the competition, we have to master moves some new girls haven’t done before, like tick-tocks, baskets, lib extensions and 360s,’ said Hannah Matthews, one of the Sirens. ‘We’re training three to five days a week for it. Our main rival is definitely the Cardiff cheer team!’ Each cheerleading team will be judged on how they

Streak over as Titans humbled

Standing tall: The Swansea Sirens are working on routines up to five times a week execute the four key disciplines and the difficulty of their routines. The all-girl society will be led by head coach Holly Poole along with the cheer captain, Emily Wilson. The cheerleading competition takes place in Birming-

ham on February 13. The Genting Arena can hold 9,500 spectators, and tickets are still available. The Swansea Sirens won the level-three all-girl stunt competition at the BCA University Nationals in Telford last year and came second in the level

four category, so will be confident they can perform well at Future Cheer. For more information about the competition and the society, visit www.swanseasirenscheerleading.com or see http://www.futurecheer.net/ university-nationals.

LIZ MADE A FELLOW

THE Swansea Titans saw their unbeaten run come to an end in heartbreaking fashion against unfancied Bristol Barracudas. The American football stars, who had gone a year without defeat, were undone by a late touchdown by the Barracudas, who ran out 26-22 winners. The Titans, who had won their four previous league games, remain in pole position to take the title. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Marcus Wyatt, who led Swansea University American Football team to the national title in 2014, has been selected to be part of an elite eight-strong athletics squad trying to emulate Lizzy Yarnold and win Olympic gold in the skeleton. Marcus was up against 1,000 other hopefuls as he fought his way through four gruelling rounds of assessment to reach the final stages of the Power2Podium British Skeleton talent search. ‘I learned a lot about myself at each phase we went through,’ he said.

8-1 win keeps up title push

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Important role: Liz Johnson receives her honour PARALYMPIC gold medalwinner Liz Johnson has been given an honorary fellowship by Swansea University. Swimmer Liz, 29, who trained and studied in the city, said: ‘Swansea University played

an important part on my road to sporting success and I loved my time there.’ The Newport-born athlete, who has cerebral palsy, won gold for Great Britain in the 100m breaststroke in Beijing in 2008.

SWANSEA’S women footballers handed out an 8-1 thumping to city rivals UWTSD as they maintained their title charge. The crushing victory means they sit top of their division, with six wins from six. There was some revenge in the hockey – where the UWTSD firsts drubbed Swansea III 7-0 – and in netball, where the UWTSD first team ran out 46-36 winners over Swansea III. Elsewhere, Swansea enjoyed a decent day in the latest round of BUCS matches, with victories over Cardiff for the men’s squash first team and women’s netball firsts. The men’s squash seconds, badminton seconds and hockey firsts were also among the winners.

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February 2015

sportNEWS

Under pressure: Swansea Medics can find no way through a resolute Birmingham defence as they crash out of the cup at the quarter-final stage

Medics are mauled in cup collapse HENRY EDWARDS IS there a doctor in the house? This team needs some serious resuscitation. Swansea Medics rugby team crashed out of the cup at the quarter-final stage after a numbing 28-0 away defeat at the hands of Birmingham. And, yet, it could have been such a different story. With the Swansea pack dominating the scrum, the visitors more than held their own for the first 20 minutes. But a more inventive and incisive Birmingham eventually took the lead after some impressive defence

in the Swansea half forced turnovers, and the boot of Sam Bourke took them 6 - 0 into the lead. Swansea gave up a try after a brilliant piece of work from Brum No.8 Will Blevins put winger Ben Rowlatt in over in the corner and they went in at the break 14-0 down. The second half was very much a repeat of the first. Swansea saw plenty of the ball as the pack continued to perform well but the backs lacked the speed and guile to break down a resolute Birmingham defence. The game turned on a period of Swansea dominance on the Birmingham

five-metre line. Despite bossing the scrum and breakdown, they were somehow unable to convert that pressure into points owing to a great turnover by prop Jake Thompson. Calls for a penalty try fell on deaf ears. Inevitably, the game became more open as Swansea fought to get back into it, which only played into Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands. The home side scored two more converted tries, through Tom Wright and James Wright, to run out comfortable winners and book their place in the semi-finals for the fifth year in a row.

Our thanks for use of these images to PETER SAXON. For more images, visit his website at yellowdogphoto.com

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