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Students tell Aston what to do with £200,000 donation from oil boss

SLICK YOUR MONEY! Blaze: Tankers ﬁght the burning oil, which ﬂowed for 87 days

ASTON University is facing a student backlash for accepting £200,000 from an oil boss who was at the heart of the world’s worst marine spill. Alumnus Tony Hayward, who was in charge of BP in 2010 when an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 people,

PICTURE: US COAST GUARD

made the donation to fund scholarships for poorer students. But students have called on the university to reject his money, saying it would be immoral to accept it. One of them, Jack Lavelle, said: ‘We don’t need help from this awful man. We’re a well-funded university anyway.

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January 2015

Crumbs, it’s Christmas SOPHIE HACK

‘Feast’ was biccies and pack of salami

CHRISTMAS dinner is arguably the most important meal of the year – so when Richard Davies had to stay in halls over the fes tive period, he was under standably gutted. But the University of Birmingham undergrad uate was cheered to see that rescue was on the way... or so he thought. To celebrate the season of goodwill, Unite Students Curzon Gateway offered its residents free food and drinks and even put up posters showing a table laden with food. But, to his dismay, Rich ard arrived at the common room to find two plates of crackers and biscuits and a packet of 79p salami. ‘I was really impressed Tempting: It’s not a Christmas by Curzon Gateway being dinner but the food looks good so festive but was soon disappointed when I saw what closed for Christmas, so I didn’t have any dinner that day.’ was on offer,’ he said. In a bid to lift his spirits, ‘I hadn’t got any food in as I thought there would be a the 26yearold posted snaps buffet and the shops were on Facebook showing the

two meals side by side and invited his friends to spot the difference. The IT student had decided to miss out on Christmas with his family in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, to work over Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. But he said: ‘Christmas is my favourite time of the year and living in halls is really not festive at all.’ Unite Students area manager Phil Lewis said: ‘We hope we didn’t deflate anyone’s festive cheer. We wanted our students to enjoy it but there was never any suggestion it would be any thing more than light bites. ‘The feedback we had from all students was very positive, so we can only hope that if any one was disappointed they will accept our apologies and chalk it up to a mixup.’

Electronica devotees head up the Autobahn to Aston

Crackers: Unite Students’ festive offering was underwhelming PICTURES: RICHARD DAVIES

LONG before Clean Bandit, Rudimental and Sub Focus came Kraftwerk. Now, Aston University is paying tribute to the German masters of electronica, hosting the first international academic conference dedicated to them. Lifelong fan Dr Uwe Schutte, reader in German at Aston, is taking his homage to the early masters of beeps and

pings very seriously. He said: ‘To do justice to the manyfaceted aspects of their œuvre and their artistic identity, a pronounced interdisciplinary approach will provide the methodological framework to the conference. ‘Its goal is to attract papers not only from academics working in the areas of German studies, sociology,

or cultural studies, but also from scholars across the world in disciplines such as art history, philosophy and musicology.’ Talks on January 21 and 22 will discuss the 1970s band’s early years, its classic albums and its legacy beyond music. There will also be a speech from former Cabaret Voltaire vocalist Stephen Mallinder.

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Entry fee ‘goes against spirit of New Year party’ SABRINA DOUGALL IT’S supposed to be a celebration for everyone. But, from next year, Birmingham’s Chinese New Year revellers may have to pay for entry – angering Hannah Cotillon, vice-president of the University of Birmingham’s Chinese Society. She said: ‘Paying to visit the Chinese New Year celebrations is against the spirit of the whole event, in my opinion.’ She added that being inclusive was one of the de�ining aspects of the occasion. Its voluntary organisers, the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, may be forced to charge an entrance fee after

High cost: New Year bash the city council cut its usual £9,000 budget. Adults could face a £1 or £2 fee to cover the £20,000 running costs of the non-pro�it event. The council also usually provides marquees, barriers and security for the festival but the BCFC will now have to rely on increased donations

from its sponsors to replace the services. This year’s celebration will take place in the Arcadian Centre and in Hurst Street on February 22, with about 30,000 people expected to attend. There will be 30 market stalls that will extend up Inge Street after concerns of overcrowding last year. Children from the city’s three Chinese schools will also take part in a cultural dance on stage. The celebrations will close with a �ireworks display at 5.30pm. In previous years, performers have travelled from China to perform dragon dance displays, acrobatics and martial arts routines.

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LAID BARE: This image of sex workers from the 1960s lifts the lid on the hidden lives of prostitutes working in Balsall Heath. It was one of 3,000 taken by student Janet Mendelsohn and later recovered from her basement in Massachusetts. They have been donated to University of Birmingham’s Cadbury Research Library

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Rent trap forces us to ‘invade’ your suburb LAURA PEBERDAY STUDENTS are being caught in a ‘vicious circle’, forced to live in a suburb for its cheap rent – despite being told they are not welcome there. Selly Oak’s affordable housing and proximity to the University of Birmingham has made it a magnet for those living on a budget. But plans for another 2,000 student rooms were labelled ‘horrifying’ by councillor Karen McCarthy, who said: ‘We don’t want Selly Oak becoming the base for all five universities in the city.’ However, students argue sky-high rents in the city centre are forcing them out to the suburbs. Abi Hynes, who studies at Birmingham City University, said her rent dropped by more than £80 a month by moving to Selly Oak, where she pays £79 a week. ‘I lived in a private flat next to my city-centre campus in my first year at university,’ she explained. ‘I was paying way over £100 a week, which is ridicu-

lous.’ But others claimed the fears were justified. Third-year media and communications student Samie Kerr, 21, said: ‘I think it’s mad how a once-normal Birmingham town has been turned into a hub for students. ‘It makes me feel so guilty sometimes. You see mums having to push buggies between thrown-away pizzas and beer cans.’ Accommodation in Birmingham city centre is among the nation’s most expensive outside London. Private providers charge more than £130 a week for a single room in a shared flat, with prices expected to rise further over the coming year. Sophie Palmer, a third year at BCU, agreed cost was most people’s priority. ‘Commuting from Selly Oak every day is a ball-ache,’ she said. ‘However, I chose to live here because it was the cheapest option. ‘If private accommodation near other university campuses was cheaper, I would definitely live close by – and I think many others would,

too.’ Speech and language therapy student Grace Herrity added: ‘A lot of my friends live here because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. ‘It’s a vicious circle – the more students who live here, the more will be attracted to come.’

‘I don’t think it’s right for the university to accept the money.’ Miriam Wilson, from campaign network People And Planet, added: ‘Donations like this are part of a larger effort by fossil fuel companies to wash over the devastating effects their activities are having on our environment and climate.’ But others backed the offer. Ben McNulty, who also studies at Aston, said: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I would rather a guy like that be £200,000 worse off than someone respectable.’ Anam Khan added: ‘If he is helping out students, I personally don’t see the problem.’ The debate also

raged on national forum The Student Room, where one user wrote: ‘Every other sort of middle-class institution is happy to take money from people worse than Hayward.’ Dr Hayward, an Aston geography graduate who left BP with a £1million payout and £10million pension pot following the disaster, denied allegations he put cost-cutting before safety during a court hearing in 2013. But a US judge ruled in September last year that BP should take most of the blame for the spill, claiming it had acted recklessly. Dr Hayward, who now runs Anglo-Turkish oil company Genel Energy, claimed he had a personal motivation for wanting

to fund scholarships at Aston. ‘I come from quite an un-privileged background,’ he said. ‘I am from a family of seven kids. My parents didn’t have many pennies to rub together. Aston was a life-changing experience.’ The university’s executive director of campaigns, Andrew Harris, said it considered all donations before accepting them. ‘We are thrilled that our leading alumni like Dr Hayward are looking to direct their charitable support towards their alma mater,’ he added. ‘We look at all major contributions to assess whether they are given in the right spirit and whether we should be accepting of them.’

Cheap digs: Hubert Road in Selly Oak, which attracts many students for its affordable rents PICTURE: NEIL THEASBY

48-hour race to build game STUDENTS and gaming professionals will be given 48 hours to design the best computer games at Birmingham City University’s city centre campus. They will link up with 7,000 people across the world as part of the Global Game Jam event, co-organised by appmakers WewanaPlay, on January 23.

FANCY being the next Caitlin Moran or Owen Jones? The Birmingham Press Club is launching a new competition for student journalists, with the chance to win paid work experience. You can nominate yourself or a friend in one of 11 categories by January 23. Holly Barry

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Research ranking TO INFINIFLEA AND BEYOND... gives us an awful lot to smile about THIS will put a smile on everyone’s face – the University of Birmingham’s school of dentistry produces the nation’s best research into molars. The world-leading or internationally excellent standard of work allows academics to co-ordinate with global players, such as Unilever. The findings, from the Research Excellence Framework, also show 81 per cent of all research carried out at the UoB to be top-class. Vice-chancellor Prof Sir David Eastwood said: ‘The results put us among a handful of institutions that can demonstrate world-leading

n ASTON University has received worldleading and internationally excellent accreditation for nearly 80 per cent of its research in the REF study. Business studies, electrical and electronic engineering and computer science all received 100 per cent for research impact.

or internationally renowned research across such a broad range of subjects.’ Oliver Norgate

City University on the up

ALMOST two-thirds of the research carried out at Birmingham City University is world-leading or internationally excellent. That is an increase of 20 per cent on the previous REF report six years ago. ‘The results show the real-world impact of our research, emphasising that we are a practice-based university that actively contributes to society and the economy,’ said vicechancellor Cliff Allan. Umar Hassan

IT’S unlikely to put the frighteners on Sigourney Weaver but this see-through creature is the next beastie in space. The University of Birmingham is sending these water fleas to the International Space Station in June to test the effect of zero gravity. The experiment was

the idea of children at Aberdare High School, in Wales. Dr Kay Van Damme, from the UoB’s school of biosciences, said: ‘Water fleas are small, easy to manage, with short generation time, asexual reproduction under normal conditions.’ For the fleas, however, this is a one-way trip. Sukhvir Kullar

‘Stress-free’ uni route opened to 3,000 hopefuls MORE than 3,000 students will be offered unconditional places at the University of Birmingham in the next academic year – triple the number made available this term. The offers will cover more than 50 subjects and will most likely be awarded to those expected to get three As or more in their A-levels. An unconditional offer means a student has, in theory, a place regardless. If they fall short in their A2 exams, they will still be going to university come September. UoB ran a pilot scheme

AMINA SIDDIQI in 2012 where 1,000 offers were made over 12 courses. Maddy Davies benefited from the scheme. She achieved A*BB in her A-levels and is now reading theology and religion at the UoB. The offer settled her mind between Birmingham and Leeds. ‘I felt I had something to prove to the university – that I have the ability to work at a high standard, despite having the offer,’ she said. She said knowing she had an unconditional offer allevi-

ated some of the stress surrounding her final exams. Birmingham, Lancaster, Nottingham, Leicester, Sussex and Queen Mary, University of London, are some of the universities that are giving out unconditional offers to A2 students. But unconditional offers should not be seen as a shortcut to success, warned Maddy. ‘Opening exam results and seeing marks you did not want is still as disappointing, despite a university place,’ she said.

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January 2015

Fundraising students tackle Kilimanjaro for children’s charity

inBRIEF

£10m to fill the skills gap

A GROUP of intrepid Birmingham City University students are getting ready to climb to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, all in the name of charity. The students will be scaling the 19,340ft peak in Tanzania to

raise money for the Children’s Society. Challenge leader Jonathan Jones said: ‘The trek will provide people with a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to scale the world’s highest free-standing peak.’

SOPHIE HACK UNDER-fire nightspot Bar Risa has won a stay of execution after its alcohol licence was renewed. The Birmingham bar, which ran into trouble over an illfated ebola-themed Halloween night and was then the scene of a stabbing incident, was told it could stay open – but with 26 new conditions. However, students seem to have been put off by its recent bad publicity. Visual communications student Ayesha Brown said: ‘With

Baring it all to raise £22,000 TWELVE BCU societies have stripped to raise money for charity. They joined forces for a naked calendar aiming to raise £22,000 for Kids Adventure. They want to fund three week-long nonresidential holidays for disadvantaged children. The calendars will be available on all campuses this month. Jakub Szweda

so much competition on Broad Street, Risa really messed up with the ebola party. ‘It’s a decent venue but there are better and cheaper places to go to.’ And architectural technology student Rob Howard said: ‘They don’t seem bothered about who they let in. ‘They don’t profile people before they enter the club, which may be one of the reasons why they’ve had trouble lately.’ Fellow student Georgina Davies claimed she and her friends had been harassed by

A TEAM of Aston students have won a national virtual business competition. Adrian Walerowski, Jack Gibbons and Matthew Lukanoff generated a £27million profit on a turnover of £102million in the two-week Student SimChallenge. The trio hope to go into business together once they have graduated.

Complaints

Plagiarism Scrutiny: Risa’s Shipwreck Saturday is a popular event but the club will have to watch how it goes

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Attacked: Francesca was depressed for a week after the incident PICTURE: CRAIG LEIPNER

A STUDENT has spoken of her ordeal at being sexually assaulted in one of Edinburgh’s most popular hangouts. Francesca Penny, who is studying English at Napier University, was attacked in the early hours while celebrating a friend’s birthday at the Hive. The fourth-year student was dancing in the nightclub’s alternative room at the time. ‘It was pretty crowded so it wasn’t unusual for people pushing past in the crowd to accidentally touch you,’ said Francesca, who has waived her right to anonymity. ‘While dancing with a group of friends, I noticed a white male push past me, but he was far too close for my liking. He had his hand on the small of my back and was pushed in right against me.’ Francesca asked the man to leave her alone but his reaction made the situation

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have more mess. We and see the homes being behind the and more family (multiple who was against into HMOs student the Player, said she was not converted and a year for motion, the current occupancy houses) courses. but said ‘We pay £9,000 students doing our are going up. on any privilege of to suggest that we system was unfair. the students blocks a big loophole and making they will pass or It is time lodgers. the fear is, ‘It is people of It’s ridiculous cost to their OUGH ‘Either landlords the councillor, landlords a lot of money. additional student said: are somehow depriving ’ said nd. ALICE GOODEN should pay, tax in One 20-year-old Westmorela to have a debate.owners not being exempt money.’ bills of to pay council asset to students areand land- who represents are facing ‘If you have no council tax in ‘Why are the a valuable Full-time tax STUDENTS £2,000 a year after ‘Students are ward they do not versus choose to from paying council turn to p5 inves- Bath one will more than paying business Bath but in my of that contribuagreed to Bristol, no into also escape in Bath. landlords Bath councillors see the bene�it a year lords on properties converted hear the noise can chase come to university rates to pay £2,000 dwellings. instead they tigate if theyrates. ‘We’d have as a household, just multiple occupancy June tion; stubusiness for t councillor plan to pursue in council tax,student house.’ Independen Although a for council tax was to live in our Spa student added: dents directlycouncil seems likely And a Bath And defeated, the their landlords. target to

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Victim of lads’ culture tells of sex assault ordeal in crowded nightclub

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Dreams: Final year law student Rebecca Edward, 22

worse. ‘I proceeded to push him off and told him not to touch me,’ Francesca said. ‘He then asked me if I was foreign and I replied with a tart “No” and reiterated that I wanted him to leave me alone. ‘This seemed to enrage him because the next thing I knew he had me in a tight bearhug so I couldn’t move, and he proceeded to tell me that I “Should be foreign because I was f***ing hot”.’ The man then told Francesca he hated her before physically attacking her. ‘He let go and I turned round to confront him,’ she said. ‘But he aggressively groped my right breast and proceeded to run out of the club when I EDWARD JONES the north-east for a few exposed lunged after him. I had to leave weeks both TWO universities were at with when she went down alert, althoughwere put on the Hive after that because theI centre of a meningitis a fever and vomiting. no other cases have been reported. was so distressed.’ Her brother, Jeffrey scare after a student Elvin, Newcastle Francesca said felt ‘quite from the infection died claims the 22-year-old University Nor- said every within thumbria depressed for a week after year meningitis days of being taken Uni law degree ill. awareness events the assault’ but reported the student was sent Nine people who were held home came from into contact with hospital with only for new students. Rebecca turn toEdward p5 Housemate Venothani were offered anti- medication to treat �lu. She Rajagopal was dead within two said: ‘Rebecca biotics in case they days. had had many dreams With large numbers tracted the condition. conand one of of them was students and staff Ms Edward, from at both icient money to save suffMalay- Northumbria sia, had only been to get an air and Newcasback in tle universities potentially

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older men inside the venue. ‘If I was to go back to Risa, it’s really got to improve,’ she added. Risa has since apologised for the ‘huge error of judgment’ over the ebola event, which was run by an unnamed third party. The club said it had donated all profits from that night to Doctors Without Borders to aid the fight against the disease. The venue was also the scene of a brawl in which one punter was stabbed in the neck. Nevertheless, Birmingham City Council has decided to allow it to stay open.

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Members of the team will be staging fundraising events between now and the event itself, which takes place over ten days in June. Last year, the Children’s Society helped 23,000 young people through its various programmes.

Trouble-hit nightspot clings on to its licence

THE shortage of young people opting to study science, technology, engineering and maths is to be addressed with a £10million investment from Birmingham City University. The cash boost will be used to develop new facilities for scientific and technological practice. Second-year motorsport technology student Paige McAnearney said: ‘I am the only female in my year group. Not only is there a general shortage of skilled workers, but of females working in the industry.’ Laura Peberday

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The high price of a sales bargain SOPHIE HACK BEING a student can have so many perks, from cheap nights out to discounts in almost every store – it seems second nature now to flash the NUS card at the till to try to get a bit extra off. Companies have cottoned on, though, reeling in students through social media and a slew of spam emails. The question is: are these discounts making us spend money we don’t have? Naturally, the plan is to budget and stick to it. It’s an endless cycle of swearing you will save but then being tormented by flash sales and discounts. When companies tempt you with one-day deals it can be hard to resist a shopping

Golden ticket: NUS card

PICTURE: SOPHIE HACK

splurge. Of course, these deals can be beneficial, for example half price Spotify and 40 per cent off Pizza Express are steals. When money is tight even a ten per cent discount can help and, if you’re someone who likes their high street brands, an NUS card is the perfect solution. You can also take advantage of the student lock-in at the Bullring. Having the whole shopping centre full of discounts just for students makes

that £9,000-a-year debt a little easier to manage. However, when you have your debit card in hand don’t forget: that overdraft isn’t a gift and unfortunately you will have to pay it back. It’s best not to prioritise that 20 per cent off at Topshop over food. Spending every penny of your loan on materialistic goods is never a good idea but a treat every so often never caused any harm. Just remember to be savvy and don’t be tempted into things you don’t need just because there’s a discount. If you’re one who can be enticed by one-off bargains, unsubscribe from the emails and put a little bit of money aside to save up, making that student discount go further.

If you spot an error, we are committed to putting it right. Contact us at corrections@unipaper.co.uk. If you do not wish to receive a copy, then email us with your address at nothanks@unipaper.co.uk. 306_129.5x162.5_StudentOffer_312768.ai 1 29/10/2014 10:24 by The UniPaper Ltd, in We print 200,000 copies in 16 university cities. The University Paper is published association with Simian Publishing, 23-24 Margaret Street, London W1W 8RU. Printed by Newsquest, Oxford.

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talkingPOINTS WRONG IMAGE: How much of your food intake is dictated by how it makes your body look? How many desserts do you dismiss because they’ll only taste like guilt? How much of your time and energy is taken up thinking about how you look, what you look like and how you can change it? This attitude has become the infectious disease in our society that the NHS has yet to immunise against. It is the black plague of the 21st century Kathryn Thomson

JOIN THE FRAT PACK: Many of us have heard of frats and sororities through films such as American Pie. They have mad names such as kappa phi delta, throw toga parties, cause havoc across the campus and drink beer like it’s water. The bit the movies leave out is the good that fraternities do for their universities. Members have to do at least ten hours’ charity work, they need to get above average grades and the fraternity is expected to compete in a sporting league. Fraternities are much more than just parties – they are a way to make great contacts and, once you are in, you are in for life Elliot DaCosta

NO MORE RISES: If education costs rise yet again – and it seems they will – more students will be put off attending university, leading to huge shortages in areas such as health. Students are one of the poorest demographics, so charging them an obscene amount doesn’t make sense. Most importantly, students want to make the future brighter for this country and themselves by using our right to education Caitlin Stanway-Williams

PICTURE: JESSICA LAIL

MEDIA MYTHS: Being a media student is tough. It really is. There’s this stigma with being a media student because people think it’s a joke subject where we are ‘glorified camera operators’. It’s as if we all congregated together to do a media degree for lack of something better and that we probably wouldn’t be intelligent enough to be lawyers, doctors, teachers or physicists anyway Anna Landi

ATTENDING TO IT: University is supposed to support young adults on their journey into the world of work and monitoring attendance demonstrates that absence will not be tolerated in a work environment. However, many students argue this is an attack on their independence – they have chosen their own institution and degree programme, so why shouldn’t they be able to choose when they wish to attend? Poor attendance may be an indicator of issues affecting a student’s well-being which need to be addressed by the university. Universities should offer support services for students throughout the year to achieve the same standards without the need to monitor attendance closely and discipline those with too many absences Natalie Wellings

LACK OF RESOLVE: We’ve all done it. We’ve all had the thought: ‘This year I’m going to be different’. We will try to convince ourselves that we’ll change in the new year. Resolutions about being focused at university, making more effort with friends or changing our lifestyle are made, and broken, at the year’s end. Let’s be honest – we all stick to our resolutions for about as long as it takes for the new year fireworks to finish Kelly Smith

You can read fuller versions of these pieces at www.unipaper.co.uk. Then, let us know what you think; email us at comment@unipaper.co.uk

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January 2015

theINTERVIEW: Neil Amin-Smith Uni survivors: Clean Bandit members Neil Amin-Smith, far right, with Luke and Jack Patterson and Grace Chatto

Rather talented N

EIL AMIN-SMITH has to apologise for being late. It is the day after the night before, when Clean Bandit proved one of the highlights at the BBC Music Awards, winning another legion of fans with an orchestral version of Rather Be and breakthrough hit Mozart’s House. All is forgiven, though, as he laughs it off, explaining he was at an afterparty in Mayfair: ‘Sorry about that – I’m actually usually really good at getting up.’ We feel his pain. After all, he’s talking to students; we’ve all tried this little white lie when we’ve stumbled into a lecture an hour late smelling of the SU. Amin-Smith, 25, is still on a high after being nominated for song of the year, despite being pipped by Pharrell Williams’ ubiquitous

THEY are the breakthrough act of 2014, a year crowned with No.1 hit Rather Be. Clean Bandit’s fusion of classical and electronica has won them adoring fans worldwide and a nod at the BBC Music Awards. Violin player Neil Amin-Smith tells CAVELLE SIMPSON and JOSHUA EVANS about the slog to the top and surviving university ditty Happy. ‘It was amazing to be nominated,’ he says. ‘The list of songs and the list of artists to have been nominated are so huge.’ Since entering the spotlight with Mozart’s House, his band – Jack Patterson, 28, on beats, synths, and midi-saxophone; his little brother, Luke, 22, on drums; and Grace Chatto, 29, on cello – have been unstoppable. The story of the Cambridge undergrads who went from classical quartet to dance floor darlings is becoming familiar as they sweep up the accolades, including for their No.1 hit Rather

Be, featuring Jess Glynne. But how did the partnership come about? Amin-Smith says: ‘We actually had the whole song finished for a long time. It was just looking for the right vocals. Our label played us a track that Jess was on and we thought we’d give it a go with her because she was on our level.’ It proved a wise choice, hurling the four-piece to the top of the charts. But fame took time. ‘It was kind of a long slog,’ he adds. ‘The thing that really made a difference with us was when we started making music videos and posting them online.’ His group

INSIDE: What’s on in your city P10-13

are known for drawing on genres from classical to deep house. ‘Jack listens to a lot of jazz,’ Amin-Smith goes on. ‘We all listen to different kinds of music, like garage. In terms of how we present ourselves live, people like Rudimental are influencing us a lot.’ They are also the ultimate university survivors, having formed at Jesus College, where Jack would record then-girlfriend Chatto’s recitals and remix them. Any advice on how to get through university? ‘Don’t see it as something you have to “get through”,’ Amin-Smith smiles. ‘It’s over far too quickly.’

Did they have their wild moments, like the rest of us? He pauses for a second, before chuckling: ‘Grace and Jack once got caught… um, together… in a cupboard at our college library.’ Most of us have our favourite uni party venues. Amin-Smith prefers a more intimate set-up: ‘I like small clubs. I’m not really into massive super-clubs.’ For Clean Bandit, life after uni has been pretty sweet – and they’re not slowing down. ‘We’ve come to the end of a really relentless touring period,’ Amin-Smith says. ‘In March, we’ve got our biggest-ever UK tour. We’re really looking forward to that.’

Clean Bandit play 02 Academy, Birmingham, on March 9, 02 Academy, Glasgow, on March 10 and Apollo, Manchester, on March 11

Rae Morris: Don’t be shy, chase your dream P14

January 2015

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clubbingCALENDAR mon, jan 12 Loaded GC, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £4 Dirty Dog, Bar Risa, 10pm, £3 Motomo Mondays, The Lord Clifden, 6pm, free Monday Madness, The Hub, 9pm, £5

tue, jan 20 Talented Tuesdays, Stirlings Bar, 8pm, free

Packed: Ravers came to see The Martinez Brothers

Stupid Tuesday, Players Bar, 10.30pm, £5 90s Night, Tunnel Club, 10.30pm, £10 Frat House, Bar Risa, 8pm, free before 10pm

wed, jan 14 First Vodbull of 2015, Snobs, £5 Alright Wednesday, Island Bar, 10pm, £1 Big Wednesday, Snobs, 10.30pm, £5 Hooch, Mooch Bar, 10pm, £3

wed, jan 21

thurs, jan 22

I Love Vodka, Revolution, 9pm, free

Get It On Thursdays, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £4 Tiki Thursday, Island Bar, 8pm, free Playtime, Walkabout, 8pm free Fresh Thursdays, Indi Bar, 10pm, £3

Milkshake, Gatecrasher, 10pm

Alright Wednesday, Island Bar, 10pm, £1

Stupid Tuesday, Bliss, 8pm, £4

I Love Cheese, Reflex, 8pm

PICTURE: RAINBOW VENUES

World watches siblings

THE eyes of the world were on Birmingham for one glorious night. Beamed globally on the Mixmag TV channel were house favourites The Martinez Brothers, headlining The Rainbow Venues. The Bronx-born duo gave a typically energetic performance – filling their four-hour set with the latest groovy house tracks, including their own

tue, jan 13

Martinez Brothers: Rainbow Venues

H 2 Da Izzo and more recent number Space And Time. Supporting the brothers was the up-and-coming Detlef, plus Digbeth’s hottest DJs. Seeing the night out was local veteran Adam Shelton, who played new and unreleased tracks that excited the crowd until closing. James Reeve

wed, jan 28 Uncle Zubo’s Student Party, Rainbow, 10pm Hooch, Mooch Bar, 10pm, £3 Canvas, The Bulls Head, 7pm, free 2 Good 2 Miss, Missing, 8pm, free

thurs, jan 29 Playtime, Walkabout, 8pm, free Pounded, Nightingale Club, 10pm, £5 Minted, Mechu, 10pm, £5 Bombzai, Missing, 8pm, free

fri, jan 30 80s Disco, Vertu, 8pm, free Saathi, Nightingale Club, 10pm, £10 Bollywood Nights, Club DV8, 10pm Walkie Rocks, Walkabout, 11pm, free

thurs, feb 5

fri, feb 6

Mechu, Minted, 10pm, £5 Fresh Thursdays, Indi Bar, 10pm, £3 Miami Thursdays, Bliss, 10pm free before midnight Kinki Birmingham, Players Bar, 9pm, £5

Funky Friday, Bambu, 10pm, £10 Propaganda, O2 Academy 2, 10.30pm Joe Goddard: All night long, Hare & Hounds, 10pm Midnight Club, Warehouse Club, midnight

sat, feb 7 Bruk Up, Hare & Hounds, 9pm, £5 Superstar Boudoir, Gatecrasher, 11pm, £8 Sobar Saturday’s, Sobar, 11pm, £2 We Love Saturdays, Nuvo, 10pm, free before 11pm

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January 2015

clubbingCALENDAR thurs, jan 15

fri, jan 16

Cocktail Thursdays, The Jam House, 9pm, £4 Pounded, Nightingale Club, 10pm, £5 House Party Thursdays, Bambu, 9pm, £3 Get it on Thursdays, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £4

XXL, The Core Club, 10pm, £5 Twisted, Eddies Rock Club @ The Tunnel, 10pm; Amour Fridays, Electric, 10pm, free before midnight Propaganda, O2 Academy, 10.30pm-3.30am, £4; Seedy Sonics, The Rainbow Venue, 10pm, £10

fri, jan 23 Poise Fridays, Sobar, 10pm, £3 Amour Fridays, Electric, 10pm, Atomic Jam Birthday Party Part 2, NextDoor, 10.30pm, £12-£15

sun, jan 25

Sugar Sundays, Indi Bar, 8pm, £5 RLA Sundays, Revolution, 9pm, £5 Confidential Sundays, Mooch Bar, 9pm free

Jam Jah Sound, 9pm, free

The Sunday I and I, Suki10c, 7pm, free

Industry Night, Popworld, 8pm Loaded GC, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £5

mon, jan 19

Zinc, Island Bar, 10pm, free Sin Sundays, Bambu, 10pm The Hangover Club, Bar Risa, 10pm Confidential Sundays, Mooch Bar, 9pm free

Loaded GC, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £5

mon, jan 26

Room Service, Mooch Bar, 10pm, free Monday Madness, The Hub, 9pm, £5

tue, jan 27

Loaded GC, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £5

Milkshake, Gatecrasher, 10pm

Sin Sundays, Bambu, 10pm

Motomo Mondays, The Lord Clifden, 6pm, free

Stupid Tuesday, Bliss, 8pm, £4

Sugar Sundays, Indi Bar, 8pm, £5 Candy Love, Bliss, 10pm, free

mon, feb 2 Loaded GC, Gatecrasher, 10pm, £5 Industry Night, Popworld, 8pm Jam Jah Sound, The Bulls Head, 9pm, free Room Service, Mooch Bar, 10pm, free

mon, feb 9

Cream Sundaes, 10pm, £5

sun, jan 18

RLA Sundays, Revolution, 9pm, £5

sun, feb 1

sun, feb 8

The Hangover Club, Bar Risa, 10pm

Throwdown, Subside Bar, 8.30pm-1am The Ouse Party: The Unknown, Boxxed, 10pm, £3 early bird Brum Safari, Temple Street Social, 8pm-1am, free

sat, jan 24 The Dirt, Subside Bar, 8.30pm-1am Rave2Raise Event 3, Suki 10c, 9pm Craig Charles, Hare & Hounds, 9pm, £13.50 Sobar Saturdays, Sobar, 9pm, £2

sat, jan 31 Sounds of 54, The Slug and Lettuce, 9pm, free; Masquerade Ball, The Old Crown, 9pm, £5+ Uproar: The Return of the Time Machine, The Institute, 9pm, £21 Tim Ryan’s Birthday Bash: Jungle Ting, PST, 10pm

sat, jan 17

tue, feb 10 Frat House, Bar Risa, 8pm, free before 10pm 90s Night, Tunnel Club, 10.30pm, £10 Amnesia Tuesdays, Indi Bar, 10pm, £3

Dirty Dog, Bar Risa, 10pm, £3

tue, feb 3 Milkshake, Gatecrasher, 10pm Amnesia Tuesdays, Indi Bar, 10pm, £3 Impact, The Bulls Head, 8pm, £1

wed, feb 11 Canvas, The Bulls Head, 7pm, free Boom, The O Bar, 10pm, £3 I Love Cheese, Reflex, 8pm Zoo Wednesdays, Popworld, 10pm, £2

90s Night, Tunnel Club, 10.30pm, £10

wed, feb 4 Wednesday Club, Nuvo, 10pm, £5 Big Tuesday, Snobs, 10.30pm, £5 Midweek Meltdown, Subside, 7pm, free Boom, The O Bar, 10pm, £3

thur, feb 12 Playtime, Walkabout, 10pm, free The Big Easy, The Church Inn, 9pm, free Fresh Thursdays, Indi Bar, 10pm, £3 House Party Thursdays, Bambu, 9pm, £3

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January 2015

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theatre January 12: HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, The Old Rep Theatre, from £19.50 January 12: THE BFG, Birmingham Rep, from £12.50 January 13: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, Town Hall, tickets from £12 January 13: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Birmingham Hippodrome, from £14 January 13: THE FROZEN SCREAM, Birmingham Hippodrome, from £18.50 January 14: OUTSPOKEN: HETEROPHOBIA, mac, tickets from £5 January 14: EAST IS EAST, New Alexandra Theatre, tickets from £13.30 January 14: FLEABAG, Birmingham Rep, from £12 January 15: HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, The Old Rep Theatre, from £19.50 January 15: OUTSPOKEN: HETEROPHOBIA, mac, tickets from £5 January 17: TAKING SIDES, Crescent Theatre, from £11 January 17: THE FROZEN SCREAM, Birmingham Hippodrome, from £18.50 January 20: THE 25TH

Two become one Glass act: A K Dolven’s Please Return PICTURE: A K DOLVEN AND IKON ANNUAL PUTNAM SPELLING BEE, The Old Joint Stock, tickets from £15

January 27: PETER PAN GOES WRONG, Birmingham Rep, from £12.50

January 23: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Birmingham Hippodrome, from £14

January 28: ROOM ON THE BROOM, Birmingham Rep, from £12

January 24: DUSKY, Palace Theatre, from £25.75

January 28: UNKNOWN MALE, Birmingham Rep, from £10

January 24: PETER PAN THE PANTO, Crescent Theatre, tickets from £12 January 25: HORSE & BAMBOO: HANSEL AND GRETEL, mac, from £8 January 25: THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, Artix, tickets from £15 January 26: RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET, New Alexandra Theatre, tickets from £10

January 29: FOGHORN IMPROV: DIAL M FOR MURDER, The Old Joint Stock, from £10 January 30: THE ACCRINGTON PALS, Hall Green Little Theatre, from £16.50 January 30: UNKNOWN MALE, Birmingham Rep, tickets from £10 January 31: THE THREE

IT IS not often that Norway and Angola are mentioned together but at the Ikon’s new exhibit, two of the countries’ finest artists are teaming up. Oslo’s Anne Katrine Dolven will display her startlingly minimalist work alongside multimedia artist Nastio Mosquito’s energetic offerings. Dolven will exhibit a range of paintings, sound installations and films while poet Mosquito includes music, photography and film. The show runs from February 4 to April 19 and entrance is free. Caitlin-Stanway Williams PSYCHIC MEDIUMS, Crescent Theatre, from £23 January 31: THE DEEP BLUE SEA, Crescent Theatre, from £11 February 1: DOT & ETHEL: MATCH, mac, from £8 February 2: SPAMALOT, New Alexandra Theatre, from £10.50 February 4: ENGINEER THEATRE COLLECTIVE: RUN, mac, from £14 February 5: A DOLL’S HOUSE, Sutton Arts Theatre, from £6 February 6: COLIN FRY, Crescent Theatre, from £19.50 February 6: THE CALL OF CTHULHU, The Old Joint Stock, from £10

February 7: FIRST STAGES: WHATEVER THE WEATHER, Birmingham Rep, from £9 February 8: A DOLL’S HOUSE, Sutton Arts Theatre, from £6 February 9: HARVEY, Birmingham Rep, from £12.50 February 10: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, Birmingham Hippodrome, from £17.50 February 11: SCARAMOUCHE JONES, The Old Joint Stock, from £12 February 12: THE LIZ AND DICK SHOW, mac, from £10 February 12: LOVE STORIES, The Blue Orange Theatre, tickets from £9

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER NEEDS YOUR HELP! If you’re in the know about student life, outgoing and keen to work with a fantastic team of people, we’re on the lookout for new recruits to help with distribution, street teams, promotions and more. Fantastic rates of pay. If you’re up to the challenge, please contact: editor@unipaper.co.uk

what’sON other

January 15: PORTRAIT WORKSHOP, Ikon Gallery, tickets £4 January 16: STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE 2015, Barclaycard Arena, tickets from £40.08

January 18: FROZEN SING-A-LONG, Crescent Theatre (Cinema), £6.50 January 24: PORTRAIT MINIATURES STUDY DAY, Ikon Gallery, tickets £15 January 24: INFRASTRUCTURE TO INDUSTRY - UK & HIP HOP, Birmingham Rep, tickets £5 January 30: JACK BENNETT: TOO MUCH, TOO YOUNG, mac, tickets £10 January 31: SPOKEN WORD: BANGIN THE DRUM - WE’RE BACK AND WE NEED TO TALK SOME MORE, The Drum, tickets £8 January 31: AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE WITH BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET, Symphony Hall, tickets from £10 February 5: POETIC ESSENCE, Confession Box, tickets £5 February 5: HARRY POTTER NIGHT, Waterstone’s (High Street), tickets £1 February 7: 2015 BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL, town hall, tickets £14.50 February 9: DANCE ‘TIL DAWN, New Alexandra Theatre, tickets from £17.90 February 11: RSC LIVE: LOVE’S LABOURS LOST, mac, tickets £12

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January 2015

what’sON music January 12: YOUNG VOICES, LG Arena, from £22.64 January 13: JAMES VECKGILODI, The Institute, tickets from £10 January 14: CBSO SCHUBERT’S GREAT, Symphony Hall, from £12.50 January 15: ALTERNATIVE ROCK SHOWCASE, The RoadHouse Birmingham, from £4 January 15: AARON CARTER, The Institute, from £18 January 15: TOMMY EMMANUEL, Town Hall, from £22.50 January 16: ALEX GOOT, O2 Academy, from £11.25 January 16: BIG WOLF BAND, Gate Inn, from Free January 17: ANTARCTIC MONKEYS, The RoadHouse Birmingham, from £7 January 17: EKKAH, Sunflower Lounge, from £3 January 20: THE WEEKS, O2 Academy, from £10.12 January 22: SHANNON SAUNDERS, The Institute, from £7 January 23: SEEKING DAYLIGHT, O2 Academy, from £7.05 January 23: HOZIER, SEAFRET, The Institute, from £14 January 23: QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT, Barclaycard Arena, from £67.08 January 24: ARENACROSS, LG Arena, from £11.10 January 24: PEACE, The Institute, from £12.50 January 24: MERCURY: THE ULTIMATE QUEEN TRIBUTE, New Alexandra Theatre, from £22.40

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

I’m on the way up... with my integrity

DESCRIBING your own album as an epic and a masterpiece is a bold step. But that is exactly how Benjamin Garrett, AKA Fryars, labelled his latest release, Power. The 24-year-old’s optimism was vindicated with the record, which was released in November, receiving extremely positive reviews and even gaining support from Kanye West. Fryars has been support act on his friend Lily Allen’s tour, stopping off at Birmingham’s O2 Academy in November. TUP caught up with the rising star to find out more.

Music is power: Fryars has garnered support from Kanye West and Lily Allen January 27: JESSIE J, O2 Academy, from £36.56 January 27: SLIPKNOT, Barclaycard Arena, from £45.13 January 30: LIGHTS, O2 Academy, from £44.43 February 1: KOSHEEN, The Institute, from £17.5 February 4: LIFE IN FILM, Hare & Hounds, from £8 February 5: THE TWIST, Palace Theatre, from £18.75

February 6: THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE, Palace Theatre, from £16.25 February 7: GORGON CITY, The Institute, from £12 February 8: NAOMI PUNK, Hare & Hounds, from £7 February 10: YOU ME AT SIX + ALL TIME LOW, from £33.30

How did you first meet Lily Allen? What is she like to work with? In her kitchen over a shared croissant. She is a pleasure and an inspiration. How did you feel when you found out that Kanye West was a fan? Vindicated. I was curious as to how the music had reached his ears.

What’s pushed you to continue to write and make music? The music itself. The process. It’s relaxing. How important is it for you to write your own music? Essential. It’s all I’ve got. I’m devoid of charisma. Has music always been your passion? What would you have done if your music career didn’t take off? Football is my passion. But football would not want me. I’d be in Silicon Valley. Why did you decide to have a different recording name from your own? For ambiguity. Anonymity. In five years, where do you hope to be in your career? I hope to be on an upward trajectory from this point onwards and forever more. What advice would you give to writers that want a career in the music industry? Do something with integrity and surround yourself with people who have none of it. Shanice Abbott

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February 11: KATE TEMPEST, Rainbow & Warehouse, from £13.50

The Holly and the Ivo

CONSTANT revision can get you down, so you might need some light-hearted relief to pick you up. Bramall Music Building is offering just that with a night of comedy featuring TV star Holly Walsh. The circuit veteran uses her lateralthinking jokes to help her dominate the stage despite her small stature. Joining Walsh, at the gig on Cracking comic: TV star Holly Walsh January 15, is 22-year-old graduate Ivo to Graham bringing an Graham, who has shades experienced tone and his of Jack Whitehall, given his trademark observations status as an Old Etonian on the ever-increasing and Oxford graduate. obsession Britain has with Finally, Nathan Caton will political correctness. provide a nice contrast Matt Bullin

comedy

January 15: BRAMALL COMEDY NIGHT: IVO GRAHAM, NATHAN CATON AND HOLLY WALSH, Bramall Music Building (University of Bham), tickets £5 January 25: ROFLCOPTER, Cherry Reds, tickets from £7 January 31: ANDREW LAWRENCE: REASONS TO KILL YOURSELF, mac, £12 February 2: BRIGHT CLUB COMEDY NIGHT, Birmingham Rep, tickets £5 February 3: JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH, Artrix, tickets £15 February 11: MY COMEDY, Kitchen Garden Cafe, £7 February 12: ROY CHUBBY BROWN, Palace Theatre, £19.75

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January 2015

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A full version of our interview with Rae Morris appears at www.unipaper.co.uk

I took opportunities... even the bad ones M

OST people were �irst introduced to Rae Morris as the ethereal voice on Bombay Bicycle Club’s single Luna last year. But her loyal fans have been appreciating her music since she set out on the road to stardom three years ago. The 22-year-old’s debut album, Unguarded, will be released later this month before she heads out on tour. TUP caught up with her to �ind out more. Is there a different process when producing an album, as opposed to working on EPs and singles? Mentally, I knew I had to create a whole body of work. So, I was quite nervous at �irst, but the producer just said: ‘Look, don’t be scared – because what’s the

worst thing you can do?’ Would you say your hometown of Blackpool has been a positive place for you as an emerging artist? Absolutely. I think the good thing about Blackpool is that because it’s so small, it makes you stand out a little more. I realised at the time that if I was in London coming on to the scene and playing open mic nights, it’s musically so vast and such a big city that it’s easy to get lost. Does the media compare you to your contemporaries and do you �ind that a problem? I’ve never really had a problem with being compared to the people I’m in a peer group with. I’m a massive Kate Bush fan,

so often people say about my music, ‘that sounds a bit like Kate Bush’. And obviously that’s not true. I am inspired by her – but I don’t sound like her. What would be your advice to young artists struggling to get their music heard? Take the opportunities. I don’t mean be desperate or sell yourself or anything like that – I just mean never say no to anything just because it doesn’t sound great. I took a lot of gigs where I was like, ‘Oh, gosh, I’m not sure – I don’t think it’s going to be a good one’. And then you get there and it happens to be the best gig you ever played. Mollie Carberry

theBEAT Star in the making: Rae Morris has her ﬁrst album out this month

tourDATES Catch Rae on tour: February 1, Kazimier, Liverpool; February 3, King Tut’s, Glasgow; February 4, The Wardrobe, Leeds; February 5, The Institute, Birmingham; February 6, Gorilla, Manchester; February 14, The Thekla, Bristol; February 15, Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

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theBEAT

January 2015

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

Inspired by dad’s wisdom I

T’S a mantra we would all do well to follow: Always do what will make you happy. For rising star Billy Lockett, the words of his late father, John Luce, have underpinned his determination to forge a career in music. And, so far, it is paying off. Lockett, 22, is climbing to the top despite having yet to sign a record deal. He has supported the likes of Lana Del Rey, Birdy and KT Turnstall, most recently touring with Scottish songstress – and Ed Sheeran protégé – Nina Nesbitt. In March, he embarks on his own four-date headline tour, while his latest single, Old Man, is a beautiful tribute to his father, who died earlier this year from prostate cancer at the age of 62. ‘I sort of hated him sometimes,’ says Lockett. ‘We had a lot of fights but a lot of laughs. Overall, it was great to have someone that cared

How rising star Billy was urged to follow his dream so much about me and about what I do.’ His father, a well-known artist in his home town of Northampton, was constantly pushing Lockett to follow his dream and his words have stuck: ‘Make sure that whatever you’re doing you’re enjoying. Make sure you’re constantly doing something that makes you happy.’ It’s hard to pinpoint Lockett’s musical style, as each song varies from soothing melodies to more upbeat rhythms, all intertwined with charming piano and guitar. Raw emotion can be heard in his soulful, expressive voice as he reminisces on his life. So it’s odd to hear his love of music grew from a childhood

obsession with Eminem. He says: ‘I love his lyrics and everything about him really. I wouldn’t really say he inspires me, because he’s nothing like me, but he was one of the first people that really got me into music.’ Lockett knows he has yet to crack the music business. ‘It’s great knowing that everyone’s there to see you when they’ve bought tickets for your gig,’ he says. ‘But I also love trying to win people over as a supporting artist.’ And despite admitting that ‘things could be easier’, he declares: ‘I don’t want to do anything that’s going to make me depressed in the long run.’ Clearly, he’s been listening to his dad. Eloise Vanstone

KNOW THE INSIDE

DO headline tour: Where you can catch Billy on his nge, Manchester Lou y Rub The Sunday, March 22: gow Glas s, Monday, March 23: King Tut’ tol Bris kla, The 25: ch Mar Wednesday, , London Thursday, March 26: Bush Hall

tourDATES

Boys find a fresh voice... with a little help from their friends THANK heavens! The Bastille boys are back and they’re mixing with some of the best in the business. The indie four-piece have returned with their second album and have invited the likes of Haim, GRADES and Rag ’N’ Bone Man to join them. Although Dan Smith’s haunting vocals still

YOU

T R AC K O N

CAMPUS?

Bastille in VS. (Other People’s Heartache Pt. III)

dominate, the band explore new genres and styles, finding fresh inspiration while playing around with their old sound. It’s the perfect mixtape for the walk to lectures or revision – a chilled offering you’ll find yourself singing along to

without even realising your lips are moving. If you’re going to spend your student loan on one CD this month, make sure it’s this one. Trust me – you won’t regret not having spent that tenner on vodka trebles for this. Henrietta Painter

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

January 2015

hiTECH

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

It’s war but not as we know it

XAMS are over and you’re looking to treat yourself to a �irst-person shooter, packed with cinematic explosions and futuristic weapons. Look no further than the latest offering from the Call Of Duty series. Advanced Warfare is set in the battle�ields of the future, providing combat in an age of robotic exoskeletons and private military contractors. The setting has had more

Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare

than just a super�icial lick of paint, with both weaponry and mechanics getting an overhaul. Double jumping, lasers from space, arm-mounted grenade launchers – they’re all here. The campaign mode has all the �lair you’ve come to expect of a high-budget �irstperson shooter. And with its

Glimpse into the future: The game offers all-new tech

Rating: 4/5

Hollywood explosions and Kevin Spacey taking on the role of lead protagonist, the game’s storyline is grand in scale. Advanced Warfare is the most signi�icantly changed Call Of Duty since Black Ops 2 – it represents a genuine departure from the morose battle�ields of the past, bringing something a little

fresher and more exciting to the table. Like other titles in the series, you’ll be �ighting in locations around the world, such as Argentina and Antarctica – but the real draw is the multiplayer mode, and that you’ll �ind as thrilling as ever. Developer Sledgehammer Games has tweaked the winning formula – but don’t worry, you can still

build up your player and unlock new kit. The only issue comes to the fore over long periods of game play, with online play stuttering on occasion for little discernible reason. Even so, Advanced Warfare is heaps of fun and comes highly recommended for anyone with some downtime and the desire to score a few headshots with friends. Michael O’Connell-Davidson

out soon Dying Light HORDES of flesh-eating zombies are everywhere and it’s down to you to stop them. During the day, you traverse the virtual world, helping survivors and picking up supplies. By night, as the infected grow stronger, you change from hunter to prey. New enemies, such as the Predators, will only appear at sundown – meaning you must find safety. The game’s RPG element allows you to build your own style of playing. But will you go for silent killing or all guns blazing? James Williams Rugby 15 WITH the World Cup just months away, a rugby-based video game was inevitable. However, such games are notoriously difficult to produce because of rugby’s intricate rules. HB Studios’ attempt allows you to play in the world’s top leagues or for your country – but the game looks similar to any other, except for a new rucking feature that adds a real-life element. With average graphics and game play, you’d be better off stepping back in time and getting EA’s Rugby 08. Matt Bullin Saints Row IV: Re-Elected

Pass it on: Play friends as though you’re in the same room

Share a journey back to the ’90s FOR twentysomething gamers, childhood evokes memories of basking in the warm glow of a TV at a friend’s house, rejoicing in the multiplayer nirvana of GoldenEye 007 and Mario Kart 64. It was an era when split-screen reigned supreme. But the popularity of the ‘couch multiplayer’ dwindled with the advent of online gaming. Now, with Sony’s latest system software update on the PlayStation 4, the couch is back. Introducing Share Play – the ability to play games online with a friend as though you were back on that patterned ’90s

couch once more. Share Play lets you effectively ‘pass’ your friend your controller, allowing them to take control of your game as you see it on your screen. Alternatively, you can pass them a second controller and play local multiplayer online. Buzzwords such as ‘game-changing’ and ‘revolutionary’ are industry prerequisites for marketing campaigns nowadays – but this really is the next level for gaming. With all the releases January has to offer, Share Play is the console exclusive worth having. All hail the couch! Graham Wardle

PICTURE this: you’re president of the US and aliens invade, intent on enslaving humanity. What do you do? Well, in Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, you go out and kick some ass. The game is a revamp of the excellent Saints Row IV for the new generation of consoles. If you ﬁnd Grand Theft Auto too stuffy, you’ll enjoy the unique humour of this series. In GTA, you can break the law; in Saints Row IV, you can break the laws of physics. If you’ve got an appetite for the ridiculous, it’s a no-brainer. Michael O’Connell-Davidson

Menaces: Destroy aliens

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January 2015

onSCREEN

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

How they saved our Saul Return of Breaking Bad rogue

Flying high: Channing Tatum with heir to the Earth Mila Kunis in Jupiter Ascending

out soon Wild (Jan 16) AFTER a series of tragic events, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a gruelling quest — hiking 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Based on a true story, Wild sees Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) come to terms with the death of her mother, using heroin and getting divorced. The film is adapted from Strayed’s autobiography by screenwriter/novelist Nick Hornby and director Jean-Marc Callée, who mixes scenes from the lead character’s turbulent past with challenges from her journey. Emily Lewis Kingsman: The Secret Service (Jan 29) SMALL-TIME crook Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin (Taron Egerton) is taken under the wing of gentleman spy Harry Hart (Colin Firth). Unwin’s tough first assignment is to deal with global threat and mad techterrorist Valentine (Samuel L Jackson). Armed with innovative weaponry, such as Oxford Blades and the Gunbrella, can the pair save the day? Kate Johnson

ENT lawyer Saul Goodman reached cult status in hit show Breaking Bad. Now, the lovable rogue is back in the muchanticipated spin-off from creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. Better Call Saul sees Bob Odenkirk reprise the role of Saul, real name Jimmy McGill, as he struggles to make his name as a lawyer six years before the events of Breaking Bad. However, rumour has it the prequel will also deal with events during and after. Although RJ Mitte, who played Walt Jr in Breaking Bad, has said the new series

Spin-off: Bob Odenkirk is back as bent lawyer Saul Goodman has ‘nothing to do’ with the Emmy award-winning show, its success should guarantee Better Call Saul a global audience. Despite funnyman Saul taking the lead, the show is set to be just as gritty as its big brother, with Odenkirk insisting it will be ‘85 per cent

drama, 15 per cent comedy’. With Jonathan Banks also returning as ice-cool hitman Mike Ehrmantraut, Breaking Bad fans will be able to sate those withdrawal symptoms. The show is to premiere in the US on February 8 and will hit UK Net�lix shortly after. Josh Mcloughlin

New look: Spy Colin Firth. Below, Reese Witherspoon Inherent Vice (Jan 30) PRIVATE detective Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s (Katherine Waterson) new lover, Mickey Wolfmann (Eric Roberts). This drama-comedy, also starring Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon, is adapted from the Thomas Pychon novel of the same name by writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson. Rebecca Cattell Mordecai (Jan 23) ENGLISH gent, debonair art dealer and part-time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) wants to get his hands on Nazi gold. Standing in his way is an international terrorist, the MI5, angry Russians and

almost everyone else. The ﬁlm’s trailer offers cheap laughs, poor English accents and the same post-Jack Sparrow Depp that lost its charm a long time ago. Gwyneth Paltrow plays beautiful wife Johanna Mortdecai and Ewan McGregor, investigates as Inspector Martland. Morgan Hinton

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Jupiter Ascending (Feb 6) AN ALIEN life force plans to wipe the planet clean, keeping only the humans it deems worthy. Enter down-on-her-luck earthling Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), who also happens to be a potential heir to the Earth. Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered interplanetary warrior, is sent to tell Jones she is royalty and protect her from the bounty put on her head by evil alien Balem. Daisy Edwards

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January 2015

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Fashioning their future with words

Lauren Kelly

inSTYLE

Julia Ward

Four student fashion bloggers give ELLA ROSE POYZER advice on how to dress with style for lectures and reveal how blogging has changed their university experiences

HAT is your go-to outfit to wear for lectures? Lauren Kelly: Skinny jeans for comfort and I always have a blazer on to smarten everything up. If anything is scruffy, it’s my hair – never my outfit. You can’t tie that up in a bun with it still looking presentable. Julia Ward: I like to dress smart-casual. A pair of highwaisted jeans with a cami-top

and a kimono or cardigan is just the right amount of smart and comfy. Eleanor Danks: I tend to stick to jeans, a top and my trusty leather jacket. Aisling McGarrigle: Always some sort of jersey skirt and a casual top or jumper, some tights and usually brogues. For a typical university night out, what kind of outfit is always your first choice?

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R O F F ITY PAPER OF S IVER S UN

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Eleanor Danks Eleanor: My disco pants or velvet leggings, a bralet or crop top and heeled boots. I prefer boots to heels – heels hurt so bad! When on a budget, what shops are your favourites? Lauren: H&M for basics,

Aisling McGarrigle New Look for jewellery and pumps. Both give easy ways to make a simple or recycled outfit look new – and without breaking the bank. Julia: One of my favourites has to be Primark. I can guarantee I will find

something I love in there every time I go – and, of course, it’s great on the purse strings. I also love Matalan. You’d be pleasantly surprised at the number of great quality pieces and accessories you can find in there. Do you feel as though blogging has enhanced your university experience? Julia: Life at university isn’t all about getting your degree. Granted, that is important – but it’s also important to have something extra that makes you stand out from the rest. For me, that something extra is blogging. It’s the perfect escape from university work and something I look forward to doing after a long week. Aisling: I studied zoology, which is a far cry from make-up and beauty, so I feel like my blog has opened doors for me that wouldn’t have been an option normally. I recently got a job in The Body Shop and I feel my blog had so much to do

with it, as it was clear I was passionate about the brand and products. What advice can you give for any student thinking of starting a blog? Julia: I’d say to just go for it. My blog is for me, not to impress anyone. It’s a way of expressing my passion. If people read it and love it, then that’s an added bonus. Eleanor: Have a good think about what your blog content will focus on – start planning and scheduling your posts, research the best photo editing software and look at other blogs for inspiration. Don’t forget to network – it’s a great way to build connections and friendships with other bloggers to increase your readership. Aisling: Plan your time and posts effectively. When I started, I was just posting whenever I felt like it – but I wasn’t happy with my posts. Now I have more structure, I feel my blog is much better and is well put together.

Follow Julia at www.blondeambition13.tumblr.com; Lauren at www.laurenmariesreveries.blogspot.co.uk; Eleanor at www.dreamlovelivefashion.blogspot.co.uk; and Aisling at www.rosysmiles.blogspot.co.uk

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

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

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

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inSTYLE

January 2015

News and views from the world of fashion... all with a student budget in mind

Reem: Towie’s Joey Essex takes time out for a snap, right. Above and left, faux fur and flowing skirts steal the show at CSL

Dozy Joey heads fashion followers at annual style fest

Glitz with a ditz

HEY gave us neon and New York; they had the greats and not-so-greats of the fashion world; they even had Joey Essex. Now in its 26th year, Clothes Show Live arrived at Birmingham’s NEC with all the hoopla and celebrity endorsements you might expect of an event that launched the modelling careers of Erin O’Connor, Holly Willoughby and Nina Porter. It attracted about 100,000 visitors between December

A star-struck SHANICE ABBOTT sneaks a peek behind the scenes as Clothes Show Live rolls into town for its 26th year

5 and 9, with the 500,000 sq ft-plus of the NEC transformed by 400 stalls, each plying every kind of clothing from cheap and chic to vintage. There were complaints this year about the lack of bigname stars – but Amy Childs, Joey Essex, Millie Mackintosh, Lauren Goodger, Peter Andre, Henry Holland and more were in attendance. Cheeky Towie star Joey Essex,

who was there to meet fans and sign his 2015 calendar, said: ‘I’m looking forward to meeting the models.’ Flashing his famed Rolex, the fashion fan said that, while he loves his bling, he remained unable to tell the time. As though to prove his point, ever-ditzy Joey finished the conversation by asking what day it was. When informed it was Friday, he laughed: ‘Oh, my

watch says Tuesday – I don’t know where I am in the world.’ Fellow reality star Amy Childs could be spotted selling her stunning women’s clothing collection, while Peter Andre was there to sign bottles of his latest perfume, Scarlet. House Of Holland founder Henry Holland presented a heavily choreographed catwalk show, with themes including neon, winter and New York. And headliners Neon Jungle kept the crowd entertained as celebrities mingled with fans.

Chelsea boy: Spencer Matthews of Made In Chelsea fame shares a hug with our reporter, middle. Left and right, bold prints dominated the catwalk at this year’s CSL

PICTURES: SHANICE ABBOTT

yourNIGHT

Enjoyed a big night in Birmingham? We have all the pictures from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself. Thanks to PROPAGANDA

January 2015

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mealBREAK Our fantastic selected recipes are tried-and-tested favourites among students who want to eat well on a budget but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, get cooking and enjoy

Top chocs: These iced treats are great to share with friends

Chicken arrabiata

Ingredients: Chicken breast, sliced; three rashers of bacon; tin of chopped tomatoes; half a pepper; whole chilli; two tbsp tomato purée; chilli powder; garlic powder; mixed herbs; salt and pepper; low-calorie spray Method: 1. Spray a pan with low-calorie spray and wait for it to heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook on a high heat until golden 2. When the chicken is almost cooked, add the bacon 3. Meanwhile, chop the peppers and chilli, adding to the cooked chicken and bacon 4. Stir in the tinned tomatoes and tomato purée 5. Add the chilli powder, garlic powder, mixed herbs, and salt and pepper 6. Simmer on a low heat for ten minutes 7. During this time,

breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest and herbs and season well. Pour in the butter and mix with a fork or your �ingers, until combined 3. Cover the �illets with the crumbs, pressing down on each 4. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden Aramide Pearce Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate icing

cook the pasta 8. Once cooked, combine the pasta and sauce 9. Add grated cheese to the top to enhance the �lavour Tip: If you’re feeling brave, try adding two chillis to the sauce Shannon Barrett

Herb-crusted ﬁsh

Ingredients: Two �ish �illets; two garlic cloves, crushed; 10g butter, softened; one tbsp fresh basil, chopped (dried is �ine, too); lemon zest, grated (juice is �ine, too); breadcrumbs (made

by grating two slices of toast); salt and pepper Method: 1. Heat oven to 200C. Place the �ish on a large greased baking tray and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper 2. Combine the

Ingredients: For the cupcakes: 100g unsalted butter; 100g sugar; 100g �lour; two medium eggs; one tsp vanilla extract For the chocolate icing: 100g unsalted butter; 260g icing sugar; 40g cocoa powder; four squares of baking chocolate; three tbsp double cream Method for the cupcakes: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking tray with cupcake cases of your choice 2. Cream together the sugar and butter in a mixing bowl until light and �luffy 3. Crack both eggs into the bowl and add two tbsp of �lour, plus the vanilla extract

4. Fold in the remaining �lour until combined. Do not over-work the mixture as you will extract all the air and the cupcakes will not rise 5. Divide the mixture evenly between the cake cases 6. Bake for 15 minutes – they should be golden on top and spring back into place when you press down on them. Wait until the cupcakes are cool before you attempt to ice them Method for the chocolate icing: 1. Beat the butter until light and �luffy; it should turn a very pale colour, which is key to getting the perfect icing 2. Add the icing sugar, 100g at a time 3. Add the �inal 60g of icing sugar along with the 40g of cocoa powder 4. Melt the four squares of baking chocolate and add to the mixture 5. Next, add the double cream until the icing is light and �luffy 6. Place the icing mixture into a piping bag and ice the cupcakes 7. Sprinkle with decorations of your choice and share with friends Shannon Barrett

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January 2015

mealBREAK

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

Go global with your grub Y

Finish off with fudge

LET’S face it – running to the shops and satisfying your sweet tooth is easier than cooking yourself. However, nothing beats homemade treats. Check out this easy, inexpensive chocolate fudge recipe that will sate those cravings. Ingredients: 450g caster sugar; 50g unsalted butter, diced into small cubes; 170g can of evaporated milk; 150ml milk; 150g plain chocolate Method: 1. Grease a square tin, roughly 18cm by 18cm, with margarine 2. Gently heat the butter, sugar, evaporated milk and milk, until the sugar has dissolved 3. Bring it to the boil

Fine ﬁnish: Satisfy your sweet tooth and stir for 30 minutes 4. Remove from the heat 5. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in the microwave

PICTURE: CLARE HORRIGAN

6. Stir the chocolate and fudge mixture together, and pour into a tin 8. Leave to set overnight Clare Horrigan

OU’RE on a budget, you can’t afford to travel. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting a taste of the exotic straight from your very own kitchen. Why not invite your friends over and treat them to the �inest cuisines from Guadalajara to London via Barcelona? Mexico: Tacos Pockets of happiness you can �ill with anything. Popular �illings include fried meats, cheese and sour cream – but why not try something more unconventional? Raid the cupboards and give whatever you �ind a try. For drinks, you are spoilt for choice — margaritas, mojitos, Sol or even tequila! Sombreros are optional. Italy: Pasta There are endless choices. Tomato Neapolitan sauce, creamy carbonara or,

Get a taste of the world without leaving home of course, spag bol. To save cash, make loads and keep some in the fridge. There’s a bonus, too: it may be the only legitimate time to consume gallons of wine while staying in theme. Spain: Tapas The ultimate sharing food – little plates of nibbles, be they hot or cold, that you can throw out in large quantities safely knowing there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Excellent for get-togethers and nights in with the television. Drink whatever you fancy – but sangria is always a start. Thailand: Green curry Subtler than its Indian cousin, this still goes in the comforting, cheap

and easy-to-make category. All you need is some chicken, green beans and a jar of paste. Pour in some coconut milk and lime juice and you’re almost in Bangkok. Feeling adventurous? Then make your own paste; it’s only ground up garlic, chilli, spices and soy sauce, after all. Eat with rice and sink with Singha beer England: Casserole Leave the meat and veg to cook in wine and stock at a low heat in the oven. It will �ill you up for ages and leave you with a warm glow like proper comfort food should do. Drink tea and listen to the gasps of joy that echo all around. Lauren Bailey

Download the GBK app to unlock your 30% Student Discount gbkapp.co.uk/uni

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January 2015

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

A: ‘I have this weird thing that, if I sleep with someone, they’re going to take my creativity from me through my vagina.’

B: ‘First, my mother was Spanish. Then, she became a Jehovah’s Witness.’

C: ‘I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don’t know into what religion yet.’

D: ‘I just want one day off when I can go swimming and eat ice cream and look at rainbows.’

E: ‘I created punk for this day and age. Do you see Britney walking around wearing ties and singing punk? Hell no. That’s what I do. I’m like a Sid Vicious for a new generation.’

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

Who said what? 1 Paris Hilton, 2 Mariah Carey, 3 Gwyneth Paltrow, 4 Geri Halliwell, 5 Chris Brown, 6 David Beckham, 7 Avril Lavigne, 8 Ashton Kutcher, 9 R Kelly, 10 Lady Gaga

F: ‘I think every decade has an iconic blonde, like Marilyn Monroe or Princess Diana and, right now, I’m that icon.’

G: ‘Can I get your number? I promise I won’t beat you!’

ANSWERS

2 8 5

2 8 3 8 9

J: ‘All of a sudden, you’re like the Bin Laden of America.’

6 3 4

4 1

3 2 5 9

1 9

5 4

H: ‘I’d rather smoke crack than eat cheese from a can.’ I: ‘The number of lines in your forehead tells how many lives you’ve lived.’

6 1 9

1 8 6 4

2 5

8 9

5 1

3 6

Can you unscramble these singers’ names?

1. MURY OLLS 2. WHEN BOARD 3. WARGER DAY 4. WACK JHITE 5. EJJE SIS 6. ZAKIES

2 8

3 8

in a

muddle

7. LEEK 8. LOIN PAIN OUT ANSWERS

1 Olly Murs, 2 Ben Howard, 3 Gerard Way, 4 Jack White, 5 Jessie J, 6 Kiesza, 7 Kele, 8 Paolo Nutini

brainTEASE

A10 B4 C6 D2 E7 F1 G5 H3 I8 J9

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January 2015

competitionCORNER

Your chance to win fantastic tickets, trips and treats

WIN pizza for a year Great prize is worth a lot of dough

WIN

Hoping for an excuse to stay in?

IZZA? Free? For a year? What more could any cash-starved, deep crust-loving student want? We’ve teamed up with Pizza Hut to offer one lucky reader a £30 voucher for every month of 2015. The winner can pick from a menu featuring the �laming hot blazin’ inferno or famous deep-pan meat feast, each accompanied with unlimited salad and soft drink re�ills. You can even add a pudding from the selection of warm cookie-dough desserts. Or what better way to keep the hunger pangs at bay by heading for the unlimited buffet every weekday?

ARE you dreading stepping outside into the winter weather? Thanks to HBO UK Home Entertainment we are offering the perfect excuse to stay indoors. We have a haul of hit series up for grabs including Band of Brothers, The Paci�ic, True Detective and Boardwalk Empire seasons 1-4 to keep you and your housemates entertained.

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

Slice of luck: Why not use your winner’s voucher to treat your friends to a spicy blazin’ inferno or tuck into unlimited salad?

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Gateway Programme Terms and conditions: Offer finishes on the 20th February 2015. Emails received before 20th February will receive the eLearning course. By emailing us for this promotion you agree for your email address to be added to the Uni Paper database and the QA Gateway Programme database.

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

To receive your FREE eLearning course worth £99 go to: https://kvgo.com/qa/ learn2code

January 2015

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

Horoscope 

What’s written in the stars for you this month

ARIES: MARCH 21APRIL 19 January is not a time to sit still, Aries. The new year will bring exaltation and energy but don’t get too carried away. Pay particular attention to �inances and relationships TAURUS: APRIL 20MAY 20 Luck will be on your side this month,Taurus. The world is your oyster this year and it will feel as though you have just hit the jackpot. Just remember to trust your intuition GEMINI: MAY 21JUNE 20 The new year is an exciting time for you, Gemini. It will

be as though a veil has been lifted and for the �irst time you are seeing everything from an entirely new perspective CANCER: JUNE 21JULY 22 Have you been thinking of changing something up for a long time, Cancer? Now is the time to do it. Currently, you have everything you need so what are you waiting for LEO: JULY 23AUGUST 22 Time to focus on yourself, Leo. The new year will enable you to discover talents you didn’t even know you possessed. And, you know what they

say, practice really does make perfect

VIRGO: AUGUST 23SEPTEMBER 22 The new year brings positivity for you, Virgo; however, an unthinking step could land you in trouble, so stay in control and you will make great changes

LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22 Don’t jump the gun, Libra. Stay a few steps ahead and consider all possibilities. Complicated situations will arise but stay in control and they can be solved with ease SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 21 You are going to have to

take responsibility for the actions of others this month, Scorpio. Even if you are not in the driving seat, be ready to accept the consequences SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21 Those around you may be shrouded in negativity, Sagittarius, but don’t let this throw you off. Don’t be afraid to �ight back as it is best to trust your intuition right now CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22JANUARY 19 There is no time like the present, Capricorn. A goal you have been working towards for a



long time is beginning to manifest and you will have luck on your side like you never have before

AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 You are about to enter a very content phase, Aquarius. You have been working very hard of late and everything is about to fall into place, so why challenge fate for more? PISCES: FEBRUARY 19MARCH 20 You are responsible for every aspect of your life, Pisces, so if you are unhappy with certain aspects now is the time to make change. Don’t doubt your inner strength

Rock it... but ditch the booze In his latest column on LGBT issues, masters student FILIP BIGOS argues you don’t need to drink or take drugs just to conform to a hard-partying stereotype

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

VERYBODY likes a good party. The music, the rush, the heat… When the beat drops, alcohol starts pouring and we get going. Especially the gays. Everyone knows gay clubs are the best – we know how to rock it. Fun, alcohol and drugs is pretty much what the gay community is all about. Or, at least, seems to be. Wherever we go, whatever we do, people always drink. And with age (and depending on how rich their sugar daddy is) they move on to drugs. To switch off. To loosen up. There is an awful lot of pressure on us to drink,

let’sTALK

and very often to do chems and slam. Yet owners of gay venues don’t tend to think about alternatives for people who don’t want to get wasted every day. I apologise for targeting gay men but they are the group most guilty of this. It damages our reputation and shames our community. It is possible to party without alcohol. I am a 22-year-old gay man – I don’t drink, yet I still date and have a great time. Most importantly I will remember it from start to �inish. This requires a real pair, because although I am gay, I am still a man and I am myself.

Little and often: Short bursts will help you focus

Festive fun is �inished, now get revising

CHRISTMAS is over and the exam period is back with a vengeance. Before you start panicking, take a deep breath and check out these �ive revision tips. 1. Write it all down: It may be a pain but it is guaranteed to help you remember all those facts and get them imprinted into your brain 2. Start with the tricky bits: It’s only natural to go for the stuff that we �ind the easiest but consider how stressfree the last few days of revision would be if you were working on the stuff you already understood the most 3. Try short, sharp bursts: Two to three hours of revision each day should do the trick. Accumulated over January (and hopefully some of December, too), that’s a lot of study time 4. Colour-code your notes: Research shows that a splash of colour can make all the difference 5. Reward yourself: Whether it is your favourite chocolate or a night out with friends once you’ve �inished a topic, you deserve a treat. Ellie Connell and Kelly Smith

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January 2015

let’sTALK

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

Alice ask

getting on with life – and so are your family and friends – but they will always be there for you. That much will never change.

Y STUDENT loan didn’t come in on time so I took out a payday loan. I thought I wouldn’t have to admit it to anyone – but I’m still waiting on student finance and now I owe double the amount I borrowed in the first place. Josh, Bristol

Y BOYFRIEND dumped me on New Year’s Eve... over champagne, no less. If that wasn’t bad enough, I tried so hard to make him happy. I often put him before studying. Now, exams are just weeks away and I feel like I’m drowning. I’m starting to wonder whether I should continue with my course. Rebecca, Liverpool Exams are exactly what you need right now, Rebecca – hear me out. Throw yourself into revising, not re-reading every text you ever sent each other. Break-ups take time to heal. Nothing can beat a night in with the girls right now – but you also need a distraction. Before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet. Besides, let’s be honest – a guy who breaks up with you on New Year’s Eve isn’t worth your time. Your course, however, is.

Lovers’ tiff: But revision can provide the perfect distraction

OME isn’t home anymore. When I went back for Christmas, my parents showed me to the guest room – which was, in fact, my bedroom until four months ago. But the biggest

shock is my friends. I don’t feel like I’m part of their lives any more. I spent so much of the first term feeling homesick – and now it’s as though I don’t even have a home. Tom, Birmingham

Club drugs... why the song and dance? T

HE drugs market is changing fast. Traditional substances, such as heroin, are in decline, while newer, synthetic chemicals are flooding the market. Last year, 81 new psychoactive drugs were detected on the European market – the highest number on record. Many of these substances are virtually unheard of. What’s more, many are entirely legal and can be bought via the internet. Probably the best-known legal high is mephedrone, or ‘meow meow’. Many others are known by their brand names, or simply as ‘research chemicals’. But are they safe? It’s a difficult question to answer.

We’ve all been there, Tom. As much as everyone loves living in halls, it isn’t home. But, as you said – go home and you feel like a teenager again, having to tiptoe around. Do you know what, though? You are

DR OWEN BOWDEN-JONES founded the Club Drug Clinic, a London NHS service aimed to inform young people about the effects and dangers of new substances Because they have been manufactured to mimic the effects of drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, these new substances can be stimulants, sedatives or hallucinogens. There is no doubt that some of them are extremely powerful and, when substituted for drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy), the effects can surprise the user and even lead to overdose. In the long term, some legal highs cause similar problems to more traditional drugs – dependence, psychosis and depression have all been seen in users. So, despite being cheap and legal, there

is no doubt that at least some are really harmful. If you do decide to take a chance on a research chemical, take care of yourself by starting small and telling your friends what you are using. If you run into trouble, they can tell the ambulance crew. Don’t mix – this includes alcohol. The more types of drug you take at the same time, the bigger the risk. Stay hydrated by taking regular, small sips of water. Don’t drink more than one pint in an hour, otherwise you might over-hydrate. For more information, visit www.clubdrugclinic.com.

Submit us your questions and get the answer in next months issue

Don’t sit on this any longer, Josh. Head straight to your university and talk to someone in student services or the students’ union. There will be a support fund for people experiencing financial difficulty. The amount awarded will depend on your assessed needs and you will not have to pay it back. In future, steer clear of payday loans – the interest rates alone will leave you in much worse position than you were in before. 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

January 2015

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off MESSAGE

Our occasional offering of things that are... just interesting but not entirely sensible

I smell an idea: Who hasn’t overslept and found themselves at lectures without having had time for a shower? What you need is the Axilla Scrubber. At the touch of a button, it will wash those whiffy pits discreetly for you...

Some are bonkers but some of them are absolute gold Colin Furze has built everything from a 70mph mobility scooter to magnetic boots. The inventor tells CHARLOTTE ARROWSMITH about his search for Britain’s next eccentric bofﬁn...

Who left the loo seat up. Again!: Is your student house the scene of regular arguments about bathroom etiquette? The Handy Toilet Seat Lifter is here to put an end to the bickering by automatically putting the seat down after use...

Dozy parka: Fed up with missing your stop for the umpteenth time and having to trudge through the rain to get to your lecture? The Commuter Coat can be pre-programmed to shake you awake at your stop

OU’RE young and gifted... you should probably be trying to come up with an invention that will change the world for the better. But maybe during that particularly dull lecture you have come up with ideas that are, well, a little less grandiose in their scope. What about a toilet seat that lifts and closes by itself? No more arguments in the student house about who left the loo seat up. Or a commuter coat that shakes you awake from your slumbers on the bus so you never miss your stop again? Too late, because other students thought of them �irst and submitted them to the Odd Invention Challenge. Madcap inventor Colin Furze is a judge. He has more

What next: Colin Furze at work in his lab (garage) than 750,000 YouTube fans and a number of world records for his inventions, which range from a 70mph shopping trolley to Wolverine-style claws. ‘We’ve had a lot of entries, and some of them really are quite bonkers,’ said Colin. ‘The great thing about these competitions is when you ask thousands of people to come up with something, you end up with some absolute gold.’ He has been impressed by the left-�ield thinking. ‘I like making the things that other people might think are not worth making, and that

seems to have driven me in the direction of making weird and crazy inventions which has obviously led to this competition,’ he said. As for his own inventions, Colin says the mobility scooter edges it. ‘It was good – it was proper smart and everyone loves it,’ he said. The Odd Invention Challenge was designed by �lavoured spirit brand ODDKA. The shortlisted �inalists will be put to the public vote to win a top prize of £4,999. See www.oddinvention.com for the entries.

The shower of love: Everyone loves singing in the shower, so what better than the Karaoke Shower, featuring a waterproof touchscreen control panel, a disco ball shower head and big speakers...

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January 2015

moneyMATTERS

We’re all on a budget... here are our ideas on how to make it stretch as far as possible

£10,000 masters stroke? caseHISTORY

Worth it: Faye Saville worked more than 70 hours a week, juggling a job with her studies

My 13-hour days for an MA IF GETTING a masters wasn’t hard enough, imagine having a fulltime job on top. But that’s exactly what recent graduate Faye Saville did to avoid exorbitant debts. Juggling a PR role with 30 hours of weekly study towards her MA in strategic communication at the University of

Central Lancashire, Faye found herself working up to 13 hours a day. ‘It’s a mental test,’ the 28-year-old said. ‘You have to push yourself to the limit – but you do amaze yourself with how mentally strong you are.’ Her friends, family and employer backed her over the three years it

took to complete the course – and she said she would do it that way again, rather than take on the proposed loan. ‘Of course, there are always times when you think, “Can I really do this?”’ she added. ‘It was hard. I didn’t go out much and socialise – but I got there in the end.’

superSCRIMPING IT’S a new year, so the partying is over and, predictably, you’re broke. After chucking away all of your money over Christmas, here are some apps that will help you keep hold of your cash in 2015...

 Organise your

outgoings: If 2015 is the year you have decided to get organised with your outgoings, then the Goodbudget app is for you. Splitting your spending

between different categories, this free app allows you to easily keep tabs on your expenditure. It can also be synced with other mobile devices – perfect for splitting household bills

 An eye for a bargain:

Your bank balance may have taken a hit over Christmas but that doesn’t mean living like a hermit in January. Offering discounts at retailers such as H&M, Pizza Express and Tesco, VoucherCodes

uses GPS to ﬁnd the best deals closest to you

 Get cash quick: Why

not make some money out of your unwanted Christmas presents? While eBay is the obvious choice, there’s a cheaper auction site out there – eBid. The app allows you to ﬂog your stuff and for a fraction of the price. With more than 3.5million bids last year, there’s a good chance someone will bite

OR many masters students, their degree has been a battle of survival. They have had to �ind ingenious ways to fund their extra year or two of studies. Some borrow money from their families, while others take on a part- or, even, fulltime job while keeping on top of their course. Now they have an alternative after the government announced a funding scheme that will allow those aged under 30 and studying towards a masters degree to get a loan of up to £10,000. The plan, which is planned to come into force in the 2016/17 academic year, will replicate the undergraduate model, where students only start paying back their loans once their earnings reach above a certain level. James Coe, vice-president of University of Liverpool’s students’ union, said: ‘I am

Loans ‘will help more than 40,000 students’ pleased the students’ movement won this. We must continue to �ight for these loans to be extended for students over 30 and an education system that does not force such high levels of personal debt on to our student members. ‘Postgraduate loans are an important step in widening access to this type of study.’ The government predicts the loans will help more than 40,000 students and enable about 10,000 more individuals to undertake postgraduate study each year. Sam Smith, a third year at the University of Liverpool, praised the proposal, despite masters degrees being funded on his

course. ‘To become a chartered engineer, a masters degree is needed,’ he added. ‘In the long run, the loan will be bene�icial to others, as it allows people to get further in their job.’ However, students could leave university with debts of more than £60,000, while undergraduate and postgraduate loans will be paid off at the same time. Luke Stevenson, a Liverpool John Moores University English graduate, said: ‘It’s a trap – a pathetic token measure by the Tories to attract gullible students. ‘Forget loans – we want no tuition fees. Education is for everyone, not just the elites.’ Charlotte Seddon

Moody’s – 12 Month Graduate Placement In joining Moody’s 2015 Graduate Programme, you will have the opportunity to work with analysts on the rating process, including drafting credit documents, formulating ratios, preparing spreadsheets, comparative statistics, as well as exposure to special projects, at times on a global scale. Location London, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris

To find out more and apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/milkround-jobs

Salary Competitive package Posted 03 Nov 2014 Closes 03 Jan 2015

The Berkeley Group - Graduate scheme, Construction & Property

REPL Group – Graduate Management Consultant

The Berkeley Group is looking for the brightest graduates with degrees in disciplines related directly to the skills and knowledge required in our operational departments. Berkeley Homes are currently recruiting for graduates in the following disciplines: Land and Planning, Technical, Commercial (Quantity Surveyors), Construction, Customer Service Location London (Greater)

REPL is a fast growing UK based technology group with offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore. We deliver sophisticated project management techniques to unlock commercial potential. Our team sits at the cutting edge of where the retail industry meets the next generation of mobile technology, where gamification overlaps with multichannel.

Salary £27,000

Salary £22,000pa + London Weighting, travel allowance, bonus and benefits

Closes 17 Nov 2014

Hastings Direct - Graduate Scheme

Accenture- Industrial Placement

We have ambitious plans to attract 3 million customers by 2020 and we are looking for talented graduates to join us whilst we grow and help shape our business. As we are relatively small compared to the big names, you will truly get the opportunity and exposure with our management team to do this. Our Graduate Scheme is designed to help you develop as a future leader of our business, fast tracking your career within Hastings Direct. Roles available in Accounting & Finance, Insurance, Marketing & PR.

Bring your talent and passion to a global organisation at the forefront of business, technology and innovation. Collaborate with diverse, talented colleagues and leaders who support your success. Help transform organisations and communities around the world. Sharpen your skills with industry-leading training and development, as you build an extraordinary career.

Location Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex Salary Competitive Closes 04 Jan 2015

Avanti Communications Group plc – Graduate Engineer Are you expecting a 2:1 or higher in a computer related subject? Are you interested in working in a fast paced environment with the latest technologies in a truly global footprint? Yes? That’s a great start, but beyond that? Avanti seeks your inspiration, your energy and your enthusiasm.

Location London or Midlands

Location Nationwide Salary £Competitive Closes 28 Aug 2015

J.P. Morgan – Technology Graduate Programme There’s not a single part of our business that isn’t empowered and enhanced by the creative thinking of J.P. Morgan technologists. In an industry this competitive, being the best means deploying high-speed software and infrastructure alongside leading engineering and application development. Location London, Bournemouth, Glasgow

Location London (Central)

Salary Competitive + benefits

Salary £23,000 p a

Closes 30 Nov 2014

Closes 31 Mar 2015

Opus Energy – Graduate Analyst Opus Energy, a dynamic and fast growing organisation, is recruiting to expand its analytical support. Analysts with Opus Energy carry out a wide range of analytical tasks designed to help keep the company on track. Location Oxford, Oxfordshire Salary £23,000 - £25,000 DOE + £1,000 welcome bonus + £1,000 at end of year 1 & 2 Closes 03 Dec 2014

Rothschild – Private Equity Long Term Internship – Merchant Banking This London based 4-6 month internship is an exciting opportunity to intern with Rothschild’s flagship private equity fund, Five Arrows Principal Investments – a €600 million fund focused on mid-market companies in Western Europe. Location London Salary Competitive Closes 31 Dec 2015

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January 2015

beyondUNI

Strike a balance between study and job

MANAGING deadlines can be hard enough without having to work as well. For some students, though, money can be tight and a parttime job is required. Unfortunately, there can be a down side to having a job while studying – trying to balance everything. Here are some useful tips on how to keep on top. 1. Planning: When it comes to writing an essay or preparing a presentation, knowing where you are going to start saves lots of time. Try writing ideas in your phone, so you can add to it on the move 2. Plan your diary: When deadlines are approaching, it is great to know when you have free time. For example, if you work nights and have a couple of spare hours before a shift, you could spend that time researching your masterpiece 3. Release that stress: Juggling everything can take its toll, both physically and mentally, so take time to relax. Find what works best for you and incorporate it into your time 4. Remember: A parttime job is only for now. Make university work your priority. After all, that’s what you’re there for Jasmine Martin

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

Rising star: YouTuber Alice Taylor discusses her life

More vlog, less slog

Want to earn money sitting on your sofa? Just talk and upload

MAGINE sitting in front of a camera and filming yourself taking on stupid challenges or capturing everything you do throughout the day, from what you eat at lunch to what you watch on TV. Now controversy last month after imagine getting paid for it. admitting her book (which It sounds too good to was the fastest-selling debut be true, but that is exactly novel ever) was ghostwritten. what vlogging is all about. Looking to recreate her With audiences of between 2 and 6million, the best vlogs get thousands of views each day. Perhaps the most famous vlogger is fashion and beauty adviser Zoella, Go for it: You could earn cash from vlogs who caused

success is 18-year-old Alice Taylor, an up-andcoming YouTuber who creates comedic videos about her day-to-day life. Speaking to TUP, the former student, who now works in TV and film, said: ‘If you are lucky enough, then vlogging can compete with conventional careers. ‘Digital content is becoming more prominent, so there’ll be jobs popping up all over for it.’ With its rise in popularity, vlogging has become a job

for many of these big-name content creators. Top brands are approaching YouTube stars to reach younger audiences and are offering large sums of money for an advertising opportunity within their videos. With a sizeable income (let’s just say enough to cover the rent… and then some), these internet sensations can afford a luxury lifestyle without a nine-to-five job. However, Alice added: ‘YouTube can be seen as both a hobby and a job – but

Spot the spelling errors and count the cash

PROOFREADING is a necessity of university life. We have all had to do it for stressed-out flatmates or ourselves. But proofreading is also big business. There are a number of online proofreading agencies – and most will pay students to work for them. Such agencies look for neat handwriting for hard

five to try

n www.proofreadingagency.co.uk n www.freelance-proofreaders.co.uk n www.globalproofreading.com n www.academicword.com n or why not offer your services via Gumtree.co.uk?

copies, methodical readthroughs and, of course, excellent English. It is

also advantageous to be a graduate or undergraduate in any discipline, as a

technical knowledge of a specific subject can help. The benefit of proofreading professionally is that the work is freelance, so you can work from home and choose your hours. With different payment methods and variable salaries, it is best to find a legitimate, well-established website to work for. Charlotte Pick

if my channel ever got to a level that it supported me, I still probably wouldn’t quit my current job.’ So, does the rise of vlogging mean we should we all quit our degrees, rush out to buy cameras and start filming our beans-on-toast dinners? Fraser Green, an Australian YouTuber with more than 4,000 subscribers, said: ‘YouTube is a new creative platform that the majority of society still doesn’t understand, mainly due to ignorance.’ The point is, do your research, build a following and, maybe, one day, you can make your money by sitting at home, eating food in front of the computer. Ryan Lynch Eagle-eyed: The only tools you need are an eye for detail and a pen

January 2015

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yourSPACE

Beat the chill with a freeze on spending T

HE summer has gone, leaves have fallen from the trees and winter is upon us. Of course, you cannot afford to put the heating on full-time, so how can you stay warm without busting the bank balance? 1. Layers are important: No wonder you think the house feels like the North Pole if you’re only wearing a vest and shorts. Wear jumpers – even put on your �luffy onesie. By now, I’m sure your housemates have seen you at your worst. 2. Shut the door: This

insulates the house and stops cold air creeping in. There is no point in putting the heating on only for all that lovely warm air to escape through the gaps, so make sure you shut your windows, too! 3. Get a hot water bottle: Who needs a partner to keep your bed warm in the winter? It’s as simple as boiling the kettle, �illing it up and, as if by magic, you instantly have something warm you can

Spare yourself pipe pain

Keeping snug: To save cash and stay warm, why not put on some layers, invite your friends round and watch a movie, huddled up under a duvet? spoon to sleep. Better still, there are no strings attached. 4. Pour a hot drink: They work as a perfect hand warmer and take the chill off your body, too. Also, who

can honestly say no to a hot chocolate? Furthermore, there isn’t any chill that a hearty meal can’t banish. 5. Huddle up like penguins: Invite all your friends round and make sure they bring duvets, sleeping

bags and blankets. Bundle together in front of a good �ilm and order a takeaway! 6. Use heating sparingly: An hour in the morning and at night on those really chilly days won’t break the bank. Hannah Southern

We make bills this easy

Student bills from £9.99 pppw www.dividabill.co.uk!

A BURST pipe is an all-too-commonplace winter hazard. Freezing causes the water to expand, leading to a rupture. Here’s what to do if you suspect this is happening to one of your internal pipes: 1. Turn off the water supply immediately 2. Ensure all cold taps are turned on. This leaves room for the thawed water to escape 3. If you ﬁnd the frozen pipe, try warming it gently with a hairdryer 4. Remove anything from the room or area where the frozen pipe is, in case it bursts 5. If you ﬁnd a leak, contact a plumber as soon as possible Hannah Southern

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January 2015

yourSPACE

Finding the right place to live, choosing the right people to live with and keeping your place right

Graduating? Do it all again Y

OU’RE graduating in a few months. Your parents and lecturers go on about you finding a job. But, first things first, where are you going to live? Moving back home is the obvious choice after university – but after three years of freedom, it will be difficult to take orders from your parents again. You might begin to wonder what all that maturing and independence at university was for. Of course, moving back isn’t the end of the world; it’ll only be a year or two and you’ll be able to save up, find the right place and get the best job. The classic five-year plan. But that’s not the only option. University has taught you the basics about renting and the costs, so why not do it for real? If, for you, it’s about employment, then let the job lead you – apply everywhere and be prepared to begin an

In it together: Living with other people makes life fun – and cheaper

It should have been done in December but there is never enough time to clean the fridge. Now, the dire consequences face the house. Mouldy carrots left from Christmas dinner and grease on the oven tray that may never be the same again Rebecca Solomon

ALPHA housemates are the organisers who everyone listens to and everyone aspires to be. They’re the kings and queens of halls. So how do you go about usurping them? With sabotage, naturally Hannah Froggatt

For fuller versions of these go to www.unipaper.co.uk

PICTURE: LAUREN KNIGHT

Wise steps that will help you buy WE LEAVE university with tens of thousands of pounds of debt so, to most of us, buying a first home seems like an impossible dream. With house prices spiralling and banks refusing mortgages and restricting the amount you can borrow, it is easy to feel condemned to years of living at home or in shared rented living. But there are ways in which graduates can make themselves more attractive to lenders. First, show lenders that you are ‘stable’. Let them know you have held down a steady job and that you have regular income. Try to limit your student finance. The thought of

having £7,000 put into your bank account every year sounds great – but added to the £9,000 tuition fee, you could end up saddled with £48,000 of debt. Make an effort to clear your student overdraft and credit card debts. If lenders see that you have too much credit available that you do not use, this could affect your credit rating. Finally, and most crucially, start saving for a deposit. Even without student debt, lenders will still expect you to pay a percentage of the house costs. That may mean working through uni, saving your student loan or moving back in with your parents for a few more years. Nakita Capp

Up sticks instead of heading for home adventure into the unknown. You’ve moved to a new city before; you can do it all again. Another fresh start can be scary but your new workmates will be able to recommend places to live and perhaps introduce you to your new city. When you get round to looking at your new rented home, remember the basics. Do you need a parking space? Can you make it a home? Can you afford the rent? Have you got the best deal with your bills? Remember, too, you’ll have to pay council tax. It may also be time to find some new housemates. You’ve had your first taste of community living in halls and in your shared student home,

so why not carry on? We need company. Humans are not the kind to sit alone doing our own individual things. As students, it is the reason we get so little work done when we need to. Companionships and friendships are what we strive for, so why neglect our natural instincts when we move away from the safe haven of the university campus? Besides, rent is cheaper when the cost is spread out – as are utility bills, food shopping and the TV licence. They say university opens doors; this may be literally true when you leave and start looking for your first home. Lucy Robinson and Megan Haddaway

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Cannot be used with other offers or exchanged in part or whole for cash. Initial 3-month payment required from new easycare direct debit customers. One free pair of £45 range glasses with scratch-resistant PENTAX single vision lenses every two years. Current prescription required. Alternatively, an eye test will be required at our standard charge. easycare benefits are redeemable only by named scheme member. Source: YouGov Plc online survey, 2014. ©2013 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

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January 2015

yourSPACE

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

Why mixing it up is best Messy males and catty girls make for harmony

S a single sex home more relaxing or does mixing it up make for better harmony? What about living with messy males who leave dirty pants in the sink? Or are girls too competitive and catty to make for good housemates? In a survey for The University Paper, six in ten male respondents said they would prefer to live only with other boys. Just a quarter of girls said they would be happiest in a single-sex home – making male �latmates a sought-after commodity. The most common concern raised about all-female housing was that emotions often ran high, creating a tense atmosphere. One Nottingham Trent

University student, still traumatised from her �irst year living in an all-female �lat, said: ‘I can’t think of anything worse than living in an all-girls house. ‘It really has put me off. There was always a sense of competition in the air.’ Other girls had doubts about mixed living, calling boys messy and unruly. Many also said living in a single-sex house would make them feel less self-conscious about chilling in their pyjamas with no make-up on. But one male Newcastle University architecture student who lives with four boys and two girls explained he was fed up of being nagged by the girls, who wanted to keep the house ‘looking like a palace’. Kate Johnson

Don’t be scared to try DIY...

Tools for the job: Having a hammer and nails on hand can help out with broken furniture

WHEN hit with a house malfunction, it’s easy to panic and call the landlord. But little jobs can be done yourself if you have the essentials... Hammer and nails: You can ﬁnd these in most pound shops and they can be a lifesaver for minor furniture damage Glue is your friend: Twopart resin is extra strong super glue and, believe me, it does the job Know when not to DIY: For anything to do with plumbing, heating and electricity, just phone the landlord Seán O’Connor

student living the way you want it book your tour today!

expect more from your student accommodation Living at CLV Birmingham you’ll enjoy: > a great location with easy access to campus and city centre > on site facilities such as free gym and music practice rooms find out more or book a tour at:

> all inclusive rates – no need to worry about utility bills and council tax > choice of rooms – all with ensuite bathroom

clvuk.com/birmingham clv birmingham

January 2015

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researchROUND-UP

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

They can tell us a moo-ving story...

Space race: The cold atomic hydrogen gas (blue) is ripped out of the main galaxy PICTURE: NASA/ CAROLE MUNDELL

In a galaxy far, far away, cannibalism is at work IN a galaxy far, far away, something rather sinister and disturbing is being recorded. A mere 50million light years from Earth, a cannibal is at work. A system dubbed Arp 94, in the constellation of Leo, is locked in a gravitational struggle with its

Owzat for the end of dodgy decisions IT’S a bugbear of weekend cricketers up and down the country: dodgy LBW decisions given by the home umpire. Now a new study shows clear evidence neutral umpires do make fewer decisions in favour of home sides. Economists reviewed leg before wicket decisions in 1,000 Test matches that took place between 1986 and 2012. It wasn’t until 2002 that both umpires were neutral. One of the lead authors, Dr Abhinav Sacheti from Nottingham University business school, said: ‘Our results suggest that when two home umpires officiated in Test matches, away teams were likely to suffer on average 16 per cent more LBW decisions than home teams.’ That bias disappeared when neutral umpires were appointed. Bias had been particularly strong in Tests played in Australia, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

neighbours where it rips material out of the interacting galaxies and hurls it far into intergalactic space. This fascinating cosmic laboratory is giving astronomers, including Liverpool John Moores Astrophysics Research Institute, tantalizing clues as to how galaxies have evolved

since the beginning of our universe. A major unanswered question in astronomy is how gas-rich spiral galaxiessuch as our own Milky Way evolve into the ‘red’ ‘dead’ elliptical galaxies, somehow switching off their ability to form stars in the process. Galactic ‘cannibalism’, where one

galaxy consumes another- as in Arp 94 – may provide an answer. Scientists, working with Nasa and the European Space Agency, have combined multiple images taken of the galactic event from telescopes such as Hubble and Spitzer to create the image above. Bryony Holloway

Kama Sutra sex life of the moth I

High wire: The male hangs like a trapeze artist

T’S enough to make a butterfly blush. And if Channel 4 ever get wind of the antics of the gold swift moth, they’d probably make a steamy late-night series about it. Biologists have described the sex life of the rather dull-looking moth as a ‘veritable Kama Sutra’. Prof John Turner, Emeritus professor in the University of Leeds’ school of biology, said: ‘With most insects, you expect to find a fairly set mating process. ‘The love life of the gold swift moth is a veritable Kama Sutra of mating patterns and positions.’ Unlike most insects, which stick rigidly to a single position, the gold swift moth had two approaches: n The male hangs facing the female and reaches over to connect his abdomen to hers. Once they connect, he lets go, falling like a trapeze artist so that he is hang-

ing upside down from his mate. He stays in this position until the following sunrise. n The male hangs with his back to the female and bends his abdomen backwards. They twist round to connect their bodies and then untwist as he falls into the mating position. The twilight courtship rituals of the gold swift moth can be seen in June and July in forest glades and bracken patches all over Britain. Prof Turner observed ‘fighting dances’ between males and occasional ‘homoerotic’ courtships, where males embark on mating procedures with their own sex. He conducted the study during holidays in the north of Scotland. He said: ‘I was doing the washing up and I looked out of the kitchen window to see all this happening in the vegetation in front of me.’ Jenny Monahan

IF I could talk to the animals and they could squeak and squawk and moo to me… Researchers spent ten months eavesdropping on ‘conversations’ between calves and their mothers. They identified two distinct maternal calls. When cows were close to their calves, they communicated with them using low-frequency calls. When they were separated – out of visual contact– their calls were louder and at a much higher frequency. Dr Mónica Padilla de la Torre, of the University of Nottingham’s school of life sciences, said: ‘Each calf and cow have a characteristic and exclusive call of their own.’

Placebo works for runners

PERFORMANCEenhancing drugs can help athletes run faster – even when they haven’t taken them. Endurance athletes who injected a fictional drug called OxyRBX improved their 10km race time even though in reality they had only taken saline, a study on the placebo effect by the University of Glasgow showed. The runners improved their race time by an average of 1.2 per cent – a small but significant margin after taking the placebo.

Ants always turn left, right UNLIKE Derek Zoolander, ants don’t have any difficulty turning left. Most rock ants instinctively go left when entering unknown spaces, research from the University of Bristol, shows. PhD student Edmund Hunt and colleagues studied how ants explore nest cavities. He said: ‘The ants may use their left eye to detect predators and their right to navigate. Also, their world is maze-like and turning one way is a good strategy to search.’

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January 2015

wellFIT

Advice for a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape

Get buff...but on a budget Shape up when funds are thin

Cut-price weights: Why bother reading a book when you can use it to keep ﬁt?

F THERE’S a time of year when you’re most likely to join a gym, it’s January. After eating, drinking and making merry for most of December, you might be ready to ful�il that new year resolution to get �it. There are some great deals for joining gyms – but, if your budget won’t stretch to a membership, then here’s our guide to keeping �it for free… High-intensity interval training: A great way to burn fat, especially if you’re short on time. HIIT focuses on short bursts of intense exercise, with a less intense rest period. Head to the park with a mate and sprint

– make it into a race. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, try running up and down the stairs. Circuits: You don’t need a lot of space to set up a minicircuit in your living room. Use a chair to do arm dips, lean on a wall to support yourself in a handstand

position and clear a space for burpees and planking. Weights: If you want to use weights but can’t afford any, make the most of what you already have. If you have a particularly large book from your course, use it as a weight to hold to your chest when squatting. Use tins of

baked beans for bicep curls and hold your full laundry basket while lunging. Run: It may seem obvious, but go for a run. If you’re feeling the pressure of coursework deadlines, getting outdoors can relieve stress and help restore your focus. Samantha Coles

How to stay focused 1. Be realistic: If running for the bus leaves you gasping for breath, it’s probably not a good idea to sign up for a marathon. Set yourself reasonable goals 2. Fuel: Unfortunately, going for a ﬁve-minute jog doesn’t give you an excuse to have two pizzas for dinner. You can’t out-train a bad diet 3. Mix it up: Never do the same workout. Increase your speed, weights or reps each time you train to challenge yourself 4. Rest: It can be tempting to go hell-for-leather in the ﬁrst two weeks. Don’t push yourself too hard to begin with, as this can result in injury 5. Stay positive: Bad training sessions happen. Don’t let them get you

down – acknowledge that you know you can do better next time 6. Moral support: It’s natural to feel selfconscious about exercising alone. Why not get a running club together with your housemates? Having a training buddy can help you push harder 7. All the gear: It’s important to have good training shoes. Any new kit can boost your conﬁdence 8. Remember why you started: When you’re tired and it’s freezing, staying indoors in your onesie is often more appealing than training. Remember why you started – visualise your goals and think how much better you’ll feel afterwards SC

January 2015

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sportNEWS

Star turn Susan the heartbeat of success CALUM SEXTON EVERY successful side has a strong heartbeat. That player that can motivate others when heads are dropping, that player that can raise their game to new heights, dragging others with them. Think of Ronaldo, think Casey Stoney, think Jonny Wilkinson. For Birmingham City University Women’s Football

Club, think Susan Mutangadura. The second-year right winger stepped up when they faced an Oxford Brookes side who had beaten them twice before. ‘I called it redemption, because that’s exactly what it was,’ she told us. After falling behind early in the league fixture, BCU had that all-too-familiar losing feeling but Mutangadura reacted in the best way possible, by bagging two, inspiring

Vooght double secures varsity

On song: Susan Mutangadura, second left, front row, and her team PICTURE: CALUM SEXTON her teammates to go on and win the game 2-1. ‘It has to be the best game I’ve ever played,’ said Susan. Her undoubted star quality was spotted early; having begun playing for her school aged eight, she earned trials at Sheffield Utd. She is now one of the first names on the teamsheet for

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BCU. But, despite her twogoal starring role, Susan was quick to emphasise it was all about the team. ‘The football we play now is incredible,’ she said. ‘We move as one and play as one.’ Success on the field is reflected off it with a growing number of members, even though the team is only in

its second year in the BUCS league. ‘We aren’t just a team, we are a family. That’s our philosophy,’ said Susan. And it’s this togetherness that is shaping their season. Susan added: ‘This season, our team is going to win the league, it’s not just a matter of thinking it.’

Korf blimey, we’re champs THE University of Birmingham are national champions of a sport few of you have probably heard of, much less played. Korfball is a truly inclusive game. Sides are either mixed sex or all women, there are no all-male sides. Developed in Holland around 1902, it is a fastpaced sport that is a mix of basketball and netball. There are eight players per side, four start in the defence zone, four in attack. They swap duties after each two goals. The player in possession of the ball is not allowed to move, similar to the ‘travelling’ rules in netball. The idea is to shoot the ball through a hoop standing 3.5metres tall. And

the UoB is pretty good at it. The team had to come from behind to beat the University of East Anglia at the korfball finals. In a thrilling match played at UAE’s Sports Park arena in Norwich, UoB found themselves three goals behind with just four minutes to go. Birmingham managed to claw back the deficit and take the lead 14-13 in the closing seconds with a penalty scored by Danique Fintelman. The win means UoB are the reigning BUCS national champions heading into this year’s finals in March. The best time for newcomers to try training is Friday: 6pm-8pm or on Sundays 5.30pm-7pm. Jonathon Russell

National champs: Birmingham’s 2014 winners

TWO tries from Tom Vooght ensured a dominant University of Birmingham rugby club secured a varsity triumph against the Birmingham Medics. The powerful No.8 helped UoB crush their neighbours 36-0 at Bournbrook. Halfback Fred Gulliford, who has just been called up for the Welsh students’ side, was also on fine form and bagged a try himself. Tries from Riven Earle and Charlie Bramhall completed the rout. The Medics had won five out of five league games coming into the clash.

Golden Jonny making hay CHEMISTRY student Jonny Hay finished fourth in the European Cross Country championships helping GB & NI win team silver. The 22-year-old UoB Sport student gritted it out in the closing kilometre of the under23s race in Bulgaria. Maryse Haynes and Rebecca Murray helped the under-23 women’s team to silver, while Sara Treacy was 12th in the senior women’s race to help her Ireland side to bronze.

Lockdown on the horizon BIRMINGHAM City University basketball men are sitting pretty at the top of their league with three wins from three. They ended 2014 on a high, thumping Derby 10250, setting them up nicely for next month’s Lockdown event when BCU face UBSport on February 4 at Munrow Sports Centre. The women’s team face a crunch clash against Loughborough University.

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January 2015

sportNEWS

Après-skiers party on to the Brumski beat Third-year economics student DAVID CLARKE reviews his skiing experience on the Christmas Brumski 2014 trip to the French Alps and explains why the annual getaway with UoB’s biggest society appeals to so many students... NOTHING compares to the thrill of skiing. And for most students, nothing compares to the thrill of the après-ski. Val Thorens, 2,300m (7,500ft) up in the French Alps, is Europe’s highest ski resort. Two years ago, it was voted the best ski resort in the world at the World Snow Awards – and I can see why. For many, après-ski is the highlight of the ski holiday. There are two main aprèsski bars on the slopes: La Folie Douce and 360 Bar. You can stop off at these bars on your last run of the day to party in your ski gear and listen to live performances from DJs and artists surrounded by a scenic backdrop. Skiing back down to the resort afterwards can be a bit tricky, though – especially if it is dark and you’ve had a few. The nightlife in Val Thorens is also great for students. The main club – Malaysia – is located underground and at night is filled with hun-

dreds of students, often in fancy dress. The weather during the week was mixed. There seems to be a trade off between good visibility and powdery snow. Some days would be clear and sunny, allowing us to take advantage of the astonishing views of the Alps, but there would be no fresh snow, only slippery ice. On other days, heavy snowfall led to poor visibility; we could hardly see five metres ahead, but the snow was nice and powdery. Val Thorens is part of the three vallées linked ski area, which incorporates the neighbouring resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Because we went at the start of the winter season, not all of the slopes and ski lifts were open. This proved problematic for a group of us when we decided to spend the day in the other valleys. We needed to make it back to Val Thorens before the

One way down: Student skiers celebrate reaching the top

ASTON’S fencers are proving to be the surprise sporting package this year. With wins over Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Staffordshire and a solitary loss, the fencers sit second in the league, behind East Anglia. Elsewhere, the hockey girls are having a great season. With four wins and a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the University of Warwick last time out, they are top of the league. Closing the half-year report, the women basketballers and netballers continue to improve and the rugby men are outdoing the footballers.

last ski lift shut. But, because some of the lifts on the way back were closed, we ended up getting stuck in another valley and had to wait for a bus to take us back to the resort. I learned my lesson – always make sure you make the last lift in time. Skiing is exhausting, taking its toll on your body, and when we were not skiing, we were partying.

Slippery slope: Students enjoy the other side of Val Thorens PICTURE: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW

Who will fill the Holding Role..? WATCH out Fletch and Sav, there’s a new sports show in town – The Holding Role is the brainchild of media and communication students at Birmingham City University. It takes a quirky look at the latest footballing news, with on-air quizzes, debates and fantasy football talk. Presenter

PICTURE: GRACE WALKER

Fencers point the way to success

Lewis Wright said: ‘We get together every Monday to talk about the weekend’s sport. We have a good laugh.’ You can subscribe to The Holding Role on iTunes, as well as being able to follow them on Facebook and Twitter by searching ‘HoldingRolePod’. Ross Watson

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