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CLEAN BANDIT NEIL ON STUDENT LIFE AND THE LONG SLOG TO SUCCESS
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WHY ARE WE LEFT TO FEEL AFRAID?
‘Red tape’ holds up rape park CCTV CASSIE DONEY
POSTER BOY: With his model looks and piercing eyes, it is little wonder that Zander Murray has been chosen as the face of Edinburgh Napier University. But what lies beneath the smouldering looks? According to his football teammates, a crackpot, apparently read our full interview p38
CAMPAIGNERS �ighting for safety measures at a park where a 19-year-old girl was raped say red tape and conservationists are putting people at risk of further attacks. They want to see CCTV and better lighting introduced at The Meadows, which is surrounded by university halls. But the council says it does not have the funds and green supporters are concerned about damaging trees. An online petition calling for improved lighting and CCTV attracted more than 3,000 signatures in a month. It follows the attack on the teenager, as
well as two similar sex attacks in the park two years ago. Petition organiser Elizabeth Kerry, a student accommodation manager, said: ‘It’s not just signing it, it’s the testimonials that people – a lot of them students – have put, explaining why they feel unsafe walking through The Meadows.’ Lidia, a fourth-year English student at Napier’s Merchiston campus, said: ‘Why should women, or anyone, feel scared to walk the streets, regardless of the time?’ But some are not keen on the proposal. ‘A lot of the people living in the area are worried about conservation, and I’m all for conservation, but
not at the detriment of safety,’ said Ms Kerry. ‘We’re not talking about building a drivethrough Starbucks there. ‘I’ve been told the council has issues with funding. ‘They’re taken light readings, but they’ve done this twice previously. ‘My worry is this will all fall by the wayside again.’ Cllr Cammy Day, from Edinburgh City Council, said he had met Police Scotland to discuss the issue, adding: ‘It is of the utmost importance that residents and visitors feel safe.’ A 22-year-old man has appeared in court charged with rape and is currently on remand in custody.
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Get me out of this lift ...I’m claustrophobic
SWEAT, blood and tears went into Edinburgh Napier badminton team’s first term. So, by the time their Christmas night out came round, they were ready to let off steam. But calamity struck and their evening hung in the balance when, on their way out to town, they got stuck in a lift at captain Rhian Mackay’s flat. ‘The lift, which apparently had the capacity to hold eight people, didn’t really cope and broke down,’ said society president Kayvon Arabshahi. As the team realised they were trapped, emotions ran high and screams of ‘shut up’ and ‘I’m claustrophobic’ could be heard. Eventually, a ‘put your hand up if you want to
speak’ rule was implemented to avoid a Lord Of The Flies-style situation. Things became even worse when poor phone reception meant the players had to shout for help – although, thankfully, they managed to prise the door open a few centimetres to see the light and breathe more easily. Outside, their teammates called the fire service and, within 15 minutes, the eight were freed. But, in a final twist, the taxi drivers that had been waiting to take the team into town left, meaning they had to endure yet another hardship – the cold walk to George Street. Kayvon reasoned: ‘We did learn never to trust the numbers that lifts recommend, something seconded by the firemen, and always use the stairs – much healthier and safer.’ Trapped: The players reach out and, inset, the fire brigade arrives
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Coolest cat on campus now has ID card THERE’S nothing like getting your claws into a good book... especially for Edinburgh University library’s latest member. Jordan, a black-andwhite cat, has been handed an official library card after becoming a popular face on campus. The eight-year-old moggy has become such a hit with students that a Facebook page set up in his honour has garnered more than 7,000 likes. The feline is said to like nothing more than being stroked by students. Paul Gorman, helpdesk duty manager, said: ‘I think for international students in particular he is comforting – but he is therapeutic for everyone.’
Ignorance is bliss: The students party, unaware of the dramas to come
LYDIA MOLINA WHYTE
January 2015
Famous face: Jordan PICTURES: KAYVON ARABSHAHI
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January 2015
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Research rank ‘shows we are world-beaters’ JENNY MONAGHAN THE University of Edinburgh is one of the nation’s top five centres for research, a major review has shown. More than 80 per cent of the projects carried out at the university are classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. The peer-review study puts Edinburgh fourth among British universities for the quality, breadth and depth of its research. There was a similar picture of success for both Napier and Heriot-Watt, as ranked by the respected Research Excellence Framework. But it is Edinburgh that continues to set the standard. Prof
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Sir Timothy O’Shea, principal, said: ‘Research at the university is constantly expanding the depth of human knowledge and making an impact on the wider world – whether it be improving the effectiveness of youth justice policy and practice, or shaping the technologies used to manage the world’s data.’ Edinburgh research in sociology, in Earth systems and environmental sciences and in computer science and informatics was rated the best in Britain. Meanwhile, more than half of the research undertaken at Edinburgh Napier was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university also fared
well for the ‘reach and significance’ of its research in terms of the impact it has had on society. Examples included a project in Kenya that has protected more than 100 hectares of tropical forest. Heriot-Watt University has risen to 33rd in Britain under the REF review. ‘The REF results for Heriot-Watt University are truly excellent – we have made major progress and we are now firmly placed with the UK’s best in our core disciplines,’ said principal Prof Steve Chapman. In general engineering, a joint submission by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh came first nationwide.
READY, AIM, FIRE: What better way to beat exam stress than by bursting balloons with a bow and arrow? Edinburgh University students’ union invited people to channel their inner Katniss Everdeen to relieve tension, just one of many ideas to beat stress. Others included bringing dogs to uni and boxing PICTURE: EDINBURGH UNI SU
contactLIST Email us at edinburgheditor@unipaper.co.uk Editor: Cassie Doney Comment: Tilda Gregg-Smith What’s on: Louise Dickie UOE news : Francesca Street
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Happy with top nights and a dash of politics HOW WE SCORED THEM... UNION ACTIVITIES 79%
CREATIVITY 69%
THIRD-year maths student at UofE Izzy Bogle said the students’ union deserved its high score in the Which? survey. ‘It has so much going on,’ she said. ‘There are so many diverse societies. I’m involved in three of more than 200 – the modern dance society, MathSoc and Best Buddies, where students befriend local members of the community who have learning and developmental disabilities. All three societies are a massive part of my uni life. And, of course, the union organises the best student night of the week – the Big Cheese at Potterrow.’ DIVERSE NIGHTLIFE 79%
THE UofE was rated highly by students for creativity in the survey. First-year performance costume student Mary Walsh said: ‘The sense you get is that you are part of an interconnected network of creative minds and you feel supported by the people around you. There are so many different creative opportunities, both in the university and in the city in general. My interests and skills have grown massively since I started here. I can really feel myself evolving as an artist. I’ve been given the chance to work with industry professionals, which is invaluable.’ POLITICS 70%
SECOND-year philosophy student Blythe Lewis said while there is a wide range of bars and clubs in the buzzing capital city, the way they are spread out means ‘a night out in Edinburgh can often double up as a cardio workout’. But she added: ‘Although you might wind up groaning at the prospect of yet another night in WhyNot, overall – whether you want to get your eardrums blasted in a club or talk quietly in a pub – there’s always somewhere safe, close and relatively inexpensive to go in Edinburgh. The range of options leaves any student satisfied.’
STUDENTS at the UofE are divided into two opposing camps when it comes to campaigns and issues, according to Ellie Wiedensmith, who fought a successful battle for Briana Pegado to be elected as union president last year. ‘They are either very engaged in politics or couldn’t care less,’ she said. ‘It becomes a problem when you’re trying to convince people that they have the ability to change their future at the university. That ability only comes into play when students take a second to care about policies affecting them.’
PICTURES: BLYTHE LEWIS/BRYONY HARDING/MARY WALSH/CHARLOTTE KLEIN
Find a use for tech specs THEY are the coolest of the cool in wearable tech and Edinburgh University has 20 pairs of them lying around. Now, it just needs some ideas on what the heck to do with its Google Glasses. So, it is asking students to come up with their suggestions for the gizmos and put them into a threeEyes down: Google Glass minute video. The best will be picked and PICTURE: KĀRLIS DAMBRĀNS/FLICKR
used for research projects. Students have already been using the glasses – which lets the wearer record what they see and has the ability to link to mobile apps – to measure the stress levels of cyclists in the city. They used the glasses to record what bikers saw and said during a 15-minute ride and hope to use the data to develop a road safety app.
FRANCESCA STREET IT has never been in doubt that the University of Edinburgh is among the world’s best in terms of quality of education. But, when it comes to student life on and off campus, something has never quite hit the mark, if statistics and surveys are to be believed. Now, vindication has arrived thanks to a Which? survey of thousands of students which has put the institution right up there with the best. It was rated high in four out of �ive categories, including 79 per cent approval for nightlife and its students’ union offering. Satisfaction with nightlife at Edinburgh Napier University was second among the city’s unis with 75 per cent, while Heriot-Watt scored 67 per cent. The UofE also scored highest for its political activity at 70 per cent – making it one
of the nation’s top universities for politics, along with ten others, including the University of Oxford and the University of Glasgow. Napier and Heriot-Watt, on the other hand, trailed behind on the political front, with 36 per cent and 38 per cent respectively. Heriot-Watt got its highest score in sport, where it was given a rating of 71 per cent, equal with UofE and way ahead of Napier’s 60 per cent. Which? also attempted to measure universities’ creative vibe, asking about music venues and exhibitions as well as artistic clubs on offer. The UofE scored highest in this area, with 69 per cent, while Napier got 62 per cent and Heriot-Watt 47 per cent. However, too few students at Queen Margaret University responded to the survey for Which? to list its results.
January 2015
Boom for flats as builders move in THE city is poised for a student building boom after plans for a £23million complex in Leith Walk, New Town, were approved by Edinburgh City Council. More student �lats are also on the cards at the foot of Edinburgh Castle in King’s Stables Road, where developers are bidding to transform an empty of�ice block. And, across the city, next to Meadowbank sports centre in London Road, property company Caledonian Trust wants to replace more empty of�ices with a block housing 350 student bedrooms – but it must get the nod from the council �irst. Cassie Doney
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January 2015
I love the smell of whisky at the morning lecture n RESEARCH into 3D-printed tweed saw three Edinburgh College of Art students win a prestigious business ideas competition. PhD student Diego Zamora worked with ECA graduates Ross Johnston and Lucy Boermans to design this new take on tweed, which would be first of its kind within the 3D printing industry. They won iPad minis, smart watches and a chance to get invaluable advice at a business boot camp, courtesy of the LAUNCH.ed competition. About 50 students from all colleges across the university took part.
CASSIE DONEY MANY students do their best to cover up the smell of alcohol at early lectures. But fashion designers could soon be incorporating the scent of whisky in their clothing. Scientists and students at Heriot-Watt have been working with Harris Tweed to develop a ‘smart fabric’ that features the aroma of Johnnie Walker whisky. It’s going to be used in Italian fashion designer Angelo Bratis’s next collection. Featuring ‘microencapsulation technology’, the tweed reflects the colours of whisky while the fabric carries a unique scent – named Aqua Alba – designed to replicate aromas released from a glass of whisky, known as the nose.
A NEW COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Jim McVee, business development manager at HeriotWatt’s School of Textiles and Design, said: ‘Smart textiles are a fast-developing sector that offers enormous potential. ‘Our year-long collaboration with Harris Tweed Hebrides is a great example of the ways in which we can help Scottish textile companies to develop their business, add value to their textiles and bring exciting new products to market.’ Two years ago, the technology was used in a therapeutic context, for a producer of headwear for cancer patients. Brian Wilson, chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: ‘This is a natural partnership of two great Scottish brands with input from one of our cutting-edge academic centres.’
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Living out of a case: The Napier Collective sold prints at a pop-up market THE baton has been passed – the Napier Photo Collective ‘14 has handed over to the class of 2015. And the new breed of Edinburgh graduates sold some of their work at Cowgate’s first pop-up market. The market, led by Callan Skye Anderson, brought together a mix of the city’s creative
minds, featuring arts and crafts, vintage clothing, music and food stalls. The Napier Collective will be exhibiting their work at the Free Range creative graduate show in London in June. They will be setting up a crowd-funding campaign to fund their trip. A similar effort raised Looking up: A work by £877 last year. collective member Jola Sopek
Honours for university staff �eeeeeeeee
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YOUTH justice expert Prof Bill Whyte was among many University of Edinburgh staff awarded gongs in the New Year honours. Prof Whyte, a former social worker who has
worked extensively in the field of young people at risk of crime, was made a CBE. Anne Richards, viceconvener of the University Court, has been made a CBE for services to the financial
services. Prof Stephen Hillier receives an OBE for services to international higher education. And Prof Nanette Mutrie, chair of physical activity for health, was made an MBE.
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January 2015
inBRIEF
Team plans to take on taxi booking bigwigs with app revival
We’re after Uber
Students urged to be donors BLOODY students, all they’re good for is getting drunk and causing trouble, right? Well #bloodystudents will be out to smash that myth as hundreds are expected to once again help save lives by giving blood. The Napier Students’ Association is holding a threemonth drive to get students to donate. Last year, 200 gave blood for the first time. The donations take place at the blood donor centre in Lauriston Place. There are also cards to help students who cannot donate nominate someone. Share donation pictures on Twitter at #bloodystudents
Fare deal: The five Edinburgh university students behind the app
Joel Gutteridge
PICTURE: YOURTAXIMETER
Green signs point the way
FRANCESCA STREET and BRYAN C TAN
A TRAIL has been set up to point out some of Queen Margaret University’s green credentials. Signs guide walkers around nine eco-friendly points on campus, such as buildings designed to be energy efficient. Former vice-principal Rosalyn Marshall funded the project.
BOOKING a taxi should be as easy as ordering a pizza… But with controversy around the Uber app, things seem to have got trickier. Now five entrepreneurs at the University of Edinburgh have waded into the crowded taxi booking market with the relaunch of the YourTaximeter service. The brainchild of Tom Macmichael, YourTaximeter offers punters the opportunity to connect with legitimate taxi companies. Co-creator Michael Lotkowski said: ‘We want to offer an alternative to companies such as Uber. ‘We believe in the local taxi companies and we want to help them thrive and develop in the modern times, where everything is done via your smartphone.’ YourTaximeter was originally a website providing
Damon’s stamp of approval... A UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh postgraduate will feature on the new British Antarctic Territory stamps. Geoscience student Damon Davies is on a 75p stamp for his work on melting glaciers. But the stamps can only be bought from Antarctic research stations and the Falkland Islands.
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Victim of lads’ culture tells of sex assault ordeal in crowded nightclub
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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. to target
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fare estimates based on council tariffs that allowed passengers to check whether a taxi was licensed through a car’s registration number. Michael touts the booking system as the team’s biggest success so far. ‘It allows users to book in real time with the taxi companies in their area. We can provide a quote in most of the UK and we are seeing an increase in taxi companies and users joining our new booking system,’ he said. Uber has been a huge success but one that has been beset with protests, safety concerns and worries about the lack of criminal checks on drivers. YourTaximeter already has about 40,000 users across all formats and has signed up 400 taxi companies. The next stage is to expand and refine the model. ‘We want our booking system to feature a driver app to streamline the booking and dispatch process,’ said Michael.
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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
Friends offered antibio tics
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January 2015
Caught by curse of social media BEN SAUNDERS-COURT SOCIAL media is as much a defining characteristic of our generation as the ‘war on terror’, Banksy and X Factor. In 20 years when you’re watching Liam Payne and Alex Turner on I Luv 2017, reminiscing over the birth of Facebook you will understand its scope. Your grandchildren will look up at you with their cherubic faces and ask: ‘Nana, did you really store all your personal information in the cloud and willingly put your photographs, birth date, phone number and address on a public forum?’ and you’ll reply, ‘Yes my little love’. ‘But why Nana?’ they’ll ask, and you’ll think about it and sigh. ‘Because they told us it
would be fun.’ That’s the truth, isn’t it? We post our most personal secrets online for everyone to see because we believe it is fun. We are told that it is the future. But this idea has worked a little too well. It has become ingrained in us. A couple of years ago people would talk about how beneficial it was to leave your phone off for a few days and have a little technological holiday. Nobody says that any more. We panic if they we haven’t checked Facebook for a couple of hours. Factor in Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp and you realise that something fundamental about our relat ionship with social media has changed. We have lost our sense of perspective. We have
closed off the emergency exits and wholeheartedly bought into the information age. We can’t even pin the badge of blame on the anonymous ‘they’. If ‘they’ jumped off a cliff would you follow? Maybe if it would get you a couple of extra levels on Angry Birds? The truth is that ‘they’ are, in fact, us. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram is all just software. We have lapped it up. You use these sites because your friends do. You got rid of Myspace is because your friends did. We are changing our own constitutions, altering our physiology. That’s why you panic when you can’t feel your phone in your pocket or Instagram won’t refresh. We have blinded ourselves into believing that this is for the best.
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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
STAY HAPPY: Even if organised clubs aren’t your thing, then it is important to ensure you spend time with your friends. Just watching a movie or going for a pint not only means you catch up on the latest gossip but also gives you an opportunity to relax from the stress of university work. Having a social life is one of the most important parts of university. Humans are social animals; we need each other’s company to stay happy and healthy Tilda Gregg-Smith
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
HOLD THAT THOUGHT: If there is a skill which I have honed throughout my time at university it is procrastination. There have been many times when I elected to clean my bathroom mirror instead of doing an essay. But the biggest source of procrastination is Facebook. About 640million minutes are spent on the site by its users every month and most of them are when they are procrastinating. A seven second video of a man falling will never be funnier than when you have 200 words due in eight hours. Twitter and YikYak are becoming more popular too. Social media make procrastination a way of life. On many occasions, I have been late for university because I was repeatedly refreshing YikYak to check if my anonymous self was popular Brogan Howie
NO TO RESOLUTIONS: ‘New year, new you’? Not quite. Making a resolution does not guarantee you will stick to it and it’s impossible to change overnight. It takes about 21 days to build a habit and most of the habits we accumulate are years in the making Laura Hayes YES TO RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions are not old-fashioned; they are relevant to making our society a better place and making us feel more fulfilled Lucy Shiels
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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
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January 2015
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clubbingCALENDAR mon, jan 12 Flare, WhyNot?, £4 Nu Fire, Sneaky Pete’s, free Mixed Up Mondays, Hive, free
tue, jan 20 Dirty Sexy Tuesday, Lulu, £4 Deliverance, Opium, free Hector’s House, Cabaret Voltaire, £5 Soul Jam, Sneaky Pete’s, free
wed, jan 28 Open Mic Night, The Banshee Labyrinth, free Tribe, The Liquid Rooms, £5 Mansion, The Opal Lounge, £6 Cookie, Hive, free The Gettup, Cabaret Voltaire, free
thurs, feb 5 n THEY have four albums, three Brit awards and numerous top ten singles under their belts. But Kaiser Chiefs aren’t resting on their laurels – they’re setting out
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on an 11-date tour to showcase latest album Education, Education, Education & War. It arrives in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on February 3.
Temple Thursdays, Silk, £5 Tits ‘n’ Tats, McSorleys, free Mayhem, Opium, free Hullabaloo, Bongo Club, £3
tue, jan 13 I Love Hip Hop, Bongo Club, £3 Soul Jam, Sneaky Pete’s, free Hector’s House, Cabaret Voltaire, £5
wed, jan 21 Tribe, The Liquid Room, £5 Cookie, Hive, free Wednesday is the New Saturday, Henry’s Cellar Bar, free Route 66, Cabaret Voltaire, £3 Witness, Sneaky Pete’s, £5
thurs, jan 29 Bandeoke, The Three Sisters, free Temple Thursdays, Silk, £5 Itchy Feet, The Liquid Rooms, tickets tbc iAM Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire, £4
fri, feb 6 Propaganda, The Liquid Rooms, £5 Flux Fridays, WhyNot?, £6 Planet Earth, Citrus Club, £5 Fly Club, Cabaret Voltaire, £5 Planet Earth, Citrus Club, free Broke, Cav, £6 Pandamonium, Opium, free
wed, jan 14 Cookie, Hive, free Tribe, The Liquid Rooms, £4 Route 66, Cabaret Voltaire, £3
thurs, jan 22 Hullabaloo, The Bongo Club, £3 Temple Thursdays, Silk, £5 Bounce, Lola Lo, £4
fri, jan 30 Pandemonium, Opium, free Frisky Fridays, Silk, free Circus Lates, Electric Circus, tbc Jackhammer, The Caves, tbc Mjolk, Wee Red Bar, £5 Fly Club, Cabaret Voltaire, £5
sat, feb 7 Espionage, Espionage, free Karnival 9th Birthday feat. Joris Voorn, The Liquid Room, £10 Tease Age, Citrus Club, free Aura Saturdays, Cav, £5 Dirty Deeds, Opium, free WN Saturdays, Why Not?, £6 Speaker Bite Me, Electric Circus, £5
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January 2015 December 2014
clubbingCALENDAR what’sON thurs, jan 15 fri, jan 16 other
11 13
Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Edinburgh. If you have an event which you would like included please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk
Temple, Silk, £4 Until December 23: NO Hullabaloo, Bongo Club, £3 FIXED ABODE, Edinburgh Printmakers Mayhem, Opium, free Until January 31:Pete’s, £5 Juice, Sneaky CONCRETE ANTENNA, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, free
Planet Earth, The Citrus Club, £6 Propaganda, The Liquid Room, £5 Confusion, The Bongo Club, £5 The Domino Club, Cabaret Voltaire, £5 Orientation, Studio 24, £5
fri, jan 23
Until January 25: COLLETE RAYNER, Access as Idiot Distraction, Flux Fridays, WhyNot?, £6 Collective Gallery, Opium, free Pandamonium, free Until May Back to 30: the BEAUTY ’80s Party,BY Club DESIGN: FASHIONING Tropicana, £5 THE RENAISSANCE, Broke, Cav, £5 Scottish National Portrait Frisky2015, Friday,free Silk, £5 Gallery,
Until February 14: CHRISTOPHER ORR: THE BEGUILING EYE, Talbot GalleryThe at UoE, Matt Rice McDonagh, Wee Red Bar, £5 free Mumbo Jumbo, The Bongo Club, £5 Tease Age, The Until January 10: Citrus Club, free WICKED, Edinburgh Magic Nostalgic, Electric Circus, £8 Playhouse, Betamax,tickets Studio£25 24, £4 November 28 toPete’s, January Ride, Sneaky £53: THE BFG, Royal Lyceum Theatre, tickets £15
sat, jan 31
sun, feb 8
November 29 to April 12: BPThe PORTRAIT Club, Hive,AWARD free Scottish National 2014, Sunday Service, The Blind Poet, Portrait free Gallery, free November to Bongo JanuaryClub, free Fifty Fifty,29 The 20: ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY OPEN 2014, RSA on The Mound, free
sat, jan 17 The Wolf Sessions, The Blind Poet, free The Egg, The Wee Red Bar, £5 Resident DJ Club Night, The Newsroom, free Espionage, Espionage, free Pop Rocks, Electric Circus, £5 Wasabi Disco, Sneaky Pete’s, £5 Aura, Cav, £5
sat, jan 24
sun, jan 25
Jamie and Shoony, Electric Circus, £7 Dirty Deeds, Opium, free Bubblegum, Hive, £4 Espionage, Espionage, free Dirty Disko, Silk, £5 Messenger Sound System, Bongo Club, £7
Rock & Roll Ping Pong, The Bongo Club, free Sunday Service, The Blind Poet, free The Club, Hive, free Fifty Fifty, Bongo Club, £4
sun, feb 1
mon, feb 2
Ska Sunday, The Citrus Club, £4 The Club, Hive, free Sunday Service, The Blind Poet, free
Flare Mondays, WhyNot?, £5 Mixed Up Mondays, Hive, free Nu Fire, Sneaky Pete’s, free Rockeoke, Opium, free
mon, feb 9
Illuminating: Martin Flare Mondays, WhyNot?, £5 Boyce’s Our Love is Like Mixed The Up Mondays, the Flowers, Rain, Hive, free The Sea And The Hours
tue, feb 10 Dirty Sexy Tuesday, Lulu, £5 Hector’s House, Cabaret Voltaire, £5
PICTURE: CASSIE DONEY
sun, jan 18 mon, jan 19 Little-known tale of human bondage
Student Recommended, The Three Sisters, free Whigham’s Wine Cellar, Jazz Club, free Deep End of the Weekend, The Blind Poet, free Peace and Love, Cav, £5 Bondagers: Royal Lyceum
mon, jan 26
SUE Glover’s play made a stunning comeback to the Flare Mondays, WhyNot?, Edinburgh theatre£5 scene and Mixed was Up Mondays, Hive, free thoroughly enjoyable. Set in the misty Highlands in the 19th century, it follows the lives of six young bondagers – female land workers – as they struggle to survive. Every ploughman had to provide a woman to work on
tue, feb 3
Mixed Up Mondays, Hive, free Dusky, The Liquid Room, £5 Flare Mondays, WhyNot?, £5
tue, jan 27
the land; if he didn’t then he was unlikely to be employed. Trash, free TheHive, stage, covered in a Dirty Sexy Tuesday, Lulu, £5 as layer of soil, served almost another character, making I Love Hip Hop, Bongo Club, £3the bondagers’ work appear even more strenuous and difficult. One again Glover has provided a fascinating insight into a littleknown part of Scotland’s history. Louise Dickie
wed, feb 4
Dirty Sexy Tuesday, Lulu, £4 Mad Tango Open Mic, The Blind Poet, free Hector’s House, Cabaret Voltaire, £5
Tribe, The Liquid Rooms, £5 Cookie, Hive, free Witness, Sneaky Pete’s, £5
THE best and brightest art in Scotland is being celebrated across Edinburgh – and the National Gallery isn’t missing out. Tribe, The Liquid 25 Rooms, £5of Generation: Years Contemporary Cookie, Hive, free Art in Scotland includes works from David Shrigley’s prints to an ethereal polythene sheet sculpture by Karla Black.
Former Turner prize winner Martin Boyce features in the exhibition with his installation Our Love Is Like The Flowers, The Rain, Temple Silk, £5 The SeaThursdays, And The Hours. Generation offers something Tits ‘n’ Tats, McSorleys, free new with eachPilgrim, visit, and Smash & Grab, free to each visitor. It’s free and finishes on January 25. Cassie Doney
Lighting up our best art wed, feb 11
thurs, feb 12
E G A P K O O B E C A F R LIKE OU E X C L U S IV E S ON OUR D N A H R U O Y T E G TO
SHOTS FROM £1 (SUN-THU) / £2 (FRI-SAT) PINTS FROM £2.70 ALL COCKTAILS £3.95/£4.95 ALL COCKTAIL PITCHERS £7.50 JAGERBOMBS & SKITTLEBOMBS £2.70 BOTTLE OF CARLSBERG £1.50 50% OF MAINS (WHEN PURCHASED WITH A DRINK) SPIRITS: VODKA-RUM-WHISKY-PEACH SCHNAPPS SINGLE £1.45, DOUBLE £2.90, MIXER/TONIC 80P 14 FORREST RD, EDINBURGH, EH1 2QN
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January 2015
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what’sON comedy
January 12: RED RAW, The Stand, £2 January 13: ROBIN INCE: BLOOMING BUZZING CONFUSION, The Stand, £12
January 14: POETS AGAINST HUMANITY, The Banshee Labyrinth, donations welcome January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12: THE THURSDAY SHOW, The Stand £7 January 16, 23, 30, February 6: THE FRIDAY SHOW, The Stand £10 January 17, 23, 30, February 7: THE SATURDAY SHOW, The Stand £15 January 23: THE FRIDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 January 24: THE SATURDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 January 18: THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, The Stand, £5 January 19: RED RAW, The Stand, £2 January 22: OMID DJALIL: IRANALAMADINGDONG, The Edinburgh Playhouse, £24 January 23: THE IMPROVERTS, Bedlam Theatre, £4.50 January 25: BURNS NIGHT SPECIAL, The Stand, £5
January 26: RED RAW, The Stand, £2 January 28: THE BEST OF SCOTTISH COMEDY, The Stand, £5 January 30: THE FRIDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 January 31: THE SATURDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 February 1: THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, The Stand, £5 February 2: FOOTLIGHTS COMEDY, Edinburgh Footlights, £3 February 2: RED RAW, The Stand, £2 February 3: RICHARD MELVIN, The Stand, free February 4: BROKEN WINDOWS POLICY, The Stand, £5 February 6: THE FRIDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 February 6: SIMON AMSTELL: TO BE FREE, The Queen’s Hall, £21 February 7: THE SATURDAY SHOW, The Beehive Comedy Club, The Beehive Inn, £9 February 8: THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, The Stand, £5 February 9: RED RAW, The Stand, £2 February 10: ELECTRIC TALES, The Stand, free February 11: SEAN HUGHES, The Stand, £15
Celebrate Scotland’s best-loved treasure
IF YOU go to university in Scotland, whether you’re a native or not, Burns Night is big. On January 25, Scots everywhere gather to honour Robert Burns, the country’s most celebrated poet. If you’re going to join in the festivities, or even throw your own Burns Supper, we’ve got everything you need to know. What to eat: It can only be one thing – haggis,
theatre January 14 to February 7: THE FAITH HEALER, Royal Lyceum Theatre, £10 January 17: RALLY & BROAD, Counting House, £5 Until January 18: ALADDIN, King’s Theatre, £14 January 23: SING-A-LONGA-SOUND OF MUSIC, Edinburgh Playhouse, £17-64
neeps and tatties (or turnips and potatoes for those from across the border). Serve with drams of the best Scotch whisky you can afford. What to wear: Deck yourselves out in tartan, whether it’s a hat, tie, socks or a kilt. Bonus points if it’s in your clan’s tartan. What to say: Address your haggis before serving. How do you address a haggis? (It doesn’t involve stamps.) You
January 29 to 31: INÉS DE CASTRO, Festival Theatre, £18-55 January 30: MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS: HOW SWEET IT IS, Edinburgh Playhouse, £26.90 January 31: THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR SHOW, Edinburgh Playhouse, £19.90-25.90 February 1 to 3: CIRQUE BERSERK, Edinburgh Playhouse, £19
Night in: Poetry recitals are traditional recite Burns’ Address To A Haggis, obviously. What to play: Bagpipes are a necessity. Make a playlist to give your supper an authentic Scottish feel. Before your guests leave, link hands and sing the ode to friendship, Auld Lang
PICTURE: CONNIE MA
Syne – and don’t forget to send them on their way with a last dram. No matter where you find yourself on Burns Night, raise a glass to Scotland’s bard – a proud symbol of all that’s great in the nation. Steph Brown
February 2 to 7: DEAD SIMPLE, King’s Theatre, £14
February 5: BUTTERFLY, Traverse Theatre, £12
February 3: AND THEN HE ATE ME, Traverse Theatre, tickets £8
February 5 to 7: DANCE ‘TIL DAWN, Edinburgh Playhouse, £25
February 4 to February 7: BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET: COPPELIA, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, tickets £25
February 9 to 14: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, King’s Theatre, £15-30
February 4: AUTUMN PORTRAITS, Traverse Theatre, £12
February 10 to 14: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, Festival Theatre, £15-36.50 February 11: NUTCRACKER, Edinburgh Playhouse, £40-86
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January 2015
what’sON music January 12: HONNINGBARNA, Electric Circus, £5 January 14: JAMMIN, The Voodoo Rooms, free January 15: CHASTITY BROWN, Pleasance Theatre, tickets £16 January 15: BADLANDS + ORANGE VISION, Sneaky Pete’s, £5 January 15: OPEN MIC NIGHT, 48 Below, free January 15: MARK BURWELL’S ROCKEOKE, The Blind Poet, free January 17: JAKIL + SCOTIA, Electric Circus, £7 January 17: TENZA, The Voodoo Rooms, £4/9 January 19: FIRST AID KIT, Usher Hall, £22-27.50 January 20: THE CEILIDH CLUB, Summerhall, £6 January 20: MAD TANGO OPEN MIC, The Blind Poet, free January 23: THE LONELY TOGETHER, Electric Circus, £5 January 23: JESSIE WARE, Queen’s Hall, £16.50 January 24: KERRIE LYNCH + MEGAN WEDGWOOD, Sneaky Pete’s, £5 January 24: THE FIEND, Bannerman’s, £6 January 24: JAMIE & SHOONY, Electric Circus, £6 January 25: SKINNY MOLLY, Bannerman’s, £12 January 25: KATHRYN JOSEPH, The Assembly Roxy, tickets tbc January 28: ADAM COHEN, The Voodoo Rooms, £16.50 January 29: MARK BURWELL’S ROCKEOKE, The Blind Poet, free January 30: EDINBURGH BLUES CLUB, The Voodoo Rooms, £10
Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Edinburgh. If you have an event you would like included, please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk
Magical musical is spellbinding Wicked: Edinburgh Playhouse
Powerful pair: Glinda (Emily Tierney) and Elphaba (Ashleigh Gray) sparkle PICTURE: MATTHEW CROCKETT January 31: BWANI AND FRIENDS, Sneaky Pete’s, £10 January 31: HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT, The Liquid Room, £22 February 1: HUDSON TAYLOR, The Caves, £13.25 February 1: HONEYBLOOD, Sneaky Pete’s, £10 February 1: BINKBEATS, Electric Circus, £12 February 3: KAISER CHIEFS, Usher Hall, £30 February 3: MARIACHI EL BRONX, Electric Circus, £12
February 3: THE AFGHAN WHIGS, The Liquid Room, tickets tbc February 5: MARK BURWELL’S ROCKEOKE, The Blind Poet, free February 6: SCRATCH PERVERTS, Electric Circus, £6 February 10: STU LARSEN, The Caves, £10
WATCHING a show shouldn’t be difficult. But watching a show while trying to make a good impression on your new boyfriend’s family? Impossible. And yet that was my situation when I went to see Wicked. The musical tells the story of two girls who meet as sorcery students: the blonde and very popular Glinda (Emily Tierney) and a misunderstood green girl called Elphaba (Ashleigh Gray). Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself
has unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Tierney’s Glinda sparkled in a variety of costumes that would put any Disney princess to shame, while Gray shone as Elphaba, her voice so powerful that, at one point, one of the younger audience members had to cover her ears. And Samuel Edwards made such a handsome Fiyero I had to restrain myself from fangirling over the balcony during Dancing Through Life. As for ‘meeting the family’? I think it went well. A show like Wicked was always going to be an ice-breaker. I mean, who doesn’t sing along to Defying Gravity in the car? Louise Dickie
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February 11: ONE NIGHT ONLY, Sneaky Pete’s, £11.50 February 12: MARK BURWELL’S ROCKEOKE, The Blind Poet, free
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Until February 15: STAN DOUGLAS, The Fruitmarket Gallery, free
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Until January 31: TURNER IN JANUARY, Scottish National Gallery, free Until April 20: GAME MASTERS, National Museum of Scotland, £8 Until January 20: RSA OPEN - ARCHITECTURE, RSA On The Mound, free Until March 29: MAKING HISTORY, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, free January 23 to 30: FOR REASONS UNKNOWN TO ME, Whitespace, free January 30 to February 7: EDGE AND SHORE, Dovecot, free
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n CELEBRATE the best of gaming – from World Of Warcraft to Space Invaders – at Game Masters at the National Museum of Scotland, until April 20. You can even relive your childhood, with more than 100 playable games from the past 40 years. Until April 26: MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY + PATRICK WATERHOUSE: PONTE CITY, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, free Until May 24: YOU CHOOSE; FAVOURITES FROM THE
CITY ART CENTRE, The City Art Centre, free Until May 3: BEAUTY BY DESIGN: FASHIONING THE RENAISSANCE, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, free
EDGAR TORRONTERAS PETR PILAT FABIEN IZOIRD THOMAS RAMETTE DANIEL MCCOY ADAM CHATFIELD HARRI KOULAS STEVEN CLARKE ELLIOTT BANKS BROWNE JACK BRUNELL CYRILLE COULON ANGELO PELEGRINI NEV BRADSHAW LOIC ROMBAUT DAN WHITBY JAMIE SQUIBB NICOLAS AUBIN
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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
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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
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January 2015
hiTECH
www.unipaper.co.uk The latest in everything gadgets and gaming
It’s war but not as we know it
E
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
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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
B
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
W
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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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
xx
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
T
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
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yourNIGHT
Enjoyed a big night in Edinburgh? We have all the pictures from the city’s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself.
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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
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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
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January 2015
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C
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
1
9
7
2 8 5
2 8 3 8 9
7
1
6
J: ‘All of a sudden, you’re like the Bin Laden of America.’
4
7
5
6 3 4
4 1
7
3 2 5 9
2
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.’
2
6 1 9
4
2
1 8 6 4
3
7
9
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
3
2 8
3 8
7
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?
P
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?
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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?
Learn to code in a day for FREE! Get your FREE eLearning course worth £99 exclusively with QA and the University Paper! •
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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
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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.
M
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
M
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
H
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.
27
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
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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
Y
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
29
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
F
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
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
www.unipaper.co.uk
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
I
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
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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
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January 2015
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yourSPACE
Cosy up to beat the chill
S
NOW is falling, frost glistens on the window pane and your �ingers have turned blue. In a student �lat, surviving a Scottish winter can be a challenge worthy of Bear Grylls. Once you realise you actually have to pay the bills, heating becomes more of a suggestion than a necessity. We’ve got some tips to keep frostbite at bay. 1. Sleep with the window open at your peril: You’ll wake up the next morning wondering when David Attenborough will appear to
�ilm Frozen Planet. 2. Light some candles. Sounds bizarre but it can trick you into thinking the room is a bit warmer. Plus it’s romantic 3. Whack on those layers: Nothing beats lying in bed, watching a �ilm with a hot chocolate and a onesie 4. Free the radiators: If the cold gets too much and you switch on the radiator, move furniture so the heat’s not being blocked. A roasting hot sofa helps no-one 5. Get a hot water bottle: Who needs a partner to keep
Keep the wretched rodents outside Tealights – romantic and cosy, while cushions keep you warm PICTURES: EVA COUTTS your bed warm in the winter? Boil the kettle, �ill up the bottle and, as if by magic, you have instant warmth. Plus, there are no strings attached 6. Huddle up like penguins: Invite all your friends round and make sure they bring duvets and blankets. Bundle together and order a takeaway Brogan Howie
We make bills this easy
Student bills from £9.99 pppw www.dividabill.co.uk!
IF there’s one thing your time in Edinburgh will teach you, it’s how to deal with a mouse. Ancient buildings and messy students attract those furry fiends. Luckily, there are simple steps to rid you of the rodents. Minty marvel: Sprinkle peppermint oil around your flat – mice can’t stand the smell Humane traps: There are all sorts of reusable traps on the market that can help get rid of mice without hurting them Go old school: Poison and classic mouse traps are very effective Keep it clean: The main reason mice come into our homes is to look for food so keeping your flat clean is the key
www.unipaper.co.uk
January 2015
yourSPACE
33
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
0 5 9 56, S T N E STUD H G R U B IN P TO U Y B N BE SEE
IN ED
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"Despite the fact that England is already the fourth place where I have settled down, thanks to Student Mundial, for the rst time in my life I feel like I've got my "home, sweet home" here. Brand new accommodation, perfect location, aordable price. I'm loving it!!!" Jake: Maidstone, UK - Lisbon, Portubal "Thanks for your help, the place is great, sharing with some friendly people."
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December January 2015 2014
yourSPACE what’sON other
35 13
the rightguide placeto toentertainment live, choosing the right people live with keeping place right OurFinding comprehensive in Edinburgh. If to you have anand event whichyour you would like included please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk
Choice is hall yours
Little-known tale of human bondage
Until December 23: NO FIXED ABODE, Edinburgh Printmakers Until January 31: CONCRETE ANTENNA, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, free
... but pick who you live with carefully
Until January 25: COLLETE RAYNER, Access as Idiot Distraction, Collective Gallery, free
T
HAT time of year is
BY Until May 30:usBEAUTY upon again – houseDESIGN: FASHIONING hunting season. No THE RENAISSANCE, matter how longPortrait you’ve been Scottish National at university, choosing next Gallery, 2015, free
year’s accommodation is a
Until February 14: big decision and ORR: one that CHRISTOPHER tendsBEGUILING to weigh people THE EYE,down for a few year. Talbot Riceweeks Galleryevery at UoE, Many students look back on free
theirJanuary first year Until 10:in halls – the glory days when heating and WICKED, Edinburgh electricity bills were Playhouse, tickets £25still a
problem only grown-ups November 28 tofor January 3: – fondly, while others love the THE BFG, Royal Lyceum independence Theatre, tickets and £15 maturity that comes29with their12: November to April freezing cold eight-bedroom BP PORTRAIT AWARD house,Scottish complete with mould National 2014, spreading across Portrait Gallery, freethe walls. University-owned November 29 to January accommodation is, in the ROYAL SCOTTISH 20: main, fantastic. ACADEMY OPEN 2014, Most come with RSA on flats The Mound, free
en-suite bathrooms and cosy bedrooms. The tightly packed layout of halls means that there’s always a buzzing atmosphere at home and you never feel lonely – something you may suffer when treading the numerous narrow corridors of student housing. However, the relatively peaceful atmosphere of a suburban Illuminating: Martin neighbourhood triumphs Boyce’s Love every timeOur over the is Like the Flowers, The Rain, constant loud noises from The Sea And The surrounding flats in Hours halls. PICTURE: CASSIE DONEY University accommodation is usually far more hygienic and attractive, while private
Bondagers: Royal Lyceum
SUE Glover’s play made a stunning comeback to the Edinburgh theatre scene and was thoroughly enjoyable. Set in the misty Highlands in the 19th century, it follows the lives of six young bondagers – female land workers – as they struggle to survive. Every ploughman had to provide a woman to work on
HALLS v houses: Liverpool students offer their views to SOPHIE CORCORAN
Emma Jones, 19, has stayed in halls for her second year. She said: ‘It is a lovely place and is nice and secure with friendly the land; if he didn’t then he was staff. The flat is really unlikely be employed. nicetoand I am sharing Thewith stage, covered in a lovely people.’
layer of soil, served almost as Emma Keeley, 19, lives in another character, making the a rented student house. bondagers’ work appear even She said: ‘I love the house morewe strenuous difficult. live in butand halls were Onebetter. againOurs Glover has provided was homely a fascinating insight into a littleand we socialised with neighbours a lot more.history. known part of Scotland’s It felt safer andLouise it also Dickie meant we didn’t have to spend a fortune on taxis.’
David McLaughlin, who also lives in a student house, said: muchprize as I winner loved THE best and brightest Former‘As Turner year, Iinturn art in Scotland is being Martin halls Boycelast features 21 in April and celebrated across Edinburgh the exhibition with hisnext year will be my – and the National Gallery installation Our Love Islast studying atThe university. isn’t missing out. Like The Flowers, Rain, a really good Generation: 25 Years of The SeaHalls Andwere The Hours. way to meet people Contemporary Art in Scotland Generation offers something andeach havevisit, fun and – butto includes works from David new with the workload choose your housemates a great group of friends Shrigley’s prints to an each visitor. It’s free wasn’t and high as it is now.’ – finding a place to live can compensate for those etherealwisely polythene sheet finishesason January 25.
Lighting up our best art
Best of both: Halls are cosy, a house can be peaceful accommodation can fit the grimy, dingy student housing stereotype. Whichever option you choose, remember that
after that. stained curtains and cracked sculpturewill byseem Karlaeasy Black. Harriet Stevens windows. Don’t rush, and
Cassie Doney
E G A P K O O B E C A F LIKE OUR E X C L U S IV E S ON OUR D N A H R U O Y T E G TO
SHOTS FROM £1 (SUN-THU) / £2 (FRI-SAT) PINTS FROM £2.70 ALL COCKTAILS £3.95/£4.95 ALL COCKTAIL PITCHERS £7.50 JAGERBOMBS & SKITTLEBOMBS £2.70 BOTTLE OF CARLSBERG £1.50 50% OF MAINS (WHEN PURCHASED WITH A DRINK) SPIRITS: VODKA-RUM-WHISKY-PEACH SCHNAPPS SINGLE £1.45, DOUBLE £2.90, MIXER/TONIC 80P 14 FORREST RD, EDINBURGH, EH1 2QN
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January 2015
www.unipaper.co.uk
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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Rhona heading to new horizons CASSIE DONEY GOLDEN girl Rhona Auckland is heading off to follow the trail of the Aztecs. After a surprise gold at the European Cross Country Championships, the 21-yearold has revealed she has earned a scholarship to the University of New Mexico to do her masters later this year. The news eases the disap-
pointment of being robbed by injury of appearing before a home crowd at Great Edinburgh XCountry this month. The University of Edinburgh medical sciences student created one of the biggest surprises in the winter athletics calendar when she claimed victory in the 6km U23 championships, staged in Bulgaria before Christmas. Rhona said: ‘It de�initely
Who’s that girl: Gold medallist Rhona Auckland is stunned to see herself as a winner hasn’t sunk in. I keep getting tagged in all these photos and seeing this girl on top of the podium and thinking, ‘‘Who the hell is that?’’’ It was a brave piece of running from Rhona, who hit the front with two laps to go.
‘I can remember quite clearly the feeling of being on my own and thinking, “Oh no, what have I done?”’ she said. ‘I remember thinking I had to go for it. I don’t have a great sprint �inish but I know I can maintain a fairly hard pace for
a long while. I knew this was my one chance so I had to go out there and commit.’ She also led the U23 GB&NI women’s team to the silver medal behind the Russians. She was looking forward to racing in Edinburgh but an
PICTURE: SCOTTISH ATHLETICS
ankle niggle and viral complaint put an end to that. Rhona will now turn her attentions to New Mexico and trying to secure a place on the track team for the European U23 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, in July.
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January 2015
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sportNEWS He called me a gremlin, I threw my shirt off, he did the same...
Crackpot: Zander Murray
CRAIG LEIPER ZANDER MURRAY is ‘the face of Napier’. More importantly, he is also one of the first names on the team-sheet for the university’s ever-improving football team. While the striker is on the front cover of the uni prospectus – much to the delight of his mickey-taking teammates – he has also been key to the first XI’s upturn in form. They recently picked up the team of the month award for the University League for the first time in Napier history. Murray, having played at junior level in Glasgow, was surprised at the high standard in the university leagues. ‘There are guys being hand-
‘Crackpot’ behind the smile picked for scholarships, like at Manchester University,’ said the boy from Baillieston. ‘We beat them 2-1. They were amazing – blew us away in the first half. Napier firsts are being coached by the Edinburgh City manager, Gary Jardine, and some of the boys, including myself, are having trials for clubs in the lower leagues so it’s a brilliant opportunity.’ His teammates, however, have described him as a crackpot on the pitch. While playing against Abertay University, an opposition substitute insulted
him after he equalised. ‘He had a go at me, called me a gremlin, so I threw my shirt off, the other guy did the same,’ he said. Napier are aiming for second in the league and play Edinburgh in the last 16 of the BUCS Trophy next month, which will highlight the stark differences in funding. ‘Napier don’t have a tracksuit – we turn up in our own clothes,’ he said. ‘Manchester turned up wearing suits and Edinburgh have a branded tracksuit. For the effort we put in, we deserve something in return.’
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A gym, but not as we know it A £500,000 refit of the University of Edinburgh’s gym has been completed. The revamped fitness suite at the Pleasance Sports Centre now features more than 100 state-of-the-art Precor training machines, including treadmills, cross trainers and bikes. The university is the first in Europe to welcome the recently launched Precor Next-Generation Experience Series treadmills, which represents nearly half of the new allocation of exercise equipment. ‘The
refurbishment is part of a strategic pledge and ongoing commitment from the university to ensure its members and guests have access to the most technologically advanced equipment to support their health and well-being,’ said Jim Aitken, director of sport and exercise. ‘We continually seek to enhance member experience and provide the highest level of fitness provision for our student, staff, and graduate and community users.’
Clay pigeon club is on the pull... CLAY pigeon shooting evokes images of Barbour jackets, plenty of tweed and country gents – unless Del Boy is about with his pump-action shotgun. But, increasingly, it’s not just for posh kids. Jess Watson, president of Edinburgh University’s clay pigeon shooting team, says membership is on the up and the club is looking to boost competition numbers. Although the team has 40 regular members, only three were able to take part in the latest BUCS competition. ‘It didn’t go as well as last year,’ said Jess. ‘Several universities north and south of us played: Aberdeen, St Andrews and Lancaster, and they have very high standards.’ One of the main aspects of clay pigeon shooting is accuracy: you either get it or you don’t. ‘You don’t get to see exactly what you are shooting – you need to work out what you are shooting and how. No one is helping you,’ said Jess. The club is hosting 15 universities for a shoot on February 7, followed by a dinner and ball. Kieran Scott
On target: Edinburgh’s clay pigeon shooters
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Love is in the chair... CASSIE DONEY Beast mode: Robyn Love is pushing her body to get ready for the Paralympics
‘TO ME, it’s not a disability sport, it’s just another sport I can play – but I can play it without any limitations.’ Robyn Love has never let her disability get in the way of achieving her goals. And that determination and focus has seen the 24-year-old earn a place on the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team, just over a year after taking up the sport. Now, she has set her sights on getting on the plane to Rio and the Brazil Paralympics next year. ‘People don’t play because it’s a disability sport – they play because they love basketball, whether it’s sitting down or standing up,’ said the Edinburgh Napier graduate. Robyn was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition where muscles are shortened owing to the umbilical cord wrapping itself around the legs. It meant by the time she was in her mid-teens, her right leg was about 10cm shorter than her left. She had an operation, was �itted with a frame to stretch it, and was on crutches for
Double awards joy for hockey women
Top coach: Sam Judge
TWO Edinburgh University hockey players have won awards following an outstanding year. Sam Judge, �irst XI playercoach, won coach of the year, while Sarah Robertson picked up the young player of the year title at the Scottish hockey awards. Sam has more than 180 caps for Scotland and has also represented Great Britain. The university has the biggest hockey clubs in Scotland, with seven
teams for men and eight for women, all playing in national or local leagues. Both the men’s and women’s �irst teams play in the respective top divisions of Scottish hockey. Cat Ralph (Clydesdale Western) was named player of the year. She retired from the game after representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. ‘Receiving this award has really topped off the most incredible year,’ she said.
Robyn eyes wheelchair basketball glory in Rio months. She signed up for ‘running’ basketball as soon as she joined Napier, before going on to become team captain and president. But, ultimately, it proved too much. ‘I still played with the girls but I had to stop due to my disability,’ she said. ‘My whole right side is affected by my disability – my ankle, knee and hip. If you pushed me on to my right side, I’d probably fall over,’ she said. ‘I’d do a training session and not be able to move for two days after.’ So she took up wheelchair basketball. Robyn spent most of December in training sessions with the Great Britain camp. ‘It was really intense – up at 8am, three trainings a day but I really enjoyed it,’ she said. ‘It’s not sunk in yet – I can’t believe it’s happening. I’m going to Japan in February to compete with them for
the �irst time, which will be amazing. So, in January, I’m just going into beast mode. I need to get a lot stronger and mentally ready, too, I guess.’ Her success would not be possible without a mystery benefactor who, after she set up a funding page called Love Is In The Chair to buy a custom-�it wheelchair, responded with a £1,000 donation. Robyn said she was reluctant to appeal for cash but, without it, would have struggled to get the £3,000 needed to adapt the chair to her frame. ‘I’d like to get the awareness of wheelchair basketball out – that’s really important to me,’ she added. ‘Even if people don’t want to become performance athletes, it’s great to have a go. ‘And, maybe, when the Paralympics are on, people will want to watch it.’
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