The University Paper January 2015: Preston by The University Paper

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Nightclub forced to shut as music venue is given a reprieve TOM GREGGAN and JOSH BAMFORD

HOMELESS HEROINE: This is the aspiring beauty queen whose campaign to support the needy has moved thousands around the world. Preston student Dominique Harrison-Bentzen pledged to help after being full story p3 touched by a homeless man’s act of kindness and raised more than £40,000

A GOOD night out in Preston is getting tougher to �ind with the closure of one of the city’s newest nightclubs and red tape seeing time called earlier. Club and live music venue Blitz in Great Shaw Street closed its doors for the last time on New Year’s Eve to make way for student �lats – just two years after it opened. Other city centre venues have been denied later opening hours, while new premises now have to prove they will not add to disorder under new rules backed by police. Third-year RE student Sarah Williams said Blitz, which stayed open until 6am, would be missed. ‘I can’t believe it’s closing,’ she added. ‘I used to love going there straight after MACs.’ But art student Rachel Poole said the �lats planned for the site would ‘encourage more graduates to stay in the city for their masters degrees’. One

glimmer of hope in the wake of the Blitz shutdown is the prospect of continuing live music at the city’s biggest venue, 53 Degrees, despite threats of closure. No gigs have yet been con�irmed but promotion company HD Concerts is understood to have made a deal to use the upstairs room for a small number of shows. The venue, in Brook Street, came under threat after the University of Central Lancashire students’ union said it was unable to meet the costs of hosting live music events. HD boss Joff Hall told Blog Preston: ‘While we hope to secure some exciting acts to play the venue, our expectations are realistic.’ Emily Carpendale, a thirdyear journalism student, said: ‘I’m happy as it brings smaller bands to Preston and gives us

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January 2015

The student sleepout that woke the world Undergrad repays £3 gesture... and raises £45,000 for charity JOSH BAMFORD LENDING someone £3 is not a gesture that would normally make international news. But when a homeless man – known only as Robbie – offered his last £3 to help Dominique Harrison-Bentzen get home after she lost her bank card on a night out, the world took notice. The University of Central Lancashire fashion student declined – but she was so touched, she decided to spend 24 hours sleeping rough, asking for £3 donations to put towards a rental deposit for the good samaritan. Her original aim was to raise £500 – but her story went viral and an incredible £45,000 was pledged to the cause, even crashing the donations page. Aspiring beauty queen Dominique, 22, said: ‘The 24 hours on the streets was one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done. ‘When it became dark,

I admit it was cold, wet and a little daunting – but I can’t complain. As I have previously said, it was only 24 hours. It is unbelievable that some people have to face this every single day.’ Thanks to her efforts, Robbie – who wishes to remain out of the media – was able to stay in safe and secure accommodation over Christmas and is now preparing to move to a permanent home. ‘I feel it would be irrespon-

sible not to help as many people as possible with the large amount that has been raised,’ Dominique added. ‘I am carefully researching charities and organisations in Preston and surrounding areas to make sure the money is used in the most beneficial way for the homeless.’ Before he met Dominique, Robbie was without a permanent home for seven months, leaving him struggling to find work. But his act of kindness

towards the Miss Preston 2015 hopeful was not his first, as she later discovered he had returned lost wallets and offered his scarf to others to keep them warm. During the fundraising, Dominique also worked in a soup kitchen. ‘I was able to meet many people, along with families in need,’ she added. ‘It was an eye-opening experience and really encouraged me to continue working with the cause throughout 2015.’

In it together: Dominique (centre) and friends brave the cold to raise cash for Robbie PICTURES:

January 2015

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Online blackout leaves exam students in dark JAMIE KEHOE WITH end-of-term deadlines just days away and the pressure of revising for January exams mounting, University of Central Lancashire bosses took a major internet learning hub offline for upgrades. Blackboard – an online portal that is often the first place students go to for support with their academic work – was down between December 4 and 9. The service provides information such as academic calendars, timetables and module lists, as well as lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations. The university’s learning and information services

(LIS) department said the upgrade was essential to bring the service up to date and make it more secure, as well as making it compatible with current browser technology and new software. But the blackout affected many, including policing and criminal investigation student Andrew Cummins. The first year, who lives at IQ Preston, said: ‘It was problematic as I could not access PowerPoint presentations that would have helped me with the deadline that was due on the day the Blackboard came back online.’ When asked about the timing of the offline period, LIS said there was ‘never an ideal time to do an essen-

tial upgrade’. A spokesman added: ‘LIS were unable to plan it to coincide with the Christmas vacation as the Blackboard company run on minimum staffing during this time.’ The department also claimed it had sent students warnings, via its Twitter feed, that the site would be down. It said tweets posted from November onwards gave users alternative web addresses to access library information, emails, timetables and other information. ‘The upgrade was widely publicised through news items and social media to enable people to plan for the downtime,’ the spokesman added.

DISASTER ZONE: Visitors manage emergencies – from plane crashes to searches for missing children – via the Hydra/Minerva simulator at the University of Central Lancashire. Part of a £360,000 suite opened last month, the kit recreates the sights, sounds, radio messages and telephone calls of crisis situations to help police and emergency services students learn to manage disaster scenarios

contactLIST Email us at prestoneditor@unipaper.co.uk Editor: Charlotte Arrowsmith Entertainments: Josh Bamford

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Test cheat lecturer rapped A LECTURER who sent exam papers to a student days before they were due to sit the test has avoided being struck off. Senior clinical teacher Dr Yasar Farouq Mansour, who admitted emailing copies of two exams to the dentistry student in April 2013, acted in an ‘unprofessional and dishonest’ manner, the General Dental Council’s Professional Conduct Committee ruled. But Dr Mansour, who resigned as soon as the allegations came to light, escaped with a reprimand. A UCLan spokesman said: ‘No student group was placed at any disadvantage by this event.’

January 2015

Research ranking puts us ‘on top of the world’ NATASSIA TANG AS A student, nothing beats �inding out you have done well in an assessment – and it is no different for lecturers. And University of Central Lancashire researchers were thrilled when they were recognised as world leaders in this year’s Research Excellence Framework. About half of UCLan’s REF submissions were judged to be either world-leading or internationally excellent for their wider reach and signi�icance. Vice-chancellor Prof Gerry Kelleher said: ‘Research excel-

lence is extremely important for UCLan in its own right, as well as driving academic enterprise and enriching the experience of our students. ‘We will continue to support and grow high-quality research, which, as these results demonstrate, is creating major impact outside of academia.’ REF judged 154 universities on projects between January 2008 and December 2013. It assessed programmes for a number of factors, including outcome of the research, the environment the projects created and their external impact. Results help determine allo-

NEW engineering project Centre’s Areceived a cash boost after the University of Central Lancashire £5m was awarded the maximum from a government pot boost amount dedicated to science projects.

Beat the grind at new park SKATERS will be able to grind and ollie at a £320,000 skatepark. Freestyle, a leading construction company, will build ramps and rails as part of a new £2.2million proposal to improve Moor Park in Preston. Some of the funding will come from the University of Central Lancashire and the park will be designed with help from skaters from the area. Molly Roberts

Painful night for fundraiser A SPORTS therapy student went through the pain barrier for charity. First-year Andrew Ball, who has raised more than £5,000 for Bipolar UK, added to his total when he and two friends got their legs waxed in the students’ union. He has supported the charity since his mother, who suffered from the condition, took her own life when he was eight.

cation of funding for higher education institutions. Among the subjects tested at UCLan were general engineering, modern languages and linguistics, communication, culture, media studies and physics. It was ranked 74th of all UK universities, according to one unof�icial analysis of the REF results. Prof Robert Walsh, the university’s director of research and innovation, added: ‘The results show that UCLan can hold its own when it comes to research performance across the UK university sector.’

The £5million grant, along with a £20million investment from the university, will fund a state-of-theart engineering and innovation centre. It is due to open in 2018. Galileo West

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FIERCE STYLE SHOW FASHION students transform a shopping centre into a catwalk for a show championing diversity. The UCLan third years raided stores at Fishergate Shopping Centre to put on the free show for the public. Their ‘fashion for everyone’ approach saw them use models of all sizes, ethnicities and ages. Charlotte Arrowsmith

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Team out to prove caravans don’t have to be dowdy and dull

Small can be beautiful IAN LIGHT FOR most of us, caravans are horrid reminders of bad childhood holidays in soggy �ields in Wales. Cramped, cold and with that odd whiff of badly burned bacon, they are severely lacking in cool. Step forward students from the University of Central Lancashire, who hope to transform this unfortunate image and give the caravan a sharp, modern makeover. Working with manufacturer Lunar Caravans, they will design the interior for a ‘micro-van,’ using modern appliances to appeal to younger holidaymakers. The Preston-based company has delivered a life-size prototype to the students, who could see their designs become a reality after they present their ideas later this year. Final-year product design student Urte Jurkeviciute

has plans to banish that cooped-up feeling . ‘I’m looking at ways to open up the caravan space and align it more closely with nature,’ she said. ‘With clever use of space and lighting I want to make a small space feel much bigger and airy. ‘It’s fantastic that we have a full-size prototype to work on. It makes it much easier to test our designs and helps us to visualise our ideas. ‘It’s exciting to work with an industry client and have the chance of seeing my work manufactured by them. ‘It’s the ideal grounding for my future career.’ Fashion brand management students have already worked with Lunar to �ind gaps in the caravan market. MA interior design course leader Steve Bennett said: ‘I hope this is just the beginning of a mutually bene�icial partnership.’

ITS sister restaurant down the road in Lytham St Annes has scooped up awards – and the Olive Tree Brasserie, which has opened in Church Street, Preston, has all the makings of being just as successful. Owner Dean Wilson has brought over the Lytham branch menu, which has won a TripAdvisor certi�icate of excellence and bagged second place in the Lancashire Food and Drink Awards. Open from noon every day, the new spacious, open-kitchen restaurant offers both traditional and modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine – including classic grilled dish souvlaki. Noma Nazish

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EDUCATION and social sciences students spent a week at a Moroccan orphanage. The eight University of Central Lancashire students worked to boost children’s con�idence and help staff at the institution in Agadir. Student Nadra Khan said: ‘A small effort from us has already made such a big change in just a few days.’

Killer cocktail warning over bogus booze ﬁnd COUNTERFEIT alcohol that could blind or even kill is being sold in Preston, authorities have warned. Drinks made with industrial chemicals instead of regular alcohol have appeared on the market as bootleggers try to make more money, said police. But consuming the bguss booze carries serious health risks – even death. Rachel Wilcock, of Lancashire trading standards, said: ‘Some

counterfeit alcohol is just cheap vodka, which is �ine – it has the same health risks as drinking regular vodka. ‘However, some is made with industrial alcohol and this can cause many health issues. ‘Particularly, there are issues around methanol, where it can cause blindness. Heavy consumption of those alcohols can cause death.’ Most complaints to trading standards over the past few months have been about

shops rather than pubs. Susan Carr, manager of the Variety Pub, in Adelphi Street, said: ‘We would only ever buy from the main brewer or reputable dealers and the wholesalers. ‘You never buy off the street. It’s a massive risk.’ Tell-tale signs that a drink is counterfeit include incorrect spelling on the lable, a logo that does not look right or a price that seems too good to be true. David Wilkinson

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Working out a dream took real invention... CHARLOTTE ARROWSMITH WHILE most students use their loans to pay rent or buy books, entrepreneur Sam Marsh turned his into a healthy profit. The University of Central Lancashire graduate started an innovative fitness equipment business, coming up with new ways of motiviting people at the gym – all while studying towards a sport and exercise science degree. To fit everything in, the 22-year-old would hit the library at 5am before spending business hours working on his products. His company, Jigsaw Fitness, has now been up and running for just over a year and is making a profit. He said: ‘I started the business after watching people become disenchanted with

training while working at a large gym chain during my time at university. I then started thinking of fun, engaging ways to train people and started drawing. The rest just turned out to be pretty good fun and I seemed OK at it.’ One of his inventions, The Sqyre – a square tyre fitted with a digital scoring system – was bought by rugby league giants Wigan Warriors, who use it for flipping during their training sessions. Sam, a keen rugby player himself, added: ‘It feels great to see there is obviously support out there for what we are doing. I love the direction we are taking and I think 2015 will be extremely exciting.’ For students with similar dreams of starting their own business, he advises talking to their university first. ‘Look at the numbers and make sure you’re 100 per

Success sewn up for Poppy FASHIONING a business is tough, especially when you’re still a student. But Poppy Waters did just that, selling items from pop-up shops at the UCLan students’ union in 2011. Now the fashion and marketing graduate – who left university the same year – has opened the doors to Mary & Milly, a boutique in Guildhall Street selling clothing, jewellery and accessories. ‘Over time I hope to gain a bigger customer base and to build brand awareness,’ she said. ‘I’d like to offer something different from the usual high-street shopping experience, too.’ Lucy Hill

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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. target to

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Party on... er, sort of from p1 a chance to see some new talented artists.’ As originally planned, the university is set to take control of both the upstairs and downstairs rooms in 53 Degrees. However, in a statement, it said: ‘In terms of renting the venue to independent promoters for the purpose of public live shows, then we will look at each request on a case-by-case basis. The organisation is well known to us. We are, however, talking about a very small number of shows.’

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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 EDWARD JONES the north-east for right breast and proceeded a weeks when she went few exposed both were put on TWO Iuniversities to run out of the club when down alert, although were at theleave centre of a meningitis with a fever and vomiting. no other lunged after him. I had to cases have been reported. Her brother, Jeffrey scare after the Hive after that because I a student Elvin, Newcastle from the infection died claims the 22-year-old University was so distressed.’ Nor- said every within thumbria year meningitis of being taken ill. Uni law degree Francesca said feltdays ‘quite awareness events were held depressed for a weekNine afterpeople who came student was sent home into the contact with Rebecca from hospital with only for new students. the assault’ but reported Housemate medication Edward were offered Venothani anti- was dead to treat �lu. She Rajagopal said: turn to p5 biotics within two days. ‘Rebecca in case they had had many dreams With large numbers tracted the condition. conand one of of them was students and staff Ms Edward, from at both icient money to save suffMalay- Northumbria sia, had only been to get an air and Newcasback in tle universities potentially

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February 2015

Scant support for C4’s Skint CONTROVERSIAL TV show Skint is facing resistance from a public services student. UCLan’s Joshua Brandwood, 20, set up an e-petition to stop the Channel 4 show being filmed in his home town of Morecambe as he feels it is exploitative. The third year said: ‘I find the show disgusting – they’re benefiting from people’s misfortune.’ The campaign has gathered more than 200 signatures, which he hopes to take to 3,000. He added the petition was not just about signatures but to highlight the cause. Charlotte Arrowsmith

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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 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 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 leaves 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

WHY BORING IS BAD: The great Marilyn Monroe once remarked that ‘it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than boring’. This is a lesson every student should learn. By now your flatmates probably reckon that they have a pretty good idea of who you are. Frankly, this is not acceptable. They should not feel safe or comfortable in your presence; they should feel nervous excitement whenever they see you Jack Meggitt-Phillips

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

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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.

DASHED DREAMS: Every year the job market is flooded with graduates, fresh-faced and full of ideas about changing the world. ‘I want to be an environmental lawyer’ they cry; ‘I’m going to work with under-privileged kids,’ they shout. Check back three months later. Living back at home, their driving desire is just to find a job… any job. Sporting an ill-fitting Marks and Spencer suit they join the line of other graduate interviewees, beginning the process of becoming dead behind the eyes. They join the world of the depressed office worker, living for the increasingly s*** weekend in which cool uni friends have been replaced by bloated fortysomething colleagues promising a long and fruitful career in paperwork management Joe Evans

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

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January 2015

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

Rather talented N

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

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

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

INSIDE: What’s on in your city P10-13

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

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

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

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

January 2015

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clubbingCALENDAR mon, jan 5

tue, jan 6

Social Mondays, Cameo & Vinyl, tickets £5 Monday Madness, MACs, tickets £2 Beans, Mokai, tickets £3-5

Karaoke and Cocktails, Source Bar, free Treble Tuesdays, Mokai, £3-5 Tuesdays@TheWarehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£4 after Quiz and Karaoke, Roper Hall, TBC #Pounded, Rumes, tickets £1

tue, jan 13 Karaoke and Cocktails, Source Bar, free Treble Tuesdays, Mokai, £3-5 Tuesdays@TheWarehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£4 after Quiz and Karaoke, Roper Hall, TBC #Pounded, Rumes, tickets £1

wed, jan 21

Rebirth: Singer Sarah-Jane Buckley will re-live the best of Eva Cassidy

Songbird arises from ashes

STEPPING into the shoes of one of the 20th century’s greatest singers is an almost impossible task. But one-time Hollyoaks star Sarah-Jane Buckley is doing

just that, as ‘one of the world’s top Eva Cassidy interpreters’. She will perform at the Charter Theatre on February 4. Backed by a live band and video, this is one not to be missed.

Epik! Wednesday, Evoque, tickets £4 Student night, Popworld, fre MACs Wednesday, MACs, tickets vary

Epik! Wednesday, Evoque, tickets £4 Student night, Popworld, free MACs Wednesday, MACs, tickets vary

wed, jan 14 Epik! Wednesday, Evoque, tickets £4 Student night, Popworld, free MACs Wednesday, MACs, tickets vary

thurs, jan 15 Big Beat Thursday, Evoque, tickets £4 The Exchange, Source Bar, free YBD Thursday, MACs, Tickets £4, Quids In, The Adelphi, tickets £2 Flavour Thursdays, Rift & Co

thurs, jan 22 Big Beat Thursday, Evoque, tickets £4 The Exchange, Source Bar, free YBD Thursday, MACs, Tickets £4, Quids In, The Adelphi, tickets £2 Flavour Thursdays, Rift & Co

thurs, jan 29 Big Beat Thursday, Evoque, tickets £4 The Exchange, Source Bar, free YBD Thursday, MACs, Tickets £4, Quids In, The Adelphi, tickets £2 Flavour Thursdays, Rift & Co

wed, jan 7

fri, jan 23 Fridays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after I Am VIP, Rift & Co Lush Friday, MACs, £3 guest list, Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free Fridays@Factory, Factory, free

fri, jan 30

sat, jan 31

Fridays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after I Am VIP, Rift & Co Lush Friday, MACs, £3 guest list, Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free Fridays@Factory, Factory, free

Sourcey Saturday, Source Bar, free Saturdays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after Saturdays, Cameo, £2 before midnight/£5 after Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary

30,000 Students in Preston enjoy themselves every month Make sure they know about your event

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

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January 2015

clubbingCALENDAR thurs, jan 8 Big Beat Thursday, Evoque, tickets £4 The Exchange, Source Bar, free YBD Thursday, MACs, tickets £4 Quids In, The Adelphi, tickets £2 Flavour Thursdays, Rift & Co

fri, jan 9 Fridays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after I Am VIP, Rift & Co Lush Friday, MACs, £3 guest list Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free Fridays@Factory, Factory, free

sat, jan 10 Sourcey Saturday, Source Bar, free Saturdays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after Saturdays, Cameo, £2 before midnight/£5 after Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary

fri, jan 16 Fridays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after I Am VIP, Rift & Co Lush Friday, MACs, £3 guest list, Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free Fridays@Factory, Factory, free

sat, jan 17 Sourcey Saturday, Source Bar, free Saturdays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after Saturdays, Cameo, £2 before midnight/£5 after Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary

MACs Saturday, MACs, tickets vary Browns & Truth, Browns Bar Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free I Am VIP, Rift & Co

sat, jan 24 Sourcey Saturday, Source Bar, free Saturdays@The Warehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£5 after Saturdays, Cameo, £2 before midnight/£5 after Late Nights, Lofty’s, tickets vary

sat, jan 31 MACs Saturday, MACs, tickets vary Browns & Truth, Browns Bar Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free I Am VIP, Rift & Co

mon, jan 26

MACs Saturday, MACs, tickets vary Browns & Truth, Browns Bar Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free I Am VIP, Rift & Co

mon, jan 19

tue, jan 20 Karaoke and Cocktails, Source Bar, free Treble Tuesdays, Mokai, £3-5 Tuesdays@TheWarehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£4 after Quiz and Karaoke, Roper Hall, TBC #Pounded, Rumes, tickets £1

tue, jan 27

wed, jan 28

Social Mondays, Cameo & Vinyl, tickets £5 Monday Madness, MACs, tickets £2 Beans, Mokai, tickets £3-

mon, feb 2

tue, feb 3

wed, feb 4

Social Mondays, Cameo & Vinyl, tickets £5 Monday Madness, MACs, tickets £2 Beans, Mokai, tickets £3-£5

Karaoke and Cocktails, Source Bar, free Treble Tuesdays, Mokai, £3-£5 Tuesdays@TheWarehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£4 after Quiz and Karaoke, Roper Hall, TBC #Pounded, Rumes, tickets £1

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Social Mondays, Cameo & Vinyl, tickets £5 Monday Madness, MACs, tickets £2 Beans, Mokai, tickets £3-5

Karaoke and Cocktails, Source Bar, free Treble Tuesdays, Mokai, £3-£5 Tuesdays@TheWarehouse, The Warehouse, £2 before 11pm/£4 after Quiz and Karaoke, Roper Hall, TBC #Pounded, Rumes, tickets £1

MACs Saturday, MACs, tickets vary Browns & Truth, Browns Bar Kuckoo, Kuckoo Boutique Bar, free I Am VIP, Rift & Co

mon, jan 12

Epik! Wednesday, Evoque, tickets £4 Student night, Popworld, free MACs Wednesday, MACs, tickets vary

thurs, feb 5 Big Beat Thursday, Evoque, tickets £4 The Exchange, Source Bar, free YBD Thursday, MACs, tickets £4, Quids In, The Adelphi, tickets £2 Flavour Thursdays, Rift & Co

January 2015

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what’sON art Until January 10: THE HARRIS OPEN EXHIBITION, Harris Museum, free Until January 31: PRESTON GOES TO WAR - 1914 - 1915, Harris Museum, free Until February 28: 70 YEARS OF PAULINE AT THE HARRIS, Harris Museum, free Until June: BEHIND THE SCENES: THE SECRET LIFE OF CLOTHES, Harris Museum, free January 24 to April 11: PICTURE THE POET, Harris Museum, free January 7: MEET THE COSTUME CHAMPIONS, Harris Museum, free January 10: EGYPTIAN BALCONY TOUR, Harris Museum, tickets £1 January 15: THE HARRIS – AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM, Harris Museum, free January 17: PAULINE – FROM SKETCH TO FINISHED PORTRAIT, Harris Museum, free Until January 27: WONDERLAND WINTER EXHIBITION, Artroom Gallery, free January 24: EGYPTIAN BALCONY TOUR, Harris Museum, tickets £1 February 4: MEET THE COSTUME CHAMPIONS, Harris Museum, free

Want to watch a horribly bad film?

Heads, you win: If you enjoy cult classics, such as horror comedy Re-Animator, check out UCLan’s B-Movie Society

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

SOME films are good. Some films are bad. Then there are those so bad, they’re good – and it’s these that UCLan’s B-Movie Society specialises in. Meeting on Wednesdays at 6pm, in Brook Building room 016, the free club delights in cult classics such as Manos: The Hands of Fate and horror comedy Re-Animator. While there is a list of films to watch, chosen by committee members, joint founder Jack Evans says: ‘It’s more like what you think will be good to watch or what you can find in CEX for 50p.’ For more information, find the club on Facebook. Josh Banford

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January 2015

what’sON music January 7: OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Ferret, free January 10: BBC INTRODUCING – BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE, The Ferret, free January 10: MIKE HERON + TREMBLING BELLS, The Continental, tickets £10 January 10: LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free January 11: JAZZ AND BLUES, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free January 13: ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, The Guild Hall, tickets £7 January 14: OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Ferret, free January 16: THE FOLKESTRA + JOE MCCORRISTON + THE AMBER TREE, The Ferret, free January 17: ROCK AT THE FERRET PRESENTS ROTCOR + THE RAGING SICKNESS + NITRONEIN, The Ferret, free January 17: LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free January 18: JAZZ AND BLUES, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free January 21: OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Ferret, free January 23: OOK & THE ELEPHANT + GEORGE HARRIS + THE MEMORY MAKERS, The Ferret, free January 24: LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free January 24: SEAN KEEFE & THE HOSTAGES + RED MOON JOE + MOG STANLEY, The Ferret, free January 25: JAZZ AND BLUES, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free

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

A world of flavours for friendly feasting Mundo Tapas

Warm welcome: Mundo Tapas, which opened as part of the refurbishment of the Guild Hall in Lancaster Road January 28: OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Ferret, free

SATURDAY, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free

January 29: LAST BAND STANDING 2015 – SEMI FINAL #1, The Ferret, free

February 1: JAZZ AND BLUES, Korova Arts Café and Bar, free

January 30: MIKE HERON + TREMBLING BELLS, The Continental, £10

February 1: BRASS AT THE GUILD, The Guild Hall, £8

January 31: MONSTERS AS HUMANS/JAGWAR/A YEAR GONE BY, The Ferret, free January 31: THE FLOYD BAND, The Continental, £7 January 31: LIVE MUSIC

comedy

January 9: COMEDY FRIDAY, Korova Café and Bar, tickets vary January 16: COMEDY FRIDAY, Korova Café and Bar, tickets vary January 23: COMEDY FRIDAY, Korova Café and Bar, tickets vary January 30: MIKE WILKINSON + OTHERS, Frog and Bucket, tickets £13 January 30: COMEDY FRIDAY, Korova Café and Bar, tickets vary February 7: OMID DJALILI, The Guild Hall, tickets £23

theatre

January 14 to January 17: HAY FEVER, The Playhouse Theatre, tickets £8 January 21: THE WITCHES, The Guild Hall, tickets £8 January 22 to January 24: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, The Playhouse Theatre, tickets £9 February 4 to February 7: PAR FOR THE COURSE, The Playhouse Theatre, £9

February 4: OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Ferret, free

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Toby Hadoke Presents..., Frog and Bucket

A ROWDY crowd mainly consisting of workmates on office parties was handled brilliantly by host Toby Hadoke at the Frog and Bucket comedy night on December 5. Of the three acts he introduced, the first, Steve Shanyaski, was by far the best. His funny and relatable humour was made even better by theatrical voices and impersonations. The second and headline acts, Dave Williams and Dan Nightingale, relied mainly on material that seemed to be aimed more at shocking the audience – at one point drawing gasps – than making them laugh. Williams could have looked more interested in his jokes which, like the other acts’ gags, were based around relationships. A wider range of social observations or a dash of political humour would have been more entertaining. John Collins

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February 4: SONGBIRD – THE MUSIC OF EVA CASSIDY, The Guild Hall, £22 February 5: LAST BAND STANDING 2015 – SEMI FINAL #2, The Ferret, free

STEPPING into Mundo Tapas, I am greeted by a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. As its name – ‘world of tapas’ in Spanish – suggests, the elegantly furnished restaurant, opened last month as part of the Guild Hall revamp, offers taster dishes from across the globe, including Greece, Italy and Spain. First up was creamy garlic-and-herb mushroom – the perfect option for those who don’t enjoy spicy food. Mediterranean vegetables and that Spanish classic, patatas bravas, also went down nicely. However, the highlight had to be the Sardinian seafood casserole, with its rich aroma and tangy flavour. All the dishes were delicious and the portions generous. Although the service was not the fastest, staff were welcoming. The relaxed feel was only interrupted by the occasional musical malfunction, which left us with just the clinking of cutlery for company. Audio teething problems aside, however, this would be a great place to celebrate the return to uni. Noma Nazish

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January 2015

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

I took opportunities... even the bad ones M

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

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

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

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

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

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theBEAT

January 2015

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

Inspired by dad’s wisdom I

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

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

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

KNOW THE INSIDE

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

tourDATES

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

YOU

T R AC K O N

CAMPUS?

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

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

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

January 2015

hiTECH

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

It’s war but not as we know it

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

Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare

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

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

Rating: 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Menaces: Destroy aliens

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January 2015

onSCREEN

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

How they saved our Saul Return of Breaking Bad rogue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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January 2015

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Fashioning their future with words

Lauren Kelly

inSTYLE

Julia Ward

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

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

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

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R O F F ITY PAPER OF S IVER S UN

READ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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inSTYLE

January 2015

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

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

Dozy Joey heads fashion followers at annual style fest

Glitz with a ditz

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

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

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

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

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

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

PICTURES: SHANICE ABBOTT

yourNIGHT

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

January 2015

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

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

Chicken arrabiata

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

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

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

Herb-crusted ﬁsh

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

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

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

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

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January 2015

mealBREAK

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

Go global with your grub Y

Finish off with fudge

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

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

PICTURE: CLARE HORRIGAN

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

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

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

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

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January 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANSWERS

2 8 5

2 8 3 8 9

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

6 3 4

4 1

3 2 5 9

1 9

5 4

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

6 1 9

1 8 6 4

2 5

8 9

5 1

3 6

Can you unscramble these singers’ names?

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

2 8

3 8

in a

muddle

7. LEEK 8. LOIN PAIN OUT ANSWERS

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

brainTEASE

A10 B4 C6 D2 E7 F1 G5 H3 I8 J9

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January 2015

competitionCORNER

Your chance to win fantastic tickets, trips and treats

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

WIN

Hoping for an excuse to stay in?

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2015



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

Horoscope 

What’s written in the stars for you this month

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

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

say, practice really does make perfect

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

let’sTALK

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

Little and often: Short bursts will help you focus

Festive fun is �inished, now get revising

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

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January 2015

let’sTALK

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

Alice ask

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

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

Y BOYFRIEND dumped me on New Year’s Eve... over champagne, no less. If that wasn’t bad enough, I tried so hard to make him happy. I often put him before studying. Now, exams are just weeks away and I feel like I’m drowning. I’m starting to wonder whether I should continue with my course. Rebecca, Liverpool

Exams are exactly what you need right now, Rebecca – hear me out. Throw yourself into revising, not re-reading every text you ever sent each other. Break-ups take time to heal. Nothing can beat a night in with the girls right now – but you also need a distraction. Before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet. Besides, let’s be honest – a guy who breaks up with you on New Year’s Eve isn’t worth your time. Your course, however, is.

Lovers’ tiff: But revision can provide the perfect distraction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t sit on this any longer, Josh. Head straight to your university and talk to someone in student services or the students’ union. There will be a support fund for people experiencing financial difficulty. The amount awarded will depend on your assessed needs and you will not have to pay it back. In future, steer clear of payday loans – the interest rates alone will leave you in much worse position than you were in before. Struggling with your studies, wrestling with a relationship or is your social life at a standstill? Contact our agony aunt on alice@unipaper.co.uk

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January 2015

moneyMATTERS

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

£10,000 masters stroke? caseHISTORY

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

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

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

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

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

 Organise your

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

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

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

uses GPS to ﬁnd the best deals closest to you

 Get cash quick: Why

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salary Competitive package Posted 03 Nov 2014 Closes 03 Jan 2015

The Berkeley Group - Graduate scheme, Construction & Property

REPL Group – Graduate Management Consultant

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

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

Salary £27,000

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

Closes 17 Nov 2014

Hastings Direct - Graduate Scheme

Accenture- Industrial Placement

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

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

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

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

Location London or Midlands

Location Nationwide Salary £Competitive Closes 28 Aug 2015

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

Location London (Central)

Salary Competitive + benefits

Salary £23,000 p a

Closes 30 Nov 2014

Closes 31 Mar 2015

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

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

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January 2015

beyondUNI

Strike a balance between study and job

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

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

Rising star: YouTuber Alice Taylor discusses her life

More vlog, less slog

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

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

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

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

Spot the spelling errors and count the cash

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

five to try

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

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

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

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

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

January 2015

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yourSPACE

Beat the chill with a freeze on spending T

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

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

Spare yourself pipe pain

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

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

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

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

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January 2015

yourSPACE

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

Graduating? Do it all again Y

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

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

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

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

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

PICTURE: LAUREN KNIGHT

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

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

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

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

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January 2015

yourSPACE

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

Choice is hall yours ... but pick who you live with carefully

HAT time of year is upon us again – househunting season. No matter how long you’ve been at university, choosing next year’s accommodation is a big decision and one that tends to weigh people down for a few weeks every year. Many students look back on their first year in halls – the glory days when heating and electricity bills were still a problem only for grown-ups – fondly, while others love the independence and maturity that comes with their freezing cold eight-bedroom house, complete with mould spreading across the walls. University-owned accommodation is, in the main, fantastic. Most flats come with

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 neighbourhood triumphs every time over the constant loud noises from surrounding flats in halls. University accommodation is usually far more hygienic and attractive, while private

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 staff. The flat is really nice and I am sharing with lovely people.’ Emma Keeley, 19, lives in a rented student house. She said: ‘I love the house we live in but halls were better. Ours was homely and we socialised with neighbours a lot more. It felt safer and it also meant we didn’t have to spend a fortune on taxis.’

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

a great group of friends can compensate for those stained curtains and cracked windows. Don’t rush, and

choose your housemates wisely – finding a place to live will seem easy after that. Harriet Stevens

David McLaughlin, who also lives in a student house, said: ‘As much as I loved halls last year, I turn 21 in April and next year will be my last studying at university. Halls were a really good way to meet people and have fun – but the workload wasn’t as high as it is now.’

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January 2015

wellFIT

Advice for a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2015

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sportNEWS

Slopes of success beckon for rising star of ski world CLAIRE TEMPLE A DISABLED skier has marked his rise from novice to international competitor in just two years with his �irst race. Alex Clarke, who has diplegic cerebral palsy, travelled to Landgraaf, in the Netherlands, to compete as an invitee with the British Disabled Ski Team. The University of Central Lancashire student, who was up against about 90 other racers from 27 nations, crashed on both of his runs in the slalom. But despite having a dif�icult time on the slopes, the 22-yearold remained positive. ‘It was a fantastic experience

Learning curve: Alex Clarke and although my result was disappointing, I have to remember how far I have come in such a short space of time,’ he said. As part of the competition, Alex also discovered his International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing classi�ication

for the �irst time. The business management student was classi�ied as an LW1 stand-up (strong impairment affecting both legs), giving the strongest time bonus out of all the classes but the biggest impairment. Now, he has his eyes on the national championships in March and has aspirations of becoming a permanent member of the British squad. ‘Now I know my class, I have something to aim for,’ he added. ‘Success relies on constant improvemen t and performance, while also showing determination and commitment.’ Track his progress at www. alexclarkeskier.blogspot.co.uk.

On their way up: The UCLan Tigers prepare for the BCA university nationals

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

Contact: editor@unipaper.co.uk

Tigers go to nationals with their spirits lifted A HIGH-FLYING cheerleading squad have never been in a better position ahead of competition season, says their head coach. Natalie Gibson, who is preparing the UCLan Tigers for this year’s British Cheerleading Association University Nationals, said: ‘The squad is probably at the highest standard

it has ever been. ‘In previous years, our main cheer routine hasn’t been completed until about a month prior to the competition in April, giving us only a few weeks to perfect it. ‘However, this year we’re 90 per cent done already, so we’ll have plenty of time to get it perfect.’ And she insists cheering is more complex than

most people think. ‘It’s not just waving pompoms and yelling,’ she laughs. ‘There are three different categories of cheer: cheerleading, dance and stunt.’ The squad’s higher-level stunt groups and dance team will also compete at the Future Cheer University Nationals in Birmingham next month. Charlotte Arrowsmith

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January 2015

sportNEWS

Unbeaten season is minimum goal for us ANTHONY GILMOUR AFTER an all-conquering start to the season, UCLan women footballers are eyeing a cup double and an unbeaten season. Scoring an impressive 26 goals in five league games, averaging 5.2 goals a game, the firsts sit at the top of the league and are the only team in the Northern Conference with a 100 per cent winning record. UCLan hammered Bangor University 8-1 in the season’s opener, trashing Lancaster University in their second game 9-0. However, Christopher Vickers, UCLan women’s head coach, believes the team’s best performance so far was beating Keele University 3-0 in the Northern Conference Cup. ‘We didn’t allow anything to go through, and were solid both offensively and defensively,’ he added. UCLan’s 3-0 win against Keele earned them a place in the Northern

Conference Cup quarter-final and Vickers is aiming for a league and cup double this season. He added: ‘Realistically, we should be looking to go unbeaten as a minimum – but should strive to go through the season winning both league and cup with a 100 per cent record.’ UCLan’s next challenge in the Cup will be against the University of Chester in February. Chester currently sit second in the BUCS Northern third league, one tier below UCLan, and face a tough task stopping UCLan’s current form. Asked if UCLan could continue their impressive goal-scoring run, Vickers replied: ‘Without a doubt. ‘When I first arrived, I saw that we possessed a large amount of quality in attacking players. ‘I put a system in place that allowed us to really use our key assets as best as possible and I certainly don’t see them easing off.’

Invincible: UCLan (red) beat Liverpool 1-0 on their way to a perfect start to the season PICTURE: LAURA SHEPHERD

Rams eye silverware after victory at Met UCLAN Rams will take an unbeaten record into the new year after a 30-18 victory at home to Manchester Met I. The Rams sit third in the BUCS American Football North West division having played one game fewer than Lancaster and Aberystwyth, who have also enjoyed unbeaten starts to the season. Elsewhere, UCLan’s rugby union first team also ended the year on a high, beating Liverpool’s first team 12-3 at home. UCLan’s golf first team saw off 2014 at the top of the BUCS Premier Division North following a 4-2 win at home to title rivals

Success: UCLan Rams remain unbeaten after beating Man Met 30-18 PICTURE: LAURA SHEPHERD

Loughborough I, while the second team drew 3-3 at Sheffield I, and the thirds triumphed 4.5-1.5 at Durham II. The netball first team will look to brush off a 59-47 defeat to York St John I, while the volleyball women’s first team lost

2-1 against Keele but beat Bangor & MMU Cheshire. The men’s lacrosse team suffered an 8-1 mauling at the hands of Keele, while the men’s fencing team remain rooted at the bottom of their table after a heavy defeat against Bangor.

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

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