thewaterfront
Free Issue 205 October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
INSIDE
the official student newspaper of swansea university NEWS
School anger at Brynmill students
FEATURES
page 3
Love is in the air for Andy & Laura
page 14
SPORT
Athletes head to Olympic stadium
page 32
WORLD RANKING MISERY FOR SWANSEA UNIVERSITY Bottom 50 of 400 in Times Higher Education table and among lowest ranked in the UK by Callum Cameron
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University is in the bottom 50 out of 400 in the Times Higher Education (THE) world rankings. It is the lowest-ranked Welsh university in the list which was released on October 6. Only the top 200 universities are given official rankings with the rest being placed into groups - Swansea being in the 351-400 group. Being in that category does not mean Swansea University is among the worst in the world though. THE describes the bottom 200 as the “best of the rest” with many more missing out all together. But the placing still shows Swansea has a long way to go before breaking into the top 200 in the world. The overall score has not been disclosed, but it indicates that teaching and research needs to be improved. The Waterfront understands consultants are being brought in to help the university climb the league table. Pro-vice chancellor Professor Richard B Davies was asked for a comment. But a spokesperson said: “A short response cannot do justice to the important questions asked which relate to the whole development strategy of the university and the concerted action underway throughout the university to
strengthen the student experience.” Prof Davies has agreed to discuss the way forward for the university in an indepth interview in the next issue of the Waterfront. Luke James, students’ union president, said: “We should prioritise firstly with the Welsh league table, secondly the national, thirdly the European and finally the world rankings. “As a long term goal the ambition is there, unquestionably.“ The results were developed with THE’s rankings data provider Thomson Reuters and received expert input from more than 50 leading figures in the sector from 15 countries across every continent. It uses 13 separate performance indicators designed to capture the full range of university activities, from teaching to research to knowledge transfer. The 13 elements are brought together into five headline categories, which are teaching, research, citations, industry income and international outlook. California Institute of Technology came out on top with 94.8% ahead of Harvard University. The UK has 32 universities in the top 200, with Oxford setting the pace in fourth place. Cambridge and Imperial College London are also inside the top 10. Cardiff University, in the 201-250 group, is the highest ranked Welsh university.
... but world beaters dressed as skeletons FULL STORY: page 2
02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 205 17.10.11
thewaterfront Third floor, Students’ Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 editor@swansea-union.co.uk web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: thewaterfrontSU facebook: the waterfront swansea SECTION EDITORS News Callum Cameron Becca Taylor waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
Features Jamie Harrison waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk
Sport Chris Penn waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
Music TBC waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk
Film Andrew Williams waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
TV TBC waterfronttv@swansea-union.co.uk
Culture Aiden Ramsey waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk
Listings Russell Wade waterfrontlistings@swansea-union.co.uk
Societies James Langridge waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk
Travel Zoe Gullet waterfronttravel@swansea-union.co.uk
Fashion Lucinda Reid waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk
Games Matt Edwards waterfrontgames@swansea-union.co.uk
Gadgets Jon May waterfrontgadgets@swansea-union.co.uk
Proof readers Gem Tregellas, Amy Moore Designers Max Murdoch Photographers Marc Holmes photographysu@gmail.com Website waterfrontweb@swansea-union.co.uk
Advertising Annie Cottam (01792) 602496
SEA OF SKELETONS: More than 2,000 students crammed into the marquee on the lawn in front of Fulton House dressed as skeletons to break the world record
Students smash world record for number of skeletons in one place by Katie Whitehead
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University now holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of skeletons. Students were provided with an official costume along with their ticket to the Skeleton Rave event. The record attempt took place on Saturday, October 8 on the main campus
to mark the end of an already successful freshers’ fortnight. With 2,018 students attending the event in the marquee, it smashed the previous record of 197 people which was set two years ago on Channel 4’s The Paul O’Grady show. Last week’s event included some big names, with the band Wheatus performing and Radio One’s Matt Edmondson hosting.
Student forum hit by live stream failure by Alicia Nugent
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk TECHNICAL problems brought a shaky start to the first student forum of the year. The idea of broadcasting the forums online is part of an attempt to make all students aware of and involved with decision making at Swansea University. The meeting held in the marquee outside Fulton House on Thursday, 6 October, came under fire as students complained they could not watch the live stream online without having to
constantly refresh the page. Students’ union president Luke James apologised for the problems which mostly affected the first half of the forum. He said: “It was the first time we have streamed the meeting live online. “Despite the levels of preparation there were going to be technical difficulties. “It was something of an experiment but it will be perfect for the next meeting.” Despite the technical issues that affected some, the meeting was well attended by more than 100 students.
Meeting Times (Meetings are in the Waterfront office) Features Front Section editors News & Sport De-brief & Ideas
Monday, October 17 Monday, October 17 Monday, October 24 Monday, October 24 Friday, October 28
12pm 12pm 11am 1pm 1pm
Swansea Ents manager Russell Wade said: ‘’The night went really well. “I was really pleased with how many students turned up with the correct costume, as we were a bit worried about this. ‘’The tent looked amazing, Wheatus were great - they wore costumes and got involved. ‘’This is our second world record and I’m really pleased as, as far as I know, no
Three part-time posts up for grabs in election by Gemma Parry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ELECTIONS for the positions of three new part-time executive officers for the academic year will take place later this month. The election will decide who will become freshers’ representative, postgraduate officer and students with caring and responsibilities officer. Freshers’ representatives must be in their first year and postgraduate officers must be postgraduate students. Candidate nominations opened last
Final deadlines for next issue Earlier copy and picture deadlines will apply Features Front News Sport
other university has a Guinness World Record’.’ He added: ‘’Personally it’s just amazing to be able to say I have two world records’.’ Enthusiasm about the event seems to be shared by students. Olly Kinsey, a third year Zoology student, said: ‘’It was a really good night, Wheatus were great and the after party at Sin City was awesome.’’
Friday, October 21 Friday, October 21 Thursday, October 27 Thursday, October 27
6pm 6pm 5pm 5pm
week and will close on Thursday, October 20 at 5pm. A meeting will then be held with returning officers as nominations close and candidates are expected to attend. Elections will be held electronically on the Swansea union website on Thursday, October 27 between 8am and 2pm. A help desk in Union House will be available to students who have difficulty voting. Election results will be announced the same evening. To vote go to www.swansea-union. co.uk
Disclaimer The Waterfront thanks everyone who contributed to this issue. Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the students’ union, when an opinion is expressed it is the view of the journalist that is represented unless otherwise stated.
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Staff at Brynmill school hit out at “irresponsible” drunk students by Tom Grigson
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A BRYNMILL school has criticised the “irresponsible behaviour” of drunk students for putting children as young as three at risk of injury. Staff at Ysgol Gymraeg Bryn-y-Mor on St Albans Road came to work on the morning of Friday, September 30 to find the playground full of broken glass bottles. The school had to cordon off large areas of the playground to help prevent any serious accident to pupils. Since the start of the university term the school has had a number of similar incidents and there is growing anger and frustration from local residents towards Swansea’s students. “We have been expecting it, it is the same every year” said a school employee who did not want to be named. “The playground is surrounded by a high fence, so it (throwing bottles) is obviously deliberate. “The concern is with children running around that they will fall and cut themselves, or pick glass up and put it in their mouths. “Students just don’t think about what they’re doing or the damage they could cause to a young child. “We have obviously contacted the police and the university but unless you catch someone in the act there is not a lot you can do.” Local residents have also complained of noise late at night from students returning home after nights out and some have even complained of aggressive
Pic: Bendik Langfeldt CORDONED OFF: Part of the school’s playground was cordoned off while the smashed bottles were cleared away and abusive behaviour towards them, with cars also being damaged. One concerned resident said: “They can be very vocal and abusive in the early hours of the morning, both male and female students.” Swansea University reacted quickly to these complaints, circulating an email to all students reminding them of their responsibilities. They are urged to maintain social or-
der and party-goers are asked to “treat your neighbours with courtesy and respect”, “party within reason” and to “keep it down on the way home”. The email added: “Students are representatives of the university and as such are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, considerate and law abiding manner. “Where necessary we will take disciplinary action against students whose
actions or behaviour is proved to contravene this expectation.” Meanwhile the message from the staff member at Bryn-y-Mor was clear. “There is no problem with having so many students living in the Brynmill area, so long as they treat the area with respect,” they said. “These are supposed to be the responsible citizens of the future so the least we should expect is for them to act like it.”
NEWS I 03
OFFICERS’ CORNER charlotte britton (welfare)
THIS week is your last chance to have your say about the landlords who look after your properties. Filling out the Rate Your Landlord survey also gives you a chance to win rent and food for a week worth £100. Whether you lived on campus, in the student village or in Brynmill or Uplands, the student’s union wants to hear about the experience you had in your accommodation last year. More than 500 people have responded so far giving wide-ranging views of their landlords. One said: “A lot of people had keys to the property and let themselves into the property without knocking the door or telling us they were coming.” Another added: “The kitchen ceiling fell down over the Christmas holiday due to being saturated with water.” And one student claimed: “The landlord charged us around £700 for cleaning of carpets, ovens and for ‘removal’?” The advice and support centre dealt with almost 900 housing issues alone last year and there are more of you out there with stories to tell. But this is not just a chance to criticise your landlord, it is also a chance to give praise where it is due. If your landlord fixes things straight away and seems to treat you like a real human then don’t keep it to yourself. The survey is open until Friday so visit swansea-union.co.uk to fill it in.
Criticism over payment with Welsh students receive maintenance loan boost ents platinum packages by Becca Taylor
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENT Swansea Events has come under fire for attempting to pay its staff in platinum packages for their work over freshers’ fortnight. Ents staff expressed frustration at the situation, considering the long shifts undertaken mainly involved cleaning up at the end of the night. Michael Simmons, ents manager, said the idea behind the move was to save on using guest lists for staff on nights out. “The staff can then just come in easily with the free entry offered by the platinum package, rather than trying to arrange guestlists for every night,” he said. “We were always paying certain types of work - like those handling money on doors for events would have been paid for those hours.” The platinum package, which usually costs £195, gives free entry to all venues
PIC HERE ENJOYING THEMSELVES: Most students opt not to buy the platinum package on student nights as well as tickets to the summer ball and Varsity. But critics have pointed out the staff get free entry as a perk of the job, so there is no real gain to having the platinum package. Students argue that heavy workloads mean they do not have the time to make the most of free entry on nights
out very often. Rhodri Lewis, Beach Break co-ordinator for Student Swansea Events, told the Waterfront that all staff are now being paid. He said: “Trust me I wouldn’t be doing all this work if we weren’t. “All staff will now be paid for their work over freshers’ fortnight.”
WELSH students stand to receive a maintenance loan cancellation of up to £1,500 just for paying back a small percentage of their loans. The scheme, for those who borrowed from Student Finance Wales, will cancel portions of the maintenance loan on a sliding scale dependent on how much was taken out as loan and how much is being paid back on the first payment. But students will not be eligible if they have outstanding charges, costs or have broken any agreement of the loan contract. The scheme can be taken advantage of at any point, providing the loans were taken out in the academic years 2010/2011 or 2011/2012. There are two ways to make repayments – voluntary and mandatory. The way you make the repayment alters the amount written off. For example, a £50 mandatory repayment on a £3,000 loan would be rewarded with a £1,500 cancellation. But a £50 voluntary repayment on a
£1,500 loan after the second payment sees just £950 written off. Third year politics student David Parker said: “It was really easy to use. “I Just had to enter my card details and select an amount to pay. “I paid £10 last Thursday and the £1,500 has been taken off my repayment. “It’s just amazing really, when I first heard about the scheme I thought it was a joke to be honest.” The Welsh government is backing the scheme through it’s education budget. A spokesperson said: “Our strategy for HE, ‘For Our Future’’, aims to create a higher education sector which meets the needs of Wales’ learners, its economy and its culture and one which reflects our traditional values of fairness, social justice and equality. “We’ve always said that funding should not be a barrier to people accessing higher education.” Details of the scheme can be found on the Student Finance Wales website.
04 I NEWS
No discount on date-less uni cards
thewaterfront 205 17.10.11
Profits boost for Wonky Sheep on opening week of new term by Rachel Curtis
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University students may be missing out on student discounts simply because their student identity cards do not have a date on them. Some say they have been refused student discounts at McDonalds, Cineworld and Burton to name a few. Elsewhere, for example, students at the University of Leeds are entitled to discounts simply because they have student ID cards which have “2011/12” printed on them. But Swansea University students’ union president Luke James defended the move not to have dates on ID cards. “University identity cards aren’t discount cards,” he said. “The National Union of Students negotiates discounts with retailers that are then passed on to students who buy the NUS Extra card. “It’s fantastic value at £11 for the whole year and the proceeds go towards supporting the National Union of Students and your local students’ union.”
BOOMING BUSINESS: The Wonky Sheep is said to have taken 10% of last year’s income in just the first week of term “But now it is always open from 12pm to 12am so students have consistency with a bar they feel is like their local pub.” General manager Gary Lulham added: “The whole week has gone really well,
particularly Tuesday which saw over 600 students visit the bar and we have taken a really good amount of profit. “It’s a really good student pub environment, people are coming to have a coffee, play pool, watch sport and generally
have a laugh.” He added: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic freshers’ week so we’re all looking forward to the year ahead and to keeping up the good work.”
TAR 2012
HYFFORDDWCH I ADDYSGU.
TRAIN TO TEACH.
Ydych chi’n gorffen eich gradd? Hoffech chi addysgu mewn ysgol gynradd neu uwchradd?
Just finishing your degree? Would you like to teach in a primary or secondary school?
Oes gennych chi radd, neu a ydych chi ar fin ennill gradd neu gymhwyster cyfwerth mewn unrhyw rai o’r pynciau a restrir gyferbyn?
Do you hold, or are about to hold, a degree or equivalent qualification in any of the subjects listed opposite?
Pam na wnewch chi astudio ar gyfer TAR ac ennill statws athro cymwysedig? Mae addysgu’n broffesiwn sy’n werth ei wneud. Gall gynnig rhagolygon gyrfa grêt a chyfradd tâl cystadleuol. Mae grantiau hyfforddi o rwng £6,000 a £9,000 ar gael ar gyfer rhai pynciau*.
Why not study for a PGCE and gain qualified teacher status? Teaching is a rewarding profession. It can offer great career prospects and competitive rates of pay. Training grants of between £6,000 and £9,000 are available for some subjects*.
*Yn amodol ar gadarnhad terfynol
*Subject to final confirmation
Ewch i www.smu.ac.uk Ffoniwch 01792 481010 E-bost prospectus@smu.ac.uk neu laura.aston@smu.ac.uk
Visit www.smu.ac.uk Call 01792 481010 Email prospectus@smu.ac.uk or laura.aston@smu.ac.uk
ADDYSG GREFYDDOL
ART & DESIGN
ASTUDIAETHAU
BIOLOGY
BUSNES BIOLEG CELF A DYLUNIO CEMEG
YSGOL ADDYSG ABERTAWE, CAMPWS TOWNHILL. OS HOFFECH DDOD I’R BORE HWN, CADWCH LE TRWY GYSYLLTU Â LAURA ASTON AR 01792 481202 NEU E-BOST laura.aston@smu.ac.uk
PGCE SECONDARY INFORMATION MORNING, TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2011
THE SWANSEA SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, TOWNHILL CAMPUS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR PLACE BY CONTACTING LAURA ASTON ON 01792 481202 OR EMAIL laura.aston@smu.ac.uk
BUSINESS STUDIES CHEMISTRY CYMRAEG DESIGN
CYMRAEG
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11-16 HANES IEITHOEDD TRAMOR MODERN MATHEMATEG
BORE GWYBODAETH TAR UWCHRADD, DYDD MAWRTH 8 TACHWEDD 2011
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TECHNOLEG DYLUNIO EDUCATION TGCh
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Elusen Gofrestredig Registered Charity 1139800
by James Aust
FRESHERS’ week saw Hendrefoelan student village’s bar record its busiest week in two-and-a-half-years. The newly-named Wonky Sheep opened at the start of term after the first phase of its £25,000 makeover was completed. The bar has been split into a coffee bar and a sports area where Sky Sports has been installed and its new look has been attracting this years intake of freshers’ and returning students alike. And on the first Tuesday alone, more than 600 hundred students walked through its doors. No-one at the students’ union would confirm the figures but it is understood in the first week the Wonky Sheep took around 10% of what the old Woody’s bar took the whole of last year. James Ward, a second year media student who attended a performance by hypnotist Tony Lee on the Wednesday, said: “The Wonky sheep has a chilled out relaxed atmosphere with really friendly staff.” The bar’s new opening hours have also helped draw the crowd. Employee Adam Robinson said: “We’ve been busy consistently because last year it wasn’t clear when the bar was open.
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Union staff to get wage increase by Ala Skrakowski
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS have successfully pushed through a motion to increase wages for staff at the first Student Forum. One of the most anticipated motions of the night was the ‘campaign for a living wage’, The motion dictated that minimum wage is no longer enough to live on, and a person should be earning at least £7.20 in order to survive. The forum was informed that the university employs more than 202 people who earn less than the £7.20 living wage, calculated by the centre for social policy at Loughborough University. The issue was raised that whether the rate of £7.20 was according to London living standards, which the forum was assured it was for areas outside of London. Tom Hoyles, proposer of the motion, said: “It’s a great day for the SU, and showing we value the hard work of the staff, they should receive the finest pay. “I would like to thank the student body for passing the motion.” In a new format to last years’ student general meetings, the student forum aims to get more input from students in order to make a difference. The student forum was also streamed live online, for those who were not able to attend the meeting in the marquee in front of Fulton House. A total of five motions were put through by active members of the SU, all of which were successful in gaining a place in the SU’s policy.
International students win fight for uni place by Callum Cameron
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A GROUP of international students at Swansea University were almost left without a place to study after a mixup over grades. It is understood eight students were told they were required a C grade in an exam, but the university admission board required a higher grade. Of the eight students who are known to have been affected by this, six of them are now in the registration process. One was rejected and the other is still yet to find out if they have a place. Having already attended an eightweek intense English speaking course, it is understood the students were given the wrong information relating to the required grades they needed. They were left in limbo due to the time taken to re-sit exams, waiting for the result and dealing with the expiry dates of their visas. But Kevin Child, head of the university’s English language training services (Elts), flew back from China to deal with the case and help get the students through in to the registry process. He said: “Facilities have been inspected by the British Council - the UK’s international cultural relations body and the quality assurance organisation for the English teaching world - and, as a result, Elts has been recognised as a leading provider of English language teaching.” Mahaboob Basha, international officer in the students’ union, praised Elts’ handling of the matter. “It is really appreciated what has been done to help with the case.”
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
HAPPY: SU’s international officer Mahaboob Basha is pleased for the students
by Matthew Griffiths
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
Narrow miss for student as wall falls while he slept by Callum Cameron
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
GATHERING: Computer sciences students meet at Swansea Bay during the scheme ter, new students are paired with a buddy and they help explain to them things such as how lectures work and how to hand in assignments. Luke Henry, a computer science student in his second year and a student ambassador, also takes part in the buddy programme. He benefited from having a buddy in his first year and said he felt it was im-
Pro-VC calls for merger name re-think by Jon Griffiths
Buddy scheme set up for new computer science students A BUDDY scheme within the computer sciences department has been launched aiming to ease new students into university life. The programme, which has run for the last five years, pairs a new undergraduate student with another student studying computer science in their second or third year. The aim of the programme is that by pairing up with someone who has studied computer science for at least a year, they can pass on their wisdom to their buddy. Ez Hafiz is behind this year’s buddy scheme after experiencing first hand the benefits of the programme in his fresher year. He said he found it “very useful” and was grateful for the help it provided. Mr Hafiz explained the way the programme is run is that in the first semes-
NEWS I 05
portant for him to give something back and so decided to volunteer for the scheme. “It helps new students make friends in the first couple of weeks and helps them to not feel alienated or disillusioned with the student experience,” he said. “I hope the university will take notice of the benefits of this programme and run it in every department.”
A SWANSEA university student narrowly escaped injury when a garden wall collapsed above him. John Bayliss, a third year politics student, was sleeping in his flat when the backyard garden wall collapsed in the middle of the night close to his bedroom window. “The bricks that fell actually fell from quite some distance - enough to severely injure or even kill someone,” he said. Mr Bayliss also published his thoughts of the incident on Facebook adding: “Personally, when I put my washing out, I don’t fancy being killed by flying bricks and mortar!” The flat is a university-managed property in King Edward Road, Brynmill. The incident is being looked into.
SWANSEA University’s vice-chancellor Professor Richard B Davies says the suggestion that Trinity St David and Swansea Metropolitan universities could be called the University of Wales (IoW) was “nonsense and misleading”. The two universities are set to merge under proposals by the UoW which has stopped validating courses at all other institutions in the UK and abroad. But Swansea University is among five institutions - who are not part of UoW - who want the UoW title scrapped because they are appalled by claims about the validation of its qualifications. Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea vice-chancellors say they will not accept it in its current form. A scam exposed by BBC Wales in which overseas students are helped to cheat their way to UoW-validated degrees and visas is being investigated by the UK Border Agency. Prof Davies said: “We welcome the proposed merger of the two institutions and we will work with the new university on regional issues. “However, this new institution cannot and should not be called the University of Wales. “It does not represent higher education in Wales, it does not represent Welsh higher education abroad, and it will comprise of only two relatively small institutions in the Swansea hinterland. “It would be misleading and nonsense to describe it as the University of Wales.” Prof Davies also assured former Swansea University students who had been awarded degrees by UoW that their qualifications were genuine. “Students have to have confidence that their degrees are valuable,” he added. “They work hard to get to Swansea, they work hard while they are here, they have a right to expect their degree has an enduring value. “I am confident that is the case for our current and future students who receive Swansea University degrees, but we have to reassure all of those who studied here in the past, who hold degrees awarded by the University of Wales, that they too have genuine degrees to be proud of and it is made clear on their degree certificates that they studied at Swansea. “Employers have to have confidence that young people applying for jobs with University of Wales degrees have actually worked hard to get them and that they are not the product of a scam. “There is an opportunity now to act decisively and bring the confusion to an end. “That opportunity is something that should be grasped quickly and with both hands before any further damage is done to the reputation of higher education in Wales at home and abroad.”
06 I NEWS
thewaterfront 205 17.10.11
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NEWS I 07
DVD launched to raise awareness of how simple mistakes cause fires by Samantha Booth
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A NEW DVD has been released showing how simple mistakes can cause devastating fire damage in student accommodation. Launched by the Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sergeant, the DVD uses real footage of a fire in student bedroom. Findings from this experiment reveal how a student bedroom can be destroyed in only three minutes just as a result of human error. The All Wales Education Group was asked to create a fire in a student bedroom to demonstrate the consequences of students flouting university guidelines on fire drill evacuations, smoking and general fire safety awareness. The consequences of the fire were then filmed and added into the DVD footage. Research has shown partying, smoking, alcohol consumption and careless cooking are all possible factors that can contribute to fires in student accommodation. In addition to the possible risks, universities across Wales were receiving high numbers of unwanted and hoax fire calls, while many students fail to evacuate during fire drills. The idea for the DVD was proposed by Swansea University and created by the All Wales Fire and Rescue Service Education group. Launching the new DVD Mr Sergeant said: “I commend the fire and rescue service and Swansea University for working together to produce this DVD.
by Ala Skrakowski
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
PIC HERE
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sergeant (2nd left) launched the DVD on campus “It will be an important tool in educating our young people about the danger that can not only destroy property and their university work, but more importantly can lead to injuries and even loss of life.” Raymond Ciborowski, registrar and head of administration at the university, said how the institution and health and safety and accommodation officers found an agreement to raise the fire safety issue.
Mr Ciborowski said: “The proposal was discussed with business fire safety officers who brought it to the attention of the fire rescue services. “I am delighted with the powerful message from the DVD and we will ensure all our students see it as part of their health and safety training,” he added. Derek Masson, head of community risk reduction said the DVD footage will spread further afield to other universities in Wales.
“We are always ready to help any organisation to highlight the terrible consequences of fire,” he said Charlotte Britton, students’ union welfare officer, also welcomed the awareness DVD. She said: “Something as devastating as a fire happening in our accommodation can be hard to imagine. “It realistically shows how seriously we need to take all aspects of fire safety and I urge every student to watch it.”
New look JC’s bar hit by leak just weeks after opening doors on £75,000 re-fit by Rahul Vashisht
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A LEAK which threatened to delay the opening of the new-look JC’s at the start of term has resurfaced. Just days before the bar was due to open, water seeped through the ceiling while building work was taking place on top of Fulton House. Repairs were quickly done to ensure JC’s could open on time although the stains could still be seen. But heavy rain in the last fortnight has seen the return of water coming into the bar and buckets had to be placed in the cafe side of JC’s to catch it. Swansea University students’ union said it was dealing with contractors Leadbitter “on a daily basis”. JC’s manager Nathan Welsh said: “The university have assured us they are investigating the problem of the leak and we are doing all we can to work with them to get it fixed for our customers.”
Third years left waiting to find out times of lectures
Pic: Bendik Langfeldt CATCHING WATER: Buckets have been place in a section of JC’s to catch rain water which is coming through the ceiling It was hoped the repairs would be completed promptly and would tie in with the ongoing work which was due to have been completed over the summer. That work has suffered delays though. JC’s was given a makeover in the sum-
mer as part of a joint venture between the students’ union and the university. All fixtures and furnishings were stripped out as part of the £75,000 refit. The brand new interior, which has a blue and white colour scheme, includes
improved seating throughout, a new bar area, a cafe area selling hot drinks and cakes and new pool tables. The toilets, which have come under much criticism over the years, were also replaced.
THIRD year students were left frustrated with a delay in receiving timetables at the beginning of the new academic year. After expecting timetables before the beginning of the university term, many students across different departments in the college of arts and humanities were left without them until the Friday before teaching commenced on Monday, October 3. One aggrieved student, who did not want to be named, said: “As a third year student, I’m worried for the organisation of my department in my final and most important year.” The lateness of producing timetables also had an impact on some students’ outside activities, including looking for part-time jobs and arranging other commitments. The college of arts and humanities issued an apologetic email outlining the reasons for the issues within timetabling this year. It stated: “There were a number of generic factors this year that affected the timetable. “There have been staff changes within the university’s timetabling team and there has been far more awareness and scrutiny of learning facilities than previously, with the view to ensuring that students have a good learning experience. “Please be reassured that the delay was due to a particular set of circumstances and is not a sign of bigger problems.” It is no secret that Swansea University – amongst many other educational institutions – has undergone massive changes due to recent funding cuts. The pro vice chancellor for the student experience, Professor Alan Speight, assured students the delays were a one-off and confirmed an investigation would be held into the cause. He said: “We work extremely hard to ensure the timetable is accurate and communicated to students as quickly as possible. “Although there were some small delays this session due to the removal of a large lecture theatre from the timetable this should not have negatively impacted on our provision of information to students. “We are aware of the issues that are caused by any delay in publishing the timetable for students, especially for students with caring responsibilities, home and part-time students and those in employment. “I will be taking this issue extremely seriously and investigating why students did not have access to the information at the correct time and ensuring that we avoid any repetition in the future.”
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 205 17.10.11
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
CYMRAEG I 09
Y CORNEL CYMRAEG by Glesni Morgan
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk PRIN iawn y clywch chi Gymraeg yn cael ei siarad ar hyd llwybrau’r brifysgol neu strydoedd llawn bwrlwm Abertawe, ond mae un gymdeithas sy’n rhan o Undeb Myfyrwyr y brifysgol yn awyddus i newid hyn. Enw’r gymdeithas honno yw’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg neu’r ‘Y Gym Gym’ fel y caiff ei dalfyrru gan ei haelodau. Yr angen dybryd am gyfleoedd i gymdeithasu yn Gymraeg a chwrdd â phobl o bob cwr o Gymru a ysgogodd aelodau’r gymdeithas i ddod at ei gilydd, fel y sonia Ifan Johnston, myfyriwr yn ei flwyddyn gyntaf, y cyfle i gael, “hwyl a sbri da Cymry go iawn, a chyfle i greu ffrindiau newydd” a’i ddenodd at y Gym Gym. Cynnig Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg cyfle i’w haelodau i fynd ar dripiau, megis penwythnosau chwe gwlad yng Nghaeredin fel y gwnaethant y llynedd ac eleni mae’r cynllunio eisoes wedi dechrau ar gyfer eu trip nesaf i wylio’n Cymru’n herio Iwerddon yn Nulun. Yng nghyd â chreu cyfleoedd i wneud ffrindiau sy’n siarad Cymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe cynnig y Gym Gym gyfleoedd i gymdeithasu â myfyrwyr o gymdeithasau Cymraeg ar draws Cymru a Lloegr, mae’r ddawns ryng-golegol lle cewch gyfle i glywed bandiau mwyaf blaenllaw Cymru yn perfformio yn enghraifft o ddigwyddiad o’r fath. Cynnig yr eisteddfod ryng-golegol y cyfle i brifysgolion gystadlu yn erbyn ei gilydd ar gyfer cadair a choron yr ei-
Beth yw y GymGym?
by Hannah Sams
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
steddfod yng nghyd â chystadlaethau cryn dipyn llai difrifol megis y ddawns disgo a’r sgets. Sonia Arwel Davies, cyn fyfyriwr am yr hyn a wnaeth y Gym Gym iddo ef ,“Rhoddodd y gymdeithas y cyfle imi gwrdd â phobl o gefndiroedd tebyg imi. Mae’n annhebygol y byddwn wedi cwrdd â’r rhan fwyaf o’r bobl yma pe na bawn i wedi mynychu digwyddiadau’r gymdeithas. Roedd bod yn aelod hefyd wedi cynnig y cyfle imi gystadlu ar y ll-
wyfan, sydd yn sicr wedi meithrin hyder a chwrdd â ffrindiau gydol oes drwy fynychu’r daith rygbi i Gaeredin.” Yn ychwaneg i drefnu teithiau i weld gemau rygbi, cynnig y Gym Gym nosweithiau allan ar hyd stryd y Gwynt a sawl crôl ddifyr a nosweithiau megis Noson y Ciwb, gêm i’w chwarae fel tîm a seliwyd ar raglen ITV, ‘The Cube’. Ond beth mae ymuno â’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg yn ei wneud i chi? Ateb Gwenallt Jones, myfyriwr ac aelod presen-
nol yw bod y ‘gymdeithas yn cynnig y cyfle i chi wneud rhwydwaith arall o ffrindiau a meithrin hyder wrth gymdeithasu gan gynnig y cyfle i chi fynd ar dripiau bythgofiadwy. Mae hefyd yn atgoffa pobl fod y Gymraeg yn bod yn Abertawe!’’ Hoffai bwyllgor Y Gym Gym gynnig croeso cynnes i unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb mewn ymuno. Am wybodaeth bellach ymunwch â grŵp ‘Gym Gym’ ar Facebook.
GymGym yn ymweld a sioe Jonathan by Glesni Morgan
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk BU trip diweddaraf a chyntaf y Gym Gym eleni yn llwyddiant ysgubol. Aeth 30 o aelodau’r gymdeithas i Borth i weld rhaglen rygbi ‘Jonathan’. Caiff y rhaglen eiddarlledu ar S4C bob nos Wener. Roedd y daith i Borth yn gyfle da i aelodau newydd y Gym Gym i ddod i adnabod ei gilydd yng nghyd ag aelodau presennol y gymdeithas. Dywedodd Dylan Jenkins, myfyriwr yn ei flwyddyn gyntaf, “cawsom groeso cynnes fel aelodau newydd ac mi oedd yn drip gwych. Dwi’n falch i fod yn rhan o gymdeithas mor gyfeillgar a llawn hwyl”. Wedi cyrraedd y stiwdio ‘Y Pop Factory’, cawsom ein cyfarch gan dîm Jonathan a dau beint yr un, cyn ein hebrwng i fod yn rhan o’r gynulleidfa. Ynghyd â chyflwynwyr y rhaglen Jonathan Davies, Sara Elgan sydd yn enwogion ei hunain yr oeddem yn eistedd o fewn troedfeddi i’r gyflwyn-
Lleuwen Steffan - Yn fyw yn Abertawe!
wraig ifanc Mari Lovegreen a’r actor sydd erbyn hyn yn byw ym mhlith y sêr yn L.A Matthew Rhys, sy’n fwyaf adnabyddus am chwarae rôl Kevin Walker yn y gyfres ‘Brothers & Sisters’. Fe’m llenwyd â hyder a ffydd y gall Cymru guro’r Gwyddelod wrth i’r gwesteion a’r cyflwynwyr ddadansoddi’r or-
chest sy’n wynebu’r tîm cenedlaethol yng nghystadleuaeth cwpan y byd, yn benodol y gêm yn erbyn Iwerddon. Er nad oedd y dyfarnwr rhyngwladol Nigel Owens sydd fel arfer yn cyflwyno wrth ochr Jonathan a Sarra Elgan yn bresennol yn y stiwdio, cafwyd cyfle i glywed y cyflwynwyr yn siarad ag ef trwy linc fideo â ei ystafell yn Seland
Newydd. Nid rygbi yn unig oedd testun y sgyrsiau ond bywydau preifat y ddau westai. Soniodd Matthew Rhys am y profiad o fyw yn Hollywood, cyfaddefodd fod ganddo rif David Beckham yn ei ffôn. Pwy fuasai’n meddwl fod gan fachgen yn wreiddiol o Gaerdydd rhif ffôn un o enwogion mwyaf y byd pêl-droed yn ei ffôn? Gellid dadlau mai uchafbwynt y noson oedd gweld Mari Lovegreen yn cymryd rhan yn y gystadleuaeth ‘ar y pyst’, ac yn curo sgôr Matthew Rhys er gwaetha’r ffaith ei bod yn gwisgo sodlau platfform coch ac eithriadol o uchel, anaddas ar gyfer chwarae rygbi ond yn ffordd berffaith i fynegi ei chefnogaeth i Gymru. Er na chafodd Y Gym Gym gyfle i sgwrsio â’r sêr, cawsom y cyfle i eistedd ar set y rhaglen. I lawer roedd y cyfle i weld rhaglen Jonathan yn fyw yn “ffantastig”, fel y mynega Hannah Price-Jones, a siaradodd ar ran y merched pan ddywedodd hithau ei fod ef werth teithio bob cam o’r ffordd i eistedd o fewn troedfeddi i Matthew Rhys.
FEL merch i’r cerddor Steve Eaves, mae cerddoriaeth yng ngwaed Lleuwen Steffan. Bydd y gantores yn canu yn Abertawe mewn ychydig wythnosau fel rhan o’r daith i hyrwyddo ei halbwm diweddaraf, ‘Tân’. Rhyddhaodd Lleuwen Steffan ei sengl gyntaf, Draw Dros yr Afon pan oedd yn 17 mlwydd oed. Yn fuan wedi hynny gadawodd i gyfoethogi ei gwybodaeth gerddorol trwy astudio Jazz yn Central College yn yr Unol Daleithiau. Yn sicr Jazz oedd un o’r dylanwadau cryfaf ar ei halbwm gyntaf ‘Duw a Ŵyr’ a gyhoeddwyd yn 2005. Fodd bynnag roedd Evan Roberts, un o hoelion wyth Diwygiad 1904 hefyd yn ddylanwad ar y cryno ddisg. Daw hyn i’r amlwg yn nefnydd helaeth y gantores o emynau dros gan mlynedd ar ôl y Diwygiad. Cynnig Steffan ddehongliadau Jazz o’r emynau. Yn 2009 daeth dylanwadau y tu hwnt i Gymru yn amlwg yng ngwaith y gantores wedi iddi symud i Lydaw a dysgu Llydaweg. Penderfynodd dechrau dysgu’r iaith o ddifri wedi ei amsugno’n anffurfiol mewn tafarndai yn Llydaw. Erbyn hyn mae wedi cael digon o afael ar yr iaith i ysgrifennu caneuon ynddi. Canlyniad hyn yw creu ‘Tân’. Gweithiodd yn agos gyda’r cerddorion Llydaweg Norwen Korbel a Vincent Guerin i greu’r albwm unigryw. Cafodd ei beirniadu’n llym am ysgrifennu mewn dwy iaith leiafrifol am mai maint cyfyngedig o bobl sy’n gallu gwerthfawrogi’r grefft yn ôl un gohebydd mewn papur newydd blaenllaw. Fodd bynnag mae ymateb yr artist i honiad y gohebydd yn ddigon amlwg yn ei hunig gan Saesneg ,‘ The language that you sing, won’t bring in the bling’. Mae Lleuwen Steffan wedi tyfu i fod yn un o artistiaid creadigol mwyaf diddorol a blaengar Cymru. Manteisiwch ar y cyfle i gael eich cyfareddu gan lais hudolus Lleuwen Steffan pan ddaw hi i ymweld â Thŷ Tawe am noson o adloniant fel rhan o ‘Taith Tân’ ledled Cymru. Mi fydd hi’n perfformio yno nos Wener Tachwedd y 4ydd. Bydd yna hefyd set acwstig gan DnA - deuawd mam a merch, Delyth ac Angharad Jenkins. Bydd y drysau’n agor am 8.30am wybodaeth bellach cysylltwch drwy ffonio Siop Tŷ Tawe 01792 456856.
front! LOVE IS IN THE AIR >> 14
THE RETURN OF SEX APPEAL >> 16
CULT FILMS >> 21
MONEY SAVING GADGETS >> 22
GET YOURSELF NOTICED >> 25
societies 26
careers 25
culture 23
games 23
gadgets 22
film 21
music 20
front row 18-19
11
fashion 16-17
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
features 14-15
L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a s t u d e n t s
contents
societies 26
careers 25
culture 23
games 23
gadgets 22
film 21
music 20
front row 18 - 19
fashion 16 - 17
13
features 14 -15
front
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Hot review Sink
Sin City, Saturdays, 10pm
features 14 >> How Swansea University played Cupid for these happy couples
letter from America 15 >> Student Vicky Barber reports on university life in Baltimore
fashion 16 >> The pencil skirt is back and it’s oozing sex appeal
front row 18 >> Everything you need to know about what’s on and where in the next fortnight
music 20 >> She’s got attitude - Sarah Jezebel Deva is all set to rock Sin City
film 21 >> Five cult films that every student should see
gadgets 22 >> What will happen to Apple now it has lost its core?
culture 23 >> Why playwright Frank Vickery has got Welsh theatre goers rolling in the aisles
games 23 >> We review the latest games
careers 25 >> Don’t miss this year’s annual careers fair and your chance to get yourself noticed
societies 26 >> There are 83 to choose from and they offer a great way to have fun, learn something new and make friends
SINK is a brand new night launched in Swansea this October, writes Russell Wade. Sink is an amazing fusion of Music, Art, Dancing and so much more. Featuring top artists from across Swansea and the UK, with live art elements such as freehand drawing, graffiti spray-offs, photography exhibitions, live stencilling and whatever else we can pull in. Local students have the chance to showcase their work on a weekly basis as we aim to feature a range of different styles of art shown around the club in a number of exciting ways. From projection onto the walls to a huge canvas across the stage, the artistic elite are invited to bring their creations to life. Our music policy is diverse and we’ll bring in established live acts and djs that never disappoint. From the likes of “The Nextmen”, “Lazy Habits” and a special showcase B2B from Marco Del Horno and Last Japan. You can trust SINK to not disappoint - even if you don’t know the names you can guarantee to be blown away with hidden surprises each and every week. Expect to hear; Hip-hop, old school funk, Breaks, Drum and bass, Dubstep, electro and everything in-between on the sound system that never fails to disappoint at Sin City. The music foundations of Sink are set by DJ Swiss Elf and DJ Dubman. With years of DJ-ing experience between them they will cover all the musical elements of Sink, also releasing regular Plug Casts; like a podcast - only better! We are always looking to expand our team at Sink if you feel you have what it takes, whether its within the art element, or if you’re a budding DJ - Get involved and email sink@studentswansea.co.uk
features
MEET THE STUDENTS WHO FOUND THEIR SPECIAL SOMEONE
14
Love is in the air
Looking for love? Wondering whether you’ll meet ‘The One’ at university? As Lucinda Reid reports, some couples do find a fairy tale ending.
O
NCE upon a time in a land not so far away, there was a girl who met a boy and a boy who met a girl. They instantly fell in love and lived happily ever after. Although this might sound like a fairy tales ending, as university students we are fed a similar kind of tale. We hear fabulous stories of falling in love in that first fresher’s week, finding ‘The One’ almost instantly, as we embark on our future education. Although it might not ever be that simple, here are some true love stories grown from Swansea University. First there is Laura Hilton, alumni of Swansea University, who used to be a big part of The Waterfront a few years ago. She joined to “make new friends in a great atmosphere” explaining how “the things I learnt in The Waterfront were a lot more useful” than her degree
in Ancient History and Egyptology. Laura, whose maiden name was Barnhouse, made new friends within the paper, including one who she describes as “a bit of a computer geek,” called Dan, who was studying computer science. He first came to her interest when she read an article that he had written on her home town in Somerset. But Laura explained how “it was not till the Easter of my second year that I finally plucked up the courage to ask him out.” With Dan being a year older, he graduated before Laura, but luckily they did not have to struggle with a long distance relationship. Dan became the Student Union President, whilst Laura completed her final year, juggling her role as Waterfront News Editor. Fate appeared to be in favour of the couple as their lives intertwined,
and after University their relationship continued to blossom: “After I had graduated we moved to Cardiff, where I completed a postgraduate course in Journalism before moving to Bath, where we are currently still living.
“I never believed that I would meet someone and certainly didn’t go looking “ “I pursued a career in journalism working on an entertainment website and then freelanced in travel and entertainment. Dan continued with his computer science background and currently works as a web developer.” Once settled, the couple finally tied the knot. That’s despite the fact that Laura, like many people, was cynical
about meeting ‘The One’ at university: “I never believed that I would meet someone and certainly didn’t go looking, but it just happened,” she said. Laura and Dan Hilton’s love story entered a new phase on 14th July 2010, when they welcomed their first baby, a little boy named Jack. This couple have The Waterfront to thank for their fairy tale ending: “I recommend anyone to join the paper as everyone is welcome, and it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills. University is a great place to just be yourself, turn over a new leaf and throw yourself into everything, you never know who you will meet.” Another couple whose relationship grew within The Waterfront is the paper’s current Film Editor Andy Williams and Laura Richards. At last
year’s Waterfront Christmas social, Andy noticed Laura and “made sure that they were sitting at the same table”. His first thought when they met? “I would!”. Laura remembers the night well, and how Andy tried to woo her: “Whilst we were sitting at the table Andy was sucking in the helium from the balloons and singing ‘I will survive’. He made me laugh and I thought he was quite good looking too.” The pair started to spend time together within a group of fellow writers from The Waterfront, until one day they gave in to their feelings and started to date. Andy laughs at the reaction from the other members of The Waterfront: “When Laura and I became an item there was a definite sense of relief from our friends, they were happy it had finally happened.” Neither expected to find each other and didn’t go looking for a relationship, but like Laura and Dan Hilton The Waterfront was happy to play Cupid. There is no restriction to where love can blossom, however. University is a place that is full of people from all over the world; with a variety of nationalities thrown together in close proximity. According to Swansea Alumni, there are 307 couples on their mailing list who have met and fallen in love at Swansea University. And that’s just the snail mail list, it doesn’t include alumni who are contacted through e-mail! Sally Thurlow, Alumni Officer, says this is a very rough estimate as many previous students at Swansea are not registered; however she says there is evidence that “in some cases, the children and grandchildren have also studied at Swansea University, after their parents met here”. One couple from Swansea University has a story to make even the broken hearted believe in love again. Thomas Chamberlain and Andrea Morgan have managed to keep their relationship
together whilst living 4533 miles apart. Like many couples, they met through mutual friends. Andrea, who is from Oklahoma, said: “We met January 2010, when I came to Swansea for a semester as part of my degree. Thomas was one of my flatmate’s best mates.”
“When Laura and I became an item there was a definite sense of relief from our friends, they were happy it had finally happened! “ An attraction soon became evident and their relationship developed and is still going strong nearly two years on. So how on earth do they manage to keep such stability living so far apart? Andrea is acutely honest about their relationship: “I never thought I was the person who could handle a long-distance relationship. I am a very affectionate and didn’t think I could cope well, but I now believe that if it’s worth it, it’ll work.” Although the time difference can be a difficulty, Andrea says: “We make a lot of
sacrifices... It usually works out that we talk randomly in the middle of my day (his evening) when we both have free time.” They both visit each other in the holidays, and look forward to their future as they “always make it work”. They both know what they want; a rarity to find nowadays. One may be in Wales, the other in Oklahoma, but with their dreams of “getting married and finally being settled”, the distance is insignificant. They know that soon their dreams will become a reality; as they both agree on how they are “super excited to be in the same place and start life together”. Finally, Oklahoma has also played a part in another student’s love story. This particular student found her chance at love, through meeting a boy on an internship scheme situated in Oklahoma, organised by Swansea University. If it wasn’t for university they wouldn’t have had their chance at a happy ever after. A chance which will make me eternally grateful, as that student was me. This proves that where love is concerned, you just never know what is around the corner.
ABOVE: Thomas Chamberlain and Andrea Morgan LEFT: Andy Williams and Laura Richards FAR LEFT: Dan and Laura Hilton with baby Jack Front! cover: Dan and Laura on their wedding day
societies 26
careers 25
culture 23
games 23
gadgets 22
film 21
music 20
front row 18 - 19
fashion 16 - 17
15
features 14 -15
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Letter from America Vicky Barber reports on university life in Baltimore ‘It’ll be the year of your life!’ If I had a pound for every time I heard that expression, I wouldn’t need a student loan. As a 21 year old student headed into my third year and comfortable in the slow pace of Swansea life, the thought of a year in the US terrified me. The logic behind picking up my life and hauling it to the other side of the world for a study abroad programme still escapes me. American college life is the cliché portrayed in the movies; socks on the dorm room door knobs, laxatives in the dining hall food, and wild frat parties. This week is what is known as Rush Week: a time when Sorority Girls adorn themselves in lettered t-shirts and over enthusiastic smiles in order to recruit new members. Sorority life is a concept completely alien to the average British student as such niceties do not exist in the UK. Each Sorority holds social events to encourage girls to consider joining their institution. Maybe flattery is lost on us Brits. I am beginning to miss the sarcastic bitterness of British humour. But in the search for new friends and the typical American experience I succumbed to the smiles of sorority sisters and accepted a bid from Delta Phi Epsilon; a group of girls with big hearts, big stomachs and a big love for parties. In fact, much like the students of Swansea University, they pride themselves on their ability to eat grotesque amounts of fast food and do keg stands. Fortunately, sororities at UMBC (my university) do not follow the traditions of films Legally Blonde and Sorority Row and hazing (ritual humiliation) doesn’t take place. Never have I ever had to run through campus naked or flash boys from dorm room windows. In saying that, we as ‘DPhiE Babies’ are encouraged to dress up outrageously, sip Jungle Juice and participate in socials. I am more than happy to oblige when rewarded with the goodies sold at bake sales. Drinking and partying aside, us babies are also required to take classes to understand the history of the sorority, learn the rules and sing songs. In pledging Delta Phi Epsilon I was required to attend secret meetings and events. In the dark, candle lit room, under the watchful eye of older sisters and low humming of ceremonial songs I often wondered if there was going to be animal sacrifice or skin branding. Thank God, there was not. Nonetheless, we were sung to by choirs of Frat Brothers and presented with red roses. Never have I ever received so many flowers from so many different men in one night. One of the greatest differences I have found during my America college experience is the influence of the police. Here on Campus we have a police station with many officers who patrol the University on the prowl for underage drinking and drug consumption. Many would say that an academic institution attended by young, middle class scholars is not at the heart of Baltimore crime. Nonetheless, under Baltimore County Law it is stated that if four or more women with different last names live under the same roof, that house is considered to be a brothel. Men can party; women are prostitutes, the law, is the law. I suppose socials and bake sales will have to do - I’ll practice my happy-clappy chants and improve on my keg stands in the wait to become an official DPhiE Sorority Sister.
fashion
w h at ’ s h o t i n fa s h i o n & b e a u t y n o w. Wit h L U C I N D A R E I D
River Island on lock down EVERY year, around the time that students are given their loans, the high street develops the perfect antidote. A night where their stores are kept open after hours, especially for students, and their special guests are given 20 per cent discount. In previous years, Topshop, New Look, Miss Selfridge and many others have indulged in these nights but this time have opted out. It appears strange, after the popularity of the previous years’ events. Thankfully River Island decided they wouldn’t stop the fun and hosted their second Student Lock-In. Lucinda Reid reports on the event. Judging by the queue outside the doors of River island, this would be much like the previous lockins I had attended; a flustered affair where students rush around the clothes hunting for the item which they had previously picked out. There would be a goodie bag, mostly with promotional items and a DJ who would blast out music to create a party atmosphere. If I am honest it is all about the goodie bag, as for someone who loves a free treat, it makes standing in the rain for half an hour totally worth it. So, imagine my disappointment when I am whisked past the security guard who barely glances at my student ID and there is nothing thrown into my open arms. Well, apart from a plastic bag to fill with possible items to buy. At least they didn’t ask for 5p. The store is rammed, with girls running round as if they are on supermarket sweep, and boys, who sheepishly disappear upstairs where the atmosphere is undoubtedly calmer. River Island this season does have much to offer, with many of their garments fulfilling the ontrend brief. From Dalmatian jump-
ers to maxi skirts there is a variety of choice. Soon the shop did become quieter, as the girls wanting to just browse remained. I chatted to a few Swansea University students to ask them what they thought about this particular student lock in. Jessica Wait, a second year History student, explained that she was “happy to come along tonight, as no other shop appeared to be doing a special student night”, but was disheartened by the lack of stock as “I just couldn’t find my size anywhere”. This appeared to be a common problem as first year friends Elinor Thompson and Louise Whitelock expressed that “we had to buy different sizes in everything as they didn’t have our right size, they really need to restock”. They had organised a clever sales technique as by hosting such an event you feel compelled to buy. Fran Lloyd, also a 2nd year History student, agreed as she described that “if it wasn’t for this event I wouldn’t have even looked in River Island, but due to the special night I thought, why not!” Indeed, even I fell foul to their marketing ploy. I brought a pair of lace flared trousers, which I honestly might never have even picked up if it wasn’t for the lock in. I’m hoping I’ll look more Carrie Bradshaw than a member of the Addams family. Overall, I did have a good night, though my friend Deryn Tilouche put it in perspective when she said ‘I would rather pay full price than queue up for this long in the rain’. She had a point. But, once inside, the DJ was great and it was fun to look through the clothes after hours. Next time I might take advantage of the other stores discount weekends, where I might feel less forced to purchase. As after all, those lace flares are still hanging in my wardrobe unworn.
how to achieve the look: DAY
To create a classy day look try wearing a vest with a pencil skirt, along with some brightly coloured tights and some ballet pumps. Complete the look with an oversized handbag.
16
EVENING
This is perfect if you are going out for a meal as it is extremely sophisticated! Wear your skirt with a pussybow blouse, black tights and some heels. Swap your oversized handbag for a cute clutch.
the return of
sex appeal THE trend of the moment and the phrase on everybody’s lips is: pencil skirts. Jessica Caruana has the low down. We have Christian Dior to thank for this classic look; as he designed the first pencil skirt aimed at housewives in the early 1950s. Its purpose is to accentuate a woman’s curves, and gives the illusion that they have the Marilyn Monroe to-die-for figure. This season Marc Jacobs revived the pencil skirt by giving it a modern twist, with many made using polka dot material. The prospect of wearing a figure hugging, calf length skirt can be quite daunting, and for those of you who fear that your walk might be more akin to a penguin, do not fear! Many of the pencil skirts being sold on the high street have a slit at the back, giving the skirt an even sexier look and allowing you to be able to move comfortably. Pencil skirts are an excellent investment and can be worn day, evening or night.
CLUBBING
This is a knock-out look and will need to be worn with confidence. If you can get this right, you are sure to have some admirers! To achieve this look team the skirt with a bandeau top, pencil point heels and a glittery bag.
Where do you get inspiration from? Shop windows, magazines, people walking around and lookbook.nu, stuff like that. I like how people put colour schemes and clothes together you wouldn’t necessarily think ‘oh that would go with that’ but then you think ‘I would really like to try it’. I like H&M and Miss Selfridge windows and Topshop are quite good but they’re a bit more daring than I would go for. Who are your style icons? Frankie Sandford (of The Saturdays), I tend to copy her style a lot. Audrey Hepburn in her more casual stuff like shirts and the colourful jeans, the preppy look. Like in the film Two for the Road, when it flashes to her younger days, she’s wearing cute little tops and she has red jeans on I think. I don’t really go for models or any designers. What is your favourite wardrobe item? At the moment it’s my burgundy jeans but
Rimmel Colour ShowOff, £6.29
Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colour, £18
Maxfactor Masterpiece Mascara, £9.99,
Clinique, Lash Power Mascara, £15 Chanel, Inimitable Intense Mascara, £23
it changes every time I buy something! They go with a lot of stuff and they are very current, as it’s a new season colour. What is your item of shame? My Garfield T-shirt! It’s from the boys section and its 8-10 years old! What is the one accessory you always turn to? I tend to wear a stopwatch necklace a lot. It goes with most things and is quite vintage-y slash modern. Also vintage-y is my camera box style handbag, £7 from Primark. I like the vintage look now and again. Where are your favourite places to shop? H&M because I work there and get 25% discount! Miss Selfridge sometimes but it can be bit pricey. Same with Topshop. And I do like Primark because you can hunt for a bargain and can find some really good stuff. What is your one key fashion tip? Just because it’s in fashion, doesn’t mean you should wear it. It doesn’t necessarily suit everyone’s shape or everyone’s style. What question would you like to ask the next fashionista? How important is it to dress up for uni?
beauty tips
Eccentric Nail Art has become a popular form of self expression in the fashion world. I’ve chosen three very different nail looks that make a strong statement.
Mascara should be thrown away after roughly three months to avoid any bacteria growing in your lashes. Also, to keep lips soft and luscious, exfoliate them with your toothbrush once a week for a perfect pout.
Barry M Gold Foil Nails Effect, £3.99
Follow The Rainbow Nail Wraps, £5.50
Hyde Park Gate Nail Polish, £11
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Jessica O’Donnell checks out beauty products, finding the essentials to suit skin tone, budget and our outfits!
Hi Lisa! Describe your style. It’s quite androgynous with a mix of femininity.
Barry M Lipstick, £4.49
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splurgespendsave
THIS week Alice Simpkin speaks to the stylish Lisa Hussain, a 3rd Year English Literature student. They chat about her style, window shopping… and Garfield?!
Mascara is also a necessity for every girl’s make-up bag. I’ve chosen three mascaras that are all fantastic for volumising lashes. To add extra length, invest in an eyelash curler. For a night out use “Eylure Naturalites Double False Eyelashes 202” from Boots, £7.10, for a flawless lash effect.
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beauty special
show me your wardrobe
To give your make up that wow factor, a boldly coloured lipstick is vital. As well as being very on trend right now, it can create a statement look. However, it is essential to match your lipstick to your skin tone, or it could drown you out rather than make you stand out. Fair complexions should go for pink or berry shades, while olive skin types should steer towards warmer shades with a hint of apricot or beige. Darker skin tones suit rich shades and heavy berry colours.
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music
Going for the record - In ST yle
Grande dame of heavy metal set to rock this city SIN City will host Sarah Jezebel Deva on the 29th of
this month, as part of their UK Tour, writes Callum Cameron.
For fans of heavy metal, Sarah Jezebel’s credentials are impeccable. She spent 14 years as a backing singer for Cradle of Filth and has appeared on over 35 albums, including the vast majority of metal bands. She has a great voice and is backed by a fantastic band of talented musicians. Deva is most definitely worth listening and will be excellent live. With the release of their new album Corruption of Mercy and the launch of the UK Tour, the band is on the up and up and has signed a three album deal with Listenable Records. This is definitely worth a shout if you are fans of Cradle of Filth or The Kovenant, or most definitely if you are fan of her work personally. Check out the soundat www.sarahjezebeldeva.co.uk
albums
singles
James Morrison
Nero
Songs written about love, hope and appreciation have reminded us why this singer-songwriter has become an international star, writes Adam Rennie. The pure, raw emotion in his voice comes through in stand-out tracks like “Person I should have been”, “Beautiful Life” and lead track “Slave to the Music”. His latest joint masterpiece on the album is the song “Up” featuring fellow British star Jessie J. In a surprising collaboration it was amazing to hear Jessie J sing subtly on the track as opposed to her usual over-the-top vocal range, resulting in a spine- tingling work of art that is a my personal highlight of the album.
The Dubstep duo Nero release their fifth track ‘Crush on You’ from the debut album ‘Welcome Reality’, but is set to ring alarm bells. The track is a mash-up of The Jets 80’s pop classic ‘Crush on You’ mixed with a heavy supply of beats, writes Alex Gibbs. Fans of Nero’s previously released tracks may be lost for words, as Nero produces a juddering mix that sounds something like what a five year old would have concocted. Saying that, it is worth commending Nero for trying to reinstate an 80s track. The song is accompanied by a hauntingly disturbing cult-like video where a group of girls turn murderous on one guy.
The Awakening
Ed Sheeran +
After four years of selling CDs from a rucksack and doing over 300 gigs in 2009... yes seriously; Ed Sheeran finally blasts his way into mainstream, writes Alex Gibbs. ‘+’ offers up a touching account of painful breakups, a melody to his unborn child taken too soon and Sheeran’s self-satisfied response to his past manager. Sheeran risks his career with his opinionated lyrics
Crush On You
but flawlessly succeeds in songs like ‘Grade 8’. He exposes open wounds and brings us some hauntingly beautiful lyrics from tracks like ‘This’ and ‘Give Me Love’. ‘+’ is Sheeran’s debut studio album and it explodes with a raw, unique sound.
Blink 182
Neighbourhoods As a Blink 182 fan may well know eight years is a long time to wait for another studio album from the band, writes Adam Rennie. This is why it was hardly unexpected when NME had named it “the most anticipating rock album of 2011”. Nearly a decade on from their last studio effort, the band has arrived sporting a more mature, emotive sound. This is certainly an album for rock lovers that grew up listening to this original band, and was definitely a risk worth taking for these guys.
Evanescence What You Want
For a band best known for their gothic-rock sound, it was perceived as a risky move for Evanescence to announce that their comeback album would be inspired by electro music, writes Adam Rennie. The first cut from their upcoming third album, however is definitely something to take a note of.
Against the slamming drum beats and aggressive guitar riffs, Amy Lee preaches and screeches “do what-you what-you want!”
Cobra Starship (feat. Sabi) You Make Me Feel..
Taken from their fourth album ‘Night Shades’, New York’s Synthpop band Cobra Starship unveils an energetic dance anthem writes Alex Gibbs. In a nutshell, ‘You Make Me Feel...’ bases itself on the essential need to express one’s feelings for another person. Featuring a collaboration with Sabi, Cobra Starship attaches Sabi’s powerful, melodic voice to a bubbly rhythmic beat which is hard not to love. Cobra Starship succeeds with an mindblowing hit which guarantees to fill clubs with jumping students.
5 Cult Films
PREVIEWS 1
Everybody’s list of ‘must see’ films will differ, but Michael Samuel offers his take on the top 5 cult films that every student should see. So get the popcorn, grab a drink and turn the lights down low …
Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999) Written by Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club represents the angst of an entire generation. Edgy, raw and genuinely interesting, it tells the story of an office employee and a soap salesman (Brad Pitt), who build a global organization to help vent male aggression. Swingers (Doug Liman, 1996) Intimate, hilarious and timeless underground classic, Swingers delves into the life of the tragically romantic Mike, a twenty-something struggling to overcome a bad breakup with the support of his friends. The film stars Vince Vaughn and also has a great score and quotable script. Swingers is the precursor to the buddy movies of Todd Phillips, director of The Hangover. The Big Lebowski (Coen Brothers, 1998) This Coen Brothers hit is included in many people’s top ten lists and deservedly so. Hilarious, casually paced modern noir, The Big Lebowski is a contemporary fable of the Dude’s misfortunes in an unforgiving situation and the challenges of the landscape
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film
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Restless - Director Gus Van Sant tells
the story of of a terminally ill teenage girl who falls for a boy who likes to attend funerals and their encounters with the ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot from WWII.
2 Paranormal Activity 3 - After
the financial success of the previous two, Paranormal Activity 3 is set to grace our cinemas. The story will basically be the same as the previous two, looking to provide jumps and scares wherever possible.
and place. Along with the superb supporting cast of John Goodman and Steve Buscemi, Jeff Bridges’ philosophic lifestyle choice epitomises the slacker psyche. Office Space (Mike Judge, 1999) Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead, delivers with Office Space another oddball, comedy outing. Showing the lives of a group of office workers facing cuts and the uncompromising nature of office politics, this is a character piece that seldom has a dull moment. Brilliantly funny, satirical and warm, Office Space is for anyone who has had a bad job. Great supporting cast from the likes of Jennifer Anniston and John C McGinley. Brick (Rian Johnson, 2005) Joseph Gordon-Levitt leads this high school noir as the character Brendon, a teenager who ventures into a highlycomplicated criminal underworld in search of his missing ex-girlfriend. Brick wis an intriguing, complex and masterful piece of American independent cinema and proves a gripping watch.
reviews Warrior
By Callum Walters
The similarities between Warrior and the legendary Rocky series and The Fighter from earlier this year are frequent but this film can stand up on its own. MMA and sports-movie fans will have more than enough fun with this picture based purely on fight and training scenes which really mix up the action in a way only a MMA movie could, but the real quality is found in the emotional tone of the film. It focuses on two brothers both with their own problems and both with their own outlook on life. The story is rather predictable but the outcome surely is not and the way both fighters are treated like the star throughout the picture really sets it apart from other sports movies. This family ground-and-pound is a really inspiring movie and is an impressive debut for mixed martial arts on the big screen. Well worth a watch.
Red State
By Andy Williams
A new film by director Kevin Smith usually brings forth certain expectations. From the man who created Clerks, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, his core audience has come to expect rude humour with a smattering of marijuana references. Red State however is vastly different from Smith’s previous output. Telling the story of three teenagers who are lured into the grasp of Christian fundamentalists with the promise of sex. The fundamentalists - led by their Pastor - have a hidden agenda. Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks) is possibly one of the most horrifying characters created in the past decade of cinema. A character who believes so blindly in what he is doing that all sense of humanity is left behind. Smith himself has stated that the biggest compliment anybody can give to this film is that it does not look like a ‘Kevin Smith’ movie. This is indeed a far departure from anything Smith has ever done before, although still maintaining his trademark wit. Red State is a thrilling, horrifying and downright bloody film that aims high and hits its targets.
Crazy, Stupid Love
By Rachael Sharp
At fortysomething, bourgeois Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) has his perfect life turned upside down when his childhood sweetheart wife (Julianne Moore) confesses to an affair and requests a divorce. Left dazed by this revelation, Cal resorts to drowning his sorrows in a local bar where he quickly comes to realise he’s only ever been with one woman, and is clueless when it comes to the rules of dating. Cue Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a gorgeous, charming and complete ladies-man who takes Cal on as his protégé and vows his wife will ‘rue the day she left him’. What ensues is an emotive mix of comedic dialogue, delivered perfectly by the likes of Carell and Gosling, and brutal honesty that sheds light on the daily trials of marriage and the loneliness of a bachelor lifestyle. Although the beginning is a little slow and the end grinds to an unexpected halt, the majority of the film has enough comedy value and interesting twists to make a viewing worthwhile. With slapstick humour for the guys and Gosling’s ‘performance’ for the girls this is definitely one for ‘date night’.
John Goodman as Walter Sobcheck in The Big Lebowski.
gadgets
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e v e r y t h i n g t e c h n i c a l . e v e r y t h i n g s t u d e n t. B y J o n M ay
Apple loses its core
spotlight Every week, we put a product, gadget or service in the spotlight. This week, we’re looking at the new iPhone 4S, unveiled last week:
A
LMOST 40% of us have one and don’t even know the creators of the most revolutionary gadget for quite a while. We don’t wonder who created such an awesome piece of technology, so long as we can check who has written on our wall and the photos from last night in Sin City. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple Computers and the figurehead for the launches of the iPhone, iPad and iPod, passed away last week after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve Crawford (3rd Year Web Development) said: “The man was much more than simply an Apple CEO, he was a great human and a free thinker. Consider not iPhones and iPads, take Steve’s message and consider the future, your future.” The iPhone you hold in your hand (if
you’re in the third of students owning one) was designed by one of the most influential technological giants of the last three decades. To the average student here at sunny Swansea, it might not seem much right now, but watch this space. The iPhone 5 and iPad 3 (most likely to be announced next year) may not be as good as they could have been, simply because of Jobs’ legendary attention to detail will be missing.
It was a bit of a disappointment, to be fair. A revolutionary iPhone 5 device was anticipated but all Apple offered was an iPhone 4 with a few improvements. The camera has been upgraded from 5MP to 8MP and the brain (processor) has been increased. What was marketed as “the best phone yet” included notifications and a voice command system similar to Google Android. Pricing starts at £499 and it’s on sale from 14 October (a week earlier for online pre-orders) and is expected to sell well.
The future of iPhones is fuzzy but what is clear is that that Apple will keep going although some of the status of being a “Jobs Fanboi” (someone who adores without question all Apple products) will fade.
rumour Samsung Nexus Delays Samsung was due to launch its rival to the iPhone 4S but has delayed it “out of respect for Steve Jobs”. This is more likely than not, a fortunate accident for them, with some rumours saying the launch is delayed after legal action from Apple. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 is still banned from sale in Germany.
blackout BlackBerry Cuts Off Users Millions of customers around Asia, Europe and Africa were suddenly disconnected from the BlackBerry service around 11am on 10 Oct. It then went down again the day after and has been out ever since (at time of print). Research In Motion (the owners of BlackBerry) issued no official statement, leaving customers (and Swansea students) quite literally in the dark about their service.
Do you want to put a gadget or game in the spotlight? Email waterfrontgadgets@swansea-union.co.uk
print it Brother HL-2270DW
Ink cartridges costing lots? Why not try a laser printer instead? If you print a lot, or if everyone in your house needs to print, perhaps think about getting a personal laser printer to share. A little more expensive in the short term, but more than 75% cheaper per page in the long run. This Brother model represents the best value for money and appeared at the top of PC Pro’s “A List” of recommended printers.
protect it SUPERAntiSpyware
Stay safe online. It’s like a condom & STI check for laptops You can be casually be browsing the internet when it strikes. A pop up saying your laptop is infected and you need to pay $49.99 to activate Windows Security Defender. Unfortunately this is too late and you need it repairing. But if you can install the free version before this happens, you can save yourself a few bob and the hassle of worrying whether your details are safe.
Five Things...
T
... To Save You Money
HAT moment when over a thousand pounds graces your account from a loving person called “Student Loans Company” is the best experience a student can have with their clothes on. But wait. How long does this have to last? Ah. That’s right. After rent, bills and that cheeky Chinese takeaway, you’ve got a mere few pounds a day to live on. How can you make it go further? Bulk buying toilet rolls and dishwasher tablets goes some way, but for all your expensive gadgets, how can you make them cheaper to run? You could save a whopping £145.50 by not buying a
TV licence and only using On-Demand catch up services such as the BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4OD and Demand5. It is legal and saves you having to rush home from JCs to watch the latest episode of Spooks or Downton Abbey. All in all, our gadgets are becoming more powerful and energy consuming, whilst our disposable incomes are decreasing. Use some of these tips, look at how much your energy company is charging you and see if switching might save you money – and make that loan last longer.
track it Xpense It
Check where your money is going and what you can do Originally just for the iPhone, this handy smartphone app means you can catagorise your spending and see where you’re going wrong. Whether it’s the tenner you’re spending on takeaway food every night or the hundred pounds you put on roulette each week, it might help you see how much you’ve got and where it’s going.
save it Remote Power Plugs
You can save quite a bit of money with this little luxury From just £10, you can save tons of energy. If you are too lazy to turn off the TV or other appliances, this helpful gizmo kills all power to the gadgets around the house, rather than leaving them on standby - which still uses a bit of electricity! This gadget will save you both money and time!
REVIEW
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
A CYBORG nears the complex, hell bent on revenge against the gun-toting mercenaries he’s just infiltrated. Three of them are having a smoke outside the main entrance. He could wait until two of them walk off and knock the other hapless guy out. He could bypass them entirely and find another entrance. He could gun them all down in a spray of lead. Adam Jensen does none of these things. He struggles with a nearby vending machine, lifts it up and hurls it at them. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a game all about choice. It allows you to play the Serious Sam or the Solid Snake. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll lob furniture and appliances at thugs. The game rewards the player (regardless of playstyle) through experience points that can be used to buy augmentations that give Adam Jensen more skills: more strength to carry heavier objects, better aim, invisibility. The skills tie nicely into the gameplay, as they allow for more
culture
FRANK Vickery, the Welsh playwright famous for his salty valleys humour, is returning to Swansea Grand Theatre this October with a new play, writes Michael Samuel.
“Personally, I enjoy a huge following and I think
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F1 2011 Developer: Codemasters Publisher: Codemasters Platforms: PC, 360, PS3 A faithful representation of competing in the 2011 F1 season, F1 2011 includes rule changes made for this year’s season as well as a return of the safety car that was strangely absent from F1 2010. Patience - and skill - are rewarded highly in this game.
SPOTLIGHT
Swansea University Campus 01792 602060 www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Fortunately, 18 months before he finished his education he discovered the theatre, and had his first real success at the age of 21 when his comedy, After I’m Gone, won an award for the Best One Act Play in Great Britain in 1978.
Vickery is renowned for his overt Welsh sensibility and quintessential ‘valleys’ humour. He attributed the inspiration for his raw, almost documentary style, to his audience.
spotlight
Taliesin Arts Centre
Vickery, a favourite with Welsh audiences, has enjoyed tremendous success as a playwright, despite leaving school in Treorchy at 15 with no qualifications.
He said: “My next production at The Grand Theatre will be my play Biting the Bullet. This is not a new play as I wrote it back in 1996. To be honest, I had forgotten what a nice little play it was and funny too.”
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effective ways to end combat, or not to get into combat at all. Terminals and computers can be hacked into to bypass security systems or turn gun turrets against their owners, for example. It is a great homage to the original Deus Ex, made all the more better with a fluid cover system that works both for combat and stealth. However, the game has a glaring oversight, and that is the inclusion of the boss battles. They have nothing to do with the gameplay in the bulk of the game, and there is no way to avoid them or complete them in a different manner. Because my Jensen was a hacking expert, he had a lot of trouble getting through these. My scrawny computer whiz was broken like a twig - several times - by metal beefcakes. IIt was heartbreaking, and it is a wonder these boss battles weren’t more refined so they were more in tune with the rest of the game. As they stand, they are eyesores in an otherwise fantastic game that is true to its roots. By Matthew Edwards
Welsh sense of humour has audience rolling in the aisles
Soon afterwards he co-founded The Parc and Dare Theatre Company in his home town and it was with this company that he wrote many of his earlier plays. More recently he formed his own company, Grassroots Productions.
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October 17 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
THE Taliesin is a popular destination for students looking to take a break from partying and take in some culture. The arts centre, which is right in the middle of the campus opposite the library, has an interesting and varied programme of theatre, film, dance, music and art.
Frank Vickery the audiences love me just as much as I love them,” he said. “The audience response is second to none. They make me feel very special and it’s the highlight of the tour when we come to The Grand.” Biting the Bullet is at Swansea Grand Theatre from Tuesday, 25 October – Saturday, 29 October at 7.30pm (5pm and 8pm Saturday). Box office: 01792 475715
The Taliesin building also houses the excellent Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery, which sells gifts and cards as well as mounting art exhibitions. Highlights from the next two weeks include Volcano Theatre’s interpretation of A Clockwork Orange (Oct 20-22) and An Evening with Rob Brydon (Oct 23 – Sold Out). Cinema screenings include Jane Eyre (Oct 24-25) and Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (Oct 26).
revolutionary
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careers
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Careers fair offers chance to get yourself noticed Date: Thursday 20 October Time: 10 am – 3 pm Location: Marquee in front of Fulton House SWANSEA University’s annual Careers Fair is an opportunity for students to find out more about the career they wish to follow. It is your chance to meet employers face-to-face and gain information by asking them questions. Jo Davies, of the university’s careers service, says: “Research the employers you wish to speak with, and think about the questions you would like to ask them. Don’t forget to do some preparation in order to make the most of the day. “Update your CV – you will also be able to have your CV checked at one of our drop-in sessions on the day. “Be open-minded – you will meet employers whom you may never have considered. “ This year over 40 organisations will be promoting a range of careers, further study options and gap year travel, and our professional careers advisors will be on hand throughout the day. THIS is list of organisations who have confirmed that they will be attending the Swansea University Careers Fair:•Abercrombie & Fitch •ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) •Army •Arriva Trains Wales •Bouygues UK •BUNAC – Working Adventures Worldwide •Chartered Institute of Management Accountants •College of Law •Deloitte LLP •Delphi Diesel Systems •ELTS (English Language Training Services) •Enterprise Rent-A-Car •GO WALES (Graduate Opportunities Wales) •HM Revenue & Customs •HSBC •International Experience Canada – High Commission of Canada •International Rectifier •Leadbitter Construction •Lidl UK GmbH •Logica
•Mewn (Minority Ethnic Womens Network) •Morgan Cole Services Ltd •PricewaterhouseCoopers •Projects Abroad •Royal Air Force •Royal Navy and Royal Marines •RWE npower •Shaw healthcare Ltd •SOVA (Supporting Others through Volunteer Action) •Swansea University Careers CV workshop •Swansea Metropolitan University •Swansea University – School of Business and Economics •Swansea University – Postgraduate Recruitment •Swansea Volunteer Centre (SVCS) •TATA Steel •Teach First •TLC (Wales) Independent Fostering •UNA Exchange – volunteering worldwide •Venture Wales – business support •WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action)
spotlight Date: Thursday 25 October Event: Employer Talk programme Employer: SOVA Time: 5pm – 6pm Location: Fulton House seminar room A Overview: “SOVA Newday” – talk will be delivered by Sara Morris, SOVA Volunteer Co-Coordinator and Anna Darwell, SOVA Volunteer Support Officer The Talk will focus on the Newday Project, how and why it came about highlighting the benefits of volunteering to the mentor and mentee. SOVA is a leading national volunteer mentoring organization in England and Wales working with: Clients in and leaving the care system The criminal justice sector Young people on youth offending orders The socially and economically disadvantage and long-term unemployed Refugees and asylum seekers Register: Online or at the Careers and Employability reception in the Library
societies
October 17, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk
E n h a n c e yo u r s t u d e n t e x p e r i e n c e
What’s all the fuss and bother about joining a society? IF you don’t want to spend ALL your time as a student drinking (and occasionally studying), why not take a look at the huge list of societies available to join? asks James Langridge. They provide a great way to indulge your interests, meet like-minded people, make friends and develop new skills. There are currently 83 societies to choose from, offering everything from Glee to real ale, and war gaming to wilderness medicine. It only costs £3 to join most societies so it’s not going to break the bank. More than 4,500 students joined up to societies at the Freshers’ Fayre, but it’s not too late to get involved. You can see the full list of options at www.swansea-union. co.uk/societies and either fill in a form online or call into the Societies Office on the 3rd floor of the Student Union building. Friends There you will find Tom Upton, societies and services officer, and Rosie Hunnam, societies and student development coordinator, (pictured right) who are both keen to get as many students as possible involved. “It’s an amazing way to spend your free time,” said Rosie. “It offers you the chance to attend activities and events that are different, obscure and less ‘cool’. It’s
also a really good way of making friends and, if you serve on a committee, to gets lots of really useful skills. She added: “During my Fresher’s year, I was a member of about 30 societies. There were a few that I became dedicated to; I was a member of RAG and I became History Society president. “ More societies are springing up all the time. The most popular is dance, with around 500 members. Others have a much smaller, but no less passionate, group of members.
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Society News Roundup EVERY week, we give you the roundup for what’s going on in and around the Union with your societies. German Society - Oktoberfest
Normally held through the last week in September in Bavaria, the “Oktoberfest” is the highlight of the German Society’s year. The committee will be dressing in traditional Lederhosen and serving authentic German Pilsner and Beer. Partnering with RAG, this event will contribute to charities supported by the SU. Bretzeln (big pretezels) and beersteins are also on the menu! german@swansea-union.co.uk
Passionate Rosie says there are two things that make a successful society: “To be as organised as you possibly can and to be passionate – I think that you can’t do it if you do not really believe in your society.” If you would like to start a new one, you need the backing of 20 people. You can apply for grants to organise cultural, educational and awareness events and conferences. “Societies have organised some amazing events,” said Rosie. “SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) abseiled down the side of Kilvey Halls of Residence. Doing the risk assessment for that caused me sleepless nights. But it was a great event. Xtreme DJed and there was a huge crowd.” Tom said societies were
labour society - Most improved
Swansea Labour Students (who won Most Improved at last year’s Society Awards) had a great start to the year. The membership doubled and the society raised £140 for the local community through the Swansea Valley Miners’ Appeal Fund. labour@swansea-union.co.uk
facing some problems this year with their usual main meeting space in the dining room being out of bounds because of asbestos in the roof. “Work will be done to rectify the problem, but it will cause headaches for us over the coming months,” he said. “We are just asking people to be patient.” If you are wondering whether a society is for you, Rosie has this advice:
“Try before you buy. Attend an event and then decide. In January, we’re launching ‘Give it a go week’. All societies will put on a taster of what they do. For example, the French Society might do cheese and wine. We’re hoping for a central booking desk in a prime location so we can sign up people to attend with no obligation.” Email: societies@ swansea-union.co.uk
society SPOTLIGHT
Japanese Manga and Anime IF you are one of the many people that are clueless to what it is, it is a Japanese art form primarily expressed through graphic novels. The society meets regularly on a Monday. Meetings involve watching episodes of anime, chats, quizzes and trips to the
pub. They also offer a library of manga, for members to read at their leisure. The society membership card also entitles the holder to 5% discount at a local comic book store. For more information about joining SUMASOC, contact anime@ swansea-union.co.uk
Krispy kremes to be sold on campus
For the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE Society), the alure of selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts was all too much. There will be a Krispy Kreme sale outside Fulton House in the next fortnight to fundraise for the society, which runs community outreach projects using business knowledge. sifeswansea@live.com
rag ‘s pre-seasonal shield
Featuring the league winners versus the cup winners, this football game saw Ajax take on the SUMFC 6ths. In just one day, they raised over £200 for charity and gave away raffle prizes including a signed Swansea shirt and a signed Boba Fett photo! rag@swansea-union.co.uk
Plaid Cymru celebrate football win
The Plaid Society celebrated Wales’ win against Switzerland (2-0) at their first social at the Liberty Stadium last week. plaidcymru@swansea-union.co.uk