Welcome to Swansea x
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Surviving your first year: 8 golden rules I learned the hard way! O
freshers’ guide to SURVIVAL
H, you freshers, with your shiny new student accounts and enthusiasm, eager to experience all that university can throw at you. For many of you, this is the first time away from home. You’re anxious to assert your independence, and mostly this will come in the form of consuming far too much exotic-looking alcohol and being in pictures that you definitely won’t want your parents to see. Now, I’ve been a fresher twice – yes, I made a Poor Life Choice (hereby known as a PLC) when I first applied to Portsmouth University, but I made up for it tenfold by switching to Swansea as soon as I could. So it is with my wisdom and experience of making some serious PLCs that I am here to guide you through the next year. I want you all to make a point of learning from my mistakes. Alternatively, you could make some even bigger ones so that mine look good in comparison.
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Firstly, do not attach yourself to someone within the first week of university. You’re here for three years, and they won’t seem half as attractive within six months. Don’t rush; you’ve plenty of time to find someone your parents will hate.
be making a PLC. I conducted a personal study this year by getting drunk very regularly for a fortnight. My body held a small demonstration, and I was unable to eat properly for a month. I felt disgusting, looked awful, and my mum was furious, but my housemates were overjoyed by how much food I gave to them – every cloud has a silver lining, I guess.
4. By Catrin Lewis to negotiate these hurdles is it appropriate to spend the rest of your loan on new clothes and alcohol. You will soon learn to budget and shop around – for example, buy fresh food in the market where you only buy as much as you need for cheaper, and then go to JC’s for a pint rather than one of Wind Street’s fine establishments. If you can, try and save yourself some money for over the holidays – right now, it is the end of August, and I am sat here with precisely £9.86 to my name, with three weeks to go until pay day. Remember what I said – learn from my mistakes.
2. Secondly, your student loan is finite. 3. I know, it’s a horrible realisation. You also have to be aware of your priorities: first comes your rent and bills, second to that is food, and then it’s important things like books and shoes that will see you through the winter. Only when you have managed
Pace yourself. In small to medium doses, alcohol is not necessarily that bad for you – although what is said for your body is not necessarily true for your wallet. However, getting completely obliterated four times a week is bad for you, and you will do well to avoid doing so, else you will
Fourth, eat properly. Please don’t make a point of eating only potato smileys and turkey dinosaurs for every meal just because you can. Eventually, you are going to get sick of beige-coloured food, and you will want some vegetables. Beat your body shutting down on you by learning how to cook. Waterstones in the Taliesin sell some basic student cook books that are brilliant for learning the staples of home cooking, and if you can’t be bothered to buy them, you can just take pictures of the recipes on your iPhone.
5. For this one, make sure your parents
are out of the room… Gone? Excellent. Boys and girls, you may have heard of sex. You may have heard that university is a brilliant place to obtain it. Let me tell you, Swansea may have gone up in the University Sex League (up to 12th place, from last year’s 60, woo!), but university is not one massive orgy. Or at least, if it is, I’ve not been invited. Anyway, if you are going to do it, your Students’ Union provides thousands of free condoms per year. Make use of them – and not for balloon animals. Also, make sure that you have enough money the next morning for
the taxi of disgrace, rather than having to humiliate yourself with the walk of shame. Alternatively, if you’ve awoken being able to remember their name, you are entitled to take the stride of pride. Congratulations.
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Join a society. I really, really wish I’d done this in my first year. Since joining The Waterfront – not technically a society, but you know what I mean – I have had the best time at university. I’ve met friends for life, learnt new skills, discovered what I want to be when I grow up, and had some awesome experiences. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find a society for it, and if you can’t, don’t be afraid to form your own.
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Do some work – everyone knows the freshers’ mantra of ‘f**k it, 40 percent’, but organising yourself to do some work from the off is a really good habit to form, and it looks a lot better on your transcript. Learn to organise yourself so that you’re not working right up until the deadline, too. There’s nothing worse than sleeping through the hand-in deadline and waking up to your face in your keyboard, smothered in drool.
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Perhaps the best and most useful piece of advice I can give you is to enjoy yourself. Don’t forget that you’re here to work, but university is also about a whole new lifestyle and learning about yourself and the world around you. Forget school being the best days of your life – your time at Swansea will definitely beat it.
From the sublime... Enjoying a social night out with SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) ... or doing the washing up, a big part of every student’s life (or not, as the case may be)
thewaterfront Chris Flynn 2nd year Law #1- Remember you have three years to see Swansea. You don’t have to visit everything in Freshers. But go to pubs, clubs and bars away from the main ones. There are some real hidden treasures in Swansea. #2- You can’t drink off Fresher’s Flu. 90% of people develop the flu or cold-like symptoms in the first few weeks of term. If you do, take a night off; soldiering on can leave you feeling worse for even longer. #3- Don’t join too many societies. Societies are a massive part of life at university, but don’t sign up to more than five. The younger, more carefree version of myself made this mistake - costing me a lot of beer money and I didn’t even go to half of the societies. You can always sign up to others throughout the year. #4-Don’t s**t on your doorstep. Not a mistake I made, but I have seen it occur. It basically means if you have romantic relations with a housemate it could jeopardise the whole house’s relationship. Then again, it could work and you’d have the easiest booty call of your life. #5- Remember why you took out a student loan. Falling behind on your course studies is common. My exam period would have been a lot less hassle if I had spent less time with Mario and Sonic and more with Contract and EU law.
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What I have learned Sam Bust-Webber 3rd Year History “Never shop when you’re hungry!” Penny Norris 2nd Year French and Italian Translation “Learn to cook! It saves money, especially if you club together and cook for a few at a time. And it’s sociable! Cooking and eating together is a very good way to get to know one another.” Charlotte Britton Students’ Union Welfare Officer “I didn’t do it and suffered the consequences - but BUDGET! Learn to budget, for the love of EVERYTHING, learn to budget.” Marie Fall 3rd Year Medical Sciences “Don’t get too excited when the loan comes in. Once you’ve paid rent that £1000+ doesn’t seem to go as far as you thought it would.” Richard Marc Lewis 3rd Year Zoology “Tea. Everything in life can be resolved with a cup of tea.”
contents 5 > Everything you ever wanted to know about the Students’ Union 6 > Your ultimate guide to Freshers’ Fortnight 7 > What’s on calendar 8 > Swansea - Inside Out 9 > Savour the flavours of this sinful city 11 > Join a society and expand your horizons 12 > Map and guide to the Freshers’ Fayre 14 > All the help and advice you’ll ever need 15 > Going out - and getting home safely 16 > Campus guide and maps 19 > Get help with your career and finding part-time work 21 > Sports review 2011-2012 22 > Meet new Sports Officer Imogen Stanley 23 > Freshers’ Guide to sport at Swansea University 24 > New season, fresh start - Swansea aims to build on its sporting legacy
Write for Waterfront
Fun at Fresh’ n’ Free 2011
Would you like to learn journalistic skills like writing, interviewing, editing and designing? Waterfront always welcomes new volunteers. Get in touch and find out what you can contribute. Email editor Kay Byrne at: editor@swansea-union.co.uk
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Everything you ever wanted to know... freshers’ guide to STUDENTS’ UNION
WHEN I arrived in Swansea in September 2008, I did two things, I wore a headband and I broke my foot. I’d recommend you do neither of these things. At that time I didn’t know anything about the building barely 200 metres from my halls of residence, Union House. The first question to answer about your Students’ Union is: How do I become a member? It’s simple really, by enrolling each year on to your course at Swansea University you are automatically a member of Swansea University Students’ Union. All of our services are open to you – events, societies, sports clubs, travel, free impartial advice, tea, coffee, you name it, we pretty much have it, even a nursery! We exist, to enhance your experience at Swansea University and be here for you when you need us. What makes us stand out from all other
unions across the UK? Well, we hold two current Guinness World Records for starters! One for the most Smurfs in the same room at the same time, and the other, for the most skeletons in the same room at the same time. In partnership with Cardiff University we run ‘The Welsh Varsity’ every Easter, during which we compete in a number of sports against each other, culminating in a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium, which we have a trend for winning! We run 11 weekly nights out, employ over 200 students as part-time members of union staff and do our best to hold events to interest everyone. There are rumours of bungee jumping on campus this year… So how do you get involved? We have a fantastic variety of societies and sports clubs – which you can sign up to at Freshers’ Fayre (in the big blue and white
The NUS Established in 1922, the National Union of Students, otherwise known as NUS, is an organisation working on behalf of students in further and higher education. This representation involves policy issues, such as the raising of tuition fees and what funding students receive, as well as topics such as housing and student welfare. Students are currently facing a barrage of issues. Firstly, if you’re a fresher from outside of Wales, you’ll know that you’re now paying more for your time here. Whilst fees have risen for many, Welsh students are protected by the Welsh Assembly. Their decision means that students from Wales, even if they choose to study elsewhere, will only pay £3290 – the same price as it cost to go to university the year before. Although this is fantastic in terms of reducing student debt for those Welsh students benefiting from the scheme, teaching grants at universities have been reduced by 35% to pay for it, meaning many universities are now struggling even more than before.
marquee outside Fulton House on campus – 26th and 27th September – not to be missed). If you fancy yourself as replacing me or any of the seven elected Full-Time Officers, why not come along to our first Student Forum on 16th October? If you’ve got a head for debate and enjoy shaping the policy of an organisation you’re a part of, then this is the place for you! All of the full-time officers have been working relentlessly alongside our staff to get everything ready for Freshers’ this year and we cannot wait to meet you all. If you have any questions please feel free to email any of us, our contact details can be found on the Students’ Union website – www. swansea-union.co.uk. Welcome, and please make yourself at home! Tom Upton, President, Swansea University Students’ Union 2012/13.
...about the Students’ Union Catrin Lewis interviews Liam Burns, president of the National Union of Students.
student movement, such as volunteering in the community. We can’t rest on our laurels too much.
The national president, Liam Burns, was first elected to the role in 2011, winning a second term at NUS Conference in 2012. His platform was one of implementing a graduate tax rather than using the existing student loan repayment system; allowing students to take more control over their institutions; and ensuring that students are more financially secure.
So do you think that party politics has a part to play within NUS politics as well? Massively in the sense that we have to work with all political parties, as at the end of the day they all have very different views on how students should be supported, and how higher education should be funded. Some we agree with on particular issues, some we won’t, but there is always rationality in engaging across the political spectrum. Party politics by its nature articulates how we value education, and that’s why we have to make sure that politicians of every colour have the right values when it comes to how our education is funded and structured.
What does the NUS mean for students? Being at university is literally life changing, the best years of your life. But it’s not all easy going, it’s not an easy ride. There are challenges from fees, student debt, hardship, what house you have and where you live, and how much money you’ve got in your pocket. NUS does two things: one, to make sure your Students’ Union is as strong as it can be, with its societies and campaigns for change. It also stands up for students on a national basis. NUS Wales has done stuff like stopping the cap on tuition fees being lifted, it’s managed to win tens of millions in student financial support, and has now put through legislation to protect Students’ Union funding. All of these things are helping to protect Students’ Unions right across Wales; saying we have a right to education, and a right to be supported in that education. What are the biggest challenges facing students now? Obviously the tuition fees are a huge challenge, which puts an incredible strain on Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland about what they’re going to do. At the moment, no Welsh student will pay more than they used to, but the funding for that is precarious, it’s unstable. The government has just released a white paper in Wales on the structure of higher education, and that’s a huge challenge for students in Wales. There’s quite a different type of education that we could fight for here, one that’s free of price tags. We could do things differently here in Wales from what the rest of the UK has decided to do.
NUS President Liam Burns
How do you think we can best achieve our wants? We need to keep them on the agenda of politicians and decision makers, especially in preparation for the next election. The student vote is huge, and at the end of the day, investing in education is investing in the society of tomorrow. We don’t shout out enough about what’s great about the
When you’ve got universities such as Aston and Southampton who have chosen to disaffiliate, do you believe that NUS is as strong as it used to be? We’re much stronger. 98% of all students in the UK are in membership. Of the unions that are out, we’re having fairly positive discussions with Southampton, they’re having a referendum coming up next year. We have other positive discussions with other students’ unions across the UK. We generate tens of millions of pounds for students’ unions every single year. For those unions that decide not to be part of the NUS, it’s their students’ decision. You’ve called for a national demo in November, why should students go along and show support for it? Conference called for a national demo back in April, and rightly so in my opinion. What we’re trying to say is that our future is being destroyed. It doesn’t matter what part of the UK you’re in, whether it’s tuition fees if you live in Scotland, youth unemployment across the board, or whether it be the impossibility of getting on the housing market, all these things are just taking away our futures. It’s about time we told not just government, but parliament, that they can’t just keep hacking on about the squeezed middle, when there is a whole raft of people being hit much harder. The reason we’re demonstrating is two-fold. One, that we start putting in place markers for the next general election to say to those politicians that betrayed us that we’ve not gone away. Two that, we have a positive vision of what the future should look like for us and that involves funding education, it involves unemployment, it involves empowering people who have had their rights taken away.
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21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
The ultimate guide to Freshers’ Fortnight Jon May went to have a chat with Simmo Simmons (right), the Events and Promotions Manager for Swansea University Students’ Union, to ask the question most Freshers will want to know.
freshers’ guide to WHAT’S ON
What is Ents? Aren’t they the talking trees in Lord of the Rings? Ents (shortened from Entertainment) is the old name for Student Swansea Events. We’re the provider of your social life at university and are an official department of the Students’ Union. What is “Freshers’ Fortnight”? Just booze-up? The first two weeks are the best way to kick off your university experience and there’ll be events every night! It’s not about drinking; it’s about exploring the nightlife and getting to know people. Why should Freshers go to Student Swansea Events? Every penny goes back into the Students’ Union to improve it and the services it gives you. Money raised from Tooters (£2 entry, £1/pint on Friday nights) helps run the nursery on campus, and shots at Sin City helps run societies. Unlike private companies, all the proceeds go to help improve your student experience.
How many events do you run? We organise 11 weekly nights and we also plan, run and sell tickets to the Welsh Varsity - the Cardiff V Swansea rugby grudge match, and the Summer Ball, which raises vital funds for the Students’ Union. We also organise balls and events around Christmas, Halloween and Easter. What was the Summer Ball like last year? The atmosphere was amazing. Pixie Lott headlined and Tim Minchin was there singing songs on his piano. In the past we’ve had Florence and the Machine, The Streets, Feeder and even the Vengaboys. We’re always looking for the biggest and best acts to put on a spectacular show. What is the Welsh Varsity? It’s basically a battle in every sport between Cardiff and Swansea University, culminating in the Millennium Stadium for the Men’s Rugby 1st Final. The whole place buzzed as 15,000 students came down to cheer on their team. Summer ball aside, this is the hardest challenge for us every year as we plan the biggest university rugby game in the UK. How do people go about buying tickets for events? This year, everything is going online. Just head to Swansea-union.co.uk and buy them there. Every purchase goes onto your student card, which is your ticket into each venue. The door staff will scan it
and your ticket will show up. For the first time, you’ll also be able to buy tickets from your ‘Residential Volunteers’, so you know you’re buying genuine tickets to Students’ Union venues. What’s the difference between a Wristband and a Platinum Package? It’s easy, the Freshers’ Wristband (£45) gives you free entry to every event happening during Freshers’ Fortnight. From Fresh ‘n’ Free all the way through to the finale event Illuminate, it would cost you £104 to go to every event, giving you a massive saving of £59. If (well, I really mean when!) you find the Freshers’ to be good value, you can upgrade it to the Platinum package (£199 full /£154 upgrade) and that’ll give you free entry to every event for the year. It works out to just 70p per event! What about picking up Freshers’ Wristbands? We’re cutting queues and making the process a lot simpler this year. You can pick it up from the Freshers’ Marquee when you arrive during Arrivals Weekend or pick it up anytime from Sin City, JCs, The Wonky Sheep, Fulton Outfitters, Spar in the village and Langland Terrace. What should people do if they get stuck? There shouldn’t be any problems, it’s pretty simple to book and pick up your tickets/wristband, but if you do need help or ask questions, we’re on the second floor of Union House, behind the Porters’ Lodge.
Music: We want it live and we love it loud! A Guide To Live Music in Swansea On a typical night out, you may find yourself sauntering down Wind Street, grabbing a drink at Oceana or jiving to cheesy classics in Koopas; but Swansea doesn’t only offer chart hits over a set of speakers, writes Alexandra Gibbs. Whilst Monkey Bar on Castle Street has its electronica acts and Oceana on Kingsway has chart-dominating live performances; Swansea is also home to a number of great venues for live musicians who range in rich musical diversity. To start off with, we have ‘Sin City’ on Dillwyn Street, which has played host to numerous indie and rock bands, including The Blanks, Wiley, Ben Howard and Bowling For Soup. Sin City may not be the size of the O2 arena, but it has the ultimate rock club vibe whilst serving drinks which are as “cheap as chips”. In October alone, you have the opportunity to watch performances from Hadouken, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Dan Le Sac from as little as £9. Next we have Uplands’ very own ‘The Garage’, which is perfect for those of you who love to find fresh, unsigned acts. The Garage guarantees a friendly atmosphere with great acoustics, and in this intimate venue you can get right up close and personal to the featuring band. There are plenty of different music venues in Swansea area, including ‘No Sign Wine Bar’ on Wind Street and the acoustic and jazz cafe ‘Caffe Americano’ on the Prince of Wales Dock in SA1.
Cardiff. In the upcoming months, acts like ‘Billy Talent’ and ‘The Civil Wars’ will appear at Cardiff University Students’ Union, whilst ‘Nicki Minaj’, ‘Example’ and ‘Jessie J’ will feature at the Motorpoint Arena.
For those of you who like to go the extra mile in search for live bands, how about looking towards
So whatever your musical taste buds fancy, you’ll find something to whet your appetite.
•To buy tickets for events in Swansea, check out our Students’ Union Website: http://www.swansea-union. co.uk/whatson •For tickets to Cardiff events, check out: http://www. ticketmaster.co.uk Photo by: Robert Couse-Baker
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Tinchy Stryder
Freshers’ Ball Friday 28th September The 25-year-old R’n’B star is the headline act at the Union Freshers’ Ball.
With chart number one hits like “Number One” and “Never Leave You”, Stryder is certainly not shy of success, teaming up with previous Swansea University Students’ Union Summer Ball headliner Pixie Lott in their hit track “Bright Lights.” The Ghanian-born rapper, originally named Kwasi Danquah III, has released three solo studio album and has released a clothing line with his other pseudonym “Star In The Hood.” Freshers’ Ball tickets are included in Wristbands.
freshers’ guide to WHAT’S ON
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Jaguar Skills
Freshers’ Ball - Friday 28th September The British self-styled DJ gained notoriety back in 2002 for his multi-genre mixes and has been featured on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra. He is famously known for wearing a ninja mask on stage, which adds to his mystery personality - nothing is known about his name, age or hometown. His next tour “Jaguar Skills and his Amazing Friends” debuts in Photo: Syromaniac the 02 Academy, Oxford, on Friday 12th October.
Event calendar Arrivals Weekend FRI 21 SEPT: Tooters @ Diva’s & FaceOff @ Sin City SAT 22: OMFreshin’G: @ Diva’s & Sink @ Sin City SUN 23: Fresh&Free @ Campus Marquee (Freshers Only)
Freshers’ Week 1 MON 24: Skool Disco @ Oceana & Odyssey TUE 25: Tony Lee X-X-X Hypnotist @ Sin City TUE 25: Flux @ Diva’s TUE 25: Open Mic Night @ JC’s WED 26: Welcome To Wind Street @Wind Street & Odyssey THUR 27: Sin Savers @ Sin City THUR 27: The Zero Zone @ Diva’s FRI 28: Freshers’ Ball @ Campus Marquee FRI 28: Tooters: Ball After Party @ Diva’s FRI 28: Face/Off @ Sin City SAT 29: OMG: Frat Party @ Diva’s SAT 29: Sink + Special Guest @ Sin City SUN 30: Pub Quiz @ JC’s SUN 30: Silent Disco @ Sin City Freshers’ Week 2 MON 1 OCT: #Freshbook @ Oceana & Odyssey TUE 2: Flux @ Diva’s TUE 2: Open Mic Night @ JC’s WED 3: The Take Over @ Wind Street & Odyssey THUR 4: Sin Savers @ Sin City THUR 4: The Zero Zone @ Diva’s FRI 5: Tooters @ Diva’s FRI 5: Face/Off @ Sin City SAT 6: Smirnoff Presents: ILLUMINATE @ Campus Marquee SAT 6: OMG: Keep Glowing – Illuminate After-Party @ Diva’s SAT 6: Sink @ Sin City
•For more info go to www.swansea-union.co.uk/whatson
Photo: BlackBerry
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Sam and the Womp
Freshers’ Ball - Friday 28th September The British band recently were recognised for their debut single “Bom Bom” which soared straight in at number one in the UK charts. Their music has also been used by an international television advertising campaign by Southern Comfort. The eight-piece group describe themselves as using elements of traditional Balkan music and Jamaican ska fused with modern electronic and dance.
Photo: Rain Rabbit
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Pic by Alex Livet
Pic by Scott Dexter
Pic by Gareth Lovering
Pic by Mike Mantin
freshers’ guide to SWANSEA
Clockwise from top left, Mumbles Pier, Meridian Tower, Rhossili Bay, St Thomas, statue of Dylan Thomas, Swansea Market, Swansea train station.
Pic by Alex Livet
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Swansea – inside out
WANSEA’S famous poet, Dylan Thomas, called it a ‘lovely, ugly town’. It is also often described as ‘the graveyard of ambition’. (That’s because apparently once you come to live here, you can’t bear to leave. And that’s in spite of the rain! ) Whatever your opinion of Swansea, it’s easy to have a great time here with excellent nightlife, great scenery and more than 50 beaches to choose from. Let Samantha Booth guide you around town ...
Nightlife Write this in your diary, every week: Monday at Oceana, Tuesday at Divas, Wednesday at Odyssey, Thursday at Sin City, Friday at Divas or Sin City, Saturday Sin City. Wind Street Wednesday nights on Wind Street are ones never to be remembered! Located in the city centre, this street offers Vodka Revs, Peppermint, Walkabout and Varsity. These are just a handful of nightclubs and bars on this one street and waiting for you at the end of the night is the students’ union’s Wednesday student night at Odyssey nightclub. Wind Street also has several restaurants such as Nando’s, Chiquito and Wetherspoons. Visit Walkabout
for a great view of Swansea Castle remains.
Oceana Swansea’s biggest nightclub on Kingsway has five themed bars, two clubrooms and VIP facilities. Each room is styled to reflect an iconic city from around the world. It can accommodate over 3000 customers, but get there early to avoid the queues at the bar. Koopas Having only opened in 2012, Koopas is a unique bar to Swansea which offers a nightclub and gaming venue under one roof. They have retro gaming nights on Super Nintendo and Sega Mega Drives as well as the latest game releases. Sin City Thursday night Sin Savers is the alternative student night out in Swansea. As well as playing new and classic indie and rock tunes, they host gigs with big names. This year, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Dan Le Sac and The Computers are performing at the venue. Let’s not forget the one thing that draws students to Sin City: the drinks are mega cheap! Divas Divas is the students’ union owned nightclub on campus. On a Friday night,
Glorious Gower
THE Gower Peninsula is around a 15-20 minute drive from Swansea city centre and has 50 coves, beaches and bays. It was Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and The Independent labelled it ‘the supermodel of British beaches’. Surfers from all over the country travel to ride the waves of the Gower. Even beginners learn on the flat, wide beach of Caswell Bay. Visit spectacular Rhossili Bay on the 118 bus, from Swansea Bus Station, for breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel over a pint at The Worm’s Head Hotel. It’s also the perfect place to woo your post-freshers’ date with
Tooters takes over Union House with some of the cheapest drinks around. On a Saturday night, the union hosts OMG, where you control the drink prices. The stock exchange works by monitoring trends of drinks. For example, if everyone is buying apple sours, then the price of Disaronno plummets! Noah’s Yard North of Swansea University is the Uplands, where there are many student bars and restaurants. A particular favourite, is Noah’s Yard. It is most recognisable for its adjustable sign – every day the bar uses magnetic letters to write something different! It is an Italian inspired cafe that serves both wine and cocktails with Jazz Club on a Monday at 8pm. Uplands Tavern Also known as The Tav, this pub has recently re-opened after being refurbished over the summer. They have a mix of local and touring bands, including jazz, pop, rock, blues and more. There is an open mic night every Monday. Also, it is renowned as the late famous poet, Dylan Thomas’ s snug! LC2 You may think you are past the days
the romantic sea views. Oxwich Bay is one of the Gower’s most popular beaches, with two and half miles of golden sand and sand dunes. It is a safe beach for swimming (except of in front of slipway for boats) and is good for watersports, including diving, sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing. Three Cliffs Bay (pictured left) is one of the Gower’s most picturesque beaches. This bay is popular with climbers and you can walk underneath the cliffs through archways. However, do not swim at Three Cliffs Bay at high tide as there are strong rip currents. Always check the weather and tidal
of splashing in water, but Swansea’s leisure centre, the LC2, has a water park like no other. It is about a five minute walk from the city centre and the water park contains slides and rides galore! A definite cure for a hangover! Wales’ National Pool If you enjoy swimming without the slides, Sketty Lane leisure centre has an Olympic length pool that Olympians such as Gemma Almond, Ellie Simmonds and Georgia Davies train in. For a casual swim it costs £3.50 or an annual student membership costs £168. Swansea Museum This museum is the oldest in Wales. The collections contain objects from the past of Swansea, Wales and the rest of the world. There is everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh kitchen, alongside temporary exhibitions. National Waterfront Museum This museum shows the history of industry in Wales over the last 300 years. What’s even better is that it is free entry! •See pages 16-17 for city and campus maps.
conditions before swimming or partaking in other water activities for your own safety! The Mumbles, the gateway to Gower, is the treasure of Swansea. The large village holds the ruins of Oystermouth Castle and has a pier and a lighthouse. You can walk, cycle, drive or catch the train or bus to the Mumbles and when you arrive be sure to visit the amusements, Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour and charity shops in this area, for some bargains. There are lots of nice shops and cafes too. Catherine Zeta-Jones has a property in the Mumbles, so keep your eye out!
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21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
You’ll enjoy savouring the flavours of sin city! EVERYBODY knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and In Swansea we take this seriously. You may not yet have heard of the legendary Uplands Diner. If not, then google it, now! Having been voted Britain’s Best Builders’ Breakfast and having a feature on Soccer AM, the diner is famous for its giant breakfast, The Beast. This consists of: 6 Bacon, 4 Sausages, 3 Eggs, Chips, Beans, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spaghetti, 1 Hash Brown, 3 Toast & 4 Bread & Butter. If you finish The Beast – only a few people ever have! - you get your meal refunded and a free t-shirt! If you’re not that ambitious, they have a great menu to suit everyone at student prices, including 10% discount on production of a valid NUS Card for purchases of £2.50 and above. Of course, a real Swansea breakfast contains fried cockles and laverbread (a type of seaweed) as well as the bacon and sausage. Don’t believe me? Then take a trip to Swansea’s fantastic indoor market in the Quadrant shopping centre and you will see stall after stall selling cockles and laverbread. Ask the lady on the counter how to cook it. Once breakfast is out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about an ice cream. Swansea is well known for its ice cream parlours. There are five in the Mumbles area alone. The undisputed King of them all is Joe’s ice cream. You won’t
ever have tasted anything like it. Even on a rainy day, the queue for Joe’s is out of the door down at Mumbles, but it is worth it! Check it out either on St Helen’s Road in the city or at their parlour in the middle of Mumbles. Other good places for ice cream are Fortes and Castellamare at Limeslade, Verdis in Mumbles and Ripples on the seafront in West Cross. If you don’t like ice cream, try a cup of tea with another local delicacy, Welsh Cakes. They are flat, round scone-like cakes filled with currants and mixed spice and baked on a griddle. Yum. Now what better way to round off this delicious day than with a curry. Swansea has its own curry mile on St Helen’s Road. Start at one end and make your way up! There’s everything from the bargain buffet to dining in splendour at the Patti Raj, which is part of the Patti Pavilion, the former home of opera singer Adelina Patti.
Pic by Thomas Guest
Above, the Beast breakfast at the Uplands Diner, right, Joes’s Ice Cream, below laverbread and cockles, and curry. Pic by Scott Dexter
Pic by TAWalker
When mum and dad come to visit, take them to the Grape and Olive. Situated at the top of the tallest residential tower in Wales, this restaurant offers the best view of Swansea Bay. Meridian Tower is 351ft tall with a 360 degrees view of Swansea. You may be thinking, ‘surely this means the restaurant is £££?’ but you’d be pleasantly surprised. For a great meal, it is definitely within the budgets of students. By Samantha Booth
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31/08/2012 14:02
9
Something for everyone
at Swansea City Centre
Whether you’re looking for a great day out, a place to shop for the latest trends, or looking for fun with your friends in one of many restaurants, bars or pubs look no further Swansea’s got it all.
Throughout the year, the city centre is also host to a series of events, festivals and speciality markets, making it the venue to visit and experience a fun and lively city centre.
You’ll find some great attractions, with everything from cinemas, bowling and gyms, to Wales’ first board rider and indoor tropical centre.
Swansea Market
At the heart of the city centre, you’ll find over 100 stalls offering everything from fresh, local produce and takeaway food to video games and jewellery!
Your One Stop Shop! As well as variety, you’ll enjoy fantastic quality and value for money. And Swansea Market traders pride themselves on the service that they offer, so if you’re stuck for recipe ideas or need advice with a laptop problem, you’ll find someone ready to help.
You’ll soon discover lots of reasons to love Swansea Market - just like the locals! www.swanseacitycentre.com www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk swanseacitycentre
@swanseacentre
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Join a society and expand your horizons T
HE time has finally come. You’ve arrived, your bags are (mostly) unpacked and hopefully you’re settling in nicely, writes Jon May. Your Freshers’ year is an amazing experience and although you will have a bit of work to do when you’re not partying all night, you’ll still have some down time to try and fill. Joining a society is a great way to meet people who are like-minded. You’ll find friends, relationships and a whole new group of people you can go out (or stay in!) with and it’ll be a great way to spend any free time you have left.
you have and there’s not a society for it, start one yourself! Our Dance Society, which has around 600 members, was nominated for a national award as a Society of the Year. This was through their fundraising ideas, charitable events and partnership with a local cancer centre that benefited from the proceeds. Rosie Hunnam, Societies and Student Development Coordinator said: “The Dance Committee and members have all worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their
members to develop and socialise. We are absolutely thrilled that their work and member dedication has been recognised by NUS. “ Try something new. Try something you’ve never done before. You only live once and getting stuck into societies will mean you meet new people, you’ll get more confident if you’re a bit shy and you’ll have a great time whilst doing it.
•Turn to page 12 to see the societies you can sign up for at Freshers’ Fayre in the marquee outside Fulton House on 26th & 27th September.
freshers’ guide to SOCIETIES
While a lot of it can be about going out and partying, it’s also a support network and a place where you can turn to for help and advice from people who are passionate about the same things you. It’s also a place you can gain employability and skills. Being on a society’s management commitee looks great on your CV and will enhance your employment prospects.. There are more than 80 societies and there will definitely be one for you. From religious groups to subject-based clubs, the choice is vast, but if there’s a burning passion
Students enjoying the Oktoberfest with the German Society.
List of all societies ACS American Studies Amnesty Int. Ancient Studies Band Bar Beer Pong Bio Chemistry & Genetics Bio Science Bright Futures Brony C.L.A.S.H. CathSoc ChemEng Chinese Choral Christian Union Comedy Computer (SUCS) Conservation Conservatives Criminology Dance Dead Poets Debating Drama Duke of Edinburgh Eastern European
Emirates Engineering English EWB Fashion Film Geography Geology German Glee Gospel Choir HaHA (Human & Health Sciences) Hispanic History Hitch Hogwarts Hong Kong Human Rights Action Islamic Italian Jewish Kuwait Labour Students Law LGBT+ Liberal Youth Malaysian Media
Musicians Nigerian Nursing Omani Pagan Pakistani People & Planet Photography Physics Plaid Cymru Qatar RAG Real Ale Roleplay S.I.F.E. S.S.W.I.G.S. S.T.A.R. Saudi Scandinavian Sci-Fi St. John Links SumSoc Tashan UNICEF War and Society Wargaming WURNU Xtreme Radio Y Gym Gym
For more information, see the societies page on www.swansea-union.co.uk
Meet the Students’ Union award-winning societies THE Students’ Union Awards ceremony is a time when hard working societies and individuals pick up the best reward for their efforts. The winners are nominated by students and a shortlist is whittled down and the winners chosen by the Trustees of the Union (the management team, the full-time officers and a few private individuals). In 2012, your student newspaper, The Waterfront picked up a Highly Commended certificate in the Innovation & Enterprise category for the coverage of the Students’ Union Full Time Officer elections, with the SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) winning the category for engaging the community through new technology and winning a national award.
The Best Student-led Event went to the Chemical Engineering (ChemEng) Society for their Frank Morton Day, where students studying Chemical Engineering from Universities across the country come together in a bid for the trophy. The LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender et al) Society was given the Best Student-Led Campaign for their work on awareness and highlighting issues faced by LGBT+ students. Students often receive negative reports in the press, but the Community Engagement Award aimed to make a positive difference to local residents. The English Society won the category for their work on the Brynmill Community Library.
Waterfront student editors Samantha Booth, Rebecca Taylor and Jon May. The award for Best New Society went to the Chinese Society, with the Eastern European, St John Links, Pagan and Swansea Gamers Corps being highly commended. Most Improved Society was presented by Rosie Hunnam, Society and Student Developement Officer, who highly commended Conservation & Ecology, Shoreline Theate (Drama), SIFE Swansea and the Physics Society, before announcing Gym Gym (The Welsh Society) as the winner.
Some of the individual awards went to society committee members who volunteered.
The biggest award of the night was Society of the Year . On the shortlist were Shoreline Theatre, Choral, St John Links, English and Dance. The Choral Society took home the trophy (and performed at the ceremony).
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Find your way around The Freshers’ Fayre
freshers’ guide to FRESHERS’ FAYRE
stands 1. Pay Point 2. Pay Point + Student Committee 3. Student Committee 4. National Pool 5. Sub Aqua + Life Saving 6. Rugby Union Men’s 7. Golf + Badminton 8. Women’s Football + Swimming 9. Basketball 10. Triathlon + Athletics & Cross Country 11. Men’s Football 12. Kitesurfing + Wind Surfing 13. Snowriders + Cycling 14. Karting + American Football 15. Canoe + Rugby Women’s 16. Intramural 17. Boxing + Kickboxing 18. Mixed Martial Arts + Rugby League 19. Netball 20. Squash + Tennis 21. Men’s and Women’s Hockey 22. Surf + Cheerleading 23. Aikido + Tae Kwon Do 24. Lacrosse 25. Jiu Jitsu + Karate 26. Volleyball + Sailing 27. Rowing + Cricket 28. Archery + Fencing 29. Equestrian + Ultimate Frisbee 30. Mountaineering + Hiking
31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53.
Real Ale and Cider Society + S.S.W.I.G.S Bar Society + Duke of Edinburgh Sci-Fi Society + Wargaming Society Role-play Society + CLASH Brony Society + Chess Society Swansea University Computer Society +Debating Society Fashion Society + Film Society Hogwarts Society + Beer Pong Society University of Wales Air Squadron + Wales University Royal Naval Unit Chemical Engineering + Bioscience Society Engineers Without Borders + Engineering Society Criminology Society + Gym Gym Gospel Choir + Dance Society Choral Society + Musicians Society Biochemistry and Genetics Society + Human and health Sciences Society (HaHA SumSoc (Maths Society) + Physics Society Band Society + Drama Society Glee Society + Comedy Society The Waterfront Newspaper Xtreme Radio + Media Society Photography Society + Dead Poets Society History Society + American Studies Society Pagan Society + Jewish Society
54. Catholic Society + Christian Union 55. Italian Society + German Society 56. Hispanic Society + WarSoc (War and Society) 57. English Society + Ancient Studies 58. UNICEF + St John Links 59. Hitch + Amnesty International 60. LGBT+ Society + People and Planet Society 61. Conservation and Ecology Society + Geology Society 62. Geography Society + Law Society 63. S.I.F.E + Bright Futures 64. Labour Students + Plaid Cymru
65. Liberal Youth + Conservative Futures 66. Human Rights Action Society + STAR 67. Scandinavian Society + Afro-Caribbean Society 68. Chinese Society + Malaysian Society 69. Indian Society + Hong Kong Society 70. Islamic Society + Pakistani Society 71. Pay Points 72. Pay Points 73. Pay Points
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@The Marquee, outside Fulton House, Sept 26 & 27 (10.30am - 4pm)
exhibitors’ stands Chiquitos Play Football Virgin Media Velocity Health Club Tesco O2 Lucozade Nando’s Students Sex Workers Project Waterstones
Wilkinson Subway Cornerstone Church Nucleus Swansea Milkround Historical Associations Blue Banana Uplands Diner Swansea YMCA Age Cymru Swansea
key Society stands Sport stands Exhibitors’ stands
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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How to stay healthy, safe and solvent Y
freshers’ guide to HEALTH & SAFETY
OU’VE reached university. Firstly, pat yourself on the back. It’s a long way from being born, going through school, finishing your A-levels and moving half way across the country to the city at the other end of the M4, writes Jon May. There are a few things you should really bear in mind so you can actually get to the other side of the university process without going broke, starving to death or succumbing to alcohol poisoning. 1. Get a proper coat. I’m not joking. Swansea is the wettest city in Britain (according to the Met Office) and making sure you don’t actually drown on the way to lectures is a must. Get some proper jumpers, it can get chilly here too. 2. Drink responsibly. That doesn’t mean “don’t spill any”, although wasting it is a shame. Tooters (Friday night in Divas) and Sin Savers (Thursday night in Sin City) offer
•Take up a sport
free soft drinks. No excuse not to switch and have the odd coke without the vodka every now and again. Your head will thank you the next morning. 3. Don’t fall out with your new flatmates. Or sleep with them for that matter. You’ve got to live with them for the next year and being a stubborn mule about who has left their dirty plate in the sink will just make you enemies. Take a relaxed and openminded attitude to the people you’re living with. You won’t like all of them, but try to be nice even if you do dislike someone. 4. Eat healthily. I know this is sounding like a moaning mother’s column but it is really important you see some kind of vegetable get inside your body. Too much drinking and not enough fruit and veg will put you at risk of getting scurvy (no lie!) - Swansea has an indoor market that can provide all manner of fresh and local produce as well as Tesco having a wide variety of exotic
•Drink responsibly
•Learn to cook
fruit. Whilst shopping exclusively in Iceland is cheaper, you will pay for it in the end. 5. Chicken Soup. Kind of linked to eating healthily; try and stay healthy. You’re going to get Freshers Flu (lots of people coming from across the country turns all the nightclubs into petri dishes) so stock up on emergency food in case you can’tmake it to the shops. 6. Explore Swansea. The only way to truly get to know a city is to get lost in it. Take a smartphone so you can get home if you get lost, but walk around where you live, get to know the shortcuts, the nearest chippy and where the corner shop is. 7. Register with the doctor. It sounds pretty low on your priority list, but take five minutes out of your day to find out where your nearest doctors’ surgery is and register. If you’re ill you can then go there. You might find you can’t get an appointment if you’re
•Get a proper coat
not registered. 8. Learn to cook. Your mum might have shown you how to open a can of soup and how to operate a microwave, but this does not make you a culinary expert. Learn how to make some substantial dishes. If you invite someone over for a date and you serve them a microwave meal, it probably won’t end well. 9. Sort out your finances. Having £1,200 wired to your account is the best thing ever. Until you realise after rent, bills and outgoings, it only leaves £10/week. Plan your budget and stick to it. 10. Join the gym or take up a sport. There’s a 24-hour gym in town and for £10.99/month you can fight the flab. Just because you have the option to sit at home watching Jezza Kyle all day eating takeaway, doesn’t mean you ought to!
•Explore Swansea
•Eat healthily
All the help and advice you’ll ever need Advice Service Centre The Swansea Students’ Union Advice Service Centre offers free, independent and confidential advice and representation to all Swansea University students. It is situated on the left hand side of Fulton House and is open MondayFriday 10am-4pm. The advisors can help you with matters relating to academic, housing, family & personal, employment, consumer rights, benefits, health, representation, debt/money advice, and uni accommodation. You can contact them on 01792 295821 or at advice@swansea-union.co.uk
University Health Centre
This is an NHS General Medical Practice, based on the university campus and providing friendly, comprehensive medical services focussing on the needs of students. It is on on the ground floor, Penmaen building. The surgery is open throughout the year Monday to Friday (except Bank
Holidays) from 8.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 6pm Open Access surgeries: no appointment necessary, Monday - Friday 9am 11.30am Services include advice on contraception, pregnancy, sexual health, HIV / AIDS, sports medicine, and a travel clinic, as well as emotional health. For further details and information on how to register with the practice visit their website: http://www. universityhealthcentre.co.uk/ Telephone: 01792 295321
Dental Surgery
Kee Dental Care offers a full range of NHS and private treatments. It is open to all students; NHS spaces are available to students who register at the start of the academic term in September 2012. (NHS spaces are limited to the first 1,000 students to register from the start of the academic year.) All patients under the age of 25 living in Wales are entitled to free dental examinations.. Surgery hours: Mon - Thurs: 8.30am -
1pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm and Fri: 8.30am - 3.30pm Location: Horton House 01792 602222 Ext. 2222 Emergency dental advice (out of hours): 0845 4647 Email: info@keedentalcare. co.uk Website: www.keedentalcare.co.uk
medical condition or other specific need.
Student Support Services
Money Advice and Support Office
All students at Swansea University benefit from access to the Student Support Services Department, which provides information, advice and support on a wide range of issues. Services offered are:
Residential Services
University residences and the union/ university run SAS Lettings.
International Student Advisory Service Provides a range of support services for Swansea’s international student community.
Disability Office
Support for students with a disability,
Wellbeing Service
The Wellbeing Service helps people feel better within themselves and function more effectively as members of the University.
For guidance on all areas of student funding, including grants, loans, bursaries and benefits. They can also help you manage your money more effectively.
English Language Training Service
English Language Training Services can help you improve your English language skills. Student Support Services can be contacted on 01792 602000 or email student.services@swansea.ac.uk. •You can find how to contact each service by visiting the university website at http://www.swansea.ac.uk/ undergraduate/student-services/
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Going out and about ... Taxi fares in Swansea
On a typical night out, a taxi from the student village at Hendrefoilan to town is about £8-10. In the daytime, a taxi from campus to the bus station is about £5-6, writes Sam Booth.
Bus travel
An adult day pass is £4.20, which gives you access to all bus services in Swansea. A single is £2.25 and a return is £3.60. You can also buy a student pass from the travel centre, which works out at around £1 per day. The main bus station is in the city centre at the back of the Quadrant shopping centre and next to Tesco. There are many services that run to the east and west of Swansea. From the student village into town, there are several bus routes. The 82A, which runs approximately every 20 minutes in the week during term time, takes you to campus before 6pm, then into town after the hour. If you arrive at campus, the number 4 bus runs from
university to Morriston hospital with useful stops such as town and the train station on the way. The bus stop at the end of the student village has several services into town, such as the 21A and 20A. For more information, visit http://www. firstgroup.com/ukbus/south_west_wales/ or enquire at the travel shop in Fulton House.
Walking
From the student village to campus is about a 30-40 minute walk. A walk from campus to the Mumbles can take over an hour, but you have to do it at least once whilst you are in Swansea.
Trains
Swansea Railway Station is situated just outside of the city centre on High Street. You can catch the purple 4A bus to right outside the station or it is about a 20 minute walk from the city centre.
... and getting home safely Taking a taxi
Walking home
1. Only get into a licensed cab. To find out more about this and a full list of cab firms and taxi ranks, see http://www.swansea-union.co.uk/ advice/safety/gethome 2. Check the potential price of the journey before getting in. 3. Do not give money upfront - only once you’ve reached your destination. 4. Check that the taxi has a meter, and that it’s running throughout the journey 5. If you are alone, sit behind the driver. If possible get a black cab with a screen, as they are safer for lone passengers. 6. Keep your info safe. When ordering a taxi, make sure that no-one can overhear your address. 7. Keep in contact. Arrange to text or call someone when you reach your end destination safely. 8. Trust your instincts. If you feel threatened at any time, ask the driver to stop somewhere safe that you can get out in a public place. If the driver refuses to stop, call the police. 9. Don’t tell any taxi driver you are going back to an empty house. 10. Don’t get into a taxi with strangers.
1. Avoid walking alone. Ring a taxi or arrange for friends to pick you up. 2. Walk near crowded streets with good lighting. Walk toward oncoming traffic to see where cars are coming from. 3. Avoid short cuts, unlit areas or near parked cars. It’s better to use longer paths that you know are safer. 4. Have keys in your hands and inside your pocket. When you reach your door, you should have your keys ready. 5. Do not walk with headphones on or talking on the phone. 6. Walk with confidence. Keep your head up. If you get lost, head for the nearest store or restaurant to ask for directions. 7. Carry a personal alarm. The SU can give you a personal alarm for free. 8. Choose comfortable footwear to walk home in. If you are walking home from a night out, take flat shoes in your bag. 9. Know what to do in a worst case scenario. The SU runs self defence classes throughout the year, which can be useful in making you feel more confident in that situation. Becki Warrillow
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Get to know your city centre with our map G
ETTING around Swansea city centre can require a degree in its own right, writes Jon May.
With the one-way streets and the horrifically out-of-date SatNav systems sending you through roads that no longer exist, you might be in luck if you’re coming to study Geography.
freshers’ guide to CITY & CAMPUS
We’ve picked out a few highlights of the beautiful city and some of the most important places you’ll hear about when you meet other people. For example, Wind Street is the main party central area in central Swansea. You’ll need to pronounce it like “Wine Street” to avoid ridicule. Remember it’s pronounced like booze (which the street is pretty famous for), not like the weather. Safety is first and foremost though. Whilst Wind Street is a great haven for revellers,
it’s also the second most violent street in the UK.
with the O2 Priortity Moments App for iPhone and Android.
Be on your guard and if you feel uncomfortable, leave or alert the many security staff and police officers patrolling the area.
Not listed on this map that you’ll need to know about is that the nearest Accident and Emergency department is at Morriston Hospital about 30 minutes north-east.
The train station is to the north of the city, just missed out on our map below. The 24 hour Tesco, Primark and the Swansea Indoor Market (pictured below centre) are the best places in town to grab a bargain, whether it be loo roll, some new jeans or some vegetables for dinner (yes, that’s right, people occasionally eat them!) The bus station, the gym and Sin City are also vitally important places any student should know about and the Odeon Cinema offers a great deal on Wednesdays for Orange customers. If your friend has O2, you can also get some free popcorn
You can catch the number 4 bus to Morriston (the purple bendy bus) and it stops outside. In life or death sitauations, call for an ambulance. You’ll get there quicker and you won’t need to pay £4.20 for a return. Just northeast of the Odeon Cinema is a Lidl supermarket which sells German and generally cheap food. From amazing Swedish biscuits (a personal favourite, but a sure way to early diabetes) to a bit of Bratwurst, the budget chain store always has a lot to offer students.
Located near the top of the map is Swansea Police Station. Hopefully you’ll never have to visit, but it’s always best to know where it is if you need it. There is also a whole host of restaurants, such as the great all-you-can-eat Cosmos and Peachy Keens (another personal recommendation!) which will fill any black hole-like stomach for less than a tenner. If you’re a bit more cultured, there is also the Swansea Grand Theatre, with acts such as Michael McIntyre, Rhod Gilbert and Kevin Bridges. Head into town, get lost and immerse yourself in the city centre and you’ll soon get to know it like the back of your hand. There are plenty of “City Information Points” if you get really lost.
Credit: OpenStreetMap
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Guide to your campus C
AMPUS is where you’ll spend most of your academic time and, if you’re living in halls, where you’ll be for most of your first year. If you’re a returning student, the first thing you’ll notice that’s wrong with this map is that the Level 2 Shop no longer exists. It will however be replaced by a CostCutter supermarket where Niche and Bake’n’Take used to be on the ground floor. Divas, now revamped and improved, sits on the first floor of Union House and is home to the Tooters and OMG nights on Friday and Saturday nights respectively. JCs Bar, the place where everyone knows your name, is still on the second floor of Fulton House and looks great after the refurbishment last summer. The library is often missed off important campus destinations, but as assignment dates loom and essays need writing, you’ll find this becomes your new home.
Credit: OpenStreetMap
All the halls of residences for on-campus accommodation can be located at the back of campus, with Penmaen and Horton being the newer blocks (with fire alarms that are too sensitive!) to Cefn Bryn and Rhossili at the back. The halls are often named after
places in the Gower region. The post office can be found to the front of Fulton House, running all services you’d expect from sending letters abroad to paying for your television license and car tax. There is also a Minor Injuries Unit at Singleton Hospital, located on campus. Unfortunately this is only for small treatments and there isn’t an X-Ray facility. The nearest A&E department is at Morriston Hospital. There are nine coffee shops in total on campus. Bonus points if you can drink a coffee in each of them. The university-owned caffeine outlets serve Starbucks, although disappointingly, don’t do the frappacinos. The Taliesin Arts Centre on campus shows performances and a selection of world cinema films. The beach is literally a stone’s throw away and many societies will organise beach barbeques during good weather. The boating lake offers crazy golf and swan pedalos during the summer and the Pub on the Pond next door offers some great lunchtime offers. A relaxing way to spend a summer’s afternoon is spent sitting on the balcony on Fulton House just watching the world go by.
thewaterfront
21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Get yourself a part-time job
And finally ...
The Students’ Union is seeking to help students find part-time work and develop new skills through a brand new part-time jobs fayre on October 2. In research conducted last year, it was noted that 61% of Swansea students had part-time work alongside their studies and with the rise in tuition fees kicking in this year, there is even more demand for part-time work. The fayre will feature a variety of employers, from both the Students’ Union and local businesses, offering students an excellent opportunity to speak to employers face to face and find out more about employment at university. Alongside external and internal employers, the fayre will also host a variety of workshops and talks on subjects such as interview skills, what to wear for interviews and help with writing CVs and personal specifications. Employability Champions from each college at Swansea University will also be giving talks on the day, telling students about opportunities in their own academic area. Judith James, Strategic Projects Manager at the university, will be available regarding voluntary opportunities in the Students’ Union, from getting involved in campaigns, to working with the community or as a part-time officer or subject and college reps. It’s an event not just for first years but for all students looking to find part-time work, to gain new skills or to get involved with what the Students’ Union can offer. Judith James welcomed the event saying: “Working or volunteering can help students to develop commercial and business awareness which is in demand by employers in every sector. There are opportunities to develop creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills - and you could earn some useful money as well!” For more information please email Josh Hayman at societiesandservices@ swansea-union.co.uk.
Enjoy your time at Swansea and take advantage of all the opportunities to make the most of your experience as a student because your time here will go quickly you’ll be graduating before you know it!
•The fayre will be held on the 2nd October in the marquee in the front of Fulton House from 10.30am-4pm.
The careers helpdesk in the library
Your first steps on the career ladder T
freshers’ guide to CAREERS
HERE are lots of opportunities to develop your employability and skills during your time here at Swansea – through your studies, work experience placements and student jobs as well as your leisure activities and things like volunteering, writes Jo Davies. Careers and Employability offers services to help you make the most of all your talents and find the direction that’s right for you, whether it’s a job, internship, further study or time out to try something different. Around 40% of advertised graduate jobs are open to graduates of any subject, so you probably have more options open to you than you might think. Find us in the Library and online Our Helpdesk is on the ground floor of the Library in the central hall just before you go into the study hall. It’s open throughout the year (not just term-time) from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (10 am – 5 pm Tuesday). Our website at www.swansea.ac.uk/ careers is a gateway to information on careers and further study options and job search skills, We provide lots of information on Blackboard too, such as:
•Aptitude tests and personal development assessments - try out the kinds of selection tests employers use and get confidential feedback reports by email for FREE.
•Databases covering all kinds of careers topics and opportunities overseas.
•Resources to help you with Personal
Development Planning (PDP), which basically means thinking about how you’re getting on, and identifying/developing a
variety of skills that will enable you to make the most of your time at university and get what you want from your future career. Swansea Employability Award The SEA helps you explore who you are and then gain experience and develop skills. If you complete the SEA it will be recorded on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR). Visit www.sea.swansea.ac.uk. Advice from the Careers Team Getting your head around career ideas may seem daunting to start with, but we can help you break it down into manageable bite-size chunks, with face to face help and also online advice through our website. To make an appointment for an informal chat with a Careers Adviser you can book online through our website at www. swansea.ac.uk/careers. They can help with any career topic you want to discuss, such as CVs and personal statements, completing application forms, preparing for interviews – any many more. Advice by email will also be available later on in the year. Stand out from the crowd Employers want to see evidence of lots of different skills and personal qualities which you can develop by joining in with student societies, sports clubs, etc as well as from doing work experience placements. So a good social life is good for your career too. Starting early is a key factor to help you get the career and lifestyle you eventually want – here’s why:
•To
help you stand out from the crowd amongst the ever-increasing numbers of
students graduating from university.
•Giving
yourself the chance to try out different types of jobs will help you understand what you really want in your future career – and what you don’t want!
•Employers
often use internships as the talent pool for their main graduate recruitment programmes.
•For
certain careers (e.g. journalism, teaching, psychology, law you need good experience under your belt early to include in successful applications for professional postgraduate training.
•Your final year will be very busy with exams
and assignments, so spreading the load over three or four years makes things a lot easier. Jobs, internships and part time work In the Jobs section of our site at www. swansea.ac.uk/careers/jobs/ you will find our database of UK-wide vacancies notified direct to Careers and Employability including jobs for after you graduate, immediate graduate vacancies, work experience placements, voluntary work, and temporary casual jobs in the Swansea area. As well as our own database, you’ll find links to many other sources of jobs and work experience opportunities. For instance, the GO Wales programme offers paid placements and short unpaid work tasters.
CV workshops
Careers Fair Oct 4
Careers talks
A lunchtime practical workshop covering the key points on how to write an effective CV. These workshops are useful if you have not yet written your CV or need further advice, and whether you are applying for term-time or post graduation vacancies. Please note we cannot give you oneto-one help at this workshop as time does not allow, but you can bring your CV with you. Book your place on the careers website at: www. swansea.ac.uk/careers/talksandevents
Don’t miss the Careers Fair on 4 October! This is your chance to spend some time talking to people you may want to work with, and the Fair will also include a CV clinic and workshops. There are dozens of employers attending and it takes place in the Marquee outside Fulton House from 10am to 3pm. You can find more information and a list of recruiters taking part in the Fair on our events page at www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/ talksandevents
In addition to the Fair, we have a programme of events running throughout the year, but most of them happen during the Autumn term and early Spring Term. It includes employers’ presentations and also workshops on a range of career management and skills topics. New events are being added to our database all the time, so keep an eye on our web page at www.swansea.ac.uk/ careers/talksandevents/ where you can book online for anything that you’re interested in.
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21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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One Up on 2011: Sports Review 2012 by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
freshers’ guide to
SPORT
LAST year marked another season of great sporting success for Swansea University, as we moved up one place in the BUCS rankings compared to the previous year. Over the course of the year Swansea achieved both collective and individual medals at regional and national events. Swansea University also saw some of their finest compete in front of global audiences during this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. So as the new season approaches here is what you may have missed, in Swansea’s season review 2011/12.
HISTORY BOYS: Swansea achieved their first win in the men’s novice race in the Welsh Varsity boat race competition.
HIGH ACHIEVERS: Emma Smithurst and David Townsend.
FIGHTING CHAMPIONS: Holly Carey and Calum Spours take top honours.
SWANSEA started the year strongly with many sports teams high up in their league tables. One of the highlights of the first semester was Swansea’s women’s basketball firsts’ narrow but deserved 6463 victory over rivals Cardiff University. Another was men’s football firsts’ equally impressive 1-0 away win against Cardiff. Men’s rugby firsts also started well, with a convincing victory over Bristol University 30-13. Swansea surged up the BUCS rankings just before the Christmas break with success in both swimming and jitsu.
THE second semester brought even more fantastic moments for the University, with great success in martial arts and athletics. The judo team won two medals at the Welsh Nationals; gold for Karina Young and bronze for David Townsend. In February, Calum Spours continued the success as he was crowned the Welsh boxing champion at the 67kg division. The jitsu team built on their earlier success with eight more medals at the Randori Nationals. Swansea’s swimming team took third place finish at the BUCS long course
Swansea came third out of 44 in the BUCS short course swimming competition, with Emma Smithurst winning four medals, breaking two BUCS records in the process, and Ross Douglas and Adam Mallett both taking bronze. Swansea’s jitsu team also experienced national success by winning the BUCS shield in Sheffield. This would not be the only success jitsu captain David Townsend would have this year. After the BUCS shield victory Townsend declared the jitsu club had “established [itself ] as a martial art, and as a sport within the athletics union.”
event, matching their success in the shorter discipline back in November. In March, Swansea’s martial arts continued to flourish with their taekwondo club winning nine medals at the ITF Student Championship. The karate club also took four medals at the UK Open with karate captain, Holly Carey, leading by example and winning double gold. Carey described this success as capping off her “most successful year to date”. Imelda Morrison rounded off a fine year after she achieved gold in the women’s long jump at the BUCS Indoor Athletics Championship.
Beaten But Not Bowed
LOWEST MOMENT: Swansea lost to Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium.
THE event of the year for Swansea’s sporting stars was as always the Welsh Varsity, against arch rivals Cardiff, which was hosted in the capital for the second year in a row. Ultimately Swansea were well beaten in the rugby match despite a fine start with a try from fly-half Aled Lewis after 10 minutes. Cardiff took control and moved out of sight with a lead of 23 points to six with only half an hour left. Swansea battled back to score a converted try but it was not enough as Cardiff scored two more late on to seal the win 33-13. Coach Richard Lancaster
was bullish despite the result. He said: “[The defeat was] something to store and use as fuel for next season.” On the back of the defeat, Swansea are sure to come back stronger next year. Overall Swansea suffered their worst Varsity in recent years with only five wins from 26 events. The wins for Swansea came in golf, men’s fencing, women’s squash, sailing and Intramural football. Despite the disappointing finale Swansea can be proud of their teams. Elsewhere, the men’s novice rowing team won their first ever race in Welsh Varsity history.
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21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Sports Officer Imogen Stanley Aims to Make History with Top 20 Finish in BUCS
SPORTS SET SAIL: Swansea University’s Students’ Union’s new sports officer Imogen Stanley (above) is confident she can build towards history. by Craig Hadley waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THE new sports officer, Imogen Stanley, has set out an ambitious two-year plan to get Swansea into the top 20 of the BUCS (British Universities and College Sports) overall standings. This announcement comes
after Swansea secured their joint highest position of 25th last season, matching their finish from 2010. “After last year, when we had our joint highest finish in BUCS, I want to be pushing the top 20,” she said. “But this isn’t going to happen in a year. I am working with Sport Swansea and the Students’ Union to create a strategy for sport with
objectives to aim for 2014.” Stanley believes Swansea are also capable of winning the Welsh Varsity Shield, which is given for winning the most sports at Varsity, something Swansea has never done. She said: “Varsity is something we can work on this year; we only won four sports in 2012. In 2013, I want
Swansea to win 10 sports and in 2014, I want us to win 14 and take home the shield we so deserve to win.” Stanley has continued to work through the summer in preparation for the year, helping to fully merge the former Athletics’ Union (now Sport Swansea) with the Students’ Union.
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She said: “Preparations for the season are going well, I have spent a lot of time making my captain’s handbook so that the committees know about all the changes that have happened moving sports into the Students’ Union. “I have also started to look into funding and grant programmes that we can apply for to support our smaller and developing clubs.” Stanley remains focused on raising the profile of smaller clubs this year but wants to help all initiatives if they come to her attention. She said: “Small and developing clubs will continue to be my priority. But I also fully support and would encourage students to expand their sports. “This year, for example, a new Welsh rugby freshers’ league is starting. Sadie Thwaites [Sport Swansea’s administrator] and I are also looking into getting more women involved in sport using netball. This is provisional and won’t be started until September 2013 if it goes ahead. “I am also working with the local water sports centre, I want to make sure the centre is fit for students and I am working with the university to ensure this.” Stanley, the former sailing captain, still has her green and white spirit burning strong as the season draws closer, with rivalries firmly on her mind. She added: “I want to see us smash Cardiff.”
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21 September 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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Freshers’ Guide to Sport at Swansea University by Craig Hadley waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THE abundance of choice at Swansea University is phenomenal and sport is no different, with no less than 41 sports on offer. Swansea students have the choice of: Aikido, American Football, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoe, Cheerleading, Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Fencing, Golf, Hiking, Hockey, JiuJitsu, Karting, Karate, Kickboxing, Kitesurfing, Lacrosse, Lifesaving, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Netball, Rowing, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Running, Sailing, Snowriders, Squash, Sub Aqua, Surf, Swimming, Tae Kwon Do, Tennis, Triathlon, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Windsurfing. Swansea University is known for its rugby union, with players often going on to play professionally after graduation, such as Rhys Priestland at the Llanelli Scarlets and Alun Wyn Jones at the Ospreys. Most sports compete against other universities through British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) events. BUCS has been the governing body of higher education sport
since 2008. Swansea has been in the top 31 since the introduction of BUCS and has peaked at 25th twice in 2010 and 2012. Most team sports within BUCS take place on a Wednesday afternoon, with certain competitions taking place over the weekends such as the BUCS Short Course Swimming Championships. Home games are usually played either at Sketty Lane playing fields or at Fairwood (bus travel available). An internal football competition runs at Swansea University outside of the BUCS football competitions. It is known as the Intramural Football League and it also runs throughout the year on Wednesday afternoons (weather permitting) at Ashleigh Road playing fields. Spectators are always welcome to both Intramural or BUCS games to support the teams in action. Last year saw the Ents cup (intramural cup competition) take place at St Helens rugby ground for the first time since its conception, which was a major venue upgrade from the Sketty athletic track the previous year. One major change that has
occurred since last year is the emergence of Sport Swansea. Last year it was decided the Athletics’ Union was to be disbanded with the operations of sport to be handled within the Students’ Union. This was confirmed by a merger vote that was supported by a majority of voters with all key Union officials actively supporting the change. If you have any queries to do with sports, ask your Sports Officer, Imogen Stanley. Finally it is time to speak about Varsity, or more precisely, the Welsh Varsity. There are many Varsity events take that place across the UK, with the Welsh Varsity seeing Swansea face off against arch-rivals Cardiff. Varsity is the biggest sporting event of the year and something all members of Swansea University’s sports teams look forward to. The event has grown year in year out and now takes place over a week with a majority of the sports taking place on a single day. The Varsity shield is awarded to whomever wins the most sports
over the course of the event. However, the rugby match is the most important one of all, and is the one that matters to student and player alike. The Millennium Stadium hosts the match and it is also shown on S4C on television.
Swansea lost last year’s match but will look to follow in the footsteps of those who played in 2011, when Swansea defeated Cardiff in the first Varsity match to have been played at the Millennium. So if you only go to one event this year make sure it is Varsity!
VARSITY TEAM 2012: Some of Swansea’s elite from last year’s Varsity.
sport
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September 21, 2012
SWANSEA HOPING TO BUILD ON ITS SPORTING LEGACY
Inside This Issue Sport Swansea
Swansea University’s season of sport revisited
p21 Sport Swansea
Freshers’ guide to sport at Swansea University
Photo by: Alexander Jones
HOME SWEET HOME: Swansea University’s long standing home of sport, Sketty Lane, hosting one of the annual Swansea Bay Sevens competitions. by Alex Powell waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THE new academic year is about to begin which can only mean one thing; the start of the sports season is upon us. After an impressive summer for Team GB, in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, students will hope to follow in their footsteps with success this year. Among those competing were Swansea University’s very own
Georgia Davies (swimming), Matt Whorwood (swimming), Gemma Almond (swimming) and David Smith (Boccia). The students will all, no doubt, have lasting memories of their time at the Aquatics Centre or ExCeL arena. Thanks to the success of the local Premiership team, Swansea City FC, Swansea University have agreed a deal with the football club to renovate their sports facilities at Fairwood. The university’s football teams
will hope they can be inspired by the Swansea City playing staff who will use the facilities throughout the year. Swansea men’s 1sts will hope to make the most of their promotion to the Premier South division, with the women’s first team hoping to better their third place finish in the Western 2B division. The university also has an inspiring list of alumni who have taken to the Sketty Lane turf for the rugby union team. With alumni Alun Wyn Jones,
Rhys Priestland, and Robert Howley going on to aid Wales in achieving this year’s Grand Slam title. The rugby union 1sts will look to bounce back from their Varsity disappointment in May, in the season opener away at Cardiff Met. With 47 teams in action for Swansea in BUCS, there will be plenty of sports action to see over the course of the year. Swansea University’s fixtures start on October 10.
p23 Waterfront Sport
Sports Officer sets out ambitious two-year plan
p22
For the full list of sporting alumni: www.swansea. ac.uk/alumni/our-alumni/distinguished/sport/
Last Year’s BUCS Table 1 2 3 4 5
Loughborough Durham Birmingham Bath Leeds Met
24 Sheffield 25 Swansea 26 St Andrews
5353 3504 2912 2814 2759 1061 1059 1007