FREE
OCTOBER 2017
ISSUE 273
CONTENTS 06
17
NEWS
LIBERATION
34
YOUR FULL TIME OFFICERS 17/18
BELIEVE ME...
EVENT MAPS FOR BAY & SINGLETON
08
19
FRESHERS' WEEK GUIDE
SO WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A SOCIETY? SOCIETIES CONTACT INFO
features 10
CULTURE A GUIDE TO CULTURE IN SWANSEA
12
CYMRAEG Y GYMDEITHAS GYMRAEG DYSGU IEITHOEDD ERAILL
SOCIETIES
22
RELATIONSHIPS THE FRESHERS' GUIDE TO MOVING AWAY
FASHION FRESHERS' BALL STYLE GUIDE
41
SPORT SPORTS CLUB CONTACT INFO INTRAMURAL SPORTS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN A SPORTS TEAM
44
FOOD THIRTEEN GREAT EATS IN SWANSEA
26
MUSIC FRESHERS' PLAYLIST
14
FRESHERS' Fayre
46
TECH THE BEST TECH FOR STUDENTS
29
FILM A GUIDE TO CINEMA IN SWANSEA NETFLIX BINGE THE HORROR OF A BLOCKBUSTER
Editor
Film
Rachel Sanders waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
Becky Elms waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
Deputy editor
Food
Ulysses Jones waterfrontdeputy@swanseastudentmedia.com
Kassy Fox & Hannah Fenlon waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
Design
Liberation
Iain Fisher & Emily Fothergill waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
Zoya Chisti waterfrontliberation@swanseastudentmedia.com
News
Music
Megan Thomas waterfrontnews@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sarah Harris waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sport
Relationships
Greg Stone & Lulu Thornton waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
Heather Harvey & Emily Jane Griffiths waterfrontrelationships@swanseastudentmedia.com
Creative writing
Societies
Emily Maybanks waterfrontcreativewriting@swanseastudentmedia.com
Heather Dimmer waterfrontsocieties@swanseastudentmedia.com
Culture
Technology
Carys Svendsen waterfrontculture@swanseastudentmedia.com
Nic Fearn waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
CYMRAEG
Social MediA
Alex Nethell waterfrontcymraeg@swanseastudentmedia.com
Tia Williams waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
Fashion
Student Media Coordinator
Gwen Miles waterfrontfashion@swanseastudentmedia.com
Iain Fisher iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
Features
Waterfront is a free print and online publication from Swansea Student Media and the Students’ Union.
Emily Williams waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
HELLO FROM THE EDITOR Rachel Sanders
Hello and welcome to Swansea! My name is Rachel and I am the editor of Waterfront. You all have a very exciting time ahead of you and, as you read this, will be taking your first steps into life as a student. With freshers’ fayre, parties, new housemates, and lectures, you’d be forgiven if your head was spinning a little. Waterfront is here to help. Let us guide you through the chaos and help you find your feet. Here you will find info and tips for just about every area of student life and if there’s something missing, just ask! Our agony aunts are always ready to answer those difficult questions, our food editor is always ready with that life-saving recipe, our tech editor always has tips for tech that will make your student days easier, and the list goes on. Waterfront is your ‘go to’ for all things Uni.
You can catch our print editions all around campus (and even on the bus, if you’re lucky!), and you can find us online at swanseastudentmedia.com for those days when the news just can’t wait! If you’d like to be involved yourself in producing the paper, we are always looking for writers, just give us your details at the fayre or pop us an email and we’ll be glad to get you on board! For now, enjoy freshers’, join everything you possibly can, and don’t forget to pop in and see us at the Swansea Student Media stall! :)
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
YOUR FULL TIME OFFICERS 17/18
Let us introduce you to the new student union officers for the academic year 2017/2018! The full-time and parttime officers were elected by the student body, for their popularity and passion. However, if you're a fresher, you may be unaware of the people who represent you. The officers have the power to make your lives much easier. They are the reason your printing is free and your bus prices are cheaper. So, come and meet the officers! by Lauren Kent
(L-R) Shona Johnson, Emily Rees, Chisomo Phiri, Gwyn Aled Rennolf, Chris Freestone
NEWS // MEGAN REES
7
The Union President Chisomo Phiri
Welfare officer Shona Johnson
Sports Officer Gwyn Aled Rennolf
"Hey, I'm Chizi and I'm your elected student President! I’ve had an amazing three years at university and have been so lucky to meet such a wide range of amazing people. I have also been equipped with a wide range of skills that are invaluable to my future career!”
"I'm an avid musician and have been heavily involved with the student's union since I started uni in 2014. I've been on the committee for the live music society for two years, as well as sitting on the societies’ executive committee for two years. I've worked for JC’s and been in a few bands outside of uni, playing gigs all around Swansea. Also, last year I was our mental health awareness officer, as I am passionate about student mental health."
"Hi! I’m Gwyn and I’ve been elected as your Sports Officer this year. I came to Swansea 3 years ago to study Maths and was amazed by all the opportunities that the University had to offer. In my first year I played American Football for the Swansea Titians and later went on to found Clwb Rygbi Tawe, the Universities first Welsh Language Sports Club. In my second and third year I was elected as President for the club and later became part of the Sport Swansea Executive Committee. Sport has played a crucial part to my time at university and hope that it will for you too.
Chisomo’s aims: • Create more affordable food options for students on campus • Implement a more diverse food offering with an international food venture • Make lockers more accessible on both campuses • Make printing free on campus with access in the library and not just the Students' Union
Societies & Services officer Chris Freestone "Hello, I'm Chris, your Societies and Services Officer. I came to Swansea four years ago and in my time here I've seen just how much our city, societies and campuses have to offer. I've been involved in societies since my first year, and have served on the Geology Society committee for three years. I know first-hand how important societies are in shaping your university experience and I have the passion and drive to make your Uni experience even better."
Chris’ aims: • To create a student union app • Reward engaged committee members • Increase Postgraduate engagement with the union
Shona’s aims: • To improve support for students suffering with mental illness • Do my absolute best to improve student well-being across the board
Education officer Emily Rees "Hey! I'm Emily, this year's Education Officer. My time at Swansea University started in 2013 where I began my Undergraduate degree within the School of Management, and will soon be finishing my Master's degree this year. During my time here at Swansea, I have been involved with the university and Students' Union in numerous ways through sports, societies, placements, work experience and as a College Representative. Feel free to call, email, or even pop into the Students' Union building on either campus for a chat!"
Emily’s aims: • To introduce more career building opportunities for all students • To oversee the Rep System to ensure that students voices are effectively represented and strong relationships are kept between students and staff, through myself and the Reps
Gwyn’s aims: Work with the local community to give students opportunities for coaching experience. Create an Open Fitness Sports Club Discounted Varsity Tickets for Varsity Players. Sports supplements sold on campus. Get Floodlights for our pitches. Develop the GWA brand with a new Merchandise range.
There are also eleven part-time officers, giving up their free time to ensure that everyone has the best possible university experience. For more information on them see an expanded version of this article on our website at swanseastudentmedia.com So, you have met all the full-time Union officers who will be your voice for the upcoming academic year. If you have any queries or issues do not hesitate to contact the officers who are there for you, the students of Swansea University.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
Leaving home and settling into university life can be both exciting and daunting, especially when having to make new friends in an unfamiliar environment. But there’s no need to fear as Freshers’ Week (also known as Welcome Week) is around the corner, which will ensure that your transition into university is as enjoyable and memorable as possible. by Pavitra Panditha
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
Singleton Park is right next to campus and is a great place to explore
FRESHERS' WEEK GUIDE During Freshers’ week, you’ll be able to take part in student icebreaker events - including trips to the most beautiful places in Swansea such as the Gower. You’ll have the choice of enjoy chilling with a pint at comedy nights to partying until early morn’ with Welcome to Wind St and the Skool Disco. You’ll also get a chance to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings with events on campus such as Freshers' Fayre, where you can join societies and sports clubs (as well as Swansea Student Media…) They say everyone’s different, and so let it be. There's a variety of Freshers' events suited to
each individual available on the university's website. Buying tickets for your choice of events as soon as possible would be a definite heads up. Whatever your interests, it is always taking a nosey around Freshers' Fayre on Monday 25th (on Bay Campus), Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th (on Singleton) to see if there’s anything that catches your eye. In a nutshell, Freshers’ Week can be an exhausting experience, as there will be a lot of things to get done within a week including meeting lots of new people. But don’t worry as here are some useful pointers to get you through.
FEATURES // EMILY WILLIAMS
9
A busy day and a fun-filled night To make the most of freshers’ week, it would be wise to use your daytime to unpack, settle in, discover the campus, give yourself pep talks in the mirror and to overall, just get the essentials done. You can spend your nights partying amongst the other freshers. By playing the game of two halves wisely you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Freshers' Ball is one of the weeks busiest events
Everyone wants a new bestie but you can’t be everyone’s new bestie The first and the biggest challenge that you’ll be confronted with is meeting your flatmates whom you will be living with for a year or even longer if you decide to. Yes, everyone is different, but it is extremely important to try and build a good commencing relationship with your flatmates: introduce yourself even though you might feel like crawling back into your burrow. Invest in a door stopper and take it with you to university, keep your door open and welcome others they're all in the same boat as you. But remember, not everyone will be your new bestie so don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet your new bestie straight away. Pick people who you know you’d maintain a good relationship with. You never know, perhaps you'll find your bestie for life at uni.
The sooner you organise and familiarise yourself, the better off you’ll be Take a stroll around the campus, meet the staff, spend time familiarising yourself to the your new surroundings, embark on a day trip with your flatmates or pals to the city centre and allocate yourself some supermarkets, pharmacies, clothes shops etc. that suit your preferences. If you are not a big fan of cooking, why not have group cooking sessions with your pals or flatmates? It would be ideal to sit down with your flatmates and agree to share the chores amongst each other as well as deciding on other mutual agreements since they will technically be your new family from the day you move out of home.
Fulfil the musts and experience the benefits Opening a student bank account is an essential. Singleton Campus has a bank on-site, so if you haven’t opened one by the time you get to university you can easily get that sorted out. Benefits include railcards and opportunities to win iPads/mobile devices. There’s also an interest-free overdraft of up to an agreed amount so make life easier for yourself by sorting financial plans beforehand.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
A FRESHERS’ GUIDE TO CULTURE IN SWANSEA So you’ve arrived at Swansea and you’re craving a need for a culture adventure but wondering where to go. Fear not, for Waterfront’s ‘Guide to culture in Swansea’ is here! by Carys Svendsen
Leviathan @ Taliesin
Firstly, we have the Taliesin Arts Centre. Situated on the Singleton Campus, (on the mall opposite the library at Singleton Campus), the Taliesin has a 330 seat auditorium plus a restaurant and bar. As a full-time Swansea University student, all you need do is walk in with your student card to get great deals for all events. You can see a film for just £6! On top of this, the Taliesin has a wonderful selection of live events, such as contemporary dance, drama, and music, plus live stream broadcasts - all for just £5 a ticket. During October you can see
one of their world class dance performances in Leviathan - a spectacular new work by James Wilton Dance. If you are a film fan you can see Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman in the Beguiled (15), or perhaps Daniel Craig and Channing Tatum in Logan Lucky (12A). To learn more about their upcoming season, grab a brochure from Taliesin and around campus or just visit their website taliesinartscentre.co.uk or check out their Facebook (@ taliesinfanpage) and their Twitter (@taliesinswansea) The Great Hall on Bay Campus is also home to a broad programme of live concerts and literary events from the Taliesin. Again, details can be found on the Taliesin website. Tickets for these events are just £5 and bookings can be made at either Taliesin or Great Hall box offices. In addition to the Taliesin, situated in close proximity to the Quadrant bus station, is the Grand Theatre. Home to the Swansea pantomime, the Grand Theatre has seen many a comedian perform, including Bill Bailey, Russell Kane and Jo Brand - Shoreline theatre society have also recently performed here with their very popular Doctor Faustus. The Grand Theatre’s upcoming season includes popular shows such as Madame Butterfly and Sunset
CULTURE // CARYS SVENDSEN
Glynn Vivian
Boulevard. If you’re looking for a theatrical night out on the town, the Grand Theatre is the way to go. Prefer a smaller theatrical experience? Look no further than the Dylan Thomas Theatre to fulfill your dramatic needs. With the Dylan Thomas Theatre situated in the marina, it’s a great spot for some waterfront entertainment. With their next performance in November, however, you’ll have to wait a short while until you can see the theatre in action! Your culture adventure doesn’t have to be restricted to just theatre, however. If you fancy a trip to an art gallery, then make sure to check out the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery or Attic Gallery. Located on Alexandra Road, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery hosts several exhibitions. One of their current exhibitions includes ‘Journeys between Art and Life: Richard Glynn Vivian (1835-1910)’ which explores and celebrates the life of Glynn Vivian’s founder as well as his collection of works. You can also check out their Twitter for pictures from the exhibition (including several pugs!) by following @GlynnVivian.
11
The Attic Gallery is home to a multitude of artists and located within the Maritime Quarter only a few minutes away from Swansea Museum. Ranging from paintings to ceramics, the gallery provides a wide range of artistic marvels to satisfy your curiosity. If you are also an avid print collector, it’s well worth a look at their wide range of prints, too. Finally, we come to the museums of Swansea. Not only do we have the Egypt Centre (which is situated on Singleton Campus, next door to the Taliesin), but if you explore the marina, you will find the Waterfront Museum and Swansea Museum. The Waterfront
Museum explores Swansea’s industrial history (their most recent exhibition is the history of copper within Swansea), while the Swansea Museum explores a wider range of history within Swansea, including artefacts from multiple eras (they have a mummy!), wartime Swansea, and various archaeological finds from around Swansea and Neath. If you’re looking to extend your historical day out, be sure to check out the Tram museum also. Situated within the marina and between both the Waterfront Museum and the Swansea Museum it is a fascinating glimpse into Swansea’s past. Happy adventuring!
National Waterfront Museum
Do you want me to review any plays or check out any exhibitions? Maybe you’d like to join the culture team yourself? Feel free to email waterfrontculture@ swanseastudentmedia.com for more details!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
Y GYMDEITHAS GYMRAEG Hoffi cymdeithasu trwy gyfrwng yr iaith Gymraeg? Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg (GymGym) ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe yw'r Gymdeithas i chi ar gyfer Cymry Cymraeg, dysgwyr a chefnogwyr yr iaith. o bob rhan o Gymru a thu hwnt.
gan Mari Lois Williams Profiad Personol Pan ddes i i Brifysgol Abertawe dwy flynedd yn ôl, roedd ymuno â'r Gymdeithas Gymraeg yn hanfodol i mi ar gyfer cymdeithasu a gwneud ffrindiau newydd. Ces i'r cyfle i fynd i nosweithiau cwis, tripiau Chwe gwlad i Ddulyn a Chaeredin, a chwrdd ag aelodau Cymdeithasau Cymraeg Prifysgolion eraill Cymru (a Lloegr), ac yn y Ddawns a'r Eisteddfod Rhyng-Golegol. Mae'r Gymdeithas hefyd yn cynnig nifer o socials megis crôls a gigs yn Nhŷ Tawe (canolfan Cymraeg y ddinas) a thripiau diwylliannol fel ymweliad hynod llwyddiannus ynghyd â'r Gymdeithas Nigeraidd i Amgueddfa Werin Sain Ffagan, Caerdydd.
Llwyddiannau'r Gym deithas • Enwebiad yng nghategori y 'Gymdeithas oedd wedi gwella fwyaf' yng ngwobrau • Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Abertawe 2016-2017 • Taith lwyddiannus i Bencampwriaeth y Chwe Gwlad yng Nghaeredin • Cymeradwyaeth uchel am 'Ddigwyddiad Diwylliannol' sef ymweliad ag Amgueddfa Werin Sain Ffagan ar y cyd â'r Gymdeithas Nigeraidd a myfyrwyr rhyngwladol y Brifysgol. • 1 o 4 Cymdeithas i dderbyn 'Aur' o fewn system hanaeu Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Abertawe. Mae'r gymdeithas nawr yn 'Gymdeithas Aur'.
Sylwadau Aelodau
Gwylio Cymru v. Iwerddon yn Tŷ Tawe "Mae cymdeithasu trwy'r iaith Gymraeg yn hanfodol i fi." "Braf bod o amgylch Cyrmy sy'n joio siarad Cymraeg cymaint a fi." "Y GymGym yn ffocws gweithgaredd cymdeithasol Cymry Cymraeg y Brifysgol." "Y GymGym mewn 3 gair: hywl, croesawgar, teulu."
Cynlluniau'r Gymdeithas Mae cynlluniau'r Gymdeithas ar gyfer 2017-2018 yn cynnwys: parhau i hyrwyddo'r iaith Gymraeg o fewn y Brifysgol ac yn y gymuned yn Abertawe, parhau i gefnogi gigs a gweithgareddau Tŷ Tawe, codi proffil y Gymdeithas yn y Brifysgol yn gyffredinol , a datblygu perthynas y Gymdeithas ag adrannau Cymreig eraill - Cangen Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Abertawe ac Academi Hywel Teifi, yn ogystal â Swyddog yr Iaith Gymraeg Unbeb y Myfyrwyr a Chlwb Rygbi Tawe. Edrychwn ymlaen i groesawu aelodau hen a newydd ym mis Medi. Am fwy o wybodaeth e-bostiwch: gymdeithasgymraeg@ swansea-societies.co.uk Twitter: @gymgym_abertawe Instagram: gymgymabertawe
CYMRAEG // ALEX NETHELL
13
DYSGU IEITHOEDD ERAILL
Keziah O’Hare yn dysgu Saesneg i blant yn Tsiena
“Nid ydy hi’n bosib i’r iaith Cymraeg creu cyfloedd. Mae’r cyfaint o bobl sy’n siarad Cymraeg yn dirywio pob blwyddyn ac mae’r swm o bobl sydd yn siarad hi yn brin.” gan Keziah O’Hare Dyma barn rwy’n clywed yn aml oddi wrth ffrindiau a chydweithwyr sydd ddim yn deall y pwysicrwydd o siarad Cymraeg, er ei fod yn iaith mae llawer o bobl yn meddwl hi’n ddiwerth. Mae’n gwir i ddweud dim ond swm fach o bobl sy’n siarad Cymraeg ac mae’n bosib i feddwl er mwyn ddefnyddio Cymraeg mewn y cyd-destun o waith, dim ond Cymru neu Patagonia yw’r lleoedd i fyw. Mae hyn yn achosi
i rai creu y barn bod does dim bwynt siarad y siarad Cymraeg. Mae hyn yn hollol anghywir. Fel unigolyn sydd yn astudio i ddysgu Saesneg ynb ddramor, mae’r iaith Cymraeg â’r strwytheg gramadeg wedi helpu fi i ddeall sut mae pobl eraill yn dysgu sut i siarad Saesneg. Mae’r strwythyr Sais yn galed i gafael achos mae’n hollol wahanol i ieithoedd eraill, ond yng Nghymraeg, maent yn tebyg. Er enghraifft, yn Cymreag, ni’n defnyddio ansoddeiriau fel mae Sbaeneg yn eu defnyddio, “pêl coch” “bola roja”. Yn Saesneg mae’n “red ball”, mae’r ansoddair
yn dod cyn yr enw, sy’n gyferbyn i’r ddau arall. Er bod yr enghraifft yn rhan fach o’r strwytheg gramadeg yn ieithoedd, mae yna llawer o debygrwyddiadau rhwng ieithoedd eraill a Cymraeg, sy’n wahanol i Saesneg. Serch hynny, nid ydy pawb yn eisiau fod yn athrawes Saesneg neu Cymraeg dramor, felly, beth arall gall Cymraeg ei chyflwyno? Mae’n wych i ddefnyddio i ddechrau sgwrs. Wnes i fynd i Tseina am pump mis ac roedd yna bobl o gwmpas y byd yn dysgu amdano’r Cymraeg a’r iaith. Roedd y diddordeb yn hyfryd. Gwnes i hyd yn oed darganfod fenyw o Abertawe oedd yn siarad Cymraeg. Gwnes i deimlo’n fwy agos i gartref pryd o ni’n sgwrsio efo hi. Os i chi’n siarad yr iaith o’r wlad i chi’n fyw, mae yna cysylltiad yn syth; efo’r pobl, y cymuned, a’r hanes. Mae hanes angredadwy gan Gymru, efo gwreiddiau dwfn gyda’r Celtiau ac hefyd y chwedlau a straeon fel y Mabinogion. Mae’r ffaith y gallau ddarllen a deall yr hanes mewn yr un iaith wnaeth pobl deffnyddio cyn fi yn gwerthfawr. Mae yna geiriau sy ddim yn gallu cyfieithu, llawn emosiwn ac angerdd, fel ‘hiraeth’. Mae hyd yn oed cysylltiad rhwng pobl chi ddim yn gallu disgrifio. Mae Cymraeg yn anhygoel, unigryw ac yn creu cymuned efo unigolion sy’n amddiffyn y llais mae’r gwlad yma wedi’i ddefnyddio dros y canrifoedd. Gallwch chi weld fy mod i’n falch i siarad hi ac mae yna llawer o pethau gallau fod yn ddiolchgar i’r iaith yma am.
BECOME A
STUDENT AMBASSADOR DEWCH YN
FYFYRIWR LLYSGENNAD MEET NEW PEOPLE
COMMUNICATION
APPLY NO
W
YMGEISIW CH NAWR
TEAMWORK
LEADERSHIP
NEWYDD CWRDD Â PHOBL CYFATHREBU GWAITH TÎM
ARWEINYDDIA
ETH
For more information visit the MyUni Website or email studentambassadors@swansea.ac.uk Am fwy o wybodaeth edrychwch ar wefan MyUni neu ebostiwch studentambassadors@swansea.ac.uk
Follow us: Dilynwch ni: @SwanseaAmbassadors @SwanseaUniSA
FASHION // GWEN MILES
15
FRESHERS' BALL STYLE GUIDE You've survived the excitement of arrivals weekend: unpacked, met your flatmates, and maybe ventured out to Wind Street in your first couple of nights. But now it's time for the big one. So, what do you wear? Fortunately, although Freshers' ball is a black-tie event, there are no strict dress codes at Swansea, so you won’t be too out of place whatever you choose.
by Gwen Miles For guys, make sure you've got a decent shirt and go from there: dress it up with a suit jacket and tie, or dress it down with jeans. Skinny ties have been a statement accessory since the Mod Style of 60s' bands like the Beatles and the Kinks, and they really took over retail after appearing on the runway with Dior in the 00's. Right now, ASOS have some great slim tie designs that'll give you that extra edge at the ball, all within a student budget. Alternatively, pair a bow tie with some braces for a quirkier look. For girls, co-ords, skirts and dresses are the most popular choices. You can never go wrong with a Little Black Dress, or pick something with bold patterns if you want to stand out a little. The
velvet trend is going nowhere, and a bit of glitter would be perfect to capture the excitement of the night. If you want to accessorize with a jacket, an oversized denim or leather jacket can add grunge vibes to your look - as seen in London fashion week – but bear in mind that it can get hot in the marquee. If you really want to be on trend, red and pink are huge colours for the AW17 season: a scarlet dress or jumpsuit can be complemented by the warm tones of gold jewellery. Whether you go for a clutch or a shoulder bag, the only rule for this accessory is to keep a hold of it – the last thing you'll want to be doing the next morning is running around the SU to find your lost belongings. When it comes to shoes,
the men might want to opt for dress shoes rather than trainers, but anything goes as long as they’re not too tattered. This is one night where heels are more popular – it’s not too hard to walk in them on the marquee flooring – but there’s a lot of dancing involved, especially if the SU have booked an impressive headliner. If you don’t want to stick with flats, heeled boots are famously more comfortable than strappy shoes, and they still make your legs look great. Visit the SU Events Facebook page to scroll through pictures of previous years: not only will you find some outfit inspiration, but it’ll build the excitement for what always turns out to be the biggest night of Freshers.
LIBERATION // ZOYA CHISTI
17
BELIEVE ME... by Molly Holborn Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Transgender. In our generation, we've been accepted more than ever. With severe change progressing over a full 20 years, we all know that there is room for improvement, especially in our universities. From same-sex marriages to the ‘First Guide to Gay-friendly Universities' published in 2010 by Stonewall, we've been guided into open society. Yet, why do people attempt to mute and mock us? Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Transgender. In our generation, we've been accepted more than ever. With severe change progressing over a full 20 years, we all know that there is room for improvement, especially in our universities. From same-sex marriages to the ‘First Guide to Gay-friendly Universities' published in 2010 by Stonewall, we've been guided into open society. Yet, why do people attempt to mute and mock us? Due to its variety, let's focus on the B in the acronym LGBT. Bisexuality is described as a ‘romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behaviour toward both males and females, or romantic or sexual attraction to people of any sex or gender identity'. Most of you know its definition already but do you really know where it stands in our society? Distinct from the other three lifestyles, perception is that bisexuality has evolved into some kind of trend, an accessory…so it seems. On one hand, some see it as the younger generation being open and confident about their sexuality but on the other, people question if they really are what they appear. In our society, 45% of people have come out as bisexual in the last three years and the label itself contains quite a few variations and sub-categories. From the encounters of not only myself but fellow students, there has been a pattern of confusion between a sexual reaction and a romantic one towards both genders. One student expressed how she felt
disappointed in the fact she ‘did not feel a sexual attraction as such but more of a romantic and a mental intimacy with women' but, she still classed herself as a bisexual. However, the majority of us seem to go with ‘an equal sexual and emotional attraction to both genders’. Unfortunately, we are not taken seriously. Amongst the many patterns I have seen in bisexuality, a type of façade has shown itself. It has become a ploy for attention, an abuse of a very real lifestyle for us and I can only describe this as unfair. For us Bi's it has been a hard journey and a fairly confusing one; forced by society to pick only one gender to focus on with our attraction, otherwise society just doesn't get it. ‘How can you like both?' and ‘Which one do you prefer?' are both common questions when it comes to my sexuality. Lately, my only response has been - ‘It's just the way I am made, believe me'. What's important to remember is that regardless of who we date, we are still bisexual - not gay or straight. If a bisexual girl is dating a girl or a bisexual boy is dating a boy, they are not gay, they still remain equally involved in both genders. Being bisexual is not a trend, a choice or a phase; it is a very real and honest way of life for myself and many other people. Our aim at Swansea University is to create a place where the LGBT community can thrive and we are helping people to understand that we may be different but we are stronger together.
HEATHER DIMMER // SOCIETIES
SO WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A SOCIETY? by Heather Dimmer Freshers Fayre feels overwhelming, they all have membership fees, and you don’t know which ones to choose. Seriously, don’t worry about it. Everyone feels like that to some degree as a fresher. The fayre will be your number one opportunity to meet and talk to committees and members of the societies you’re interested in, to see what’s out there that you might not have heard of, and to get some freebies to boot! Swansea University societies range from choirs to gaming societies, from religion and culture to arts and crafts. Also, if you’ve got an idea for a society, get enough signatures and you can start one yourself! There is a complete list of societies available on the Union website under Activities and Opportunities, along with many wonderful stalls at the Fayre. Societies are the heart and soul of the studentled part of the university and each one is unique, so there’s plenty to choose from! Join the Facebook groups, talk to the committees; if you’re not sure if you’ll like a society, just ask! Here’s what some of our students say about societies:
19
''You will meet awesome people who have the same interests as you and you'll have a great time! It can really help you get over homesickness or other worries because you'll have so many people you can talk to, many of whom will have been through it too.” Calum Morton
"I can honestly say that societies have given me far more than just new friends. The confidence to lead, organisational skills and the opportunity to work with amazingly talented people across Swansea and the wider higher education community, my time with societies has been a journey I will never forget." Adam
“Societies give you an easy environment in which to make friends and meet people with the same hobbies and interests. It makes you feel part of something, makes you more active in uni and student life, and it's tons of fun!” Sara
“A great chance to socialise with people with the same interests, and something to do on the nights you don't go to Wind Street.” Michael Fraser
“Gives you a chance to try something new - a sport or society you might end up loving!” Lowri
SOCIETIES CONTACT INFO Aerospace Engineering Will Hope aerospace@swansea-societies.co.uk Afghan & Persian Society Afaq Amaan afghanandpersian@swansea-societies.co.uk
chemicalengineering@swansea-societies.co.uk Chess Donovan Sipho chesssociety@swansea-societies.co.uk
Rory James english@swansea-societies.co.uk
Chinese Xiaosheng Chen chinese@swansea-societies.co.uk
Entrepreneurs' Network Jackson Pickard entrepreneursnetwork @swansea-societies.co.uk
Choral Rory Colman choral@swansea-societies.co.uk
Falun Gong Lu Hao falungong@swansea-societies.co.uk
Airsoft Matt Smith airsoft@swansea-societies.co.uk
Christian Union Nashwan Manounah christianunion@swansea-societies.co.uk
Feminist feminist@swansea-societies.co.uk
American Studies Bhakti Shah amss@swansea-societies.co.uk
Circus Skill & Culture Luke Bramley circus@swansea-societies.co.uk
Film Livvy Jones film@swansea-societies.co.uk
Amnesty International Sophie George amnesty@swansea-societies.co.uk
Conservation Ecology Matthew Jenner conservation@swansea-societies.co.uk
French Stephanie Whitehead french@swansea-societies.co.uk
Anaesthetic Greg Handley anaesthetic@swansea-societies.co.uk
Conservative Futures Simon Crundell conservatives@swansea-societies. co.uk
Gaming Declan Murphy gaming@swansea-societies.co.uk
African Caribbean Society (ACS) Cynthia Muthoni acs@swansea-societies.co.uk
Ancient Studies Eugenia Gower sas@swansea-societies.co.uk Anime & Manga Stephen Watkin anime@swansea-societies.co.uk Art Ellie Papakosmidou art@swansea-societies.co.uk Baking Appreciation Cas Wilkins baking@swansea-societies.co.uk Bar Tasha Hudson barsociety@swansea-societies.co.uk Beer Pong Tom Gordon beerpong@swansea-societies.co.uk Bioscience Nikki Brunt bioscience@swansea-societies.co.uk Blood Donors Jamie Bindley blooddonors@swansea-societies.co.uk British Sign Language (BSL) Mia King bsl@swansea-societies.co.uk Business (SUBS) Ellie Howorth business@swansea-societies.co.uk Cartoon Ciaran Caple-Williams cartoonappreciation@swansea-societies.co.uk Catholic Society (CathSoc) Jan Dabrowski cathsoc@swansea-societies.co.uk Cheese & Wine Tasting Andrew Pover cheeseandwine@swansea-societies. co.uk Chemical (& Environmental) Engineering Rhys Evans
Cooking cooking@swansea-societies.co.uk Criminology Alaina Turner criminology@swansea-societies.co.uk
Geography Joanne Glen geography@swansea-societies.co.uk German Jessica Rees german@swansea-societies.co.uk
Dance Jessica Shimmons dance@swansea-societies.co.uk
Guides & Scouts (SUGS) Mitchell Brain sugs@swansea-societies.co.uk
Debating Megan Thomas debating@swansea-societies.co.uk
Hellenic Theoklitos Klitou hellenic@swansea-societies.co.uk
Dermatology Isabel Saunders dermatology@swansea-societies.co.uk
Hindu Roshan Mistry hindu@swansea-societies.co.uk
Disney Appreciation Scarlett Thornborough disney@swansea-societies.co.uk
Hispanic Nikola Dojcsanova hispanic@swansea-societies.co.uk
DJ Bradley Carter dj@swansea-societies.co.uk Doctor Who Peter Dabbs doctorwho@swansea-societies.co.uk Drama (Shoreline) John Fish drama@swansea-societies.co.uk Egyptian Basant Mohamed egyptian@swansea-societies.co.uk Egyptological Society of Swansea Rebecca Skerratt egyptological@swansea-societies.co.uk Electronic & Electrical Engineering Paul Spicer electronicandelectrical @swansea-societies.co.uk Energy Institute Simon Gordon energyinstitute@swansea-societies.co.uk English & Creative Writing
History Sophie Byrne history@swansea-societies.co.uk Hogwarts Natalie Cross hogwarts@swansea-societies.co.uk Hong Kong Siu Yan Fok Kelvin hongkong@swansea-societies.co.uk Indian Sushmit Yadav indian@swansea-societies.co.uk Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) Mikołaj Dubiel industrialworkers @swansea-societies.co.uk ISOC Sharif Nadeem isoc@swansea-societies.co.uk Italian Gianluca Frisina italian@swansea-societies.co.uk Jewish Katie Silver jewish@swansea-societies.co.uk
Kuwaiti Sultan Alshammari kuwait@swansea-societies.co.uk Labour Jack Stacey labour@swansea-societies.co.uk Law Ella Flack law@swansea-societies.co.uk
Nightline Olivia Napier nightline@swansea-societies.co.uk Nursing (SUNS) nursing@swansea-societies.co.uk
LGBT+ Peter D'Rozario lgbtplus@swansea-societies.co.uk
Obstetrics & Gynaecology Gemma Harrell obstetricsandgynaecology @swansea-societies.co.uk
Liberal Democrats Chloe Hutchinson libdems@swansea-societies.co.uk
Omani Aseel Al-Riyami omani@swansea-societies.co.uk
Live Music Reuben Das livemusic@swansea-societies.co.uk
Osteopathy Haseeb ahmed osteopathy@swansea-societies.co.uk
Living History Ayrton Swain livinghistory@swansea-societies.co.uk
Paediatric Rebecca Jones paediatric@swansea-societies.co.uk
Malaysian Anzar Ahmad Bin Muhammad masu@swansea-societies.co.uk
Pagan Kasandrah Nicholson pagan@swansea-societies.co.uk
Marvel & DC Oliver Brawn marvel@swansea-societies.co.uk
Pakistani (PakSoc) Muhammad Sawaiz Amir pakistani@swansea-societies.co.uk
Marxist Maciej Krzymieniecki marxist@swansea-societies.co.uk Materials Engineering (MatSoc) Lauren Boyd materialsengineering @swansea-societies.co.uk
People & Planet Joe Meredith peopleandplanet@swansea-societies.co.uk Pre-Hospital & Emergency Medicine Society (PHEMS) phems@swansea-societies.co.uk
Mature Students maturestudents@swansea-societies.co.uk
Photography Ross Houlbrook photography@swansea-societies.co.uk
Media Studies Alex Evans mediastudies@swansea-societies.co.uk
Physician Associate Society (SUPA) Cameron Brennan physicianassociate @swansea-societies.co.uk
Medical Engineering Pearl Read medicalengineeringsociety @swansea-societies.co.uk Medical Life Science Josh Mckenna medicallifescience@swansea-societies. co.uk
Show Choir Ashleigh Warner showchoir@swansea-societies.co.uk Skate Josh Little skate@swansea-societies.co.uk Soapbox Society Laurence Brown soapbox@swansea-societies.co.uk Socialist Students Gareth Bromhall socialiststudents@swansea-societies.co.uk St John LINKS Katharine Bowyer stjohnlinks@swansea-societies.co.uk Student Minds Tomos Glendinning-Lewis studentminds@swansea-societies.co.uk SUMSoc Emily Nielsen sumsoc@swansea-societies.co.uk Swansea University Computer Society (SUCS) Andy Pover sucs@swansea-societies.co.uk Tolkien Appreciation Kristan Clement tolkien@swansea-societies.co.uk Uni Boob Team Grace Hannaford uniboob@swansea-societies.co.uk University Challenge Robert Hanson challengeteamsociety @swansea-societies.co.uk
Plaid Cymru Hugh Kocan plaidcymru@swansea-societies.co.uk
Wales University Officer Training Corps (OTC) Ben Holloway otc@swansea-societies.co.uk
Midwifery Toni Balman midwifery@swansea-societies.co.uk
Politics & International Relations Harry Maines Allen pair@swansea-societies.co.uk
Model United Nations (MUN) Thomas Peter Devlin modelunitednations @swansea-societies.co.uk
Sci-Fi Michael Fraser scifi@swansea-societies.co.uk
VegSoc Nate Squire vegsoc@swansea-societies.co.uk
Poker Jack Bevan poker@swansea-societies.co.uk
Model Flying Harrison Upton modelflying@swansea-societies.co.uk
Roleplay Ciaran Mannix roleplay@swansea-societies.co.uk
Physics Phillip John physics@swansea-societies.co.uk
MedSoc Gemma Harrell medsoc@swansea-societies.co.uk
MSF friendsofmsf@swansea-societies.co.uk
racevehicles@swansea-societies.co.uk
Pool Lee Rodger pool@swansea-societies.co.uk Postgraduate Research (PGR) postgradresearch @swansea-societies.co.uk Psychology Thomas Overton psychology@swansea-societies.co.uk
Musicians' Edward Dibley musicians@swansea-societies.co.uk
Pub Quiz Alex Sheffield pubquiz@swansea-societies.co.uk
Nepalese nepalese@swansea-societies.co.uk
Quidditch Ffion Goodland quidditch@swansea-societies.co.uk
Nigerian Hafsat Garba Maidugu nigerian@swansea-societies.co.uk
R/C Race Vehicles Georgios Theocharidis
Wales University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) Emma Hughes urnu@swansea-societies.co.uk Wargaming Sean Scully wargaming@swansea-societies.co.uk War & Society (WarSoc) Michael Rose war@swansea-societies.co.uk Women Graduates Brandi Hill womengraduates@swansea-societies.co.uk Women in Business (SWIB) Mali Wyn Wade womeninbusiness@swansea-societies.co.uk Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg Mari Williams ygymdeithasgymraeg@swansea-societies.co.uk Yoga Lauren Evans yoga@swansea-societies.co.uk
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
THE FRESHERS GUIDE TO MOVING AWAY
by Heather Harvey, Emily Jane Griffiths and Carys Svendsen
Moving away from family and friends Moving to university is a huge step for everyone, with the majority of freshers students used to living at home with their parents. Before even leaving the comforts of home, you endure your first struggle; trying to decide what to pack. That’s followed by trying to squeeze everything into the car and then finding places to put things in your new room! Although these things seem trivial compared to other struggles - like moving away from family for the first time and leaving friends behind - the most important thing to remember is that, during Freshers, everyone pretty much feels the same. You will get homesick (although you will try and hide it from your housemates and probably your parents). It’s vital to remember, however, that your family and friends are only
a phone call or FaceTime away. Freshers' fortnight is your ultimate settling in time, making lifelong friends, finding your way around campus and most importantly, enjoying your newfound freedom! You’ll soon find that it’s Christmas and time to pack a bag ready to head home to see your friends and family for the first time since September. This will be exciting for everyone but, after two weeks of living at home, you’ll be longing for a Wind St. Wednesday or Sin Savers. My ultimate advice is...don’t worry too much about what you’re leaving behind, it’s okay to cry during your first week of living alone (you won’t be the only one!) but you’ll soon find yourself calling Swansea home, and yes, your parents will hate it!
RELATIONSHIPS // HEATHER HARVEY & EMILY JANE GRIFFITHS
23
Long distance relationships Relationships are a new and exciting step in your life. No longer are you the single being that you once knew; instead, you are part of a team, ready to face the world with romantic verve. On top of this, you’re entering a new phase in your life: Uni, a time to find yourself and also study the subject you love! You’ve said your goodbyes to your significant others (for now), and you’re ready to embrace the upcoming freshers experience. So, how do you make your relationship work successfully over a distance? After discussing the possibility of maintaining a long distance relationship with several couples, one thing became abundantly clear: both trust and communication are key to keeping the relationship working. Long gone are the days spent waiting for love letters; with instant messenger, it only takes a few seconds! Whether it’s a weekly conversation over FaceTime or Skype, or even the daily sending of memes, it’s important that you keep in contact with your S.O. Not only does this help you learn about what exciting activities your S.O. has been up to, but it helps them learn about your uni experience. If things get tough, always remember that despite everything that may happen you’ll still have each other - no matter what life throws at you. As Hercules once proclaimed ‘I can go the distance’ and so can both of you!
There are lots of ways to meet people and make friends at university
Making new friends When moving to university it’s easy to give in to nerves but remember - everyone’s in the same boat! All students want to make new friends and often your housemates are the first people you meet. You’ll probably go to the Freshers events with your housemates. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them which allows you to forge positive relationships. However, there are loads of other opportunities to make new friends. People on your course are also another pool of potential friends. During the first few lectures say ‘hello’ to the people sitting next to you; chances are they’re as nervous as you, so be brave and introduce yourself! They’ll want to make new friends just like you. Freshers Fayre is one of the best places to get to know
people. My advice would be join everything! Put your email down, go to the meet and greet and then pick and choose what you want to actually commit to. It’s better to give yourself lots of new opportunities than regret not getting involved from the start (although it’s always possible to join societies and sports teams at any time during the year). By joining a society or sports team you meet people with similar interests and throughout the year they provide a good basis for a social life and a well needed break from studying. If you want any advice from the agony aunts over the next year or would like to be set up on a blind date contact waterfrontrelationships@ swanseastudentmedia.com
SU.24.09
SA.23.09
FR.22.09
FRESHERS FAYRE > BAY CAMPUS
JC’S QUIZ NIGHT > JC’S
FRESH AND FREE > MARQUEE
SINK V SIN > SIN CITY
GAMES NIGHT > 52 DEGREES
LIVE MUSIC > JC’S
VK COLOUR RAVE > DIVAS
KARAOKE> JC’S
TOOTERS > DIVAS
ARRIVALS WEEKEND > FRESHERS MARQUEE
SEPTEMBER
WE.04.10
TU.03.10
MO.02.10
SU.01.10
LADIES DAY > SPORTS VILLAGE
BACK TO THE 00'S (Blazin’ Squad) > WIND STREET
HUSTLE > SIN CITY
WONKY QUIZ NIGHT > WONKY SHEEP
OPEN MIC > JC’S
POOL TOURNAMENT > WONKY SHEEP
BEACH ROUNDERS > 360
OPEN MIC > 52 DEGREES
FRESHBOOK > WIND STREET
JC’S QUIZ NIGHT > JC’S
OKTOBERFRESH > MARQUEE
SA.30.09
FR.29.09
TH.28.09
WE.27.09
TU.26.09
MO.25.09
LIVE MUSIC > WONKY SHEEP
GAMES NIGHT > 52 DEGREES
FRESHERS 90'S PARTY > DIVAS
SINK > SIN CITY
KARAOKE> JC’S
TOOTERS > DIVAS
FRESHERS BALL > MARQUEE
BEER PONG > 52 DEGREES
COMEDY NIGHT > BAY CAMPUS / DIVAS
GOWER TRIP > GOWER
SIN SAVERS > SIN CITY
BEACH VOLLEYBALL > 360
WELCOME TO WIND STREET > WIND STREET
FRESHERS FAYRE > SINGLETON MARQUEE
HUSTLE > SIN CITY
OPEN MIC > JC’S
WONKY QUIZ NIGHT > WONKY SHEEP
FRESHERS FAYRE > SINGLETON MARQUEE
OPEN MIC > 52 DEGREES
SKOOL DISCO > WIND STREET
SU.08.10
SA.07.10
FR.06.09
TH.05.10
OCTOBER
FILM NIGHT > WONKY SHEEP
QUIZ NIGHT > 52 DEGREES
JC’S QUIZ NIGHT > JC’S
FIREWORKS > ABBEY MEADOW
LIVE MUSIC > WONKY SHEEP
REVERB > DIVAS
TOOTERS > DIVAS
KARAOKE> JC’S / WONKY SHEEP
CARDIFF AND IKEA > CARDIFF
BEER PONG > 52 DEGREES
LIMITLESS > LIMITLESS
SIN SAVERS > SIN CITY
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
FRESHERS PLAYLIST by Sarah Harris
You've made it. All those months of waiting anxiously to see if you got into the Promised Land that is Swansea University are now over and hopefully, you're ready to embark on a pathway of higher education and questionable life decisions. Getting the chance to move away from home can be an exciting time for any budding fresher, acquiring your first taste of independence and taking those infant steps towards adulthood. But it can also be daunting, full of doubts about whether you're really cut out for this uni malarkey, and whether it was the right decision to leave the comfy cocoon that was home. Well, no matter if you’re feeling a little homesick or anticipating your first drunken rendezvous, music is your secret weapon. With that in mind, I’ve got you covered for every eventuality with the ultimate freshers’ playlist 2017.
The one for when you get to the club: LMFAO feat. Lil Jon – ‘Shots’ The one for pre-drinks: Oasis – ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ One thing you’re likely to master at uni is the art of the pre-drink. This is a skill that must be honed to perfection; overdo it, and you’ll be in your bed before the doors at Idols have even opened, but underdo it and you’ll be spending your entire night queued up at the bar. Thus, the perfect pre-drinks must be accompanied by the perfect pre-drink song, provided by the brothers Gallagher. This epically rousing rock and roll tune supplies the ideal soundtrack to send you off on your night out, reminding you of the essentials of the perfect night out in Swansea (cigarettes optional, of course).
So, you haven't quite perfected the art of pre-drinks yet, some further liquid refreshment might be in store for you to actually enjoy your night and not just spend it wondering exactly what is that liquid dripping from the roof of Sin. Take some inspiration from LMFAO’s corny club banger ‘Shots.’ Ironic really, because you’d probably need an unholy amount of tequila to put up with four minutes of curly-haired singer, Redfoo, shouting at you.
MUSIC // SARAH HARRIS
27
The one for your midnight library sessions: Daniel Bedingfield – ‘Gotta Get Thru This’
The one to take you to PopWorld: S-Club 7 – ‘Reach’ So it mightn't happen in Freshers' Week, but certainly at some point during your first term at Swansea, you will visit the disastrous collage of society that is PopWorld. But if you're really going to brave the city's cheesiest drinking establishment, then you'll need something to get you in the mood. A perfect nugget of pop rubbish, ‘Reach' by everyone's favourite 90s group can do just that. Ideal to get you feeling the vibes needed to dance the night away to The Spice Girls on PopWorld's illuminated dance floor.
Up to this point in the playlist, you’re probably thinking “wow, is uni really just all of this nonstop fun?” Well, in a word, no. At some point, you’ll hit the ground with a bump and realise that you do have to do some work. When this does dawn upon you, you’ll find yourself spending ludicrous portions of your week in the library until all hours of the morning. So what you need is a mantra to see yourself out the other side, past all of the reading, notes, plans, drafts and redrafts. Let that be provided courtesy of scarcely-remembered Daniel Bedingfield. Recorded on Bedingfield’s bedroom PC, it went on to become UK Number One, twice. So there’s always a fallback if uni proves unsuccessful.
The one for when those midnight library sessions have been a disaster and you spend the final hours before the submission deadline questioning what you’re doing with your life: Fast Food Rockers – ‘Fast Food Song’ Probably already self-explanatory to you by now, this one is a tune for when you’re gravely worried that you’ve ballsed things up. Bizarrely, you’ll find a certain resigned euphoria in thinking you’ve just wasted 27 grand and 3 years. So why not properly taunt yourself with the obnoxious ‘Fast Food Song’, reminding yourself you can always get a job in Pizza Hut, KFC or McDonalds.
The one you’ll hear everywhere: The Killers – ‘Mr. Brightside’ There are certain songs like ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ that have a unanimous presence wherever you go. But for whatever reason, the unofficial anthem of university life is ‘Mr. Brightside.’ I am not exaggerating when I say that you will hear this song on every student night out that you go on. It’s an uplifting, euphoric three and a half minutes of indie rock gold, complete with a triumphant singalong chorus enough to make you wrap your arms around your new best friend who you’ve known for all of 3 hours since sharing a box of Strongbow Dark Fruit at pre-drinks.
FILM // BECKY ELMS
29
A GUIDE TO CINEMA NETFLIX IN SWANSEA BINGE by Becky Elms
by Guto Griffiths
When it’s too early to have food, get ready to go out, or move onto the next pre-drinks, what can you do? Do something productive with your day, go to the cinema! Here are some suggestions on how you and your flatmates can bond. Vue
Odeon £8.99 (with a valid student I.D.) York Street. SA1 3LZ
£8.75 (with a valid student I.D.) £6.57 (with NUS extra card, Mon-Thurs) Parc Tawe SA1 2BA
Easy and central, lots of screens and open late, if you fancy a film on your way home from a night out, the Vue is your best bet for that midnight screening.
Probably the most popular cinema in Swansea. With ten screens, you'll definitely find something to suit your tastes. They also serve really great Nachos!
Cinema & Co
Taliesin Arts Centre £7.00 (student) £13.00 (student + Margherita Pizza) Castle Street SA1 1JF
Film: £6.00 Performance: £12.00 (for full time students) Singleton Campus. No.32 on map.
Art space, coffee shop, bar and cinema. This little independent cinema is a must for lovers of cinema and socialising. You won’t get the most recent blockbusters here but you will get a much wider collection of international, arthouse and cult films. The best bit? Pizza night!
Trying out the university cinema is a must. Showing films as recent as Dunkirk (yes, the one with Harry Styles), the Taliesin is a great affordable way to watch recent films. They also broadcast live streams of theatrical perfomances, as well as hosting many of their own,
Starting university is hard; new environment, new friends, new life. The first week of freshers is exciting, getting to know your flat and going out every night. But what do you do in the day? The answer: Netflix, and what better show to watch than Fresh Meat? The series focuses on six stereotypical university students who love getting drunk, doing nothing, and avoiding responsibilities at all costs - remind you of anyone? Characters include the likes of posh boy JP (Jack Whitehall), hopeless romantic Kingsley (Joe Thomas), addict Vod (Zawe Ashton), lovable sociopath Howard (Greg McHugh), the pretentious Oregon (Charlotte Ritchie) and the Welsh one - Josie (Kimberley Nixon). They all help the show successfully build its comedy along with the story and towards the end of the season you might even be convinced that JP isn’t just a posh snob. Crucially, take a leaf from their book: enjoy University, have fun, and make some friends for life.
FILM // BECKY ELMS
31
THE HORROR OF A BLOCKBUSTER However, all too often, their films are a disappointment. Some studios have gone for the safety of hiring directors who have already directed a smaller scale version of what the studio wants. Although logical, this can end in disaster. The explosive argument between studio and director during the 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four underlines this issue. Josh Trank (director) ended by publicly announcing that audiences were about to see an awful adaptation - not his original cut. Of course, it is easy to pin this down to studio meddling, but it takes a director of a certain talent to go from a tiny indie-flick to a giant summer blockbuster. So, how do you find a good director? Set pieces. Steven Spielberg’s body of work consists of some of the most iconic set pieces in film history. From the chase sequences in Raiders of the Lost Ark to the T-Rex scene in Jurassic Park, he has continued to amaze audiences for decades. If you break down how Spielberg constructs his set pieces, you find that it is specific to one type of genre - horror. The set pieces of a blockbuster need to feel involving, and few genres are more viscerally involving
than horror. Spielberg establishes the audience’s viewpoint in line with that of the character; when the character is scared, we are scared. Spielberg also leans heavily on implication, another effective horror trope. In one of the scariest movies of its time, Jaws, the shark does not appear in full until the end. Cleverly, Spielberg makes the audience aware of the threat before they have even seen it. Spielberg’s success is not an isolated incident of horror directors succeeding in blockbusters. Before directing the highly acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy, director Peter Jackson worked exclusively in low budget horror movies. James Cameron may be better known for his blockbusters but his first two films, The Terminator and Aliens, are essentially horror movies. The list goes on and on, with James Gunn going from Slither to Guardians of the Galaxy and Gore Verbinski making the transition from The Ring to Pirates of the Caribbean. While many set pieces focus on pure empty spectacle, a filmmaker who has dabbled in horror is more likely to understand something else: the bigger emotional response you can elicit from a viewer, the chance of leaving a lasting impression.
With Hollywood churning out blockbuster after blockbuster, it is no surprise that the hunt for new directors is in full swing. by Josh Price
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
SWANSEA STUDENT MEDIA
Swansea Student Media provides Swansea University students with a single information point for student life in Swansea. We supply news coverage, ignite debate and discussion, and capture what it’s like to be a student in our city.
Varsity '17 live coverage from Principality stadium
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
33
Swansea Student Media consists of three different media channels: Waterfront print publication, Xtreme Radio and SUTV, the Students’ Union video and film service. All three channels are led by students and are completely dependent on student input; students write, host and produce for each channel. Swansea Student Media is always on the look-out for new recruits and as long as you've got passion and enthusiasm, you'll be welcomed aboard. To find out more about joining the team pop into twhe office in Digital Technium for a chat or email: iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk Visit swanseastudentmedia.com to find out more.
Hosting the Red Bull Rocket Fuel zone at Summer Ball '17
Find us on Facebook @swanseastudentmedia Search and join our Facebook group to find out about our activities and opportunities Swansea Student Media 2017/18 Swansea Student Media is a free service provided by the Students' Union.
General election live coverage
Bay Campus
Great Hall 25.09
113 86 85 118 104 83 84 116 119 114 117 98 120 88 99 101 82 103 97 102 115 87 100 81
Aikido Archery Club Athletics (Running) Boxing Canoe Club Cycling Club Fencing Club Jiu Jitsu Judo Karate Club Kickboxing Kitesurfing Club Lifesaving Rifle Rowing Club Sailing Snowriders Sub Aqua Club Surf Club Swimming team Tae Kwon Do Triathlon Waterpolo Club Windsurfing
30 56 39 80 65 47 96 50 72 24 34 32 62 89 27 112 44 109 107 49 71 46 29 33 68 94 64 23 63 91 53 42 45 57 55 60 40 59
Aerospace Afghan and Persian African Caribbean Airsoft American Studies Ancient Studies Art Bar Beer Pong Bioscience British Sign Language Business Society SUBS CathSoc Cheese and Wine Chemical and Enviromental Engineering Choral Christian Union Circus Skills and Culture Dance Debating DJ Egyptological Electronic And Electrical Engineering Energy Institute English and Creative Writing Film French Geography German Society Guides and Scouts (SUGS) Hellenic Hispanic History Hong Kong Indian Islamic Italian Jewish
51 110 93 58 28 35 26 25 48 108 43 38 61 54 95 21 74 67 75 36 73 77 111 106 79 37 90 22 31 92 76 66 52 41 78
Law Live Music Living History Malaysian Material Engineering Media Studies Medical Engineering Medical Life Science Model United Nations Musicians' NHSF Hindu Nigerian Pagan Pakistani Photography Physics Poker Politics and International Relations Pool Psychology Pub Quiz Quidditch Shoreline Theatre Show Choir Skate St John LINKS SUCS SUMSoc Swansea Women in Business VegSoc Wales UOTC WarSoc Women Graduates Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg Yoga
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Dominos RWG mobile Unison GROUP GTI DISCOVERY City school of languages CENTENARY Coleg cymaeg Welsh Blood ESRI - Energy Safety Research Institute First Cymru Traveline Sustainability The Dealer APP Las Iguanas Neurofoundation Student Opinion Panel Advice and Support Centre and New Pathways Parish of St thomas Swansea and Kilvey Student Recruitment University Wales Air Squadron Voice Box SEA
Bay Campus
Sports Hall 25.09
31 41 30 46 40 50 22 23 28 47 38 36 51 39 35 27 26 32 25 45 49 37 24 43 44 42 29 33 34 48
American Football Badminton Basketball Clwb Rygbi Tawe Cricket Club Dodgeball Equestrian Golf Intramural Football Korfball Club Lacrosse Ladies Hockey Men's Football Mens Hockey Club Men's Rugby Union Motorsport Club Mountaineering Club Netball Pole Fitness Club Rugby League Rugby Union Womens Seagulls Baseball & Softball Sirens Cheerleading team Squash Swansea Medics Table Tennis Tennis Club Ultimate Volleyball Club Women's Football Club
52 53 54 55 56 63 58 59 60 61 62 57 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83
Amnesty International Anime and Manga Baking Blood Donors Cartoon Chess Conservation and Ecology Conservative Future Disney Doctor Who Feminist Gaming Hogwarts Industrial Workers of the World Labour Students LGBT+ Liberal Youth Marvel and DC Appreciation Marxist Nightline People and Planet Plaid Cymru R/C Race Vehicles Role Play Sci Fi Soapbox Socialist Students Student Minds Tolkien Appreciation Uni Boob Team URNU Wargaming
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Fiction Popworld Village Gym Yates Idols Walkabout Revolutions National Pool SU Ents University Gym and 360 Watersport Bambu Sincity Amazon YMCA LC Peppermint Bucket list Play Football Limitless Xercise for less The Gym Group
Sport Swansea
Marquee 26.09 - 27.09
26th of September
Student Media 37 63 75 36 59 44 61 48 72 62 66 50 71 45 51 60 49 41 73 74 38 53 65 54 43 47 56 67 52 69 58 70 42 57 64 39 40 55 68 46
American Football Archery Club Athletics (Running) Basketball Canoe Club Clwb Rygbi Tawe Cycling Club Dodgeball Equestrian Fencing Club Golf Intramural Football Kitesurfing Club Korfball Club Lacrosse Lifesaving Men's Football Men's Rugby Union Motorsport Club Mountaineering Club Netball Pole Fitness Club Rifle Rowing Club Rugby League Rugby Union Womens Sailing Seagulls Baseball & Softball Sirens Cheerleading team Snowriders Sub Aqua Club Surf Club Swansea Medics Swimming team Triathlon Ultimate Volleyball Club Waterpolo Club Windsurfing Women's Football Club
123 150 143 129 111 135 154 117 113 139 125 93 120 98 87 91 101 104 89 137 81 134 122 126 132 109 128 116 127 147 146 133 151 149 100 84 144 86 107 155
Aerospace Afghan and Persian African Caribbean American Studies Amnesty International Ancient Studies Bar Bioscience Blood Donors British Sign Language Business Society SUBS CathSoc Chemical and Enviromental Engineering Choral Christian Union Circus Skills and Culture Conservation and Ecology Conservative Future Dance Debating DJ Egyptological Electronic And Electrical Engineering Energy Institute English and Creative Writing Feminist French Geography German Society Hellenic Hispanic History Hong Kong Indian Industrial Workers of the World Islamic Italian Jewish Labour Students Law
Sport Swansea
110 106 96 83 152 103 121 140 119 136 90 85 142 94 92 148 102 114 105 131 141 78 97 88 80 82 108 138 95 115 124 112 130 153 145 79
LGBT+ Liberal Youth Live Music Living History Malaysian Marxist Material Engineering Media Studies Medical Life Science Model United Nations Musicians' NHSF Hindu Nigerian Nightline Pagan Pakistani People and Planet Physics Plaid Cymru Politics and International Relations Psychology Quidditch Shoreline Theatre Show Choir Skate Soapbox Socialist Students St John LINKS Student Minds SUMSoc Swansea Women in Business Uni Boob Team WarSoc Women Graduates Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg Yoga
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Dominos LC Maggies The Gym Group Megabus First Cymru Traveline Sustainability National Pool DW Harris Solicitors Welsh Blood Limitless Fiction Popworld Yates Peppermint Bucket list Bambu Sincity Idols GWA Walkabout Revolutions RWG mobile Neurofoundation The Dealer APP Play Football GROUP GTI Glyn Vivian Art Gallery Parish of St thomas Swansea and Kilvey Cornerstone Student recruirment Unison YMCA University Wales Air Squadron University Gym and 360 Watersport
27th of September 3 5 10 22 23 24 25 27
City school of languages LEGACY CHURCH Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council Blue Arrow Womens order of Freemasons Student Opinion Panel Tino's Drug Aid
Refectory 26.09 - 27.09
43 40 48 39 46 49 44 47 36 37 42 41 45 38
Aikido Badminton Boxing Cricket Club Jiu Jitsu Judo Karate Club Kickboxing Ladies Hockey Mens Hockey Club Squash Table Tennis Tae Kwon Do Tennis Club
21 23 54 26 16 30 50 32 31 25 15 33 52 22 27 53 17 18 28 20 34 24 51 29 19 55 56 35
Airsoft Anime and Manga Art Baking Beer Pong Cartoon Cheese and Wine Chess Disney Doctor Who Film Gaming Guides and Scouts (SUGS) Hogwarts Marvel and DC Appreciation Photography Poker Pool Pub Quiz R/C Race Vehicles Role Play Sci Fi SUCS Tolkien Appreciation URNU VegSoc Wales UOTC Wargaming
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Go Global Study Abroad Time To Change Wales / Hafal Centenary Discovery ASC Newpathways Hafal Coleg Cyrmraeg Ospreys Sin Bin Voice Box SEA Goggis Little Welsh Deli Peters Costcutter
a Uplands Diner b Vodafone c DigiTech - Pyramid Poster Sale
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
Your Guide to Student union services Both the Faraday building on Singleton Campus and SU building on Bay Campus (located next to the university gym) are the homes of Swansea University Students Union. From the Full-Time Officers to Advice & Support, both campuses are ready to help you when you need it. Here's what else the Union has to offer. Divas nightclub, located on the 1st floor of Union House (on Singleton), is the on-campus nightclub and home to ‘Tooters’ the best student night of the week as well as various society events throughout the year. JC’s is our on-campus bar for Singleton campus. Located on the 2nd floor of Fulton House, JC’s is home to many varieties of world beers, fine ciders and even the odd ale. JC’s fulfils all of your drink needs whilst also serving coffee, paninis and various hot foods. 52° is the Bay Campus bar for students! It offers great prices on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a meals and snacks. At evening times head there for awesome weekly sessions, including open mic and quiz nights and Sky sports live on the big screen. Next to JC’s is Fulton Coffee Company. Fulton Coffee Company gives you the cheapest caffeine fix on campus supplied by our trained baristas. It also stocks a wide selection of teas and light snacks to eat in or take away. Costcutter is Singleton’s on-campus supermarket and
SU building, Bay campus stocks a variety of products from stationery to freshly baked pastries. Costcutter is also the new home of the Post-Office so you can even send back your Asos orders while you're picking up your lunch. Fulton Outfitters, opposite Costcutter, is home to Swansea University merchandise and a range of
Faraday, Singleton campus
Fair Trade clothing and cute stationery. You'll also find the Fulton Outfitter sister brand the ‘Fulton Outpost’ in the SU Building on Bay Campus – just look out for the beach huts! The Travel Shop (located on the ground floor of Fulton House), is home to all of your travel needs. Whether it’s an annual bus pass or your train ticket home, The Travel Shop is there to help you plan your journey. They also organise trips across the whole of Europe with this year's planned trips including Harry Potter Studios and Amsterdam. Root is our on-campus specialist food store where you can choose from different health foods and alternative products. It stocks a range of products to suit different dietary requirements like gluten or dairy free. So next time you're on Singleton campus and looking for a feel-good snack or meal – head to Root! The Advice and Support Centre is ran by the Students' Union, independently from the University. With appointments available on both campuses, head here with any of your problems. Their trained advisors can help with a range of issues including; money, housing, academic and health and wellbeing. The Nursery sits on both Bay and Singleton Campus and offers affordable childcare to students and staff at Swansea University. Not all students will need to use the Nursery but for those that do, it's flexible childcare options make it the perfect place for your child.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
39
Your Guide to Student union venues JC's Located on the second floor of Fulton House, Singleton Campus’ premier bar is the perfect place to start your evening. Whether it’s a cheeky predrink before a Thursday night of Sin City shenanigans, a chilled night out at Tuesday’s Open Mic Night or a Saturday lunchtime watching Arsenal get thumped by some mid-table no-hopers, you’ll quickly find that you’re a regular at JCs. The brand new food menu is available every day and the SU’s very own Fulton Coffee is available from 9am if you’re in need of that caffeine kick-start.
tunes until the early hours and great prices on drinks at all of our regular weekly sessions, you’re free to dance the night away without worrying about a minus figure in your bank balance.
52°, Bay campus
Tooters @ Divas, Singleton campus
The Wonky Sheep
JC's bar, Singleton campus
With a name that will remind you instantly that you chose to come to university in Wales, the Wonky Sheep sits at the top of the main road through Student Village. It offers you the perfect spot on the village for that quiet pint after lectures or
Divas Singleton’s very own VK dispensary offers the best Friday night in Swansea: Tooters, where £2 buys you two drinks and probably the everlasting friendship of the bloke behind you in the queue, who swears he’s going to pay you back tomorrow but doesn’t actually know your name. With Swansea’s finest DJs bringing the
The Wonky Sheep, Hendrefoilan
the first stop of many on a night out. The Wonky Sheep offers a variety of weekly events including the famous Wonky Pub Quiz, Karaoke and a variety of live music performances. In addition to this there are four pool tables, fußball and a house drum kit and piano for the musically inspired.
52 Degrees You live on Bay Campus. You probably study something like Mechanical Engineering. What you need is alcohol, and maybe a burger. And alcohol. Look no further. 52° is the SU's new bar on Bay Campus. It offers food and coffee throughout the day to get you through that Fluid Mechanics coursework and drinks in the evening so you can practically apply your own brand of ‘Fluid Mechanics.’ With live sport throughout the year, a wide range of weekly events and outdoor seating looking out over Swansea Bay, 52° is the perfect location to unwind after a long day or kick start the beginning of your night.
SPORTS CLUBS CONTACT INFO rugbyunionwomens@swansea-sports.co.uk
Aikido Shreya Rijal aikido@swansea-sports.co.uk
Hockey Mens Callum Pink hockeymens@swansea-sports.co.uk
American Football Tom Mann americanfootball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Hockey Womens Vicki Allen hockeywomens@swansea-sports.co.uk
Archery Matthew Butler archery@swansea-sports.co.uk
Intramural Football intramural@swansea-sports.co.uk
Athletics & Cross Country Tom Seabury running@swansea-sports.co.uk
Jiu Jitsu Raoul Nash jiujitsu@swansea-sports.co.uk
Badminton Jason Hallam badminton@swansea-sports.co.uk
Karate Ebony Bansair karate@swansea-sports.co.uk
Baseball Thomas Diakos baseball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Kickboxing Jan Cazin kickboxing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Basketball Emanuil Zashev basketball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Kitesurfing Ben Smythe kitesurfing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Boxing Ryan Thornhill boxing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Korfball Emma Carswell korfball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Canoe James Woodrow canoeclub@swansea-sports.co.uk
Lacrosse Kate Bevans lacrosse@swansea-sports.co.uk
Cheerleading Kate Bealing cheerleading@swansea-sports.co.uk
Lifesaving Thomas Sharp lifesaving@swansea-sports.co.uk
Cricket Louis Langham-Walsh cricket@swansea-sports.co.uk
Motorsport Jasper Chamberlain motorsports@swansea-sports.co.uk
Cycling Kacper Gorski cycling@swansea-sports.co.uk
Mountaineering Edward James mountaineering@swansea-sports.co.uk
Dodgeball Michael Coe dodgeball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Netball Yasmin Li netball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Equestrian Danielle Spencer equestrian@swansea-sports.co.uk
Pole Fitness Megan McNab polefitness@swansea-sports.co.uk
Fencing Nathan Potter fencing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Rifle Glen Dighton rifle@swansea-sports.co.uk
Ultimate Matthew Dobson ultimatefrisbee@swansea-sports. co.uk
Football Mens mensfootball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Rowing Dom Bright rowing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Volleyball Matteo Colombo volleyball@swansea-sports.co.uk
Football Womens Sian Hardaker footballwomens@swansea-sports. co.uk
Rugby League Seb Engel rugbyleague@swansea-sports.co.uk
Water Polo Becca Stratford waterpolo@swansea-sports.co.uk
Rugby Union Mens Harry Scarr surfc@swansea-sports.co.uk
Windsurfing Emily Hampson windsurfing@swansea-sports.co.uk
Golf Thomas Booth golf@swansea-sports.co.uk
Rugby Union Womens Sioned Young
Rugby Medics Ryan Perkins ryanjperkins6@gmail.com Rygbi Tawe Steffan Roberts rygbitawe@swansea-sports.co.uk Sailing Joe Hills sailing@swansea-sports.co.uk Snowriders Robbie Stewart snowriders@swansea-sports.co.uk Squash Club George Crowther squash@swansea-sports.co.uk Sub Aqua Henry Turner subaqua@swansea-sports.co.uk Surf Club Jac Davies surf@swansea-sports.co.uk Swimming Josh Philpott swimming@swansea-sports.co.uk Tae Kwon Do Niraj Wadher taekwondo@swansea-sports.co.uk Table Tennis Harriet Taylor tabletennis@swansea-sports.co.uk Table Tennis Cormac Anderson tabletennis@swansea-sports.co.uk Tennis Maria Karditsa tennis@swansea-sports.co.uk Triathlon Rebecca Russell triathlon@swansea-sports.co.uk
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
by Lulu Thornton
In the headlines
5-A-Side-Football
The Intramural League is now in its second year - a Sports League all within Swansea University and offering players a chance at fun, fitness and competition, providing opportunities for any student wanting to get involved!
Another league fresh to the university and in its second year is the University 5-a-Side League which takes place on Bay Campus.
Netball So, what can you expect? We spoke to Kelly Jones, the Netball Intramural Chair. The league is still fresh to the university, was the response to the league expected? Last year we trained on a Tuesday night from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and played on a Saturday Morning. This year we have hopes to train for longer hours on Bay Campus. The first season had its struggles, especially with the turnout of girls playing matches at the weekend, but overall it was successful league involving a variety of abilities and we hope this year to move match day to a Wednesday so every girl can make it. How can I get involved and what are the plans for this season? We accept anyone from any level of ability and if you don't make it into BUCS teams then you will be guaranteed a spot in the intramural league so no need to sign up, but we will be there to promote joining us at Freshers’ Fayre! Our ambition for the league is to hopefully have monthly matches against Cardiff and
then to enter a team for intramural netball at varsity! Facebook @SwanseaUniNetballClub Twitter @SwanNetball
11- A-Side-Football The league has gone from strength to strength since it began, through increased popularity and exposure the league is proud to announce that they are one of the biggest societies in Swansea University. This season the league predicts to have over 200 members signed up! The league is structured so that each team play each other once over the course of the season with all games held at Ashleigh Road Playing Fields. Games are played on a Wednesday and Sunday basis, each being a 2pm kick off. There is even more silverware available with a shield, a cup competition and the varsity squad which brings the whole league together. Fancy getting involved with one of the many teams? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Facebook @swanseaintramural Twitter @SUintramural16
The league is still fresh to the university, was the response to the league expected? The league for me exceeded expectations in terms of the participation numbers which were well over 140 in its first year. This year we would like to see even more of you involved whether that be playing or even taking on league coordinator roles with huge benefits. League co-ordinators will get captains’ cards, t-shirts, free entry to the league and will be given the opportunity to undertake football coaching/leadership qualifications. How can I get involved and what are the plans for this season? Our plan is to continue on from last season as well as looking at fundraising opportunities and competition opportunities to provide you with even more silverware. Bay Campus 5-a-Side league is open for anyone: male or female, flatmates, course mates, or society teams, please don’t hesitate to get involved. It takes place between 6pm and 9pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Contact us on our social media to find out more. Facebook @SUFootball5 Twitter @SUFootball5
SPORT // GREG STONE & LULU THORNTON
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN A SPORTS TEAM
43
For some of us, one of the best things about joining sixth form was not having to do PE lessons. So, what on earth possesses so many non-sporty freshers to join a sports team at university?
by Greg Stone
Meeting new people For many it’s all about making friends. You’ll likely make lots of friends on your course and at halls but it’s never a bad thing to meet people outside of these circles. By joining a team that you’re interested in you’ll meet more people with similar interests to you!
When choosing a sport, it’s all up to you When it comes to choosing a sport to try out, Swansea offers a wide variety that is sure to grab the interest of anyone willing to give them a go. Whether you want to be active without taking it too seriously, or you want to push yourself to your limits, from American football to Ultimate Frisbee, Aikido to Windsurfing; if you’re willing to give it a try there is a sport for you.
Nights out With joining a team comes the Wednesday night socials. Arguably for most, the best night out of the week. Hitting Wind Street in fancy dress with a sports team lead to some of the best nights at university. Current Masters student and former captain of Boxing Ryan Thornhill said: 'Joining a club like boxing has allowed me to meet so many new people. There's nothing that makes friends quite like skipping down Wind Street dressed as Tinkerbell!'
Compete against Cardiff Varsity is one of the biggest sporting student events of the year, and there is no better way to display Swansea’s superiority than by taking part. The only way that will happen is if you join a sports team. However, don’t feel
pressured to only join those teams taking part in the Varsity cup. Sports not taking part in Varsity will have numerous opportunities against Cardiff throughout the year.
It fills up the hours Unlike secondary school and sixth form, you’ll find yourself with a lot of flexibility with your uni hours. Now I’m not saying to neglect lecture/seminar prep, but it can get tedious spending the majority of your time in your room or the library. So why not shake it up a little by doing your favourite sport with a group of like-minded people. And with Sport Wednesday, where students have no timetabled hours, it gives you the perfect excuse to get yourself over the Sports Village!
De-stress You’ll inevitably at some stage of your time at university find yourself stressed out for one reason or another and it’s a well-known fact that exercise is a great way to destress. Not only are endorphins a natural stress fighter, but they make you feel good about yourself and will make you feel like you’ve accomplished something.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
THIRTEEN GREAT EATS IN SWANSEA
A good cup of coffee, a greasy burger or even a five course meal - whatever you want Swansea has tons to offer! Here are a wide range of recommendations of places to eat. Whether you’re out and about or on campus, we’ve got it covered.
by Ulysses Jones, and Tia Williams
Singleton Campus JC's Good coffee, cheap drinks, popular and great for catching up between lectures.
The Diner The staple after a night out at Divas. Burger and chips - can’t go wrong. Brynmill Coffee House
Charming little cafe just outside Singleton Park. A great way to start your day would be with a Green Beast smoothie and a breakfast burrito to-go.
Uplands Diner
Uplands Diner
52°, Bay campus
Brymill Coffee House
Home of the Mega Beast and less than a fiver for an English breakfast, this is a student favourite when it comes to hangover food, as well as some of the finest milkshakes out there.
Bay Campus
The Core Bay Campus’ food services are ever growing, the Core offers great wedges and pizzas, as well as a nice hot breakfast.
52 Degrees Want a quiet, relaxed JC’s? Just hop on over on the number 8 bus to come along to 52 Degrees! Great for busy Engineering students to pop in and grab a quick lunch.
City Centre
FOOD // KASSY FOX & HANNAH FENLON
45
Coffee#1 This award winning coffee chain is the perfect spot for first dates. Coffee and cake, can’t go wrong.
Wiwo A great lunch deal, Wiwo are on Kingsway offering a variety in style of noodles - from udon to chow mein. If you want something to order-in this is definitely the place to go, reasonably priced takeaway and filling food.
Awa Grill House Want something authentically Mediterranean? Try Awa up on the high street. Great way to end a long day of retail therapy with a wrap and drink for under six pounds or you can go all out with their popular mixed grill. Awa Grill House
Nines The one true buffet of Swansea, offering around 100 meals of various culinary cultures. This is the place for students to be able to take advantage of that “All You Can Eat” when out with your flatmates for a meal.
Blowouts
*For when you’ve got a little more money to spend
Anarkali Now, if you’re a fan of Indian Food, there will be plenty of debates over the best Indian in Swansea. We’re recommending the Anarkali as a nice, prime quality Indian restaurant - this is the sort of place you want to take friends to when visiting from home.
#WingRoulette challenge then your next stop might be Jamaican Jill’s. Jerk chicken with a side of sweet fried plantain and rice makes this the Soul Food central of Swansea.
Toby Carvery Missing out on your parents’ roast dinner? The Toby Carvery is the place to get that authentic Sunday Roast feel, it offers lamb, chicken and pork with the largest Yorkshire Puddings you’ll see this side of Swansea. Toby Carvery
Jamaican Jill’s
If you can conquer the Nandos’
Jamican Jill's
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
THE BEST TECH FOR STUDENTS
ISSUE 273 // OCTOBER 2017
There’s no denying the fact that starting university is both an exciting and daunting moment. It’s the start of a new journey in your life - one that comes with a great deal of responsibility. You not only have to make sure you’re up-to-date with your studies, but it could also be that you’re moving into student accommodation and no longer have your parents to do everything for you. Suddenly, you’re a real adult and it’s quite scary. Fear not! You’ll find a great deal of technology on the market that’s capable of making your life as a student a lot easier; from pimpedup toasters to affordable laptops, here’s all the innovation you need in your uni life.
by Nic Fearn
Acer Chromebook 15
Lumie Bodyclock Starter 30
Considering the fact you’re going to be writing a ton of essays throughout uni, you’re definitely going to want a decent laptop. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Acer Chromebook 15 is one of the cheapest models you can get on the market, costing just £209. For that, you get an Intel dual-core processor, a 15.6-inch 1920x1080 display, a 720p webcam, the latest Bluetooth technology and 32GB of storage. The laptop runs on the Google’s Chrome operating system, so you’ll need an internet connection to use it, but you get direct access to popular apps like Docs, Sheets and Slides, all of which are free to use. Amazon.co.uk, £209
Early morning lectures aren’t much fun, but you don’t want to end up waking up late and missing them. So it’s a good idea to invest in an alarm clock. Lumie makes some of the most high-tech, advanced models on the market, and the Bodyclock Starter 30 is a great example. Also called a “dawn simulator”, it gradually wakes you up with increasing natural light. According to the company, this acts as a signal to ease the production of sleep hormone melatonin and works to increase the hormones that help you get up. The clock provides 30 minutes of sunrise in the morning and a fading light when you’re about to go to bed. www.lumie.com, £59.99
TECHNOLOGY // NIC FEARN
47
Tefal Slice Toast’N’Bean
Brother HL1112 printer
If you’re going to be living in halls at university, then you’ll be doing your own cooking. Luckily, there are some great gadgets to help. Tefal’s Toast’N’Bean lets you toast two slices of bread and heat up beans at the same time. It’s a quick and easy way to make one of the most cliché student dishes. Argos.co.uk, £29.99
As a student at university, you may have learnt by now that printing is a task you regularly have to undertake to succeed in your studies. It can be troublesome having to visit the library to do your printing rounds, which is why having a personal printer can be handy. Thankfully, gone are the days when a decent printer would’ve cost a few hundred quid; you can now get them for well under the £100 mark and the Brother HL-1112 is a fine example. It comes with a design that’ll complement any modern environment and won’t take up too much space, either. It sports a 600x600 dpi print resolution and a separate drum and toner, which can print up to 1000 pages. Currys.co.uk, £39.99
Motorola Moto G5
Sony Cybershot W800
Smartphones are fast becoming part of our educational equipment and a must have in 21st century society. This is because they allow you to do so much, being able to access the internet from afar, being able to keep in touch with family and friends, even completing surveys in class. Again, however, finding the best option can be tough, and you don’t want to be spending hundreds. The Moto G from Motorola is an example of a good bargain. What you get is a sleek design that’s had a lot of craft put into it, a 5-inch display, an 13-megapixel camera, 16GB of memory and a battery that’ll last the day. What more could you want? Various outlets, £169
There’s an argument that digital cameras are worthless due to the ever increasing list of things a smartphone can do. But it’s not really the case. Why, you may be thinking? Because with the amount of university courses and jobs relying on digital imaging, having a standalone camera can actually be useful. Rather than just relying on your smartphone for taking professional snaps, you will have the right equipment for the job. The Sony Cybershot W800 could be just the ticket. It comes with a 20-megapixel lens, a 5x zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD display, 720 video recording, a built-in flash and an intelligent scene mode. What’s more, it costs under £100, meaning you won’t end up out of pocket. Sony, £79