Inside:
Your very own city guide, loads of info on your Union, clubs and societies, plus plenty of top tips to make the most of your Uni experience!
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Settling In Student Centre Door Hanger
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New Life
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Map of Portsmouth Southsea Palmerston Shopping Precinct Gunwharf Old Portsmouth Guild Hall Walk Beyond Pompey
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Your Union Your Sabbatical Team Student Support Academic Support Clubs and Societies UPSU Media Student Centre
City Life
Student Life
Top Tips Nights In Money Tips Healthy Living Recipes Safety 4 Freshers
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Union Life
Welcome 15 Things to do in Portsmouth
Welcome
Index
Index
Editor & Chief Tom Worman Editor Steph Hall Content Editor Steve jones Design Editor Sophie Colverson Lead Designers Gamel Oki Mike Cooter Photography Editor Tom Worman
Lead photographer Jacob Leverett Proof Reader Laura Patricia Wilson Special thanks to Sarah Beer
Graehame Hinde William Hobson Amanda Greenwood Chris Walsh Sabb Team The Students!
Welcome
Party like its 2005 This years Media & Publication Officer Tom “The cameraman” Worman recaps on his time as a fresher!
Stepping forwards to the 1990’s I feel so old at just 21 with a large chunk of you freshers being born in 1990 and yet actually I can’t wait to getting back to the best party in the world - Freshers Fortnight. This magazine has really taken me back to what feels like, forever, but unfortunately it was just 3 short years ago. I had what felt like the longest, most lonely drive from my home in Devon to Portsmouth - it’s only 3 hours and yet time goes by so slowly when you’re not sure where you are going, who you are going to meet and even if you are going to be able to cope living alone. I guess this is a pretty common feeling but I can promise that flying the proverbial nest is one of the single most important things you will do in your life - you’ll absolutely love living in Costa Del Pompey! I was lucky enough to bag myself a first floor flat in James Watson Halls
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Pompey Guide
(N-1-9-3 just incase you are reading this and live there), wandering into the flat i remember there was a scary silence, things rush through your mind like a tornado - have i got the wrong flat, am i the first here, has everyone else moved in first and gone out to bond without me? Actually it turned out everyone was in their room trying to unpack their stuff with parents faffing around them pointing out what seemed like the pointless but you will learn mum knows best!
my freshers experience i would have joined a sports club - maybe ski and snowboard - their holiday has always tickled my fancy, done some volunteering - over the passed 3 years i got more out of volunteering for the newspaper than i did at all on my course, and finally made an effort to meet even more people - everyone is in the same boat as you. Whilst your flat might be great there are another 20,000 students out there to get to know.
After finally discovering a flat mate was called Gaetan (pronounced gaytan) not Gaytor - an easy mistake to make and getting to know everyone else who lived in the flat it soon started to dawn on me that everyone was in the same position and it was an opportunity to be who I wanted to be not who school life had moulded me to be. I’ve always felt that the friends you meet in Halls will be some of your best friends for life and this still sits true 3 years on. The experiences you share together will always be lasting memories good and bad, from your first dirty kebab after a night out to getting lost in Gunwharf.
I could go on forever about my Freshers’ Experience but each persons experience is different. I hope you enjoy your time here at Portsmouth - the more you do the more you will get out of it - there are some absolutely brilliant things to get involved with and do, people to meet and experiences to gain. See you all soon i hope.
Tom Worman (Media & Publication Officer)
The best game we ever played was a game of dares, not too dangerous though, things like go and ask someone on the 3rd floor for a tampon, sugar, paper and a spoon - by the time we had finished we had a queue of people outside our flat wanting to join in with our game. We got to know most of James Watson in one hit! By the time Freshers fortnight came around we had already become one as a flat and did everything together from shopping through to finding all the night clubs our social life was in full swing. On reflection however i didn’t make the most of
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Welcome
15 Things to Do in Portsmouth
Visit the Band Stand on the seafront for more cultural and musical experiences. Head to Clarence Pier and spend a day at the arcades.
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Try South Parade Pier for a classic bucket and spade day at the beach. Make your way to Gunwharf Quays waterfront complex and try one of the many restaurants. Visit Commercial Road for all the classic high-street shopping outlets.
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Try the Nuffield Centre opposite the Union for all your sporting needs
Spinnaker tower at Night
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Check out Portsmouth’s best live venue, The Wedgewood Rooms.
Wander to Langstone Harbour for a walk at dusk or dawn. Take advantage of all the student deals on offer on Guildhall Walk; a good place for lunch between lectures and as an evening venue.
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Get a group of mates down to Southsea Common, relax and fly a kite or play some footy or frisbee.
Find Southsea Skate Park and show off your moves Graehame Hinde
See the latest blockbuster films at Vue cinema. Head down to Bansbury Park and hit the basketball courts. Hike your way to Portsdown Hill, order something from Mick’s Burger Van and check out the view.
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Have a picnic at Canoe Lake (and maybe have a go on a pedalo!)
15 Things to Do Gunwharf Quays Complex
Pompey Guide
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City Life
Portsea Island
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Pompey Guide
Gunwharf Quays
Commercial rd
Old Portsmouth
Guildhall Walk
Map of Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a city located in the county of Hampshire on the southern coast of England. Portsmouth is the UK’s only island city and located on Portsea Island. It is commonly nicknamed Pompey. The administrative unit itself forms part of the wider Portsmouth conurbation, with an estimated 442,252 residents within its boundaries, making it the 11th largest urban area in England. At the 2001 census it was the only city in England with a greater population density than London as a whole, although many of London’s individual boroughs had a much greater density. A significant naval port for centuries, Portsmouth is home to the world’s oldest dry dock still in use and home to many famous ships, which includes Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory. Portsmouth has declined as a naval base in recent years but remains a major dockyard and base for the Royal Navy. There is also a commercial port serving destinations on the continent for freight and passenger traffic. The Spinnaker Tower is a recent addition to the city’s skyline. It can be found in the recently redeveloped area known as Gunwharf Quays.
The Portsmouth Urban Area covers an area with a population well over twice that of the city of Portsmouth itself, and includes Fareham, Portchester, Gosport, Havant (which includes the large suburbs of Leigh Park), Lee-on-the-Solent, Stubbington and Waterlooville.
Southsea
Seafront
The suburbs of Portsmouth and Southampton to the west arguably form a conurbation stretching from Southampton to Havant on the M27/ A27 road along the coast, and north to Clanfield on the A3 road.
Pompey Guide
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City Life
Southsea The heart of much of student life, we look at exactly what it is that Southsea has to offer For a lot of students, Southsea will not only become home during term time, but will also become the heart of their social life. There’s a wide range of great places to eat, drink and generally fritter away what’s left of your loan, and many of you will find yourselves spending more and more time in Portsmouth’s true “student town.”
There’s a wide range of great places to eat, drink and generally fritter away whats left of your loan
There’s the combination of Elm Grove and Albert Road, two streets which feature arguably the best pubs on the island and a very wide range of places to eat. These include Turkish, Tapas, more Chinese and Indians that you can shake a chopstick at and a Mexican/ Mediterranean combo somewhere along the line. With restaurant prices being what they are, however, it is
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Pompey Guide
my experience that you will spend more time sampling takeaways than sit down meals. There’s a glut of the generic KFC knock-offs, but with a little effort you’ll find some real treats; tasty, cheap and a change of pace from the hall’s favourite of Domino’s pizza. It is definitely worth shopping around, as many outlets offer student deals or offers on large orders - perfect for a night in with your housemates. For many of you, however (if you’re like me anyway!), the selection of watering holes on offer will be what interests you the most. My personal
favourite is The Honest Politician, a cheap student-friendly pub with a great laid-back atmosphere and excellent capacity. Also on offer is the always hectic, slightly trendier Little Johnny Russell, as well as the Atrium, a cocktail bar located just on the corner of both streets. There’s something to suit you no matter what your taste. A special mention also goes to the Hole in the Wall, a place that has a bit of an older crowd but is well worth the odd pint; on offer are delights such as alcoholic ginger beer or the massive selection of real ales and cider, and it is the anti-alchopop pub, situated just off Elm Grove. It doubles as a nice place
Southseas’ Albert road
for a quick pint or a good place to go to treat your dad (or for him to treat you). However, as the name suggests, it’s a little on the small side for a big night out. Albert Road also lays claim to two of the best equipped venues in Pompey outside of the central Guildhall. The most striking is The King’s Theatre – a historic building that survived WW2 and has since seen everything from Riverdance to Dara O’Brian. A little further down the road there’s another great venue; the Wedgewood Rooms. With a wide range of acts from all over the country, this is one of the places to keep your eyes on, as although you might not find a cheap beer in there, you’re sure to find some of the more nationally renowned acts playing, from Scratch Perverts to Newton Faulkner, and a great crowd.
Albert Road also lays claim to two of the best equipped venues in Pompey outside of the central Guildhall. Further south towards the seafront, you’ve got the Palmerston Road area, which is a little less individual but still has plenty to recommend.
Apart from the slightly sleazy strip club Elegance, there’s also a few clubs that offer an alternative to the big, bright chains in Gunwharf that play host to a range of more alternative nights out. There’s a big drum and bass scene, a couple of hip-hop nights and plenty of house/ techno stuff going on, and it’s also where the societies and student promoters tend to get a look-in at the bookings. Possibly the best place to keep an eye on is EQ, which has a variety of nights on throughout the month. There’s some really good bars down there too, offering great cocktails, shooters, and cheap deals on the more standard fare depending on the night you head down; Slug and Lettuce is always recommended, as is Drift Bar, which showcases a classy atmosphere and if you’re lucky, some blistering Fire-poi on the street. It’s also worth checking out the seafront itself, with Clarence Pier and the Pyramids playing host to some of the bigger nights out, which until very recently saw some of the bigger names in Drum and Bass arriving monthly for Breakneck (which is rumoured to be making a comeback) and there’s also Bar Bluu - a favourite for the hip hop faithful.
One final recommendation: walks along the seafront at night can be nice, but if you’ve had a few; be careful - that sea can get COLD!
William Hobson
FACT!
In September 2000 parts of Southsea were flooded when the pumping station that normally pumps surface water out to sea was itself flooded during a particularly heavy storm.
Pompey Guide
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City Life
Palmerston Rd. Shopping Precinct Shopping, drinking, eating - a guide to student town’s delights If you’re looking for quieter shopping away from the bustling Commercial Road, Palmerston Road is the place to go. It’s only five minutes away from Kings Theatre, Elm Grove and the seafront; just follow the blue arrow signposts or the Southsea Shopping Centre signs. The area can seem confusing at first, as there are many streets that wind off it, but it’s all part of the experience and Southsea is always interesting to explore. If you prefer to take a bus, then there are several routes that run from the city centre, Fratton, Southsea and The Hard Interchange (next door to Gunwharf Quays). Palmerston Road has a small selec-
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Pompey Guide
tion of high street shops including New Look, Debenhams and Clintons, as well as Iceland, which is handy if you live in the Southsea area and don’t want to go far for food shopping. There are also cafes, bakeries, restaurants and bars to enjoy if you fancy a change from Guildhall Walk. The most popular of these is Hong Kong Charlie’s for its colourful and
There are some beautiful florists, a delicious chocolate shop and several small boutiques to spend a lazy afternoon in with friends or family. Palmerston Road unusual shots and vodka flavours, including Lovehearts, mint chocolate or fizzy cola bottle flavours. It also offers soft drinks if shots aren’t really your thing. Across the road are the independent
shops. These range from the quirky Southsea Rock gift shop on classy and quirky Marmion Road, to the quaint furniture and antique shops where you might find a hidden treasure. There are some beautiful florists,
It also has a number of resturaunts
a unique shopping experience for those looking for something special. a delicious chocolate shop and several small boutiques to spend a lazy afternoon in with friends or family.
FACT!
The series of fortifications visible at the top of Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth were built with the support of the Prime Minister Lord Palmerston in the 1860s. His name quickly became associated with the forts, and was also given to Palmerston Rd.
getting home-made products whilst helping local trade. So, discover a different side to Portsmouth in Palmerston Road; a unique shopping experience for those looking for something special.
Amanda Greenwood
Palmerston Road also holds events, so look out for the Food Festival in May, which has delicacies from all around the world, and the monthly farmers’ market which is great for Palmerston Road has a plethora of shopping locations
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City Life
Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays is a world-class waterfront development
stores offers a wide range of products, from clothes to CDs, crockery to stationary, and shoes to surround sound. The stores all stock top name brands, including Ralph Lauren, Bose, Oakley and Animal. The best part is, however, that the majority of the stores are outlets, so the prices are some of the cheapest around! (A special tip is to visit the Cadbury’s store, where you can pick up two bags of factory rejected chocolate for a fiver: bargain!)
You’ve got a few hours to spend between lectures, and your loan’s burning a hole in your pocket. The option of Commercial Road shopping is drawing you in, but if you fancy a change of scene, then get yourself down to Gunwharf Quays. More modern than Commercial Road, Gunwharf Quays is “a world-class waterfront development” and “an award winning destination, mixing heritage alongside contemporary design”. Through this it retains the traditional atmosphere inherited from the Navy Dockyard that used to be on the site, with its own modern spin.
Gunwharf Quays isn’t difficult to pick out for two very good (and very tall) reasons. The complex contains two of the tallest buildings in the city - the holy grail of apartment buildings, No. 1 Gunwharf Quays, and the tallest observation tower in Europe, the Spinnaker Tower. These two buildings dominate the skyline for the entire area, and the best part is that you can go up the Spinnaker and enjoy views of the Solent and the city from 170m up. With almost 100 different outlets, shopping in Gunwharf will suit everyone. The array of designer
Entertainment in Gunwharf Quays also impresses. It is home to the largest cinema in the city, with the Vue cineplex offering 14 screens and a wide range of the biggest films. Food and drink services are available, and, as a part of the Vue chain, it often holds special events such as comedy and music gigs recorded especially for the cinema. Gunwharf also houses a 26-lane bowling alley called Bowlplex. The same venue is also home to a 13-table pool hall, amusements, and offers drinks and food. This makes it the ideal place a spend a quieter evening to give you a break from clubbing, particularly
Hover
T
F
on
s a Spinnaker at night
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Pompey Guide
For
w
FACT!
on Sundays, the discounted student night. It is more likely however, that where you will spend most of your time is in the wide range of clubs, bars and restaurants that the Quays offer. With over 30 bars and restaurants, there really is something for everyone. Whether you go to Tiger Tiger to dance it up, or Frankie and Benny’s to chow down, you can really have a great night out in Gunwharf. Try and get to places on student nights to take advantage of the discounts, and always keep your student ID handy in case you can shave a few pounds off the bill!
Gunwharf was the first main ordinance yard for the navy established in the late 17th century. Ships would collect thier gunpowder, cannon balls and weapons before leaving Portsmouth Harbour for action at sea. It would have been from Gunwharf the Nelsons’ victory collected her munitions before the battle of trafalgar
For those of you feeling really flush, you can visit the property agents in the Quays to dream about next years’ accommodation. However, beware: the rent prices are probably the highest in Portsmouth, and it will be a rich student who can afford to live there! Hover Ad Portsmouth University
Chris Walsh
2/8/07
10:13 am
Page 1 Gunwharfs Quays Complex
The Isle of Wight
hovercraft
Fly over with Hovertravel
only 10 mins from Southsea to Ryde
student discounts available with Uni ID Card For details call 01983 811000 or email info@hovertravel.co.uk
www.hovertravel.co.uk
Pompey Guide
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City Life
ty
Old Portsmouth Sometimes overlooked because of Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth has many hidden treasures to those in the know. Social life in Portsmouth can be a hectic stream of the large number of pubs, clubs and bars offering student deals practically every night of the week. But sometimes you may just want to calm things down and enjoy some quieter times. Old Portsmouth is the perfect place to do so. Situated in the area surrounding Gunwharf Quays, Old Portsmouth is an alternative to the constant buzz of Guildhall Walk or Southsea. This traditional looking area houses some of the most under-appreciated delights the city has to offer, and has a variety of different forms of entertainment that starkly contrast with the more metropolitan areas of town. The Historic Dockyard is a perfect example of this. Located a few hundred yards away from the Hard Interchange and Gunwharf Quays, this fantastic attraction demonstrates the rich history that the city has, and you can learn a lot about the events and individuals who have shaped Portsmouth. Within there are a range of attractions that can be enjoyed by all. The Mary Rose, a warship from the 1500s, is an incredibly well preserved example of naval history, and, despite sinking over 450 years ago, gives a unique perspective on this period of history. Also housed in the Historic Dockyards is the HMS Warrior, the first ironclad battleship, built in 1861. This ship, which dominated the seas of the times, shows the strong naval tradition that exists in the city, and walking around the vessel, seeing the weaponry and exhibits, is truly an eye opening experience.
moored in the Dockyards is HMS Victory. The ship played a key role at the Battle of Trafalgar and was the final ship in the command of Lord Nelson, who died on deck during the battle. It is the oldest warship still in commission, and is a fascinating piece of British history. Visitors can walk around the ship and see the conditions in which the sailors were forced to do battle with the French. As well as the Historic Dockyard, Old Portsmouth is also home the Royal Navy Docks, where a large number of the modern fleet’s warships are moored. Throughout the year various ships call Portsmouth their home, from destroyers to aircraft carriers. Though there is no way to get close on land, a harbour tour is available from both Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays, where passengers can see the ships with full commentary. For those of you not turned on by history, the area also offers some of the nicest pubs and restaurants in the city. The Lemon Sole and the Duke of Buckinghamshire come highly recommended, with good atmospheres and greats drinks and food. The area is the perfect place to go when the
parents come to visit, and on their dime things always taste better. Life in the fast lane seems to be the student way sometimes, but if you do need a break from the 24/7 lifestyle Old Portsmouth is a surprising discovery the first time you go there. With culture, history and a real traditional atmosphere, a quiet night or a day trip with you family can be really great if you give Pompey’s best kept secret a try.
Steve Jones
The most famous of the ships
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City Life
Guildhall Walk & Commercial Rd. Guildhall Walk
It may be home to many of your lectures, but the area around Guildhall and Commercial Road can offer so much more. At the heart of every student’s world is lectures and the buildings where they are held. Every day you will walk to the same buildings in the same area to listen and learn so you can graduate with the best marks possible. But, alongside the usual university business you will conduct in the centre of Portsmouth, there is a vibrant and entertaining area that can offer you some of the best times you will have during your years here. The two areas closest to your lectures are Guildhall Walk and Commercial Road. Whilst offering very different services, the two become, for many students, a staple of daily life, and not just because of the lectures held close by. Commercial Road is Portsmouth’s largest shopping area, offering a huge range of different outlets that cater to almost every need. Whether it is clothes, electronics, books, or
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Pompey Guide
stationary, the area has a vast array of different stores varying from top of the range high street vendors to bargain basement goods. Of particular note is the Cascades, a shopping centre with over 50 different
Commercial Road is Portsmouth’s largest shopping area, offering a huge range of different outlets
shops, including Essential, Faith, O2, Moss Bros and Game. It also has a number of places to grab food and drinks to take a break from the hard work of spending your student loan! If the Cascades food court doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, Commercial Road also offers a wide variety of food outlets. Subway, cafes, bakeries and Pizza Hut are just a few of the offerings you can take up,
Commercial Road and there is something there that everyone will like. In fact, Commercial Road has the widest range of services in all of Portsmouth, with almost all of the major banks and building societies represented, as well as a large Tesco, HMV, and even an Ann Summers! Nightlife in Commercial Road is no less varied. The jewel in the crown is the 1900 capacity Liquid & Envy, a popular nightclub amongst students and locals alike. Nearby is the Trafalgar, which is a popular place to start an evening, and for a quieter night the Surrey Arms has a great atmosphere and reasonable prices.
is Guildhall Walk, situated right by the city’s impressive live entertainment venue, funnily enough called the Guildhall. Everything from comedy to bands are on offer here on a regular basis, with big acts such as Jimmy Carr, Scouting for Girls, and Supergrass gracing the stage. The Walk itself houses a number of popular bars and clubs, with particular favourites for students being Route 66, Walkabout and Babylon, with cheap drinks and cheesy music winning the day once more.
FACT!
In 1967 the one year old Tricon won a Civic trust award for it’s “exciting visual composition”. The following year it was voted Britains fourth ugliest building in a poll of 500 designers. it was finally demolished in 2004 to make way for a new shopping centre.
You may be sick of the sight of Guildhall Walk and Commercial Road after your lectures, but the bad memories evoked by hours of learning will quickly fade away if you give it the chance and let your hair down in a place where you will be sure to have many good times.
Another area that every student will become familiar with on a night out Commercial Road
Pompey Guide
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City Life
Beyond Pompey You may not believe it when you first arrive, but eventually you may wish to leave the city in search of new entertainment. Don’t be scared - Pompey will still be here when you get back, and day (or night) trips away can be a great way to spend time with your mates. There are some really great places to visit just a stones throw from Portsmouth, so if you want to get away, then try these.
Isle of Wight Closet to your adopted home is one of the largest islands in the UK, and is a prime place to spend a great day out with your friends. Just a short ride away on either hovercraft or ferry, a little digging around shows that the Isle of Wight has loads of great things to do, including a lot of big events that can really be very memorable.
The
acts since the 70s have changed a lot, but the big names still come in force for the event
Arguably the most famous Isle of Wight attraction is the world renowned Cowes Race, one of the most famous sailing events in the country. This regatta is the oldest in the world and is a week of entertaining racing culminating in a huge fireworks display launched from barges in the Solent. The event occurs during August and draws spectators from around the country and the globe, all descending on the island, which has an almost carnival atmosphere with banners and lights plastered over the streets. Also in the summer is the increasingly popular Isle of Wight festival, which was revived in 2002 after the festival in 1970 was the largest in the world, eclipsing even Woodstock and Glastonbury. The acts since the 70s have changed a lot, but the big names still come in force for the event, with last years line up including Kaiser Chiefs, The Police, NERD and The Sex Pistols. With 70,000
IoW Beaches
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IOW Ferry
Spreading your wings outside the city may seem scary, but going beyond Pompey can be really rewarding
Pompey Guide
people in attendance, the festival has also won the Best Major Festival Award in 2007, beating off competition from the likes of Reading, Leeds and Download. The weekend will truly be one to remember, and it is worth the outlay to see some of the biggest acts in music perform over the three days in June. It is not only the events that draw people to the Isle of Wight. During the rest of the year it is a lovely day out, wandering around the idyllic setting and sampling the local pubs and restaurants. There is an ice rink, (for ice skaters this will be the closest available stop), and the island is a great place to spend a quiet (and fairly cheap!) day out with friends or with family. Many students spend their time in Portsmouth never visiting the Isle of Wight, so don’t miss out.
The New Forest Another place that serves as a good alternative to the manic nightlife of Pompey is the New Forest. Though it is fairly close to Southampton (or Scumhampton as it is affectionately known), it is a National Park of great beauty and has outstanding examples of British flora and fauna. Although a proper look around is easier in a car, many students take their bikes on a train to Brockenhurst which is right in the heart of the forest. The perfect way to spend time in the New Forest is with a picnic. There are plenty of areas with benches, or you can roam around and find one of the many clearings that are perfect for sitting in and enjoying the sunshine (should you be lucky enough to experience some!). If this
New Forest
hundreds of clubs and thousands of bars create an incredible nightlife, and the huge range of attractions make good for daytime entertainment. Highly recommend for students on a budget are the range of museums and art galleries, particularly the Science Museum where you can feel like a kid again playing with tons of cool toys! Getting away from Portsmouth for the day may seem like a lot of effort, but sometimes getting away with your mates can make for some great times, and when you get back the city will still be waiting for you, so spread your wings and try something new.
Though it may not seem the most obvious choice for students, the New Forest is a surpising day out, and a pub lunch with a few close friends or a wander through the hamlets and villages can become one of the nicest days you can have in the area.
Brighton and London
Steve Jones
Though they are a bit further away, Brighton and London offer great times for all to enjoy. Brighton’s fantastic shopping includes the famous Lanes, an area of small winding roads housing some of the most eclectic and interesting small shops you can go to, and Brighton Pier is one of the great attractions on the British coast. Add to this a lively and vibrant nightlife, and Brighton becomes a very attractive proposition for many students, made better by the fact that it can be easily accessed by bus or train from Portsmouth.
Brighton Pier
is isn’t your bag, however, the New Forest has some of the regions finest pubs, with practically every road offering an establishment stocking fine food and drink. Driving through the New Forest, you may also come across Beaulieu, a beautiful village that is home to the National Motor Museum (for all you petrolheads) and sits on the Beaulieu River, making it a lovely way to spend a day.
London, as the capital city, is also a great day out. It is surprisingly only an hour and a half away by train, and is a unique experience. The London
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Student Life
Top Tips
Facebook stalking is not cool but make sure you add everyone you meet,
you never know... you might
need them at some point. Tom Worman – Media Officer
Say a
person’s name
back to
them when being introduced. You will
meet a LOT of people –
repeating someone’s name the first
will help glue a face to a name.
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Joe Ford
or ask a fellow student, they’ll be more than willing to
point you in the right direction.
people in purple sit in the wrong lectures! Look out for
how many people walk around the wrong building or even
Sounds obvious I know but
If in doubt, ask.
you’d be surprised
time you meet them
Pompey Guide
Mike Cooter – Communications Manager
Taxi’s stupidly
Use them want to
to
Have a good think about what it is you
are want to do after
cheaP. uni and keep an eye out for any - you don’t opportunities be walking that can help you achieve
through Somers Town
at Night .
Tom Worman – Media Officer
your goals Sophie Colverson - Design Editor
Visit Freshers’ Fayre. Apart from the
freebies, it gives you
the chance to join a variety of different
societies and clubs
varying from music to sport to the insane, there
something for everyone! really is
It is recommended for all Freshers. Joe Ford
John Craven – Vice Chancellor
Andrew Machin - President
on what is available
summer
You
after do
about
probably change your mind several times, particularly if you get lots of information
reminisce over the
will
of everything. You’ll be able to
graduated.
Take photo’s
have
Simon Leach - Sports Officer
you
academic life
Think soon what you want to
Get involved in something; you need distractions from the pressures of
You should register with a doctor
before you get sick (best if you just get it done soon as you can).
It’s a lot of hassle to have to do it once you have caught the ‘flu’. John Craven – Vice ancellor
Enjoy Yourself!
Being a Fresher will be one of the most enjoyable
experiences of your life. You will meet people from all walks of life, have some
crazy nights out and no doubt, some terrible hangovers, but it will all form a part of one of the best years of your life
which you will look back on with a smile and hopefully, no regrets! Tom Worman – Media Officer Pompey Guide
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Students Life
Nights In Give your dancing feet a night off and try something at home instead. It’s a Friday night, but you are completely broke; you and your mates are really bored. It happens to everyone during their stint at university, and dealing with it can sometimes be difficult when you don’t have the cash to go out on the town. Your flat or halls aren’t just for sleeping and recovering from hangovers, though. They can be a great place to spend time with friends or better acquaint yourself with new people. And we don’t just mean sit in the hallway playing “so-what-coursedo-you-do”, though that can be a good pastime if the conversation gets going and everyone joins in. It may seem really obvious, but a good way to spend time with people on the cheap is to stick a movie on. Particularly good for larger groups are comedies, since the plot isn’t as important as the jokes and laughing with others can really bring people together. Or, put on a series; the half hour plot lines mean you don’t have to pay attention for long, and they can be a conversation point in future, particularly if new episodes are airing that the same time. It can be fun to catch up with characters, or introduce your favourites to your new mates who may not have met them before. If movies aren’t your thing, why not go for computer games instead. Practically every student house or halls has at least one resident with a games console, and playing games together in the lounge can be great fun, particularly if you have tournaments or leagues. For the
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sake of non gamers, try things like Monkey Ball or Mario Cart or Worms that require very little skill, but a lot of players. This will get plenty of people involved, and you and your hard-core mates can always have a Halo session later when the others have gone to bed! A little creativity goes a long way, though, and once you have exhausted DVD collections and completed every game, why not try and think up some indoor sports. During my time in halls we had corridor sprinting, TV lounge football and boxing, and the World Championships of Sitting Down Table Tennis. It might all seem a bit silly, but some of my best memories of halls were messing around on quiet nights. And just because you’re at uni doesn’t mean you have to abandon the good game of hide and seek, especially not with a whole building to be explored! Do remember the golden rule though: have fun, but try to keep it quiet after hours (you may be enjoying yourself, but the people trying to sleep may not find it so amusing!) For quieter nights in, you can always
resort to party games, with or without the copious amounts of alcohol. Not everyone may be comfortable sharing, but sessions of I Never or Truth or Dare can be just the thing to get people talking, and may tell you a little bit about your hall mates you didn’t know (and maybe didn’t need to!) For the less raucous, you could get a few people to pool together for ingredients and try a new dish or do some baking. You’ll be amazed how the time flies by, and at the end of it you’ll have goodies to share with your new best friends – and they will be if you keep feeding them, believe me! Just try not to set off the fire alarms, and tidy up afterwards, which can also be semi fun if you have a few friends and a good conversation going. So if you do want to have an evening in with your mates, don’t just stick with the classics. Be creative, because with the London Olympics coming up maybe you’ll create a new category - the Evening-In Olympics!
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1
Student Life
Money Tips The time has come for you to be financially independent, and although the lure of your student loan can seem exciting, here are a few tips to ensure you don’t blow it all in your first month.
Stock up on a worthy amount of food to last you for the first day or so; chances are the Union will be the first point of call and after a few beverages with your new crew the nearest burger bar will be beckoning…I fell into this costly trap on my first night. – Jess Armstrong
Learn to cook, not only will it save you money but it’ll impress your mates and the opposite sex, it also grants you a get out of washing up free card! – Gamel Oki
Buy supermarket branded food - it’s cheaper and allows you more money to party! – Caz Bird (Student Support Officer)
BUDGET! Don’t let the student loan go to your head, remember it has to last you past freshers fortnight! – Tom Worman
(Media & Publications Officer)
Lidl is the supermarket you want to shop at. – Andrew ‘Jaffa’ Machin (Students Union President)
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Get a Natwest Student bank account. With this, you are eligible for a free five year railcard, which saves you up to a third on travel. You also get a huge interest free overdraft should you need it!
Money worries are no more as we give you our top tips for surviving on a student budget
Keep an eye on things. Little outgoings add up, such as a morning coffee, drunken kebabs or a weekly magazine, so it is important to keep track of where your money is going. Start a spreadsheet to work out what you are spending where every week.
Get an NUS card. During your first weeks, get down to the Union and sign up for an NUS card. It only costs £10 and can be used in places such as Subway, Topshop, HMV and the cinema. University of Portsmouth Campus Cards are also accepted at Vue in Gunwharf Quays which will save you around £1 a ticket.
2 5 3 6 4 7 Budget! Work out how much money you have coming in and going out: figure how much you can allow yourself to spend each week, and make a note of exactly what you need. Try your best not to spend any more than this figure during the week.
Shop around. Portsmouth has a huge variety of pubs and clubs, but a student on a budget can’t go splashing out on drinks. Try to go out on student nights, when the drinks and entry prices are cheaper.
If you find yourself in financial difficulty the Money Doctors are always on hand to help. You do not need to make an appointment, just pop in for a 1-2-1 surgery with a Money Doctor. Your money issues needn’t become a major problem if you come and see us first, don’t wait until it’s too late. www.port.ac.uk/finance
Orange Wednesdays! Those of you that have an Orange mobile phone, broadband or home phone can take advantage of Orange Wednesdays at Vue in Gunwharf Quays. Once registered, text “FILM” to 241 for your buy one get one free tickets. Loyalty pays! Tesco and Boots reward customers who come back again and again. You can earn points on purchases with loyalty cards, which are free and not a “credit card with perks” like most other store cards. Try to stick to these two shops, and keep your card with you, and you will soon be reaping the rewards (in the form of vouchers!).
Student Life
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Healthy Eating
Takeaways and ready meals are no more! Healthy eating is the fashionable version of junk food... honest!
Like exercise, eating healthy food seems like something that can wait until after university. Unfortunately, the hectic student life can take its toll on your body, and if you combine late nights with bad food, all of the exercise in the world won’t keep you fit. Eating well means that your body can cope a lot better with the strain put on it by late nights and vigorous ‘studying’ – but it doesn’t mean you have to live on salad. A good start in healthy eating is doing proper food shops. Whilst it is a lot easier to pop to the local Tesco Express and pick through the small selection, larger supermarkets offer a much wider range of fresh meat and veg, and careful selection can easily save you a lot of money. Asda in Fratton can be quite a trek, but clubbing together with some mates for a taxi can make the cost minimal, and you are able to stock up on a good amount of food. Big shops needn’t be expensive either. Frozen ready meals do last a long time, so stocking up on them may seem like a good idea, but a huge range of fresh items bought at the supermarket are also suitable for home freezing - just look for the snowflake symbol to see if it is okay. Be warned though, make sure you follow the correct instructions when cooking, and if food needs to be defrosted ensure you leave it in the fridge for the full 24 hours before cooking it.
like these you can often club together to buy in bulk, saving money and using all of the food up. The same applies for fruit, and a range of fruit between a number of housemates can be chopped up into a tasty fruit cocktail to take to lectures, or blended into a shareable smoothie.
For those of you who don’t have space for a huge weekly shop, think about getting the food delivered to your house. If you book in advance and at an off peak time (i.e. when everyone is at work!) you can often get the delivery for around £3 a week. This way food doesn’t overflow out of your fridge, but there is no need to go shopping every five minutes to pick something else up for dinner. Healthy eating may seem like a chore, but with a bit of effort you can help yourself stay in good condition whilst still eating tasty food every day. The extra effort is worth it, and, if you do really well, maybe you can treat yourself to a takeaway every so often. Steve Jones
Vegetables are also longer lasting than you would expect. Potatoes are particular long living, as are onions, and with items
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Life Style
Recipes Healthy, cheap student meals. It’s not all rabbit food - healthy eating can really be something, and here are a couple of recipes (plus guilty treat) to get you started. It’s easy to fall into bad eating habits at Uni, as for most students it’s the first time they’ve had to cook for themselves. Many revert to eating ready meals and takeaways every day, but cooking real food doesn’t have to take loads of time or money. The average ready meal costs between £2-£4 and contains around 1/3 of your recommended daily calorie intake (most of it in salt, fat or sugar). The basic rule is if you buy and cook fresh, it’ll cost you less and have far less additives. It will mean a little extra time in preparation - but that is something that students have a plenty of! Sarah Beer
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Calzones These folded pizza parcels are cheap to make and you can fill them with anything you like. You will need: a pizza base kit, water, tomato pasta or pizza sauce, grated mozzarella and whatever fillings you like. I use mushrooms, pre-cooked sliced chicken, meatballs, pepperoni and red onion. Method 1 Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. 2 Make up the pizza dough as instructed on the packet. 3 Leave to rise in a warm place while you prepare the fillings: either use ready cooked meat, or cook it before so you just need to warm them up. 4 Chop the mushrooms into thin slices so they cook easily. 5 Roll out the dough thinly and place on a greased baking tray. 6 Spread some tomato pasta sauce onto half on the base, leaving about an inch free around the edge. 7 Then add all your toppings with some mozzarella on top. 8 Drip a little milk around the edge and fold over the top. Fold it over slightly to stop the fillings leaking out.
Ingredients • •
Red onion, 21p Pizza base kit, 55p for 2 mixes • Tesco pasta sauce, 25p • Pepperoni, £1.24 • Cooked chicken slices, £2.29 • Grated mozzarella, £1.44 • Baby button mushrooms, 89p • Fresh beef meatballs, £1.99 Total: £8.77. Split between 2 that is only £4.39 each, and the ingredients last for ages.
9 Brush some more milk or egg over the top if you want it to go crispy. You can add a sprinkle of parmesan if you want. 10 Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes, until it is slightly brown and hot throughout.
If you want to be really healthy, serve with salad. I love to have some chilli oil to dip the crust into. With the leftover ingredients, make ciabatta pizzas the next day. Cut a ciabatta (£1.09) or part baked baguette (50p for 2) in half and smother each half with tomato pasta sauce. Add toppings followed by mozzarella and cook in the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the bread is slightly brown.
Shredded Wheat Cakes For yummy chocolatey snacks, try these non-cook treats that take minutes to make. Method 1 Mash up 3 shredded wheat biscuits with your hands in a bowl. 2 Melt 100g of milk chocolate and 100g dark in the microwave, making sure it doesn’t burn. 3 Mix the chocolate into the shredded wheat and then distribute into cake cases. 4 Leave to cool and then eat. 5 Don’t forget to lick the bowl!
Chilli Con Carne This is a lot easier to make than you might think. You can add lots of healthy stuff that you won’t even really taste once mixed with the sauce! You can use any mince (turkey is especially healthy), but I tend to use Quorn, which is great for vegetarians and easier to cook than beef or lamb. Method 1 Fry some onions in a little bit of oil and add the mince to the pan.
Ingredients • •
Tesco chocolate, 79p per bar Shredded Wheat, £1.47 for 16 biscuits Total, £3.05. That’s around 25p per cake! And you have shredded wheat left for breakfast, or more cakes!
2 Add mushrooms too if you like. If using meat it will need draining to get rid of some of the fat, but be careful not to let any of the oil drip onto the outside of the pan. You don’t want to set off all the fire alarms!
Chili Con Carne is ideal for freezing, and I often cook more than I need and leave some meal-sized portions in the freezer for a quick microwave meal.
3 Once the mince is all brown, add a jar of Uncle Ben’s Chilli Con Carne sauce (or, if you’re feeling brave, make your own!). Then you can add whatever you want. I like to add a can of lentils, some kidney, pinto or adzuki beans and some chopped pepper. 4 Leave to simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes. 5 This should be served with rice, which can be tricky. The microwave stuff is pretty foolproof but ideally stick to the healthier brown rice.
Ingredients •
Quorn Mince: £1.89 for 300g • Canned lentils: 32p • Kidney Beans: 14p • Onion: 18p • Red pepper: 68p • Mushrooms: 89p • Easy cook brown rice: 89p for a huge pack • Tesco microwave rice: 79p • Uncle Ben’s Chilli con carne sauce: £1.35 Total: £7.13, which is enough for 2 or 3 portions.
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Students Life
Safety for Freshers Following someone in through a door is a thief’s favourite way of gaining access.
Thousands of you will be living away from home for the first time when you start university this auttumn. The freedom this gives and the thrill of being in a new environment and making new friends can be intoxicating. There is a lot to think about when you first move to Halls or your own flat, but it is important that you don’t forget about your personal safety. Sounds boring but think about the possible consequences if you don’t.
If you see anything suspicious, report it to your campus security. It may be nothing to worry about but it is better to be safe than sorry.
The risks of suffering violence and aggression are thankfully very small but you do need to be careful, especially when you are in a new environment and with new people. The good news is that by taking some basic precautions you can easily reduce the risks even further and gain the confidence of knowing that you are in control of your own safety.
Make sure that the property is secure and that you are happy about the safety of the area; it is a good idea to visit it at night as well as during the day time.
The national personal safety charity, Suzy Lamplugh Trust, offers the following advice: Staying Safe in Halls When you leave your room always lock the door and shut the window, even if you are only popping next door for a minute. Most thefts are opportunistic so don’t offer them the opportunity. Don’t invite someone you barely know back to your room when it is just the two of you. Get to know them better before finding yourself alone with them. by holding a door open unless you know them or have checked their ID.
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Finding A Flatshare If you are going to view a flat, try and take someone with you. If this is not possible, leave full details of where you are going and who you are meeting, with someone and arrange to contact them once you have finished.
Make sure you meet and talk to all your prospective flat mates and trust your instincts when deciding whether or not to move into the property. If you feel uneasy about something, look for another flat. Some universities have lists of private rooms that are rented to students. These lists are really useful but make sure you know whether these landlords have to comply to certain standards or a voluntary code and exactly what this means for your safety.
Safety When Out and About Stay Alert! The sooner you can spot potential danger approaching the easier it will be to avoid it. This means you should always try to avoid chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones. Both Becareful when walking alone at night
Safety Guide for Freshers The complete guide to student safety for when you arrive in the city
s
of these activities will distract you from your surroundings and prevent you from hearing danger and warning sounds, such as running footsteps behind you or the sound of angry voices around the next corner. You are often going to be loaded down with books and bags but always try to keep one hand free and walk confidently and purposefully. If you are out at night, try to stick to busy streets and near other people. Avoid danger spots such as poorly lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways and walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers. Ask at university to find out if there are any areas near your halls that should be avoided. Some short-cuts may be great during the day but have a reputation among other students for being unsafe at night. Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk. If you see someone else in trouble, think twice before piling in to help. This may just aggravate the problem and you could end up hurt as well. It may be a lot more helpful to shout for help from campus security or by calling the police. Transport If you are planning on using public transport, always check the times of the last bus, train or ferry. Get your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet stays out of sight. Always wait for a transport in a well-lit place, near other people if possible. If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver or conductor. On trains try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages. If you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to move to another seat or carriage.
Always carry the telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or minicab company with you. If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance. Ask for the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car Aquacabs send a text back message to tell you this and when your taxi is arriving.
away and ask for a taxi to take you home. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive – is it the taxi or minicab you ordered? Sit in the back of the car. If you chat to the driver, be careful not to give out any personal details.
Surprisingly, the most common date rape drug is alcohol. Victims are often unaware that extra shots of alcohol have been added to their drinks making them far stronger.
Never take an unlicensed mini-cab, as these are unchecked, uninsured and potentially very dangerous.
Get an Alarm
Going Out at Night Whenever possible, plan ahead!
Some short-cuts may be great during the day but have a reputation among other students for being unsafe at night. Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. Always plan how you are going to get home again. If you are going to drink then know what your limit is. Remember alcohol dulls your instincts and can lead to you making dangerous decisions. If you are going out with a group of people then watch out for each other and make sure everyone stays safe. Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them. Be especially careful never to leave your drink unattended, even if you are going onto a dance floor or to the toilet. If something tastes or looks odd, do not eat/drink any more of it. Be aware though that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless. If you feel ill or light-headed tell a trusted friend or a member of staff straight
If someone you do not know or trust offers to buy you a drink, either decline politely or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added to your drink.
We all want to feel as safe, confident and secure as possible and one thing that can really help with this is a personal safety alarm. Try and make carrying it as instinctive as grabbing your mobile when you go out. The most common misconception is that a personal alarm is used to attract the attention of passers by. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on a personal alarm to do that for you. Firstly, there may not actually be anyone within earshot. Secondly, most people will assume if is a car alarm and ignore it. The purpose of a personal alarm is to shock and disorientate an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away. Therefore it must be loud enough to do this. (For further information about what type of alarms to choose and how to use them, visit www.suzylamplugh.org). Or if you are in halls, you will each have one in your room. You should always test your alarm when you first get it. There is nothing worse than reaching for your alarm in a time of crisis and finding that it does nothing. For more advice visit: www.suzylamplugh.org
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Union Life
Your Union The Union
The Union is your Union find out exactly what that means to you. The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union is more than just a building - it’s an organisation that aims to help students make the most of their time at university by offering them the chance to learn new skills, get support and advice, and enjoy themselves with other students in a safe and friendly environment. The Union is run by its members - you. All full time students at Portsmouth are automatically made members of the Union unless they choose to opt out, so you and the other 20,000 students are effectively in control. However, since it is impractical for those students to all run the building on a day to day basis, a system of representation is used. Six students are elected to represent the students of Portsmouth on local, national and international issues for one year as “Sabbatical Officers”. Any student can stand, and those that are elected run the Union on behalf of the students as paid trustees. By having students run the Union we constantly refocus what we must do to match student requirements. We stay alert to emerging trends, concerns and desires, and make sure that the culture of student involvement is carried forward year on year. Volunteer and join the campaigns team to be the voice of UPSU. You’ll be informing students of all the important issues that
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concern them, plus you’ll be finding out what students want to say and helping them say it. Running campaigns requires many different skills, from prop-making to event planning and meeting MPS to web design. The Union is your Union, and its here for the taking so get involved. It can be as much as we make it.
It’s not all about student life Your Union offers the services that you need The Union may seem like simply the perfect place to come out and have a drink, listen music and dance away, but there are actually a wide range of different services on offer in the building. Every student can use these facilities, and they can be a key help
in your academic, personal and financial life at university. The Copy Shop The Copy Shop is located by the Cambridge Road entrance to the Union, and offers facilities that many students find vital during their course. You can buy a range of stationary, including academic planners that are a great help in keeping your life organised. There are also printing facilities, ranging from colour and black and white photocopying to binding of
Alert to emerging trends, concerns and desires, and make sure that the culture of student involvement is carried forward
dissertations. Also on sale are the University of Portsmouth hoodies that you are bound to see being worn by students all over the city. Just make sure you pop in before you spend your loan on beer and takeaways so you can actually get the things you need! The Job Shop
Freshers Fayre
Student loans don’t always last as long as they are supposed to, particularly when you have two weeks of partying to do during Freshers’ Fortnight. Many students end up getting part time jobs to earn a little bit of spending money during term time. If this sounds like something you would be interested in then look no further than the Job Shop. Situated just outside of the Waterhole bar main doors, the Job Shop has listings of vacancies all over the city in all different fields. Whether you are looking to work behind a bar or driving a delivery van, there are jobs available for all types of people. The Job Shop can also help you with any problems you may have with applications, interviews or questions about working as a student. Extra money is always nice, and doing a few hours a week can really boost your bank account. Going to the Job Shop will help you with this and ease the financial burden of you time as a student.
Grad Ball
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Union Life
Your Sabbatical Team This is the place where the Sabbatical Officers (your student representatives) plus all the staff who help to run sports, societies, student events, volunteering activities and support services live.
Andrew ‘Jaffa’ Machin President At the Students’ Union we strongly beluev in ethics, diversity and collectivism. My role is to ensure that we keep those principles close to our hearts in everything we do. I also guarantee that we are doing everything the membership wants us to promote, defend and extend the rights of our students - and ensure you have the best experience possible. So get involved with any and everything we offer, adn enjoy your year.
It sometimes takes people a while to realise that this is really open access and a welcoming place for students to explore. It would be a terrible shame if you only realised in the last few months just how much is possible with a good idea and some enthusiasm. It’s not a Dragon’s Den – so come on over.
Caz Bird Student Support Being the student support officer, I deal with any problems you may encounter that could affect your welfare during your time at University. It is essential that you get the most out of your University experience, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
It all happens in Gun House. A guide to your Union Staff Perhaps the most important – and frequently overlooked – part of the Union is found in the smaller redbrick building attached by the glass bridge.
Contact Us Andrew Machin president@upsu.net Caz Bird studentsupport@upsu.net Steve Topazio edandrep@upsu.net Ella Lawson sado@upsu.net Tom Worman media@upsu.net Simon Leach sports@upsu.net
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Steve Topazio Education and Representation My role is to ensure you recieve the best education possible during your time in Portsmouth. If you have a problem with your course, have been treated unfairly, need to appeal academic decisions or just need some advice then pop into the Students’ Union. I also deal with Union and University disciplinary processes, i’m here to help - come and see me in the Sabbatical Office. I don’t bite often! Ella Lawson Societies and Development To get the very best from your time at University, getting involved with as much as you can is a must. So come and see me about joining a society or if you’d like to become a volunteer and really make a difference. Not only will you have an awesome time, you
will be building up your skills profile which benefits your CV. Tom Worman Media and Publications The Union’s media outlets - PURE FM student radio, Pugwash News, Pugwash Magazine, Purple Wednesdays, UPSU.net and the newly launched UPSU TV - are driven by students, for students, and are the best way for every student to find out what’s on, what’s up, who to speak to and how to get involved with the Union. It is my responsibility to ensure we are promoting the Union and what it does to both our student body and on a national scale. Our media cannot however function without student volunteers so make sure you come and write an article, design some pages for the magazine or newspaper, grab a microphone and present on PURE FM or even pick up a camera and film our events. Simon ‘Darby’ Leach Sports Sport at University can benefit your life in ways nothing else can; the friends you make and the social life it brings will really enhance your student experience. The Athletic Union caters for 60 different sports with teams to handle all levels of ability, so come and get involved. Remember a healthy body means a healthy mind.
Ella
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Reception Caz Simon
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1. What super power would you have if you could have any?
Andy - I want to be invisible Tom - The power to Morph Caz - I’d love to fly Darby - The power of absorbance, this would include invisibility Ella - Invunerability Steve - Time travel 2. What’s the dumbest thing you have ever done?
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Andy - Probably passing out and having my head immac’d Tom - I managed to a bike brake through my leg Caz - I thought elbow grease was real and beastiality was about overweight people having sex Darby - I jumped off a cliff in Australia and landed on a sea urchin. Ella - Fell off a human pyramid and dislocated my knee Steve - I was arrested in Jersey for picking flowes and traffic cone abuse.
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3. Is Netball a real sport?
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Andy - No Tom - Possibly it depends if the girls are in the office or not Caz - Yes, it’s a good game Darby - Is it bollocks! Ella - Yes Steve - No. It’s got no contact, so it can’t be a sport 4. If you could meet any person throughout history who would it be? Andy - Johnny Wilkinson, David Beckham and Bruce Forsyth Tom - Erm, Pamela Anderson, Jenna Jameson... can you see the theme here? Caz - Princess Diana, she’s really living on an island with Elvis and Mother Theresa! Darby - Winston Churchill Ella - Einstein Steve - Jesus. I’d find out if he was real and could perform a miracle on my coursereps
Pompey Guide Student Activities Office
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Union Life
Student Support Rag Hitchhike to Amsterdam
In any time of need the Union is here to help - read on to find out more Every student hopes to have a great time at university, and to spend as much time having fun as they do sitting in lectures. It is important to get a balance whilst a student, and student support at the Union can help to ensure that going to lectures and partying don’t make students forget some important things. To do this, the elected Support Officer runs a variety of campaigns and offers advice on how students can make sure to get the most out of their time in Portsmouth.
Student support is also about being there. The first time away from home can be stressful and upsetting, and it is important to have someone to talk to about things. For new students yet to make new friends, the Student Support officer is available to listen, give advice and just generally be there for anyone who feels they need to talk. The Union has great knowledge
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Fitness is also something many students can neglect
Support is also important in more difficult circumstances. Although for the majority of students, their time at university is happy, sometimes there can be conflicts or issues with others. This can escalate into bullying and harassment and that is something that the Union does not want students to have to go through. Any student who feels they are in this situation can be secure in the knowledge that there is a completely confidential, non-judgemental way to talk about these issues and be given advice, and all that they need to do is come into the Union.
Student life is almost always a happy time, but to make sure it stays happy, and to help when it isn’t, student support is key, and the Union will always do everything it can to try and make every Portsmouth experience a good one, and to offer support when the times are rough.
Holi
Health is something that can particularly suffer. Late nights and a less than healthy diet is often the pitfall of going away for the first time. To combat the inflow of junk food, the Union run Healthy Eating campaigns regularly to try and raise awareness of the fact that you truly are what you eat. Fitness is also something many students can neglect, and the Student Support officer can help give advice on how to keep in shape and where to go for exercise. This issue is not just for personal health either - a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, and during exam time a healthy lifestyle can keep students sharp and focused to get through it.
about many different types of support throughout the university as well, so students can be directed to anyone, from councillors to priests, if they need to talk. Student support can help you find the right person for a range of problems, whether it is bereavement, sexuality or depression.
Union Life
Academic Support Academia can be hard, so feel happy in the knowledge that there is some-one here to help The Union believes strongly in providing students with educational support. There is a dedicated elected representative responsible for supporting students with any academic issues, and with complex university rules often dictating academic matters it is important to know that there is someone with knowledge who will help students through these problems. Though everyone wishes otherwise, there are times when students and academic staff clash. These situations can leave students feeling like they have been treated unfairly, and often they are reluctant to make complaints as they do not know what path to take. The Education
and Representation Officer at the Union is there to offer advice and guidance on these issues, and can help students through these difficult circumstances.
The Union can also help students who are having difficulty with academic work due to illness, bereavement, or other extenuating circumstances. In these situations there are ways of deferring exams until the issue has been resolved, or being given additional support by the University. The Education and Representation Officer has knowledge and experience in this field, and can help students fill out the necessary forms and speak to the necessary people in order to help them. Always remember to try and act promptly.
Education support is also about helping those that have ended up in academic difficulty, and the Education and Representation officer is available to represent any student during any formal proceedings. Whether this is an appeal against an result that has been awarded for work, or if a student is facing exclusion from the University, everyone is eligible for this support. Student life can be fraught with difficulties, and education is the common ground that binds all students together. It is important that the population of the University of Portsmouth have the best support they can to make sure that they can go through their studies and achieve their goals. The Union is there to ensure this happens.
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Clubs and Societies Lacross Team
Sports Clubs find out exactly what that means to you. A good way to get involved in university life is to join one of the various sports teams available to students. Portsmouth has a rich tradition in sports, and the University regularly sends representatives to national and international competitions in a variety of sports. The Athletic Union, which co-ordinates all of the sports teams, works hard every year to ensure that the quality of the various athletes and teams maintain the high standards that the University has become known for. the teams lies in their diversity, with traditional sports mixing with Frisbee and other newcomers.
The strength of the teams lie in their diversity, with traditional sports mixing with newer sports
With over 3500 members competing in more than 60 sports, the AU caters for everyone from rugby to rowing, and has had a great deal of success. Portsmouth has been recognised as a national performance centre for English hockey, and the boxing team is the best University club in the country. The strength of
The teams play both competitively and recreationally, and accept members of all types and ability. It doesn’t matter who you are or even if you have ever played a particular sport before - teams will welcome you with open arms and help you to learn at your own pace. Add to this a thriving social side to the sports teams, and you will make friends and keep in shape throughout your time at university.
Societies Friends, fun and great memories societies can make your university experience that bit more special. One of the best ways for students to make the most of university life is for them to join one of the various student run societies in Portsmouth. It’s a fantastic way to make friends, have fun, and take part of something that you are interested in. There is quite literally something for everyone and you will be sure to find something that you enjoy.
Equestrian Team
Signing up for these societies is made really easy too. In October and February every year, the Union runs Fresher’s and Refresher’s Fayres respectively to give students the opportunity to sign up for clubs and societies. Each has a stall and current members are on hand to give any information about their society and help students to join there and then. A wander through the two fayres is sure to offer everyone something that they are interested in. Students can also start new societies
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Lacross Team
es
if their area of interest is not yet represented. Examples of new societies for the 2008-09 academic year alone include the Literature Society, the Hip Hop Society, and even the Bellydancing Society. Everyone can join, and they cater for any level of skill, from beginner to expert, and there are opportunities within a society to move up to become one of the organisers, such as president or social secretary. Those filling these positions arrange meetings, competitions and social outings to ensure that the members get all of the benefits they can from being involved. (Involvement in a society also looks great on your CV!) As well as individual society events, there are Union run events every year for all of the members of all of the societies. The Societies Carnival, which takes place in May, has run for the last two years as a day for all members and organisers to come to the Union and enjoy themselves in
the sunshine. There is live music, DJs and games, all held in Ravelin Park, and the event continues to be a great success. For those who enjoy the nightlife, the Society’s Takeover will be of more interest. This is an event run in the Union’s nightclub, Lux, where members can come along, have fun with live music and DJs and dance the night away. On top of this, different societies hire the club out themselves throughout the year to run their own parties for their members.
GET NAKED Every year our sports clubs get the pleasure of losing there clothes all in the name of charity. Our clubs manage to astound us every year as to how creative they have become in the art of ‘getting naked’. You can get involved through your sports club in October.
The societies scene at the Union is one of the staples of student lives. As well as making friends and having fun, students find they learn a lot too, and often the skills and knowledge they gain can help them in their studies, in their jobs and throughout their time after university.
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UPSU Media Run by Students for Students UPSU Media aims to communicate with each and every one of the University of Portsmouth’s 20,000 students. Everything to do with Media at the Students’ Union is produced by student volunteers, from the Union’s student radio station Pure FM to printed publications Pugwash and Purple Wednesdays, and our website UPSU.net.
Students’ Union media is recognised as a great entry point for people who wish to pursue a career in professional media, and being involved is not only great fun, but a great way to learn new skills and make your CV more attractive to employers - some of our volunteers have even gone on to work for MTV and Radio One! Pugwash News and Purple Wednesdays Our fortnightly newspaper. Last year the Union created it’s brand new Newspaper - Pugwash News - which combined with the already successful clubs and societies newsletter Purple Wednesdays. Released fortnightly it is cram packed with student news, reviews, features and clubs news. The opportunities open to you range from writers and journalists hunting out the latest stories along with photographers, graphic designers and illustrators who form the basis of the design team. Whatever your skills or knowledge we have the opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. If you would like to help promote your club or society with a match report, photos, or features, get in touch!
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Pugwash Magazine A complimentary magazine to the Newspaper. Pugwash is our 48-page glossy magazine, published 5 times a year. It’s a great way of communicating with fellow students in Portsmouth - you can write anything, from our more tongue-in-cheek regulars to ground breaking features about your take on student experiences in Pompey. We’re not just looking for writers and typists though - there are plenty of other very important ways you can contribute to the magazine: you could help with the hours of graphic design that go into each issue of the magazine, take photographs for the features and news, or put your illustration and design skills to use by creating some stunning artwork!
Pure FM Broadcasting your student views Pure FM, the University of Portsmouth’s radio station, is entering its 14th year of existence this academic year. Run for students, by students, this year we look forward to building on the successes that we enjoyed last year.
Last year at Pure FM, we underwent a very strong rebrand being exposed all over the University both physically and through the other medias! The rebrand was such a success that it has been entered into the Student Radio Awards, that happen in November, under the best marketing/ branding category. Apart from giving the students of Pure FM a chance to learn how to do a radio show and DJ to a student audience, we also give our students opportunities to create industry contacts. We used contacts at Radio 1 to hold a Masterclass for our members – guests included Joe Harland (an executive producer in the commissioning department) and Aled- Hayden Jones (daytime producer and a regular on the Chris Moyles show). A truly unique opportunity for those interested in a career in radio! Our students from Pure FM have also worked for Dream 100, Play, Express, Hospital radio, Galaxy, and BBC Radio, from use of our contacts, with some of our members have being recognised personally by industry professionals at Student Radio Conferences!
Another opportunity that Pure FM had this year was we were invited to attend ‘Radio1s Big Weekend’ in Kent. We were given backstage passes to this event, and we managed to obtain interviews with Vernon Kay; see private acoustic sets from Duffy and Adele and play games with Comedy Dave! We aim to make the most of industry contacts, in order to create a greater opportunity for our DJs to break into the radio industry.
We used our contacts at Radio 1 to hold a Masterclass for our members
A major part of Pure FM is having a bit fun. Last year the biggest amount of fun we had was also the biggest event that Pure FM has ever hosted. In february we held a 24-hour broadcast, where our DJs were on air for 24hrs, raising money for RAG (Raising and Giving). This turned out to be a massive success, because it got masses of people involved in the station that would not usually get involved. Sports teams, other societies and other students, and it recorded our highest ever listener ratings. We are hoping to make this event bigger and better this year. We also get involved with societies in other ways as well. We broadcast and provided commentary for the University of Portsmouth’s Boxing clubs events throughout the year a great opportunity for budding sports commentators; we also go down to Langstone to provide live commentary for the University of Portsmouth teams! Pure FM has a great deal of involvement in the Sabbatical elections, which gives opportunities for journalists and presenters to get involved in the most important event in the Union’s calendar. We broadcast live from many events at The Union with our regular outside broadcasts including Society Carnival, Society Takeover and Freshers and Refreshers Fayre.
Watch this space this year for ‘Pure FM Presents..” which will see us broadcasting from events all over Portsmouth. Not only will it be a great opportunity for people to see our DJs in action, but also it’ll provide our members opportunities to get experience in events management. Like any society we hold legendary socials. Pure FM Pub Golf and the Isle of Wight Pub Crawl are just to of the socials that have been a massive hit in the past year. Although we do a lot at Pure FM, our main aim is to give the students a unique radio experience to them, and this is done by the station being run by the students, we are always looking for new presenters and DJs and even people that want to do behind the scenes work. www.purefm.com
UPSU TV Our brand spanking new WebTV channel Our media has taken a giant leap forward in 2008 producing high quality video’s over and over again. Using state of the art video editing technology and a whole set of new video camera’s we are able to offer video coverage to all of our sports teams and societies along with Union and University events. We are actively looking for as many video producers as possible to capture everything that is happening within student life, whether it is filming a prestigious University event or sports game, everyone is welcome to have a go whatever your skill level. www.upsu.tv
UPSU.net our online presence viewed with 200,000 hits per month Our award-winning websites are the core of everything UPSU Media is about, with everything we print and broadcast being supported online. The sites are always being developed, and we always need people to help us put news and features online, and develop new web pages, so if you have an eye for design, or you’d like to help us develop our new features, then this might be just the place for you!
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Student Centre Lux, CO2 and the Waterhole Pompey’s premier student venue will be a place you are sure to visit often The Student Centre is the home of Pompey’s biggest and best entertainment venue. With three separate bars, the Student Centre offers a wide range of events for all students in Portsmouth to enjoy in a safe and friendly environment. If you are looking for a great night out then look no further than the Student Centre - you will have some of your most memorable times at university there. The first venue every student will go to in the Student Centre is the Waterhole, a sports bar that is open every day and every night with a variety of services on offer. During the day it is a great place to stop in and grab a bite to eat, with a good menu and decent prices. Access to the University’s wireless network also means that you can stop in with your laptop and spend some time doing work for your course if you want to get away from the library. It is at night that the Waterhole comes alive, however. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights the bar fills up with students on nights out, listening to music before they move on upstairs to the club. On other nights, the Waterhole offers a range of events and activities. Live sports is shown on the big screen and the plasma screens around bar, and our weekly games night lets you play Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 as well, with the new addition of the Rock Band Battle for this year. Also on offer is poker, music and the weekly quiz, alongside great value drinks.
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Also at the Student Centre are the two upstairs venues. CO2 is a chillout bar that offers great DJs and bands regularly in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The main event, however, is Lux, a 1200 capacity nightclub with a 60 foot bar. Showcasing some of the biggest acts around, the club is home to Purple Wednesday, the biggest student night in the city. Friday and Saturday nights offers some fantastic names, including Judge Jules, Carl Cox, and, during Freshers 2008, a guest appearance from Toadfish from Neighbours! The Student Centre offers students a great place to go out and socialise, offering great value for money on drinks and food alongside some great acts. During your time as a student you are sure to have some great times with your friends in Portsmouth’s best student venue.
FRESHERS
Freshers Fortnight Top Picks See more at: www.upsu.net/diary Monday 29th September Ibiza Foam Party - the big one Tuesday 30th September Bar FTSE and Halls Party Wednesday 1st October Jungle Theme Purple Wednesday Saturday 4th October Hollyoaks Calvin at the Union 999 Emergency theme Monday 6th October Toady at the Union Smurfs World Record Attempt Friday 10th October Sounds Like Ministry Sunday 12th October Hypnotist: Alan Bates
So your parents have just left after filling your belly and your fridge with enough food to last you a month (you hope!); you’ve managed to lug all your wordly possessions up three floors and down several corridors to your room; and now you’re left there feeling a little deflated and rather lonely, wondering if you made the right choice. But before you decide to call it quits and leg it outside back into the arms of mum and dad, let me tell you one thing: you did make the right choice. Ahead of you are three or four years of working hard, playing hard, meeting a million new friends, and making some amazing memories you’ll carry with you far beyond your time here. The first thing to do now is to get out of your room and start meeting people. And that’s one thing that is very easy to do at university! From your flatmates, course mates and fellow enthusiasts in whichever clubs you join, to the randoms you meet at house parties and in nightclub toilets, you’ll meet millions of people from all different backgrounds in your time here. And, especially if you’re proactive and get out there joining clubs and so-
cialising, in no time at all you’ll have a veritable army of mates. You’ve probably heard it all before, but joining a club or society really is one of the best ways to make new friends, and what’s more is that you’ll share a common interest. Head along to Freshers’ Fayre in the first week of term and see what takes your fancy. Just don’t go signing up to anything and everything – a little mistake I made most of my years here! – even Superman couldn’t fit in two hockey training sessions, football, snowboarding, swimming, and a few drama rehearsals without struggling to find time to study.
It’s all good and well having a troupe of mates to hang out with, but not if you’ve got nothing to fill your hungry tummies! Thankfully Portsmouth has a few big supermarkets for you to venture to, including Asda, Lidl, Waitrose (if you can afford it), Tesco Express, and, if you have a car, a massive 24-hour Tesco on the outskirts of the city in North Harbour. Look out for 2-for-1 deals and consider buying the supermarket’s own brand rather than the most expensive. You might think you can’t live without your Sun Pat peanut butter but Asda’s own isn’t half bad once you get used to it! Continued over page>>>
New Life
Settling In
If I wasn’t at University I’d be sat on a beach in Devon watching the sun set. Tom Worman
Don’t wear white clothes to the Union on a Wednesday they’ll end up purple!
If a Rooster layed an egg on the top of a hill would the egg roll left or right? ...erm... Left? Caz Bird Roosters don’t lay eggs Andy Machin
Smile a While and give your face a rest (make as many friends as possible) Norman Fider
The more underwear you buy the less money you need to spend on washing Pompey Guide Pompey Guide
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Settling In Make sure you check sell-by dates so you don’t end up wasting half of what you buy (again, a lesson from someone who’s been there), and look for cheaper alternatives wherever you can. Obviously with the current state of inflation this isn’t the easiest task, but rest assured that students aren’t the only ones feeling the squeeze! If there’s one little gem of advice I can give you when it comes to food shopping, it’s this: every week (or two) write a list of what you need for the week, then go to the shop and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to just buy food as and when you need it from the local corner shop, as prices there are often far more expensive that at a supermarket. Before long you’ll find you’ve spent twice as much one food as you expected. It’s also advisable to go shopping after a meal - if you are hungry you will buy a lot more than if you are full up!
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For household goods such as pots and pans, cutlery and plates, and even a mop (yes, the kitchen floor does need cleaning occasionally, unless you’re in halls where there’s a cleaner who does it!) head to Wilkinsons in town. You can also pick up your toiletries here for half the price of some of the other high street stores, and can even find random purchases like picture frames, laundry baskets and a large supply of batteries. Once you’ve stocked up on food and utensils and have made your room feel a bit more like home (with the use of lots of blu-tack and several crude but entertaining posters) you and your new mates will probably want to hit the town to celebrate your new-found freedom. Guildhall Walk is where many a student night starts, making its way through the likes of Wetherspoons, Yates, and V Bar (great for random cocktails and shots). You can then either head on to the Union for a great night of crazy
dancing, sticky floor, and cheap drinks, to Route 66 (which hosts many a different night depending on your taste in music) or to the recentlyopened Liquid and Envy in town (student nights are on a Monday). Both the University and the Student’s Union will be giving you a lot of information to help you settle in. Check out what the itinerary for Freshers’ Fortnight is, familiarise yourself with your surroundings, and if you have a question don’t be afraid to ask. We’re a friendly bunch so if you’re lost just ask another student – provided it isn’t 9am without a coffee in sight, us oldtimers won’t bite! Jennie Rawling
Cutout And Keep Door Hanger Get through the first few weeks with our handy door hanger. Stick this on the inside of your door and check off everything you do as you get round to it. Feeling a bit lonely? Not got to know your flat mates yet? Why not stick this on the outside of your door and let people know who you are. For more information make sure you visit our student essentials page on upsu.net/essentials
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