YOUR FREE STUDENT MAGAZINE
Freshers’ Edition
BLUEMOON By students, for students
HEAD OF PRINT Shelby Loasby PRINT EDITOR Huriyah Quadri CONTRIBUTORS Laura Slingo | News Editor Andy Vogel | Music Manager Hannah Bicknell | Features Editor Katie Noble | Entertainment Editor Alex Jungeling | Training Manager Robert Wheatley | Lifestyle Editor Mercedes Brazier Matt Yeoman Tia Marsom COPY EDITORS Kealie Mardell Sarah Bennett EDITOR IN CHIEF Brad Johnson CONTACT vp.comms@hertfordshire.su VP Comms & Media Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Hatfield Herts, AL10 9AB TridentMedia.org Facebook.com/TridentMediaUK Twitter & Instagram @TridentMediaUK
Brad Johnson | Vice President Communications & Media Hey y’all! If you’re reading this then you’ve picked up your first issue of BlueMoon for the year. I am your elected Vice President Communications & Media for this year! I am here to represent you and make sure the University hears your voice! I am also the Editor in Chief of Trident Media, this gives me the pleasure of working with amazing students in Print, TV and Radio. I was a Marketing with Events Management student and graduated just a few weeks ago! I hope you enjoy this edition of BlueMoon and hopefully share it with your friends and family back home.
Kealie Mardell | Media Coordinator
After spending the last year as Print Editor for Trident Media it’s a pleasure to be back for another issue! The new BlueMoon is a sign of the incredible things to come from your student media team this year. Across Print, Radio and TV there’s an exciting year ahead that everyone should be a part of. I’ll be here throughout Freshers’ to see things kick off, before handing over to the lovely Sarah Bennett as I’m moving to California! This is all because of an unforgettable study abroad year, so take note Freshers - make the most of every opportunity!
Design by Robyn Cleo
CONTENTS
ENTERTAINMENT Shelby Loasby | Head of Print
Welcome to the first issue of BlueMoon this year! This is the debut of our brand new look and it’s packed full of all things Freshers’! There’s something for everyone, from film and book reviews, to fashion and money tips, and interviews with some very interesting characters. But before you get stuck in, I want to thank all of the contributors who made this issue happen. The print committee have worked hard all summer and it’s really paid off in this fun and factual Freshers’ magazine. If you see anything you like, let us know on Twitter @TridentMediaUK and head to tridentmedia.org for more!
Húriyah Quadri | Print Editor
Hi there! You’re looking at the first BlueMoon for this academic year and it’s packed with some awesome Freshers’ content for you to enjoy! I’m your new Print Editor and I can’t wait for the year ahead. Our team has had a revamp and we’ve got bright and interesting personalities on board equipped to provide you with a lot of awesome content this year. I’m entering my final year of English Language & Communications and English Literature and I look forward to squeezing Katie’s book recommendations in with my course reading lists. Coffee on drip is a thing, right?
Freshers’ A-Z Freshers’ Playlist Top 5 university films Top 3 campus books What night at The Forum are you?
8 11 12 14 15
SPOTLIGHT Herts’ own Magic Mike Interview with The Hoosiers Freshers’ Day Activities Freshers’ Night Activities
18 20 22 23
LIFESTYLE Students’ Union Societies Sports at UH Win a gold gym membership Money saving tips Non-drinkers & commuters Freshers’ Fashion Sexual Consent
26 26 27 30 31 32 34
INNOVATION Freshers’ Flu Keeping Healthy Hertfordshire Yik Yaks
36 37 38
7
Article by Shelby Loasby
reasons to join
If you still don’t know who Trident Media are let us introduce ourselves!
1
We are the Students’ Union media outlet made up of Print, TV, and Radio, bringing you all the latest student news, views and entertainment around campus. Ultimately we’re just a bunch of students who love to listen to our own voices on the radio, love to watch ourselves making fools of each other, and love to write about our latest rants and thoughts. If you’re not already heading over to the Hertfordshire.su website to sign up, then maybe our list of reasons to join will convince you!
Awesome team
We’re a great team! When we’re not brainstorming crazy ideas and building massive cardboard cars, we’re chilling out in the media suite or down in the EleHouse drinking and singing karaoke.
Builds your portfolio and enhances your CV
3
At the end of these 3, 4 maybe 5, years at university, you want to be the most employable person you can be. To stand out in the big scary competitive world you’ll need the most impressive portfolio of work you can have, so why not start with some real practical experience with Trident Media? With Print, TV and Radio you will have opportunities to produce your own content and show it off to future employers!
Be proud of your work
You will have a whole range of published material to be proud of. As you flick through the pages of BlueMoon and UniVerse, scroll through the credits on a UnionTV video, or even tune in to Crush Radio to listen to your own voice - nothing beats that sense of accomplishment when you see your own name! It’s also a great feeling to see how many views you get, and saying to people, “Did you see that amazing thing I did?”
4
4
Anything goes!
As long as we can put a student spin on an idea, anything goes! No matter what you’re passionate about, there will be a way for you to do what you want. We love to have unique content for our website and to stand out in the world of student media so all ideas are welcome! We’ve had everything from risky sex surveys to a radio show called Two Gingers and a Diva! What will you bring?
5
Spend time with like-minded people
Everyone in Trident Media is there to have a good time, to share innovative ideas and to work hard to create the best student publications and shows. It’s a great opportunity to meet likeminded people and to be a part of the best society at UH - if we do say so ourselves.
Learn new skills
7
You will have the unique opportunity to learn the ins and outs of media, communications, journalism and the technical skills required to be a DJ or a cameraman. It doesn’t matter if you’re studying English or Physics, Trident Media will allow you to learn the relevant practical skills to make it in the world of media.
You can win awards
Over the past year we’ve excelled in the awards department, picking up various trophies and certificates with the Student Publication Association, the Students’ Union Awards, and we’ve just been announced as finalists in the Hertfordshire Digital Awards! We love to enter every competition and awards ceremony we can find, and if you think your work is up to it, see if you can get your hands on your very own award!
So head to hertfordshire.su/tridentmedia to sign up! We can’t wait to meet all our new members!
Meet your elected officers
KM2147_UNO_SU_FULL_PAGE_AD_210x210_AUG15_FLAT.indd 1
28/8/15 02:12:56
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
The A-Z of Freshers’ Article by Laura Slingo
Alright newbies, here’s the latest need to know guide for your first year at uni. We’re not necessarily experts, but we’ve got a flippin’ good idea regarding what you’ll experience. It wasn’t so long ago we were freshers too!
B
If you’re catered then this may be a blessing, but it’s super easy to get hold of a cookbook for cheap and easy eats or check out our student recipes online. Make a shopping list and you’re off!
EADLINES
Definitely don’t forget about these bad boys because they will creep up on you. The LRC (Learning Resources Centre) may be open 24 hours, but that’s no excuse for an all-nighter! Stay organised.
F
H
ANGOVER
Yep, you will get a few of these this year. Just stay stocked up on painkillers or bacon and you’ll be fine.
UNK
Bear in mind that university accommodation is quite cosy and compact. Research the uni essentials and try not to clutter your room too much!
E
XERCISE
Make the most of our incredible Sports Village or join one of the University sports teams; the perfect way to get energised.
ORUM
The Forum Hertfordshire is the hub for social nightlife at Herts Uni. With the Auditorium, the Attic, Style Bar and Elehouse, you’re sure to have a cracking night.
8
You are about to begin one of the greatest journeys of your life. Heed our advice and don’t waste the next three years and you’ll be onto a winner!
OOKING
If you want to stand a chance of surviving on your own then budgeting is key. And NO, using your food money for booze is not smart budgeting.
J
DVENTURE
C
UDGET
D
A
.
G
P
Sign up with the University doctor now! You don’t want to be caught short when exam season hits.
I
NDUCTION
No matter how hungover you are during Freshers’ Week, go to your introductory lectures! It’s not going to be difficult and you don’t want to be left behind.
K
ITCHEN
A clean and tidy kitchen is vital for many reasons other than health, like not annoying your flat mates!
L
RC
Herts Uni is blessed with two amazing LRCs. Make the most of them, by final year you’ll live in them.
N
US
The National Union of Students is the hub for students nationwide. Stay involved as NUS offers discounts and advice on student life.
P
REPARATION
Don’t be that person that turns up to class without a pen or not having read the material. You’ll fall behind and end up winging it… Not good.
R
As
AKA Residential Assistants. Based in on-campus accommodation, these fellow students are there to make sure you’re rule abiding and safe at uni.
T
RIDENT MEDIA
This is your Students’ Union student media group where news, opinions and interests are voiced. Like to get involved with Print, Radio or TV? Join us!
V
ARSITY
We all love a little bit of competition. 15 sports compete in Varsity at Herts, but the Athletic Union offers over 29 sports clubs so get involved!
X
E
HAUSTION
Yep, kinda cheated again. Stay very aware of your sleeping patterns and food intake as a student or you’ll end up totally drained.
Z
zzzz
Wow, being a fresher is overwhelming! Sleep anyone?
ENTERTAINMENT
M
USIC
Ah music, the perfect way to bond with people. Just don’t play your music too loud, a noise complaint could get you a fine!
O
MNI-BUS
Q
UESTIONS
Okay we cheated a bit here. Uno is the local bus service that will be your saviour as a fresher, as will the free shuttle bus between campuses!
You must have a million questions to ask about university procedures, protocols and way of life. Please speak up, we have the answers.
S
OCIETIES
Societies are the best way to make friends, find a new talent or explore a passion. It’s a great experience and looks good on your CV!
STUDENTS’
U
NION
For advice on jobs, activities, societies, shops, wellbeing and more, our Students’ Union has got it covered to make sure you are too.
W
ORKING
Many of you will want a job while at university. Balance your lectures first, but check out the Students’ Union for the latest vacancies.
Y
OU
University is about you and don’t forget it. Make the most of every opportunity in order to lead a well-balanced and successful uni career.
FRESHERS’ PLAYLIST
ENTERTAINMENT
Freshers’ is upon us and over the week music will be the focus, especially as you’ll have access to The Forum Hertfordshire on campus where you can dance the night away. So here’s a selection of tracks to aid you in getting your groove on.
Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden
You’ve arrived on campus for the first day. You have new places to explore and new people to meet with so many activities to do; it’s all a bit overwhelming and a tad bit bonkers!
Don’t Sing - DATA (feat. Benny Sings)
Thinking about heading down to the The Forum to show off those moves you spent all summer practising? This is a great hit by DATA to put you in the mood as you’re getting ready.
Freedom – Pharrell Williams That’s it, you’ve left the nest and moved in to your own student accommodation. You have as much freedom as you want. So go ahead and express that with Pharrell!
Bills – LunchMoney Lewis This one goes hand in hand with Pharrell’s ‘Freedom.’ I bet that student loan looks so nice to spend but most of it’s going to have to go on bills! LunchMoney Lewis has a great take on harsh reality.
Tubthumping – Chumbawamba This is possibly the best party song of all time and goes together well with a game of beer pong. I guarantee at least one of your flatmates will be singing this out loud once you put it on!
Wait For Me – The Pigeon Detectives It’s nearing the end of the week. Rock out with The Pigeon Detectives as they’re even playing at The Forum on Thursday! From dance floor fillers to having a good old rock out; this playlist will surely get you up on your feet and in the mood to enjoy Freshers’ 2015! What’s on your Freshers’ playlist? Let us know @TridentMediaUK!
Article by Andy Vogel
11
TOP 5 FILMS ABOUT GOING TO UNIVERSITY Article by Hannah Bicknell It’s getting to be about that time. The decisions have been made, the big move is complete, and you’ve met the crazy person next door. Now what? Well we all know as a fresher you’re going to face challenges that you never even saw coming, so we have compiled a list of the top five movies to watch to help prepare you and possibly give a little insight into what you can expect in your first year. So why not sit back, relax and put one of these on?
Type A Films, MGM
Picturehouse
Starter for Ten
Legally Blonde
Plot: Brian Jackson (James McAvoy also seen in the X-Men), a teen from Essex gets a chance to prove his worth when he is accepted into Bristol University. Determined to make his deceased father proud, Brian tries out for a popular TV programme called “University Challenge” and goes through all the typical things a fresher at university would experience. This movie is number one because it is the epitome of what uni life is like (well for some anyway – experiences may vary). From moving away from home for the first time to experimenting and relationships, this movie has it all. Of course at the end of the day it is a bittersweet comedy but it sends a good message about facing the adventure head on by making the most of it.
Plot: Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) an LA sorority queen, who literally has it all, gets dumped by her boyfriend, so decides to go to law school in order to win him back. Once there she realises there is more to life than her ex-boyfriend and more importantly there is more to her. A light hearted comedy for the fresher girls out there. The film on the surface is all about how a ditzy blonde goes from zero to hero (and yes I did use a line from a Hercules song just then) but under that the movie has more serious tones about how you grow as a person when you go to university. The trials Woods faces such as not being accepted and finding it hard to make new friends, as well as moving to a new place, can really hit home.
12
Monsters University
Disney Pixar
ENTERTAINMENT
Plot: In this animation movie we follow Mike Wazowski, a little monster with a big dream through his first-year as a Scare major, where he first meets and befriends Sulley. As the semester progresses, Mike and Sulley join a fraternity, only highlighting their flaws as monsters and making their first year ever more challenging. Mike decides to enter the Scare Games to prove his scariness, but on the condition that if he loses he has to leave Monsters University. Everyone knows there are monsters hiding in the closets and under beds but how did they get there? By graduating Monsters University of course! Yes the movie isn’t about humans, but it counts because it is a walk-through of what every student (or alien-like creature) will go through, for instance joining societies, attending your first lecture and working hard towards that all important first exam. Definitely one for the Disney Pixar fans out there!
Mona Lisa Smile Plot: Set in the ‘50s Mona Lisa Smile follows Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), an art graduate who takes a lecturer’s position at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Featuring an all-star cast, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhall and Marcia Gay Harden, the movie challenges the conservative women’s views of that era. “In a world that told them how to think, she showed them how to live” is a tag line from this movie which highlights how powerful a lecturer’s influence can be on their students and will give all prospective students a new perspective on their lectures for sure. Despite not being directly about ‘uni life’ the movie is all about immersing yourself in the possibilities given to you when you’re at uni and with all your new found freedom you have when you’re there, the world really is in the palm of your hand.
Warner Bros
Revolution Studios
The Hangover Plot: Three friends wake up from a stag do in Las Vegas with no memory of the night before and the groom missing. They attempt to retrace their steps to try and find the groom before his wedding, getting themselves out of all sorts of tricky situations. Starring Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. This film has nothing to do with moving to Uni but everything to do with what kind of things could happen while you’re here, whether it’s due to permanent intoxication, a week packed with activities or just bad memory, it’s likely you’ll forget a lot of Freshers’ Week. So be sure to take loads of pictures (just in case) as it’s like the old saying goes if you can’t remember what happened, it was a good night out!
Here’s the deal - the end of Freshers’ is right around the corner and the threat of the university reading list is looming. But if you’re not quite ready to jump in to any serious academic lark, we’ve got a tidy list of gripping campus-based novels to get you in the mood…
Image & article by Katie Noble
TOP 3 CAMPUS NOVELS On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Zadie Smith is undeniably a power-house in British contemporary literature and On Beauty is another genius exemplification of her talents. Howard Belsey is an Englishman abroad in New England, USA. As a busy academic with a slowly failing marriage, Howard is struggling in this new location; surrounded by temptation. As his children are seeking their own passions, Howard falls into an affair that almost certainly will end in disaster. Two families collide in this gorgeous novel, set amongst the backdrop of academia and clashing cultures.
Back to the classics. You may have heard of Nabokov’s more famous Lolita, but he does have a considerable backlog of other brilliant works. Pnin follows Professor Timothy Pnin, a ‘haplessly disorientated Russian’ working in an American college during the 1950s. We observe as Pnin unfortunately experiences many sad (and slightly comic) misunderstandings during his stint in the USA. Classic Russian literature with a lovable and funny main character, ‘Americana’ setting, and an unreliable narrator? Count us in.
At number three we have arguably the greatest campus novel ever written. Donna Tartt’s best-known novel, The Secret History is an intense emotional romp following a group of Classics students with a secret (as the name suggests). This particular group of students fall under the influence of an eccentric professor who introduces them to a curious new way of thinking and living. However, things seem to go a little close to the edge and as the students’ concept of morality falls away, an even bigger secret is revealed. If you haven’t read this yet, you really must.
14
Quiz by Shelby Loasby
What night at The Forum are you?
ENTERTAINMENT
The Forum Hertfordshire is the University’s amazing venue, made up of a whole host of rooms, music genres, bars and entertainment. Over the next couple of years, The Forum will probably become your home away from home, but what night will you come to love the most? Take our
Favourite song?
a) Bump ‘n’ Grind by R. Kelly b) Waiting for love by Avicii c) Chop Suey by System of a Down d) Selfie by The Chainsmokers
Holiday destination?
a) Ibiza b) Moscow c) Berlin d) Kavos
Favourite show? a) Orange is the New Black b) F.R.I.E.N.D.S c) Game of Thrones d) Family Guy
Your inner sex animal?
a) The flirty, fun-loving, and rampant rabbit b) The smooth, cunning and skillful fox c) The fierce, dominating, and loud lion d) The cheeky, hilarious, and acrobatic monkey
Favourite drink?
Favourite colour?
It’s fancy dress night, you wear…
Now tally up your answers!
a) ‘Screaming Orgasm’ cocktail b) Vodka Redbull c) Cheap lager d) Bottle of wine with a straw
a) School uniform b) Sexy nurse outfit c) Devil’s tail and wings d) As little clothing as possible
a) Red b) Yellow c) Black d) Green
As Bs Cs Ds
15
Quiz results Mostly A
Mostly B
Mostly C
Mostly D
Flirt!
Smirnoff Saturday!
Breakout!
Cheeky Wednesday!
At the end of the week there’s nothing you enjoy more than letting your hair down, dressing up, getting boozed, and heading out to the Forum for a night of flirting and dancing to some of the biggest club tunes. It’s called Flirt! for a reason, and you always bring your A game.
The most popular night at The Forum Hertfordshire! You love hanging out with your mates and having a killer time on the dance floor and in the Style Bar. You start the night off with some club classics, but it’s not long before you’re singing along to the ‘90s cheese.
You like to break away from the mainstream and love to head bang to the biggest alternative, indie and rock songs out there. You won’t find the usual clubbers out on a night like this, so prepare for something awesomely different!
16
You’re the new kid on the block! The new Cheeky student night is for everyone who needs a well deserved mid-week break. It’s a chance to recharge the batteries from the previous weekend, and a time to get those cheeky, fun-loving dance moves out.
SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
Article by Shelby Loasby
Meet Herts’ own
With the recent surge in all things sexy in the media, we’ve seen our fair share of saucy books, films and shows. From Fifty Shades of Grey to Magic Mike XXL, it’s safe to say sex is becoming more and more accepted in England’s uptight society. One man who has embraced the sexy in his life, is University of Hertfordshire’s own Magic Mikey, Michael Measter. The final year Sports and Exercise Science student is a typical university lad by day, but a half-naked model and stripper by night. Since 2013 - when he turned the legal age of 18 - Michael has been a fitness model, underwear model, fashion model and a much loved stripper for Adonis Cabaret. His journey to success started after Magic Mike hit the big screens. Michael said, “I thought to myself; there’s no reason I can’t do that, so I did.” He commented, “Turns out I became quite popular within a matter of weeks and lots of opportunities came as a result.” Michael picked up a lot of work quickly and ended up doing stints all over the UK as well as Europe, both modelling and performing with The Adonis Hollywood Strip Tour. He loves what he does and said that the job is outstanding, “I would highly recommend it to any young, single man who is willing to put the hours in at the gym, as well as being happy to stand up in front of a crowd.”
Keeping in shape
18
He reiterated the importance of training and eating sensibly, “For training, I’d train at the track three times a week where I specialised in sprinting, representing Hertfordshire County in the 100m whilst at UH, and competing in Kent and London whilst at home.”
Michael added, “I found sprinting really helps keep off the body fat, and whilst working, it was important for me to maintain a body fat percentage of <7% all year round.” He also advised that intense gym training is necessary, “I do at least four weights sessions at the gym a week, and two or three high intensity interval sessions to maintain overall fitness and reduce body fat.” When it comes to the diet, Michael said it’s simple. “I just eat as much as possible and try to get enough carbs and Kcals to maintain a high work load at the gym and on the track.” It does sound like hard work, but it’s definitely paying off for the talented model and stripper. As well as the attractive package - payment package that is - Michael has had his fair share of juicy tips. He said his biggest tip was from a happy hen in Newcastle who slipped him 250 quid! Not bad for dancing in a thong!
The outfits Speaking of thongs, Magic Mikey’s stripping wardrobe is quite the spectacle, including: a grass skirt, a blonde wig, a pink mankini, bow tie and a lonesome elastic band! The most embarrassing outfit he has had to wear, however, was actually on Rugby Tour with the UH lads - and he refused to tell us what it was! The good, the bad, and the ugly in his short but successful career so far, Magic Mikey has performed at a whole host of clubs and venues. His favourite place was Brighton Gay Pride 2014, “It was awesome! I performed alongside two of my best mates in front of a packed ‘Legends Arena’ with over 5000 people!”
Magic Mike!
SPOTLIGHT
“Fortunately for me, “ Michael said, “My girlfriend was close at hand and was able to provide a sufficient blindfold towards the latter stages of my routine.” His friends have also gone along to a few shows themselves, “My friends love it! They often come along to shows, and if single, can often be found mingling amongst the hen parties in the hotel rooms later on that night!”
What now?
Images provided by Michael Measter
The worst place he performed was actually Club de Havilland - Rugby initiation 2013:
“The audience were a little hairier than preferred and only paid in dirty pints!” That wasn’t the strangest experience he’s had in his line of work. When he was performing at Hayes Beck Theatre, he was attacked by a onelegged woman who told him, “I might not be a whole woman, but I will show you how a real woman is in bed.” He said, “She proceeded to grasp hold of my fully clothed manhood in her left hand and my arse in her right.” The strangest experience of all, however, was when he worked with a drag queen, “They stole all of the used underwear backstage that belonged to the male strippers, and later sold these online to desperate fans with obscure desires.
Family, friends and support I’m sure a lot of you are wondering, does Magic Mikey have a girlfriend? You may be surprised to hear he does. A stunning Swedish lady, who is completely at ease with him stripping. Michael said, “Early on in our relationship I wanted her to see what it is I call ‘work’, so I took her to a few shows and got her involved in all of the antics on and off stage.” He went on to say, “She realised it was a professional ordeal and was happy with me doing it. ”His family have also been very supportive of his ventures, “I first spoke to my parents about stripping before getting into it. They were incredibly supportive and thought it was good of me to want to fund my own way through university, with the cost of things today.” Michael’s mum was very proud of her son’s modelling achievements, yet didn’t quite understand how much ‘sausage’ was on display at the shows. His mum actually attended one of the shows with her closest friends to see what the fuss was all about.
Despite whipping out various body parts for the camera and crowds on a regular basis, Michael has also kept up with work at UH: “I never initially wanted to go to university, however, an opportunity came up and I took it! I’m so glad I did, it has been lots of fun and I’ve met some amazing people along the way.” Michael is now a ‘love refugee’ as he puts it, and is living and studying in Sweden with his girlfriend, who is also a UH alumni. Luckily, he can finish his three year degree from afar - getting him out of Hatfield and sending him straight into central Stockholm. “As should be expected when moving countries, it hasn’t been easy getting everything over here,” explained Michael. “Nando’s hasn’t been introduced to Sweden yet, and unfortunately it’s something I miss dearly.” Since his move to Sweden, Michael has packed away the dancing moves and set his focus on settling in and modelling. For now, he wants to work hard as a personal trainer in Stockholm, play some decent rugby, and enjoy the rest of his time studying. Who knows what’s in store for the future? He could be the next Channing Tatum!
19
Article by Shelby Loasby
One of the biggest bands of our generation put on a spectacle at Brownstock Festival this summer the Hoosiers. Their energetic, highly entertaining and flawless performance took us on a journey through their discography and reminded us of their unique and nostalgic sound. The boys rocked out to hits, ‘Cops and Robbers’ and ‘Worried about Ray’ before moving on to their latest album, The News from Nowhere, with ‘Fidget Brain’ and ‘Handsome Girls and Pretty Boys.’ Before being mesmerised by their talent however, Trident Media were lucky enough to catch up with the boys backstage and got to know a bit more about the stars behind ‘Goodbye Mr. A.’
Who are The Hoosiers and what does it mean? If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know who the boys are, there’s; Irwin Sparkes - singer and lead guitar, Alan ‘Alphonso’ Sharland - drums, Sam Swallow - keyboard, and Martin Skarendahl - bass guitar. The band have produced three killer albums, re-released one with a different name, and have just announced their fourth studio album, The Secret Service, which will be released on 9th October.
20
The name originates from Irwin and Alan’s visit to the USofA, and is actually a colloquial term for an Indiana citizen. The boys went out to Indiana on a soccer scholarship for a year, and when they returned to the UK, they started looking at band names. “We wanted to have a connection to our time in the US somehow.” said Alan, “and The Hoosiers worked!”
What did they get up to at university in Indiana? Like most university experiences, Irwin and Alan had a few funny stories to share. “We were petty thieves!” said Irwin. “We were petty larceny criminals.” Alan laughed but said, “It’s not funny though, it’s naughty. I think being in a different country, there was a certain element of thinking we could get away with things.” The boys described one incriminating, drunken night: “We stole eggs and bacon, and then went back to someone’s house and things got out of hand,” said Irwin. “Before you know it, it was a full on food fight with stolen eggs being thrown at people’s faces.” We then explained to the band that ‘Goodbye Mr. A’ and ‘Worried about Ray’ were anthems for most of our generation at university, and asked if they had one back in their day:
Irwin: ‘Living on Prayer’ Alan: Yeah definitely! Irwin: Don’t get me wrong, we’re not that old! Alan: Yeah back in the 70s. Irwin: It had been out for about six months at this point! Trident Media: It is a tune! Irwin: It is isn’t it. And ‘Teenage Dirtbag.’ That is a tune! TM: Yes! Wheatus came to our uni and they played every song and left ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ to the end. Irwin: Eurgh who does that?! TM: Everyone said, “Come on! Play your only song!” Alan: Yeah otherwise people leave. We’ve witnessed this! Irwin: Yeah we will tell you! We stick up for Wheatus
What is the inspiration for their music?
Each Hoosiers’ album has a different sound and feel, with different ideas and inspirations coming to the table from each member. Alan described the change in sound as a “Natural change as you go through retirement.” He added, “We’ve never had like a specific genre where we get our hair cut like mods and play the same thing all the time. It’s part of our personality, keeps ourselves on our toes.” Sam shed light on the songwriting process and how their music comes together.
Photo by Bill Ahmed
“There’s not just one writer. Everyone’s getting into different stuff and there’s always different influences coming in.” The band also try to steer away from the generic ‘boy loves girl’ lyrics: “We tend to try and make something that doesn’t feel like it’s just been rehashing an old idea about love or the same view,” said Irwin. “There’s nothing you can say that hasn’t been said, but it’s saying it from your point of view or finding a slight twist on it.” He added, “That’s something that draws us to it.” Whilst the Hoosiers enjoy working with a plethora of influences and create different albums, Alan explained: “There’s still always a consistency going through all the records so it is the same band.”
Flying the Record Label nest
In 2011 The Hoosiers left SONY RCA after a marketing dispute, and set out on their own. Obviously leaving a major record label wasn’t going to be easy for the band, but when they announced their third album, The News from Nowhere, in 2013, they admitted to fans:
SPOTLIGHT
“We're not a big record label with lots of money, though, so need to pay for the recording, manufacturing, adverts, videos, touring, promotion – all the stuff a label usually does – ourselves.”
“We are strong independent women, who don’t need no label!” The boys are now calling on fans to help them keep producing music and have promised to repay them in the form of more songs, pre-order bundles and merchandise chosen by the fans themselves. The split from the label doesn’t appear to have left any hard feelings either. TM: So you left SONY in 2011… Irwin: Yeah left them in tears! SONY if you’re listening let’s do coffee sometime. Alan: They were sleeping around. Irwin: Snapping up all these other young acts. Alan: Handsome boys like The Script. So we left them. Irwin: It was us or them.
When we asked if they were planning to sign with anyone else, Irwin sparked up: “We are strong independent women, who don’t need no label!” “That said, if there's anyone out there who wants us…” joked Alan.
New Music out now! Despite their biggest success being back in 2007 with their first album The Trick to Life reaching number 1 in the UK album charts, The Hoosiers have been hard at work producing a discography of entertaining and inspiring songs, and are eager to get back on tour. On 17th July, the band were proud to announce their fourth studio album, The Secret Service. They also released a surprise free track, ‘The Wheels Fell Off,’ available to listen now on their website! To find out more about the album, go to their website: thehoosiers.com. Whilst you’re there, check out their Hoos News page and spot Trident Media’s coverage of their performance at Brownstock Festival!
21
WHAT’S ON THIS FRESHERS’ WEEK Freshers’ Week 2015 is now in full swing! With some massive names performing at The Forum Hertfordshire and even more things to do during the day, it’s set to be one of the best Freshers’ the University of Hertfordshire has ever seen!
FRESHERS’ BY DAY Meet your SU! This is your chance to find out about your Elected Officers at the Students’ Union and to ask them all your burning questions. Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 11am-4pm, Monday 28th September The Street, de Havilland @11am-4pm, Wednesday 30th September
Challenge!
Give it a Go! Laser Quest
Fancy yourself to be a laser gun warrior? Check out the first Give it a Go! event of the week and see if your team can shoot your way to glory! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 3pm-6pm, Monday 28th September (Registration starts at 12pm)
5 Minute Volunteering Challenge
If you fancy a challenge, this is right down your street! Join the volunteering team on both campuses for 5 minute activities. Where and when? Both campuses @ 12pm-3pm, Thursday 1st October
Halls and Sports Fest!
Herts Halls League and Active Students are hosting a big event of live music, sports, activities and more! Where and When? The Oval, College Lane @ 2pm-5pm, Thursday 1st October
Freshers’ Fair 2015 This is the most important event of the week. With over 200 stalls of sports, clubs and societies, with countless freebies and information packs, you will definitely find something to suit you! Where and When? Hertfordshire Students’ Union, College Lane @ 11am-3pm, Friday 2nd October
Give it a Go! Roller Disco!
Ultimate Colour Fest!
Get your skates on for an afternoon of disco fever. WARNING: You will fall over, and it will be funny. Where and When? Comet Room, Club de Havilland @ 3pm-6pm, Tuesday 29th September
After the success of last year’s event, the Colour Fest has returned! You’ll get a free goody bag with a t-shirt, funky glasses, and temporary tats! It’s a 3k run around Ellenbrook fields with bags of paint thrown over you! What’s not to like? Where and When? de Havilland @ 11am-3pm, Saturday 3rd October
Tweet us your best #UHFreshersSelfie @TridentMediaUK!
SPOTLIGHT
FRESHERS’ BY NIGHT Freshers’ Welcome Party The best three years of your life start here. The state of the art, three-room club, The Forum Hertfordshire, welcomes all the newbies with great drinks deals and some world class DJs! Grab your housemates and have an awesome start to Freshers’! When and Where? The Forum, College Lane @ 9pm-3am, Saturday 26th September
American Pie Frat Party Everybody’s seen the legendary saga of American Pie movies - they are the bible of university films. So you’ll be excited to hear that Thomas Ian Nicholas (AKA Kevin Meyers) and his band will be bringing the American Vibes to The Forum! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 9pm3am, Sunday 27th September
Manic Monday ft. DJ EZ
Cheeky Wednesdays Launch Some bitter second and third years will be sad to see Bonk Wednesdays replaced by something new, but for you freshers, this is some exciting news! Cheeky Wednesdays is a welcome mid-week break and will have something for everyone! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 10pm-3am, Wednesday 30th September
The Pigeon Detectives Live Hatfield Rocks is always a great night at The Forum. Starting a bit earlier than usual, it gives people the chance to truly enjoy the live bands. This year, Hatfield Rocks presents the amazing Pigeon Detectives, plus support from Franklin and Exit and Black! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 7pm-10pm, Thursday 1st October
Freshers’ Fiesta ft. Gorgon City
Hero of the underground and legend of the garage tunes, DJ EZ is returning to The Forum Hertfordshire for another kickass and unforgettable set! He will be joined by some old skool DJs and Brit award winner Shola Ama. Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 10pm-3am, Monday 28th September
The talented musical duo, Gorgon City, will be taking over our usual Flirt! night with a Freshers’ Fiesta! Put on your best sombrero and shake those maracas to some of the biggest club hits out there! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 9pm-3am, Friday 2nd October
Society - Ministry of Sound
Smirnoff Saturday ft. Danny Jones
The explosive night is back with a bang. This time DJ S.K.T will be joined by Little Nikki, Charlie Tee and more! The night promises to be a huge collaboration of the best DJ sounds around. Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 10pm-3am, Tuesday 29th September
Whilst it’s at the end of a very busy and action-packed week, you won’t want to miss out on McFly’s Danny Jones, transferring his musical talents to the decks! Where and When? The Forum, College Lane @ 10pm-3am, Saturday 3rd October
23
Want £9,000? Simply sign up for free at doddle.com/student for your chance to win a year’s tuition fees.
We’re here to take the ball ache out of parcels (and tuition fees come to think of it).
Terms and conditions: 1 entry per person. Must be a registered student at one of the institutions in the attached list, if not we are entitled to exclude them from our list of entrants. 1 winner will be picked on 1st November. Free sign up during promo period relates to the Student Unlimited offer. After 31st October, Student Unlimited will cost £10/year. Competition and free sign up to Doddle Unlimited will run from 18th August to 31st October. For full Terms and Conditions, visit doddle.com/student/terms
LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
SOCIETY SHOWCASE
Shot by YKT
Some of the best societies at Herts selected by Alex Jungeling and Matt Yeoman... With over 100 societies at the University of Hertfordshire, not including volunteering or Athletic Union, there will always be something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy! There’s all types of societies, ranging from active, cultural, faith, music, dance, social and subject-based! There’s a full list of the current societies at hertfordshire.su/societies but here’s a little taste of what’s on offer!
Fan Based
(e.g Harry Potter) There’s many clubs for fans of various books, TV shows, games and more! Harry Potter Society is just an example of this. Fans, or interested people, will regularly meet up to talk, play games, eat food and socialise - often involving the book/ TV show, etc.- and anyone is welcome! It’s just a place to meet new people who perhaps share a common interest with you and can talk about things you enjoy.
Film
This is a great way to relax, wind down and de-stress from your studies, and it’s even better to do whilst meeting new people, finding new films and having a laugh. They organise different types of events throughout the year, such as: film marathons, weekly film screenings, quizzes, discussion meetings, cross society events, seminars and more!
26
HUSKIS
Ski and Snowboard The HUSKIS are a long established society providing snow sport opportunities to all students. Members of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to pros, with activities to cater for everyone. Regular trips to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead provide the opportunity for discounted lessons and recreational passes. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard, or just brush up your skills before hitting the resorts. The big event of the year is the visit to the Alps, spending a week at an established resort. With plenty of apres ski, it’s always a busy, fun packed week! HUSKIS is proud to be a very social group, regularly meeting for party nights and events throughout the year.
LGBT+
The society is a friendly, social place for all LGBT+ people and their allies! They run weekly fun social events, like film nights, game nights and trips to the Style Bar for cocktails. The society also provides a source of support for those struggling with LGBT+ issues, with regular updates from affiliated organisations within the Facebook group.
Mixed Bag
The UH Mixed Bag society was created to share and interact with students of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. With it being the winners of Best Society at the 2015 Students’ Union Awards, it’s clearly a very popular choice! The main aim of the society is to provide a platform and give opportunities to UH students to showcase their talent in various forms. Becoming a member of the society will give you an opportunity to get involved with big projects and events designed to enhance your leadership, communication, project and event management, and networking skills. You can also come up with your own ideas, and if it’s feasible, you will be appointed with a team to make it a success. There are lots of projects, adventurous trips, and fun and exciting activities planned for the year ahead.
Pictionary and Pizza
This is a fairly self explanatory society, where you can go and eat pizza and play Pictionary. They have a Pictorian of the week, for whoever plays Pictionary the best, they meet on a regular basis, and generally just chill out and have fun! A good place to go and relax, with perhaps something a little bit different.
LIFESTYLE
Start your own society As you can see we have a plethora of societies for you to get involved with, but the current list is far from exhaustive and we need more! All you need is one exciting topic, three core committee members, and around 15 interested students, and you’re off! Here’s a selection of societies that Herts should have, suggested by Laura Slingo.
Art & Crafts Society
Fancy learning how to sew or knit because poor students can’t afford to buy any more clothes? This could be the society for you! Alternatively, you could use this society for creative projects like decorating picture frames, making bunting etc. I expect you’ll have the odd tea and cake session too.
Live Music Appreciation Society
It’s all very well wanting to go to gigs and concerts, but it’s often a struggle to find someone to go with. Through this society you could venture to large venues in London or even track down local gigs and open mics, and all with a crowd of music lovers like you! Neat eh?
Netflix Society
Netflix is booming because us students like to junkie-watch our way through episode after episode of TV shows and film sagas. With a Netflix Society you could discuss your favourite programmes and even discover what you’ve been missing out on!
Peace of Mind Society
I’m sure we’ve all experienced a personal struggle. Peace of Mind Society could help raise awareness on the importance of mental health and simultaneously show how beautiful the body and mind is. As a community and safe-network, there may even be the odd yoga session to de-stress too.
Vegan & Vegetarian Society
I thought every university had one of these, but apparently not! Why not start up a Vegan & Vegetarian Society to highlight the importance of the environment, animal welfare and human health. Interested? Start a society today! Just visit hertfordshire.su/societies!
Article by Mercedes Brazier
SPORTS AT UH
Sport is big part of everyone’s life; you may have just read that and scoffed, but it’s true. Whether you played rounders as a child in the park with your family - in the one week of nice weather during summer - or you really engaged with sports teams and activities, it has been a part of your making. That’s why here at UH there are a lot of activities and sports you can get involved with, both competitively and just for fun!
THE ATHLETIC UNION ‘The Athletic Union (AU) is the organisation supported by Hertfordshire Students’ Union, through which the student clubs and other sporting activities are managed. Any UH student can be a member of a sports club by joining the Athletic Union, whether you are trying a sport for the first time or if you are an experienced player. The Athletic Union office is located in the Sports Village on the de Havilland Campus. The AU sports clubs are divided into two tiers: Tier 1 includes all the traditional sports, and Tier 2 is more out of the box sports!
28
SPORT AT UH
The prices to join these sports clubs range between the tiers and you can also join more than one club, along with a discounted price on gym memberships. And just to make you want to join even more, you are given an Athletic Union branded hoodie, I’ve always been very jealous of the people walking around campus with these on, maybe I should join this year!
HERTS HALLS LEAGUE The Herts Halls League is the Inter Campus Competition that hosts a number of social and sporting events. Every week, you will find a number of different sports being played on both campuses. These sports activities are free to attend, and if you participate you will gain participation points for your Halls, and if you win you will receive points to help your Halls win the league trophy! If you just want to have a ‘kick around’ or meet and play against the Pongbot, then visit the Students’ Union website for more information!
ACTIVE STUDENTS Active Students was created for one reason – to see if it is possible to get students enthusiastic about exercise again, and to have fun whilst doing it. The aim is to provide free, fun and informal sessions for students, that are completely catch-free. Students get to come and play sport for free, and earn rewards for doing so, showing Sport England that it is possible to get students out of bed! With the increase in tuition fees, the recession, and student loans, a lot of students just don’t have the money to pay for gym memberships and sports clubs. Active Students allows everyone to participate in a wide range of sports and activities for free. Coaches are professionally trained and qualified, offering around 50 different sessions. There are the classics like football, basketball, rugby and tennis, but also new and exciting activities like Bollywood dancing and roller skating!
FOLLOW: @TRIDENTMEDIAUK & @UNIOFHERTSSPORT TWEET US YOUR #HERTSGETFIT SELFIE BY 3RD OCTOBER TO WIN ANNUAL GOLD GYM MEMBERSHIP WORTH OVER £300!
COMPETITION
Money saving tips & tricks FOOD Article by Hannah Bicknell What they say about money and trees is true – unfortunately. So when it comes to saving money there is a lot more you can do than you realise. We have put together a list of helpful tips and tricks that will allow you to get the best deals whilst still getting the most out of your experience. After all, university is expensive enough without needing to part with an arm and a leg for your home comforts.
BUY SUPERMARKET OWN BRAND - This is instead of the named brands, such as Heinz, as it’s just as good and sometimes healthier, but you should always check the labels! MAKE MEALS IN ADVANCE - Buy takeaway foil containers and use them to freeze food in bulk meaning you only need to buy the essentials when you shop. DON’T FOOD SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH - Have a sandwich and take a list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
ELECTRONICS USE SKYPE TO CALL HOME/FRIENDS Not only is it free, but the video chats to family and friends will help with the homesickness! DON’T GET A TV – STREAM ONLINE - A TV licence is an expensive luxury especially when you can watch your favourite programmes online for free. BUY A PRINTER – You can print in the LRC but it is cheaper to buy a printer that will last you. The cost of the ink will still be cheaper than printing charges. DON’T BUY MUSIC – USE SPOTIFY OR PANDORA – With an NUS card you can get a Spotify Premium subscription for only £4.99 a month for all the music you’ll ever need.
Flickr/ Pictures of Money
30
MORE STUDENT MONEY SAVING: NUS CARD – An absolute must for any student! £12 a year or you can buy one that lasts for up to 3 years, providing you with over 170 savings on top brands across the UK. GET A 16-25 RAIL CARD – You get a 1/3 off all rail fairs (may not sound like much but it is) and if you have an NUS card you can get a 12% discount on the price! DON’T BUY NEW BOOKS – We suggest renting, borrowing from the library or friends, or buying second-hand – but always do a price comparison! COLLECT ALL SPARE CHANGE – All those coppers and silvers might not be much use on a night out but will soon add up!
TIPS FROM ADVICE & SUPPORT BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET! – Prepare a plan to help you avoid overspending. WATCH OUT FOR CREDIT CARDS - You will be given loads of enticing offers but many have pitfalls. If you need to borrow money only use interest free facilities. GIVE UP SMOKING – Smoking is an expensive habit and depending on how many you smoke in a day, quitting could really save you some money. BONUS TIP. GET HELP – Student support officers are available throughout the year to provide guidance and financial advice. If you have any questions email them at: financial-support@herts.ac.uk
Article by Katie Noble
THINGS TO DO FOR NON-DRINKERS & COMMUTERS
So now you know about all the exciting things that will be happening this Freshers’; however if clubs aren’t really your thing (or you’re stuck with having to drive), here’s some ideas for alternatives that are just as fun!
Host a movie night So you’ve met your new flatmates. Instead of heading out every night, why not suggest that you dedicate a night (or even one night a week) to staying in and watching a film? I’m sure that there’s a good DVD collection and a multitude of Netflix subscriptions between you all so why not make a go of it! No awkward ice-breaking conversations required and you can all bond over your love/hate for certain characters and films. If you’re a commuter, why not arrange a cinema visit with some of your classmates?
Visit a pub instead of a club
Reach out on Facebook
You may not be able to get away with ordering a straight lemonade in a club setting, but this is definitely more acceptable in a pub type location like our very own EleHouse. Settle down with a group of friends and get to know each other over fizzy drinks of choice and a portion of chips. Any individuals who are dead-set on drinking can order a slightly more civilised pint of beer.
If you’re struggling to find a group of people happy to spend some time during Freshers’ alcohol-free, why not reach out on social media? You’ll be surprised at the amount of fellow non-drinkers who have joined the university this year. Publish a post on the official Students’ Union Freshers’ Facebook page and round up some people for a dinner date, cinema visit, or a simple coffee (because we’d always choose caffeine over alcohol!).
Join some societies
If you’re not based on campus, there’s no need to worry about struggling to make friends. There are plenty of societies and student-run clubs and groups to keep you busy. You’ll no doubt find something to go along with any existing hobbies that you might have. Find out more at your Freshers’ Fair on October 2nd, or check out all the helpful information on the Students’ Union website. Can’t find one you like? Check out our guide to creating your own on page 25!
Explore the local area Finally, what better way to get to know your new surroundings than to explore all the exciting local sights? We’d suggest heading over to St Albans (just a short bus trip away) for shopping, historical intrigue, and lots of delicious food. And if you’ve got a car-driving commuter in your group of friends… even better!
Hopefully you’ve now got a full schedule! Of course, you can still head along to the club nights and not drink (but we know how awkward this can be!). If you’ve got any more ideas for non-drinkers or commuters Tweet us @TridentMediaUK!
31
FRESHERS’ FASHION FAIRY GODMOTHER Whether you’re a shiny new fresher or a Forum veteran, everyone struggles with the horror that is a fancy dress party. However, fear not humble students our fashion fairy godmother is here to offer some valuable advice!
AMERICAN PIE FRAT PARTY
Our first fashion conscious event begins on the 27th September with the American Pie Frat Party. For this, I recommend either a classic cheerleader or jock outfit, or your standard knee-high socks and numbered T-shirt combo if you want something easy. Mixed with some peppy face paint, this look is suitable for both men and women.
FLIRT! FRESHERS’ FIESTA
On the 2nd October we have the Flirt! Freshers’ Fiesta night. I’m thinking Breaking Bad style sombreros and Ugly Betty’s iconic poncho teamed with a thick black moustache for the perfect look. Wearing at least one of these items will suffice as a ‘fiesta’ style costume.
ULTIMATE COLOUR FEST
Lastly, we have the Ultimate Colour Fest on the 3rd October. Luckily, if you wish to take part in the run you are provided with a logo T-shirt, glasses and temporary tattoos. So all you need to do is make sure you wear old bottoms and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Need more freshers’ fashion advice? Tweet your Fashion Fairy Godmother @Tiamarsom and @TridentMediaUK!
Article by Robert Wheatley
CONSENT: It’s not complicated Freshers' Week is a fantastic opportunity for Hertfordshire students to meet others during a variety of events, from our packed Freshers' Fair stalls, to nights out at The Forum with amazing drink deals. University is one of the best places to make friends and, occasionally, a good place to meet that special someone. Especially after a night out, the opportunity for sex to happen increases when you've gulped a few drinks down. One thing can lead to another and soon you're either wandering (or stumbling) back home. Hey, sex isn't a bad thing; that's not what I'm leading up to. Fully consensual, safe sex is a great release of stress, a good mood booster, and ultimately a great experience. The key thing here, other than protection, is consent - Unfortunately an issue universities face during Freshers' Week. Laura Bates of The Guardian wrote an article about Freshers' Week
34
sexism and its damage. She cited a whole collection of true stories, including one female student who was pinned against a railing at a club by a student advisor despite her protests; and a tweet showed a quote from Facebook, "it's not rape if it's Freshers’.” Sexual consent is defined in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as someone who possesses the 'freedom and capacity to make that choice.' But, as our previous deputy editor, Laura Noakes' puts it in her article, "it isn't ‘yes means yes’ and ‘no means no’." It's not that simple. A night out can lead to sexual activity, but alcohol is never an excuse for sexual assault. This is where the 'capacity' part comes in: an intoxicated person is unlikely to have the capacity to make the choice if they are drunk or under the influence of drugs. Encouraging the use of these in order to have sex is a means of reducing capacity, which is illegal.
Any form of manipulation is also illegal. If you are struggling to persuade someone to engage in sexual activity, the conversation must be dropped: a consenting partner is not created out of pressure, ever. What people also need to consider is; it takes more than a verbal 'yes' from a sexual partner. A person acting nervous or voicing apprehension towards sex is a cue for you to also ask whether they really want to go ahead. Even if they do initially consent, it is not a permanent confirmation: any desire to stop means you must stop, or else you are committing assault. So just remember, Freshers' Week will be fun and a brilliant opportunity to meet new people, but it’s not an excuse for sexual assault. Have a great time, but be safe and considerate as well! If you need any advice on sex or general wellbeing then head over to herts.ac.uk/university-life/student-support for more information.
Image by Jean Koulev
INNOVATION INNOVATION
FRESHERS’ FLU
Article by Laura Slingo
Ah Freshers’ Flu… Try as hard as we might in advising you how to steer clear of this student-based illness, you’re probably going to catch it anyway. Freshers’ Flu is caused by completely draining the body’s energy sources and not sufficiently replenishing them. This generally leads to a groggy and irritable student with a hankering for veggies and desperately calling mums nationwide to take care of them. Here are the general ways Freshers’ Flu manifests itself and how to avoid it, if you can…
STRESS
Moving away from home for the first time can be particularly stressful, especially when you realise you have no idea how long to pre-heat an oven for or what to do with wet laundry when there’s no more room in the dryer. Stay aware of how you’re feeling. If you’re struggling, let someone know; perhaps you and a flat mate can puzzle away at the domestic problems. It’s a learning curve for you all.
MINGLING When you’re constantly on the go and meeting new people, you are going to come into contact with some new germs and bugs. Stay aware of the one person in your flat that’s always ill too – cue public apology, yes that was me. Antibacterial hand gel is advised as is the use of a hoover, duster and bleach in your room every now and again!
PARTIES So this is how it’ll go down. Pre-drinks are soon, I’ll just bung a pizza in the oven. Oh hello, alcohol!* Dancing is tiring. FIREBALL! Ooh there’s a burger van. Let’s walk to McDonalds! 5am, should probably sleep for a bit. Ah, lectures… And repeat. Sleep deprivation, junk food and excessive alcohol are sure to exhaust you. No one’s going to shun you if you take a few nights off and stock up on some leafy greens.
36
Of all the things you should be aware of at university, your health should definitely be a priority. Take care of your wellbeing during these early weeks at uni and you should be able to avoid a case of Freshers’ Flu!
Article by Alex Jungeling
INNOVATION
Image: KBoneva
Staying healthy during Freshers
Whilst Freshers’ will be full speed ahead, you need to make sure you stay healthy, so here are our top survival tips!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Even when you’re a student getting up at midday everyday, just because you can, there are so many foods that take no time. A bit of cereal, toast, whatever you can find. Fix that funny feeling stomach the morning after and feel full of energy for the day ahead.
Water! Water! Water! There’s a tap in every kitchen in Halls. Use it! The recommended daily allowance is around eight glasses of water, but as a fresher you’re going to want to go that little bit further to keep yourself hydrated and prevent those nasty hangovers.
Societies and Freshers’ Fair! Over the course of Freshers’ Week, there will be taster session sign-ups for sports and societies, especially at the Sports Fair and Freshers’ Fair. Don’t miss this opportunity! It’s a great way to stay healthy socially and physically.
Catching some zzzzzzzz…
Stay happy
This is probably the one week of the academic year where you will have very little to be stressing about and will have the time to sleep. Don’t waste it! You may be going out and about at night and meeting new people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with sleep! This advice is for all year round as well, sleep is the best thing a student can have. Worrying tires the brain, so relax and enjoy the week! You only get one Freshers’ but don’t sacrifice sleep for it!
An important thing people forget when thinking of health is mental health. Keeping happy is one of the best things you can do. This can be easier said than done, but there are always things to do to help yourself. Even though Freshers’ Week is about meeting new people, trying new things, being in a new place and starting your independent life, you don’t have to force yourself into a new environment and lose old friends Keep in contact with those who make you happy and keep you sane, Skype is great for this! I’m sure you will have some stories to tell!
Fruit and veg This is probably the first time you will be fully reliant on yourself and your cooking skills, and for many freshers, it can be a total disaster… Your parents might not be cooking you a nutritionally balanced meal but you can at least attempt to do so yourself. Especially during this first stressful week in a new place, try and get into the habit of cooking and eating well. It will give you great grounds for a healthier year. And for reference, no, ketchup doesn’t count as a tomato!
Relax! This first week of uni is a huge amount to take in and a true rollercoaster of a week, Amongst all the fun, activities, organising work and your course beginning, find some time to chill out. Have a cup of tea and biscuits in bed, listen to some music, watch some telly, or go for a walk. Just do whatever it is you need to take some time off for yourself and relax. This is great advice in general for the year and for your uni life. You’ll thank yourself for it, trust me!
37
Article by Laura Slingo
Famous Yik Yak’s
from the University of Hertfordshire Yik-Yak is the fresh new app that lets you post anonymous statuses linked to a chosen location. Check out some of our favourite popular posts from the University of Hertfordshire! Will you make it on the famous list?
“Lol how dead Herts Yik Yak is when all the students are away” “How is Herts so expensive yet so full of chavs. Can’t we just export them?” “Shout out to the guy dressed in girl’s shorts and a bra who I spotted walking outside UH gym. You made my workout worth it!” “Yik Yak in Herts = A lonely hearts column of depressed singletons still into their exes” “Two months till I’m back at uni - Cannot come soon enough!”
38