University Express Vol. 23 Freshers Issue

University Volume 23 | Freshers Edition | August 2019

Express UCCExpress.ie

Efforts Made To Alleviate Student Accommodation Crisis writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor The latest progress report of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) has been released, including reports on the creation of 7000 new bed spaces and a new 4% annual cap to minimize rent increases, similar to the already established, Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).

The NSAS is the official government strategy for creating more student accommodation, following a growing shortage in Dublin and other Universities. Established in 2017, the plan aims to have about 20,000 student beds by 2024 in Ireland, having constructed 7000 so far. In comparison, UCC’s on-campus accommodation consists of about 6000 beds altogether.

The introduction of rent increase caps is long-anticipated, with the lack of regulation of rent where student accommodation is concerned being a contentious issue with students. Some Dublin private accommodation facilities increased their rent by up to 25% last year, and UCC’s on-campus accommodation increased in cost by 11.5% for the 2019/2020 year, just before the introduction of the 4% increase cap, which will come into effect from August onwards.

“I welcome the continued increase in availability of student accommodation,” said Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Higher Education. “The National Student Accommodation strategy was designed to increase supply and to assist in moderating rental

costs for students. As the figures show the strategy is working and we are on track to exceed the target set at the outset.”

The additional space and rent increase caps are welcome news, especially in Dublin and other rent pressure areas like Cork City, where the rising cost and dropping availability of student accommodation has been a pressing issue. A large amount of accommodation is already booked before the release of the CAO results, making it particularly difficult for first-year students to secure accommodation.

Steps have been made to include student accommodation in Rent Pressure Zone regulation and tenant protection law. At the moment, accusations have been made of student accommodation being exploitative, with less legal

protection for student tenants than other renters.

The NSAS has been criticised by student activists and Students’ Unions, who have argued that the focus has been on creating “luxury” student accommodations, which are profit-focused and are aimed at wealthier international students rather than lower-income Irish students. The Rally for Affordable Housing, a protest held between UCC and CIT, focused on the high prices of Amnis House, a student housing complex on Western Road costing over €200 per week. UCCSU president Ben Dunlea has called for cheaper prices and more government intervention in rent control, saying, “[Companies] know students have few options other than to pay”.

“Students don’t want luxury

accommodation, and accommodation being built is overpriced and not sustainable for them or their families to afford,” said Aoife Duff of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). “What comes up time and again is the need for affordable, secure accommodation.”

The project also rolled out €14,000 in tax relief for homeowners renting out rooms as “digs”, which students have been urged to take up as a cheap alternative to student housing. However, the USI and student unions have warned against digs, which provide no tenant rights or legal protection to renting students.

Tenant’s rights workshops are available from the UCCSU, and the University is available to help with housing disputes and queries.

Cost Of UCC Accommodation Soars

That Trasition

President’s Message

Sporting Success for UCC

Page 3 News

Page 6 Features

Page 9 Byline

Page 16 Sport

Editorial

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Fresher’s Edition | August 2019 | University Express As One Chapter Closes Another Opens

In This Issue....

UCC Student’s Union 4 That Transition 6 The Erasmus Programme 7 Reframing Imposter Syndrome 8 Welcome to UCC 9 Start off by Stocking Up 10 Cork Bai: An Insight 11 Roll 20 12 Pieces to Invest In 13 Gaoluinn agus Failte 14 A Match Made in Heaven 15 Summer of Sporting Success 16

Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief – Ciaran Dineen (Editor@UCCExpress.ie) News Editor – Samantha Calthrop (News@UCCExpress.ie) Designer – Fiona Cremins (Design@UCCExpress.ie) Features Editor – Róisin O’Donell (Features@UCCExpress.ie) Sports Editor – Jack Maguire (Sport@UCCExpress.ie) Opinion Editor – Elisha Carey (Opinion@UCCExpress.ie) Eagarthóir Gaeilge – Hugh Ó Raghallaigh Mac Gearailt (Gaeilge@UCCExpress.ie) Online Editor – Edel Lonergan (Online@UCCExpress.ie) Proof Editor - Chloe Jesse (Proofing@uccexpress.ie) Marketing Executive – Ciaran Dineen (Marketing@UCCExpress.ie) Webmaster – Jonathan Hanley (Webmaster@UCCExpress.ie) Photographers – Célem Deegan, Eve Harrington (Photographers@uccexpress.ie) Byline Editor – Cian McGrath (Byline@ UCCExpress.ie) (Deputy Editor) Arts & Literature Editor – Fiona Keely (Arts@UCCExpress.ie) Gaming Editor – Jack Coleman (Gaming @UCCExpress.ie) Music Editor – Fiona O’Connell (Music@UCCExpress.ie) Film & Television Editor – Eoghan Creedon (Screen@UCCExpress.ie) Sexpress Editor – Caoimhe Battault (Sexpress@uccexpress.ie) Deputy Sports - Sam Curtin (Deputysports@uccexpress.ie) Deputy News Maeve O’Sullivan Deputynews@uccexpress.ie) Deputy Features - Molly O’Rourke (Deputyfeatures@uccexpress.ie)

W

Ciaran Dineen, Editor-In-Chief

ow, what a crazy summer it has been and we’re not even done, yet. Firstly I want to welcome every single one of you to University College Cork and congratulate you on making it here. Many of you will be reading this having just recently received your Leaving Cert results and I’m sure you’re finding it hard to believe that you are already starting college. You have left behind the structure and routine of the Irish education system and you now prepare yourselves to embark on a brand new period in your life, so make use of the opportunity at hand. To those from foreign shores (and Leitrim) I welcome you to Cork, the greatest City in the world and I hope you’ll all come to understand why us natives say, “Ireland by Birth, Cork by Grace of God”, sooner rather than later. Some of you reading this will take these new beginnings in your stride, more power to you I say, but you’re certainly the lucky ones. For most, to say you’re apprehensive is probably putting it mildly, because it’s really not easy to open yourself up to new people. What I would say is that hopefully you’re going down the career path you want and as a result you should find yourself mixing with people who have similar aspirations and interests. If you are nervous then you have to realise that there are hundreds if not thousands in the same position as you and while you might be out of your comfort zone, remember that when one chapter closes another opens! If you had told me on my first day of college that I would become confident enough in myself to be where I am today, in the position I am in, writing to you, I would have said you were crazy, but alas anything, when you put your mind to it, is possible.

The University Express for me is the epitome of everything that is good about college life and UCC (though I would say that wouldn’t I?). Over the course of the next eight months or so it is our aim to be one of your five a day in your daily diet of UCC, and I sincerely hope that we will live up to our mantra of being an informative, insightful, humorous, enjoyable and fun student paper that caters for all types of individuals. This year we have a great mix of writers and editors, some with lots of experience and others looking to show off their potential. From News to Fashion and Sport to Food and Health, I can’t wait to show you all what we have to offer. I myself am an old codger at this stage, so be prepared for the odd tale of wisdom or random diatribe along the way. I hope to have sparked your interest in the Express and that you’ll pick us up again soon.

Until next time folks, take care.

Ciaran.

editor@uccexpress.ie

Old Beginnings

Samantha Calthrop - News Editor I won’t say welcome to UCC. If I remember my own orientation correctly, you’ve heard it no less than ten times today, and there’s more to come. Instead, here’s four things I wish I’d realised on orientation: 1. The medical centre and counselling are both incredibly accessible, more than you might think. A friend of mine walked in there with no appointment because she couldn’t bend her arm and she was seen and treated for free before the end of the day. Please do not suffer. (At least not without professional help. Some suffering is inevitable.)

2. You shouldn’t, but if you need to, you can live on the €3 chips, beans and sausage at the main rest.

3. When I started at UCC, I had just finished a year at a PLC, after six years of secondary school I was very indifferent to it all. The first few weeks were uncomfortably nostalgic; in many ways I was back in the classroom, full of jostling and bored people my age and being ignored by an authority figure. Unlike school, it felt impossibly big. I couldn’t imagine finding a place here, in this enormous, impersonal institute of too many people and too many parts to name. If you find yourself feeling the same way as I did, let me reassure you, UCC is smaller and more personal than it looks, and it will be comfortable and familiar soon. It takes time.

4. If you want to get involved in student media, we want to have you. Pick your medium and reach out. It’s a lot less scary than it looks.

For some of you, this is the start of some of the best 3-4 years of your life. There will be friends, the start of a promising career, a new light on life. Good luck, and stay safe! I hope you make the most of it. For some of you, this will be hard, maybe one of the hardest times , but please know that there’s nothing wrong with you; it’s not easy. I bet you’ll do great. (“Thanks, random newspaper piece.”)

The paper comes out every second Tuesday. Don’t forget!

news@uccexpress.ie #uccexpress

Samantha

Fresher’s Edition | 2019 | University Express A spokesperson for UCC defended the decision, pointing out the effectiveness and relative cheapness of the University’s accommodation and the fact that accommodation prices were not raised between 2016 and 2018.

“UCC’s Campus Accommodation rates for 2019/2020 remain significantly below the level of privately-owned student accommodation in Cork City,” read a statement from the University. “The increase in rates was necessary to ensure UCC is in a position to meet the attendant rise in costs for the ongoing maintenance and security of student accommodation. An ongoing refurbishment programme is also necessary to maintain the standard of facilities and to ensure student accommodation meets access and health and safety standards.”

©Irish Independent

Cost of UCC Accommodation Soars

writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor

The cost of student accommodation for the year 2019/2020 has increased nationwide, with UCC introducing the highest price increase in Ireland. All five of UCC’s on-campus accommodation facilities— University Hall, Victoria Lodge, Castlewhite apartments, Victoria Mills, and Mardyke Hall- saw price increases between 10% and 11.5%, with the price range now €4029-€6179 yearly.

The Board of Management introduced the increase despite objections from the UCC Students’ Union (UCCSU) when it was announced. The board were given a presentation on the effects of the increase, which they acknowledged but declined to remove or lessen the increase.

UCC President Patrick O’Shea also wrote to the board asking them to reconsider. The UCCSU urged students to leave negative reviews on the campus accommodation’s social media in protest, and the college responded by turning off comments.

The decision was condemned by the UCCSU, who have been pushing for lower prices in student accommodation and living costs. Last year, the Accommodation Rally for Affordable Housing— a joint protest

by UCC and CIT— condemned the raising rent costs for students in Cork and elsewhere.

“UCC Students priorities are not founded in questions of refurbishments but instead in questions of whether they can or cannot afford to attend a college which they have earned a place in,” said UCCSU President Ben Dunlea, in response to the 2019-2020 rent increase.

“We believe UCC should reconsider these increases and better align their priorities, in relation to housing, with those held by their students.”

“Going forward from here, UCCSU 2019/20 is committed to fighting against these increases, and we are in consultation with the USI about what can be done next.” added a UCCSU spokesperson, talking to the Express.

The national cost increase has been condemned by several other bodies, including the National Union of Students in Ireland (USI). USI president Lorna Fitzpatrick said, “Student accommodation prices country-wide have taken a sinister hike towards unaffordability in the past few years, this past year in particular.”

The rent increase follows a

News 200% increase in the capitation fee announced earlier this year, which also drew criticism for increasing the financial pressure on students. Funding per student has dropped by 50% since the economic recession in 2008, and increases in capitation fees, accommodation costs, and exam re-sit fees have all raised issues in the past few years.

“Colleges don’t have enough funding and college accommodation is an income source. But students shouldn’t have to pay for that. Colleges should stand up to the Government and demand more funding.” said Social Policy lecturer Rory Hearne of Maynooth University in a statement to the Irish Independent.

Rent increase caps of 4% for purpose-built student accommodation are set to be introduced from August 14th, holding student accommodation to similar standards as other rented properties, but the high increases are currently still legal.

3 The Glucksman Gallery is a contemporary art museum on UCC’s main campus, often collaborating with UCC bodies. Circadian Rhythms was held in conjunction with the SFI research body APC Microbiome, located in UCC. Curated by Chris Clarke and Fiona Kearney, the exhibition features Irish and international artists drawing on the themes of time, schedule, and working life.

In addition to pieces by several established artists, there will also be an interactive educational area, created by APC Microbiome. Featured artists include performance artist Tehching Hsieh, and Dutch designer Maarten Baas, with a 12-hour film that functions as a real-time clock.

“We are delighted to showcase the ideas and world-class research of our colleagues in APC Microbiome Ireland through the imaginative work of contemporary Irish and international artists,” said Fiona Kearney, director of the Glucksman Museum. “Art and science are linked through creativity, observation and experimentation and this exhibition will give people an opportunity to reflect on how daily and seasonal changes impact the everyday rhythms of our lives.”

APC Microbiome specialises in the study of the microbiome of the gut, and how it interacts with human health in all regards, while UCC researchers have previously implicated a link between the gut microbiome and mental health.

Circadian Rhythms: The Body Clock-Themed Exhibition at the UCC Glucksman

“The microbiome itself has a circadian pattern of activity and sends signals to the human host which help to keep our own circadian clock ticking in perfect time,” said Professor Paul Ross, Director, APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre.

The Glucksman Gallery at UCC launched its newest exhibition, Circadian Rhythms, on Saturday 2 August. In conjunction with the SFI research body APC Microbiome Ireland, the exhibition focuses on the interaction between the human microbiome— the microorganisms that live inside the human body— and the body’s internal sense of time, or “internal clock”.

“Poor diet can disrupt the microbiome and this finely balanced circadian synchronicity and increase the risk for development of cardio-metabolic diseases. We are delighted to have another opportunity to work with the Glucksman creating this innovative platform to communicate APC research.”

writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor

The exhibition can be viewed for free and runs until November 3.

Students Union

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Fresher’s Edition | August 2019 | University Express

UCC Stude Every UCC student is a member of UCC Students’ Union, a non-for-profit organisation The Students’ Union Executive is the elected representative body for the members of the Union and is primarily made up of and upholding the rights of UCC Students everywhere

President

Ben Dunlea Email: president@uccsu.ie Firstly, I want to welcome you to University College Cork, Ireland’s bubbling melting-pot for student life and culture. Welcome also to UCC Students’ Union of which you are now a member of. The Union has its origins in the Students’ Representative Council of 1908 and over the past 101 years, thousands of students have been proud and passionate members of the Union, many having left a mark on the student experience that far outlasts their time in the University itself and perhaps you too may have the opportunity to have such an impact on the lives of your fellow and future students.

As President of the Union, I represent the views of the student body at a local and national level.

I am the Chief Finance Officer for the Union, a member of UCC’s Governing Body and UCC’s Finance Committee and I am a Company Director of three University companies; the Student Centre, the Mardyke Complex and UCC Campus Accom-

modation. We are here to work, negotiate and campaign for all students. The Executive Team, of which I have the pleasure of leading, is made up of some of the most passionate and hardworking students who are all committed to helping you have the best possible college experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

I envy you and your opportunity to discover everything UCC has to offer for the first time. College life can be, and I’m sure will be, a wonderful period of time in your lives, however, college can equally be a very challenging time for many students.

Whether you’re lost on campus, in need of assistance or simply looking for a chat, please feel free to call up to the SU Offices on 54 College Road, we are here to support you and our doors are always open.

Deputy President & Campaigns Officer

dent & Campaigns Officer for the year. A large part of my role here is to run campaigns; the title may have given it away. Throughout the year there will be a mix between local and national campaigns for you to get involved in and don’t hesitate to! It was UCC students who started a campaign to bring back the Wispa and now what can we see? A Wispa on the shelves in practically every shop.

The student voice is incredibly strong when we all work together.

Real success and real accomplishments can be achieved, even if it is for chocolate.

If there is anything you want to campaign for, be it for mental health, climate action, the accommodation crisis or just a plain old chocolate bar, please drop me a message, email me or come and talk to me and see how you can make a difference. I’d love to hear all of your ideas and work with you to bring about positive change. I’m really excited about the year ahead and what we all can achieve together. Immerse yourself in all the amazingness of UCC and have an amazing year!

Education Officer

Hello! My name is Catherine Dawson and I am your Union Education Officer. My role has two primary functions; to devise and push academic policy favourable to student’s interests in various college committees and to offer an advice service to all students on various academic issues.

No matter the educational path you took to get here, UCC is now your home and the next few years are going to be packed full of lectures, tutorials, exams, assignments and reports.

I am here for any student who needs advice in relation to their education, whether its information on grinds or if someone has had a problem with an exam and needs to seek mitigation, be sure to reach out and I’ll do my best to help!

College is an amazingly time to make new friends and discover new skills and interests that you never knew you had.

Often in this haze of excitement the academic component of your life can be sidetracked, so just remember that the key to life as a UCC Student is balance.

Make sure to go to lectures, take notes, do your readings, go to the library, study, learn and most of all, find some time to have some fun.

Ciara Kealy Email: deputy@uccsu.ie Hey there! My name is Ciara Kealy and I’m your Deputy Presi-

Catherine Dawson Email: education@uccsu.ie

Fresher’s Edition | 2019 | University Express

Students Union

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nts’ Union tasked with promoting the academic, welfare and social interests of the student population. six full-time officers and eight part-time officers. The Executive is the voice for the UCC students, fighting against injustices from the lecture halls of the Boole to the streets of Dublin.

Welfare Officer

and mental health or financial hardship and mental health. By taking a holistic approach to welfare we can tackle more effectively the issues facing students at present. As a final word, I wish you all the best for the year ahead.

Commercial & Communications Officer

Naoise Crowley Contact: 086 184 2697 / welfare@uccsu.ie Hello, my name is Naoise Crowley and I am your Union Welfare Officer for the coming year. My role is to help you to overcome any of the struggles you may face along your path in college and provide all students, irrespective of background or circumstance with a safe and non-judgemental space should you ever feel the need to speak to somebody.

Whether it is a serious question or a casual conversation, my phone is always on and my door always open.

Throughout the year I hope to run a number of campaigns highlighting the various welfare issues currently facing UCC students. Through the Union’s monthly ‘Welfare Forum’ you yourself will be given the opportunity to lead the conversation and shape the direction of welfare matters in the college by highlighting issues and offering feedback on the campus welfare services and the Union’s welfare campaigns. Welfare issues are interconnected, be it physical

content for the various Union owned social media pages).

I am also responsible for facilitating sponsorship for events and on-campus business promotions.

UCC Campus is a highly popular campus for business promotions and we have had the pleasure of working with brands like Dominos, Deliveroo, Sprite, Red Bull, Ben & Jerry’s, Gillette, Just Eat and Three Mobile. If you have an interest in having the opportunity to make some useful contacts within some of Ireland’s most popular brands you can interview to be a member of the UCCSU Promo Team.

Email comms@uccsu.ie for more information about the UCCSU Video Production Team and the UCCSU Promo Team.

David Condon Email: comms@uccsu.ie Hello! My name is David Condon and I am the Union’s Commercial & Communications Officer.

Broadly speaking, I’m responsible for both the commercial activity of the Union and the promotion of the Union’s officers, services, campaigns, events and other projects.

By virtue of my position, I have the pleasure of being Chair of the UCC Media Executive and I would highly recommend to students interested in journalism and online content creation to get involved in either the University Express (College Newspaper), the Motley (College Magazine), UCC 98.3FM (College Radio Station) or interviewing for the UCCSU Video Production Team (A team dedicated to producing short/long form video

You come to University to learn, but it’s important to remember that you can learn as much from experiences as you can from books, so get out there and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience.

Entertainments Officer

Hi everyone! My name is Sophie O’ Sullivan, I am your Entertainment’s Officer for this year and I promise to keep this piece short and sweet (like myself). As I’m sure many of you are anticipating, entertainment is a huge part of your college experience and I’m here to ensure you’re provided with the widest variety of fantastic and ground-breaking events that cater to the passions of every student; all the way from music fans to amateur trampoliners.

Our biggest event weeks of the year include Fresher’s Week, SHAG Week and Raise & Give Week. Throughout the entire year we will be raising money for our three fabulous Raise & Give Charities; Marymount Hospital and Hospice, Cork Sexual Violence Centre and The Thomas Hayes Trust.

For those interested in event planning, charity fundraising and the chance to work with international acts, Ents Crew is the place for you. There will be interviews held at the end of September for the only committee in UCC whose prime focus is fun.

It may sound cliché but I can’t emphasize enough how much your involvement in college life will dictate your college experience. You’re entering the best years of your life so be sure use first year as an opportunity to broaden your horizons and try something new.

Enjoy your Fresher’s Week and stay safe.

Sophie O’Sullivan Email: ents@uccsu.ie

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Features

Fresher’s Edition | August 2019 | University Express

That Transition b

y Roisin O’Donnell, Features Editor

In September 2018, this writer was trekking up the steps to the main campus for the first time. It feels like miles away: my best clothes, my artsy-looking bag and my already sore feet. With that memory vivid in my mind, I believe I am somewhat qualified to direct incoming freshers and those of us that are recovering from heatstroke back into a student routine.

The best step forward you can take is by throwing yourself at it.

Seriously. Forget all you know about yourself, the social norms built up by your previous education and family background.

Starting on the ground with your fellow students is the only way to form meaningful connections on this large campus.

Yes, you are not going to be friends with everyone in your course. This is especially true if you are an Arts student with mosh pits for lecture halls. For those of you reading this from your orientation bag, today is the day to say hi and join conversations. Every person around you is thinking along the same lines as: Is this actually happening? Believe me.

And hey, if it does not happen, show your teeth, stretch your lips and move onto the next person. There are over 20,000 people enrolled in UCC, someone will smile back.

For those of you saying goodbye to secondary school, further education colleges or the workplace, gone are the days of uniforms and your superiors knowing you by name. Here your personality is your uniform. A glance around campus will reveal everyone has a unique identity.

Call it an advantage or disadvantage right now, but very quickly, Freshers, you are going to learn ‘it’s up to you’.

This applies to crawling out of bed in the morning, whether you hand in ‘that’ assignment or spend that extra hour in the library. You are the driving force behind your

time at college. Your lecturers will act like lighthouses, always there, so make use of them.

The common consensus of college is that it is a drink paradise. No. Alcohol can be bought in any store, in any country all over the world.

Your student card is the key to the gems only UCC holds. We have a radio station, a special collection on the ground floor of the library, floors and floors of books and over a hundred societies and clubs scattered across campus, and who could forget the University Express? Available every two weeks and full to the brim with work written by students for students.

I am not going to lie, UCC is not perfect. There are rocky edges to this college that students must navigate each year. It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for entering this environment.

The campus has thousands and thousands of students moving through it every day of the week.

Alone time, personal space and a queueless ground floor bathroom experience are difficult to come by during peak times on campus (after 10 until about 4 in the afternoon).

It is easy to get overwhelmed on campus when finding your next lecture. The vast space and number of lecture rooms coupled with the confusing room codes and module codes are enough to make anyone’s head spin. I know that it took me a lot of double-checking and exploring to get comfortable. If a person with no sense of direction like me can make it to their lectures with time to spare, so can you. Your fellow students and the security guards strolling around UCC are a great resource.

Just ask, we have all been there.

UCC are aware it is not perfect and

that every student is more than their student ID. The services that every student has access to are listed online. You are never alone here. People care. There are always options for talking, such as Niteline, a confidential student-led service, booking an appointment with UCC’s professional counsellors or emailing your lectures or your peer-support leaders for advice. When it comes to physical, sexual and mental health concerns you can make an appointment with the campus doctor.

es. There are signs in all the obvious eating areas such as the Student Centre stating that you are not allowed to eat your own food. I highly suggest you ignore these. As far as my experience goes no one is going to kick you out for eating your own food on campus and if they do, at least you have a nice tweeting opportunity to follow it up with.

The best advice I can give you for packing a lunch is to use a non-microwavable, long-lasting, heat resisting, classic Money is another issue that may lunchbox food. Unless you arise during the year wheth- want to chance the microwaves er you are on a grant or not. It hidden in the corner of the is important to keep track of Students’ Union (fair warning, that number in your bank. Ac- they could use a clean). On the commodation, the cost of living bright side, you will not have to and the expenses of books and queue for food or get out a card. equipment may be outrageous but are unfortunately necessary. Finally, there will always be the You can apply to UCC’s Student old argument between students Assistance Fund to relieve some about whether they should take of the weight on your shoulders. their studies digital. If a laptop If not, there are odd jobs around is the medium you are looking UCC you can apply for such as re- to invest in: the larger the RAM stocking the library shelves and and the storage the better. helping set up campus for events. Don’t be me with the tiny, 4GB Either way, as students, money touch screen laptop that could is something always in the back not update itself or perform baof our minds, with every tap of a sic tasks. Please. It made creatcard or every new textbook your ing Python algorithms even lecturer advises you to get… that more headache inducing. It is isn’t in the library… of course. essential to use that handy unIt is useful to hoard all the cou- limited Google Drive the college pons and free stuff you can get has given you. Microsoft Word during Freshers’ week. This is will not be your friend after two especially true during Clubs and years of clogging up your USBs Societies week, save your sta- and machine. And most importionary ‘shopping’ until then. tantly, use protection - for your

internet-connected device.

Most of the food at UCC is not cost My last pro-tip is arrive early. effective, for students at least. No In those small pockets of space, one wants the guilt of eating a 2 you will be able to relax and euro muffin or croissant. A simple ease into the day, and for God’s way to avoid this is packed lunch- sake show up. Don’t waste time.

Fresher’s Edition | 2019 | University Express

Features

7

The Erasmus Programme

across all third-level disciplines.

The labour market relies on graduates from all fields having the caby Molly O’Rourke, Deputy pability to work and live across different cultures through language Features Editor and understanding. Secondly, the Congratulations, you’ve made initiative was given to universities it! Having survived the dread- themselves to create and develop ed Leaving Cert and passed international partnerships. This through the CAO process, you was done to encourage third-levare now part of the growing el institutions to further enhance student community at UCC. their programmes on a volunWhilst you have probably heard tary basis, away from the nathis countless times already, tional level. Lastly, the Erasmus you must make the most of this Charter for Higher Education opportunity. University is, of articulates that periods of study course, about studying, making abroad would be recognised and new friends, enjoying new ex- included as part of the students’ periences and developing your- final degree (achieved through self as a person. What if I told the European Credit Transyou that there is a fantastic way fer System (ECTs)), meaning to do all these things? It’s called the addition of an Erasmus year the Erasmus Programme. would provide value to employers looking at CVs in the future.

This article will be a helpful introduction to what the pro- Since its introduction in 1987, gramme entails and how you over 6 million students have can apply. Throughout the participated in the Erasmus year, Features will be issuing programme. There are currentErasmus themed articles to ly more than 5,000 third-level help those students who de- institutions across 37 countries cide to choose the programme. involved in the scheme, with Spain and Germany proving to The Erasmus Programme (Eu- be the most popular. Experiencropean Community Action ing a global education is one of Scheme for the Mobility of the principal opportunities of University Students), is a Eu- the Erasmus, with students benropean exchange programme efiting from free movement and that allows students in the EU education exchanges. Although a to undertake a study-abroad study exchange is the preferred or work-abroad in another EU choice, students may also particmember state. It dates back ipate in a traineeship or workas far as 1976 when European study programme. Periods spent Ministers of Education agreed abroad vary between 2 and 12 to establish an education ac- months, depending on the acation programme which would demic calendar of the host couneventually evolve into the mod- try, though many Irish students ern Erasmus scheme. After ten spend two academic semesters years of lobbying, pilot testing abroad. For students studying a and drafting legislation, the of- language, the Erasmus experificial Erasmus programme was ence is often a compulsory part approved in 1987, along with of their degree, (this was the case a huge EU budget allocated to for me, as I study Commerce its improvement. In 2014, the with French), however, any unicurrent Erasmus+ programme versity student can decide to unwas launched, which now en- dertake a year abroad, provided compasses all the EU’s current they have completed first year. schemes for education, training, youth, and sport. Although The financial burden of an Erasthe programme has been up- mus period can seem overwhelmdated and changed throughout ing at first and acts as a deterrent the years, its basic architecture for many students. Yet, the bighas remained the same to en- gest benefit of the programme is sure its sustainability, success, that you are not required to pay and impressive reputation. any additional fees to your host university. This means that you Most significantly, the pro- will only have to pay the standard gramme is open to students UCC fee for the year, making the

prospect of studying abroad more feasible. On top of this, the European Union has a grant scheme in place for students studying abroad which can be around €250 to €400 a month, depending on your country of choice. There is an additional monthly grant for students choosing less popular destinations, such as Eastern Europe. Furthermore, students will continue to be eligible for the SUSI grant scheme while abroad. The International Office at UCC works alongside outgoing and incoming students, assisting them with applying for the programme and securing the different grants available. As well as this, your academic coordinator will be able to advise you on locations and subject choices while remaining in contact with you throughout your period abroad.

Putting all the academic and practical benefits aside, above all the Erasmus experience is exciting and fun. Between meeting new friends, travelling during the weekend and living on your own in a new country, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Many students fall in love with their city and continue to return there in later years.

While we all know that one person who starts every story with “When I was on Erasmus….”, but after spending time abroad and loving it I can understand the thought behind this sentiment. Every year UCC students from all disciplines make the journey abroad to study, improve their language skills, experience a new culture and make fantastic memories.

Speaking to the Express, Clare Murphy, UCC’s Erasmus Coordinator outlined the career benefits of a year abroad: “The career benefits of having studied abroad have been well documented. Recent studies prove that employers are likely to be particularly impressed by graduates who have shown that they possess the curiosity, strength of character and adaptability to obtain at least part of their education at a foreign university. The study abroad experience may be seen as giving a competitive advantage in the workplace to graduates who have been fortunate enough to avail of the programme.”

UCC Student Testimonial: “The year abroad was without any doubt the best experience of my life. The opportunity to study abroad was fantastic, both for the educational experience and for the life experience outside the classroom.

I came into contact with a range of people from almost every part of the world. The camaraderie shown between exchange students is just astounding and every one of us came away with a new knowledge of other traditions.”

Opinion

8

Reframing Impostor Syndrome by Elisha Carey, Opinions Editor

During his commencement speech at the University of Arts in 2012, widely beloved Author Neil Gaiman reflected on his life’s work, explaining to the very soon-to-be graduates, that “the problems of failure are hard” but that “the problems of success can be harder because nobody warns you about them.” This, boys and girls, I’ve learned to be true. I reckon the single most difficult problem associated with success is the overwhelming and unshakeable feeling that you’re getting away with something and any minute now everyone is going to find out. The feeling that you’re a fraud and the rug is always merely seconds away from being pulled out from under you.

The feeling that you don’t own your successes, that they were something afforded to you by connections, luck or something in the stars. This feeling has a name, we call it impostor syndrome and you more than probably have it.

Welcome to UCC. First year is an incredibly daunting time, for the first time ever, everything you do has to be self-motivated and most of you will choose to venture from the comfort zone (be it academically or socially) at least once or twice. Whether it’s running for class rep or moving up the ranks in a club or society, success is inevitably scary, and those impostor feelings can take over. According to the International Journal of Behavioural Science at least 70 percent of people experi-

ence impostor syndrome at some point in their lives and you’ll be delighted to hear it affects the most talented and successful among us. Revered American poet, Maya Angelou, once said “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”

It’s no secret that impostor syndrome runs thick in the veins of those making the leap from secondary school to third-level education. The sheer size of the quad alone is enough to make you feel like you’re out of place. I felt most like a fraud my first week here at UCC. My leaving cert results were good but sitting in Kane G19 that first day, I didn’t understand a single word the lecturer said. While my classmates clicked away on their keyboards at 200 wpm, I gazed down at an empty page. I wondered how on earth I bluffed myself into that room. My intellect didn’t seem to match that of my peers, and I didn’t feel worthy of my legal education. Sat in the Boole I felt like a little kid dressed up as an adult, pretending to study. I doubted everything, wondering if a technical glitch in the CAO allowed me to be here. I began feeling that little bit more hollow after each lecture, overwhelmed by readings and tutorial work.

This encounter with impostor syndrome was certainly not an isolated incident. The feelings have followed me relentlessly throughout my first two years of college. Right up to 2am last week when a strange concoction of writer’s block and impostor syndrome had me typing “opin-

Fresher’s Edition | August 2019 | University Express ion writing prompts” into the Google search bar, fearing the fraud police would show up and strip me of my ‘Opinion Editor’ title at any moment. It seems, for me, with every achievement; impostor syndrome isn’t far behind.

But what if I could see my impostor syndrome for what it was?

I wouldn’t feel like an impostor unless I had accomplished something to begin with, right?

Instead of drowning in feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt what if I dove headfirst into my impostor syndrome? Using it for good instead of evil, as a tool to empower myself when I needed it most. I believe there’s a bright side to impostor syndrome, because feeling like an impostor means you have something to

daunting, terrifying even, but you exit the comfort zone with a new skill learned, newfound confidence in yourself and the knowledge that Tesco is way more expensive than Lidl so what were you even doing in there anyway? So, if you ever think “Woah I’m way out of my depth what am I doing?” that thought should be immediately corrected by “I’m challenging myself and that makes me awesome”. Virtual pat on the back to you!

Experiencing impostor syndrome is also a clear sign that you’re becoming more accomplished at what you do and that you are being afforded more responsibility in that area. This is great.

“This feeling has a name, we call it impostor syndrome and you more than probably have it” feel like an impostor about, that you’re challenging yourself, gaining experience and ultimately, succeeding.

Hear me out, I’m in no way advocating for crippling self-doubt or constant anxiety. There’s a method to my madness. Impostor syndrome is often dubbed ‘the mindset of the over-achiever’.

Somebody who feels like their good is never good enough. This mindset can be dangerous, if you’re not careful it can paralyse you. If you are careful, though, it can be channelled into actually fuelling your ambitions. Experiencing impostor thoughts and feelings is a good indicator that you’re challenging yourself and growing as a person. A quote I see all the time online goes: “The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” While slightly irritating, it’s true, you aren’t growing as a person if you’re hibernating inside the comfort zone. If you have impostor syndrome, odds are you’re out of your comfort zone, pushing your own boundaries and exceeding your own expectations. Challenging yourself could be something as simple as doing ‘the big shop’ in Tesco for the first time on your own or something slightly bigger like volunteering yourself to present something in front of the whole class. In the moment it feels

People who never become any more accomplished at what they do often give up or are fired. But not you. You’ve achieved something. The standard of your work is high and has afforded you opportunities, ladders to greater things.

Are you going to take them?

Gaiman reckons “the world conspires to stop you doing the thing that you do, because you are successful.” Impostor syndrome is just one example of this. When it crops up, it should serve only as a reminder that you’re headed in the right direction.

Boys and girls, success is a fine wine, best paired with enjoyment. I’ve wasted many the hour worrying about what I was going to do, now that I’ve achieved xyz instead of sitting back and revelling in the sweet taste of actually achieving something. The next time the fraud police show up at your door, see it as a sign of how far you’ve come and use it as a launchpad to push yourself further. Refuse to shrink or be squashed by fear, you’ve made it to University, no matter how you got here that’s an amazing feat, and nobody can take it away from you. Stop for a second, look around and give credit where credit’s due. Enjoy this. You deserve it.

Byline

Fresher’s Edition | 2019 | University Express

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Welcome to UCC - John Cian McGrath, Byline Editor Well well. Somehow it feels like only yesterday that I was exactly in your shoes, a first year, coming to UCC, buzzing, excited and slightly daunted. I’m currently entering my 3rd and final year of my degree in Law, and I have to say that my college experience has been fantastic. I’m sure you folks have had a hectic few weeks, between results, offers, searching for accommodation, orientations, and lectures haven’t even begun!

Don’t worry though, everything will come together nicely for you all in the next few weeks as ye settle in.

I suppose an introduction is in order, my name is Cian McGrath and I’m the Byline Editor of The Express. I was born in Kilkenny, but I’ve lived in Cork all my life and proud to have done so. Cork is and always will be a big part of my life and I’m sure you’ll see that coming across in my writing too! I’m a huge football fan, trapesing up to Dublin to watch Ireland regularly (for my sins) as well as my usual Friday pilgrimage to the Cross on a Friday night to watch Cork City.

As a quick intro to my section, Byline covers popular culture. Within Byline we have Film & TV, Gaming, Sexpress, Music, Fashion, Arts and Literature and our new section, Food and Health! This year’s Byline team is full of experience, passion and interest and I can’t wait for you to check it out over the coming months! If you feel like contributing, then please do feel free to contact me at any time and I can point you in the right direction. Fire me an email at any time to: byline@uccexpress.ie.

Besides The Express, I am also this year’s Chair of UCC Netsoc, UCC’s Technology, Gaming and Networking Society (shameless plug).

We also recently started an Esports team for anyone interested, so feel free to fire us a message on any social medias if ye want to get involved. Even if gaming, tech or coding isn’t your cup of tea, I could not encourage you more to get involved with UCC’s societies. Societies are a great way of getting involved with like-minded people who all share a passion for a common interest. The same, of course, goes for Clubs, with most clubs very open to newcomers. Whatever you do, if you’re interested in joining a society or club, don’t feel intimidated before you join! You will always be welcome!

Well until our first issue releases on the 17th of September, that’s all from me folks! I hope you check out what we have to offer over the next year, and maybe some of ye will get involved. Best of luck settling in.

John Cian McGrath

Shared hopes and challenges -Patrick O’Shea, UCC President At UCC we are passionate about protecting our environment. That passion grew from our student body over a decade ago and now informs every aspect of our operation, from our curriculum to our beautiful wild flower meadow on the Lower Grounds. Today we are recognised as a world leader in sustainability.

I highlight this because this a university deeply connected to its students, and takes a lead from them.

Student representatives sit on many of our university’s committees, at a level that makes UCC an exemplar in Irish higher education. Together we are a community with shared ambitions, opportunities and challenges.

One hundred and seventy years ago this autumn, our forbearers entered our campus for the first time. Even though the Great Famine still raged, the students and the staff embarked on an adventure in a new type of university conceived on the idea that discovery, learning and practice would be promoted in an inclusive secular environment. Back then, there were less than 100 students here, and now we have over 22,000 entering our gates. In ways that would have been unimaginable at our founding, our students are now active participants in discovery, understanding, learning and the application of that discovery and learning for the wellbeing of people.

Everyday I’m amazed by the enthusiasm of our students; your passion to get involved in life and to contribute to your community brightens a dreary day! A phenomenal 46% of UCC students surveyed said they volunteered with local community organisations, clubs and campus groups in the prior six months. This in itself is a testament to UCC’s ethos and its greater understanding of modern education, about giving back, creating value and not just taking. Our students put this into practice by supporting the community, a source of great pride for our University. A good example is our student-led Community First Responder Programme. Our volunteers in the Emergency Care Society’s Community First Responder group are saving lives by assisting community members in need before the ambulance service arrives. I hope you will take the opportunity to get involved in this or other great community initiatives.

Sport is often neglected in strategic planning by universities. We remedied that last spring with the launch of our Sports Strategy. We designed our strategy to promote excellence in sport across research, education, performance, facilities and wellbeing. By promoting a broad spirit of excellence, and teamwork, we connect and inspire our UCC family at home and abroad. We certainly had a winning season in the spring with an unprecedented quadruple in the Kelly and Collingwood Cups in women’s and men’s soccer, the Sigerson Cup in hurling and the Fitzgibbon in football. I hope you will come out to support these and other teams in the coming year.

As we celebrate triumph, we must equally address challenges. In seeking to improve and maintain services to students, such as those in sport and counselling, we are working with your Student Union to see how we achieve this. Working together and recognising shared challenges is a strength of this university and I am looking forward to working with you as we travel the road ahead.

Food & Health

Editor: Katie Kelly Editor: Katie Kelly

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Start off by Stocking up

writes Katie Kelly, Food and Health Editor

My name is Katie and I’m a final year Nutritional Sciences student.

I would like to begin by saying that I am by no means an expert on the topics of food and health.

However, from studying Nutritional Sciences for three years and living away from home for college, I have learned a few things along the way that I am hoping to use as helpful tips to share with all of you. While college life is full of fun and excitement, it can also be difficult at times for various reasons. For some people, it can be hard to adjust to planning and cooking your own meals each day, so hopefully this section can help someone in doing that! Just remember that everyone is different and that just because something works for someone else does not mean it will work for you. It’s all about trying different things to see what suits best for your lifestyle and schedule.

As the old saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.

This is true for many aspects of life, including your food. If you have a well-stocked cup board from the start of the year, it can make it much easier to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle throughout the academic year. I find it best to stock up on non-perishable items at the start of each semester. This makes college life that little bit easier, as it means you only have to focus on purchasing perishable items during the semester. Between college work, socialising and extra-curricular activities, college can be a hectic time for most students. It makes a big difference having one less thing to think of and having some old reliables to fall back on!

I generally tend to stock up on these non-perishable items at the start of each semester, so here are some ideas that might work for you too: • Porridge or breakfast cereal: Breakfast is known as being

the most important meal of the day. Have a good stock of these from the start of the year to allow you to fit a decent breakfast into your morning. Try to choose porridge or wholegrain cereals to keep you fuller for longer and release energy slowly throughout your morning, rather than cereals which are high in sugar.

• Tins of chickpeas and beans (e.g. kidney, butter, haricot or mixed beans): These are a great addition to any dinner, such as a stir-fry, stew or curry. They have such a long life, are easy to store and require very little time to cook. They can be used to replace meat or chicken in these dishes as a source of protein and are very affordable.

• Tinned tomatoes: These can be used for the base of so many dishes, including Spaghetti Bolognese and Chilli Con Carne, or even to make a quick pasta sauce. Definitely an old reliable to have in your cupboard.

• Pasta and rice: It’s a good idea to buy a large packet of each at the start of the year, as they have a very long shelf life and you’ll almost certainly use them up.

Choose brown versions if possible as they provide more fibre than their white counterparts, meaning that they will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Quinoa and couscous are also good alternatives to provide more variety in your diet. Check the cooking times on the packets when you are buying them - especially for brown rice - as times can vary from 15-30 minutes. This can make a big difference on evenings when you’re cooking in a hurry.

• Frozen vegetables: These are so handy to keep in your freezer as you don’t have to worry about them going off like fresh vegetables. They are ideal for adding into a stir-fry to bulk it up and help you to reach your recommended 5-7 portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

• Olive oil and soy sauce: These will come in handy for a lot of different meals you may find yourself cooking throughout the semester, so having a bottle of each is a good idea.

• Seasoning (such as salt, pepper, herbs and spices): A small bit of seasoning can make a big difference to your meals. Everyone has their own preference in terms of taste, so whether it’s cinnamon for your porridge or salt and pepper for dinner, make sure you have what you need in your cupboard.

If you’re in the middle of a busy week mid-semester, rushing home from a lecture that’s run on late and dashing to get ready for prinks, you’ll be very grateful for the pasta and tinned tomatoes in your cupboard, ready to save the day and provide an emergency dinner within a matter of minutes. Organisation pays off!

Music

Editor: Fiona O’Connell

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Cork Bai: An Insight into the Flourishing Music Scene of the Rebel County writes Fiona O’ Connell, Music Editor Hailed as the People’s Republic of Ireland, Cork and more notably Cork City, never fails to play host to an exciting music scene.

In recent years the establishment of new venues (as well as the restoration of old ones) has contributed to the growth and success of the city in mapping itself as a musical capital. The founding of Cork based music collectives has also contributed to the growth of a new music scene that is thriving in ways that no one could have predicted. It’s hard to summarise this scene into a few short words but I will try my best to capture exactly what it is that makes this city and all of the music bubbling inside of it so special.

Cork City plays host to some of the most unique music venues in the country. With revered high capacity venues such as Cork Opera House and the newly expanded Cyprus Avenue, the city can welcome hugely successful musicians at the peak of their career to play sold out shows in these venues. The wonderful Damien Rice for example, will take to the stage of the Opera House on September 13th in conjunction with the Sounds from A Safe Harbour festival. On the same week Irish DJ giants Boots & Kats will be headlining Cyprus Avenue to kick off your Freshers Week. This in itself is an example of the scale the Cork music scene - in under a five-minute walk you can transport yourself from the soothing sounds of an acoustic guitar to disco-influenced beats that will lure you to the centre of the

dancefloor. Other venues worth a mention include Coughlans for fans of the singer-songwriter and all things acoustic, Plugd at the Roundy - for all of your indie music needs, and St. Luke’s church at which I have witnessed some of the most beautiful performances of truly magical music.

In recent years the rise of the music collective has been nothing short of phenomenal and Cork city is no exception to the rule. A vast number of music collectives have formed as a result of a mutual desire to share industry knowledge as well as secure gigs to showcase local talent. Two Cork-based collectives doing just that are Teletext Records and the Angry Mom Collective. Self-described as an Irish music management label focusing on ‘left of field’ acts, the founders of Teletext Records have been hugely active in the year since their establishment they have held a whopping ten gigs in Cork venues such as The Kino, The Roundy, and Fred Zep-

pelins as well as renowned venues around the country such as Dolans in Limerick and Sin E in Dublin.

One of the most exciting collectives in Cork in my opinion is the recently established Angry Mom Collective. The masterminds behind this collective aim to raise awareness and ‘put an end to the gender divide’ in the music and art industries. In just a few short months the ladies have held meetups, gigs, and a visual showcase, giving a platform to some of the most exciting female artists in the city. In the holding of music-related events and gigs, these collectives have been fundamental in the promotion of local Cork talent as well as the enrichment of the city’s music scene.

It would be rude to speak of the music scene in Cork without mentioning our very own music society. UCC Music Society caters for all those with an interest in music holding regular open mics, on campus records fairs,

and busking sessions. Two major events held annually by the society are the Singer-Songwriter Competition and Battle of the Bands. Both of which see local acts battle it out through a series of heats for recording time in a local studio. Events run by the society provide chances to engage with other musicians and like-minded people in UCC who can share all of the best spots to headbang to metal, be serenaded by singer-songwriters, and even where to share one’s own talents at open mics. A perfect introduction into all that Cork’s music scene has to offer, some may say.

I believe the Cork music scene is now in its most exciting ever period. With acts like Happyalone, Ghostking is Dead, and Laura Duff all gaining serious traction in the national (and international) music scene, one thing is for sure; the music bubbling inside this city and all of its musicians is stellar and demands to be heard.

Gaming

Roll 20 - Tabletop Gaming in UCC and Cork

Editor: Jack Coleman

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Frame Perfect - Video Gaming in UCC and Cork

writes Jack Coleman, Gaming Editor

writes Jack Coleman, Gaming Editor

Across UCC’s sprawling campus, there is a spirited and active gaming community that contains people of all experience levels. Tabletop gaming is exploding in popularity globally and Cork is no exception to this phenomenon, any aspiring adventurer or master tactician will have no trouble jumping right into an RPG or wargame once they arrive at UCC.

Who doesn’t love the feel of a controller in their hands? Or the glowing lights of an LED keyboard, pulsing slowly in the dark?

Video gaming is one of the most popular hobbies in the world and this trend holds true in UCC where many a gamer tries to forget their impending deadlines by playing the night away.

The primary organisation for tabletop gaming in UCC is WARPS whose Weekly Gaming events are a fixture of every Thursday night.

Here, you can embark on fantastical adventures in an RPG campaign or test your mettle in a multitude of board games from the society’s huge library. The ubiquitous Dungeons & Dragons remains a popular feature and the society will be running an introductory session for anyone looking to get involved. D&D is far from the only RPG out there though and there’s plenty of variety to be found at WARPS with Cyberpunk 2020 and Vampire: The Masquerade being added to the roster in celebration of the upcoming video game adaptations.

UCC’s very own Netsoc is where you can satiate your competitive video gaming needs at the college. With the introduction of online gaming, it’s not often you get to go out and play video games in such a social environment. Netsoc provides exactly this kind of atmosphere every Tuesday night at their weekly meetup where plenty of refreshments and competition can be found. You think you’re the best Smash player among your friends? You might soon realise that you were a big fish in a small pond and UCC offers stiffer competition. That goes for other games too, UCC has some legit Mario Kart players.

If card games are more your style then WARPS also runs Monday Night Magic where you can begin (or continue) your journey with the world’s most popular competitive trading card game, Magic the Gathering. There’s no more satisfying feeling than outsmarting your opponent with cleverly executed trades and combos. Magic the Gathering has been running for over 25 years so it’s never too late to pick it up.

The local highlight of the year is undoubtedly WARPCON, set to take place during the second semester. The event, which is Cork’s largest gaming convention, brings together local and national tabletop communities for a weekend of fun and games. WARPS also run field trips to other national conventions, so you’ll get to escape Cork from time to time if you want.

Of course, the campus isn’t the only venue for tabletop gaming in Cork.

The city offers multiple places for people to chill out and play board games, maybe even with a pint if you’re feeling cheeky. Tabletop (Castle St.) is one such establishment, located right at the heart of the city centre, it’s the perfect place to break out the dice while enjoying a nice coffee or pint with friends. There are a couple of other specialist gaming café’s in the city like Sandbox (Lower Glanmire Rd.) but any willing pub or café can become home for your party. Whether it’s inside or outside UCC’s walls, Cork is the perfect place to pursue this exciting hobby.

Tournaments are a common feature of the society and the sizeable prize pools mean they get very competitive very quickly. Don’t let this intimidate you though, everyone loves a good underdog story and you might just realise you’re much better than you thought.

This brings us nicely to the UCC Netsoc Rebels, the college’s very own esports team. Esports is becoming increasingly popular in both viewership and investment so it was very timely for UCC to pick up on the trend and form their own official team. The team competes in official Irish Collegiate Esports (ICE) tournaments in League of Legends, Overwatch, Smash, Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six: Siege and Rocket League so there’s plenty of variety and if you’re skilled enough, there may just be a spot for you on one of these rosters.

In fact, many ICE tournaments offer divisional play which separates players by skill-level, making them more beginner-friendly.

Many students are likely to have their own consoles and PCs but if that isn’t the case, or you want a change of environment during your gaming session, Cork is well-stocked with gaming cafés. WebWorkHouse (Winthrop St.) is open 24 hours a day and is perfect for those late-night gaming binges when you need to grind out ranks. An alternative is 365 IT Hub (Patrick’s Quay) which has brand-new ultra-fast computers for all your gaming needs. So that assignment can wait, the controller (or mouse) is calling you.

Fashion

Editor: Katie Burke Editor: Katie Burke

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Where to Shop in Cork If you’re brand new to UCC and not from Cork, then you might not be familiar with the best places to shop in the city.

Below is a list of places where you’ll definitely find clothes to suit all styles and price points!

Mahon Point Shopping Centre About half an hour outside the city on the bus, Mahon Point is home to shops such as Zara, Stradivarius and Bershka which you won’t find in the city centre.

Pieces to Invest in for Your College Wardrobe writes Katie Burke, Fashion Editor

Coming to college can bring a multitude of worries, and surprisingly enough those worries can sometimes include ‘what do I need to pack or invest in for my college wardrobe?’. With Ireland’s changing elements it can be difficult to condense the size of our wardrobes down, in comparison to what you might have at home if you’re moving from another county. Given that I am now entering my fourth year at UCC, there are some basic clothing pieces that I have noticed over the years which are essentials for the colder weather or long days at college which suit a multitude of styles.

• Now, black boots might seem boringly obvious but trust me when I say they are a lifesaver. You’re going to need footwear that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements. I would advise avoiding boots with a higher heel purely based on comfort, but a low chunky heel would be fine if that’s your style.

• Denim jackets are perfect for when the weather is a little cooler but still has the dreaded humidity. Given that denim jackets have been staples in many wardrobes in recent years this item shouldn’t be too hard to locate. With the variety now available you can have your pick of colours, patterns and linings to best suit your own style.

• I am known for my love of hats and I am here to preach the good word about them. Hats are ideal for college given that they can hide your face and hair if you’re having a bad hair day, are dying a slow death from flu in the library or have danced the night away on a night out. These are one of the most versatile pieces anyone can have in their wardrobes given the abundance of different styles that are available.

• Like the denim jacket, puffer jackets are a trend that has been around for years and is a common feature on college campuses. Ideal for the colder weather, these jackets almost act as a blanket to keep you warm when you’re spending hours in the library or in a lecture. This is a trend that can suit everyone from the more minimalist person to someone who favours a more sports luxe vibe.

• Jumpers might seem obvious but are ideal for just throwing on in the mornings and depending on the colour or pattern or slogan you buy, jumpers can immediately liven up what could otherwise be a simple look of jeans or a skirt. I would recommend buying a couple of jumpers with different lengths and cuts, so you will have larger ones that suit a casual look with leggings more and shorter ones that show off your high waisted jeans or denim skirt.

• Sunglasses are my final recommendation for your college wardrobe essentials. Given that we don’t have the sunniest of climates all year round, sunglasses can often be forgotten when we enter the colder months. However, that winter sun is still there, and you’ll be cursing not bring some sunnies with you on your walk to college. Also, given that many of us have days where we just don’t want anyone to see us, sunglasses are ideal for hiding behind.

Opera Lane With shops such as Topshop, H&M, New Look and River Island, this is the main hub for high street shopping in the city.

Penneys (Primark) I mean, need I say more? With one Penneys on Patrick Street and another just beyond UCC in Wilton Shopping Centre, it’s Penneys heaven down here.

Vintage!

Shops such as Miss Daisy Blue and Records and Relics sell gorgeous vintage clothing from shell jackets to a 1950s prom dress, while the Mother Jones Flea Market often has clothing stalls amongst everything else. The Village Hall is a similar establishment, with some crazy and no-so-crazy- pieces making their way to the shop floor amongst all the furniture and old records.

Charity Shops Being a student can be expensive so often you don’t want to spend a small fortune on clothes.

Thankfully Cork has a huge selection of charity shops, with a lot being located around North Main Street where you can find some gems for half the price, and a lot less damage to the environment.

Gaeilge

Editor: Hugh Ó Raghallaigh Mac Gearailt

14

Gaoluinn agus fáilte Oireachtas na Gaeilge

Scríobhann Hugh Ó

Raghallaigh Mac Gearailt, Eagarthóir Gaeilge

Is í an fhéile bhliaintiúil is mó i saol na Gaeilge an tOireachtas. Bunaíodh sa bhliain 1897 i mBaile Átha Cliath í (ceithre bliana ina dhiaidh bunú na chonartha). Ba fhéile aon lae í ag an am ach d’éirigh sé níos faide thairis na blianta agus anois is deireadh seachtaine fada í níos minicí ná a mhalairt.

Téann an Coláiste ann gach uile bliain agus bíonn costas an-íseal ar go mion minic. Mholfainn go hard na spéire dul agus atmosfear agus taitneamh a bhainean leis an bhféile a bhlaiseadh.

Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh romhaibh go leir, roinnt agaibh ag filleadh ar an choláiste agus roinnt agaibh ag teacht anseo don chéad uair riamh i bhúr shaolta. Tuigim go breá go bhfuil cuid mór agaibh ceangailte le saol na Gaoluinne roimhe seo, ach don dhream nua ba mhaith liom na seirbhísí iontacha go léir atá againn sa choláiste mar gheall ar an dteanga binn a mhíniú agus a léiriú dóibh go léir. Is frása í Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh a thagann ón tarna aois déag agus déanann sí tagairt do dhuine darbh ainm William Buí Ó Cheallaigh, fear a chuirfeadh sé fáilte roimis daoine go flaithiúil agus go bríomhar, agus is é an fáth a dheirim an méid san ná go bhfuil muintir na Gaoluinne i gCOC chun fáilte den sórt céanna a thabhairt romhat.

Focal scoir Tá fáilte is fichead romhat, a chara, teacht chuig eachtraí na Cuallachta, ach más duine cúthaileach thú, nó gan suim agat in ár sórt eachtraí, tá áit anseo do ghach éinne agus cairdeas le fáilt i ngach áit. An méid a dheirim leat a léitheoir, ná beir bua agus fáilte.

Ar an gcéad dul síos tá eagraíocht amháin i m’intinn agam ach go háirithe, an chuallacht is éa í.

B’fhéidir go bhfuil trácht cloiste agaibh fén gCuallacht ach is í an Cumann Gaelach atá againn san ollscoil. Cuireadh líon mór eachtraí ar siúl i mbliana acu agus tá i bhfad Éireann níos mó pleananna deasa acu don bhliain rómhainn. Thosnaigh an bliain le Píotsa agus Plé, eachtra a bhí thar a bheith ráithiúil ina raibh píotsa saor in aisce againn agus comhrá ‘s craic le chéile comh maith.

Chláraigh a lán baill nua linn an tseachtain san agus ba mhór an spreagadh a bhí sé sin dúinn.

Lean an bhliain ar aghaidh le a lán eachtraí eile, ‘Pop-Up-Gaeltachtaí’ ina measc, ach b’fhéidir an rud ba fearr ná an uair nuair a chuaigh pobal na Gaeilge go dtí Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Áirne. In aineoinn an méid a cheap roinnt daoine ní haon eachtra polaitiúil a bhí sé sin siúd ach féile mhór na nGael. Ba mhór an spraoi a bhí againn ag an Oireachtas agus bhuaigh Nada Ní Chuirrín, iníon léinn an choláiste an comórtas rince sean-nós, bhíomar thar a bheith bródúil aistí. Bhí seachtain na Gaeilge iontach agus suimiúl againn agus

cuireadh ceardlann le chéile fé fostaíocht na Gaoluinne. Tháinig aoichainteoirí ó TG4, ón AE agus ón gcoláiste í fhéin, bhíodar an-eolasach ar fad agus d’fhoghlaimear a lán fé earnáil na Gaeilge.

Comh maith leis an gCuallacht bhí ról lárnach ag an gCumann Drámaíochta i mbliana. Taispeánadh dráma amháin roimis Nollaig darbh ainm Scorach Ghlionnáin (cineál Robin Hood na Gaeilge).

Tháinig slua ollmhór chun breathnú ar sa Spailpín Fánach agus bhí sé thar a bheith rathúil. Ina dhiaidh san cuireadh dráma an-spei-

sialta agus gearr dár gcroíthe mar bhí sé scríofa ag ar noifigeach iontach na Gaeilge Antóin Ó Dúlaing.

Díoladh amach dhá oíche agus d’fhéadfadh sé níos mó a dhíol fós!

Ní fhéadfainn labhairt mar gheall ar an dteanga binn sa choláiste gan trácht ar Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha. Is iad fhéin a chuireann ranganna Gaeilge ar fáil do dhaoine nach dhéanann í mar chroílár na céime. Cuireann síad lóistín ‘gaeltachta’ le fáil comh maith dos na mic léinn, glaotar Áras Uí Thuama ar.

Sport

Fresher’s Edition | 2019 | University Express

Editor: Jack Maguire

15

Sport and UCC- A ‘Match’ Made In Heaven writes Sam Curtin, Deputy Sports Editor There are many special relationships that UCC share with important aspects of life. It would not be an overstatement to include sport as being one of those treasured relationships. Sport has always held a special place in the University’s heart, and their skull and crossbones crest, comes from wanting to put fear into their opposition. With 17% of students taking part in 55 clubs in UCC annually, it is quite an impressive statistic given that the national average is 15% according to the UCC’s 2019-2022 Sports Strategy.

If an incoming student wants proof of the role sport plays in college life, then one should take a walk around the surrounding University campus.

A 15 minute bus journey lies ‘The Farm’ situated in Curraheen holds numerous Soccer, GAA and Rugby pitches and is where many of the clubs in the University hold their training sessions throughout the year. There are plans to make changes to this in the coming years under the 20192022 Sports Strategy. Howev-

er, the University’s jewel in the crown lies just across the road from the main campus. There sits The Mardyke, which includes the Mardyke Arena, home to top class training facilities including a state of the art gym, three sports halls, a 25m swimming pool, climbing wall and indoor athletics track. The arena is also used for hosting major competitions such as this years’ European Championships for small countries in women’s basketball.

There is also the main pitch used by the Rugby and GAA teams for their big games throughout the year which can hold around 800 spectators. The complex is also home to the Sonia O’Sullivan athletics track named after the Cork born Olympic silver medalist.

Speaking of Cork born Olympic silver medalists, UCC is also home to rowing phenomenon and medicine student Paul O’Donovan, who won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside his brother Gary in the men’s lightweight double sculls. Paul is part of UCC’s highly renowned Quercus Sports’ Scholarship, a programme which is designed to

help aspiring sports stars succeed on the field and in the classroom.

Members of the programme are given grants of up to €10,000 a year and are provided with a top class training environment to compete at the highest level. This includes access to S&C coaches, performance analysis, nutrition and academic mentoring. The programme is divided into two main strands, the first being the individual sports scholarship, (for those in individual or team sports outside of the core sports).

The other is the core team sports scholarship which covers GAA, Soccer, Rugby and Hockey. This has proven to be extremely effective in a world that is becoming more and more professional in sport and academia.

Another recent and important landmark for UCC was the launch of the UCC Sports Strategy 2019-2022 which was announced on Febuary 27th of this year. This is one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the University in any field. Plans include replacing the existing farm in Curraheen with a brand new state-of-the-art center similar to that of the Mardyke Are-

na. The facility is expected to have numerous GAA, Soccer, Rugby and Hockey pitches in order to facilitate the growing numbers taking part in UCC sport. The strategy also recognises the constant need for developing and nurturing the talent within the University and ensuring sport continues to thrive. An example of this is the plan to create a new Sports Leadership Team which the strategy states will be composed of a nine member board consisting of Directors with expertise in high performance sport, general physical activity and academia. This is quite an exciting development for UCC, one which could possibly set a precedent for physical activity in Ireland. It is a development we will be following closely in the Express over the coming year.

There you have it, a very brief taster as to what you can expect over the academic year.

Whether you are an aspiring inter- county player or someone who is looking to get fit, UCC has something for everyone. See you in September!

University

Volume 23 | Freshers Edition | August 2019

Summer of Sporting Success for UCC writes Jack Maguire, Sports Editor

Pride on our chest, belief in our heart, sport in our bones. The motto of UCC’s sports strategy certainly shows the high regard in which sport is held in the University. The variety of sports on offer is a credit to the college’s commitment to community and success. The summer months are prime time for competition, and the summer just gone saw many UCC clubs and individual students thrive in many disciplines.

UCC Soccer has been played at a very high standard over the years, and the UCC J2 Soccer team got the summer off to a cracking start defeating City Wanderers 6-1 in the City Challenge Cup. The 9th of June saw the beginning of the Intervarsity’s Rowing Championship in Lough Rynn, Co Leitrim. UCC’s Hugh Sutton won the Men’s intermediate 1x while Ronan Byrne was victorious in the Men’s senior 1x. There

was also great news for Women’s rowing, as Emily Hegarty and Tara Hanlon were selected for the World Cup in Poznan.

Rugby in UCC has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and it continues to produce top class players. John Hodnett was awarded The Celtic Ross Sports Star of the month award in recognition of his performances with the Irish U20’s winning the Grand Slam. John was also awarded a Munster Academy contract for the 2019-20 season due to his excellent form for UCC, Munster A and Ireland. The Irish U21’s Women’s hockey team competed in the Four Nations tournament in Dublin, where Ireland made the final. UCC’s Hannah Humphries was on the panel for the tournament. The UCC Senior soccer team reigned supreme in the O Connell Cup to top off an unbelievable season, which saw them win The Collingwood Cup, The Munster Senior League and finish runners up in the Beamish Cup to Avondale United. Rob Slevin of UCC was awarded Munster Senior League Player of the year and

Sports

UCCExpress.ie

subsequently moved to League of Ireland side, Waterford FC on loan until the end of the season.

It was a magnificent summer for Irish Golf, with Shane Lowry producing a sublime performance in Royal Portrush, but UCC’s very own Seán Desmond won the Munster Student’s Championship in Tipperary by 2 shots.

Seán continued his fantastic form by winning the South of Ireland Open Amateur Championship at Lahinch in July. The World Student Games took place in Naples from the 3rd-14th of July and the Irish Universities soccer squad included several UCC students.

Rob Slevin, David Coffey, Gordon Walker, Simon Falvey, John Kavanagh, David Philips and Pierce Philips were all selected for the team which reached the quarter final, with Greg Yelverton at the helm. UCC and Cork City FC’s Ciara MacNamara was chosen for the women’s University team, and they got off to a fantastic start defeating the defending champions Brazil 1-0. Unfortunately, the Irish women’s team were narrowly defeated by Russia on pen-

alties in the bronze medal match.

On 6th of July, UCC Student Grace Furlong competed in the Irish U23 Athletics Championships.

She came 1st in the Triple Jump with a distance of 11.75m. Louise Shanahan of UCC represented Ireland at the European U23 Athletics Championship in Sweden in July. In late July and August, it is impossible to avoid the hype and excitement around the GAA Championship. UCC GAA is one of the biggest clubs within the college, and many UCC GAA members enjoyed great success. The Cork Men’s U20 team produced an unbelievable comeback in the Eirgrid All Ireland Final against Dublin to be crowned Champions. Dublin raced into a 1-6 lead without reply before Cork hit back with 3 quick fire goals before half time to win on a score line of 3-16 to 1-14. UCC students Brian Hartnett, Jack Murphy, Colm O’ Callaghan, Colm Barrett, Ian Giltinan and Mark Cronin were all involved in the squad. Kerry were victorious in the U20 B All Ireland Hurling Championship, beating Down comprehensively 3-22 to 0-12. Two UCC Students, Liam Twomey and Gearoid Fennessy started on the Kerry team.

The 2018/19 season was very successful for the UCC Cricket Club who reached the quarter finals of the Inter-varsities and the final of both the Cork T20 Cup and the Munster Division 2 T20 Blast, topping the league stage with an incredible 7 wins in 8 games.

UCC and their sports teams pride themselves on dedication and learning. The chemistry and relationships created through sport, plays a huge role in the success and achievements earned by the students involved.

Incoming first years are always encouraged to join teams, as there is an incredible variety to choose from, and the new energy brought to the club drives the present athletes to strive for better. It is these new students that keep the future of the clubs alive.