The Knowledge Election issue 2015 by The Knowledge

Official Student Publication of UPSU February 2015 | Election Issue

News People’s Question Time with Ed Miliband Opinion ‘Mr University’ Life Catching up with your Executive Officers Style Campus Style Arts & Entertainment ‘Jam House’ Talking Posters Sports & Societies RAG Week 2015 Much more online: theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

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Editor-in-Chief | Lauren Chivers

Editor’s Note

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Deputy Editor | Madison Taylor

Welcome to our re-vamped issue!

maddy@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

The Knowledge’s first print issue of 2015 is off to a great start with a brand new style. Not only do we have a larger issue and a glossy finish, we’ve also been busy packing in as many ...For this top tips, reviews and student print issue engagement as possible The Knowledge to cover everyone’s has been busy wishes... getting stuck into the SU Elections. We’ve collaborated with the SU to include inserts containing need-to-know information about the candidates. We’ve also got an inside scoop on what your current exec officers are up to and what advice they would give to those running this year. Stay tuned for coverage of Minute To Win It on Friday 27th February and of Campaign Week on our website.

News Editor | Emma Chappell emma@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Opinion Editor | Samantha Lees samantha@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Life Editor | Megan Pollard megan@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Style Editor | Lizzie Morgan lizzie@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Arts Editor | Kallum Catterall kallum@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Entertainment Editor | Simon Stone

Not forgetting the General Elections, this issue covers a feature on Ed Miliband’s People’s Question Time at Plymouth Argyle earlier this month, opinions on UKIP and on student votes.

simon@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Sports Editor | Rhiannon Squire rhiannon@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Aside from the election coverage, this issue also features our most-fashionable students caught on Campus Style, the very successful Jam House and some rather dashing contenders for Mr. University. Also, look out for snippets of our new column section as you work your way through the issue.

Societies Editor | Tina Colwell societies@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

Head of Media | Larissa Ellis-Jones media@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

So, enjoy the new issue, vote for your new exec officers and if you haven’t already, register your vote for the General Elections in May.

Head of Design | Jordon Hill design@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

The Knowledge also wishes every SU Election candidate the best of luck in their campaigns.

Events Manager | Jodie Ridgen

Lauren, Editor in Chief

events@theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk

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Editor’s Pick

Contents People’s Question Time with Ed Miliband

The Knowledge has produced some fantastic content this month and it wasn’t easy to narrow my choice down to just one. Saying that, I’ve decided that Usaj Basnet’s Worldwide Tour is my favourite. While we try and cover all student topics sometimes the repetition of classes, dressing up, and the need to stay up to date with politics gets a little old. This article takes us away from the grey clouds of Plymouth to somewhere exotic. The summary, personal photos and top tips are an ideal student guide to travelling and show a different side to what students get up to...

‘In what civilised society is it ok to be glad that someone was killed’

Worldwide Tour:

Meet your Mr University entrants

‘Kyoto is the most beautiful and elegant city’

Usaj AJ Basnet 13

As cliché as it sounds, travelling is my biggest passion and, actually for me, is my way of life. So I thought I should write a small guide for the different places where I have travelled. Indeed, there are many guides such as Lonely Planet, and infinite blogs and TV shows (such as Anthony Bourdain’s), all of which are a great source of inspiration and travel knowledge...

Continues on page 13

@PlymUniStuNews

‘Our vote makes an impact’

‘I chose to be homeless’ Catching up with your Executive Officers Worldwide tour: Kyoto

Campus Style

Talking Posters

Jam House

Rag Week 2015

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news

“Get out and put your brother in”: People’s Question Time with Ed Miliband Lauren Chivers At 11am on Thursday 5th February, The Knowledge attended a People’s Question Time with Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party, at Plymouth Argyle. Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Candidate in Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, opened up the morning by warning Miliband about the people of Plymouth’s intense questions before he began his introduction. Having established the opposition of Labour and Conservative visions for Britain’s future, Miliband gave a brief overview of his party’s plans, including raising the minimum wage, giving vocational courses equal status to academic courses and rescuing the NHS. Miliband then finished off his introduction stating that ‘young people are being disenfranchised by this election’ with a 97% fall in people turning 18 not being registered to vote. He then insisted that this was ‘about a peoplepowered campaign’. He may have been a little too hasty, and with Pollard’s warning becoming apparent, the Q&A opened to a heated start with a local asking: ‘For every £2 we pay into Europe how much do we get back? Have you got the balls to turn around and say £1?’ ‘One thing this shows is that we’re not having lots of planted questions! There are problems in the world which pass across borders like terrorism and climate change; one is an immediate threat and one of the biggest long term threats our country faces but both require cooperation across borders. Europe does need to change, but we’re better changing in it than out of it.’ The drama continued when the local stated:

‘We shouldn’t be in Europe because we’re not getting a fair crack of the whip. Why not? Because MPs like you wont fight our corner, you haven’t got the balls to fight our corner, get out and put your brother in!’ Moving on to a much smoother Q&A, Miliband was asked about the issue of rail productivity in the South West in comparison to the major investments in HS2. ‘Investing in infrastructure is absolutely the key to a modernist society succeeding. We have plans to reduce the deficit but one of the things recognised is the importance of investing in capital, so that means transport, education and the health service. ‘It isn’t just about transport though, it’s about all forms of connectivity; that includes broadband and mobile phone coverage which I know is a big bug.’

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What’s your opinion about defining Muslim as a British identity? ‘I think what was brilliant about the tragedy in Paris is that you saw both in France and here, communities of all faith and all denominations and all parties united on this. It is about working with community groups and others who can help young people not get into extremism and to speak up against prejudice wherever we find it, whether that’s Islamophobia or anti-Semitism.’ What can you do to help our education? ‘It’s not just about passing exams it is about being citizens of their country, so that’s why you need vocational and academic qualifications, you need a creative curriculum not a narrow curriculum. The ideas that – dare I mention Michael Gove – yes English /theknowledgeplymouth

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‘The thing I’m most determined to do is not be a Nick Clegg, a generally good principle in life. ‘Universities said this week that, the current system is really good but I just don’t buy the current system, it’s rubbish. The government has had a unique achievement of loading our students up with debt while costing our tax payers more. I’m sure we can design a better system, but I am going to get it right, you’ll have to watch this space…’ If you were elected, what action would you take to tackle the issue of climate change? ‘This November and December, in Paris, the world is supposed to be coming together to agree climate change targets to protect the future of the planet. Internationally, Britain must lead, by persuading others, and by setting an example. and Maths are important but the idea that Drama and D&T are second-class subjects is nonsense when one of the most important industries of the future is the creative industry.’ What are you going to do to close the tax loophole? ‘Nothing gets people more than the idea that small businesses, large businesses and families are seeing their services cut, their taxes going up and the richest people in our society are avoiding taxes. ‘I asked David Cameron 5 times yesterday but he wasn’t briefed so he didn’t give me an answer.’ I’ve heard that Labour are promising £6,000 university fees but I’ve also heard that these will tighten university strings.

@PlymUniStuNews

‘For all the things David Cameron says, the most inconsistent has been putting a wind turbine on his house and then saying he’s against wind turbines. I can tell you that all the scientific evidence tells me that if we don’t act we’re going to have a lot more extreme weather and it’s really going to hit the South West. I think this will be a real test of politics.’

16 year olds aren’t allowed the right to vote but can make life decisions like joining the armed forces. Not being allowed to vote makes them less likely to in the future. ‘I am in favour of the vote for 16 and 17 year olds. We will bring it in by May 2016, I’m sorry I can’t bring it in for this election. ‘When George Osborne got rid of the EMA he did it in one line of a big speech, I think he would have been much more cautious about it if 1.5 million 16-17 year olds could have voted him out.’ To round up the morning, Miliband stated that they must ‘play the match’ before they can make promises, especially with the coalition offering a lesson for which each side had an excuse to break the other’s promises. With changes like LGBT rights, workers rights and the National Health System coming from the people, Miliband closed stating that ‘in the end, politics is too important to be left to politicians.’ Do you want to have a say about how the future of Britain looks? Register your vote.

If you were to get voted in in the next parliament, what do you think would be the most negative thing about that for the average UK citizen? ‘You’ll find this answer a copout, but the important thing is my pitch to you is not “vote for me and on May 8th everything is transformed straight away”. Change will be hard, change will take time, it’s a journey of change and a different direction for the country.’

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opinion

“Our vote makes an impact on how our country runs, so vote selfishly.” Samantha Lees I don’t claim to be political in any sense of the word. I’ll make a controversial tweet here and there, and speak out when I feel something is wrong, but it’s more out of a sense of moral duty than any political agenda. Of course I pay attention, but for me, politics has always been stuffy and boring. You can imagine then the pleasant surprise that the General Election Debate last night (Thursday 5th February) gave me, when I realised politics isn’t simply just about just knowing your Milliband from your Balls: it’s about people. My first shock was the sheer volume of students that attended: all from varying ages, genders and nationalities. Walking over to Roland Levinsky, I was panicking that I’d be one of five other people, and I’d have maybe even contribute something. My nerves were calmed though upon arrival: the shortage of seats signalled just how popular this mini-debate was. Politics, it seems, isn’t just for those that find themselves shouting at Question Time on the TV. One of the largest surprises of the night was actually the shift away in focus from education: with only one question asked by the audience actually focusing on the topic. Questions asked ranged from the granting of foreign aid to which voting system did the prospective candidates feel would be best. These questions, asked from young people really highlighted to me the importance that everyday politics plays in our lives: and the detrimental effect it can have should we choose to ignore it. It was at this point I began to feel disappointed at my own ignorance. I’m certain that I do not speak for myself when I say I feel my voice will be unheard. I, as a young woman from the Cotswolds, of who pays a negligible

amount of tax a year, have no right to say in how much money is invested in inner city schools. Yet, when the subject of transport arose, I realised the message of the debate: that it affects us all. The argument about proposed expenditure on public transport in the South Westspecifically Devon and Cornwall- would have a huge impact on my bi-annual journey home. Having a world that doesn’t effectively end at Bristol would take hours of that journey by train, or improve the lengthy car journey. As a young person about to graduate, these improved transport plans could ultimately improve my employability within the South West, should I choose to stay. One simple policy can have a knock on effect, and realising such a seemingly simple idea can make the daunting thought of politics a whole deal more attractive. One of my favourite parts of the debate was the final question, asked by a girl who I feel felt pretty much the same as I did before the debate: how do I know who to vote for? Should we vote tactically to ensure that certain parties don’t lead again? Or voting for the

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candidate we like the most? Or should we vote for who we want to lead in Westminster (ie. Cameron or Milliband). In general, there was a consensus that you should vote for a combination of all three: vote selfishly. Vote for the party that has shared ethos and ideals in line with your own, vote for the local candidate who you feel approachable, and with a campaign suited to your needs and, finally, vote for the party with the person you feel can represent and lead the country. In all, the debate filled me with optimism. I’m lucky in the knowledge that there are people within my generation that are politically geared, and clued up. I feel a responsibility now to engage myself in politics: and this was the general consensus of the evening. The debate demonstrated how our voteespecially in this pivotal constituencycan make a great impact in how our country runs. It’s my responsibility to vote. One thing is for certain: I’m off to order Politics for Dummies.

/theknowledgeplymouth

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“In what civilized society is it okay to be glad that someone was killed?” Phil Ives What happens when a Far-Right ‘Political’ Group uses the word ‘KARMA’ in a tweet? I have to sit down, because the irony hurts so much. UKIP, well known for their intolerant views and connections to the BNP and Britain First, have made my ironimeter almost break with their latest faux pas. Well, it’s less of a faux pas, and more of a piece of blatant idiocy. Don’t get me wrong; I believe that all those who break the law should have the book thrown at them. If PC Hassan Ali had indeed been guilty of not following up complaints, then he deserved to be punished. The problem is, by UKIP’s own admission, he was only under investigation. Being investigated for something is not the same as being found guilty by a jury; nor is it the same as a confession. This is a fact that UKIP, or at least the member who posted the tweet, has clearly forgotten.

PC Hassan Ali died in a car crash, and UKIP tweeted “KARMA”. I’d like to know: in what civilised society is it karma for someone under investigation for something to die? In what civilized society, is it okay to be glad that someone who only might have made a mistake to be killed? This isn’t a debate regarding the Death Penalty, so I won’t go there: but surely, both these questions highlight a major problem, not only with UKIP and other Far-Right groups, but with the way society deals with such things. I dread to think how many other people agreed with UKIP’s tweet.

Frequently I have seen people in court accused of crimes they didn’t commit and be sent to prison; equally, I have seen people walk free when they clearly shouldn’t have. The problem is, as a society we tend to victimise people who are merely under investigation – sometimes, even people who have been acquitted – if the crime is deemed to be so erroneous that even being investigated means that something must have happened.

In fairness to them, UKIP have recently apologised for the tweet; I wonder, though, if it was just a PR move, and if their excuse is real or not. In case you’re wondering why my ironimeter went off… It’s because a UKIP member – you know, those people who hate immigration and, essentially, anyone who’s not white British – used a term, namely ‘KARMA’, that is synonymous with many Asian religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

Often, people who are investigated for something haven’t actually done a thing to warrant it. They’ve just been in the wrong place at the wrong time, they look similar to the person who actually committed the crime, or someone has twisted something that’s been said or done.

@PlymUniStuNews

Give me a second. I might recover and be able to walk, soon… Until UKIP strike

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opinion

Meet Plymouth’s ‘Mr University’ entrants: “Stop eating crap and just get in there!” Ree Squire On Wednesday I had one of the most bizarre two hours of my university life – running around campus with four shirtless men and a photographer. Nathan Etherington, Ryan Kirk, Jonathan Fung and Callum Bamford are a selection of the Plymouth students who are entering into this year’s Mr University competition and I had the opportunity to ask them a few questions…

What have you been doing to prepare?

What kind of training do you do now?

Nathan: Would you like a list of everything I’ve done? I have my food diary for the last 9 weeks if you want it?! I track my macros, I’ve been dieting for about ten weeks now. It has definitely affected my mood, I was a nice guy before… Ryan: Just eat all the food and try to get on as much size as possible before starting the dieting phase which is the lead up. It’s

Nathan: I’ve been training like this for over four years now, so not much has changed. The weights don’t change, regardless of if I have a competition, but what does change is that the food goes down, and I add cardio. I don’t like doing cardio so I only do it when I’m dieting. I don’t do it to be healthy. Callum: You say cardio like it’s such a bad thing, caaaardio. I do high intensity. Ryan: I play squash so that’s my cardio. I’m third team captain for the university team, so all my training revolves around that, practices and tournaments. I might do some general cardio on the side, but usually I’m more intense around that. Jonathan: I just do cardio. Cardio can get a bit boring though, so once a week I go for a 3/4 mile run. Callum: I like to sprint up hills. Twenty minutes of high intensity rather than an hour and a half of cardio. At least then you can say “yeah I feel amazing” and then just go to bed. Jonathan: Sprinting makes me tired. I like to just be chilled. I’ve never been a sporty person. I follow what Nathan does. Nathan: I teach Jon, I’m his mentor. Callum: Then why does he look better than you do? Nathan: It’s my drinking problem.

So why have you chosen to enter the competition this year? Nathan: To win. I want the biggest trophy. From this I want to go onto the South Coast Championships. Ryan: I did it last year; it’s grown so much in popularity and the awareness of it, it’s just going to be bigger and better this year. And it’s my final year. Jonathan: It’s my last year, I don’t want to lose the opportunity. Callum: Felt like doing something different! How did you hear about the competition? Ryan: Nathan. Jonathan: Nathan. Callum: Nathan. Nathan: I heard about it a year ago, I saw it on Twitter actually. There was a group of us who did it last year, including Ryan, and people have heard from us talking about it. I came third in my category, Ryan and I were in different categories. I was in short, he was in BUCS athletic.

been planned for me since September, so I wouldn’t really call it dieting, just eating everything. I don’t limit the amount of food I eat, just the type of food, except when my girlfriend orders Domino’s! Nathan: You don’t have to get fat, but it’s fun! Callum: The more we talk about food, the more depressed you’re looking Nathan! We just look at pictures of food. Nathan: I like looking at recipes too. Although I do have another competition after this so it won’t be cheat time yet. I’m looking to go to the South Coast Championships, it’s where I want to go over the next couple of years.

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Speaking of drinking, have you had to cut back? Ryan, Callum, Jonathan: Yeah. Nathan: I’ve increased drinking. It’s a coping mechanism. /theknowledgeplymouth

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Jonathan: In my mind it’s that if you don’t wake up, then you’ve got to pay the price later in the day, more work. Ryan: The first two weeks of it is pretty grim. Callum: I get up at 7, 8 if necessary. You need the eight hours of sleep. Ryan: Even if you’re really tired, you just squeeze in an hour, 3 in the afternoon or something. What does the competition entail?

Ryan: Of everything, I think drinking is the most detrimental. Nathan: I disagree, drinking is fine, pizza is bad! As long as you stay in a calorie deficit; calories from alcohol are unlikely to be stored as fat. Drink vodka water. Which degrees do you study? Nathan: Financial Economics. Ryan: Computer Science. Jonathan: Business Economics. Callum: Civil Engineering. How have you found juggling training and studying? Especially this term, as some of you are in your final year, I can imagine it’s quite intense. Ryan: It’s just getting yourself out of bed in the morning, if you get in training time before 9am, just an hour, hour and a half, you can get back and have breakfast before most of your housemates have woken up. Nathan: I get up at 7 for the gym, unless I have work to do, then I’ll get up at 6, do some work then go to the gym. Ryan: If I have a 9am, well Jon and I live together, when he gets up he’s ready in twenty minutes, I’ve got to get up and have a coffee to wake myself up. If we’re leaving the house at 7, I’ll get up at quarter past 6, otherwise I’ll be half asleep. Jonathan: If I have to wake up at 5, I’ll wake up at 5, just whatever I need. Ryan: Second year I was pretty good at getting up, last term not so much; I had to set my alarm for 12, it was awful. @PlymUniStuNews

Nathan: First of all, 25% is based on the online public vote, that’s on Facebook, the Mr University page, you’ve probably seen our pictures being shared too. All people have to do there is ‘like’ the picture. So it literally comes down to how many Facebook likes you get. It’s a bit of a popularity contest, I’m not keen personally, but that’s how it’s done. When you’re then on the day, it’s then broken down into two more rounds. 25% of it is your ‘posing stage presence’, how confident you look on stage, so that’s about what you portray to the crowd, interacting with them. There’s a panel of judges, you get sixty seconds to show off what you’ve got and you’re judged the whole time. Then you get lined up against 5/10 other people and you do quarter turns. You judged against other people that time, they’re looking at your conditioning, how lean or fat you are, your symmetry, size and shape, who looks the best. Apparently this year they may be doing an elimination system as to who goes through to further rounds, because from there you are compared against everyone else, so you just want to look better than the person next to you.

What do you win? Ryan: First prize you get a photoshoot, a feature in a fitness magazine and a sports package. Nathan: The main prize is the photoshoot. The top two people in every category go through to a winner’s photoshoot. The top 5 of each category go through to the final if they want to. Ours is the Southern Regional, and then there’s the final after. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to enter? Callum: Join MASS Plymouth. This competition is the MASS Student Physique Championships. It’s helped me get to know people to go to the gym with, social support really. Nathan: The most important thing I would say to anyone would be to make sure you have enough time. Imagine when you’re going to start prepping, and start two months before. You’ll wish you had extra time. Dieting, people underestimate how much fat they have to lose. Just allow enough time and work hard. Look for like-minded people. Ryan: Start thinking about your plan as early as possible, get some vague aims set. Try and find people who have the same goal as you. Jonathan: Stop eating crap and just get in there! Find people with the same body type as you. The Mr University Southern Regional competition takes place on March 14th at Southampton University.

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I chose to be homeless rather than live with mice, drug-dealers and police Natalie McGreevy I was already regretting moving back to University after the summer. Less working hours, no free food and the probability of yet another few months spent dossing in the library. It’s clear to say I wasn’t looking forward to returning to my last year of education, and my estate agent certainly made the process a lot worse. It started in September when three of us moved into a house with a notorious student letting agency. Everything seemed swell, signing the contract in the office and being promised the world and the stars for as little as £90 a week. We even got free sweets in the office. What a treat! Moving in, the issues began. Firstly, I was handed the wrong set of keys. This meant my last goodbye meal with my mother was a no go. I contacted the emergency line who simply replied “It’s a Saturday and I’m with my family.” And that was it. The start of a 4 month long tragedy. The property’s curtains on the wall were hanging on for there dear life. Appliances were broken and a dead seagull rotted in our garden – this, for £90 a week, was home sweet home.

After kicking up enough fuss to warrant more free sweets in the office, I was moved again. This property became known as ‘viva la mice.’ My poor first year house mate came to me in tears that mice were in her bed in the first week: we really became friends at that moment, as I overturned her furniture to catch her fluffy little intruder. Over the next 2 months, they travelled across the house, venturing from bedrooms into our kitchen cupboards. The estate agents didn’t see the issue, even when giant mouse holes appeared where there once was carpet. These were cast off as ‘simply our opinion of mouse holes’ and our unwanted guest continued to reign over our flooring. But the mice were nothing compared to our next guests, when the house became something of a social club for London’s finest gang members. Suddenly, strangers were letting themselves in, squatting on the sofa and stealing our food. It all got worse when we were made aware a tenant was dealing drugs; and threats and anger were rife in our communal areas. The police suddenly became our newest housemates: even waking up one morning to someone being handcuffed in my living room, or coming home from University to housemates being interviewed. The mice were certainly scared off but nothing seemed better. My tolerance

was finally broken when a ‘friend’ of the tenants broke in at 3am through a window. I stopped sleeping, my grades dropped and my doctor diagnosed me for posttrauma depression. Nightmares and waking up with migraines became a regular thing. I’d hit a new low, and it happened in my most important year of University. I now reside with a single suitcase of my belongings- sending my boyfriend back occasionally for the supplies such as my trusty ketchup or mayonnaise. I live in the library by day, and sleep at my boyfriends by night. My estate agents send around police to do spot checks of the house now, so I feel even less inclined to return. And, although they are aware I have left the complex and have begged to be removed from the contract, they have refused. This made me realise the lack of relationship the University has with the letting agents. It has reached the extent that I may graduate with poor mental health and a lower degree than planned. No one has stepped up to the mark. Over the past 2 months, I have moved around with my little case knowing, that although I do not have space to put down my books at night – I am happy, healthier, and a lot lesser close to crime than I was in my ‘home sweet home’. This is some sort of resolution.

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Catching up with your Executive Officers President | Sarah Bowman Three manifesto points:

Campaign:

1) General Elections campaign: Organised debates, where more than 200 students turned up. Has worked closely with Plymouth City Council by organising registration days throughout the year with incentives for students. Sarah feels that “incentives are necessary and that some students don’t even realise that you have to register to vote”. “Some students are just apathetic to politics, especially due to the current government: students don’t feel that politics can have a positive effect on their lives.”

Not to spread yourself too thin: You need a break everyday Sarah felt that doing nightclub campaigning everyday for a week isn’t necessary either. The one thing Sarah wish she had known before taking the job was “how much time commitment the job is. Above everything else you have to put your well-being first and know when to book holidays off.”

2) Lobbying the University for transparency on their spending and how the university gets money from external sources: wants there to be drop in sessions with the Chief Executives of the University.

After Sarah’s position as president finishes in the summer, she is looking at Fundraising and Marketing roles in the charity sector after taking a bit of time to travel.

3) Looking at the way timetables are structured. Sarah organised two surveys: one for partner college students looking to do top-up courses at the university and the other for plymouth university students about what they think of the current timetable and how it can be improved.

@PlymUniStuNews

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VP Welfare

VP Sports & Societies

Emily Hamilton-Peach

Rich Skipper

Manifesto:

1) Working with sporting partners as there is not much student involvement so improving links with students: not just sporting students but events. 2) Committee training - organising conferences and online how-to guides for all committee members. 3) University Sport strategy: co-chairing this to try and improve sporting facilitates for students.

Sexual and mental health provisions met with on campus. Rich learned that students knew little about the sexual health services available to them. Rich did a survey and found that there was work to be done in order to lobby both the University and Plymouth City Council. The student life committee helped with this and he gained backing from the university.

Emily says “don’t let campaigning stress you out as everyone is in the same boat. Even if there are a lot of big names running, that doesn’t matter. It also doesn’t matter if you are not from a big club.”

In his opinion, a city centre sexual health clinic would be ideal and easily accessible to students, and for students to be more aware of the current services already available to them such as the university doctors and the clinic and Derriford Hospital. The sexual health survey had around 1,800 responses.

Online membership sign up “didn’t run smoothly” but hopefully all the kinks will be worked out for next Freshers fair in September 2015.

To run a successful campaign Rich’s top point would be to: “Aim higher than you think you can do and don’t let anyone let you think that you won’t be able to achieve it. You do have the whole union to support you.”

The best thing about the job has been working with different people one-to-one and Emily plans to go travelling after her position ends in the summer like a “typical Geographer!”

The job has aided Rich as you “develop so quickly in so many different skill areas such as public speaking, organisation, team work etc.”

Tired minds don’t work theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk/category/lifestyle

/theknowledgeplymouth

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VP International & Outreach

VP Education

Will Holmes

Ruth Titmuss

Manifesto:

Creating an international student team, event and links with the partner colleges. In terms of international events, Will worked with ISS and organised Octoberfest in the SU. Will wished that he had spoken to the colleges more throughout his term as VP but feels that this is down to a personal time management issue as “there is so much to do”. Will wishes that he had planned for the entire year and “blocking off days in the calendar would have been easier, but it has been a really enjoyable experience.”

1) To lobby to University to provide Exam Feedback I have begun to develop a report using evidence from other Universities & Student Unions which will be presented to the University in April. When people sit exams and I hope that this means they may think about it when providing exam feedback. 2) To get the University to be more transparent about their finances This has been even more relevant this year than I think I ever imagined. In January, the academic forum was based around the University Finances and the Uni are developing the webpage as we speak.

Will is planning to raise more awareness for international student rights as every month students are questioned and checked to ensure that they are still a student at the university. Will wishes to lobby NUS for backing at the NUS national conference in April. Currently, international students’ visa’s only allow them three months granted leave after graduation, and Will would like this to be extended.

3) Building links between academic societies and the Uni I admit that this one has fallen off the radar slightly due to lack of time, however whenever I hear about something one of the academic societies has been up to, I always try to shout about it on twitter & share it with academic staff at the Uni.

To run a successful campaign you need a good poster and social media is a bit of a waste of time. “Talking to as many people as possible: that is the only reason I won.”

The plan for the next few months is to complete the feedback report and get it out in the University. I also have the QAA report, continue working on transparency, the #UPSUstressless campaign and I hope to have some fun campaigns around exam time.

nds rk @PlymUniStuNews

What’s the best thing? When you run a campaign and it’s a success it’s great! #UPSUstressless has been really successful and the feedback I have gathered it’s doing exactly what I planned, getting people out of the library quiet rooms and taking 5. The most difficult thing is prioritising what to do next & learning to say no. You want to help as many people as possible and shape and develop the student experience, but sometimes you just can’t. Have fun & take breaks! My dad always says ‘Tired minds don’t work’ and I think he’s pretty right!

theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk/category/lifestyle

life

election issue

Worldwide Tour:

“Kyoto is the most beautiful and elegant city” Usaj AJ Basnet As cliché as it sounds, travelling is my biggest passion and, actually for me, is my way of life. So I thought I should write a small guide for the different places where I have travelled. Indeed, there are many guides such as Lonely Planet, and infinite blogs and TV shows (such as Anthony Bourdain’s), all of which are a great source of inspiration and travel knowledge. However, I want to share something more personal. I am by no means an expert, so please take all of my advice with a pinch of salt. And without further ado, my first city guide will be about the old capital of Japan: Kyoto. Kyoto is by far the most beautiful and elegant cities I have been to. In my opinion, it is the cultural heart of Japan with museums, temples and castles everywhere.

What to see: 1. Nijo Castle – Old residence of Shogun also features the infamous Nightingale floor 2. Kinkakuji Temple – A.K.A. The Golden Temple. I think the picture above says it all. 3. Fushimi Inari Shrine – If you have seen pictures of Japan you cannot have missed the red gates properly known as ‘torii gates’. In this shrine there are thousands of gates leading up to a top of the hill, which normally takes around 2 hours to walk up, unless like me you get a bit adventurous (and lost), then it will take a bit longer. However at the top of the hill, best view of Kyoto awaits you. 4. Gion District – If you want to see old Japanese terrace and Geishas; this is the place to be. It does get very busy during the daytime when every tourist seems to visit this place, but if you are in Kyoto it is not a place to miss. 5. Kiyomizudera – Known for its wooden terrace and incredible view. To be honest, due to limited time I had in Kyoto, I could not travel here but it is definitely my excuse to visit Kyoto in the future. theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk/category/lifestyle

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What to eat?

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京都市

life

Ramen – simply the best soup and noodles ever. Advance warning – pot noodles will never be satisfactory again. Okonomiyaki – think best fried noodles you have ever had and imagine a pancake/omelette made out of it with crazy toppings including eggs, bacon, dried seaweed, mayo. What to drink?

Beer – take your pick from Asahi, Kirin or Suntory, also you can get beers in vending machine Sake – good both warm and cold, personally I liked Shochu little more as it tends to be little sweeter. Tea – there is a big ceremony tied to drinking tea, while it can be time consuming and expensive, if it’s your thing it will be worth it. However for someone not as Zen like myself, drinking green tea before meals was good enough. Where to stay?

Hostels – You can get a bed for 2500 Yen (Under £15). Also a great way to meet other fellow travellers. Couch-surfing – If you find yourself a decent host, you can save a lot in accommodation plus who better to guide you to a new city than its resident? How to travel? Bike Bike Bike – Kyoto is the city that is best suited for bikes. Cheap, convenient and you get to see non-touristy parts of Kyoto. Most hostels rent them out for a minimal fee. 2. Bus – A good alternative, but packed with tourists and locals. 3. Subways – These are ONLY suitable if you are travelling far. Any Hidden Gems?

@PlymUniStuNews

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style

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Campus Style Mell Treasure Primary Ed

Freddy Robinson Economics

Coat: Urban Outfitters – £80 Bag: Accessorize – £20 Shoes: Topshop – £30 Leggings: Jack Wills – £25

Coat: House of Fraser – £180 Shirt: Topman Shoes: Ted Baker – £80

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style

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TOP MOISTURISERS: Garnier Nutritionist Youthful Radiance Daily Moisturiser for Normal/Combination Skin £9.19

Dove Men Hydrate Moisturiser £8.99

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser £4.99

Michelle Singh Psychology Skin Energy Moisturiser Nivea Men £9.50

Scarf: Matalan Jumper: Debenhams Jeans: Miss Selfridge Shoes: Office Turtleneck: Matalan Necklace: Pandora @PlymUniStuNews

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arts &

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Design Society:

Talking Posters Simon Stone & Jonny Aldrich From 6th to the 10th of February, the Design Society were holding an exhibition of their work around the theme of communication. The Knowledge had a look round and compiled a few of our favourites. The work on display was a mix of unique graphic art including limited edition letterpress posters, screen prints and illustrations.

Matt Down: Speaking to Matt Down, whose work is based around Japanese art and his love of the planet, he said, ‘I love space and stuff like that and I wanted to bring my style of graphics and design through.’

Brett Wainwright Civil Enginerring

When asked how it was made, Matt said: ‘I found the closest matches to each planet’s colour, and then almost in a gradient style, spotted each colour and pulled that across and flooded or occasionally under-flooded the screen to help get the effect like in the Earth. In some areas it comes across really well like in Mercury and Neptune, and the colours really work and it gives it an authentic and natural feel.’

Coat: Two Seasons Shirt: Topman Jeans: Topman Shoes: Vintage Bag: Schuh Hat: Topman theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk/category/style-beauty

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entertainment

Chris Day: We talked to Chris Day, who said: ‘This is a project I did last module; it’s about the space program.’ He added: ‘The work is alluding to the unknown and making people look a little bit harder. ‘

Jonny Aldrich:

Declan Pike:

We also talked to the chair of the Design Society, Jonny Aldrich. He said:

We spoke to Declan Pike, who said the piece below ‘was made digitally. I created each segment individually. From there I compiled it into one print and then screen-printed it. It’s black paper with white ink on the top with the gold centre representing how money was at the centre of the 1920’s.’

‘It’s our first ever exhibition, Design Society has never ever done this before. We have over 100 members and we connect them to the real design world with guest lectures and stuff like that, but this time we’ve decided to do something different, so we asked all our members to submit any piece they want.’ ‘The opening night wine reception kicked off at 7:00pm and we’ve seen a range of different students and design professionals from within the Plymouth area who were specially invited: including Pearlfisher’s Managing Director Darren Foley.’ The Exhibition ended up selling just over £300 worth of work to various students, designers and members of public. All money raised went straight to the designers who submitted.

@PlymUniStuNews

When asked about the process, he replied: ‘I compiled the whole image together in one evening and then to actually screen-print it about half an hour; then the golden leaf around another half an hour because it’s quite tricky and delicate.’

theknowledgeplymouth.co.uk/category/ arts-entertainment

Upcoming Albums & Films Vestiges & Claws José González Happy People (Deluxe) Peace Unguarded Rae Morris Coming Up For Air Kodaline

Two Gallants We Are Undone Appropriate Behaviour 6th March Chappie 6th March Insurgent 20th March Get Hard 27th March Cinderella 27th March

arts &

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Kallum James Catterall

‘Jam House’ So much more than cheap drink, good friends and incredible talent. The devon music scene only receives recognition with reference to Ben Howard and Muse; don’t get me wrong anyone who knows me can tell you I’m the biggest, albeit self-confessed, Ben Howard fan boy known to man. But surely Devon must have more talent to offer than a three piece band hailing from Teignmouth and a celebrated Singer-Songwriter.

This week ‘Jam House’ organisers Michelle Rysdale and Robin Evans invited James Santer and Fiona Morgan from BBC Introducing in Devon to scout for local talent and broadcast the highlights on this Saturday night’s show (8pm-10pm). The eclectic mixture of acts resonated with C103 nostalgia with every genre of music being celebrated – ranging from acoustic sets to beatbox renditions. Opening the night with an acoustic 3 song set, Ashleigh Sladen explained why ‘Jam House’ is so much more than a £1.65 pint of Carlsberg. Ashleigh a regular at ‘Jam House’ said that: “Jam House has given me the platform on which to play live music again and the

opportunity to meet some incredible artists – I would definitely say that Jam House is family.” Teaming up with BBC Introducing in Devon, ‘Jam House’ is all about music, your music and if you’re interested in getting your music noticed it is definitely a night not to be missed. Next on stage was Chay Snowdon who, you could be forgiven in thinking was the love child of Jake Bugg and Elvis Presely. Snowdon’s set was ripe with rich vocals and a musical calibre I can’t comprehend. Snowdon praised the platform ‘Jam House’ presented for young musicians to showcase and develop their musical style. He said that:

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entertainment

“The ‘Jam House’ has helped me a great deal, it gives young artists like myself a platform to showcase our styles of music, which I think is really important to help us progress and develop our music.” Making up the following hour were performances from the likes of Rapper Renz DMP, Tariq B, Abbie Purkins and Olly Parker before ‘Jam House’ organiser and regular performer Michelle Rysdale took to the stage. As always Michelle’s set was energetic and crowd pleasing though this week she invited beatboxer Jack McMinn to join her on stage and the paring was unprecedented. The two were said to have only practiced 15 minutes before the show resulting in a confident and energetic execution that sent the crowd into a chorus of applause. Jack remained on stage and preformed a beatbox rendition of Snoop Dogg’s ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ that was beyond comprehension. Seizing this opportunity Hayden Wright joined Jack on stage for three minutes of improv that took everyone by surprise; hat’s off to ya gents! Making up the rest of the evening was a special set from Retro Gents, a crowd pleasing and unique rendition from ‘Jam House’ coorgainser Robin Evans’ Quintet, Jamie Yost and Dan Jefferies. Bringing the evening to close were performances from ‘Jam House’ regulars Tom Baker and Hayden Wright who never disappoint. Seeing these two preform from the wrong side of the bar I was keen to finally take a seat, have a pint, and marvel at the duo that combine each others musical styles seamlessly.

All in all, if you’re a musician looking for a platform in which to preform music to a crowd of like-minded individuals then ‘Jam House’ is definitely for you. Props have to go to Michelle and Robin for organising an event that celebrates every genre of music and allows for a night void of any post-Oceana Friday morning regret.

@PlymUniStuNews

“For BBC Introducing in Devon it’s really important that we get out of our studios as often as possible, to go on our own hunt for local talent and build relationships with other local musical institutions… and the Jam House at the UPSU was a perfect way to do all of those at once. It was most importantly, a night where we discovered new names and talent that we hope my become part of the BBC Introducing process over the coming weeks and months. We’ll be disappointed if we don’t hear more from the likes of Ashleigh Sladen, Abbie Purkins, Olly Parker and Dan Jefferies in the future… particularly their original material. It was great to spend some time with Tariq before his set and learn more his music and the opportunities available to musicians at the University. I’ve got to single out a particular highlight of the night, which came as an unscheduled surprise during Michelle’s set as beat boxer Jack McMinn took to the mic, which provided inspiration for an improv freestyle from Haydn Wright. At BBC Introducing we always encourage artists to get together with other acts they hear on the show, Devon has a great community feel to the scene and within the student union that evening, musical relationships were forged and the audience were witness to some rather special talent. Finally my standout performance of the night had to be from Tom Baker. Joined again by Haydn on stage I can’t quite emphasise enough the talent that Plymouth University has on offer, as highlighted by these two. They WILL be guests on my show as soon as possible!”

sports &

election issue

RAG Week 2015 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH LITERATURE SOCIETY Unscramble these words: Dark evil nylons Doubling if ritzy Ardor plan quest

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH AMATEUR DRAMATICS Updates/Top Tips from UPAD We’re currently undergoing the rehearsal process. Everything’s going very well! All of the actors are working very hard at learning their lines and getting more familiar with the characters they’re playing. We’re very excited to present our showcase this year, which is going to have a theme of Sin (ooooh). Never underestimate the importance of projection! It is the art of speaking with enough volume, without sounding like one is shouting. It can be one the most difficult things to learn in acting. As a skill it can help you in public speaking, or when giving presentations. A good exercise for improving your projection – start by speaking a line in a whisper and then repeat it, increasing volume each time.

Madison Taylor RAG’s (Raise and Give) annual charity fundraising week has just flown by in full swing (9th-15th February 2015). After a complete structural reorganisation, moving from a society of UPSU to a branch of the Volunteering department at the end of the last academic year, how has the charity-based organisation succeeded during their most vital week of the academic calender? The fundraising-intense week was organised by students, volunteering as RAG Week Co-ordinators: Jack Birks, Elle Eisentrager and Jess Harding, overseen by events managers Elisha Burner and Ciara Daly. Birks said that “the organisation of RAG week has been pretty last minute this year” but this being Birks’, Eisentrager’s and Harding’s first year as a member of RAG’s core committee he said that “last year wasn’t organised much but this year we [Birks, Eisentrager and Harding] are trying to set the benchmark for future years.” The proceeds from the weeks events are being donated to Brain Tumour Research, Wild Futures and SALT Sout West, with half of the money raised at combined society events going to their desired cause.

The week started off with a 24 Poker Tournament which was organised by University of Plymouth’s Poker Society chairman, Blaine Toms. Toms organised for a black jack table to be in the SU which Birks said “really encouraged people to attend the event.” Kathryn Henny, Deputy President of RAG, informed the Knowledge that this event alone raised just shy of £180. Next on the agenda was RAG’s infamous Pizza Eating Contest. Henny said that: “The pizza eating went well, we had nine teams take part with three rounds and a final. In each round each team of three ate two large pizzas from Pizza Hut, and the final was just one large. “By the end the winners had eaten seven large pizzas and were really struggling! “Afterwards we sold the remaining pizzas to people watching in the SU. “In total this event made approximately £180.”

If you’re nervous for an audition, that’s often because of self-doubt, feeling unprepared. The more you rehearse the piece, the more of that doubt you’ll erase. Even if it feels redundant, rehearse and rehearse those until you’re certain that you won’t say a word or make a step wrong!

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societies

election issue

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH FIRST AID SOCIETY Choking:

Elle Eisentrager organised for the Football club (UPFC) and Geography society (GeogSoc) to add an extra £1 to their usual Walkabout ticket prices, which raised £67. She said that: “This was a new event but we are hoping that next year it will be even bigger, however we are really pleased with the money raised and every little helps.” Burner said that the reorganisation of RAG has made: “more societies willing to join in, and people that are not in the core committee have created events that they want to do, ” such as the Men’s Rugby Team getting waxed for charity and the Women’s team Sumo Wrestling. Birks said that although these events weren’t successful in the sense of raising a lot of money for charity, “they raised awareness for RAG and that is just as important.” On Thursday night, RAG set up a ‘tuck-shop’ at everyone’s favourite mid-week night, Jam House. This was organised by Jack Birks and raised a total of £60. Although RAG still organised their annual Take Me Out event and Pizza Eating, Henny explained that: “RAG week is going to be more successful than last years as we have chosen to do it differently. Last year our RAG week mainly consisted of cake sales, Deal Or No Deal and Take Me Out which we ran ourselves. words: “WhereUnscramble as this year wethese decided to team up with as many sports and societies, where each of them take on an event with us! This way we felt we could engage the university more and eviltheir nylons help the clubs Dark achieve ICONS status. Doubling if ritzy Ardor isplan questdown to moving away from being a society as we have had “I think the success partially support from the volunteer department, but mainly down to joining with the university clubs.” I asked both Kathryn and Elisha what their fundraising targets were by the end of the week: K: “We didn’t come up with a specific target, but personally I would love to see us raise at least £600, which over £300 from poker and pizza eating alone.” E: “I am not sure on the aim, as any money raised is amazing but we are hopeful to beat last year’s total” @PlymUniStuNews

1. Ask the casualty if they are choking/if they can cough 2. If you can see any obvious obstructions remove them, don’t go reaching in 3. Carry out 5 back blows, lean the casualty forward and give 5 sharp blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand 4. If this fails to work, stand behind the casualty and place one fist at the bottom of their breastbone, clench the fist with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times 5. Repeat this procedure for up to 3 times, if this hasn’t worked, phone 999 Burns: 1. For minor burns, place the burned area under lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved 2. Remove any jewellery, tight objects etc 3. Cover the burn with kitchen film 1. For serious burns, lay the casualty down and start cooling the injury with plenty of lukewarm water 2. Phone 999 immediately and continue cooling the burn 3. Remove any constricting objects 4. Cover the burnt area with kitchen film 5. Reassure the casualty