Wessex Scene Southampton Special

The Southampton Special! This magazine is centered around two things, Southampton as a place, and what makes it so important to both our writers and readers. We hope this issue will offer insight to those just starting at Southampton University, and entertainment for those returning.

When beginning this process we asked our writers to contemplate what makes Southampton special to them. This led some to consider what they would wish to tell their Freshers self (p8.) or share their embarrassing Fresher’s stories (p26.). For others, it meant creating guides to guarantee the best student nights out (p20.) or offering advice on how to form lasting friendships at university (p10.).

Personally, Southampton will always be a special place for me. I arrived in 2019 as an anxious, shy, 18-year-old, whose only real party experience was vomiting before 8 pm on New Year’s Eve. I

am now a 21-year-old with a BA under her belt and a treasured Jester’s gold card.

Southampton has allowed me to discover and develop myself into a person I am proud of and confident in. I have formed life-lasting friendships, made mistakes and memories, and don’t regret a single moment of my time here.

The prospect of university can be overwhelming and intimidating. The concern over making new friends, fear of failing, and homesickness can be tough. However, know that everyone is thinking and feeling the same thing as you, and while these worries may stay with you, the experiences you gain make it all worth it.

To those returning students, keep exploring Southampton, join other societies, and push yourself to meet new people. You just might discover university has even more to offer. Though, remember, the next years count now!

So, no matter your journey, we hope Southampton becomes a special place for you.

Your Editor,

Isobel Mcveigh

Editor

Isobel Mcveigh

Deputy Editor

Oliwia Kowalik

Head of Design

Flossy Waters

Head of Imagery

Emily Ralph

Online & Marketing Manager

Charlie Burgess

Head of Events & Outreach

Amy Scott-Munden

Features Editor

Sam Pegg

Politics Editor

Fiachra Jools O’Rourke

Opinion Editor

Alyssa-Caroline Burnette

Lifestyle Editor

Chloe Thomas

Science and Technology Editor

Lara Graham

Travel Editor

Lewis East

Sports Editor

Ellie Griffiths

Pause Editor

James Hurford

News and Investigations

Amrit Kaur, Philip Bennett

Sub-Editors

Laura Ellison, Gemma McBain, Katie Phillips

A-levels to Undergraduate - Adapting to University Life

First of all: Congratulations! You have gotten into university. You should be immensely proud of yourself, considering the hardships you and your peers have endured throughout the last few years. This is both a terrifying and exciting time for you. Most of you will be moving to a new place, moving into a flat of strangers, and starting to study a subject you love but on a completely different level. This is going to be daunting for anyone at any age. The best thing you must think is that everyone is in the same boat, everyone is going to be doing the exact same things you are.

The first piece of advice I can give is to not panic. The first few weeks are going to feel like a lot. They will feel incredibly intense, but you must remember, university is the chance for you to study a single subject in more detail than you ever have before. It is going to be massively different from A-Levels. The skills are essentially the same (for most subjects anyway) and it is going to take time to adjust, do not put pressure on yourself because you feel like you are out of your depth or falling behind. This happens to everyone. However, I suggest trying to stay on top of things as much as possible. This can prove difficult, but if you get into the habit in your first year, by the time you enter your third year it will be your greatest asset.

My second piece of advice has to be to ask questions! No question is a silly question. Lecturers can be incredibly intimidating, I know. They are experts in their fields and have undertaken years of research and study to get where they are today. But they are all lecturers because they have a passion for knowledge. They are in this career because they want you to learn from them. They enjoy you asking questions, even if you think they are silly. I can promise you that 90% of the time they’re not, and most lecturers will be happy someone is talking in their seminar. I also haven’t met a lecturer who was not open to speaking to students one-on-one about their concerns about the course or workload or any similar inquiry.

The independence that comes with university life can be incredibly overwhelming. I can’t say I adjusted to it very well at all. Doing your own food shops, washing and cleaning is a massive change for a lot of students. I think everyone at first gets excited about going to the shops and buying whatever you want. The first week’s food shop usually consists of various flavours of noodles, crisps, and chocolate. You think wow yes, I can finally buy everything I want. No, this is not exactly how it goes. I cannot emphasise enough – Budget and plan! Sit down on a Sunday night, think of meals you can have for the week, or you can make them in bulk, and then buy the ingredients for these meals only and a few snacks. I can promise you a diet of Jaffa cakes and giant Wotsits gets boring after a while, and you will crave vegetables. I swear by frozen vegetables – you can get them in bulk, they last longer than the fresh stuff and it makes you feel good for having something that isn’t artificially green for your meal.

Most of all – Have fun! University is exciting and new, please make the most of it.

Writing by Milly Jones Image by Jade Kelly (@jadekellyillustrates)

Top Tips for new students

Article by Isobel Mcveigh Illustration by Sophie Wintersgill (@pureclass.art)

There are millions of websites, videos, and blogs that offer advice to new students. So, in an attempt to be more original, I have divided my top tips up into general and Southampton-specific. I hope this will help freshers, or even returning students.

General Tips: Student Discounts:

Quite possibly one of my favourite things about being a student is the discounts. Whether it’s for food, drinks, books, clothes, or streaming services; we are offered a reduced price on almost anything you can imagine. I encourage you to take full advantage of this. Some of the best places to look are: UNIDAYS, Student Beans, and Totum.

‘First year doesn’t count’- Fact or fiction?

The phrase, ‘First year doesn’t count’, has been uttered by almost every student at some point, normally to relieve the guilt of another night out. However, while these grades don’t impact your overall classification, you do have to pass the first year itself. My advice would be to strike a balance. First year is for having fun and settling into uni-life, though it also offers an opportunity to get into good work patterns.

Useful Apps:

There are many apps that are useful for student life, whether it be for managing money or offering ways to study in an eco-friendly way. I would recommend “Wally” or “Squirrel” to those working on

a budget. The app “Forest” offers an effective study system while helping the environment by turning the virtual trees you plant into real ones. Don’t buy all the tickets!

Freshers’ week can be a sensory overload of events which can make you feel pressure to buy lots of tickets and try to attend everything. My advice is to only buy a few before the week starts. Most club events are very similar, and despite how they advertise the event, they will sell tickets at the door. It’s also good to have some spontaneous nights with new people instead of planning your whole time.

Southampton-Specific Tips: Carry Cash: Some venues like Jesters have a minimum card spend, so carrying cash on a night out is always a good idea! Your student ID can also get you discounts at pubs like the Mitre, so bring that out too! Join Societies!

Southampton University has 280 student societies. This offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people or try something new! I would suggest going to bunfight (freshers fair) or joining taster sessions to experience what’s on offer.

Best study spots:

There are many great places to study on the Highfield campus, all with different benefits depending on your habits. Hartley Library is a classic, as it has large spaces for silent study or group work. However, if this becomes too crowded in exam season, the

Centenary building (Building 100) is a good spot for quiet or silent study. If you work better with more background noise, the campus coffee shop The Bridge is a good place to get some work done.

Student Jobs: Most students want part-time work to earn extra money or build up their CVs. I’ve had a few jobs at uni, but the ones I have most enjoyed have

been working for the university itself. Becoming a student ambassador is a fun way to get seasonal work and build up your communications skills. You can also work for the student Union itself at venues on campus, these have zero-hours contracts that are flexible around your studies. The university offers a great careers service that provides advice and helps find students jobs or summer internships.

Making Friends

What It’s Like to Start Over Again at University

Article by Emily Dennis Illustration by Mae Holzer (@maeholzer)

As attributed to Aristotle: “without friends, no one would choose to live”.

I came to university quite alone. I did not really have many friends left.

During my gap year, most of my friends from school had gone to university themselves and made new friends and did not tell me when they were coming home. Equally, I only got one invitation to go and visit one person, which I did, but then that was that. My best friend at the time and I fell out so badly that we still haven’t spoken four years on, and then my next bestie denounced all technology when we both moved to university, out of fear that her strange dad was going to text her and turn up out of the blue. I kept it to myself, but I was desperate to make a friend. I’m experiencing it again now, and it is a re-

YOU KNOW THE WOrST pEOpLE HATE ON SOLENT

markable challenge trying to find some. Before university started, I had joined every Facebook page and group chat. I knew hundreds of names and I knew what a bunch of people were going to be doing at uni, but I was also a bit cringed out by how desperate they sounded to get to know people. Obviously, this is the real irony. It was actually through one of these chats that I found my best friend, but that was just because he came along when I met up with someone else. I am very grateful to you.

I was also very lucky with my flat and, out of the six others, I am still living with two. This is a great feat considering I’ve finished university, and I did spend the previous two years with all but one. Your flat can be your best friends, or just a good group of people to go out with because they can’t really leave without you. I am thankful for their patience and kindness, even though I definitely got more boring as time went on.

There is still a challenge to making friends. You have to be quite democratic. Sometimes, life puts people who you really don’t like in the way of people you do. Sometimes, you have to hang out with people you’d rather not in order to make some actual friends that have the same interests as you. There’s a certain level of ‘fake-it-till-you-make-it’ about everything: fake confidence, fake laughter, fake like her. But that’s just the beauty of being a person and attempting to get along with others for extended periods of time.

The best advice is to put yourself in situations that you would organically enjoy, with the hope that someone else is similar enough to you that you can be friends. Get to know any potentials, because they are potentially going to connect you to other potentials. And definitely try and make a friend on your courses, because life does get easier when you have someone who isn’t a lecturer to share notes with.

This is a personal memoir, a thank you to those I’ve known. While I may have some advice and reassurances, if your life doesn’t follow the same path as mine, then don’t see it as a sign that everything is destined to go wrong.

Article by Byron Lewis

Illustration by Emily ralph (@emilyralphdesigns)

senior management - allegedly. I’ve heard quite a few whispers over the years that the university doesn’t sign off on fixtures with Solent on the off chance that we might lose. The idea of Soton being scared to lose is so vain that I almost can’t believe it.

Disclaimer: The views expressed within this article are entirely the author’s own and are not attributable to Wessex Scene as a whole. There are two universities in Southampton. This one (Soton, or “Uni of”) and Solent. And they’re completely different in every way. Nothing alike. Like apples and oranges, but if oranges were vegetables. After all, one has massive ties to boats and aerospace - whilst the other has huge links to planes and shipping!

The biggest real difference is that Solent has lower entry requirements. And oh, does that go to some people’s heads!

My general reaction to rivalries is usually one of “who’s arsed” – how bad must your own life be going to spend that much time judging others? (I say currently, judging others, of course.)

Being from the glorious Solent metropolis, I see this “friendly rivalry” pop up among students that study at Southampton that aren’t from Hampshire – and not from Solent students. People from these parts, after all, have been taught from conception that the real mortal enemy is in fact Portsmouth - anything east of Whiteley Shopping Centre is believed to be evil beyond reproach.

But hating a part of our own city has such a stranglehold on some people that it reaches university

But then why does this rivalry exist? I believe it’s because of one simple belief: Soton requires higher exam grades, thereby making Soton students smarter and better. Do I have to say that exams aren’t everything? Having A* grades didn’t prepare me at all for freelancing and the people skills you need to go far with it. You can have A* grades in Maths and Physics and still end up with a whopping U in Social Skills – just ask anyone in Engineering!

In my experience, it really does correlate with people who need to feel superior about something over others. Anecdotally, the one person I remember being super anti-Solent was a private-school boy who was desperate for approval from others. Anti-Solentism became his personality because there was nothing else to fill it with, other than the copious amounts of whey protein that he hoarded. He was personally invested because it was his defence mechanism; Southampton was his second choice, so he’s had to slum it at a Global Top 100 university instead.

Studies into intergroup contact almost always show an increase in tolerance and understanding between different groups when you get them to work collaboratively, supported by the authorities in charge. You can see how the findings of this might be relevant. Maybe Soton’s management should push for more cooperation, forcing both sets of students to work together. Or instead, we can continue down this beaten path, a one-sided divide perpetuated by only the pettiest. The ball’s in your court.

Why I Chose Southampton

Article by Emily Dennis

The whole reason I am here is due to a dangerous case of eenie meenie miney mo. I am here purely down to fate and dodgy decision-making. To give some background, I am both not entirely smart, but not entirely dumb. I was, more importantly, very cocky. At GCSE, I managed to get A’s with a very minimal amount of work and disbelief in homework, and I thought I could recreate this ease and success in A Levels. Unfortunately, I did not anticipate I had already reached the peak of my existence.

Throughout first year, I was predicted AAA. That suited me fine. With this promise, I took to UCAS and scoured the country for any university that was far enough away from my parents in Birmingham, so I had Lancaster, Bristol, Loughborough, Exeter, and the mighty Southampton on my list. My course of choice was Philosophy with a year abroad because I wanted an enviable Instagram so I chopped away at any that didn’t fit. When I looked, they all had the same requirements of AAB so I eenie meenied and Southampton placed first. Only then did I see that Southampton actually required ABB and hoped that I hadn’t shot myself in the foot by putting all my eggs unnecessarily in one basket.

However, this was in the days when Maths was split with an AS after the first year, and you cannot imagine how much a single piece of paper had rocked me to my core. Despite my stellar 98 in Decision Mathematics that I am still holding on to, I got a B overall. Fuming. “That’s it,” I thought to myself. “I’m not good at Maths anymore. If I can’t work out the sheer simplicity of first-year A Level Maths without using only my brain, then what is the actual entire point of doing this? I am not going to bother staying in a course that I am destined to fail.”

The absolute chad that I was marched straight into Head of Sixth Form’s office (after crying in a toilet for about an hour) and demanded something be done. “I can’t do Maths. I simply cannot.” Miss Lloyd, bless her soul, did not want me to do what I wanted to do, but I was a terribly compulsive and an incredibly dodgy decision-maker, so there was little that could be done. “Please,” I urged, “you must let me swap to Drama.”

It was a weird time for me. I was enrolled in both first and second-year drama classes so I could finish within one year, but I was obviously still very cocky and thought it was going to be an absolute breeze. I met lots of new people who were awed by my bravery, and I confidently joined groups and came up with performance ideas. However, there was yet another thing I hadn’t anticipated. My bust-up with Maths brought a wave of fear, mostly of failure, but also of people knowing I failed. In other words, performance anxiety. After putting off even practising the piece that was basically dodgy teenage fairy-tale porn, I dropped out of Drama and went crawling back to Miss Lloyd hoping that she’d have another solution.

I was allowed back onto Maths, but as it was November, the classes had covered almost every topic. I was in need of tutoring which, with respect to myself, I did turn up to and I even did work at home. For once, I was asking people who were smarter than me for help and actually listening. I was going to be fine, secure that B (which I found out was not a bad grade at all, who knew?), and end up where I wanted to go.

Then, real-life shit hit the fan. I can’t divulge too much information, but on Saturday night there were police at the door at 2am and the Monday morning I had my first exam.

I got U’s in two exams, which gave me a D overall in Maths. That could have been fine, except it was paired with B’s in English Literature and Psychology, so I was quite a far way off meeting requirements.

I had chosen to defer my start date anyway, but now I was deferring indefinitely since I had received a tasty rejection email. Our Sixth Form organised exit meetings with all students, so when it was my turn, I confidently burst into tears again. I think I spoke non-stop for an hour in that disgusting sobby voice while Miss Lloyd sat with her mouth open and a pen in her hand. Despite setting myself up to almost fail, I really had failed, but not because it was my fault. I hustled, I made revision cards, I asked person-who-knowsthey-are-very-smart-and-talks-down-to-you-slightly to help me, and yet, rejection. As she had always done, Miss Lloyd did some things.

It was just some random morning when I was walking around at home singing Paulo Nutini to my dogs because what else was there for a failure to do, when I received a call from the South. Due to the circumstances surrounding my exam period and because I had selected Southampton as my Firm Choice, they were happy to grant my application. Four years later, coronavirus killed my year abroad and I got my 2:1 and left.

To answer the question, “Why did I choose Southampton?”: I didn’t.

There are lots of things bad about this university, as there probably are about most of them, but I’m not disappointed in the slightest with where I ended up. It’s not like I have any other legs to stand on, but I’m glad I didn’t choose Southampton. I am grateful it chose me.

STUDY TipS SUppOrTED BY SCiENCE

If you’ve made it this far in your academic career, chances are you have applied yourself to studying to some extent. However, could your approach to learning and revising be improved? This article highlights 5 evidence-based techniques and strategies to help you get better grades with less effort.

Handwritten notes or typed?

Although typing notes on a computer can be quicker, neater, and easier to edit, research has shown handwritten notes could be a more effective tool for learning lecture content. A study in 2014 showed students who took notes during a lecture by hand performed better on a test assessing

Article by Lara Graham Illustration by Emily Ralph (@emilyralphdesigns)

understanding compared to those using a laptop, with or without the opportunity to revise lecture content before the test (1). The authors suggest this was due to a lack of processing of material during the lecture by the laptop group, as a higher percentage of notes taken by laptop were copied verbatim (word for word) compared to by hand. Therefore, taking notes by hand on paper might be the best option for maximising understanding during a lecture, thus saving time during the revision period. Parkinson’s Law – set yourself a deadline Most of us know the feeling of deflation when spending the whole day at the library, only to find you have completed just

one task. As explained by economist Cyril Parkinson in 1955: “work expands as to fill the time available for its completion” (2). In other words, if you give yourself a day to do something that should only take an hour, it will instead take all day. This is supported by Parkinson’s study of worker statistics for the British Navy, which lead to the derivation of his mathematical formula that essentially describes the greater supply of resources (e.g. manpower or time) even if the amount of work does not increase. To combat this, try setting yourself mini-deadlines within a study session to waste less time and get more done.

Strategic planning for exams - spaced repetition

Although cramming the night before an exam might seem most efficient, it is not the best way to retain information in the medium-long term. From a memory retention experiment in the 1880s, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus was able to show retention of information exponentially decreases with time since learning, known as the “Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve” (3). Based on this curve, if you review the content at intervals over time, more of the content will be remembered as time goes on compared to a single session of learning. Neurochemically, re-triggering your memory strengthens the connections (synapses) between neurons that form the memories, resulting in stronger memories that you are less likely to forget. Chances are, content from early years at university will be relevant to later years and even your job, so revising content repeatably over time will be more effective in the long term. Revision technique – practice testing

When you sit down to revise for an exam, how do you go about it? Re-write your notes, highlight the textbook, and stare blankly at the screen. Several studies comparing techniques for learning have shown practice testing (a.k.a active recall) is by far the most effective for both fact recall and conceptual understanding (4–6). This is likely because practice testing requires cognition and active engagement with the material and mimics the exam scenario where you will have to pull information together from memory. In contrast, other techniques such as highlighting are more passive and easily allow for distraction and daydreaming. Examples of effective active recall methods include flashcards, self-

made quizzes, and closed-book essay plans/ content regurgitation.

Happy student = happy studying

This sub-heading might be a massive over-generalization, however, there is neurochemical evidence to give it some credit. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is produced when we experience pleasure, triggering a feeling of reward or “happiness”. In addition to its impact on mood, increased dopamine can increase alertness, concentration, and motivation which are important for effective study, shown experimentally in rats (7). In humans, this explains how medications such as Ritallin or Adderall that elevate dopamine in the brain can help ADHD sufferers concentrate. Therefore, taking time out of studying to enjoy pleasurable activities could help give both your well-being and grades a boost while at university.

Mueller PA, Oppenheimer DM. The pen is mightier than the keyboard: advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychol Sci [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Aug 27];25(6):1159–68. Available from: https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24760141/ Northcotte Parkinson C. Parksinson’s Law. The Economist. 1955 Nov 19.

Murre JMJ, Dros J. Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve. PLoS One [Internet]. 2015 Jul 6 [cited 2022 Aug 28];10(7). Available from: /pmc/articles/ PMC4492928/

Roediger HL, Butler AC. The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends Cogn Sci [Internet]. 2011 Jan [cited 2022 Aug 28];15(1):20–7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20951630/

Spitzer HF. THE JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDIES IN RETENTION.

Karpicke JD, Blunt JR, Smith MA. Retrieval-Based Learning: Positive Effects of Retrieval Practice in Elementary School Children. Front Psychol [Internet]. 2016 Mar 11 [cited 2022 Aug 27];7(MAR). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27014156/

Hamid AA, Pettibone JR, Mabrouk OS, Hetrick VL, Schmidt R, Vander Weele CM, et al. Mesolimbic dopamine signals the value of work. Nat Neurosci [Internet]. 2016 Dec 29 [cited 2022 Aug 28];19(1):117–26. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/26595651/

Six Places for Exercising in Southampton

(That aren’t the Common)

Article by Matt Burgess

Illustration by Milena Muszynska (@printed.at.2am)

Picture this. You’ve been living in Southampton for a few months, or a few years. You want to go for a run or a walk, or just want to spend some time outdoors. The obvious place to go is of course the common, but that just feels a bit… well, samey. If this is you, we’re here to help.

Don’t get me wrong, Southampton Common is great. It’s rare to have such a big area of green space right on a university’s doorstep and when you’re there, it’s really easy to escape city life. But there are only so many times you can do the classic park-run loop without feeling like you need something different. Here are a few easy-to-reach suggestions if you’re looking to break away from the norm. Whilst there’s plenty to explore yourself in each of these areas, I’ve included some suggested routes and information on how to get you started.

Riverside Park:

This is an obvious alternative, especially if you live at Wessex Lane. Riverside Park is a great place to go for some waterside views. It’s around 2km from top-to-bottom, so there’s plenty of space to roam up-and-down and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can carry on up into Itchen Valley Park. You might also see the university rowing team in action. The only downside is because it’s long and thin, coming up with loops is tricky.

By bus: U1A to Wessex Lane Halls. Parking: Small car park on Woodmill Lane, parking at Itchen Valley park.

5km

10km

Ocean Village:

Another watery alternative, just a slightly less green one. Ocean Village still has some good wandering potential though, as well as some places to stop for a bite to eat (or a film), and good views over Southampton water. Being near the city centre, it’s also within easy reach of everything there and you can head down to Mayflower Park, another small park on the waterfront. If you’re running there, the plod through the industrial wastelands of St Marys is just about worth it, I promise. By bus: U1C to the town quay.

5km 12km

City Centre:

A bit left-field, I know. During lockdown 2.0, when everyone was flooding the common for their government-sanctioned exercise, the city centre was actually the place to be for quiet running. Now the shops are back open, going down there during the day would probably result in a lot of people slaloming, but it’s still a great place to be for an early morning run. There are three parks around the Guildhall area, and the routes around Westquay and Southampton’s old town are also great for some urban trail running.

By bus: U1C or U2C to anywhere between Giddy Bridge and Westquay.

5km

11km

Lordswood:

One of Southampton’s lesser-known green spaces, probably because it’s a bit out of town. Lordswood is the place to go if you just want to get away from it all and find some nature. The area contains miles of forest trails and is also next door to the athletics track, ski slope, and sports centre. Whilst it’s a little way from Portswood and Southampton centre, those of you living up at Glen Eyre are actually only a km from its edge. Most paths are good quality, however, areas can get muddy during winter or after heavy rainfall, so keep an eye on the weather or bring your wellies if you’re visiting from November to April.

By Bus: U6H to XX (+short walk) or U2B to Chamberlain Halls (+walk).

5km 10km

Highfield Campus:

Some of the city’s best green space is actually right under our nose. Heading down the steep and slightly foreboding ramp from the redbrick takes you down to the lovely valley gardens, a tranquil area of green space dedicated to rest and relaxation. Whilst a trip around campus probably isn’t enough to sustain a full run or walk (unless you’re mad keen on laps that is), this part of campus backs onto the common, making it the perfect addition to a longer walk round there. It also comes with coffee and food options around campus, which makes for an added bonus.

By bus: Surely you know how to get here, right? 5km

Extreme Commoning:

Ok, this is still The Common, but if you’re bored of the same bits around the flats and carriage drive, there may yet be more to it than you think. In fact, it’s possible to walk around the common without using any of the main paths.

Heading off the beaten track makes for a much more tranquil walk/run and simply navigating your way around makes things much more exciting in itself. Some of these routes can get muddy after rainfall, but still, hold up pretty well for most of the year.

By bus: U1/2C to Northlands Road, or U2C to Avenue Campus (+ short walk under underpass).

5km 10km

Article by Philip Bennett

Illustration by Flossy Waters (@flossywaters)

Queen Elizabeth II: A Southampton Tribute

In 1966 the Queen visited the crowd-filled streets of Southampton to open the new ocean terminal and then she made a visit to the University of Southampton.

Another busy visit was in 1974 when the Queen came to open the South Academic Block at Southampton General Hospital. This was the first time that Southampton hospital had been visited by a reigning monarch. Before she opened the block, she walked around the Civic Centre forecourt greeting and talking to locals, which was undoubtedly the event that touched locals the most.

Southampton celebrated her reign during the Platinum Jubilee, which took place earlier this year, with festivals, street parties, and local bands all coming together for the Queens 70 years on the throne. This made her the second longest reigning monarch in world history, 2 years behind King Louis XIV of France.

On the 8th of September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. During her long 70-year reign, she touched the hearts of people all over the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. The Queen appointed 15 Prime Ministers and met 13 U.S. Presidents. Her constant and unwavering presence provided a backbone that has allowed the United Kingdom to successfully weather the events of the late 20th Century, such as the Cold War and the pandemic. Closer to home she has provided direct comfort to many British Citizens, a notable example being when she visited the Welsh village of Aberfan in 1966 after a disastrous landslide killed 116 children and 28 adults. Locally the Queen has also had a positive effect on Southampton. In 1952, the same year as her coronation, she granted the University of Southampton a Royal Charter. From its beginnings as the Hartley institute in 1862, the University of Southampton became its own independent university, which allowed it to award degrees of its own, instead of being a branch of the University of London. The University of Southampton was the first university to receive a charter in Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

On the 10th of September 2022, the city of Southampton raised its flags at 11 am to coincide with the proclamation of King Charles III, and then on Sunday 11th, the city’s proclamation of King Charles III took place at 2 pm. The floral tributes left for the Queen at the forecourt of the Civic Centre will be turned into compost to help plant trees in memory of the Queen.

Hartley Library currently has a display of books relating to the Queen and has a book of condolence that is available to sign which gives you the chance to write your own personal messages about the Queen. If you wish to see the display, it is located in the Hartley Library lobby.

Southampton, with the rest of the world, mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her death brings about a new era for the United Kingdom. An era which, to the sadness of many, she will not be around to help us through.

The Southampton Sporting Calendar - Essential Events

It has been an incredible summer for sport, with the recent Commonwealth Games having taken place in Birmingham; the European Championships held in Munich, in addition to the return of Premier League football and Formula One. There is, however, still plenty of sporting fun to catch the eye, regardless of whether you’ve just moved to Southampton, or are back for another year, with plenty of must-visit events and lesser-known gems taking place across the city this academic year.

Football

Southampton FC

The city of Southampton is home to one ‘main’ football team - Southampton Football Club, otherwise referred to as ‘The Saints’. As such, to use the well-known FIFA Cliché, the whole city can be lifted with a good result. This season, St Mary’s Stadium plays host to its eleventh consecutive season in the Premier League, a feat achieved thanks to a mix of exciting young talent, and the quality of captain James Ward-Prowse. As a seasoned fan, I cannot promise success, but I can promise nerve-shredding tension and near-permanent trauma. Following the Lionesses’ heroic Euros victory, women’s football is enjoying its most high-profile period yet - this is no different on the South coast. The female counterpart of the Saints earnt promotion to the championship last season, and are about to enjoy their first season as a fully professional side. They face Birmingham on the 16th October in their first home match of the season.

Games involving the male Saints team take place most Saturdays, and some weeknights, from August until May next year, while the female team play most Sundays from mid-September until April next year. Be sure to look out for midweek games, which are often heavily discounted for students.

Eastleigh FC

If gritty non-league football is more your thing, or you’re bored of watching England draw 1-1 with the likes of Iran during the international break, Eastleigh Football Club is the place to go. Silverlake stadium, based in Stoneham, is surprisingly geographically closer to the university than St Mary’s, and can easily be reached on the number 2 bus from the centre of Southampton. Similarly to Saints’ male team, Eastleigh FC’s games will take place on most weekends throughout August until April of next year.

Cricket

Although the main bulk of the Cricket season takes place during the holidays, there are still opportunities to watch a match or two during term-time.

Hampshire boasts one of the most luxurious stadiums in English Cricket, the Aegeas Bowl, which is situated

Article by Matt Burgess

in West End, on the outskirts of the city. If you’re a red-ball-purist, then the county championship is for you. However, if you’re looking for a quick break from revision, the T20 season is set to begin soon after, with England’s summer 2023 fixtures released later this year.

Athletics

ABP Races

The ABP races are undoubtedly the highlight of Southampton’s running calendar, which take runners on a tour of the city around the fearsome slopes of the Itchen Bridge; St Mary’s Stadium, and even Highfield Campus. The half marathon is the most popular distance, amongst those running, with there also being the option to race a full marathon; 10k, or 5k. The event is brilliantly supported by residents, many of whom will offer plentiful supplies of bananas and jelly babies to keep you going, with a percentage of the entry fee going to deserving organisations like Macmillan, and the Southampton Hospital Charity, so you’ll be raising money for great causes just by taking part. The next opportunity to participate will be April 23rd 2023.

If you cannot bare the thought of waiting until April next year to put on the running shoes, further opportunities can be found in the New Forest with an off-road half marathon taking place on October 15th; at Southampton’s Running Festival on February 19th, or a fast and flat 10k run in Eastleigh on March 19th.

Southampton Parkrun

Parkrun is a well-known fitness phenomenon, encompassing a community 5k run on Saturday mornings at 9am, with Southampton holding the second-largest in the UK.

Near to both Portswood and Highfield, the start line of The Common is easy to reach for students, with many regularly tackling the course for a training run, a chat with friends, or to run off the classic Friday night Jesters hangover.

There are also nearby events at Itchen Valley; Eastleigh, and Netley, if you’re interested in some local Parkrun tourism.

Cycling

Southampton Sporterium

If two wheels are more your thing, look out for the Southampton Sporterium taking place in April next year. Both the 60k and 100k sportive routes are on offer for those who fancy a more relaxed, but well-supported ride, with other fast and furious city centre criterium if you’re after something a bit more competitive. Races are equally as thrilling for spectators, thanks to a short course that winds its way around Southampton city centre.

The Unofficial Student Guide to the Best Nightlife in Southampton

Article by Kat Munday

Illustration by Maitilde Flanagan Wood (@tilartt)

A quick google search of Southampton’s best clubs immediately brings up some rankings that are confusing at best to those in the know - Buddha Lounge pitted above Popworld, Stags above Switch, and some containing not a single mention of The Hobbit. With results like these sending freshers in the wrong direction, it’s time for a seasoned third year to step in and provide a more honest guide towards where to spend your sesh money once that first student loan drops.

Jesters & Clowns:

Not many bars carry a legend, especially not one so cursed that those in the know can’t wait to tell their ‘not-from-here’ friends exactly why the floor is as sticky as it is and wait for the looks of horror. Between the ‘four corners challenge’ and the infamous ‘two-bicle’ bathroom, Jesters has a love-it-or-hate-it reputation as one of Southampton’s messiest bars to spend your night in. Students looking to spend their student loan wisely can treat themselves to a bucket, yes bucket, of one of several house special cocktails, which the menus mysteriously often only provide the names, not ingredients of. The Jesters dance floor exists in a series of basement bunkers that get sweaty quickly once the DJ starts playing house party anthems back to backdress light and designate yourself a pair of ‘jesters trainers’ that you’ll likely stick with for the next three years. Guaranteed to end the night sticky from someone else’s drink and walk home happy with a kebab from the shop next door.

The best night to go: Mondays and Fridays.

Popworld:

With its stripper pole to messily throw shapes on, cheap drinks, and cheesy-pop anthems like ‘Toxic’ and ‘American Boy’ playing till 3 am, Popworld is and always will be an iconic fresher friendly venue. Mid-week student deals, fun atmosphere, confetti cannons, and a great disco playlist make Popworld one of my favorites of the Bedford place selection.

The best night to go: Lollipop Thursdays for £1.50 drinks.

Sobar: Surviving ‘Quad-Vod Night’ as a fresher made me the man I am today (Is it legal? Does anyone truly know?). Go at least once and never look back.

The best night to go: Tuesdays.

Shooting Star and The Hobbit: When it comes to bars, this pair (operated by the same management) provide an elite haven for Southampton’s grunge and alternative community, and me and my Dr Martens love it. The Hobbit serves a 5-pint tower that dispenses its infamous pint cocktails, has loyalty cards that earn you a ‘Heroes or Villains’ themed graphic t-shirt, and weekly quiz nights with prizes that are not to be missed. The Hobbit’s sister, The Shooting Star, serves its own galaxy-themed selection of pint cocktails as well as classics like pornstar martinis. To keep you and your mates busy, you’ll find pool tables, a gaming corner, and arcade machines. For the perfect ‘casual drinks’ vibe that soon turns into accidentally going clubbing till the sun comes up, these two are the perfect place to start.

The best night to go: Any weekday evening after a long day of lectures.

The Edge: Other than ‘The London’ pub, The Edge

serves as Southampton’s only LGBTQ+ bar and club venue, and whilst the city could do with some competition, this safe space offers a relaxed two-storey dancefloor and karaoke room for freshers to cut loose in. Bars offering karaoke in Southampton are few and far between, and only here can you jump and dance around on top of a floor that feels like it could give way at any second, to the soundtrack of a group of far gone third years belting out anthems from High School Musical. The best night to go: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Switch:

As a Fresher I overlooked Switch, but now it’s impossible for me to go on a night out without suggesting that we try and make it before the last entry. The dance floor is the biggest on offer in town and hosts a variety of events such as Bingo Lingo, Juiced, and Ladies Night that can’t be missed. With its on-stage dancers and fire breathers, giant inflatables hanging from the ceiling, and good quality EDM, House, and DNB music after midnight, Switch pulls through on providing that ‘big club’ experience. Do, however, be prepared for an inevitable kick-off while waiting in the queue, lots of lads, and a smokescreen of elf bars.The best night to go: Fridays and Saturdays

“The Library Charging Sockets Will Always Let You Down” and

Other Things I’d Tell my Freshers Self

There are many things those of us would love to go back and tell ourselves, so we thought we would share our hard-earned wisdom with those of you who have yet to experience uni life.

Learn the Library Etiquette: Navigating Campus Life

Laura: If you don’t know something, ask; after all, you are here to learn. It’s completely okay to stop someone for a few minutes to ask where something is or how to get somewhere.

Katie: The charging ports in the study areas are often hit or miss; check if the socket actually works before you rejoice about finally finding a seat. Unless you’re an attention seeker and want older years complaining about you on Crushampton, learn the etiquette of the library, too; the first floor is for group work, the second and third are for quiet study, and the fourth and fifth are silent. Buy Colour Catchers: Making Smart Money Decisions

Laura: Budgeting is important because you’re taking care of your necessities while using the leftover money for savings and wants. You can still have a good time at home, whether it’s cooking for yourself, eating cheap snacks, or simply going to bed early... or realistically staying up all night watching something.

Learn to cook with online tutorials. There’s a Tesco and a Sainsbury’s less than 15 minutes down the road from Highfield - just take a quick gander at Google maps for local shops at your campus. Or (probably less likely) get up a little earlier in the morning and bring a pre-made lunch - don’t waste your money in the on-campus shop; things can get expensive!

Katie: Don’t separate your washing into lights and darks; it’s too expensive. Buy Colour Catchers, and you can wash all of your clothes at the same time. The Circuit Laundry app is awful, too; never believe it when it says your washing is ready - give it another ten minutes before you head down to the laundrette, otherwise, you will be awkwardly standing there waiting.

Don’t be The One Who Forgets Their Keys: Becoming More Independent Katie: You will get locked out at least once per year because you’ve forgotten your keys - don’t be the one who relies on flatmates. Even if you think it’s a good idea to climb the gate to get in through the window, don’t. Your housemate will never let you live down the scratch on her car. Equally, don’t sleep in the porch out of fear of ringing the doorbell. That’s just stupid.

missed out on a disaster; take that time to look after yourself. Do not, however, miss out on signing up for a local GP and going to the doctor and dentist regularly; your mental and physical health are incredibly important!

Katie: Do not underestimate Freshers’ Flu. If you don’t feel well enough to go to class, don’t go. Missing one lecture won’t kill you, but if you go to class and spend the hour coughing your lungs up, the embarrassment might just be the death of you. Difflam spray for a sore throat and Sudafed Blocked Nose spray are my best tried and tested products.

Cliques Still Exist at Uni: When it Comes to Making Friends

Laura: Making friends by trying to be someone you’re not won’t last because you won’t be able to keep up the façade. Instead, focus on being the best version of yourself that you can and focus on what makes you special. People are more attracted to honesty. And if they’re not? They’re probably not worth getting to know and you’re protecting your peace - who needs to be sobbing at 3 am over anything but an assignment with a deadline fast approaching?

Katie: If you think that person on social media looks cool, make the first move and message them! Now is the time to stop worrying about what people think of you and make memories that will become a funny story for pre-drinks.

Maggot Infestations and Clogged Plugholes: Accommodation Worries and Fears

Katie: Sharing a bathroom is not as bad as you think it is going to be. Set a standard for cleanliness, but don’t bother with a cleaning rota until you know it will get followed. There will be a flat in your block infamous for the state of its communal spaces - if you don’t know who it is, it’s probably you! Use the kitchen inspections as an opportunity to have a deep clean - the inspectors are more irritating than the inevitable silverfish. Make sure no fork is left behind!

Surviving From A Bag: Living and Studying from Home

Article by Katie Phillips, Laura Carpenter

Illustration by Tyler Vanderberg (@illustratyle)

FOMO is Deadly - Catch It Early: Checking in on your Mental and Physical Health

Laura: It’s okay to miss out on things! Trust your gut, chances are you missed out on nothing or

Laura: Whether you’re commuting from hours away or 30 minutes down the road, you often won’t have time between lectures to go home to fetch important items. A backpack will save your shoulders and back a lot of pain and have plenty of space for snacks (that hopefully you pre-packed to save money and your laptop from your hanger). You also need to be able to have room for your course materials for the day (try and get as many PDFs/ebooks of your materials as possible), your keys, wallet, ID card, snacks, and potentially menstrual products - so choose your survival bag wisely!

Best before, use by, sell by: Understanding Freshers’

Expiration Dates

There is absolutely nothing worse than when you remember you forgot something in the fridge, and when you go to check it, it’s gone off. The problem worsens when you realise that something is you.

Let’s be real, nobody actually wants to be labelled as a fresher. The suggestion is that they are lame and embarrassing and young (ew!), but there are ways to check whether or not it is actually a bad thing. Firstly, there is some confusion as to what constitutes a fresher. The simple answer: anything fresh!

If you have never seen that person’s face before and you’ve been at a place longer, then the chances are that they are a fresher. They are easier to spot when they are university freshers: they are usually wearing whatever is in fashion these days (is it still gold chains?); they look like they should probably still be in school; they will make you feel old. Even if they are a more mature fresher, they are still fresh, just with a richer taste. It’s best that you can admit you’re a fresher before people start pointing and laughing because then you can own it.

‘But, wait, why do people keep calling me a fresher?’ This is the voice of a confident thirdyear Politics student who has much to prove. ‘Because you’ve joined Monte football quite late, mate.’

Despite the outcries, you can become a fresher again after undergoing the original fresher period if you do something that makes you fresh. Obviously! While this does mean you are encouraged to join clubs at any point during your degree and are able to engage with things that are bespoke for clubs’ freshers, many students will fear this label because being labelled a fresher is très embarrassing. It’s important to use the fresher experience by the end of university because the fresh look really won’t last past your uni years. The opposite to a fresher is a rotter, and we have definitely all seen these before. They look like they should work in accounting and drive a saloon car. They have an actual beard

Article by Emily Dennis

and wear outrageously thick glasses because their eyes have stared at so many online tax forms that their retinas are disintegrating. And yet, they are still here. Why? I can’t really say. Maybe they just enjoy the flies. The editor decided to suggest a joke that most rotters end up in SUSU uniform, so I believe that is a declaration of war? [Editor’s note: that joke has been taken way out of context, please direct all artillery fire towards Emily’s house.] Truth be told, there are worse things than being a fresher. It doesn’t take a fresh 18-yearold to embarrass a group of people; that can easily be achieved by literally anybody who has drunk enough and is also a victim of peer pressure. There are some stories in this magazine about embarrassing fresher stories, but you just have to look at my 24-year-old ex-housemate to see that embarrassment never ages. In case it wasn’t obvious enough, 5 years is probably the sell-by date, meaning you should sell yourself off to the corporate giant and stop trying to pull college leavers in Jesters.

Southampton's Sweet Spots - A Guide to the Best Local Cafes

Article by Lily Melton

Southampton does not have a long list of independent places, but there are some sweet spots that you need to know.

The Muse Coffee Co.

It will be hard to miss the pink cafés located on Portswood Broadway and London Road called The Muse Coffee Co. This place is popular for its aesthetically pleasing interior and cosy atmosphere, a perfect place to catch up over a cuppa.

Of course, Muse has the classic list of espressos but original brews too, such as Christmas in a Cup and Mama Drama which you can enjoy on their comfy sofas and chairs. You cannot miss out on the lengthy list of waffles and pancakes with flavours you can’t resist; Biscoff; Oreo; Yin Ying (half milk, half white chocolate). There are also plenty of savoury dishes for breakfast and lunch too, including a special children’s menu.

Mettricks

Mettricks is another café dotted around Southampton. It has a homely yet quirky interior, inspired by “Grandma Great’s living room”, and an outside seating area. It is known for its high-quality food which is locally sourced and made from scratch. If you’re feeling lazy, you can even order their delicious dishes to your home.

Dodger; Maple Glazed.

The interior is bright and modern with neon signs and trendy posters. Furthermore, you cannot forget to mention the lovely staff members, who are always smiley and bubbly. Lastly, you can enjoy their mouth-watering menu from your living room as you can take away or order delivery.

Café Thrive

If you are not feeling sweet, then Café Thrive has the savoury menu for you. This café focuses on sustainability with a fully plant-based menu and compostable takeaway cups and containers.

Although there is a line of treats waiting for you on the counter, their hearty meals are their speciality. This café truly thrives in providing tasty breakfast and lunch dishes such as the Mediterranean Cashew Cheese wrap/ sandwich or the Asian-inspired salad bowl.

Halladay’s Tearooms

Pink and Frilly are two words to describe the vintage interior of Halladay’s Tearooms. You are instantly at ease with its cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Illustration by Frances Rose (@frxnks.studio)

On top of this, the company hosts amazing events such as jazz nights and children’s art workshops. It is also a political platform to support, for example, Ukraine and International Women’s Day through panels or live music. The Nest Coffee House Vegan and Vegetarian people, this is your holy grail. The Nest Coffee House is an independent café and is renowned for its delicious doughnuts, cakes, and coffees. The sweet treats are freshly baked every morning and the coffee is even locally sourced! It has an ongoing list of unique and fun flavours for each month; White Chocolate Biscoff; Jammie

It goes without saying that they are famous for their cream teas, which couple up nicely with their extensive list of hot drinks. The afternoon tea does not disappoint. It is served on a three-tier cake stand and filled to the edge with scones, cakes, fruit, and sandwiches. No wonder it has a minimum of two persons. As well as this, they serve a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options like an English breakfast or a fish finger sandwich. If you are looking for a place that screams those nostalgic childhood meals, this is the place for you.

My Embrassing Freshers Story

Article by Isobel Mcveigh Illustration by Flossyt Waters (@flossywaters)

When writing this piece, I sat and muddled my mind through all the embarrassing experiences university has brought me, from pre-drinks to club nights, socials to birthday parties. This process not only made me feel like the old fourth year I am but also incredibly nostalgic. I find myself extremely jealous of those who have all this embarrassment to come. I hope that, while they should be wary of these moments, freshers know that university is for making silly mistakesafter all, it gives you a great embarrassing story.

One of my favourites from first year isn’t just one but a chronicle of sorts. It was later named by friends as the drunken series of ‘Isobel tries to fit into small spaces’. However, the lead-up to these experiences started soberly. In first year, I lived in Glen Eyre Halls, a short walk away from campus with lots of green spaces. I would walk the same way every day to my classes, a cute path cutting through the accommodation. Every time I would pass a small hollowed-out tree stump covered in moss, and every day I would think to myself, “I could fit in there”. I can’t explain why this thought occurred or what reason I had for my desire to sit in it, but it was there. However, no sober person climbs into a tree stump at 2pm on a Monday with an audience of hungover students, so I let the thought slide.

A few days later my friends and I headed to Spoons to celebrate a flatmate’s birthday. After a pitcher or two, we stumbled onto the bus and headed home. As we walked the path back, I was struck once again by the thought of the tree stump. Fuelled by alcohol, I sprinted off towards it, much to the bewilderment of the rest of the group. I can tell you I did indeed fit in the tree stump. However, it came at a price. Several people now possess photos of me in compromising positions in the stump and candids of my drunken difficulties getting in and out of it. It had also been raining, a fact I hadn’t considered but regretted when I emerged coated in mud. My white jacket is still stained to this day. I would like to say that I learned from this embarrassment, but as you’ve probably guessed this wasn’t the case. With my first try at fitting into a small space a success, my drunk alter ego set out to do better. This is how I now know I fit into a tumble dryer, something I later told in a panic as my fun fact for an interview (I did get the job). Unlike with the tree stump, the tumble dryer fiasco was not pre-meditated. A friend and I left a Halloween party in my flat to collect our clothes from the laundromat on-site in halls, a mundane activity that was made interesting to us by our drunken state. When there, the question once more struck me of what small space I could fit into. I succeeded in getting into the tumble dryer, dressed in a ringmaster Halloween costume and fishnets; it is a great embarrassing video, I can assure you.

Some honorable mentions in the small space chronicles include: a laundry basket, a kitchen cupboard, a bed drawer, and my own wardrobe (which is an achievement if you know how many clothes I own). While these experiences were embarrassing, they do provide a funny story. So, I would advise freshers to not be afraid of making their own.

There are some key things you should know about Southampton when you begin your university journey. As well as all the best places to go and things to see, it’s really important to know what sort of things are available so you can utilise them and make the most out of your time at uni. Behold: SUSU.

SUSU, Southampton University Students’ Union, is a university-funded charity whose aim is to benefit students. As a student, interacting with SUSU can greatly benefit your experience. They manage societies and sports teams, as well as events and lots of services from wellbeing to financial advice. They also run some on-campus eateries, including Stags, The Bridge, and The Shop.

Most people will talk about SUSU, but also of Sabbs, which are sabbatical officers. These are five positions that are filled at the end of the academic year by students who are voted in by the community. They are the most accessible members of SUSU. For more information on each of them, you can find

a wealth of videos and paragraphs explaining who they are and what they intend to do this year. For a starter, each one was asked to say hi and briefly describe their role.

Oliver Murray (Union President):

Hi everyone, I’m Oliver, your Union President! My primary roles include leading the Students’ Union, chairing the Trustee Board, and serving as the key link between the university, our organisation, and students. In addition, I also oversee the functional areas of sustainability, halls, and campuses. If you want to contact me about any questions or queries, please feel free to email me at president@soton. ac.uk!

Zoe Chapple (Vice President Activities):

My role as VP Activities is to look after all the nonsports societies affiliated with SUSU. This includes all the dance, performing arts, fundraising, academic, faith, cultural, business, media, and general interest societies. If anyone has any problems or queries

in regard to societies, please get in contact with me via my email (vpactivities@susu.org), my Facebook @ZoeChappleSU, or Instagram @sususabbs.

Casie Osborne (Vice President Sports):

Hey, I’m Casie your VP Sports. I mainly deal with any sporting queries and all 140+ sports clubs. I really want to make sports accessible for all and I’m super excited for this year. Whether you’re nervous, excited or indifferent, I am here for you! You can contact me on Facebook at Casie Osborne SUSU or email at vpsports@soton.ac.uk

Aycha Ates Di-Adamo (Vice President Welfare & Community):

Hi all, I’m Aycha, your VP Welfare and Community! I lead on wellbeing and community campaigns, general welfare of all students and student safety, and work closely with the VP Sports and VP Activities to help them with welfare within clubs and socs. Feel free to contact me via email at welfare@soton.

ac.uk, Facebook at ‘Aycha SU’, or the Sabbatical Officer Instagram @sususabbs.

Emily Bastable (Vice President Education & Democracy):

Hello, I’m Emily, your VP Education and Democracy. That means I represent every student at Southampton’s academic interests, from undergraduate to postgraduate research ensuring everyone has a voice. The best way to contact me is via email vpeducation@susu.org or if it’s a quick question you can message me on Facebook ‘Emily Bastable susu’.

*This is intended to be a brief, neutral summary of SUSU. As Wessex Scene is an independent publication, we are no stranger to doing more in-depth stories on SUSU and its affiliations. If you have a problem that you think needs to be addressed, please contact editor@wessexscene.co.uk for assistance on how to publish your experience.

A Guide to Understanding SUSU Emily

Dennis Aymen Qader