MEET YOUR SABBS MENTAL HEALTH AND FRESHERS WESTMINSTER VOICES WELCOME TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
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• STUDENT OPINIONS ON IMMIGRATION AND XENOPHOBIA • WILL UNIVERSITY FEES BE AFFECTED? Many students have been away for summer and will be returning to the UK, but after Brexit they may have some questions. Some may feel very anxious about where their future lies. Brexit affects more than just EU students, it affects every foreign student who moved to UK and every home student with the hopes of
being ‘truly international’. The QH brings you an insight from the University of Westminster and what lies ahead for you as a student. It is the sheer uncertainty that Brexit brings with it that has rendered many more anxious than ever. The laws and immigration rules haven’t changed yet but it is the knowledge that they will change, which creates the hostility among the people. The University of
Westminster strives to remain a globally engaged university welcoming students from the EU and beyond.
“LIKE THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM” However, some concerns
PG 15
19TH SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 30 | FREE
WESTMINSTER’S BREXIT BLUES
BY RITUJA RAO
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN LONDON
need to be addressed. A popular concern for many EU students remains the possibility of a hike in fees. To this, the University said, “Government policy will dictate what all universities must categorize as international fees. Until there is a policy change and a definitive ‘Brexit’ then we will continue to charge home fees for all EU students for as long as we can.” MORE ON PAGE 3...
WESTMINSTER IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE UNIVERSITY IN THE UK BY BEN WALTERS Westminster has topped the list of the most expensive universities to be a student at. The list, compiled by Gocompare, claimed that the cost of studying at Westminster was £24,668 per year. It’s not the best of lists to be ranked first in, but unsuprisingly the list shows that eight of the nine most expensive universities are in London.
The cost of tuition, accommodation, travel and living costs were accounted for as well as food and course materials, which bumped Westminster to the top. Jasmin Steiner, third year English Literature and Creative Writing student, said, “I think it’s a little sad because it’s such a great university and attracts people from all over the world with its great location.” “It’s almost laughable because we are in one of the most happening parts of London but we are all super skint! It’s a great experience though and I am happy I’ve spent the money I have.” London is obviously an expensive city to live in, whether you’re studying or working. Nobody moves here to study without knowing the cost of living. It’s an unfortunate situation. The advantages of studying in the most diverse city in the world outweighs any financial costs, as horrible as they may be.
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
TEAM Rituja Rao Editor rituja.rao@smoke.media
Tooba Haq Deputy editor tooba.haq@smoke.media
Joshua Hackett Managing editor
j.hackett@su.westminster.ac.uk
Micaela Kolischer Production editor micaela.kolischer@smoke.media
Leanne Hall Online editor
leanne.hall@smoke.media
Cameron McIntyre Online editor cameron.mcintyre@smoke.media
Lauren Waugh News editor lauren.waugh@smoke.media
Nicole El-Helou News editor
nicole.el-helou@smoke.media
Jack Cummings Features editor
jack.cummings@smoke.media
Aylin Paula Karansis Lifestyle editor
aylin.karansis@smoke.media
Francisco Gimeno Societies editor
francisco.gimeno@smoke.media
Damian Burchardt Sports editor
damian.burchardt@smoke.media
ABOUT THE QH The QUINTIN HOGG is produced monthly by a team of student volunteer editors and contributors. All students can get involved. No experience is needed and full training is provided.
The QH published by the University of Westminster Students’ Union, but views presented do not necessarily mirror those of UWSU or the editorial team. If you would like to make a complaint or comment about our journalism, please contact the managing editor, Joshua Hackett, in the first instance.
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Harrow library. IMAGE: University of Westminster.
WESTMINSTER CUTS 24HR ACCESS IN LIBRARIES BY LAUREN WAUGH This year we will see 24 hour library access starting later in the semester and ending earlier than in previous years. While Marylebone Library will remain open for 24-hour access all year, the Cavendish, Regent and LTS and Harrow libraries will not open until October 31st. This will be after the week 6 deadline period. The libraries will remain open until January exams have ended, with the exception of the Christmas break, and then close at 11pm until March. The decision has been due to the lack of students in these libraries overnight compared to the cost of their opening. It costs approximately £600,000 per month per library for 24hour access. This accounts for to staffing, electric and heating costs. Security staff take a count every hour of students in library. Regularly student numbers are below 20 after 12pm, leading the University to feel as if the money could be better spent elsewhere. Students wishing to study overnight can still do so at the Marylebone campus and can request books to be delivered to their from other libraries. This will take 24 hours. The University is still uncertain whether an increase in student number in the 24 hour periods could push them to change this set up for the next academic year, however there is no movement on
the academic year 2016/17. Students should stay on campus, in the library, until 11.30pm if they want the periods of 24-hour study to be extended. Students with week 6 deadlines will be most disadvantaged as well as Harrow students, who will have to travel furthest to access a 24 hour library at off peak times. The Christmas break will also see only Marylebone campus library open. This Library will still be 24 hours to aid students who remain in London over the break, but the other three campuses will be closed. VP Harrow, Dan Seamarks, was voted into position on a manifesto aiming for a full online library for all students’ to access. In response to these changes in provision Dan says, “With library hours being reduced it’s more vital than ever that students can access books remotely. This is why I’m working with the University to increase content available on the Digital Library.” “By building a wider variety of digital content we make the academic journey easier, more accessible and more in tune with our student bodies evolving behaviors.” This would hopefully aid students so they can always access course materials; especially Harrow students, who are most likely to access material digitally rather than in print.
BY RITUJA RAO Welcome to The QH, your quintessential student newspaper at the University of Westminster. We are now on every campus, online and on mobile. Bringing you stories from around you, we are your perfect companion in your University life. Throughout the year we’ll bring you some exclusive stories by our wonderful editorial team. We cover stories in every genre, giving you the taste of London life as a student. The QH is a community of student journalists, media
enthusiasts and readers like yourself. Our content is curated by our huge pool of contributors. Student media is making waves in mainstream news and has the potential to affect real change on campus. You don’t have to be a journalist to write a story. If you have something interesting to say, we at the QH will publish it. We want to transform student media at UoW and will soon be your goto newspaper for everything you need- local, national and international. Our fresher’s edition brings to you all you need to know about being a student at the University of Westminster. Indulge yourself in a little fresher’s treat by reading essential tips and fresher’s experiences and articles to set you on a great start in your Uni life. You too can be a part of The QH as a contributor or keen reader by simply following us on Facebook, Twitter and our website theqh.co.uk.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
BY FREYA THOMPSON Welcome! Friends, comrades, amigos. It’s a new year and we have a new cohort of starry eyed Freshers to join our Westminster family. I’m Freya, your Students’ Union President, elected as a student, by students, for students. You are my boss and ultimately hold me, and the rest of the Sabbatical team accountable. The SU are working hard to make this year the best we’ve ever had, and with your help we can make that happen. During Freshers, make sure you get involved in one of our student lead extra-curricular opportunities. This could be
representing the Dragons in one of our 30 sports teams, socialising at one of our many society events, strutting the stage with one of our CPA groups, or expressing your creative side through our Smoke Media outlets. We also have a growing International and Postgraduate community. We have some wicked Freshers events happening this year, grab a £25 wristband for entry to four events over the fortnight. Also, our allinclusive initiative Let’s Go! will be holding their first event on 2nd October, where we will be going paintballing! Now, I won’t be doing this all alone. I’ve got a team of four, incredible campus Vice-Presidents who will be here with us along the way. And they are: Tas (Regents & LTS), Ludo (Cavendish), Salsabil (Marylebone) and Dan (Harrow). Don’t be afraid to get in contact with one of us for any help or advice. I’m looking forward to meeting you all, and look out for more from your SABB team.
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Students on the steps of Cavendish Campus. IMAGE: University of Westminster.
STUDENTS TELL OF BREXIT ANXIETIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Dibyesh Anand, Professor of International Relations at the university addressed a burning issue, “the Brexit debate is taking place in the
wider context of growing anti-immigrantism and xenophobia in the UK. This poses a challenge to not only international and European students but also British
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students who happen to be ethnic minorities.” The growing uncertainity among student body is further fuelled by the political class which encourages speculations
rather than offer clear answers. There is also a fear that Scotland might demand another referendum to break away from the UK. How does this affect Scottish students? Mark Ingram, a Law student at UoW, said, “If Scotland fire leave the UK which is looking more likely in light of the brexit outcome, I think it will cost more money to have relations and business between Scotland and England which will strain the UK’s relationships.” More students voice their concerns of Britain postBrexit in terms of their career prospects. “When I moved here in 2013, it seemed like everything would work itself out, once the result of the votes came out, that all fell apart. Hopefully I will be employed somewhere making enough money to get by either in the US or the UK”, said, Bekeowei Okoro, a third year International Relations student. Another program whose future remains uncertain is the ERASMUS in the UK. Taher Ahmed, former Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Westminster Society President and current ESN UK President, explained, “ERASMUS, an
institution which thrives on the success of the exchange program is something that even Brexit will not be able to damage. But alas, this issue can only be dealt with once the government formally invoke article 50”. UoW realizes the need and opportunity for students to go on exchange whether under the Erasmus+ program or not, and therefore a decision for the UK to be pulled out of the program will be unfavorable to the student body, and for this reason highly unlikely, but not much can be said at the moment. For changes that can be quantified, Brexit has had mixed results until now. However, one of the biggest changes we have experienced as the prejudice and rising intolerance as the UK will only be a shadow of itself without its migrant communities. Rebecca Schofield, third year English Literature and Language student, summed up the entire situation, “I think even when this ‘process’ is complete in two years, there will still be widespread dissatisfaction because the problems that we’re facing cannot be easily solved be stamping down on immigration regulations.”
BREXIT FAILS TO DETER UNI APPLICATIONS BY LAUREN WAUGH In 2016, EU student applications to UK Universities saw a 6% increase from the previous year. This will be the last group of students to enjoy the benefits of the UK as part of the EU, as their applications were submitted prior to the Brexit vote. From this year onwards we are currently unsure of the offering to new applications of EU studying in the UK. However they are not the only big changes in University applications seen this year. It is expected that 674,890 students will begin Undergraduate studies in the UK this year as Computer Sciences and Law see this biggest increase of applications. Both have had 4% more applications than in 2015. However, not all courses
have seen such an increase in applications. After a huge growth in 2014 and a steady 2015, technology courses have nose-dived receiving 11% less applications. Closer to home, stats like these could cause an effect on the number of students enrolling into our Cavendish campus, where these courses are studied. The University of Westminster does a lot of work to improve access to Higher Education, a trend that appears to be increasing, as there is a 7% rise in women over the age of 35 starting Undergraduate studies in the UK. Our University has made most of its offers to students from Lower Economic backgrounds, allowing more people to be the first member of their family to study at a higher education institution.
All data from UCAS 2016 deadline reports.
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WESTMINSTER NEW LEGISLATION PUTS UNI FOUND TO BE MOST FEES UNDER SCRUTINY DIVERSE BY NICOLE EL-HELOU From universities spanning across the United Kingdom, the US, New Zealand, and Australia, the University of Westminster has been found to be the most diverse university. The statistics, collected by Hostcourses using The Hot Courses Diversity Index (HDI), show that the university represents 169 nationalities, and has 8429 international students – that’s 1000 more international students than the next university down in the UK. With its wide range of international students, the university offers 300 degrees, and ensures its international students are provided with the best care and educational environment. Vice Chancellor Professor Geoffrey Petts said in a statement, “We are incredibly proud to be named as the most internationally diverse university in the UK, US, New
Zealand, and Australia”. The HDI uses government data to show the range of nationalities. This can be adjusted to subject area and university through a feature called the ‘Feel at Home Index’. Other universities who rank highly in the UK are the University of Greenwich, Kingston University, and the Open University. Tracey Popoola, a second year Journalism student said, “All you have to do is step into one of our campuses and you are introduced to different cultures and paths of life all at once.” Many students at Westminster are overjoyed by the findings, and the survey results have been shared over 200 times on Facebook alone. Bianca Stanciu, an International Relations student, said that, “It is one of the greatest things about Westminster, and through this we can understand how unique we are”.
Country
Insitution
UK
University of Westminster
US
Houston Community College
Australia
University of Sydney
New Zealand
University of Auckland
Total student nationalities
169 151
144 153
Marylebone campus. IMAGE: University of Westminster
BY LAUREN WAUGH This July Universities across the country, including Durham, Kent and Royal Holloway, announced they would raise their fees above the £9,000 cap. This will be the first time fees have raised since 2010. The raise in fees in caused by the TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework), which is hoped to come into play across the next academic year. Once the TEF comes into force, a University’s quality of teaching will decide the fees they can charge for the first time. The Government have suggested quality of teaching will determined by three factors: Teaching Quality, Learning Environment and Student Outcomes and
Learning Gained. These would be measured by a criteria set by the government, national survey results such as the NSS (National Student Survey) and DLHE (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education) as well as 15-page report written by each University. These are currently open for consultation with Universities. If a University passes the TEF they can raise their fees in line with inflation. This would make next year’s fees £9,250. Durham University released a press statement stating, “We have received confirmation from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills that we meet the first year expectations of the TEF.” Universities must state any possible to changes to fees
prior to students starting their course. This is to meet compliance law and explains why these universities have released these possible new fees now. The Times Higher Education released predictions for TEF scores and placed our University at the lower part of the chart. The TEF Technical consultation suggested the TEF would work as a bell curve. This means the lowest scoring 10% of Universities will fail. The Department Business Innovation and Skills specifically say they encourage Universities closing as “This is a crucial part of a healthy, competitive and well-functioning market.” This could put our University at risk.
WHY ARE MILLENNIALS SO UNHAPPY WITH THEMSELVES? BY TOOBA HAQ
IMAGE: Jim Jackson
Its the 21st century, we have gadgets to do the walking for us, applications that have our coffee ready for us to pick up, drivers ready with the push of a button so why are millennia’s so unhappy? Picture this: You’re at a party, scrolling through your twitter feed until you hear someone ask “So, what do you do?” Then sets in the panic, the anxiety, the fear of being judged for not doing anything amazing or not conforming to their standards of success. What could you possibly do between the hours of 9-5? Are you a winner or are you a
loser? Have you been on the cover of Forbes? Have you travelled the world? Are you in a relationship? Are you happy? Millennials are shown to be one of the laziest. We are simultaneously the most active, advanced generation out there but severely unhappy with ourselves.There are more billionaires under 30 than there ever were, the modern age propelling both entrepreneurs and musicians alike into the limelight. Its not that we don’t work hard, it is that we give up easily. We take the easy road, the job with lesser shifts and buy things we don’t need to ‘live in the moment’. Millennials are 1 trillion
dollars in student debt, average incomes have fallen by 7% since the recession in 2007 and 75% of millennials report to be authentic and not willing to give up on their values or go out of their comfort zones (based on a study conducted in 2013, Bloomberg) We are not the generation that went to the moon, we are not the generation that invented the first portable computer but we will be part of something bigger. There is still that 1% that’ll show what hard work and passion can do. Be part of it. Step up. Make realistic goals. Find your niche and excel at it. It’s never been easier to follow your dreams.
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LEADERSHIP CONTEST SENDS LABOUR INTO CIVIL WAR
BY BEN WALTERS
Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership was challenged earlier this year following the result of the European Union Referendum. Many of his senior shadow cabinet members resigned in protest at his apparent lack of passion for the Labour IN campaign. Owen Smith, MP for Pontypridd in Wales and former Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, came forward as the Parliamentary Labour Party’s favourite, receiving 172 out of 251 nominations. After a dramatic Labour Party National Executive Committee meeting, Corbyn was automatically put on the ballot as the official leader. He did so without needing the support of at least 51 Labour MPs and MEPs. Second year English Literature and History Student Holly Hicks Holcroft, who joined the party following the result of the referendum to support Corbyn, said “I think
he’s the most left wing Labour politician at the moment, and Labour is meant to represent the left and the working class.” When asked about claims that Corbyn is unelectable, Holly said “you can’t really call Corbyn unelectable when the
party’s membership is at its highest and is continuing to quickly rise.” Following the result of the referendum where Corbyn’s leadership was called out for being lacklustre. But in that time the party’s membership
Current Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn.
grew by 128,000 to 515,000. However, a recent Ipsos Mori poll suggested 58% of the public are dissatisfied with Corbyn’s leadership.
“YOU CAN’T REALLY CALL CORBYN UNELECTABLE WHEN THE PARTY’S MEMBERSHIP IS AT ITS HIGHEST AND IS CONTINUING TO QUICKLY RISE” Lily Elvidge, a second year Politics student, also joined the party to support Corbyn, but has recently changed her mind and now doesn’t know who she would support if she was given the vote. “I moved from the Green Party after Brexit, I love Corbyn but his lack of decisiveness in the EU debate disappointed me, I feel like he could’ve had a much bigger impact if he’d have been more
active.” One of the biggest issues for the Labour Party has been the High Court battle over the eligibility of members who joined after the 12th January. Lily is one of the members who isn’t eligible to vote unless she paid a £25 admin fee, Lily said “I feel quite betrayed, the fact that a party claiming to be for working people would put a charge on voting is an absolute disgrace.” It’s undoubtable that the Labour party is in a dire state, and who you support affects who you blame for the mess. The fact of the matter is that, Corbyn is popular amongst the majority of members, as of 13th August he has 273 of the 324 Constituency party nominations compared to Smith’s 51. However, Labour is currently polling at around 34% compared to the Conservatives on 45%. Whatever happens, a lot of students and Labour members need the Labour party to unite sooner rather than later and stand up to the government in the face of systematic attacks on students, education and immigrants. The Labour Leadership contest results will be announced at a Special Conference in Liverpool on 24th September.
LONDON’S UP AND RUNNING, ALL NIGHT
FIRST MIDNIGHT SERVICES TOOK PLACE ON AUGUST 19TH BY MICAELA KOLISCHER After years of waiting, August 19th saw the launch of the first midnight service of the London Underground. After years of negotiations with unions, once by Boris Johnson, later by Khan, the Night Tube is finally open to the public. The Central and Victoria lines will be running from 00:30 to 5:30 every Friday and Saturday. The Jubilee Line is due to open on the 7th October. The Northern and Piccadilly lines will join in autumn and at a later date, London Underground is planning to expand the service to the Hammersmith & City, District, Circle and Metropolitan Lines. More than 100 police officers will be deployed amongst the 114 stations open during midnight around the capital. TFL staff members will be available and taxi stands will be set outside some Central and Victoria line stations. ‘It’s an exciting new chapter’ said London Mayor Sadiq
Khan about the new 24-hour service. The Night Tube is expected to have a positive outcome for many TFL costumers as for London. The city’s economy is estimated to rise to £77 million every year due to this new investment.
“THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE METROPOLITAN LINE IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND IT IS FRUSTRATING” The Metropolitan Line however, will be closing earlier until 2018. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday services south of Wembley Park will close at 22:00, forcing Met Line customers to find alternative travel options. The first services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings will also be affected causing late
departures. Third-year Journalism student Sarah Louhichi said: ‘There have been issues with the Metropolitan Line in the last couple of months and it is frustrating’. ‘In general it’s a great idea because that was one of the issues that London has that there’s so much to do but it made it hard because you usually try to make it to the tube and it ruins the night. But, on the other hand it annoys me because for us (Harrow students) we live so far away and there’s not going to be a night tube’. Raluca Ifrim, an International Business student at Marylebone sees it differently: ‘It benefits me because sometimes I go to visit my friends living far away from me and in the past it has always been a problem since I couldn’t stay after 12:00 because there were no tube services. Since London is a lively city it would benefit everyone, especially those who work night shifts’.
An Underground station.
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TALES FROM FRESHERS OF THE PAST TOOBA HAQ AND LAUREN WAUGH LOOK AT FRESHERS’ MEMORIES...
S
o after a lot of late night revision, backto-back deadlines, and the nervous wait for results day, you’re finally here at the University of Westminster. Being a fresher is a really exciting time, can be a lot of fun, but can also be daunting as you find yourself with a lot of new people in a new city. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, as many students have for years, but there are a few ways you can beat the nerves and make the most of your freshers experience. For third year English Literature and History student, Sarah Frost, she found the best way to settle into university was to listen to her flatmates: “I was properly home sick as it was my first time away from my family and I didn’t really know anyone that well but my flatmates decided that going out was the best way to cure it and we literally had the most fun going out to Wembley for a spot of retail therapy and then well drinking but freshers really helped me get used to the insanity that is London.”
‘‘THE SOCIETY VERY QUICKLY BECAME FAMILY TO ME AND GETTING TO PERFORM SUCH A FUN SHOW WITH THEM WAS AWESOME. AFTER THE SHOW, WE ALL CELEBRATED TOGETHER OF COURSE!” Flatmates are a really good way to get settled into university life, they are in the same situation as you. If you haven’t moved away from home you can still find lots of fun through your friends in your course, like Bekeowei Okoro, third year Politics student, whose first academic event lead to giving away a bowl of crisps to a homeless man. “So I was with a few people at a politics event, we ended up being the only ones left, we lifted a bowl of
crisps and went pub crawling in Central but couldn’t get into a club somewhere in Piccadilly Circus, gave the bowl of crisps to a hungry homeless man and continued our night of shenanigans till 4AM.” Being a fresher is also about getting involved in lots of activities. Sign up to as many societies and sports teams as you can, like Sofia Loporcaro, a second year Digital Communications student. Not only has she become the Head of Specialist for Smoke Radio but also has some great memories as a fresher from joining the Musical Theatre Society. “Hands down my favourite memory from my first year was performing the Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Musical Theatre Society. The society very quickly became family to me and getting to perform such a fun show with them was awesome. After the show, we all celebrated together!” As you start in a new place you want to find people with the same interests as you. While signing up to lots of Societies and Sports at Freshers Fair is a good way to do this, it’s not always that conventional. Don’t be afraid to sign up later in the year. Harrison Hindle, a second year CMP student, did just this after an unlikely meeting. “One time I bumped into VP Regents in the Undercroft who somehow recognised me and went
recruitment mode, and also started singing musical stuff with me.” This lead to him having a starring role in the end of year musical. Your first year of university will also allow you to make lots of new memories with new friends. Make your whole year count as recommended by third year English Literature student, Felicity King. “In my first year me and my friends in halls had our own Christmas. We all got together and contributed something to the Christmas dinner and we did Secret Santa so everybody got something. We had a great night and it didn’t cost too much so I’d really recommend you do it as a good note to end the first semester before everyone goes home!” It is also important to reward yourself after your first year of exams are over. Zara Mughal, a third year Business Management and Accounting student says: “My favourite freshers memory is going to the end of year boat party. It was a great night and something you can only do in London. If you live in Wembley halls though, check there isn’t a game being played at the stadium or you could end up being left on the pier.” Whatever you do next year make sure you make the most of your freshers, get involved in both activities and the amazing city you now live in.
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WESTMINSTER ALUMNI: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
MIKI QUDDUS EXPLORES SOME FAMOUS NAMES FROM WESTMINSTER’S HISTORY...
T
he University of Westminster is home to many successful individuals, musicians, lawyers, designers, etc. Home to the iconic rock group Pink Floyd and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, it is the starting point for many thriving careers with its historical heritage, celebrated diversity and experienced staff members. Being in the heart of London, Westminster is surrounded by many opportunities for its students. Renowned fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, who took part in a jewellery and silversmith course, and Christopher Bailey, who obtained a BA in Fashion design, were able to study in one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world. The University is also close to big media industries which gave Oliver Gardner, BA Hons in Television Production, the opportunity to lend a role as junior director for ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’.
“THE ABILITY TO MEET FELLOW PEERS FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES AND COUNTRIES THAT TRULY ENRICHES A STUDENT’S PERSONAL LIFE AND FUTURE” Westminster’s location offers more than job opportunities. Mohammed Mahbub Rahman, graduated in BSc Accounting with Management and now a business advisor at Sinote Consulting, says it is the “ability to meet fellow peers from different cultures and countries that truly enriches a student’s personal life and future”. Westminster has been recently nominated as the most diverse university in
the UK, representing 169 different nationalities. Smoke Radio, TV and Magazines and newspaper The QH, are student run media platforms, the starting point for many alumni in the media industry. Radio presenter Will Manning, who studied Radio Production BA, is now part of Capital FM and during his time at Westminster he was part of Smoke Radio. Will has also been recognised as one of the stars in ‘The Radio Academy 30 Under 30’ by UK Student Radio Association. Alumnus Oliver Gardner described his experience in Smoke TV and Radio as an “opportunity to enjoy and practice the skills I learn on my course” as well as “great fun”. DJ and producer Sigala and Amir Amor, part of the band Rudimental, both BA Commercial Music graduates, have been very successful in the music industry. Sigala, who graduated with a First Class Honours, has signed a multi-million dollar licence deal with Sony. Amir Amor has been recognised as ‘Number one new producer to watch’ by the Guardian in 2014. BA Architectural Technology graduate Fergus Chalmers, now a design and planning coordinator, found his lecturers to be “always happy to help with anything in or out of the university”. LLB Law alumnus, and trainee solicitor at the BBC, Rebekah Jones expressed that the university “developed the confidence to have faith in my own abilities and voice my opinions”. The University of Westminster is the starting point of flourishing careers and thriving people with many to join the list of successful alumni.
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GET TO KNOW YOUR SABBS
THE QH INTRODUCES YOU TO YOUR SU SABBATICAL OFFICERS. THEY OPENED UP TO RITUJA RAO IN A QUIRKY INTERVIEW LIKE NEVER BEFORE...
SALSABIL AL-SIRI VICE PRESIDENT OF MARYLEBONE
FREYA THOMPSON UWSU PRESIDENT
Three words that describe you: Big friendly giant. My spirit animal: Probably a cat, I like to nap and eat and nap and eat. The perfect way to start my day: Not getting up My favourite city: That’s a tough one…probably London or Paris. My ideal holiday: A beach…away from everything with cocktails and unlimited novels to read. My favourite hideout in London: Covent Garden bookshops (can you tell I studied English?). Books by my bedside: Right now I’m reading ‘The White Queen’ – Philippa Gregory. My favourite pick-up line: Are you a parking ticket? Cause you got fine written all over ya. My time Westminster in one word: Expensive. My campus in word: Royal. My SABB life in one word: Emails. Best advice I’ve received: Don’t waste your time doing something you don’t enjoy. My favourite quote: If you want your children to be intelligent read them fairy tales, if you want them to be more intelligent read them more fairy tales - Einstein. Direction I am heading in: Towards comfort. One message for every student on campus: Enjoy this experience, it’s once in a lifetime.
Three words that describe you: Extrovert, selfless and proud. My spirit animal: Proud lion The perfect way to start my day: A kiss and a prayer from my mum. My favourite city: Ismailia in Egypt because it’s my city. My ideal holiday: An island where I am pampered and don’t have to think of anything. My favourite hideout in London: My bed or an isolated place with a running water fountain Books by my bedside: Quran and beautiful chaos by R.M Drake. My guilty pleasure: Sour sweets. My favourite pick-up line: Hi, lol. My time UoW in one word: Unique. My campus in word: Busy. My SABB life in one word: Demanding. Best advice I’ve received: Be you! My favourite quote: I’d rather be hated for who I am, than be loved for someone I am not - Kurt Cobain. Direction I am heading in: Upwards and onwards towards success and stability. One message for every student on campus: Take advantage of the benefits of being a student.
LUDOVICA SINISCALCHI
VICE PRESIDENT OF CAVENDISH Three words that describe you: Ambitious, emotional and happy. My spirit animal: Dog, loyal and cheerful. The perfect way to start my day: All I need is C-O-F-F-E-E, really. My favourite city: Naples, my hometown. My ideal holiday: Backpacking through Europe with me, myself and I. My favourite hideout in London: It wouldn’t be a hideout anymore if I told you! Books by my bedside: Beyond good and evil by Niezche and The extended phenotype by Richard Dawkins. My guilty pleasure: Dominoes, Netflix and chill. My favourite pick-up line: Don’t do pick-up lines. My time at Westminster in one word: Empowering. My campus in word: Diverse. My SABB life in one word: Life-changing. Best advice I’ve received: “Everyone you will meet in life will leave a piece of them with you, make sure you take it and leave a piece of yourself.” My favourite quote: “Ignorance is strength, freedom is slavery, war is peace” (George Orwell, 1984). Direction I am heading in: I like to take every opportunity that comes my way and go with the flow. I am on the pursuit of happiness. One message for every student on campus: To returning students, welcome back! To all the new students, welcome to Westminster.
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TASAWAR KHURSHID
VICE PRESIDENT OF REGENTS AND LTS Three words that describe you: Excitable, honest and sporty. My spirit animal: Penguin. The perfect way to start my day: Sleep until you know you have to get up. My favourite city: Dakar, lived there when I was young. And well, London. My ideal holiday: If I had the money, I would travel around the world and stop at various destinations to embrace different cultures. My favourite hideout in London: Anywhere in South London to be honest. Books by my bedside: Mandela’s and Gandhi’s autobiographies Also cricket related books. My guilty pleasure: GameCube. My favourite pick-up line: When a penguin finds its mate they stay together for the rest of their lives. Will you be my penguin? My time Westminster in one word: Ecstatic. My campus in word: Dynamic. My SABB life in one word: Dedicated. Best advice I’ve received: Make sure you spend time with students as well as loved ones. My favourite quote: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose. -Lyndon. B. Johnson. Direction I am heading in: I do love my politics and would love to end up as a Member of Parliament or who knows as the Prime Minister. One message for students: Cavendish, stay scientific, Marylebone, stay technical, Harrow, stay innovative and Regents, stay winning. However, I hope every student at Westminster has a great time and stays in touch with your students Union, we are there for you!
T
hese are five dedicated leaders who are here to make your university experience better than ever. Recent graduates and current students, this lively bunch is really passionate about student life and work towards creating a more enjoyable experience for every student.
DAN SEAMARKS
VICE PRESIDENT OF HARROW Three words that describe you: Charismatic, hyper, smiley My spirit animal: Lion - I’m not ready for the day until my inner Lion is awake! The perfect way to start my day: With a coffee reading the news. My favourite city: Pomos, Cyprus. My ideal holiday: A good mix of sun and sea with adventure is the perfect mix for me. My favourite hideout in London: Soho. Not to be stereotyping myself but if I want to get away from everything and everyone, it’s perfect. Books by my bedside: Right now it’s ‘22 Days in May’ - a book about the 2010 General Election. My guilty pleasure: Vanilla. I only realised this recently but if you hand me a Vanilla Coke, latte, candle, cupcake, shower gel, anything, I’ll be the happiest boy on campus! My favourite pick-up line: Urm, I really don’t have one. So long as a guy doesn’t try and use something really cheesy, we’ll be fine. My time Westminster in one word: Flourishing. My campus in word: MAD (See what I did there?) My SABB life in one word: Exciting. Best advice I’ve received: Always arrive 15 minutes early to every appointment. My favourite quote: “Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place” - Unknown. Direction I am heading in: Who knows? I’ve always been a ‘grab every opportunity’ type person so I’ve veered through different jobs quite wildly. One message for students: Believe and achieve. Anything is possible at Westminster.
GET IN TOUCH Freya
Email: f.thompson@westminster.ac.uk Office: RS 407, Regent Street Campus Twitter: @UWSU_President
Salsabil
Email: vpmarylebone@su.westminster.ac.uk Office: Marylebone Learning platform Twitter: vp_marylebone
Ludo
Email: L.Siniscalchi@westminster.ac.uk Office: Cavendish social space Twitter: @VP_Cavendish
Tas
Email: vpregents@su.westminster.ac.uk Office: The Deep End Twitter: VP_Regents
Dan
Email: d.seamarks@westminster.ac.uk Office: The Street, Harrow Campus Twitter: VP_Harrow
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WESTMINSTER’S GOT IT ALL BY FRANCISCO GIMENO
G
et hyped for the new academic year! The university of Westminster has been recently named the most diverse university of UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand, and that is very well reflected on our student lifestyle. The best way to experience this outstanding diversity is by joining the UWSU during Freshers Week in all their events and parties, but most importantly, in the Freshers Fairs.
‘‘IT WAS GREAT PRACTISE FOR MY PUBLIC SPEAKING AND SELF-CONFIDENCE. IT ALSO WAS A GREAT CHALLENGE IN TERMS OF ORGANISATION AND LOGISTICS, SO I LEARNED TO MANAGE THOSE THINGS UNDER PRESSURE’’ More than 60 societies will be waiting for you with freebies, sweets
and enthusiastic members welcoming you to your new cheered family. It is indeed the best moment to find out about activities and sports you are interested in, that you always wanted to try out, or in which you may already be a master. Although, you may too, surprise yourself and go for something totally out of your comfort zone. You will soon realize that many people do that: engineering students doing Model United Nations, law students playing rugby, or politics students in the Drama Society. Further prove of our endemic diversity is the many religious, cultural and identity societies that you could join, such as the Islamic, Hindu, Catholic, Christian or Jewish societies, as well as the prominent LGBTI society. In case you are unfamiliar with the UK university lifestyle, societies and sport teams make up for the 50% of your experience at university. Societies are led by students and supported and funded by the Students’ Union. They focus on topics of interest and participate in the extracurricular section by organising internal events, as well as inviting external speakers and interacting with their sibling societies at other universities. Elisabeth Heger, third year BA Arabic and International Relations, was part of the Westminster Model United Nations Society last year. As a board member, she
organised an international conference and led guests from our university and 15 other UK and European university guests over a 2-day conference. Now she reflects on the benefits of being part of a society. ‘It was great practise for my public speaking and self-confidence. It also was a great challenge in terms of organisation and logistics, so I learned to manage those things under pressure’. However, she admits, the best part is
always the people you meet in the society and the travelling opportunities that arise. Seoul in South Korea and Rome, Italy, were places that she visited thanks to the WestMUN society and the UWSU support. So, you know what to do. Join as many societies as you can, try new things and do not waste your time at uni. It goes by faster than you’d realise!
MENTAL HEALTH AND FRESHERS BY LEANNE HALL
G
oing to university is supposed to be the best time of your life. But for some people, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and I know that first hand. It can be scary, lonely and all together daunting. Eight out of ten students (78%) have experienced mental health issues according to a study by NUS. It’s time to speak up about it. I first came to university when I was 18 and I left after two seemingly long and treacherous weeks. Looking back, I knew I wasn’t ready for university, but as so many people do, I decided to go based on what other people said. The prospect of having to meet new people wasn’t exciting it was terrifying. I had no idea what I was doing, I had no money (which was a worry in itself). This lead me to spend every night dragging my uncontrollable body to the bathroom in an attempt to vomit all of my anxiety up. It got to the point where I wasn’t just having severe panic attacks on my own, but I was having them at
university too. There were a lot of contributing factors as to why I was in such a dark place and I won’t bore you with them. In the end I wasn’t able to control my thoughts or body anymore and I ended up seeing the university counsellor which really helped put things into perspective for me. The reality was I didn’t feel safe or happy at that point in my life so I made the decision to drop out. A decision I still stand by. Yet here I am three years later and going into my second year of university and experiencing the type of university experience people constantly rave on about. I know it can be a traumatic experience for so many but I want to stress that you are not alone. There are so many people who are going through the same emotions. Try to involve yourself with societies at university and get social during Freshers week. I wrote on a Facebook page after drinking a bottle of wine to ask if anyone wanted to hang out, no shame. Guess what happened? Somebody came up to my flat and hung out with me, and this is because everybody is in the same boat at university. There are so many people who come from all
over the world and country to study in London and I can guarantee that the majority of people know nobody here either. Try to keep that in mind when you’re feeling out of your depth. If you’re an international student, starting a new phase in life far from home it can be just as daunting. Don’t be afraid to make friends, start with flatmates and then slowly start socialising during freshers week. Everybody in university, especially first years are all looking to fit in just like you. If you do struggle like I have and have serious issues with anxiety or paranoia, please don’t be ashamed of it. You are on your own after all and it is so important to understand when you need help. The University of Westminster have great tutors in every course so, if you’re feeling under the weather, homesick or crazy overwhelmed, contact them. They are there to help and make university easier for you, trust me. If you’re feeling like you need to talk to someone with more experience, every campus has a nurse and a student advice team. You can talk to a
counsellor if you want confidentiality. Counselling is available at Harrow and Marylebone Campus at +44 (0) 20 7911 5000 etxn: 4023 and 66899 respectively. You can arrange a counselling and mentoring appointment by sending them an email too at counselling@westminster. ac.uk Student advice in Harrow is available at +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 4023 and at Cavendish +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 66080 You can also call Samaritans who are available 24/7 on 116 123. Remember that sometimes you cannot do it all on your own. There is help. In the form of your friends, your professors, your student’s union, university and even your family. Put your mental health first and enjoy your time at the university without compromising on your happiness. Talk about your problems and there is a very good chance you’ll sort it out a lot faster than you would by yourself.
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WESTMINSTER VOICES
UNIVERSITY MAY COMPROMISE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND VALUES BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THEY’RE GONE FOREVER.
SURFING AND SMILES: FILTERED NORTH KOREA
TRAVEL VLOGGER LOUIS COLE HAS BEEN CRITICISED BY SUBSCRIBERS FOR NOT SPEAKING ABOUT THE REALITY OF NORTH KOREA, WHILE HE PAINTED THE COUNTRY AS AN EXOTIC DESTINATION. BY MIKI QUDDUS
L BY MARK DAVIS
C
atholicism was a part of my life from my baptism onwards and it is an element of my life that I took for granted, particularly whilst at school and at home as was always around me, underlining daily life and thought to some degree. I often remember many discussions at home on issues such as cohabitation and marriage, as well as theological matters and all of these ideas and viewpoints cannot help but influence a young mind. I remember having a heated discussion with a school friend about sex before marriage and how our views differed rather violently. I was in favour contrary to my friend and the Catholic Church’s teaching. Quite shocking really as I attended Mass every week and participated fully in liturgical life…
“YOU WILL CHANGE AS YOU GET OLDER AND MAY FIND THAT YOUR ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS CHANGE TOO”
A piece of advice that was often stated to me by numerous family members is ‘You will change as you get older and may find that your attitudes and beliefs change too…’ This seems self explanatory particularly from the view of hindsight but it was only in the last year of SixthForm and the first year of university that I actually noticed this to be
true. ‘What’s this?’ family members would say when I said something that contradicted my previous statements as I have renegaded on many things that I stated as my beliefs in the last eighteen months but that is because I no longer have the same attachment or tolerance to my Catholic belief. I put this down the nature of my university. As one matures, it could be said that a rebellious streak starts to seep through and the status quo fails to satisfy a curious mind. I found that as I studied the criticism and history that surrounds it the prescriptive and theological nature of Catholicism no longer gripped me; it began to seem superficial and had no satisfaction. Whether we like it or not, we live in a secular and consumerist society and the question of whether faith can be re-ignited should be raised. Traditionally, writers seem to cling to Christianity. I find this particularly within W. H. Auden’s poetry. Auden regained his ‘Christian’ beliefs as an older man and his work reflects this. It is more as an older man and his work reflects this. It is more open-ended, philosophical and haunting like a voice of natural but subtle wisdom and it appeals to me because of this. I can only hope that, like Auden, I do rekindle my interest in the established Church because, even now, my belief in God hasn’t diminished but just my trusting of the fallible establishment that promotes such a belief. No matter what happens as I grow older, I will still joke and poke fun at my faith as a way of keeping it rational and harmless regardless of whether it is still practiced on a regular basis. I fear that this renaissance may be much harder to conduct as time goes on.
ouis Cole is a British YouTuber who has over 1.8 million subscribers on his channel FunForLouis, where he shares with his audience his travel adventures. Ambitious, cheerful and optimistic, Louis’s videos are often a reflection of his personality and aim to send a positive message. Even so, his most recent trip to North Korea has been under the spotlight for covering up the horrific reality of the North Korean dictatorship to the extent that his videos are perceived as propaganda for the DPRK. Human Rights Activists reported that “a 2014 UN commission of inquiry found abuses in North Korea were without parallel in the contemporary world” further stating that “there is no independent media, functioning civil society, or religious freedom”. This is the portrayal of North Korea most people are familiar with but very different from the one represented in Louis’s videos. Louis responded to the accusations expressing that he is aware of what is going on in the country and not “naïve to it”, stating “but I do care for and love the people there”. The vlogger said “I want to connect with local people, learn about the culture and the country”. The YouTuber also shared on his Twitter, “This entire trip had been about trying to connect with people and show love”. Many agreed with the purpose
of Louis’s vlogs, as there already is plenty of coverage on the cruelty in the country and showing positivity and how people can get along is important. Yet, many foreigners do not share the same experience as Louis. Earlier this year, BBC’s correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes was detained and expelled from North Korea and forced to apologise for an article he had written about the country. Following the controversy, Louis added a disclaimer to his North Korea vlogs, which reads “This was an organised tour showing only some places in the country and I’m sharing what we were shown”. Non-profit organisation Amnesty International (AI) also reported, “Tens of thousands of people are enslaved and tortured” in the country. In North Korea reigns a government of totalitarian dictatorship and anyone who speaks against it is severely punished. AI further stated, “All forms of freedom of expression are repressed and anyone attempting to assert their rights is crushed and no one is safe from arrest and imprisonment.” Two are the realities in North Korea; the one experienced by Louis and the one reported by organisation such as the UN and Amnesty International. All these portraits of the country are from the point of view of foreigners as the North Korean population still lacks of freedom of speech and expression. The meek reality still remains unheard of.
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LONDON’S SECRET TUBE STOP HIKES: THE OAK TRAIL BY JACK CUMMINGS Fields, forests and a deer sanctuary — what more could you ask for? When the cityscape becomes too much, it’s a little known fact that etched across Greater London are some top-notch walks. Best of all, they’re never further than an Oyster swipe away. For those who want some greenery beyond Regent’s Park, here’s the first of London’s tube-stop hikes: the Oak Trail.
Distance: 7 miles Start/End: Theydon Bois tube station (Central Line) Trail markers? Yes Terrain: field/dirt track/pavement Difficulty: Easy Hiking Boots necessary? Recommended, especially during wet weather. At 7 miles over non-strenuous terrain, there’s no excuses for avoiding this one. It’s long enough to hatch a 10km egg on Pokemon Go, but easy enough to do with a hangover. The trail is a picturesque slice of middle England. The early stages lead north over gentle hills — split with stone-walled creeks and grazing fields — whilst the later ones divert into Epping Forest. There’s perks to this hike beyond a pretty landscape. What also makes the scenery here worthwhile is that it feels natural. Even the tube ride towards Theydon Bois is a phenomenon. As you’d expect, the Oak Trail earns its name amongst the trees. The path meanders into Epping Forest via a northern section, which known as the Thicks — perfect for strolling under. Above all else the Oak Trail is accessible and convenient. It’s essentially a 7-mile loop that starts and ends in the village of Theydon Bois — which is also a great spot for lunch — and for a picturesque walk on a sunny day, it’s unmatched as one of London’s best tube stop hikes.
THE CHRONICLES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER BY BISHAKHA DUTTA AND JACK CUMMINGS A caterpillar goes through the process of metamorphosis to turn into a beautiful butterfly. Likewise, the Royal Polytechnic Institute went through many changes to become where you study today — the University of Westminster. On 6th August 1838, Sir George Cayley, known as the father of aeronautical engineering founded Britain’s first polytechnic institution at 309 Regent street. Besides housing a large exhibition hall, lecture theatre, laboratories, and public attractions, our education institutions saw the opening of the first public photographic portrait studio in Europe in March 1841. Later, in 1848 a theatre was added to the building to accommodate the growing audience for the optical show. Professor John Henry Pepper, best known for his Pepper’s Ghost illusion joined the polytechnic in the 1840s and established evening classes in
engineering, applied sciences and technical subjects. However, the strive for educational excellence against the realities of running a business gave a rise to financial difficulties. Furthermore, in 1879 a fire damaged the roof, and the Royal Polytechnic Institution was closed in September 1881. Nevertheless, following the purchase of 309 Regent Street by Quintin Hogg — after whom this paper is named — the institution entered a new era of its educational development, moving into the West End in 1882. In support of the expanding economy, new day and evening courses were introduced, giving wider educational access to London’s growing student population. On top of this, the university has a rich sporting history. In 1908 when the Olympic Games were held in London, our institution organised a marathon trial and event, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. Two major appeals were launched during the period of 1910-1912rebuilding 309 Regent Street and
to build the polytechnic extension building for the Women’s Institute in Little Titchfield Street (opened in 1929). The London County Council announced a plan to turn the Regent Street into a tripartite federal college, adding College of Architecture and Advanced Building Technology in Marylebone and a College of Engineering and Science in Cavendish Street. By the time it was finished, the Polytechnic was merged with Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce to form the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL). PCL was re-established as University of Westminster following the Higher and Further Education act in 1992. On December 1st of that year, the newly established university was re-dedicated to Westminster Abbey and gained the power to grant its own degree. By 2002 it had expanded outside the UK, establishing the Westminster International University in Tashkent at the invitation of the government of Uzbekistan. The University of Westminster prides itself in its rich and pioneering history — one which continues today. Its journey has not stopped at the transition from polytechnic to university, and we’ve now been recognised as the UK’s most diverse institute of higher education. Westminster has come a long way since the days of Sir George Cayley, and now you too are a part of that story.
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THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN LONDON
LIVING IN LONDON CAN GET EXPENSIVE – ESPECIALLY AS A STUDENT. HAS GATHERED UP SECRETS TO HELP YOU ENJOY LONDON...
FESTIVALS ART
COMEDY NIGHTS Laughing is the cure for everything, so why not go to a comedy club and laugh until you fall of your chair? Angel Comedy is one of the best ones in London, where you can listen to BBC Comedy Award Winner, Yuriko Kotani for no cost whatsoever. The Comedy Grotto, The Platypus Playpen and Dogstar Comedy are also great places to spend your evening with friends.
PARKS England does not always have perfect weather for a picnic out in the park, but when in these beautiful parks will make you’ll forget about the rain or the cold weather (But just in case keep an umbrella or a rain coat). Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, Park Vista, Bushy Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James’s Park.
MUSEUMS What is the point of living in a city filled with historical background if you can’t visit museums? British Museum, Bank of England Museum, Natural History Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum are all museums that can give you something to look at without reaching into your pockets and giving out the big bucks.
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CULTURE If you are a culture freak like me, which I hope you are as you are reading the lifestyle section, this is going to make your day! Sherling HighLevel Walkway is where you get to see the prop makers and theatre designers who work for the National Theatre do their magic! The Scoop is the place you can watch movies, bands or plays for free. Go out and do Banksy Street Art hunting in London Streets. Last but not least take a visit to the British Library and see the Magna Carta or the original Beatles lyrics.
There are so many free galleries that it would be a disgrace if you wouldn’t make the most of it! There are amazing contemporary artworks at the White Cube Gallery, or modern works at the Saatchi Gallery. But if you prefer classical art then I suggest you head to Guildhall to see Rosetti, National Gallery for Boticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Renoir and Van Gogh or Tate Modern, which is my all time favourite, to see Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Warhol and Bourgeois.
MUSIC London streets are filled with talented musicians, however there are also many places that offer free gigs such as Hootananny, Brixton or Hope and Anchor’s open mic session every Sunday provides beautiful music for no cost. Camden’s The Forge is also a wonderful place to enjoy jazz music on Monday nights
HISTORICAL London Stone at 111 Cannon Street is said to be a part of a temple that was built by Brutus of Troy. Another historical surprise is in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery, which has the remains of London’s Roman amphitheater.
London is filled with amazing and free festivals! Chinese New Year that is celebrated in London’s Chinatown is not something you should miss! The biggest street party in the city is Notting Hill Carnival, filled with music, dance and people who are too tipsy to care if they’re having fun.
SPEAKERS CORNER Feel like you have something important to say to the world? If yes, then any day of the week, you will be welcome to tell your thoughts and beliefs at the northeast corner of Hyde Park as long as you stay within the laws of free speech.
SIGHTSEEING For this part I am not going to give you any specific locations, because you’ve most likely heard about Big Ben or the London Eye etc. So instead go out and explore the hidden treasures of London instead! Go to markets such as Borough Market or Camden, see Shakespeare’s Globe or St Paul’s Cathedral.
Get lost and find yourself in the inexpensive streets of London. Who says money makes the world go round when you have two feets and a knack for adventure?
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10 THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE A FRESHER IN LONDON BY AYLIN KARANSIS
1
NIGHTS OUT
Truth be told night outs in London aren’t as easy as they are in small university cities, however, it is most definitely worth it! The essentials for a night out in London as a student are; pre-drinks with your friends. They are the best part of a night out especially during the freshers week as everyone is trying to get to know each other. Also, it is a must for student if you don’t want to spend your entire loan on one drink. Flat shoes in case of emergencies, as you always have to walk at some point. Oyster card for the night buses.
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LAUNDRY
Don’t wait until you run out of clean clothes! Choose a day of the week as your laundry day and stick to it. Looking dirty is not a great way to meet new people and start a new year.
COMMUTING
Say hello to your new best friend; Citymapper. As London is such a busy and complicated city, it is very easy to get lost in it, especially if you are new to it. Citymapper will show you the quickest and easiest route via walking, bus, underground, car etc. Another thing you will need is, of course, an Oyster card for all your public transport. Apply for the student Oyster card, as it is the best deal if you are planning on using the TFL a lot.
3
FOOD
It is vital to know the nearest and cheapest supermarket around you, if you are not planning to live on pot noodles (which I really hope you aren’t). Try to find quick and easy recipes to make cooking less boring as there is no other option (Yes, you cannot eat take away forever).
4
ROOM
Make your room cozy and as yours as possible! This will be your home for a year so, hang some photos and posters that comfort you. Make it a place where you can sleep, socialise and study.
7
BIG CITY LIFE
You live in London now so make the most of it! Living in a city is exciting, especially when it is as vibrant and multicultural as London. Go to galleries, theatres, musicals, concerts, prides etc. You can find things you are interested in, as well as discover new hobbies.
6
SOCIALIZING
Join a club or a society! It is the best way to make new friends who share the similar interests as yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new. University is the place for you to get out of your comfort zone and take risks. Embrace this and spend your time wisely!
8
FASHION
London itself is like a fashion runway, so don’t be afraid to get your own style. Everyone in the city has their own sense of fashion, and there is no such thing as ‘too much’. One of the greatest things about living in a big city is that you can be anyone you want to be and no one will look at you with judge-y eyes. So don’t be afraid to be bold and stand out!
9
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Fresher’s week is the time when you first start getting to know people at your university. Some of them will become your closest friends and some will just turn into awkward hellos and smiles around campus. But, either way it is important to show people who you really are from the beginning to make real and long lasting friendships.
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DON’T BE AFRAID
Everybody is or has been on the same boat as you. All of your flat mates, people on your course, too are trying to make friends and settle down in a new big city. So, go and talk to people. Being nervous is normal and healthy, however don’t let it stop you from socializing and enjoying the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
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6 PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET AT UNIVERSITY BY LEANNE HALL
A
t your time in university, you will be introduced to a whole bunch of people from different parts of the world, different cultures, and different accents. Each an experience, they are a different breed altogether. Although the university experience is usually very positive, being around some of the below mentioned people can make you feel like stabbing yourself in the eye with a bottle opener.
THE ART OF THE POVERTY COCKTAIL The student loan is dwindling, the Domino’s codes have expired and you’ve cancelled Spotify Premium. All signs point to the same miserable truth — you’re poor. Inevitably, Friday night rolls around and as every student knows the cure for an empty bank account is alcohol. So without further ado, here’s 2 disgustingly cheap cocktails to get your night a-buzzin. BY JACK CUMMINGS
The Night Before Pill
Off-White Russian
(80p per serving)
(70p per serving)
Ice cream. Coffee. Vodka. These sacred energising elements of sugar, caffeine and alcohol, make this the drink to give even the weariest of predrinkers a groovy buzz. It’s also dense enough to count as a meal, which means you can kill two birds — or livers — with one stone. Ingredients: Sainsbury’s Basics Vodka (35ml) Sainsbury’s Basics Vanilla Soft Scoop Ice Cream (2 scoops) Sainsbury’s Basics Instant Coffee (espresso cup) Instructions: -Make up a tiny cup of coffee with a dash of warm water. That’s all that Sainsbury’s instant coffee requires to dissolve, probably because it’s made of broken dreams. -Add the diluted coffee, vodka and ice cream to a blender and whiz. With any luck, it’ll come out looking like a half-decent milkshake. Any more than two of these and you’ll never make it out. Ice cream bloats fast, and before you know it that little black dress will be bursting at the seams. Stick to one however, and it’s a tasty drink that’s far funkier than vodka/mixer — all at an equally good price.
4/5
If ever there was a legal high worth writing about, this is it. Clocking in at 80 bloody pence, this Berocca-based cocktail will give you both vitamins and intoxication. Ingredients Berocca (1 tablet. Go for orange or mixed berry) Sainsbury’s Basics Vodka (35ml) Water (200ml) Instructions: -Pour half of the water over a Berocca tablet and let it dissolve. If 30 seconds is too long to wait, stir it in vigorously with a spoon you impatient rebel. -Add the vodka and the rest of the water. Make sure to give it a mix at this point. Vodka-Berocca sediment doesn’t drink well and sets in the glass like concrete. Washing up nightmare. Edging out the Savvy Sangria, this pill-based cocktail is at the premium end of disgustingly cheap drinks. It’s almost ok, and for that reason alone it tops this list. To make matters even better, the pumping vitamins and super cool chemical compounds in Berocca means you’ll cure that hangover before it even begins.
3/5
If you’ve mixed a disgustingly cheap cocktail at university, tweet the recipe to @JackCatastrophe
1.THE PARTY ANIMAL You could be lying on the floor crying for your mum you’re so drunk but they’ll still be able to convince you to do another shot.
2.THE TYPICAL AMERICAN Who like, really wants to, you know, like make a difference you know and like, really wants to experience a different culture. So they come to England…?
3.THE PERSON WHO GETS INVOLVED IN EVERYTHING THE UNIVERSITY HAS TO OFFER ‘Hey did you hear about that? I am doing that.’ This one person can single-
handedly make you feel like you are going nowhere in life. Talk about some serious complex. Can you stop making me feel like a useless slob and stay in bed, not being productive until 3pm for once? Please?
4.THE GAP YEAR INTELLECT This person took a year out of university to find their inner-self. They truly believe that because you didn’t see elephants walk on the beach at sunset in Thailand, you just don’t have the kind of wisdom that they do.
5.THE ECO-WARRIOR Spends all of their student loan on organic herbs and spices and spending 4 hours in the evening cooking a meal from scratch. If you bump into them at this time they may also tell you how meat eaters should be banned from having pets, whilst they walk around the kitchen in their suede jacket. (An actual moment that happened to me)
6.TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL They like to wear old school sports brands, dress somewhat like a Rugrat. You may find them in Cat Café’s in Shoreditch or an underground rave where the headliner makes beats out of the sound of smashing glass and crackling fire.
16
SPORT DRAGONS’ CORNER The QH: Why should freshers join our UWSU Dragons teams? Jack Scott, the football team captain: It can be a huge release from your academic studies! The QH: What do teams offer? JS: An opportunity to stay fit while at university, plus great coaching to improve any existing skills. The QH: What do you focus on during training? JS: Training is mainly ball based to improve skill rather than just running laps and laps. Often we will go off in groups depending on our positions and do specialist drills suitable for the position we play. I look forward to meeting you at our stall at the Freshers Fairs to give you all the info you need!
qh@smoke.media
BY DAMIAN BURCHARDT AND ASLLAN GECAJ
The sun of the Olympic torch has gone down. Rio 2016, the Brazilian edition of the tournament that every four years brings the quintessence of sports back into our lives, have come up with a great deal of unforgettable moments. The Refugee Olympic Team parading during the Opening Ceremony. That kiss of the Britain’s golden cyclist couple: Laura Trott and Jason Kenny. Or, that ‘death stare’ of Michael Phelps. That is what mattered. Not the Olympic Village conditions. Not the Russian doping. Just sport. Its beauty. Emotions. The Games were exceptionally on many levels. Like, one can say, never before. How much of a breakthrough Rio 2016 was? Just let me remind you how many of almostcontradicting-human-nature performances we could witness there. We were fortunate enough to see Michael Phelps winning his 23rd Olympic gold and breaking a 2,168-yearold record of 13 individual Olympic titles. We followed Usain Bolt winning all three sprint gold medals for the third time; who was chatting to his rivals meters behind the line as if breaking the monotony of his
The Rio 2016 opening ceremony. IMAGE: Trinity Mirror
dominacy. We shouted to our TVs when Mo Farah was falling during the 10,000m final, to help him raise and defend the gold medal. He later on completed his ‘double double’ retaining both 10,000m and 5,000 titles, just for the second time ever. Historical moments. That will be engraved into memories of those superstars. Forever. And, so will into ours, what should make us just grateful for the chance of witnessing it. Ask also the nations that
BY ETIENNE FERMIE
PAUL POGBA
Signed for: Manchester United Fee: £89 million Position: Midfield Without doubt the biggest transfer of the window, but what will the Frenchman add to United? BBC’s Danny Murphy claims that Pogba can give United their “fear factor” back, as well as extra mobility to press teams in a manner that they are currently incapable of with Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick in the middle.
@The_QH
THE BREAKTHROUGH GAMES
YOUR NEW PREMIER LEAGUE HEROES After an underwhelming European Championships, the Premier League is back with a bang, but who are the new faces looking to impress?
/TheQHNewspaper
MICHY BATSHUAYI Signed for: Chelsea Fee: £33 million Position: Forward
The addition of Belgian international Batshuayi adds competition upfront for new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. With Loïc Rémy’s failings at Stamford Bridge, Batshuayi gives Chelsea a different option to the force and brutality of Diego Costa, adding pace to the Chelsea front line, with FourFourTwo’s Andrew Gibney describing him as “big, strong and good on the ball, but also fast”.
VINCENT JANSSEN Signed for: Tottenham Fee: £17 million Position: Forward
So what can Spurs fans expect
Paul Pogba
from the Dutchman? Although not the tallest at 5 ft 11, Janssen is known for his exceptional strength and holdup play, the 22 year old has been likened to the great Ruud Van Nistelrooy by Dutch press. His presence should help to take the burden
in Brazil tasted an Olympic gold medal for the first time; how special the Games were. Puerto Rico. Singapore. Vietnam. Kosovo. Fiji. Winning against the likes of Angelique Kerber or Michael Phelps. Or, claiming a title in an Olympic debut. People of those countries saw their flags being raised to the very top. Listened to their national anthems played on the Olympic fields. Experienced something that the Americans could see every day of the tournament. But,
had never happened to them before. Those were magic, unforgettable moments; that will inspire the youngs of those countries who need someone to look up to. And they finally have got ones. Their heroes were made here, in Rio. And, at that point it would be fully unfair not to mention what Team GB achieved in Brazil. Britain’s performance as a whole was historical was complete too.
off Harry Kane, who last season started every league game for Spurs. His arrival also gives Pochettino the option to play with two up front.
their incredible title win, it was important for Leicester to freshen up their squad a little to prepare for their defence of the Premier League trophy. In Musa, they have a pacey forward who should fit right in with their counter attacking style. His Champions League experience with CSKA Moscow could also be crucial in a side preparing for their first ever Champions League campaign.
GRANIT XHAKA Signed for: Arsenal Fee: £35 million Position: Midfielder
Upon Granit Xhaka’s arrival, Arsenal made a clear effort to illustrate the Swiss international’s leadership qualities. It has been a wellknown fact for a while that Arsenal have needed a solid leader in the middle of the park. Described by ESPN FC’s Michael Yokhin as a “great passer” and “a natural leader who always demands the ball”, Xhaka seems to fit the bill, but one worry would be his hot headed nature; he has a reputation for committing a lot of fouls.
AHMED MUSA
Signed for: Leicester City Fee: £16.6 million Position: Winger/Forward Having just cemented themselves in history with
LKAY GÜNDOAN
Signed for: Manchester City Fee: £21 million Position: Midfielder There’s a revolution going on at The Etihad this summer under Pep Guardiola. In Gündoğan, they have signed a player capable of dictating the tempo of a match, which in the long run will prove crucial to implementing Guardiola’s philosophy in the Premier League. Gündoğan’s importance is illustrated by City being willing to sign him despite persistent injury problems, having already missed the start of the season.