HARRY POTTER’S MAGIC
IS CURRICULUM TOO WHITE? ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS
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SHIRLEY THOMPSON IN POWERLIST UK
DEAR OLD UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
PG 4
PG 9
STUDYING AND EMPLOYMENT 101 PG 15
NOVEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 38 | FREE
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MESSY MONDAYS: IS THE MONEY WELL SPENT? • £2 TICKETS FOR MONDAYS NOW AND £5 FOR THEMED NIGHTS
NOVEMBER MOVIE FIESTA
BY DEEPSHIKHA
This November, Regent Street Cinema is hosting a wide array of film festivals for all movie buffs in and around London. With a wide spectrum of movies from all around the world on the list, Westminster students can find their new favorites right in their backyard.
• THE UWSU SAYS FEE IS FOR BETTER SERVICES • STUDENTS VOICE THEIR OPINIONS POST FEE RULE BY IOANA OBLU One of the most used words in your student years will definitely be “partying”. Due to the young age and fear that in the near future students will actually be fully-committed and mature adults, they try to make these years the best of our lives. But with what price? (and I literally mean price) On the other hand, another word that can characterise student life is “economical”. Obviously, youngsters can’t really afford to spend £100 on a night out, so they seek cheaper alternatives. Universities come up with various choices in order to make the student life a pleasant one. One of the most wellknown weekly events by University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) is “Messy Mondays” which has now been changed to “Monday Madness”. Even though it takes place on a weekday, it is
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kind of unexpected to see the numerous people that actually attend it. What is the reason? Could it be the cheap drinks, good music, or not so free entry anymore? Even if last year you could enter the madness on Monday free just by showing your University of Westminster student card, this year it’s a different story. Since the new academic year started the entry costs are £2 on a normal night and £5 during a themed event (such as Christmas parties). Student’s opinions are unmistakably contrasting with some of them understanding this decision and some of them feeling a little uncomfortable with this news. “I don’t understand this sudden change. It’s not a big deal as it’s only £2 but at the same time I am not attracted to Messy’s anymore” says Cella, a huge fan of this event. Another student that agrees with her is Victoria, by saying: “It is unfair for us to pay for
this. All drinks are paid, the place does not really have any spectacular facilities. It’s not that I can’t afford paying the entrance fee, but I don’t really see the reason.”
“EVEN THOUGH IT’S ON A WEEKDAY, STUDENTS TURN UP” There are some opinions on the other side as well, some of the students finding reasons for this sudden shift. “I get it. Maybe they need funds for the maintenance, such as paying the people who clean the place after a crazy night of spilling drinks everywhere or maybe they have to pay the ones who serve at the bar”, said Alex, another student at the university. Even if you might agree or disagree with this decision, it has already been made and no changes regarding this issue
can be seen in the near future. Either way, students are free to choose where they want to go on a night out and how much they want to spend. But, at the same time this change might have further outcomes, such as less people attending the event or maybe this alteration will not have any effects at all. Who knows? The UWSU has provided a statement, “The UWSU appreciates that students’ are looking for an affordable night out, however as a not for profit organisation the UWSU has decided to implement a small fee to enter the Monday Madness events to increase our income revenues to enable us to provide a better service for students and to cover the expenses of running the event. Every penny spent within the Students’ Union, be that for drinks/entry in the bar to a sandwich or pencil at the shop is reinvested into the services the UWSU provides for you, our students.”
The month kicks off with the Korean Film Festival, which is in town till November 19th and is marked by great VIP attendance. This year, the festival highlights women voices, renowned documentaries, animations and Mise-en-scène Shorts. Some of the prominent movies shown will be A Dirty Carnival, Master, and The First Lap. This November, RSC will also celebrate the 21st birthday of the International Jewish Film Festival. From 9th to 26th November, the Festival will have 115 brilliant screenings, along with special events, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with the creative crew of the movies, journalists and academicians. Also promising intelligent cinema is the Russian Film Festival, screening movies with theme of Contemporary Russia and its culture from mid-November into early December. Those interested in music and theatre can also look forward to live performances of Hamlet and Follies at RSC this month. If you are a student from Westminster, you can get your tickets for seven pounds upon showing your student id. More information on RSC website.
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NEWS TEAM
Sonakshi Sharma Editor-in-Chief qh.editor@smoke.media
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qh.deputy@smoke.media
Naomi Oiku Managing Editor n.oiku1@su.westminster.ac.uk
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Benedetta Laterza News Editor qh.news@smoke.media
Ioana Oblu Features Editor qh.features@smoke.media
Bishakha Dutta Features Editor qh.features@smoke.media
Ashleigh Jones Lifestyle Editor qh.lifestyle@smoke.media
Stef Lawson Sports Editor qh.sport@smoke.media
Nimisha Mittal Head of Marketing qh.marketing@smoke.media
ABOUT THE QH
BY SONAKSHI SHARMA Hello everyone! As we approach shorter days and more deadlines, we at The QH are trying to keep it a little less hectic for you. This issue we bring to you a much needed break from your studies. Grab a copy of your student paper, a cuppa and lighten your day with hyperlocal university news, features, lifestyle and sports. Our front page story is all about your favourite spot on campus, the Undercroft Bar. Messy Mondays is now a paid affair. (Yes really!) Read students’ concerns and
BY FREYA THOMPSON
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UWSU’s comment. For your winter issue, we bring you news from faculty across Univeristy of Westminster as well as, touch upon curriculum across the UK. We call London our campus, so we bring you the hotspots across the city for the pre-festive season. Catch up on Harry Potter’s magic and Doctor Who under your features section. I understand as students, we tend to be concerned about weight gain around this time of the year, checkout how to stay fit during winter, in your lifestyle section of the paper. You too can be a part of The QH, if you have anything interesting to write about, just contact me. You can keep yourself updated by following our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook page. For more great content you can always checkout the smoke.media website. I wish everyone goodluck for their upcoming deadlines! Don’t worry we will all survive. Sonakshi x
A WORD FROM YOUR SU PRESIDENT
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 is published by the University of Students' Westminster Union, and the 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 Editor-in-Chief, Sonakshi Sharma in the first instance.
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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Kaz Bosali Deputy Editor
Lavanya Singh News Editor
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Winter is most certainly coming. There’s a chill in the air, and the evenings are darker meaning only one thing...it’s almost Christmas! The lights are up on Regent Street, and I’ve heard a rumour your VP Harrow, Dan, is planning a Santa Claus surprise... Deadlines are starting to hit, so please make use of our Welfare Advisors. We have one on each campus who are
Joseph Ikebudu, VP Marylebone
MARYLEBONE VP UPDATE
YOUR UNION BY JOSEPH IKEBUDU
Dear University of Westminster Students. As many of you know I was unable to commence in my role as Vice President of Marylebone Campus in July 2017. This was due to a delay in processing my visa, which meant I was unable to travel back to the UK after completing my studies last academic year. I was advised to go back to my home country in April to apply for my Visa extension in order to begin in my role as sabbatical officer. My visa was approved on the 13th of October and I booked and returned on the next available flight.I was deeply saddened that I could not commence my Sabbatical assignment on 1st July 2017
due to circumstances beyond my control. Now that I have returned I am embracing this opportunity, and intend to make the most of my leadership and use administrative know-how to represent my students. I have an unmeasurable amount of respect for the students of Westminster, which is why I put myself forward for the election. I am particularly thankful to all the students who have shown me patience. My immense and deep gratitude also goes out to all the University of Westminster Students who have granted me this opportunity.I hope you will welcome me now that I am here ready and willing to fulfil my duties and that you will pardon me for my absence. Thank you
there to help you when you’re finding time tough at uni. Our Dragons sports teams have hit the ground running, with our Men’s Basketball 2nds currently at 3-0 for the season, and Women’s Netball 2nds, and Women’s Basketball both winning their last home games by a single point! Let’s congratulate Smoke Radio on winning three awards at the National Student Radio Awards. They were nominated for Best Radio Station, amongst a whole heap of others! Our LGBTI Society held an amazing event on Coming Out Day, Friends of Palestine Society hosted a celebration event, ASWJ Society held an appeal for Rohingya, and Marrow Society had their annual Marroween in Harrow! I’m excited to see what the rest of the semester brings! See you guys around! Freya x
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fashion companies; including Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Celine, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs. The fashion industry thrives for new perspectives and directional thinking. In 2013, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) created a curated platform, to provide visibility to creative capital from around the world.
WHAT’S ON?
HYBRID BODIES DISPLAY @ HARROW BY JILLIAN A. KEITH Hybrid Bodies, a unique collaboration between artists and scientists exploring the emotional, psychological and physiological effects of heart transplants is currently going on UoW’s London Gallery West. With the efforts of internationally recognized artists Ingrid Bachmann, Andrew Carnie, and Alexa Wright, medical and mental health are meeting creative expression due to the artists behind the Hybrid Bodies Projecta multimedia research project and artistic vision aiming to portray the many experiences of heart recipients through the use of still and moving images, sounds, and physical objects.Hybrid Bodies Project is able to reach the public and provide new content to discuss, explore, and expand upon.
Next Gen fashion designers from University of Westminster
FASHION DESIGN GRADUATES SUCCEED INTERNATIONALLY
BY VERONIKA SZABO Jasper McGilvray, Ian Richardson, Chloe Scott and Nicholas Yip, four Westminster graduates from the Fashion Design Course have been recently named as promising Next Generation of Fashion Designers by the prestigious CFDA+. The non-for-profit trade association has reviewed more than 1000 portfolios, interviewed more than 600 recent graduates from 32 countries, and has spotlighted
245 graduates to a community of industry in education. “Their voices created an empowered message of inclusivity, diversity, unity, and hope – with sustainability, technology, innovation, and culture mattering to the next generation now more than ever before,” said Sara Kozvloski, CFDA’s Director of Education and Professional Development. Westminster has an outstanding reputation for developing highly talented and original fashion design graduates, all perks that makes
“THE COURSE HAS UNPARALLED CONNECTION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY”
The 2017 application process posed the question of the future of fashion as a think piece for applicants, and the four Westminster graduates, this course one of the most together with the 37 other selective ones in the world. winners, were awarded for Some of the students’ their forward thinking. work has also gone on to go The “creme de la creme” into production and sold in of applicants receive global stores across the country, exposure in the form of a oneothers were shown Eindhoven year profile-based showcase as part of the Dutch Design on the CFDA’s official website Week. Also, many from the that counts more than 500 of prestigious board of alumni America’s foremost designers regularly show at one of the as members. Westminster’s world’s most extravagant extremely competitive course events: London Fashion Week. chisels graduates to step on the No wonder, since the course international stage as highly has unparalelled connections skilled professionals, making within the industry and them ideal to be recipients of students undertake internships such a distinguished award. with the world’s leading
WILL BURBERRY SURVIVE AFTER BAILEY? The artist’s work aims to question the impression transplants can have on a person’s sense of being and unique self while focusing on how interconnecting two living systems alters an individual’s sense of individuality. For some, the exhibit was simply hearts hanging from ceiling fans. For others, the exhibit allowed them to explore concepts of obligation, relationships, embodiment, loss, and community. “A wave of loss and acceptance came through for me,” said University of Westminster student Angela Rossi: “very moving [and] thought provoking.” Hybrid Bodies’ first project will be featured at the London Gallery West on Harrow Campus until the 16th of November. The exhibit is open everyday of the week from nine to five.
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BY TEAM QH Westminster alumni Christopher Bailey is leaving Burberry next spring after 17 years as CEO and Chief Creative Officer. “I am excited to pursue new creative projects but remain fully committed to the future success of this magnificent brand and to ensuring a smooth transition (of power)”, said Bailey in a statement released by Burberry.
“WE HAVE A CLEAR VISION FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER” The brand has undergone an incredible transformation
at Bailey’s direction and he has been instrumental to the company’s success. He transformed a staid British label into a coveted luxury megabrand with a focus on digital innovation. “We have a clear vision for the next chapter to accelerate the growth and success of the Burberry brand.” said the recently appointed CEO Marco Gobbetti, from the same statement. Bailey will remain linked to the business until December 2018, at that point a new Creative Executive successor (rumoured to be Phoebe Philo) with take the reins of the multimillion company.
Checkout more at www.westminster. ac.uk Will Burberry miss Bailey?
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COVENT GARDEN XMAS LIGHTS
SHIRLEY THOMPSON IN POWERLIST UK
BY MADISON PEARCE
BY BENEDETTA LATERZA
London will be at the heart of the Christmas magic again this year when the Covent Garden lights are turned on, on November 14th. One of the most impressive Christmas light displays in the world, the Covent Garden lights mark the start of the festive season for Londoners. The 11500 lights will be switched on and follow a mistletoe theme for the upcoming Christmas period, thus transforming Covent Garden into a glittering winter wonderland.
“I feel overwhelmed with the recognition of my work and I feel very honoured and privileged” said Shirley Thompson in a statement released exclusively for The QH. She commented about how she felt concerning the Metro and Powelist nominations. On Powerlist, she has recently been presented as one of “Britain’s most innovative composers” and on Metro as “a groundbreaking classical music leader”. These lists are fundamental to promote a positive message to younger generations from different ethnicities and recognise their artistic, social and political impact on society. In 2016, she was also awarded with the prestigious Luminary award, a recognition to all those people with Caribbean heritage that had an impact on an international scale. She is in the good company of outstanding artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Harry Belafonte and many more. Originally from Jamaica but born in the UK, Shirley Thompson considers herself a Londoner more than British or Jamaican. Having grown up in London she feels that its traditions, music and dances played a fundamental part in her experience as a composer. Proof of it can be found in “New Nation Rising”, a composition that mixes classic orchestra instruments and
LONDON NEWS
Are we fair to all students?
YOUR UNIVERSITY
IS THE WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURE BURSARY INCLUSIVE?
BY TEODORA AGARICI
The decorations consist of over forty mistletoe chandeliers that will hang over the gardens’ streets and in the market buildings. A larger than life hand-picked Christmas tree will also be on display. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see a magnificent silver reindeer on the east side of the piazza.
Gary Knight The festivities will go on throughout the night. For tourists flocking to the scene, Molton Brown will be celebrating with nibbles and cocktails while Charlotte Tilbury will offer free quick makeup tricks. Visitors also have the chance to meet Kikki K founder Kristina Karlsson from 4 o’clock.
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The new employability programme, Westminster Working Cultures London, in collaboration with the Career Development Centre and funded by Santander Universities, offers 30 undergraduate participants £500 bursaries and mentoring opportunities. The programme is aimed to enhance students’ employability by attending Insight Days at the offices of top London graduate employers including Accenture, Cancer Research UK and OATH (AOL, YAHOO, Huffington Post). During the project, students will have a professional alumni mentor, as well as guidance from a career consultant to discuss their career plans and see how they can use the transferable skills learned in future job applications and interviews. Despite the excellent opportunity, many students complained about the selection criteria, considering it not inclusive enough. In the application process it is stated that international or EU undergraduates are not eligible to apply and benefit from the programme. Ana, PR & Advertising student, originally from Romania, argues a lack of correctness and fair play from the university: “University
of Westminster claims to be one of the most diverse universities not only in the UK, but worldwide. Yet, these kinds of opportunities are restricted only to British citizens. There are roughly 50 people in my course, 80 per cent of whom are not British. Is this a way to tell us that the students who are not born in the UK don’t have a place in the British society, even if we are just as qualified as natives?” Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, says: “It is a great initiative and it’s a pity that I am not allowed to participate, especially because I feel this would have boosted my confidence. Finding a job in London is very competitive, especially when English is not your first language.” In response to these critiques, the university emphasises that there is a specific section in the application process which is widening the participation criteria and promoting diversity and equality. This includes students who are registered with Disability Learning Support, come from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background or are the first generation in their family who go to university. Still, this is not enough for a university who is constantly advertising that welcomes more than 20,000 students from 150 nations.
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contemporary music sounds created to celebrate 1000 years of London’s history and multiculturalism. The symphony was commissioned in 2002 by the Queen herself to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. This made of Professor Thompson the first woman in 40 years to compose and direct the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. And there is more: the symphony is now considered the inspiration for the 2012 Olympics Game opening ceremony, which also took place in London. But that is just a small part of her career in music composition; in the past she co-scored the award-winning ballet “PUSH” which has been presented in major theatres all around the world. She was the first woman to compose and direct music for a BBC drama and was commissioned by Southbank Centre a composition to celebrate the 100 days in office of President Obama in 2010.That same year, she accepted a position as Reader in Music at our own University as a parallel activity to her career . Her next project will take place on December 1st at the prestigious Victoria & Albert museum inside the Hochhauser Auditiorium for a special event called Spotlight Noir defined as a “traverse through centuries of classical music” with the purpose of analysing the history the opera in the UK, through struggles and triumphs”.
Groundbreaking composer Shirley Thompson
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Will Brexit lead to suppresssion of academic freedom?
IS ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN JEOPARDY IN THE UK POST BREXIT? BY LAURETA DOCI Conservative MP demands records on Brexit lectures by University staff and faces backlash At the beginning of October, The Guardian published a letter, written by Daventry conservative whip Chris Heaton-Harris, in which he demanded “...to supply [him] with the names of professors at your establishment who are involved in the teaching
of European affairs, with particular reference to Brexit”. Furthermore, Harris asks to, “be provided with a cop of the syllabus and links to the online lectures which relate to this area”. Following the exposure of this letter, Heaton Harris has been criticised for of ‘McCarthyite’ intentions of wanting to suppress academic freedom. Professor Kevin Featherstone, who is the head of the European Institution at
the LSE told The Guardian: “there is clearly an implied threat that universities will somehow be challenged for their bias.” Downing Street also responded to the letter by disowning it as an act that is “not as a representative of the government… [and that] the letter was sent in a personal capacity.”. And continues, “free speech is one of the foundations on which our universities are built and of course it should be respected”.
Soon after this, HeatonHarris did take to Twitter to express support for universities freedom by tweeting: “I believe in free speech in our universities and in having an open and vigorous debate on Brexit.” Universities minister, Jo Johnson was the first to respond on the issue on BBC Today programme simply saying Heaton-Harris “... probably should not have” sent the letter and that the MP was
simply doing research for a book he was planning to write. Yet, that did not come across as a strong defence, especially since Heaton-Harris has yet to respond to anything directly himself. However, this is a serious matter as he is a government whip and a private activity such as writing a book from which he can make personal profit is against parliamentary rules. The majority of vicechancellors across the United Kingdom have shown no intention of complying with the MP’s request. Only two Northern Ireland (Ulster’s and universities Queen’s) have confirmed that they are responding positively to the letter.
“FREE SPEECH IS ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONS ON WHICH OUR UNIVERSITIES ARE BUILT” The question that hangs now is: which one of these two possibilities is worse? Trying to suppress academic freedom or misusing parliamentary power as a tool to build research?
IS THE CURRICULUM TOO WHITE? BY JOANNE CLARK Last year, 100 students of University of Cambridge wrote a letter to their English faculty to ask them to “decolonise” its curriculum and use more works written by black and ethnic minority writers. In their letter, the students wrote: “This is not a call for the exclusion of white men from reading lists…It is a call to re-centre the lives of other marginalised writers.” The letter, also said that “For too long, teaching English at Cambridge has encouraged a ‘traditional’ and ‘canonical’ approach that elevates white male authors at the expense of all others…The curriculum, taken as a whole, risks perpetuating institutional racism.” Many students have spoken out on the subject, with one being quoted in a BBC article stating, “At the moment a system exists at Cambridge University whereby a student
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could complete an entire literature degree without studying the writings of a person of colour or the context of slavery and colonialism in any depth.” The students have included in their letter nine suggestions for the faculty, including “the inclusion of two or more postcolonial, and BME authors on every exam paper…For the department to arrange a speaker series or university wide reading group that centres the voices of postcolonial authors…The requirement to spend at least a week of Shakespeare term on an essay that looks at Shakespeare in a postcolonial context…” as well as several more. On October 25th, The Daily Telegraph published an article on their front page with the headline “Student forces Cambridge to drop white authors”. The picture featured was one of Lola Olufemi, the women’s officer for the University of Cambridge
Students’ Union. The treatment of Lola Olufemi by both newspapers and on social media, has been the topic of many discussions, including a comment piece on The Guardian website, and prompted a reply from the University of Cambridge. The university stated that “We condemn the related harassment directed towards our students on social media as a result of the recent coverage.” In their statement, they also said “While we can confirm a letter was received from a group of students taking the postcolonial paper, academic discussions are at a very early stage to look at how postcolonial literature is taught. ” They also stated “The Teaching Forum is a body which has no decision-making powers and it’s decision points are questions to be discussed by the faculty. The Education Committee in the faculty will look at those points in a robust academic debate.”
Should Cambridge update its reading list?
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UOW CONTRIBUTES TO MAJOR BREAST CANCER STUDY
WINTER WONDERLAND BY MEGHNA AGARWAL
BY LAVANYA SINGH
A hashtag that chnaged lives
OPINIONS
#METOO DO YOU? BY MISHELLE THURAIRATNAM
Here are the top activities to look forward to this year: • Skate to live music in UK’s largest outdoor rink, which happens to circle Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand. • Take a spin on the iconic Giant Observation Wheel at a height of 200ft above Hyde park and experience the stunning London Skyline. • Try out the Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, at the fairground. • Shop at the Traditional German Markets and Angels Christmas Market for festive goods and unusual, unique trinkets. • And most importantly, relax with a cocktail at the Bar Ice featuring sculptures crafted from ice or try festive German fare, such as German sausage or glühwein in the Bavarian Village! If you’re heading there, make sure to book tickets ahead for paid activities like Sooty Christmas Show, Bar Ice, Imperial Ice Stars’ Cinderella on Ice, Giant Observation Wheel and Ice Skating.
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CAMPUS NEWS
AROUND LONDON
With Christmas just around the corner, London’s looking forward to the opening of its most famous winter pastime. This year, Hyde Park will open the doors to Winter Wonderland. A free-to-enter event with activities such as ice skating, big top shows, an observation wheel and a glorious Christmas market, the Winter Wonderland will run from 10am to 10pm everyday from November 17th. The opening ceremony will be on the aforementioned date at 5pm.
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Following the Weinstein scandal, millions of women ‘woke up.’ Twitter and Facebook were heated; there had been a new wave of feminist epiphanies. From the depths of the anger and seething silence was born #MeToo, a movement glorifying the strength and power in women. This hashtag was used for women to share their own experiences relating to sexual assault.
“IF SOMEONE DIDN’T USE THE HASHTAG, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT SHE WASN’T ASSAULTED AT ONE POINT IN HER LIFE” It all started when actress Alyssa Milano sent out a tweet suggesting women to use the tag to share their experiences with sexual assault. Her primary objective was to give people ‘the sense of the magnitude of the problem’. The reply which followed was not expected. Within twenty-four hours, the tweet had been shared over five hundred thousand times, with women all over the world sharing their plight. Yet, the overwhelming response to the hashtag has only uncovered a fraction of the problem: one has to question if it is safe to expose the vulnerability of sexual assault victims on a platform which is
explicitly public. If someone did not use the hashtag, it does not automatically mean that she wasn’t assaulted at some point in her life. The media’s response, too, was positive. Prior to this, women could not come forward to share their stories. Why? The fear that they would not be believed was one which ruled their lives. Looking at the stories, it’s shocking to think some of the experiences women have gone through have just become the norm in society. Groping in a club is seen as part of the night out. The phrase ‘boys will be boys’ is used as a justification for any action which degrades women. #MeToo not only brings an awareness of sexual assault but also gives women who felt like they could never speak up a voice. It ensures that their experience is important. Women have each other’s backs, that’s for sure. We exchange glances, glances from the bar or in the club which mean ‘come help me, this creep is hitting on me.’ Or warnings on who the office sex pest is. The men whom we need to avoid because of a bad experience is passed on. In this society, only women can protect other women.
The Breast Cancer Research Unit at the University of Westminster has contributed to a major genetics study which has helped identify 72 gene variations that increase the risk of breast cancer in women. University of Westminster’s DietCompLyf study, led by Dr. Miriam Dwek (Leader, Cancer Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences) partnered with another by the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) and published two sets of data in the highly acclaimed journals Nature and Nature Genetics. Spearheaded by the OncoArray Consortium, the study compared the genes of people who had no history of breast cancer with that of people who did. The results identified 65 new genetic mutations that together increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women with a family record of the same by 4%. The study has also almost doubled the number of genetic markers that scientists use to research and analyse breast cancer and brought the number up to 180. Of the 72 variants, seven were identified specifically as genes that lacked oestrogen receptors, meaning that they do not respond to hormone
based treatments. This further explains why some women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than others and is a major development in how women should be screened for tests regarding the same. The researchers are thus confident that there is now sufficient data to induce a change in practices. The study constituted 550 researchers from 30 countries and analysed samples from 275,000 women, over 146,000 of whom had various levels of breast cancer. With almost 150 cases of breast cancer diagnosed every day in 2014, Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Accounting for 7% of all deaths in the country, it also has the third highest mortality rate of all cancers in the UK. In fact, almost 30 women died everyday in 2014 due to aggressive breast cancer or late diagnosis. The DietCompLyf study looks at and analyses the impact that dietary changes, complementary treatments and lifestyle changes have in patients living with or recovering from breast cancer. Through questionnaires supplied every five years, the study builds a comprehensive image of people’s lifestyle, general health, food habits and daily nutrition requirements, thus elucidating the correlation
“ONLY WOMEN CAN PROTECT WOMEN” Since the social media awakening, there is hope that society will evolve. Not to protect men, but women who have gone through traumatic experiences in the hands of men.
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FEATURES
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7
WAIT, DOCTOR WHO IS A WOMAN?
DISCUSSES THE BREAKTHROUGH IN BRITISH TELEVISION...
I
t’s Saturday, you’re eating dinner and waiting for the good stuff to come on TV. All of a sudden, you remember! Dr Who is back! Night-in is sorted. But imagine the surprise when you find your beloved show is not as it was. In fact, there’s quite a few changes up ahead for the new series. It’s the 64th anniversary of the show so of course, the first episode is going to be epic. There’s a brandnew cast joining Miss Whittaker and Bradley Walsh (known for presenting ITV’s The chase) is going to be by her side.
“THE FANS HAVE LIVED THROUGH MANY CHANGES, AND THIS IS ONLY A NEW, DIFFERENT ONE, NOT A FEARFUL ONE” In a BBC exclusive, the show’s producers have confirmed that the new series will run for ten weeks each at 50 minutes long with a special hour-long pilot episode (perfect for escaping indoors away from those winter blues). The bad news? You’re going to have to wait till Autumn 2018. As a hard-core Whovian, I can’t say I was particularly
happy with the gender change of our Doctor at first. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of feminism and that women can do what men can but sometimes old school is better; and Jodie is going to have to pull out some amazing acting to convince not only myself but others who are a little sceptical that a woman can pull off one of the biggest roles in TV history. Jodie realises the pressure she has on her shoulders and told fans of the show not to be scared by her gender. “This is a really exciting time, and Doctor who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one,” she tells the BBC. She also spoke about her own opinions on being the first female Doctor as a feminist, “It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can and can’t be. It feels incredible.” Maybe a female lead will prove refreshing and bring something unexpectedly delicious to the feel of the show. One thing’s for sure, Jodie Whittaker and Bradley Walsh will definitely bring the comedy. I guess I am a little old fashioned and maybe I’m not as accepting of change as I thought, however, with time, grows acceptance and I am ready for what’s coming and to give the new doctor a chance. Are you ready for it?
Doctor Who, Season 10
WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT AHEAD
EXPLORES THE DANGERS OF SHOWCASING TROUBLING VISUAL MATERIAL...
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he term ‘trigger warning’ is not entirely new, but is one that has recently had a lot of attention. In October, there were reports of a story that students at the University of Cambridge were given trigger warnings before studying certain plays written by Shakespeare. The plays in question were Titus Andronicus and The Comedy of Errors, where the warnings given told the students that these works included sexual violence and sexual assault. This story caused discussion amongst those who both agree and disagree with the use of trigger warnings. Some argued that avoiding such subjects would cause students to be unable to deal with real life. The Independent also reported that a Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, Mary Beard, said that “allowing students to avoid learning about traumatic episodes of history and literature is fundamentally dishonest.” In a comment piece on The Guardian website, Ian Burrows, a teaching associate in the English faculty at the University of Cambridge, wrote that some media outlets had misconstrued what had happened, and that his lecture was about the portrayal of sexual assault in drama, looking at both Titus Andronicus and the play Blasted by Sarah Kane.
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He wrote that “I signalled that the way this discussion was conducted might be particularly difficult for those who had personally encountered abuse or assault…I attached mine [the trigger warning] in the knowledge that I’d be discussing these issues extensively.” The issue of trigger warnings is one that divides people. Some people are grateful for the acknowledgment that something may be distressing for them. Recognition that something could be upsetting for others is a step in the direction towards being more empathetic. The fact is that trigger warnings can be used to warn people of distressing instances that they may have experienced themselves. Nearly half a million adults are sexually assaulted in England and Wales each year and a third of female students in the UK have experienced inappropriate touching or groping at university. Trigger warnings are not a barrier from real life, an ignorance to history or literature, or sign of a generation that is too sensitive. It is a sign that we are aware that some people may have dealt with upsetting things in their lives and by issuing a warning before a discussion or lecture, we are being both sympathetic and supportive. We are caring for other people’s wellbeing, something we need more of at this moment in time.
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20 YEARS AND STILL A POTTERHEAD?
UNCOVERS WHY WE ARE STILL UNDER HARRY POTTER’S MAGIC ...
Diagon Alley, London
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his year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter novel - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The series of course went on to find huge success, with a further release of six books and eight follow up films - bringing the Potter universe to fruition. But the success didn’t stop there, aside from the books and films creating eye-watering amounts of profit and the fame, the universe continued to grow, from the Wizarding World theme park at Universal Orlando Resort opening its doors in 2010, to the numerous spin offs, such as the Fantastic Beasts enterprise. It’s safe to say that Harry Potter fever isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
“FANS ARE AS ENTHRALLED BY POTTER SERIES NOW, AS THEY WERE 20 YEARS AGO” Not only is Harry Potter growing, but those who grew up reading the books and eagerly anticipating the release of each film are now adults, and yet still have an affinity for the franchise, that hasn’t wavered in adulthood. Fans are just as enthralled by the Potter series now, as they were twenty years ago. Returning to the books to re-read them each year is almost ritualistic for many Potter fans. These
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stories, no matter how many times they are told, will was commissioned for and began publication in always hold a sacred place in the hearts of many as a 2015, as well as completely original images that were magical escape from the real-world that inspires and specifically created for the exhibition. delights. In the words of J.K. Rowling – ‘Hogwarts will Kay graduated from the University with a degree in always be there to welcome you home’. BA Illustration and went on to work at the Tate Britain With Harry Potter continuing to thrive by and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, before being entertaining audiences young and old, the British personally selected by Rowling to illustrate the Harry Library has decided to create an exhibition Potter children’s books in 2013. encompassing the phenomenon. The exhibition, A first for the library, the exhibition showcases the that has been titled Harry Potter: A History of Magic, work of JK Rowling, which will “always” remain in will run from the 20th October 2017 to 28th February our hearts to treasure. 2018 and will explore the traditions and folklore behind the real-life magic that inspired J.K. Rowling’s writing. As part of the exhibition, the audience will be able to see rare magical artefacts from the oldest British Library archives and neverbefore seen drawings and letters from the hand of J.K. Rowling herself. The many curators behind the culmination of books and artefacts that will be seen in the exhibition took well over a year to collect; with many of the findings being loaned by other museums and libraries throughout the country. The displays will be organised in correspondence with Hogwarts lessons, featuring sections such as Divination and Defence against the Darks Arts, and will give audiences the feeling of being a student witch or wizard for the day. Throughout the exhibition, illustrations by University of Westminster Alumni, Jim Kay, will be on display. The illustrations will comprise of concept art pieces from the illustrated editions of the first University of Westminster’s alumni - Jim Kay’s Illustration three Harry Potter novels that Kay
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E
“You are not old, you are mature,” - Simon Woolcott
DEAR OLD UNDERGRADUATES WRITES TO THE STUDENTS
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hen I was asked to write this ‘dear old undergraduate students’ feature, my immediate thought was . . . Can we use ‘older’ or ‘mature’ rather the ‘old’? But old is what you are to the majority of the students you encounter in the first year. Most of them are around 18, and if that doesn’t make you feel old, I don’t know what will? I spent most of the first year determined not to try and be that older person who thinks they’re hip and trendy. God knows I bet most of my fellow students don’t even know what ‘hip’ means, aside from thinking it must be about time I had an operation on one of mine. I sat on my own at lunch, fearful that, however much we bonded in lectures, seminars and practicals, they don’t really want some old duffer talking to them while they were discussing the finer points of last night’s VMAs. In the end, I discovered I was wrong, they did want me to sit with them and they did want the benefit of my experience. The teaching style has moved on a lot since the last time you studied. To get the most out of being a student you have to be au fait with computers, or rather with the myriad of ways they can be used to help with your studies. Working in groups will play a large part in your studies and it’s rare that you can meet up with everyone in your group physically so you will have to get your
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head around: Facebook; Messenger; WhatsApp; Google Drive and the like. I was fortunate in that as I was already familiar with most of these brilliant ways to keep in touch, but if you’re not, take some time to learn and understand before you start your studies.
veryone is entitled to the freedom of speech, but the thing which matters is how carefully we exercise this privilege, without hurting or offending someone. Freedom of speech should not cause distress or resentment among people. Don’t let your conversation give rise to unrest or intolerance among the students. Being an International Students Hub for academia, London attracts thousands of students every year for higher studies. In such scenario, any kind of comment related to race, religion, orientation or even origin can demoralize and discourage them. People are very sensitive about these topical issues. Students always look up to their course tutors and faculty members for inspiration and motivational support. I strongly feel that tutors and faculty members should not judge a particular student or carry any bias for, or against them. They should always have a neutral perspective about people from any community. Recently, there was a talk of the town about a teacher who was banned by the High Court for passing a homophobic comment: “homosexual lifestyles”. I think the opinion of the tutor should not mask the freedom of speech. A tutor is a hallmark of knowledge and hearing this from them would not be disheartening, but also make one feel low about themselves. This might lead to decline in student’s self-esteem,
confidence and may even affect his optimism. Despite being a democratic economy, the underlying rules and norms highlight the significance of a conscious and structured communication. Recently, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford was thoroughly criticized for her comment related to homosexuality. Was it right? Hailing from such prestigious institution, she should have honoured and safeguarded the interests of her students. Rising intolerance among the students may cause disruption in University areas and may lead to menace. It is rightly said that: “Words are like arrows which should be used with caution and extra care.” In order to make a society accommodative and prospering, it is important that its members acknowledge the strength of diverse opinions. Institutions in London are the torchbearers of democracy and a fertile forum for venting opinions forms the basis of it. For the smooth functioning of any organization, respect is the key factor that should be kept in mind. To conclude, I would like to voice my opinion by saying that communication is the key of a relationship. The way one communicates, acts like a foundation stone for nurturing strong ties of any relationship.
DEMOCRACY OR CENSORSHIP?
TELLS US WHY WE CAN’T CHOSE
“DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP” Finally don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether it’s in lectures or seminars if you don’t understand something, just ask. Believe me, there will be lots of other people struggling with what you can’t get your head around, and they will be very grateful you had the courage to stick your hand up. Remember, you are a grown-up and your advice will be sought and your wisdom will be helpful . . . but that doesn’t mean you can’t act like a big kid too sometimes! If you’re considering going to university as a mature student, do it! It’ll be one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done.
Where should we draw the line between freedom of speech and censorship?
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CELEBRATING LEONARD COHEN
PAYS TRIBUTE TO MUSICIAN ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY..
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Cambridge University
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE TOO WHITE?
WEIGHS IN THEIR ‘POSHNESS’
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hite privilege at Oxbridge is not news. The extent of the lack of diversity is a troubling novelty, but these institutions’ battle with their inner ‘poshness’ has been persistently resurfacing. Where there are concerns that UK universities will face emptier lecture halls after Brexit, it would now seem that Oxford and Cambridge, two of the leading higher education institutions in the country and globally, have already made them considerably whiter. Data published by former education minister, David Lammy, revealed staggering information about the admission statistics, whereby only one percent of Cambridge offers went to black applicants between 2010 and 2015. That is painfully poignant of the underlying failure of wellestablished institutions to address and represent contemporary British society. One that, evidently in their very distorted eyesight, is exceedingly unidimensional. Oxbridge’s black and ethnic minority undergraduate acceptance for 2016 was a mere 37.7 percent. That raises two questions. Can Oxford and Cambridge adequately tackle the issue of white dominance? And, far more crucially, do applicants of black and ethnic minority background feel as if they do not belong in ‘posh’ higher education institutions? Considering the data was only revealed after several Freedom of
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Information requests issued by Mr Lammy, it would seem that Oxbridge is struggling to face its critique and is a long way from tackling. Having educated a whole string of prominent public figures, selectivity is naturally a part of its DNA. But claims of discriminating selectivity come across as uncomfortably believable when you consider that half of the students from both universities come from the South East and London. ‘Poshness,’ particularly when it has had time to age, is particularly uncomfortable. Institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge rely on their established practices and reputation to thrive and survive. They are rooted in tradition and principle, which in their turn tend to have a troubled relationship with anything trying to break through their walls. What you end up with is a stifling cocoon: way too often blinded by its own traditionalism and misguided by merciless principles. Of course applicants of black and ethnic minority background will feel like they do not fit in. In an environment which makes them stand out forcefully, there is little room, or indeed motivation for perseverance. People need to fight for their sense of belonging, challenge a horribly outdated system and stand up for diversity, because, clearly, Oxbridge do not see the problem yet.
y 1966, musician-to-be Leonard Cohen had already lived 32 years. Born to Orthodox Jewish parents in a small suburb in Montreal, Leonard Cohen’s life early on revolved around the arts. Though he taught himself classic guitar as a teenager, he focused mainly on the written word, publishing his first set of poems at the age of 20. Cohen found moderate success over the next 12 years, publishing books of fiction and collections of poetry. By 1966, he’d had a change of a heart, telling a producer from a Montreal television programme a year that he was going to be a songwriter. Singer Judy Collins had already taken a poem of his, ‘Suzanne,’ and turned it into a moderately successful song. But a year later, after living in New York City, Leonard Cohen still struggled with the thought of being anything else but a poet. The tides turned after Collins finally convinced Leonard Cohen, stage shy and insecure, to perform ‘Suzanne’ at a charity event. On playing, the audience reacted so strongly to Cohen that he stopped halfway through the song and had to be convinced to go back out with Collins. By the end of that year, Leonard Cohen released his album ‘Songs of
Leonard Cohen.’ The album became an instant cult hit, not just through a year of staying on the charts, but through it’s clear admiration through covers by other artists. By 1971, Cohen had released three more albums: Songs from a Room, Bird on the Wire, and Songs of Love and Hate, all becoming classics in their own right. However, it was the song ‘Hallelujah,’ released in 1984 under Various Positions, that cemented his iconic status. Covered by Jeff Buckley in 1994, the rendition received accolades from critics, eventually leading ‘Hallelujah’ to be covered by more than 200 artists worldwide. Like the rare musicians that can successfully adapt their style to the changing sounds and influences of time, Cohen continued to find success over the following decades. Whether adapting a more jazz infused sound, as in Recent Songs, or touching on political injustices in The Future, he remained captivating and influential to audiences and musicians alike. Though we are now upon the first anniversary of his death, his influence remains unwavering. Leonard Cohen’s ability to give his songwriting the precision and mastery of poetry will cement him as an icon for time to come.
Cohen’s influence in the music industry is still unwavering
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FEATURES
IS THERE A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET?
COMPARES HOW CANTEEN PRICES VARY WITH LOCAL STORES IN LONDON..
Canteen or Cafe? We still haven’t made up our mind, have you? Or rather, do you have a choice?
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scenario: So you were running late in the morning – “damn, my food” and forget to pick up your usual sandwich and a small snack from your kitchen table but you think “there’s the university canteen, I’m sorted”, unaware of the amount of money you are about to squander on that one miniscule packet of Walkers you can afford because lets be real, the hot food menu is serving that hard peppered broccoli that I in fact am not sure it even saw the hot boiling water that morning.
“THERE’S THE UNIVERSITY CANTEEN. I AM SORTED” Most canteens at universities like ours sell ordinary snacks such as Walkers crisps, chocolate bars and fizzy drinks because in all honesty its quick and something we can all grab on the go. And who doesn’t like a sugar rush at 8 in the morning? Not me. But did you know that they are considerably cheaper at a local store near you. The University ups its snack prices secretly delving in to your pocket money. Why would an institution try to take more money from students who are already paying £9000 each year (not forgetting the international students who pay even more) to lose even more money on a hard broccoli. Let’s talk healthy. Fruit! Fruit is something that we all eat as there are different varieties and is a great snack to have on the go, right? However, again common fruit like apples or oranges are something
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we can buy in packs of around 10 from our local supermarkets for a pound or even cheaper, so why are students buying a small apple the size of my confidence level this semester for around 65p. I mean – get your snack habits together people. This money adds up – unless you’re related to Simon Cowell and have your finances sorted. So, food off campus? We may have to drag ourselves from that computer, get those muscles moving in our legs and collect our things and head outside for lunch, but it’s worth the savings! Most well-known shops around London such as EAT, Café Nero, Costa have deals where they give people loyalty cards that either gain them points for a cheaper meal or provide them with a free lunch after a certain amount of purchases. Talk to your friends, maybe share the same loyalty cards whenever you go to a specific shop – I do this all the time with ‘Wok to Walk’ and get those free-bees and discounts in no time! It’s not cheating, it’s clever. Also, the network Three started a new rewarding app called Wuntu, offering customers a free drink or snack once a week. So, if you are on the network Three it is a definite SHOUT! Ordinary supermarkets such as Tesco’s offer customers a meal deal at £3 for a sandwich, wrap, salad or pasta; plus a snack and drink. Most soft drinks at University are around £1.50, so if you’re a maths genius you would know that that is half the amount of money for a whole meal deal from Tesco. Ok so let us not forget about books. Pages, notes, read and repeat is the ultimate life of a University student. Whether you are an English student, a psychology student, an art student or even photography, we all read books for our courses. Do not always feel pressured to buy the ‘new’ stainless books from Amazon or any other online store your teacher recommends as this is costing you a lot of money. Embrace the adventure and take to the streets to the nearby charity shops, book stores and online pdf documents because it all helps in savings those vital pounds. As a Literature student, I know that it is not worth the money of about £8 or £9 on a book we spend a week discussing. I find many charity stores selling these books for around an average of
£3! Bargain. (you can sell these books off for a higher price when you are done with them – I know, cheeky).
“EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE AND TAKE TO THE STREETS...” So, a shout out to all you Students to be wary of your money and to think twice about where you are buying your food to save that little bit of money each week. Every penny counts!
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LIFESTYLE
BUDGETING •
Franco Manca: Do you want to dine out but feel like you can’t afford it? At Franco Manca you can get delicious Italian food for less than £10.
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Choccywoccydoodah: The weather is getting colder now. So treat yourself to a, some what unusual, hot chocolate, for less than £5 too. A must have for all chocolate lovers.
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Richmond Park: If you want to escape from the chaos of central London, visit Richmond Park, for a relaxing autumnal walk. If you’re a fan of nature, enjoy the fact that the deers are free to roam, walking alongside you throughout the park.
PICK OF THE MONTH •
Winter Wonderland: It’s time to start getting into the Christmas spirit! Head down to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland from Friday 17 November. There’s lots to do that you probably won’t manage it all in one day, and with entry being free, embrace the seasonal spirit, and take a few visits throughout the holiday season.
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STUDENT LIFE
COPING WITH YOUR DEADLINES
Make sure you use university services while you study
BY MISHELLE THURAIRATNAM It’s that time of year. Deadlines are piling up, one on top of the other, and you are wishing you never took the first few weeks so lightly. Don’t panic, everyone has been there. This guide will help you eliminate the stress, and by the end of this guide, you will learn how to organise your work and how to spread your work load out through the semester. First thing first, you need to write down all your deadlines for assignments and also the dates of any exams you have. There is no point relying on your memory (even if it is photographic). You might forget a key date and find out the next day that you have missed a hand in, and in the process, failed.
“YOU MIGHT FORGET A KEY DATE AND FIND OUT THE NEXT DAY THAT YOU HAVE MISSED A HAND IN” A timetable is also handy - something that you can pin up on your wall. This will help you visualise what you have going on in the week. You can then allocate specific times to do your work. For anyone that likes pretty stationary, then a diary is right up your street. With day to day views, you can see exactly what you have got going on and then plan exactly what you need to do. Make sure that you keep yourself well informed. There will always be emails sent out from your lecturers and tutors. This could include room changes, key dates, events, and even further reading which can enhance your grade. Always check your emails and Blackboard to ensure that you keep on top.
This may sound like something that your mother is always drilling into you, but keep all your notes and handouts that you get. File them away in a certain order, so that when you look back on your notes, you know exactly where they are. Use the resources provided by the university. If you want to keep ahead of your work and do well, use the library. It is full of books to help you in any areas that you are struggling with. If you are struggling with working at home because you are getting distracted, then have a study day at the library. Or even use the gaps you have between lectures to get through the work you have. Our uni has three libraries, so there is no excuse. There is nothing worse than the thought of reading a boring journal which has been set by your lecturer. You might want to watch the latest episode of Game of Thrones, but, when you have an exam coming and you don’t know anything, then you’ll wish you read the reading list. Your course mates are in the same boat as you. Get your heads together and start tackling the assignments that have been set, together. Make sure you balance your time. You physically, and mentally, cannot cram three assignments that are due on the same day, the night before. To avoid this, make sure you start when the assignment has been set. Doing a little bit a day will save you in the long run. Trust me. If you are struggling with any aspect of your course, then ask. Your lecturers are there for that reason and as amazing as they are, they are not mind readers. Email them, or catch them after class, and let them know what you are concerned about. Avoid procrastination. Yes, those cat videos and dog videos leave you all warm and fuzzy inside. And yes you want to know what Harry Potter char-
acter you would be on that BuzzFeed quiz your friend shared. But, in the meantime, you are wasting time and there’s a pile of work stacking up.
“ONE OR TWO HOURS A DAY CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF PANIC AND STRESS IN THE FUTURE” Put yourself in a quiet room. Put your phone in another room. Make sure you are fully focused with no distractions and then start your work. You don’t need to battle through for hours on end, even one or two hours a day can save you a lot of panic and stress in the future. Above all, make sure you are looking after yourself. Get the right amount of sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat healthily. Most importantly - don’t overdo it. If you are struggling and are feeling anxious then you are not alone. There are services provided by the university, where you can seek advice and have someone to talk to when it is getting too much.
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180 THE STRAND : REVIEW
LEISURE
BY ASHLEIGH JONES
Ryoji Ikeda ‘Test Pattern’ and other artwork seen at the exhibition
I had seen friends posting on their social media accounts, pictures and videos, of an audio-visual exhibition which looked completely different to any other art exhibition that I’d been to before. So I decided to go for myself to see what all the fuss was about. 180 The Strand is a few minutes walk from Temple underground station and is running everyday (other than Monday) up until the 10th of December. Ryoji Ikeda’s ‘Test Pattern’ began the expo with the popular videos I had been seeing all over my Instagram. The idea behind the work was that data from all types of media, such as music, sound, photo, and film, formed one big, animated, disorientation. Flashing black and white lines plus constant, aggressive sounds left everyone in the room feeling completely unsettled. There were many pieces that consisted of colourful, flashing lights, removing you from reality for a few seconds, whilst you were submerged into a moment of chaos. Reinforcing the obvious theme of technology within the artwork, Everything At Once, was a collection of vintage TVs displaying white noise and wave lengths. The exhibition was full of interesting, modern art. One of my favourite pieces being a giant, floating hat, and the
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illusion it created was a trick on the eye. It took me a few minutes to figure out whether the bottom of the hat was flat, or, if the hat was actually hollow. I won’t ruin the illusion for you, however, go and see for yourself! The exhibition ended on the roof, with a 7 minute long collage, by Arthur Jafa called Love is the Message, the Message is Death. Kanye West’s ‘Ultralight Beam’ song soundtracked the video. It raised important social issues about African-Americans and how they are perceived in the media, and treated in real life. Harrowing and harsh footage of mistreatment towards African-Americans were juxtaposed against achievements they have made throughout history. It was an incredibly touching piece of artwork that left you with no choice but to think about how racism is still very much a part of today’s society. With less than a month before 180 The Strand closes, I highly suggest that when you have an hour or two spare, you go and visit - after all, it’s free too.
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FOOD
CHEAP & EASY: HMM, ISN’T THAT YUMMY!
BY LEAH NICHOLS
1. FANCY BEANS Cannellini beans 55p per can Passata 55p per carton Pinch of salt and pepper Now beans are a staple for many. They’re yummy, easy, and cheap, but they can get boring pretty quickly. This is just a simple way to jazz them up a bit. Just drain the beans and put them in a saucepan with the passata, pop on the hob for a few minutes, and season to taste. It’s great on toast and why not make it spicy with some chilli flakes and chorizo. You can even make this into a substantial evening meal by throwing in some frozen peas, boiling/steaming some broccoli, and making your own flat bread. You can make this by using yoghurt, self-raising flour, salt, and bi carb. There are really easy recipes that you’ll be able to find online for it.
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2. CHILLI CON CARNE POTATO Baking potatoes between 20-35p per potato 500g beef mince between £1.80-3.50 (the higher the fat content and lower the meat content the less you pay) Chilli con carne sauce £0.70-1.50 Cheese £1.50-3.50 Baked potatoes are also a staple of most kitchens, but, there is so much that you can do with the humble spud. This is warm, hearty and will keep you going through those long nights studying. Pierce the potatoes with a fork and place in the microwave for 10 minutes. Cook the mince until brown and add the chilli con carne sauce. Other optional ingredients to add at this time would be frozen peas, peppers, or smoked paprika. Cut each potato open and spoon on the chilli con carne. Sprinkle on some cheese.
3. SAUSAGE AND BEAN CASSEROLE Red onion 10-20p each Red pepper 50p each Pack of 8 sausages £1.50 1.5tsp smoked or normal paprika £1.00 per jar 1 tsp cumin £1.00 per jar A small glass of any wine Tin of tomatoes 40p 1 beef stock cube £1.30 box of 12 Tin of any beans 85p This is the quick version of this recipe so the flavours won’t be as intense, but it’ll still give you that comforting warm feeling that you need after a long days work. Add a chopped onion to a large saucepan on a medium heat and stir until soft. Add the sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes and add a chopped pepper. Add the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add a mouthful of wine and stir. Add the tinned tomatoes
and allow to simmer for a few minutes and crumble in the stock cube, turning the heat to high. Meanwhile, drain the beans and rinse with water. If the casserole does not start to thicken, add one tablespoon of plain flour and stir. Add the beans and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Serve with yoghurt, additional vegetables, or flat bread.
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WELLBEING
HOW TO STAY FIT DURING WINTER BY SARA NOORI
1. MOTIVATION As the days are getting darker, and the weather gets colder, the bed gets warmer and all you want to do is curl up on the couch or indulge in those hearty pub roasts. It’s hard to stay motivated to exercise during the winter months, but it’s worth it. The NHS says exercise during the winter months can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of getting coughs and cold. Plus it’ll help you fight those winter blues. Check out these strategies to keep exercising in winter. Healthy snacks don’t have to be plain and boring
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
BALANCE IS KEY BY KIARA VIGO Student life equals eating a lot of ‘student food’. How could you possibly avoid that amazing hot chocolate, or, that delicious cookie as you are walking into university. That is the big issue for a lot of students. We are all guilty of having a little snack during break time, but is snacking a guilty pleasure or can it be incorporated into a healthy diet? I have to say that this is a hot topic. Some people see eating between meals as a particular diet, a new relation to food, a way to control your appetite. Whereas others see these snacking moments as a temptation to eat sweets, salty foods, fizzy drinks, and more. So I assume that it is more about what kind of snacks you are eating, and when, rather than whether or not snacking is a good or bad habit.
sometimes you just do not want to go for fruits. What could you have instead?
“THE KEY WORD FOR A PERFECT BALANCE IS ORGANISATION” You can find a lot of recipes for healthy snacks online, which are easy to make. In fact, it is surprising how food that you eat and see everyday can become much more appealing when cooked as funny snacks. Take ‘crispy cinnamon apple chips’, ‘chicken avocados roll-ups’, or even these viral ‘hazelnut energy balls’. Isn’t it better than the usual banana, apple, banana? Now you have some ideas, snack away healthily!
2. PLAN AHEAD Just like you are planning your week like noting down that dentist appointment, note down your workout. When you plan ahead, you automatically make time for your workout instead of squeezing it into your week. This will eliminate any stress to make time and will get you mentally ready to exercise.
3. FIND A FITNESS BUDDY We all like to be social, so why not connect that with exercising. A fitness buddy will make the gym routine more enjoyable and hold you accountable for showing up. It’s easy to skip the gym when you’re by yourself, but, it’s harder to cancel on a friend. A fitness buddy is a great way to keep up that motivation and commitment. Studies have shown that social support helps people to stay active, according to James F. Sallis, PhD a professor of psychology at San Diego State University.
4. GET OUTSIDE If you’re not a gym person, get outside. Discover London. London has lots of green spaces where you can run, jog, walk, hike, or bike. Make sure to bundle up to stay warm. Get out there and enjoy the fresh air, hike a new trail, or bike a new trail.
5. AT HOME BACK UP PLAN It’s freezing cold, raining and you just can’t be bothered to leave the house, do not fret, just roll out the yoga mat. There are so many great workout videos online, whether you’re looking for yoga or pilates or just some simple stretches. Do not let the weather demotivate you or prevent you from getting a few minutes of exercise. Twenty minutes of Yoga or simple stretches work wonders and you won’t feel guilty about not going to the gym.
6. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES What always motivates me to continue exercising during winter is the overall feeling after. Exercise makes you happy. It releases serotonin, norepinephrine, endorphins, dopamine—chemicals that relieve pain, make you happy, and relieve stress. Cedric Bryant, chief science office of the American Council of Exercise says, “For years we focused almost exclusively on the physical benefits of exercise and really have ignored the psychological and emotional benefits of being regularly active.” So, if you can’t drag yourself off that cosy sofa, think about the positives. That will get you moving.
“WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF HAVING A LITTLE SNACK” According to doctors, your three main meals can come with a snack. Therefore, no more than three snacks per day would be the perfect figure. But, it is obviously still best to have 2 apples and a banana during the day than two chocolate bars after dinner. I think that the key word for a perfect balance is organisation. It’s easy to say ‘healthy snacks’, but the only things you see when someone says these words are usually fruits, and
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Keep active by doing simple yoga tutorials at home
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STUDYING AND EMPLOYMENT 101 (MAYBE) BY TEODORA AGARICI Having a job while studying can be a hassle. It is not easy, but it is manageable. You’re not the only one who is doing it. Here are some tips from a workaholic:
IT CAN BE A JOB ITSELF TO FIND A JOB Don’t underestimate the time you need to allocate for finding a job. Before getting into the application stage, it is important to make some research and see if you meet the basic criteria for working in the UK: do you have the right to work? Does your visa allow you to do so? If so, what are the requirements? Do you have a national insurance number? Afterwards, start thinking of the type of job you would like to have, considering your uni timetable as well. Maybe a zero hour contract will give you more freedom and flexibility, although, it doesn’t always guarantee you work. Think twice before you say “yes” to a ten hour shift – especially if it’s in hospitality, as not only are you going to spend your whole day at work, but, you will also be more exhausted than if you were working in an office. Not to mention that in hospitality you finish after the last client leaves the table, so you might want to cancel that movie night with your friend.
YOU’LL BECOME SO DESPERATE THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT EVERY OFFER I have a special talent to hug the floor or stumble over people just because I get lost in my own thoughts. Now, imagine what would happen if I stumble over people while spilling the food or drinks that they were paying for. Exactly. Yet, I made it. At the time, being a waitress was the only solution I had. Plus, full training is provided. If I did it, you can do it as well. Every job is an opportunity at the end of the day. If this still doesn’t motivate you, remember that bills don’t pay themselves.
NO TIME FOR BREAKDOWNS You can’t remember the last time you actually cooked for yourself or when you slept for more than six hours, but you don’t even have time to complain about this. You will start praying not to get sick because you know you can’t fit, into your tight schedule time, to go to the GP or pharmacy to take your medicines. By the time your friends will start recovering from their breakdowns, the semester will be already over and you can slow it down for a welldeserved holiday.
GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT FROM TIME TO TIME Besides a part-time job and university, I have a couple of societies to coordinate and some personal projects to work on. Although I enjoy what I am doing, sometimes I have to admit, it can be overwhelming. This is why I recommend you to take a step back and reward yourself from time to time. Have you considered solo travelling? A weekend away in a new city can give you back the force and energy to continue. Plus, if you buy an ESN card (check on www.esncard.org for more info), you have 15 per cent discount at all Ryanair flights. My last trip to Berlin was only 20 pounds both ways. What better way to relax?
YOU’LL BECOME WISER WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY Realistically, working for maximum 20 hours per week won’t make you rich, especially when living in London. But it is always a great satisfaction when at the end of the month you have some spare cash that you can use to go out or have a nice meal at a restaurant with your friends. Not having mum or dad by your side to ask for some extra quid will make you more responsible and without even knowing, you’ll end up being a master at budgeting. Or at least you’ll learn that you must stay in your overdraft limit.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
DO THIS AS OPPURTUNITY TO SOME SOFT SKILLS
You found some jobs that appeal to you – great. It’s time to apply, but not before polishing your CV and tailoring your cover letter according to the job descriptions. Not sure how to do this? Book an appointment with a consultant from the Career Development Centre or go on the Engage platform to the “ask a question” section and an advisor will answer your query in the shortest time possible.
From waiting at bar tables, working in a call-centre, or working on campus to actually being an assistant in a big firm, a part-time job can provide a valuable experience. Consider parttime jobs in your field of interest, but also, look for less obvious alternatives. These can be great learning experiences that can develop a versatile set of soft skills such as communication, problem solving, adaptability, or critical thinking.
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AN GAIN
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FEELING INSPIRED BY THE TENNIS? BY TEAM QH With the ATP finals starting this week, The QH spoke with Westminster Mens Tennis Captain Ryan Wong, discussed the teams successful start to the season: How well do you and your team feel like you are doing?
Great play alongside competition anticiptaed
ATP FINALS: A LOOK AHEAD BY AISHA BENMERIEM
“We have had a great start of our season for both Men and Women. We are in the 5th division, but are now first in our league. We have a really good team this year and we are all doing our best to keep the results as high as we can. Also, teamwork is very important towards our team as we all need support from each other during every match.” How do you hope to keep it up? “Our trainings are every Thursdays from 7-9 pm. So we start with 30 minutes of intensive physical training and then One hour and 30 minutes of tennis drills. Training the team is not an easy aspect because I have to focus on everybody’s game with different skills. To keep everybody in their highest level, I do loads of basket exercises to help them stay in match situations. At the end of the training, we do points matches to see how much they gain in the exercise.” Can anyone join? “Our social trainings are only for Westminster Students, training every Tuesday from 5-7pm. We do have a coach to teach them all the basics about tennis and the rules in matches as well.” So what are you waiting for?
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With Britain’s defending champion Andy Murray and former winner Novak Djokovic both injured, the world number one tennis star Rafael Nadal and Wimbledon winner Roger Federer go head to head in seeking to win the London ATP finals title for 2017. From the 12th until the 19th of November, the top eight qualifying singles and doubles players will battle it out against each other for the prestigious title, in a week-long gruelling event in London at the 02 Arena.
As it is only a few days to go before the Finals, the expectations are high for Nadal as he has not won the title before. But with his recent withdrawal from the Paris Masters due to a knee injury, perhaps a year during which he has already won 6 titles including the French Open and the US Open, is finally catching up with him. So get your tennis socks on for this long but exhilarating week of tennis! But will the tournament be the same without Britain’s beloved Murray? Although there are some fan favourites returning, like Marin Cilic
and Dominic Thiem, it is possible that the lack of the home favourite and defending champion will impact the atmosphere for the crowd. But with several big-name players out, and Nadal and Federer exhausted, it could be anyone’s tournament. And who do you have your bets on? Whether it’s someone from your home country or a favourite player, we are all supporting and loving tennis on this exciting week. All matches will be broadcasted live on BBC2, Red Button, BBC Sport Website and the mobile app throughout the week.
The nation is expecting a tough week for the players, whilst also anticipating some great play and competitive long hours from each game. It’s going to be close. All you tennis fans out there will not be disappointed. Get your racquets ready!
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IS MOYES THE MAN FOR WEST HAM? BY STEAFNIE LAWSON David Moyes has been appointed as the new manager of West Ham United following the sacking of Slaven Bilic, in an unexpected move for the club. This is the former Everton and Manchester United managers first trip back into management since his short tenure at Sunderland ended in June following the teams poor showing of only 24 points leading to their relegation from the Premier League. With a mixed reaction from fans from the announcement, co-chairman David Sullivan has admitted that it is a risk, saying: “This is a gamble, but let’s see where we are at the end of the season,” whilst speaking to The Sun. He continued, “I believe he will keep us up. I have promised him nobody else has been lined up, that we have not signed another manager for next season. This is his job and he has to grab it. It is a big chance for him. You don’t do what he did at
Everton for ten years and become a bad manager - he is a good manager.”
“THIS IS GAMBLE, BUT LET’S SEE WHERE WE AT...” It is a risk that needs to pay off quickly for both West Ham and Moyes himself, with the manager following on from a stream of recent failures and with relegation looking like a real possibility with the Hammers in 18th, relegation would be a disaster for the club. However, Moyes seems to be relishing the opportunity, saying: “I do have a point to prove. Sometimes you have to repair things and I have a little bit to repair, it’s good for me, I’m back in and it’s what I love doing. I want to do well and want the team to do well.” He has been signed to a contract lasting throughout the rest of the season with the club.
David Moyes, the news manager of West Ham
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