GLAÐVAKANDI
Vaka Saves You Half a Million!
Let’s say a student at the University of Iceland goes to the Student Cellar twice a week and drinks twenty Lite beers each time.
Let’s also say that every time they accidentally wear the wrong pants,
leave their student ID at home, and therefore don’t get the student discount on beer that would have been available with a valid ID. If we calculate this over an entire year, it’s clear that they could have saved themselves 499,200 ISK, had they remembered to bring their student ID along. That’s a significant amount of money, especially in times of high interest rates and inflation.
If this student continues this
habit, they’re in serious luck, given the latest news. The fact is, the majority of Vaka representatives on the Student Council have now made it possible for student IDs to be accessible in the Aur app. This student no longer needs to worry about wearing the right pants or carrying their wallet to the Cellar and can save themselves this near half-million ISK—and maybe even buy themselves something nice.
Vaka simply works Vaka has always strived to make small improvements that genuinely enhance students’ everyday lives. Making student IDs accessible on students’ phones is a solid step in this direction, and we’re certainly not done yet. We’ll continue to push for small and large steps alike to make student life more comfortable, because Vaka simply works!
Kjartan Leifur Sigurðsson Board member
The battle for Vatnsmýri What everyone knew was confirmed when the University of Iceland defeated hr on the HÍ-hr day.
No Need To Start Decorating
Hannes Lúðvíksson Chief Editor of Glaðvakandi
People thought I had completely lost my mind when I said that the Christmas issue would be published in mid-November. But the reality is that this is the final teaching week, so it couldn’t come out much later. I imagine you are reading this paper at school when you should be studying for your Christmas exams, and hopefully, this issue adds some brightness to your day during these dark times. Icelanders have always been a great Christmas-loving nation, as Christ-
mas is the light in the dark winter. However, there’s no need to start hanging up Christmas decorations in October.
I’m an Election Addict
When I started writing this Christmas issue that was supposed to come out in mid-November, I had no idea that elections on November 30th would pop up like a steroid-fueled Santa and upend all plans. It shifted from having nothing to do to everyone wanting to take up my time with various election madness, and all my free time has gone into binge-watching election-related content. Not that I’m complaining—I’m simply an election addict and always ready for the election game. This
election addiction has grown in me since I first participated in Vaka’s campaign two or three years ago. In recent years, I’ve become a big Halloween enthusiast. It breaks up the seasons and delays the Icelandic Christmas mania. It brings me joy every year to see this celebration getting bigger and bigger. Families go house to house while we young people dress up over the weekend (and preferably the weekend before as well) and then again on the day itself, making fools of ourselves in the town streets.
Happy Consumption Festival
Thanksgiving is another holiday we could adopt from the United
States. What does it have to do with Iceland? It fits perfectly between Halloween and Christmas, providing an opportunity to host the big family gathering four weeks earlier and easing the Christmas stress. We already have “Black Friday” and all that madness. I also need an excuse to cook turkey and am in a constant battle to have it for Christmas dinner.
But let’s not get lost in vanity, so I say: Happy Consumption Festival! Now you can finally splurge on expensive gifts that no one asked for, eat your body weight in smoked meat, and decorate your house with trinkets from China. I know this warms your hearts.
Glaðvakandi’s New Horoscope
ARIES
March 21st - April 19th
Remember, sometimes the idea of something is much better than the reality. You’ll have to hide it when you’re disappointed with your Christmas gift and you can’t show everyone how ungrateful you are. That’s not the Christmas spirit. You’ll get more gifts, and they’ll be fine, but remember it’s the thought that counts, and it’s better to give than receive. Don’t forget your competitiveness when playing games with the family, but try not to brag about getting every answer right.
TAURUS
April 20th - May 20th
Try to stay calm and don’t start arguing with the whole family on Christmas Eve, just eat your Christmas dinner and wait to open the presents. Then, of course, you’ll pretend you’re too full to help the family clean up, just sit by the tree, shake a few presents, and try to guess what’s inside each one. You’ll plan your Christmas shopping well and won’t end up broke! Or will you?
GEMINI
May 21st - June 20th
Oof… Christmas can be a bit of a tough time. Family gatherings are lovely, but they’re also exhausting. Distant relatives you don’t care to interact with will suddenly become a big part of your life, but you don’t have to put up with it. Family isn’t just blood, it’s the people who stand by you when things get tough. Keep those people close over the holidays - they care more about you than you think.
CANCER
June 21st - July 22nd
Alright, dear Cancer. You don’t always have to act like you’re starring in a sad music video while watching the melting snow slide down the car window. Try to see the positive things in life - Christmas is around the corner, and it’s the time of light and peace. Remember to take care of yourself during the holidays, and don’t take it upon yourself to fix all the problems of everyone who surrounds you.
LEO July 23rd - August 22nd
Don’t even try to compete with Santa for attention at the annual Christmas party—that’s his moment, try to control yourself. We’re not here to admire you. Spend the Christmas break reconnecting with your inner child, go sledding, make snow angels, then run home for hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. But make sure to remember, no one wants to do a TikTok dance with you at family gatherings, so just sit back and enjoy some delicious Christmas beverages.
VIRGO
August 23rd - 22nd September
Christmas can be a stressful time, but don’t forget to relax and enjoy. Sit on the couch, grab a cookie, and let others handle the stress. You don’t always have to be in the role of a project manager. Please don’t ruin Christmas Eve for the family and don’t start an argument just because the hairdryer is still plugged in and sitting on the bathroom counter. No one cares.
LIBRA
Sept. 23rd - October 22nd
You love being a people-pleaser, but for the love of Christmas, don’t settle for having Christmas ham for dinner just because your whole family wants it when you’re dying for turkey with all the trimmings. Put your phone on “do not disturb,” pop Home Alone on the TV, eat some cookies, and relax. Just please make sure not to forget to study for your finals, even though there’s drama with your friends that you think you need to solve—because spoiler alert: you don’t have to.
SCORPIO
Oct. 24th - November 21st
Try not to let it bring you down when your relatives ask you at family gatherings why you’re still single. Don’t blame everyone else, sometimes you’re part of the problem. Mercury is always in retrograde or something, so it’s time to live in the moment and look inward. It would be a good idea, dear Scorpio, to ask for scented candles, yoga classes, and healing crystals as Christmas gifts - new year, new you.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22nd - December 21st
Spend your arrows on finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, not on people on Smitten - you can get attention elsewhere, right? You’re not a Sagittarius for nothing, use your strength at Þjóbó during exam season unless you want to fail and spend the entire Christmas break studying. Don’t forget about yourself in all the gift-giving, give yourself a present too <3
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22nd - January 19th
Even though you see yourself as the brightest goat, you’ll have to share that title with the Christmas goat in IKEA - at least until it’s burned, because then it will be much brighter than you. You and the Christmas goat have more in common than you think. It seems like everyone wants to set you on fire, but you always rise again, no matter what. Use the holiday break to look back and think about how you could have won that argument if you’d just come up with a better comeback.°
AQUARIUS
January 20th - February 18th
Now you might regret spending so much money at Háma and on sweet treats in the vending machine in Oddi between classes <3 but hey, it’s all good because you can give your loved ones quality time as a gift, win-win. Don’t start planning next semester until it actually begins. Allow yourself to enjoy the holiday break. P.S. Book that therapy session for January now, and slay through New Year’s as usual.
PISCES
February 19th - March 20th
If you’re going to cry over the break, you can at least hide behind the Christmas tree—no one will see you there. But it’s ok to cry, this semester has been tough, but you got through it as you always do—after all, you always overcome the current. Don’t spend too much time dreaming of the perfect Christmas you had as a child, Christmas Eve will be here before you know it, and you still need to buy presents for everyone.
The Student Council Is Awake!
Ragnheiður Geirsdóttir Student Council Rep. of Social Sciences
Before I joined Vaka, I had no idea about the complex system that makes up our university and the operations surrounding it. Within the student council alone, there are countless committees focusing on various issues and causes that affect students to varying degrees day-to-day, all of which are important. Behind the scenes, a lot of effort goes into each matter and detail. Even something as ordinary as vending machines requires work and dedication, as in a cash-strapped university, few things are guaranteed. From the beginning, the student council has protected students’ interests, and this year is no exception. The first semester of the school year is soon ending, and the student council, led by Vaka, has achieved a lot. With new people and a fresh coalition come significant changes in management and procedures.
Oktoberfest profits greatly and the festival has never been more ecofriendly
The school year began with a bang. Right from the start, there was a buzz around Octoberfest as an old contract with the event operator was terminated, leading to major changes in the operation and outcome of the festival, which exceeded expectations. Vaka members are extremely proud of themselves and their team. The festival was highly profitable, and the student council will use these funds to further enhance its advocacy efforts. It is also worth mentioning that the festival has never been more environmentally friendly, with the water protection area in Vatnsmýri left untouched. Additionally, students were very pleased with the week leading up to Octoberfest, which was packed with
fun activities like the UI-Reykjavik University day, to name one.
Vaka benefits the wallet Modern times have arrived, and University of Iceland student IDs have gone digital. On top of that, students get various discounts with their digital student ID—every penny counts, and it seems that most people are very happy with this arrangement.
On a related note, one of our first tasks was to meet with the Minister of Higher Education regarding the Student Loan Fund. The outcome of the meeting was a 35% increase in the income exemption for loan recipients, a big step in the right direction for students on student loans.
To complicate things a bit: At student council meetings, proposals are submitted by both coalitions, and so far, Vaka has successfully passed nine proposals. Among these are proposals for heated bus shelters, food trucks during exam season, and for the student council to express support for Hámu to sell nicotine pouches, among others. These matters are now all on the student council’s agenda. The chairman of Vaka also submitted a proposal to change Hámu’s operations, whereby FS and SHÍ would optimize operations to lower food prices for students. This trial is ongoing and in continuous development.
“The future is bright, the future is yellow”
Þú færð jólapakkann hjá okkur
Last but not least, we Vaka members are extremely proud of the organization’s growth. Interest in Vaka has skyrocketed, and we are incredibly grateful for our great new members.
The school year is only halfway through, and there’s much to look forward to. The SHÍ annual ball will be revived with style, the student newspaper is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and of course, we’ll continue fighting for student interests. The future is bright, the future is yellow.
Þú færð jólabókina og fallega gjafavöru í jólapakkann hjá okkur.
Opið mánudaga–föstudaga 9–17 og allan sólarhringinn í vefverslun okkar, boksala.is.
Sæmundargata 4, Háskólatorgi, 102 Reykjavík Alltafhei á könnunni
Kubbur 3, stærð 190x49,6 mm = 1 stk Bóksölu stúdenta og ka húsið. könnunni á ka húsinu. Kíktu í jólaka og notalega stemningu.
New Vaka Board Members
This year, there are four newcomers on the Vaka board. The group includes two girls and two boys, and the word on the street is that they are the real-life Ninja Turtles - or perhaps the reincarnated ABBA band. Jón Gnarr, Andrea Ösp Hanssen, Ástrós Birta Birgisdóttir, and Gunnar Snær Mogensen are all excited about their roles in Vaka, much like children eagerly awaiting what they’ll find in their Christmas stockings. They’re similar yet so different, each bringing unique ideas to the table regarding student interests. They know what works, they believe in Vaka, and they are ready to come, see, and conquer.
The Hangover from Röntgen: The Worst Christmas Gift Ever
The business student and sprezzatura man (as he describes himself), Jón Gnarr Jr., wants to turn words into action, which is why he chose Vaka. You can usually find this guy at Háskólatorg with a Caesar salad from Háma or in the comfy leather chairs in Lögberg. It seems that business studies are getting to him because, for Christmas, he plans to ask Santa for finer clothes, like a coat or maybe even a tie. All up and coming finance bros start somewhere.
Jón is excited about his new role, especially the upcoming elections, as he’s looking forward to cold-calling people he barely knows. As a
Vaka board member, his goal is to improve the financial situation of all students, however that may be achieved.
One of the best Christmas gifts Jón has ever received was a PlayStation from his parents or a watch from his girlfriend. The worst was definitely the hangover Röntgen gave him on Christmas Eve morning—ouch.
My Brightest Wish Is to… “Fix The Damn Internet” Ástrós Birta Birgisdóttir, a future business graduate and one of Vaka’s four newcomers, was asked why she chose Vaka. She said that the Vaka people got down on their knees and practically begged her to join this fantastic association. She helped them up and assured them not to worry - she didn’t need to think twice about it.
Her main issue, as she puts it, is to “fix the damn internet,” with students at the University of Iceland chanting “hear, hear” in unison. Ástrós is excited about the projects that come with being on the Vaka board, especially the election campaign in the spring. If Ástrós were a building at the university, she would be Gróska, as she’s a big winner in life, having recently achieved significant success in some presidential elections.., which was good preparation for the upcoming university elections.
The best Christmas gift Ástrós has received was a trip to Dubai, while the worst was a first aid kit -
clearly, she’s an expert in first aid and doesn’t need any help with that. It would be hard to top the Dubai trip, but this year, she’s asking Santa for candles and cards. You can’t find a humbler wish.
“Vibes, Politics, and Beer— What More Do You Need? Also, I Heard Vaka Works” Political science student and soon to be member of parliament (just kidding; political science students hate to hear that), Andrea Ösp Hanssen, is one of Vaka’s new representatives. “Vibes, politics, and beer - what more do you need? I also heard that Vaka works, which sounded nice,” Andrea said when asked why she chose Vaka. Asked what she’s most excited about, she admits she craves attention and looks forward to the attention she’ll get, especially during the election campaign.
“If I were a building at the university, I’d be Oddi. It’s not exactly the main character, but still big and loud,” Andrea remarked.
For Christmas, she’s asking Santa for a Tesla, though whether it will fit in her stocking is another matter. The best gift Andrea has received is a pair of noise-canceling headphones, as she likes being able to block out what she doesn’t want to hear. The worst gift she’s received was a pair of frog legs for swimming; “you wouldn’t catch me dead swimming in those, and they didn’t even fit.”
Christmas is all about joy, and Andrea claims she’s always right, so you
probably wouldn’t want to get in her way. Like Ástrós, she’s determined to fight for a better internet connection at the university, as she’s tired of losing her temper daily when her computer won’t connect, she says.
Not Much Tops The Christmas Gifts From Childhood
Gunnar Snær Mogensen, an economics freshman, says he joined Vaka simply because all the major university legends are part of the group, and I have to agree with him. If he were a UI building, he would be the main building, naturally—he’s an economics major, after all, and econ students can have quite an ego from time to time. If he had to describe himself in one word, he’d say “forgetful,” as it took him 7-10 business days to respond to the journalist’s questions.
The best Christmas gifts he’s received are undoubtedly all the childhood presents, but his worst was when he got a soft package for the first time, only to find socks inside. However, this year, he’d be thrilled to receive socks from Santa, given that he’s studying economics and doesn’t want to ask for anything too expensive—he’s quite modest.
Asked what he’d change about the University of Iceland, he said he doesn’t have many complaints, though the internet connection has given him some trouble and is, like for many others, one of his main causes.
Drífa Lýðsdóttir
New member of the Editorial Board
Andrea Ösp Hanssen Ástrós Birta Birgisdóttir Gunnar Snær Mogensen
Jón Gnarr
Wishlist of Vaka Members
The Entrance Exam for Vaka
Members Take Public
Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Member of Vaka?
For the first time, Vaka is publishing the entrance exams that new members must undergo. With exam season approaching and everyone getting into exam mode, Glaðvakandi has decided to reveal the entrance exams that new Vaka members take. After all, Vaka is home to some of the most talented people at the university. The exams are tailored to each field. Here are the main subjects:
Engineering
A powerful rifle, taken apart, has been placed on the table in front of you. You will also find instructions printed in Swahili. In ten minutes, a hungry Bengal tiger will be released
Based on your knowledge of their works, evaluate the emotional balance, degree of adaptability, and suppressed disappointment of the Vaka Makes the Entrance Exam
into the room. Do whatever you deem necessary. Be prepared to justify your decision.
Economics
Devise a realistic plan to reduce the budget deficit. Outline the potential impacts of your plan using the following: Cubism, the Donatist controversy, and the wave theory of light. Create a method to prevent these changes. Critique this method from all possible perspectives.
Psychology
following: Alexander of Aphrodisias, Ramses II, Hammurabi. Support your assessment with quotes from their works, making appropriate references. Translation is not necessary.
Sociology
Conduct an assessment of the sociological problems that might arise from the end of the world. Create an experiment to validate your theory.
Medicine
You have been provided with a razor blade, a small piece of gauze, and a bottle of homemade spirits. Remove your own appendix. Do not stitch up until your work has been inspected. You have fifteen minutes.
Linguistics
Take a position for or against the truth. Prove your decision is valid.
History
Describe the history of the papacy from its origins to the present day, focusing particularly, but not exclusively, on its social, political, economic, religious, and philosophical impact on Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Be concise, precise, and thorough.
Political Science
There’s a red phone on your desk. Start World War III. Finally, explain the constitutional implications, if any.
What to Do During The Break
Food trucks during exam period
Portable steam bath
Not having to work while studying
Lucky wheel in the stúdentakjallari
Bigger majority of Vaka in the student council
Free coffee in all the buildings No parking fees #vivalavaka
Affordable Christmas Gifts
GOOD AND STYLISH SLIPPERS
One of the worst situations is having cold feet, which tends to happen a lot in Iceland. It’s always nice to have warm, cozy slippers. No need to spend 30,000 ISK on UGGs when there are stylish slippers available for a lower price.
A PACK OF THEIR FAVORITE BEER OR OTHER ALCOHOLIC DRINK
Many of us know the feeling of getting a Christmas gift that, while we appreciate it, isn’t quite what we wanted. Here’s a safe gift option: a pack of someone’s favorite beer, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. As a benchmark, 12 Gull Lite beers cost 4,188 ISK. A gift, not a fee.
AN ALARM CLOCK
Christmas time is here, and routines have gone out the window. Before school starts again after New Year’s, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of waking up, ideally before noon. Everyone can benefit from a good, reliable alarm clock, available at appliance stores for around 5,000 ISK.
A FUNNY COFFEE MUG
Most of us drink coffee, a beverage that flows through students’ veins like blood. A funny mug with an image or message is always great to have. For 4,188 ISK, you can design a custom coffee mug with anything you can think of. For the more advanced, you can even design a shot glass for 3,000 ISK. The question is, would you rather have a coffee mug or a pack of Lite?
A GIFT CARD
It’s four days until Christmas, you’re still recovering from a festive and well-deserved post-exam party, and you haven’t bought a single gift. Things look bleak, but fear noteveryone loves to save money. A gift card is a great option, with endless possibilities to choose from. If all else fails, you probably have a dusty gift card somewhere in your drawer you can just regift, just make sure it hasn’t expired.
COLD HARD CASH
Does anyone need more than that?
STYLISH THRIFTED CLOTHING
Don’t end up on the Yule Cat’s bad side. Save your loved ones from that fate by thrifting a stylish piece of clothing that matches their style so this won’t be their last Christmas. There are plenty of second-hand stores across the country with a wide selection and quality finds in hidden corners.
A PERSONALIZED VIDEO FROM A CELEBRITY
Most people have a favorite celebrity, and a personal video message from them would make a great gift, whether they’re Icelandic or international. The more famous they are, the pricier it tends to be, but you can make the most of your money by having the celebrity mention all the people you still have to buy a gift for. If no one replies in time, Vaka’s mascot Kjartan Leifur is available for personal videos for just one large cold beer - what a deal!
THE INFAMOUS SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR
A classic can’t be repeated enough; socks and underwear are essentials. Everyone can use them, and it’s good to have plenty, as holes tend to appear frequently in both. Need more justification?
HOMEMADE GIFTS
Whether it’s a knitted scarf, homemade gingerbread cookies, or a poetry book written by an aspiring poet, you’ll always get bonus points for making the gift yourself. Even if it’s done in a rush or lacks worldclass artistry, it’s always a “get out of jail free” card to avoid disappointing the recipient.
Nursing Students Burning Out
Viktoría Tea Vökudóttir Secretary of Vaka
In the third year of nursing studies, the spring semester is dedicated to clinical placements in various healthcare institutions. This adds up to a total of fifteen weeks of practical training, or seventeen weeks if we include the weeks when students get breaks from their placements during the semester. The purpose of this is to deepen students’ understanding of the profession, what it entails, and to give them hands-on experience in nursing and the clinical environment, which can only be gained on the job.
The shortage of staff in the healthcare system has become so severe, as most people know, that students in placements are often used as free labor for the institution they’re assigned to. Students take on increased responsibility and all that comes with it, and to make matters worse, this practical training is unpaid—at least for nursing students. This means that students work from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which is
considered normal, but many then head to evening shifts at their actual jobs that same day. This means some students face sixteen-hour workdays, with only half of that time being paid. Isn’t there something wrong with that?
We Can’t Afford A Shortage of Nursing Students
This pressure is only resulting in nursing students burning out—and fast. We are exhausted and drained during these weeks, but the workload doesn’t stop there. We are still full-time students during these weeks and are expected to keep up with assignments alongside everything else. This doesn’t leave much time in the day for ourselves or for leisure, as many of us have to report back to the hospital, or wherever we are, at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. This is a serious issue for many nursing students and, hopefully, something that can be addressed in the coming years. As a nation, we can’t afford for nursing or other healthcare-related studies to lose appeal, as these are essential professions.
On a lighter note, I’d like to thank our dear Vaka for keeping Háma in Eirberg alive. <3
Why Vaka?
be part of this ambitious project.
Why Vaka? It was a delightful Tuesday morning when I came across an ad on Instagram: Vaka was looking for a leader in VoN. I thought to myself, “Here’s a chance to do something big, or at least gain more Instagram followers.” After serving as president of the Nails, working with the VoN board to improve study facilities in VR-II, and offering students cheaper energy drinks, I knew it was time to take the next step. Providing students with cheaper energy drinks was great, but what about offering them a better future?
Optimism and Vigor
I decided to attend a meeting with Vaka representatives at the Student Cellar. There, I met Arent, Sibba, Júlíus, Dósi, Hannes, and others who seemed to have endless energy, despite surely being on their fifteenth beer. Their passion was contagious. They talked about their vision for student issues and what they aimed to achieve if Vaka gained a majority, with such enthusiasm that I knew right away I wanted to
They invited me to visit the campaign headquarters on Hverfisgata. There, I met the rest of the incredible people in Vaka. It was like stepping into the Avengers circle, except here, the superpowers were organizational skills and the ability to find solutions to any problem. Their optimism and energy were something I couldn’t help but admire.
The drive within Vaka members is evident in their actions and accomplishments in the student council. Octoberfest has never gone better. For the first time, waste was sorted, and the festival was no longer solely powered by diesel generators but connected to Reykjavík’s electrical grid. To enhance safety, additional security was arranged following a string of stabbings that shook the city. The festival took place on a gravel lot instead of grassy fields, meaning less mud and more dancing. And after all that? Tens of millions of krónur in surplus!
Not only that, but the student council has, for the first time, implemented an environmental policy. Yes, you read that right. While the student council in recent years has actively engaged in discussions about environmental issues, it has never established an environmental policy. This year, the student coun-
cil’s campaign is also tied to environmental issues. The campaign, “Students Clean Up,” has the potential not only to change environmental practices at the University of Iceland but also in Icelandic workplaces. Who knows? The next big revolution in Iceland might be a “greener workforce,” thanks to students.
Unites Different People
So, why did I choose Vaka? Because Vaka is not just a student
movement; it’s a force of change. A force that brings together people with different backgrounds, ideas, and skills to create something extraordinary. It’s not every day you get the chance to be part of something like that. So if you’re wondering whether you should get involved, remember that big changes often start with small steps. And sometimes, the first step is simply clicking on an Instagram ad.
Jóhann Almar Sigurðsson International Representative of Vaka
Vaka in the name of science!
The Motto of the University of Iceland has always been “Science strengthens all virtue,” which suits us at Vaka well, as we are dedicated to working hard in the name of science. So, naturally, when it came time to release this publication, we decided to conduct a scientific field study and record the results. Despite the fact that Vaka members are, by and large, scientifically-minded people, many of us also enjoy a good drink. So, it was only fitting that Vaka’s scientific field study this time would focus on finding out which lucky wheel in downtown Reykjavik is the most generous. A large group of Vaka members set out to try their luck on the town’s top wheels and recorded the results. We visited five places and spun each wheel three times; below is our Top 5 list.
1. The English pub
The oldest and most respected in the business. The British bar, as the author prefers to call it. After trudging through Austurstræti, there’s nothing better than stepping
into the warm embrace of the British bar’s wheel. Over the years, it’s been especially generous, and this time was no exception. After three spins, we hit the so-called grand prize once, winning eight beers—a cause for major celebration. The other two spins were also solid, netting us three beers each. A night out isn’t complete without visiting the oldest and most respected, the British Bar.
2. Lebowski bar
We, the Vaka crew, were excited to come here, especially since The Big Lebowski is a favorite movie among us. After this night, the bar itself might just be a new favorite, too. This was the last place we spun the wheel that night, so the stakes were high—we simply couldn’t end the night on a bad note. And we certainly didn’t. The first spin yielded a whopping six beers— never wake me up! The next spin gave us three beers, keeping the party going. Then came the last spin—a make-or-break moment. The tension was thick as the bartender spun the wheel, and cheers erupted as it landed on four shots. What a way to end the night!
3. Carnival
This one might seem unfamiliar to readers—what is Carnival, anyway? Not everyone knows, but this wheel
is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Carnival is in the basement of the well-known Paloma club, and according to our experts, it’s one of the best wheels in town. We simply had to give it a go. We started with a bang, winning six Somersby ciders— not exactly beer, but undeniably a solid prize. The prizes here are a bit unusual and different from what you’d find elsewhere. The second spin got us a drink called “Skinny Bitch,” and the third spin yielded two more of those. After the spins, two happy Vaka members took to the karaoke stage to belt out an Oasis song. We’ll call that a win.
4. Irishman Pub
One of the many Irish pubs in downtown, and probably my personal favorite. We walked in with hope in our hearts, determined to win—and to win big. It certainly didn’t start out as a victory march; the first spin came and went with no prize, and I’ll admit, I shed a tear. But things soon began to look up. The second spin won us four beers, and the third, two shots. An acceptable outcome, though there’s always room for improvement.
5. American Bar
There’s a strange relationship between the American Bar and the
British Bar—I’ve always thought of the American Bar as the “evil twin” in this relationship. You could say I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it. We walked in with high hopes after our winning streak at the British Bar. While the Vaka squad was feeling optimistic, I had a gut feeling that disaster was looming, as this wheel has often been fickle. My fears were confirmed—three spins, and no prizes. This is what I call a scam and intend to seek justice!
Behind The Scenes
To see what happened behind the scenes during the scientific field study, scan the QR-code below!
Kjartan Leifur Sigurðsson Board Member
Doppelgängers of Vaka
Winter Edition of Glaðvakandi
Publisher:
Vaka, félag lýðræðissinnaðra stúdenta
Chief Editor: Hannes Lúðvíksson
Editorial Board: Dagur Kárason, Drífa Lýðsdóttir, Elín Karlsdóttir, Fannar Gíslason, Kjartan Leifur Sigurðsson, Tinna Eyvindardóttir og Signý Pála Pálsdóttir
Supervision:
Sæþór Már Hinriksson
Design and Layout: Eva Sóldís Bragadóttir
Printing: Landsprent
Copies: 1000
Júlíus Viggó Alfred E. Neuman
Sibba Hera Hilmars
Ragga Rizz Sydney Sweeney
K Leifur Barney Gumble
Viktoría Tea Mikayla Noguera
Eiki Kúld
Bill Hader
Arent Joe Keery
Tinna Ey Karla Souza
Birkir Snær
Bruce Lee
BESTA HEILSURÆKTIN 4 ÁR Í RÖÐ
skv. Maskínu
Hreyfing.is
Hefur þú trú á framtíðinni?
Við segjum já!
MINNI ÖFGAR MEIRI FRAMSÓKN
Ranking Christmas Movies
The Top 5 Best Movies
3. The Holiday Sometimes things don’t always work out but know your worth! 10/10.
4. Home
2 What can i say. Almost as good as the first one and this one takes place in the big apple!
The Top 5 Worst Movies
An incredibly beautiful film about going your own way and giving it your all 1. It 2
Not good, expected more from them. Also, not a very festive movie??
5. Love Actually No explanation needed...
My god.
3.
4.
Home 2 Never again.
5.
3 Why?
This may not be the movie we wanted, but this is the movie we deserved. -5/10.
1. Home Alone Nostalgia at its peak and great action scenes, a classic.
2. Klaus
2. Princess Switch 2
Daddy’s
Home Alone
Holidate
Alone
Advice For The Final Exams
Fannar Gíslason Board Member
Concerta
Concerta can work for people who have difficulty concentrating. The drug primarily affects the central nervous system by increasing attention, concentration, and self-confidence while reducing feelings of fatigue. However, don’t take too large a dose (54mg), or you’ll end up not sleeping for 48 hours like I did before my Computer Science 2 exam back in the day. Wouldn’t recommend it.
Use an Old Nokia or Sony Ericsson Phone
It can be tempting to grab some cheap dopamine on Snapchat or Instagram when the final exams are upon us. It might be a good idea to get a phone that has nothing but a phonebook and maybe the video game Snake on it. This way,
you eliminate all the apps that steal valuable time but can still receive calls and texts. This tip has served me well over the years, and you’ll probably see me with a Nokia phone during the upcoming exams. Less phone time, more study time.
Bring
your own lunch
Most people know that Háma can be a bit pricey. Buying there day after day can take a hefty bite out of your bank account. It might be wise to pack a lunch for the day. If you’re short on time, you can always ask someone close to you to make it for you. If that’s not possible, the worst case scenario is just eating from the organic waste bin.
Exercise in Some Way
Finals can cause stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s good to exercise when time allows. Regular physical activity improves mood, provides increased energy, strengthens memory, and enhances sleep. All of this is important to achieve the best possible results in the upcoming exam period.
It doesn’t have to be more than just a brisk walk!
Start smoking
Smoking might kill you, but studies have shown that it also increases concentration and short-term memory. Nicotine also suppresses your appetite, so you can smoke a few cigarettes a day and then eat just one apple throughout the day, and you’re good. Long-term use will have negative effects though, and it’s only cool to smoke during the finals! (Unless your name is Júlíus Viggó and you’re the leader of Vaka. Then it’s always cool to smoke)
Take Advantage of Exam Camps if They’re Available
Have you ever been at that point when finals are approaching, and you think to yourself, “I’m so cooked”? Then it might be good to attend exam camps, where the material is hammered into your cerebral hemispheres in no time. This has saved me before, and it can save you too! Pro tip: If the camps are online,
it’s clever to buy one streaming access, group up with your fellow students, watch, and learn. Just don’t go blabbing about this because it’s a secret.
Drop Out Fifteen Minutes Before the Exam
An unpopular tip but still valid. If you can’t handle the pressure, you can always give up, you fucking loser. Haha! You’ll probably hate yourself afterward, but hey, it’s a free country!
Blackmail Your Teacher
If it so happens that you have compromising photos of your teacher, you can always blackmail them. Just ask for a 10 in the final grade; otherwise, the photos will be released! Easy! (You might get sued, but that’s your responsibility)
Lock in
The last piece of advice I have is simply to “lock the fuck in!” No messing around, just pull yourself together!
Which Vaka Member Are You?
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK WHILE CLUBBING?
A. Vodka Red
B. Guinness
C. Gin & Tonic
D. Cider
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO CLUB OR BAR?
A. Auto (yeah)
B. American Bar
C. Hax
D. Röntgen
GO-TO KARAOKE SONG?
A. Take On Me (A-ha)
B. Show Up Yourself (Frozen)
C. Upp til hópa (Icelandic)
D. I’m Just Ken
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
A. American Psycho
B. Barbie
C. Apocolypse Now
D. La La Land
WHICH TEAM DO YOU SUPPORT IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
A. Man Utd.
B. Liverpool
C. Arsenal
D. Chelsea
YOUR FAVORITE NOCCO?
A. Ramonade
B. Berruba
C. Sveinki Jr.
D. San Citro
WHAT TYPE OF MEAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
A. Chicken
B. Beef
C. Lamb
D. I don’t eat meat
Most A: Mikael
Most B: Fannar Gísla
Most C: Alda
Most D: Andrea