Letters
September 5 2005
Page 13
letters@gairrhydd.com
The gair rhydd letters page Hey freshers, welcome to the Letters Page. Well done for getting this far in the paper. I don’t blame you for flicking through the rest as most of the entertainment is found this page. The Letters Page is where you can air your opinions on the things happening all around you in student land, to the entire student population. Feel free to talk about anything that’s bugging you about student life. The toaster might be broken, your flatmate might not be pulling their weight with the washing up, or you’re just missing the comfy sofa at home. Whatever it is, write or text in anything of interest or importance to anyone. Have fun and don’t drink yourselves silly before lectures begin. Menon x.
I Blame Students I AM WRITING in response to your articles in the final gair rhydd of last semester. The article which focused on the apparent lack of security, specifically at Cardiff University Hall where I am currently a student warden placed the blame for security lapses averywhere except on the residents of those halls, the students themselves. Although I agree whole-heartedly about the security problems that you encountered during your visit to this halls of residence, I feel that these problems must be clarified by someone who has to encounter, report, and deal with them nearly every day. The reason why anyone can walk off the street and wonder around University Hall is not because there are no security measures in place, but is because these measures are ignored and abused by the same people that they were put in to place to protect. When I am on duty at University Hall I spend the vast majority of my time wandering around the site taking flat doors off the latch and closing ground floor windows that certain students leave open with valuable electronic equipment clearly on display. In fact I regularly get abused, get moaned at and called a busy-body for walking around site checking that doors are locked. In your report you highlighted that locks were broken. I think one has to ask how and why the locks
were broken. I have witnessed and subsequently fined students who have abused and broken locks when drunk. These are not the only acts of vandalism that regularly occur. I believe that the similar abuse of fire extinguishing equipment in halls is of great worry. I have witnessed students removing and discharging fire extinguishers, indeed one kind person thought that it would be hilarious to discharge one into my face. The removal of fire fighting equipment is not only highly dangerous, selfish and idiotic but is a criminal offence, a point that is written above all extinguishers at University Hall, yet this is still a frequent problem, at this hall at least. The previous example should (I hope) illustrate that some students who reside at University act in a very wreckless and selfish manner that affects many other students safety, security and well-being. To my knowledge there have been two burglaries in the Birchwood block at University Hall. Both of these incidents would not have occurred if the students who were involved had locked their doors and (in one of the incidents closed windows) when they left their rooms. I heard first hand the excuses why both students failed to lock and secure their rooms. Both students only left their room for a moment, as you quoted, 'to go to the toilet,' yet this illustrates their lack of awareness and vigilance. I feel that it is unfair to state that
Cardiff University security is flawed in any way. I know that all of the Campus Patrol Officers dillegently carry out their duties and regularily patrol residence and Campus sites. I hope that my insight into the problems at University Hall has made it clear that to improve student security and safety, students will have to become more responsible, less selfish and more aware of how their actions may affect others around them (Shock Horror). There are only so many fines and advice that one can give out. In your report why photograph someone leaning into a students window? Is it securities fault for not closing a students window. You also quote 'I have to lock my door even when I leave my room for 4-5 minutes.' Why not leave it open and let someone walk in an steal your posessions then? The majority of burgulars are opportunistic, students need to be aware of this and not think that just because security is on site that there will be no burgularies. What next, maybe ask security to wipe your arse? There is a need for students to stop acting like immature school children and actually become the adults that they are supposed to be. Indeed, how many of them gain places into Higher Education I shall never know. Disgruntled University Hall student warden.
Here we go again So, freshers week is finally upon us, again. As a soon to be doomed third year student I felt compelled to write in and urge every freshman student to please, please, please take full advantage of this most precious of times. My own freshmen year passed so fast that it hardly seemed fair. No sooner had I moved into halls than I was out of them again, into the semi real world. Although my housemates and I swore every year would be just like re-visiting our first, it has never been quite the same since our initial
letter of the week AS THE recent events in London have proved, we as a citizens of this country are living in unique times, times of uncertainty for all. However, one thing that is certain is that Islam, a way of life for the 2 million Muslims in the UK, cannot be labelled the cause in the killing of innocent people. History has shown that religion is often the card played in the persecution and oppression of innocent nations and people and unfortunately modern times have not proved to be different. The religious and ethnic communities of the UK enjoy civil freedoms that allow them to freely practise their religion or culture in the absence of political or social restraints despite the stigma that may be attached. This freedom upon which progressive and successful societies are built, and what Islam is founded on, is not merely a luxury but an essential human right. Cardiff is itself home to one of the
oldest Muslim migrant populations and the fruits of the first and second generations have now started to show and such individuals are now activley contributing to British society. Students around campus are an even more heterogeneous demographic. In the future, as these individuals move to take their respective positions in society, we hope that the tolerance and understanding, which is exemplary on campus, can be employed to highlight the many benefits of a truly global community and be the basis for solving conflicts and confrontations. Issues such as racism, intolerance and injustice are not new concepts and are often embedded in feelings of insecurity and ignorance. Is it right that one can label a section of society based on the actions of an unknown minority who do not act with the majority in both action and justification? Such groups are as foreign to wider society as they are to us and all other devout Muslims around the world.
We aim to provide the opportunity for people to learn more about Islam, and clarify any misconceptions they may have. We feel that our organisation is paramount in helping to end the cycle of hatred fuelled by ignorance. Events such as Islamic Awareness week can only further this process as well as aiding the spiritual needs of Muslims students. Cardiff University itself is moving into a new era with the opening of the new Centre for Islamic study in Britain this year. Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims are ordered to act justly and respect the sanctity of life, as is stated in the Holy Quran. We abhor the attacks of this July and call upon all to ensure that the safety of all students including our members is maintained. We express our deepest condolences to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. Cardiff University Islamic Society
baptism of Cardiff fire. I’ve never had so much to do in such a short time with so many new people, so to speak, and we all loved every second of it. Go out there and get involved, it really will be the shortest year of your life, don’t waste a second or you’ll regret it for longer than you think. My housemates and I will, once agin, be trying to get the same buzz as we did the first time around this year, however it seems unlikely we will succeed in our quest. Although our time may be, metaphorically, up. I will now feel a lot better as I gaze wistfully around Solus during the next few weeks playing the games that non freshers play. Freshers’ week? game on I say! Third year lads still searching for freshmen memories.
Housing sucks Has anyone else noticed how much more rubbish renting a student house is when compared to living in halls? There was a lot written about the Residences and Catering Department of the University last year, but it’s only just hit me what an amazing job they do. Having moved out of Talybont and into the student village that is Cathays, I can safely say that it sucks. Letting agents are all the same, money grabbing sharks. Blame it on the landlord, blame it on the student tennants, but woe betide talking any responsibility for anything on your shoulders. After turning up on the doorstep of said rented housing establishment on the 1st day of my intended summer tenancy, I was confronted with little more than a building site. Apparently no-one had thought to tell the builders that this job was a touch more ‘time sensitive’ than their other work due to my imminent arrival. With no water or gas or electricity or floor or windows, the statement ‘your house will be ready for you on the 1st’ seemed to be a little far off the mark. The thrust of my moan is this,
although the Residences division has a pretty difficult job pleasing fussy spoilt brat students, they do a damn fine job. Given the my time again i’d move straight back into halls, right now. Ensuite facilities you say? already furnished? warm and inviting? sign me up! Whilst things are slowly getting better with my new rented accomodation, which will be ready 2 months later than stated, it has been brought home with alarming speed just how different life outside halls can be. Although most students have a moan about some aspect of their alloted room space, it will be interesting to hear what they have to say when out in the big wide world in twelve months time. In conclusion, halls are ace, renting is not. Are there any spare flats knocking about in Talybont per-chance? Second year girls and boys who are now most definately taking less for granted.
Fancy a moan about student life? Well, where better than in Cardiff’s official student paper. Send you gripes to the email address below. It’s good to talk so let the student masses know what your thinking! We will endeavour to print anything that we think is worthwhile, but please remember that we do have space restrictions and some standards of decency. Please also note that the views expressed in these letters are not necesserily the views of Letters Desk or gair rhydd.
letters@gairrhydd.com If there are any corrections or clarifications we should be aware of, please let us know.
text: 07791 165 837 You can now send pictures to the gair rhydd. Same number and everything. Why does Pete have so many empty bottles of alcohol in his office? Bring on freshers’ week. Now i’m finally allowed back within 20 ft of Solus.
Mmmmmm Bisto. Whats the first aid proceedure for a jam tart in the eye? Hall of shame. Shamefully shame some of your firends. Moving house is weak. very weak, unless you’ve got a roof terrace!!
3am pay per view WWF Summer Slam scandle.
Cheeky cheeky cheeky Vimto.
Mmmmmm coffee.
Tidy.