ISSUE FIVE
E
FRE
THE MAGAZINE FOR INTERNATIONAL & EU STUDENTS
An English rose like no other MEET SONGSTRESS
DIANA VICKERS
Remember, remember the
5TH NOVEMBER BUT WHY?
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
VISIT BRITAIN’S TOP FILM LOCATIONS
Plus:
S’ WE E K FRESHER DO & WHAT TO OID! AV WHAT TO
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Editor’s Letter
Editor's letter
Welcome to Great Britain! Your new life starts here and GB Mag will be with you every step of the way.
Meet the team Editor Jessie Brown
Whether you need advice, a friend, fashion tips, recipes or a ticket to this year’s most coveted events, GB Mag is your one-stop-shop. You will find everything quintessentially British on our website greatbritishmag.co.uk as well as exclusive invites to events throughout the year. Join our community and share the GB Mag love!
Art director Nick O’Toole Contributing writers Rob Stares Elizabeth Khor Mary Oluwawo Radhika Popat Richard Jinman Advertising and sales Wahida Ashiq Circulation manager Sophie Dallison To advertise in the GB Mag or to receive the magazine at your university call 020 7935 9312 or email info@greatbritishmag.co.uk
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Jessie & the GB Mag team Copyright © 2013 by the GB Mag. This publication may not be transmitted in any form in whole or part without the prior permission of the GB Mag. While every effort is made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the GB Mag cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information here in or any consequences arising from it. The GB Mag holds no responsibility for prizes and giveaways offered by brands. If you have been made to pay for this publication please email us at info@greatbritishmag.co.uk
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Contents
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents
Fish & chips & vinegar
We meet pop star Diana Vickers
page 18
Find out why Brits love fish and chips, where to get the tasty dish and why it comes with a side of vinegar and mushy peas.
page 28
She is a singer, an actress and an all-round nice person. Find out how British babe Diana Vickers takes her tea as she talks to GB Mag about her new album – Music to Make The Boys Cry.
Get off to a flying start page 40
Past international students tell you their secrets and tips on dealing with Freshers’ Week.
10 ways to know you’re a student page 27
Got an empty fridge and an addiction to coffee? Yep, sounds like you’re a student.
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents
Graduate interview with Namita Sharma page 12
Indian expat Namita Sharma spent her childhood travelling the world. But after studying in Britain at the Cass Business School she just couldn’t leave. Now she has a budding business management career in the capital, London, and loves her new UK life. GB Mag chatted to Namita about her time as an international student, her job and why she loves the Brits.
A lesson in slang
Britain in film
page 15
The UK is one giant film set! You can visit some of the top film locations in Britain, where Harry Potter, Braveheart and even James Bond were shot.
Don’t get yourself in a kerfuffle! Use our slang guide to talk like the Brits.
talk the talk
page 34
Diary dates pages 6-7
Bonfire Night pages 24-26
10 Quirky facts about Britain pages 10-11
10 ways to beat homesickness pages 32-33
Shop ‘til you drop pages 16-17
Travel around the UK pages 37-39 5
6
OCTOBER
27/10/2013
Goodwood Revival
British Summertime (BST) Ends
DECEMBER
SEPT
13-15/9/2013
25/12/2013
Christmas Merry Christmas!
26/12/2013
Boxing Day 31/10/2013
Halloween
31/12/2013
Hogmanay & New Year’s Eve 5/11/2013
Guy Fawkes Night
11/11/2013
Remembrance Day (Remembrance Sunday)
30/11/2013
St. Andrew’s Day
JANUARY
NOVEMBER
DIARY DATES
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Diary dates
1/1/2014
New Year’s Day Have a wonderful new year!
MAY 14/2/2014
30/3/2014
Valentine’s Day
Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day)
1/3/2014
5/5/2013
May Day (Early May Bank Holiday)
18/4/2014
26/5/2014
Good Friday
Spring Bank Holiday
JUNE
St. David’s Day
APRIL
MARCH
FEBRUARY
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Diary dates
15/6/2014
Father’s Day
20/4/2014
4/3/2014
Easter Sunday & Monday
Shrove Tuesday 21/4/2014 5/3/2014
Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday
14/6/2014
Trooping the Colour
Ash Wednesday 17-21/6/2014
Royal Ascot Races
23/6/2014 17/3/2014
28/4/2014
St. Patrick’s Day
St. George’s Day
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
7
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10 b
zarre
i
facts about
B
ritain
You’ll soon discover the UK is a weird yet wonderful place. To demonstrate how quirky we Brits really are, Paul F Cockburn has listed some odd facts about the UK, like did you know it’s still legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient walls of York? That said; it’s only legal if he’s carrying a bow and arrow, oh and it’s not a Sunday!
Big Ben isn’t a clock!
Mr and Mrs Smith
Contrary to popular belief Big Ben isn’t actually a clock! Big Ben refers to the bell in the tower, and the tower itself is called Elizabeth’s Tower.
‘Smith’ remains the most common surname in the UK, and about one in 16 of them are called, with great originality, ‘John Smith’.
Braveheart in York!
War with Russia!
It’s still legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient city walls of York, but only if he’s carrying a bow and arrow – and it’s not a Sunday.
The border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed has flipped between being officially in England or Scotland so often that it was frequently referred to as a separate entity in State documents. So, at the start of the Crimean War in 1854, the British Government declared war on Russia on behalf of Britain, Ireland, Berwick-upon-Tweed and all British Dominions. However, the eventual peace treaty later signed in Paris didn’t include Berwick-uponTweed, meaning it was still at war with Russia! People were eventually able to sleep peacefully in their beds after a Soviet representative declared peace while officially visiting the town in 1966.
Tech savvy! The UK has several areas of computing, IT and new media companies in the style of ‘Silicon Valley’ in North California. These have been called ‘Silicon Glen’ (Central Scotland), ‘Silicon Fen’ (Cambridge) and ‘Silicon Beach’ (Brighton) – aren’t we Brits original!
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk 10 bizarre facts about Britain
BRUM!BRUM!
Golden oldies!
There are 30 towns around the world (and one crater on the Moon) named after the UK’s second biggest city, Birmingham.
Many of the most popular TV shows in Britain today were actually first broadcast in the 1960s and 1970s: Coronation Street (1960), Doctor Who (1963), and Match of the Day (1964), to name just three.
By invitation only! Despite being the person in charge of the UK, and many other countries in the past, the Queen is not actually allowed to enter the House of Commons because she’s not a member! The only time she can enter is when she’s been given an official invitation by members of the House of Commons.
From your Valentine It’s believed Queen Victoria loved Valentine’s Day cards! She was so fond of them that during her reign she sent out almost 2,500 cards. We wonder who the lucky guys were!
If you thought these facts were wacky, wait until you meet some Brits. We put vinegar on chips, we like to queue and we love tea… Why? Find out here greatbritishmag.co.uk/lifestyle/ask-a-brit
11
Maths was not in the equation for Namita A nomadic lifestyle saw Namita Sharma travel the world, but it wasn’t until she came to study in the UK that she truly found her passion in life.
Read her story‌
12
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Graduate interview
NAMITA Sharma is just 27 years old and is already an engineer, a business school graduate, an international citizen and - we can safely say a very nice person. GB Mag caught up with the Indian expat at her office at Cass Business School in London. She works in the Development and External Relations Office at Cass. That might sound like a mouthful but basically Namita works with a team responsible for fundraising for the business school and ensuring there is a future for students and alumni alike.
Baccalaureate) Higher Level Mathematics at the American School and was motivated to do well and improve my maths,” she said.
At this point you are probably wondering why an Indian girl is studying at an American school in Saudi Arabia. Namita spent a lot of her childhood as a nomad, often living in a country for three years and then moving on. Her father is a diplomat, a representative for India on the international stage. Because of this exciting job Namita and her family lived in Tanzania, Germany, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia all while she In fact Namita is herself an alumna was growing up. She learnt of the Cass Business School, many different languages coming over to study as an along the way including international student back The reputation Arabic and French and in 2008. of the school, course, the still has conversational “It was a dream come location in the City of London, knowledge of German true when I found out and of course is a the international atmosphere I was accepted to do a fluent English and and the fact that it is English Masters in Management,” Hindi speaker. she said of her speaking is what made me Her appreciation of acceptance letter. want to come here. many different cultures But a career in business definitely helps in her management is a new passion work at the business school. for Namita. It was not until she Namita secured her position after attended a British Council fair, and a successful internship. She started learnt about the possibilities of studying in the a three-month internship which was extended, UK, that business management became a goal. then extended again and eventually she was offered Namita had already completed an undergraduate a full time position. She was already known for study in engineering at the Maharishi Dayanand her student fundraising efforts and this helped her University in India. get the job, showing that extra-curricular activities are just as important to your future career as your “During my childhood, I was surrounded by people university course. who happened to be exceptionally gifted at maths. Maths on the other hand wasn’t my strongest But coming to study in London was Namita’s subject. The turning point was when I realised first visit to the UK and like many international I wanted to study engineering and that you can’t students new to the country she had a few social be one without the other. Whilst studying in Saudi and cultural misunderstandings. Arabia at high school, I took up IB (International
“
”
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Graduate interview
“The first time I went into [British supermarket] M&S and I paid for my groceries the person behind the counter asked me if I needed cash back. I thought it meant I got cash back for some of my groceries and didn’t have to pay for all of them,” she laughs. The person was actually asking Namita if she wanted to get cash out of her bank account. Many
“Things like saying please and thank you when you are at a restaurant, just appreciate the culture while you are here. As a student I got really involved in my course work and group work because I wanted to get pay back on every pound to make it really worth it. The people from my group assignments were my first friends and they are still my best friends, we are really close.”
There are many successful graduates and
entrepreneurial students in the UK. Such as film
producer Jesse Quinones, who just released his first
More online
feature film called Calloused Hands. Read his story here greatbritishmag.co.uk/lifestyle/first-class
British supermarkets offer a service that allows you to take money from your bank account while you pay for your shopping. This saves you time because you don’t have to go and visit a cash machine, which are often called a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ in Britain. These days London is a lot easier to understand for Namita and she loves it, especially the food. “You can get the best curry in London,” she said. “You can get a range of international foods including Thai curry, pasta, falafel, burritos and lots of other dishes.” You can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you will not lack for a good food in the UK. But Namita does suggest bringing your own national sweets because there is not a very large or delicious selection in the UK. “I would also suggest that all students should work part time because it helps you to learn and appreciate the culture,” she said.
14
These days Namita spends her time raising money for the business school through two main programmes. Through Legacy Giving she is working to see past graduates leave money to the school in their wills, through Class Gifts she motivates past and present classes to raise funds via fundraising events. All of the money gets pumped back into the business school and helps with scholarships and facilities to enhance the student experience. In five years’ time Namita said she hopes to have raised a considerable amount of money and move up the career ladder. But right now she is just enjoying her job and her life in the UK. “I expected Brits to be really open and friendly and when I arrived I found out that they were,” she said. “London is so cosmopolitan. When you get on the tube you not only hear people conversing in English, you hear Polish, Arabic, French, Hindi there are just so many cultures here. It is a great city.”
GreatBritishMag.co.uk British phrases
Can you talk the talk
?
You wouldn’t Adam and Eve how many different phrases there are in the UK. We’re not pulling your leg! Sally Beets takes you through some of GB Mag’s favourites - you’ll be well chuffed when you learn them all!
Adam and Eve
Cheerio
Cockney rhyming slang for believe. “You won't Adam and Eve what I just saw.”
A common way of saying goodbye.
Quid Minted
Common way of describing pounds.
This means rich. “I just got a pay-rise at work. I’m going to be minted now!”
Wee
See a man about a dog To excuse yourself without giving away where you’re going. “I’ve got to go and see a man about a dog.”
Wee is a Scottish word for small. If a Scottish person says they want a wee drink they want a whiskey. If an English person says they want a wee drink they’ve already had a few.
Fit/buff/peng/hot Kerfuffle A fuss or commotion. “What’s all the kerfuffle about? I’m only two hours late!”
All ways of saying someone is attractive. “He’s well fit.”
Muppet Tune Pronounced “choon!” Used to describe a great song when it first starts playing. “What a tune!”
If someone calls you a muppet in the UK they think you're an idiot. Sorry about that. “You’re a muppet mate.”
Hard cheese Aye People from the north say ‘aye’ instead of ‘yes’.
This means bad luck. “You won’t be able to go on holiday this year. Hard cheese!”
Skint Cheers Used when toasting a drink (clinking your glasses together) and also an informal way of saying thanks. “Cheers mate.”
You go to your bank, but you can't get any money out of the cash point. Why? You're skint. Translation: You have NO money.
15
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP! Are you a confessed shopaholic? Then the UK is certainly the right place to be! Britain is home to some world-famous markets, beautiful vintage shops and of course department stores. Whether you’re looking to splash out or hunting for the ultimate bargain, there’s something for everyone.
DEPARTMENT STORES & SHOPPING CENTRES Selfridges & Co, London, Manchester and Birmingham Opened in 1909, Selfridges is a chain of high-end department stores based in three cities around the UK - and was named Best Department Store in the world in 2010! Selfridges has everything from technology to fashion under one roof, but it’s not just a place to shop, it’s somewhere to hang out. With its regular calendar of events, from book signings to new product launches, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. All four locations have cafés, restaurants and a Foodhall but the most famous one is in the London store, where you can find cuisine from every corner of the world.
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ONE, Liverpool Something that you must do when in the UK is visit a shopping centre, and Liverpool ONE is a must-see. It’s one of the largest shopping centres in the UK and houses over 170 stores and services, including the largest Topman and Topshop outside London.
Harrods, London Founded by Charles Henry Harrod, who started off as a grocer in Stepney (east London), Harrods is wonderfully British and certainly a national treasure. In the 1840s Charles rented a small shop on Brompton Road and called it ‘Harrods’ – he continued to sell groceries until he sold the business to his son, who recognised Knightsbridge was becoming one of the most fashionable places in London. He expanded the range of products sold to attract a wealthier clientele. Harrods is now home to some of the biggest designer names and employs more than 5,000 staff from over 50 different countries.
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Shop ’til you drop
VINTAGE Devoted 2 Vintage, online Boys, we know you secretly love shopping as much as the girls but might not like trawling through the shops, so this online shop is the perfect solution. Devoted 2 Vintage does a great range of timeless suits, retro shirts and vintage leather jackets. So go ahead and indulge yourself. www.devoted2vintage.co.uk
Starry, Starry Night, Glasgow Opened by New Yorker Anna Graham in 1987, Starry, Starry Night has built a reputation in being the place to go for retro clothing and antiques in Glasgow. The shop is a treasure trove of beautiful gowns, tuxedos, kilts and cocktail dresses from a number of eras. Anna is regularly in the shop so be sure to ask her about the heritage of the clothes.
The Custard Factory, Birmingham What was once the Bird’s Custard Factory is now a hub of creativity with its small, quirky companies, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs, oh and not forgetting great vintage shops. Our favourite is Urban Village.
Naff Clothing, Bristol This little gem of a store in central Bristol is where you can get your vintage and fancy-dress fix. Look through gorgeous dresses, handbags, scarves, jewellery and jackets spanning from the 50s through to the 80s. And if that isn’t enough try the masquerade masks and wigs. What a great way to spend an afternoon!
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Fish and chips
Brits fish & chips FISH and chips is a national dish in Britain and a firm favourite amongst students. it is just fish, often cod or haddock, which is deep fried along with sliced potatoes but it is amazingly tasty and an iconic meal to have when you visit the British seaside! There are no set rules when it comes to fish and chips which means the dish is slightly different at every ‘chippy’- slang for a shop that sells just fish and chips. Every town has its own beloved chippy and Brits will fiercely claim their local store is the best. In fact the Brits love fish and chips so much there is an annual competition to find the best ‘chippy’ in the nation. Whilst every town and city will have a good local fish and chip store, the 2013 winners of the National Fish and Chips Awards are:
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Fish and chips
The Bay Stonehaven, Scotland Set on the promenade, this fish and chip shop is a familyrun business. Calum and his wife Lindsay are so good at cooking up fish and chips they both won UK Young Fish Frier of the Year awards.
Simpsons Fish and Chips Cheltenham, England This is the best place to go if you want to have fish and chips cooked the traditional way as they use recipes going back 100 years.
Hanbury’s Babbacombe, Devon, England This chippy is more than three decades old and couldn’t look more like the quintessential fish and chip shop if it tried, so don’t forget your camera.
Has that story made you hungry? You better visit GB Mag’s Food section greatbritishmag.co.uk/lifestyle/taste-my-life We have recipes, food ideas and our very own online cooking programme called Taste My Life!
More onlin e
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Strange sides & sauces
Strange
sides & sauces
When you come to a new country it is often the food which seems strange. Here are some of the wacky sides and sauces eaten with British fish and chips that you must try while you are in the UK. Mushy peas Anything with the word mushy in it is bound to sound strange, but mushy peas are delicious. Mushy peas are dried peas which are soaked in water then cooked with salt and sugar to create a yummy side.
Vinegar Sprinkling malt vinegar (it has to be malt) and salt on chunky hot chips is a classic British taste. Other strange sauces you may see people eating with their fish and chips are brown sauce, which looks just like it sounds, tartar sauce, which is a mayonnaise-based white sauce for your fish, and Worcestershire sauce which is also used on fish pieces.
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Pickled eggs These are hard boiled eggs which are peeled and cured in vinegar or brine. They are typical of British fish and chip shops and taste like‌eggs really.
Deep-fried Mars Bar This Scottish invention sees an ordinary Mars Bar battered and then deep fried as if it were a chip. When it comes out it is a warm, sweet mix of melted chocolate, caramel and crisp batter. Yum!
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The Gunpowder Plot 24
GreatBritishMag.co.uk The Gunpowder Plot
Remember, remember the fifth of November gunpowder, treason and plot... OK, you probably have no idea what we’re talking about, but this little rhyme is one that every student in the UK learns when they’re at school and it refers to November 5th 1605 - the day when Guy Fawkes planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament (naughty, naughty). Now every year on this date, popularly known as Bonfire Night, British people light fireworks and bonfires to commemorate the day of the failed plot.
The master plan It all goes back to May 1604, when the Gunpowder Plot was born. The scheme was headed by a man named Robert Catesby. Catesby and a group of men (including Guy Fawkes) planned to use gunpowder to blow up both King James I and the Houses of Parliament (the place where British laws are passed). The plot was born out of anger. The men believed King James I had gone back on his promise to put a stop to the mistreatment of Catholics who were forced to practice their religion in secrecy. Rather than putting a stop to the mistreatment, King James I passed more laws against them. To carry out their plan, the men bought the house next to the parliament building, which had a cellar (a basement) that went under the Houses of Parliament. They filled the cellar with barrels of gunpowder.
A total of 36 barrels (nearly two tons) of gunpowder were hidden and Guy Fawkes had the important job of guarding the barrels and lighting the fuse. But the plan failed when Lord Monteagle received a letter on October 26th 1605 from an anonymous sender urging him not to attend the opening of parliament. The letter aroused suspicion and was shown to the King, which ultimately led to the discovery of the barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was arrested on the night of November 4th as he entered the cellar. Though he would be classed as a ‘terrorist’ in today’s world, some people regard Fawkes as a hero because he tried to fight wrongdoing in the only way he could. Photos left to right: Lewes District Council, Leeds Roundhay Park Bonfire and Fireworks at Midsummer Common, Cambridge
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk The Gunpowder Plot
What happened to Guy Fawkes?
Did you know?
Guy Fawkes was the first to be caught and taken to the Tower of London to be questioned and tortured. He eventually told the truth and his punishment was to be hung, drawn and quartered (cut into four pieces) – how gruesome! Over time the other conspirators were also caught and executed except for one – Francis Tresham.
• Guy Fawkes’ name was actually ‘Guido’ – he adopted this name whilst fighting for the Spanish
Who sent the letter?
• He was actually born a Protestant but converted to Catholicism when he was 16 years old • Although an important member of the group, Guy Fawkes wasn’t the main person behind the plot • There was enough gunpowder to blow up the entire building and cause considerable This is damage within a one mile radius
It’s believed Monteagle’s brotherone of the most • Some people now believe that popular songs sung around in-law, Francis Tresham even if Guy Fawkes wasn’t the bonfire as people sent the letter, though this caught the plot would still burn Guy’s effigy: was never proven. Recent have been unsuccessful historians argue Lord Remember, remember the fifth because the gunpowder Monteagle and Robert of November gunpowder treason was too old to be of any use Cecil (King James I’s chief and plot. I see no reason why • In 2002 Guy Fawkes was minister) were working gunpowder, treason should named as the 30th Greatest together with Francis Tresham ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Briton in a poll conducted to set up Guy Fawkes and the Guy Fawkes ‘twas his intent by the BBC other conspirators as a way to to blow up the King • Another reason Guy Fawkes further people’s hatred towards and Parliament. wanted to kill King James I was Catholics. because he was a Scotsman and many
Why the bonfires?
In celebration of his survival, King James I ordered that people have a bonfire on the night of November 5th. A tradition that continues to this day all around the UK, apart from Northern Ireland.
English people did not want a Scot to rule the country (back then Scotland and England were two separate nations) • An empty island north of Santa Cruz Island is named Isla Guy Fawkes (Guy Fawkes Island) because it’s believed he intended to escape there
Events like Guy Fawkes Day are must-do activities while you are living in the UK. Use GB Mag’s online calendar to make sure you don’t miss a single social event
greatbritishmag.co.uk/tick-list-uk
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents
28
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Celeb interview
While she may look like your classic English Rose, Diana Vickers is anything but demure. This singer packs a strong vocal punch and her new album is even called Music to Make the Boys Cry‌ talk about attitude! Diana Vickers is a British songstress undergoing a transformation. She rose to fame as a contestant on television talent show X Factor in 2008. Diana was a school student from Lancashire when she went on the programme and made it all the way to a semi-final place. Her school days were quickly over as she toured with X Factor, signed her first record deal, released her first album and even starred in a West End
production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. She won the award for London Newcomer of the Year at the Theatregoers’ Choice Awards. Now, just five years later, Diana has transformed herself into a glamorous pop star. This year she launches a new album, she stars in television programme Give Out Girls on Sky and features in her first film called The Perfect Wave. 29
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Celeb interview
GB Mag’s Jessie Brown caught up with the bubbly Diana Vickers between sound checks, to talk about her new album!
pop music, but I like to keep some melancholy chords in because they pull at my heart strings, they really do.
GB Mag: You found your fame on X Factor. When you first auditioned for X Factor did you ever think it would lead to this, a very successful career in the entertainment industry?
GB Mag: You grew up in Lancashire, did your upbringing influence your taste in music?
Diana Vickers: Awh thank you. No honestly, you go on the show and you take a massive risk. Things have been quite slow for me but it’s really great that five years on I am still doing what I love. GB Mag: Congratulations on your second album -Music to Make Boys Cry- are you excited about it? Diana Vickers: I am really excited about the album, it is out in September and the first single Cinderella is out now and my second single comes out in August. I am just feeling really excited about it!
Diana Vickers: I guess my parents did, my dad was into The Beatles and The Shadows. But really my music taste is reflective of all the people I have been meeting. And my boyfriend listens to a huge amount of music so since I have been dating him I have started listening to different things. GB Mag: Famous celebrity blogger Perez Hilton recently wrote about your first single Cinderella, from the new album. He wrote ‘Hold on to your glass slippers, friends — Cinderella is off the hook!’
GB Mag: What can we expect from the new album?
Diana Vickers: Oh he is so lovely. I text him about the single when it came out and said I hope you like it and he said it was fab!
Diana Vickers: It is great pop, very 80s inspired and I am so proud of it. I just want the world to hear it! I started writing it two years ago and it is very different from my first album. It’s quite up-tempo.
GB Mag: And it seems you have been very busy this year, not just releasing an album but also starring in Sky’s new programme ‘Give Out Girls’. What is it all about?
GB Mag: For international students who may not have heard your music before, how would you describe it?
Diana Vickers: It is a comedy sitcom about a group of girls who do promo (promotional) work. They are having to travel around doing a different job every day in random places. They get up to lots of crazy things and meet crazy people. It was really fun to shoot!
Diana Vickers: I would say my kind of inspiration is Kylie, Madonna, Blondie. If you listen to the music you would think of those people. It is good 30
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Celeb interview
GB Mag: And you have also shot a film called the Perfect Wave. Diana Vickers: Yeah, it was really great to do a film. It is an indie film and I went to South Africa to film it. I loved South Africa it was beautiful. GB Mag: What is your proudest career moment to date? Diana Vickers: It really is this album to be honest, I have been working on it for so long and I am really proud of it. GB Mag: The British music industry is thriving with acts like Olly Murs, Adele and Jessie J seeing international success. Are there any up-and-coming British artists you listen to? Diana Vickers: The 1975 are doing great things, Bastille are doing great things they are very indie. And then you have great people like Ben Howard. It is very cool, we are kind of rocking it at the moment!
FIRE ROUND Favourite British meal: Mum’s roast chicken dinner Favourite UK city: London Favourite British slang: Cheers How do you take your tea? Milk with two sweeteners Favourite UK accent: Lancashire accent
Diana Vickers’ new single ‘Cinderella’ is out now, with her album ‘Music to Make Boys Cry’ following later in the year, through SO Recordings.
The Diana Vickers chat doesn’t stop here. For a closer look at this gorgeous British songstress, check out our behind-the-scenes interview where Diana discusses her family life and her Mulberry handbag. You can also listen to Diana’s single Cinderella, just visit the GB Mag website www.greatbritishmag.co.uk We have three signed copies FREE of Diana Vicker’s new album Music To Make The Boys Cry to giveaway. Winners will get their exclusive copy of the album just as it hits the shelves, enter here www.greatbritishmag.co.uk/free-stuff 31
GreatBritishMag.co.uk 10 ways to beat homesickness
10 ways to beat homesickness Words: Sally Beets
The GB Mag understands that moving to a new country can be challenging, especially as this may be your first time away from home! As well as feeling excited about your new life here, we suspect a lot of you will be missing home, which is completely normal and something you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about.
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk 10 ways to beat homesickness
You should remember that homesickness is just a temporary feeling – a reaction to your body and mind readjusting to the change – which will quickly pass. Whilst it’s easy to surrender to the feeling, it’s important you don’t. In fact the quicker you throw yourself into your new life, the quicker the feeling of missing home will lessen. To help you settle in, we’ve listed the top 10 ways to get rid of your blues, so you can get on with enjoying your time here!
1. Making friends is one of the best ways to combat homesickness, it will give you people to talk to and have fun with. Social events are a great place to meet people, so make sure you attend!
6. Keep a diary (journal) and fill it with photos of your time here in the UK, you can then show it to your family when you see them again to give them a better understanding of your life here.
2. Do keep in regular contact with the people at home, but it’s a good idea to keep your calls limited to once or twice a week, because too much contact can make you feel more homesick.
7. Try not to spend too much time by yourself! Even going to a busy public place like a coffee shop, a library or a park can make you feel a lot more relaxed and positive.
3. Get involved in university life! Throw yourself into your studies but also join lots of cool societies and groups, they’ll keep you nice and busy so you’ll soon forget feeling blue.
8. Speak to other international/EU students, as it’s likely they’re in the same position as you. But at the same time, remember to make friends with home students because they can help you settle into your new environment.
4. Exercise! Whether it’s running on a treadmill or attending a yoga class, exercise releases endorphins which are hormones that make you feel happy and smiley! 5. Make sure you eat well. Pack your diet with lots of lovely fruits and veg, so you’re energised and ready to face the day.
9. Help is available at most universities. We recommend you head to your Student Services department if you need more advice. 10.Finally, keep checking our Facebook Page at facebook.com/GreatBritishMag as we’re always updating it with info on where to go and what to see. It’s also a great place to meet other international students! 33
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film
britain on film Happy travels!
WHETHER you’ve been to the UK or not, there is no doubt you’ll be familiar with some of our famous landmarks and cities that have appeared in blockbuster films. And now that you are here you can visit these locations yourself! The UK is one glorious, gorgeous movie set. So to narrow it down we have chosen some of our favourite film locations.
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the hobbit Okay The Hobbit and all of The Lord of the Rings movies may have been filmed in New Zealand but the stories from J.R.R Tolkien are based on places in the UK. Tolkien spent his early days in Birmingham, where there are ‘two towers’ known as the Perrott’s Folly and Edgbaston Waterworks.
notting hill Notting Hill, as you would have guessed, was filmed in Notting Hill in London. You can still visit the The Travel Book Shop where Hugh Grant’s character first saw the beautiful American actress played by Julia Roberts. Just nearby is the infamous ‘blue door’ and whilst you’re in Notting Hill you can take in the sights and sounds of Portobello Road, which holds popular weekend markets known for vintage finds and antique artefacts.
He wrote both The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954) in Oxford. And the rolling countryside of Somerset, Malvern Hills and the Shire Country Park on the outskirts of Birmingham all resemble the world of Middle Earth.
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film
Harry Potter Everyone’s favourite teen wizard Harry, and his friends Hermione and Ron have had adventures all over Britain. But some of the best spots to get your Harry Potter location shots are: • London’s King’s Cross Station where you can see the Platform 9 ¾ sign and even take a photo with a trolley half in the ‘muggle’ world and half in the wizard world. • Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland is where Ron’s flying Ford Anglia lands and is a very picturesque part of the country. • London’s Victorian Leadenhall Market is where the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is located, but you will have to look very carefully. • Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry, is actually a collage of places including Alnwick Castle, the Bodleian Library in Oxford and Durham Cathedral.
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film
james bond No British film list would be complete without mentioning our most-famous character…Bond, James Bond. The Bond movies are filmed all over the globe but London is always the centre of every story because it is the location of the MI6 headquarters, situated right on the Thames. If it is the cars from Bond that you love then head to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in New Forest because it has the largest collection of 007’s cars in the world, plus the Lotus submarine.
braveheart Cry ‘Freedom!’ whilst running through the Scottish Highlands. The real story of William Wallace took place in Scotland, despite filming taking place in Ireland. To experience Braveheart country, simply grab your hiking boots and head out into Glencoe, Glen Nevis which is actually the wettest valley in Europe. Finish your Scottish adventure by visiting the William Wallace Monument near Sterling.
Pride and prejudice This film, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett, is based on Jane Austen’s novel. Set in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Kent, any of the rolling green fields in these areas make for a perfect picture. But you will recognise Chatsworth House in Derbyshire as the home of Mr Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen, and you can still visit this stately home today.
The king’s speech It is history and the magic of cinema all rolled into one. This beautiful story of King George VI’s struggle with his stutter was filmed at a number of locations around the UK. But our top pick from the film is Ely Cathedral which stood in for Westminster Abbey in the film. Get out and see Britain! With vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes and so many cultural events you will find it hard to choose where to go. Check out our Travel section to help you decide greatbritishmag.co.uk/lifestyle/travel
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Travel around the UK
Travel around the UK
We have every transport option you could want in Great Britain to make your new life in the UK easy and fun. Here are a few of the options to get you from A to B conveniently and safely, as well as get you around the UK when you decide to go and explore.
Train Going by train is one of the fastest routes to travel in the UK and an airport-free route to reach the rest of Europe. Express trains can take you quickly across Britain but local trains are also very useful for shorter distances. How to buy tickets You can book tickets and check timetables online or you can go into the station directly and talk to someone at the ticket desk. National Rail covers all of the different train companies and has a website, nationalrail.co.uk, which is a great way to check routes and times of train journeys. You can also log onto the websites of individual train companies for travel information and discounts, simply Google the company’s name. It's cheaper to book train tickets online in advance and can be even cheaper if you book with your student railcard! One good discount rail website is www.thetrainline.com 37
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Travel around the UK
If you book in advance you’ll be able to reserve a seat, which makes life a lot easier. This also means you can reserve a seat near a power-point to plug in your laptop or phone charger. You can also book first class or standard class along with the time you want to travel. However, this can increase the cost of your ticket, so check out the different options before booking. If you are booked on a train on a certain date or
time, that means you can only travel on that date and time. If you want flexibility buy an ‘open return’ or an ‘open single’. That way you can travel whatever time you want and with an open return you can make your journey back to your flat anytime within one month of purchasing the ticket. When on the train make sure you keep your ticket with you at all times to avoid getting fined by ticket inspectors.
GB Mag knows exactly how to get cheaper trains tickets, so to find out about student discounts visit our website greatbritishmag.co.uk/get_started/transport_and_travel.php
The London Underground The Tube is the most efficient way to get around the capital city London. And it's simple to use once you've got used to the different lines, which have a name and a colour to distinguish them. To plan your journey and to find out if there are any delays log onto tfl.gov.uk You can buy a one day ticket or an Oyster card (a reusable card that allows you to recharge it with money or pay a fixed amount for unlimited travel for a week, month or a year which works out cheaper) at the underground stations, ticket machines or at some train stations.
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More online
Your underground ticket or Oyster card allows you to travel on the underground, buses and on some trains. If you have an Oyster card remember to tap in and out on an Oyster card reader each time you travel, otherwise you could pay a penalty charge. The GB Mag team also recommends you register your Oyster card online because if you lose it you can claim the remaining credits or get a refund. Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester also have underground rail and tram services. You can usually buy tickets for different lengths of time and distance so check at the station or on board the tram or log onto nationalrail.co.uk for more information.
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Travel around the UK
Bus Different bus companies operate around the UK. Buses are a great way to get around cheaply within a city, whether you’re travelling around your local area or travelling a little further afield. Generally a bus journey will run on a set route and have multiple stops. If you want a direct line of transport between cities or even countries then you need to travel by coach.
Taxi Taxis or ‘cabs’ can be expensive but can also be extremely useful. Save a local taxi number on your phone or call 118 118 and they will redirect you. In the London area text ‘cab’ to 60835 and you’ll receive three mini-cab numbers. In London you also have the choice to use a Black Cab. Black Cab drivers have to pass strict tests of their knowledge of the capital to get their job and are a very reputable company to use. You can also use a smart phone app called Hailo which uses GPS to find the closest black cab to you. Your taxi fare will depend on the type of taxi you take, the time of day and whether it’s on a meter or whether it’s based on a fixed price for a destination. If the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire. Black cabs are legally obliged to take on any job for journeys up to 12 miles.
Coaches are one of the cheapest ways for longdistance travel in Britain and can even connect you to the whole of Europe. Again, book in advance to get super cheap tickets. Well-known companies include: • National Express – affordable and nationwide • Megabus – extremely cheap travel • EasyBus - low-cost airport transfers • Scottish Citylink - Scotland's leading coach travel service How to buy tickets You can buy a local bus ticket from the driver when you get on the bus. Coach tickets are available from coach depots or online from the different companies. Prices depend on the company and how far you're going, so be sure to state where you want to go and say whether you want a single (one way) or return ticket. If you want to use the buses regularly it will work out cheaper to buy a weekly or monthly pass.
We have the top tips on how to get discounted bus and coach tickets. To find out the tips that only a local would know visit greatbritishmag.co.uk/get_started/transport_and_travel.php
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Off to a flying start
Off to a flying start It’s known as Freshers’ Week, Orientation Week or Welcome Week. Regardless of what you call it, the period at the start of the academic year when nervous new students are introduced to their university and each other can be a bit scary. It can be even scarier if you’re an international student who is a long way from home and struggling to adapt to a new language and culture. But don’t despair! Freshers’ Week is also loads of fun. You may meet people who will become friends for life and you’ll never have a better opportunity to party. So, read our survival guide and you’ll soon be having the time of your life! We asked Laura Braslins, the international officer in the Support Services Team at the University of Nottingham, to give us her top tips for enjoying Freshers’ Week. This is what she suggests.
Tips and advice to students when they arrive: Take care of the practical stuff – set up a UK bank account, get registered with the National Health Service (NHS), take care of any immigrationrelated tasks like registering with the police and attend university registration and inductions for your course. Taking care of the practical things first will make you feel more settled and prepared for your course so that you can enjoy the fun stuff going on. 40
Get out there – join some societies and sports teams, start volunteering and attend events – especially during your Freshers or Welcome Week. This will get you involved in your university community and help you to make connections and meet like-minded people. Take care of yourself – it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the changes and information that’s being thrown
Bia Tessari, 29, from Brazil
Studying: International Relations
My Freshers’ Week tips? Talk, talk, talk. And get as many flyers as you can.
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Bia
GreatBritishMag.co.uk Off to a flying start
at you. Make sure you make time for yourself to adjust and recognise if you are feeling stressed or anxious. It’s also completely normal if you’re feeling homesick and missing your family or friends. Creating a routine for yourself, getting enough sleep and making new friends will all help to ease this. And try not to worry – everyone is going through the same thing!
Use your common sense – feeling a little vulnerable in an unfamiliar place is completely normal. While you’re adjusting to your surroundings, make sure you use your common sense and think things through. Don’t flash large amounts of money about at a cash point or leave your iPhone on a park bench. Walk home with a group of friends and know who to contact in an emergency.
Most common mistakes made: Going overboard – it’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement and do something you’ll regret later. Know your limits and stick to them – you’ll be happy you did in the morning. Overspending – the money you have for living expenses may feel like it’s burning a hole in your pocket, but be wise, create a budget and stick to it. Students often find themselves in financial difficulties because they’ve overspent during Freshers Week. Be aware that gambling is legal in the UK but can be addictive! Skipping inductions – attending inductions and
introductory lectures for your course is the best way to start your course off the right way. Students who choose to skip these always regret it later. Neglecting the basics – make sure you get enough sleep and remember to eat! Creating a good routine for yourself at the start of your stay in the UK will help you in the long run and through stressful periods. Not contacting home – universities all over the UK will be receiving phone calls from worried parents because a student hasn’t thought to call home. Save your parents the grief and let them know you are OK!
For more useful tips to starting your life in the UK and Bia, Pinitha and Emma’s video tips go to www.greatbritishmag.co.uk
Pinitha Pinitha Perera, 24, from Sri Lanka Studying: Biomedical Science
I had no idea there was an international students’ party.
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Emma Emma Cippitelli, 23, from Italy Studying: Psychology
Join societies and simply get involved!
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk EE advertorial
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All services for use in UK only. Int Pass: Call and text from the UK to mobiles and landlines (except non geographic & premium rate numbers) in 65 countries at reduced rates. One minute minimum call charge. List of countries and rates at t-mobile.co.uk/payg. Smart Packs: recur automatically after 30 days unless you opt-out. Mins and texts are to UK numbers starting 01, 02 and 03 (except Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), checking voicemail in the UK. One minute minimum call charge and all calls are charged per minute. Excludes 070/08 numbers. Calls to 08 numbers: up to 40p/min and 070 numbers: up to 77p/min, t-mobile.co.uk/08-09. You can’t use your phone as a modem or use internet on your phone for peer to peer file sharing, instant messaging or making internet phone calls. When your 1GB data runs out, buy an internet booster or you’ll be charged a maximum of £1/day. See t-mobile.co.uk/payg for details.
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GreatBritishMag.co.uk EE advertorial
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CAN’T FIND A SIM IN YOUR GB BAG? If you didn’t get a GB Bag from your university and would still like to order this SIM card it’ss simple just go to www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/gbpacks. www .t-mobile.co.uk/shop/gbpacks. Enter your details and the FREE SIM card will be dispatched to you in two days.
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