G-You Freshers' Week Edition 2014

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Welcome Freshers !

Contents Page 4: From The Board - Owen Martin Page 5: The Hotlist & Lost in Translation Pages 6 & 7: Features- Getting Involved With GUU! Page 8: Lifestyle- The Cheesecake to end all Cheesecakes

& Healthy Easy Brownies Page 9: Lifestyle- Places to Eat In and Around Glasgow Uni page 10: Politics- Note from the Editor

& The Colour Guide to University of Glasgow Page 11: Politics-The Great Debate Page 12: Culture- Glasgow: The Music Capital of Scotland Page 13: Culture- Rough Guide to Glasgow’s Culture Page 14: Column- What on earth is ‘Frosh’?

& Fourth Year Advice Page 15: Column- Humans of Glasgow University

& Debating at GUU Page 16: Clubs & Societies- STaG (Student Theatre at Glasgow) Page 17: Clubs & Societies- Glasgow Exploration Society (ExSoc) Page 18: Sports - GUSWPC does Albufeira

A Word From The Editor HELLO! This is all very exciting and a bit too much for me, frankly. Freshers’ Week 2014, after a lot of planning, organising and a few disasters, is finally upon us and it is going to be SO AMAZING. This magazine is GUU’s official publication, and as such we’ll be tweeting, live video blogging and writing lots of amazingly fun stuff over the course of the week - keep up to date with us on Facebook: /GYoumagazine, and Twitter: @g_youmagazine. There may even be some sneaky interviews with some of the big acts of the week... So stay tuned!

Freshers’ Week is doubly exciting this year because besides all the amazing events that are on, you have the chance to kick start your university career by getting involved in just about anything. If you’d like to contribute to this very magazine (and you really should), then come see us on Monday 15th at 3pm in the Elliot Library - there’ll even be Dominos pizza, because we’re that awesome.

Have the best week imaginable!

Lucy Keown Editor-In-Chief GUU Convener Of Libraries

Our Contributors Owen Martin Alice Cockburn Kate Whitaker Paul Baird John Graham Anderson Adi Childs

Annabeth Wilson Harriet Johnston Kate Whitaker Hannah Burgess Kathryn Stevenson Chloe Turner

The Editorial Team Editor-In-Chief:

Lucy Keown

Culture Editor:

Chloe Turner

Features Editor:

Harriet Johnston

Column Editor:

Hannah Burgess

libraries@guu.co.uk

Politics Editor:

Kathryn Stevenson

Design and Cover Editor

Rachel Bean

The opinions expressed in this publication do not represent those of Glasgow University Union.

Lifestyle Editor:

Annabeth Wilson

Layout and Photography Editor:

Romain Ricchi

Find us online:

If you’d like to contribute to the magazine in any way (editorially, writing or photography) e-mail:

gyoumagazine.wordpress.com issuu.com/guuimagazine

G-Your

Board

From the Board Owen Martin

Hello and Welcome to Freshers’ Week 2014!

entertainment including the sold out Fringe

Student Event of the Year in the whole of the

phenomenon that is Hot Dub Time Machine,

UK). Life at GUU is a constant buzz and you’ll

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to

games events with trolley races, hugely

find a whole lot of events on every single

what will, I’m sure, be one of the best weeks

popular comedian Russell Kane, stimulating

week, from Open Mic to the Beer Bar Quiz to

of your life and also to your first edition of

debates and talks as well all as a number of

Debates Speaker Training or even to attending

Glasgow University Union’s student magazine,

dressing up opportunities, wild parties and

a Libraries Open Meeting and contributing an

the G-You.

competitions with top notch prizes. Every

article to this very magazine.

Freshers’ Week really is all about you, the

single night of your Freshers’ Week we will

Remember that our Freshers’ Helpers are

Freshers, and our number one priority is to

be running our extremely unique club night

there to help you with absolutely anything

make sure every one of you has the best

which sees the old building completely

you need at all and they really are the nicest

experience you possibly can. This year’s line-up

transformed into an extraordinary venue with

bunch of people on campus. Please feel free

is packed with all sorts of events and activities

up to 7 bars to hop around, top notch tunes to

to approach anyone in a yellow t shirt if you

run by the four student bodies around campus

dance to and, of course, a bit of karaoke to sing

have a question, want a tour of the Union or

and I would urge you to all get involved with

your heart out to.

just want a new friend – they are here for you!

these as much as you can. More than this, I

Freshers’ Week is just the beginning though,

And if you see me around please come and say

truly hope you will come down to GUU and

with huge events on throughout the year

hello and, most importantly, make sure you

experience some of what we have on offer

such as Oktoberfest, our Halloween party and

get your welcome drink, completely on me, at

because, after all, we really do have more fun.

our secret themed Christmas ball, Daft Friday

the President’s pint on Monday afternoon.

Our events this year consist of top class

(winner of the 2013 Ents Forum Award for Best

Finally, if you like what you see remember you can become a member from Friday the 12th when membership sign up commences and become part of the family – it’s completely free, takes 2 minutes and gets you some really great perks throughout the year.

This week is the first step in the journey of your University life and I only hope we can help you enjoy every single second of it. Have a great week!

Owen Martin President

“After all, we really do have more fun.”

2

Hotlist

Going up -

Annabeth Wilson

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised over £48

-

Going down

Facebook Endemic of the Overshare , Learn the

million so far, and it’s still rising even as you read this!

difference between a status update and TMI. I honestly

AMAZING!

don’t care if you’re eating another packet of crisps, or how sunburnt you got in between your toes.

-

The Hunger Games eagerly anticipated third

instalment -Mockingjay Part 1 , released a first look at the

-

trailers and the associated ‘Rebels’. Released in November- It

meaning it is almost time to say goodbye to that delightful

is going to be BIG!

summer wardrobe. Please hold me while I cry.

-

-

Martin Scorsese will direct a biopic of influential

End of Summer- It’s officially getting colder,

Crocs. They have always been going down, now

New York punk foursome The Ramones, priming for release

they have reached the core of the earth. KILL THEM WITH

in 2016. Very.Exciting.Stuff.

FIRE.

-

-

FRIENDS Jennifer Anistion, Courtney Cox and

Finding out that Hello Kitty IS NOT A CAT. She’s

Lisa Kudrow reunited on Jimmy Kimmel this August for

a little girl. Called Kitty White. Not. A. Cat. IS ANYTHING

a hilarious skit within that iconic apartment. FRIENDS

SACRED ANYMORE?!

comeback on the horizon? WE CAN BUT DREAM.

Lost in Translation Moments when global advertising has gone so very, very wrong...

-

-

Annabeth Wilson

When General Motors introduced the Chevy Nova in South

The name Coca-Cola in China was first rendered as Ke-kou-

America, it was apparently unaware that “no va” means “it won’t go.”

ke-la. Unfortunately, the Coke company did not discover until after

After the company figured out why it wasn’t selling any cars, it renamed

thousands of signs had been printed that the phrase means “bite the

the car in its Spanish markets to the Caribe.

wax tadpole” or “female horse stuffed with wax” depending on the dialect. Coke then researched 40,000 Chinese characters and found

-

a close phonetic equivalent, “ko-kou-ko-le,” which can be loosely

ads were supposed to say “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass

translated as “happiness in the mouth.”

you.” However, the company mistakenly thought the spanish word

When Parker Pen marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico, its

“embarazar” meant embarrass. Instead the ads actually said. “It won’t -

In Taiwan, the translation of the Pepsi slogan “Come alive with

leak in your pocket and make you pregnant”.

the Pepsi Generation” came out as “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead.”

-

An American t-shirt maker in Miami printed shirts for the

Spanish market which promoted the Pope’s visit. Instead of the desired -

Also in Chinese, the Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan “finger-

“I Saw the Pope” in Spanish, the shirts proclaimed, “I Saw the Potato”.

lickin’ good” came out as “eat your fingers off.”

- -

The American slogan for Salem cigarettes, “Salem - Feeling

Colgate introduced a toothpaste in France called Cue, the

name of a notorious porno magazine.

Free,” got translated in the Japanese market into “When smoking Salem, you feel so refreshed that your mind seems to be free and empty.”

-

In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the

name into Schweppes Toilet Water.

3

G-Your

Features

Getting Involved Welcome to Glasgow University Union!

also

We know you’re spoilt for choice on

with G-You, including the website, look

unions at this university but let’s be

it

honest, this one is the greatest of all. Of

facebook.com/GYoumagazine.

course, SRC

there’s

(pretty

QMU

GUSA

(the

organised

(group

of

sporty

bunch)

up

on

To

keep

Facebook

up

at

to

date

https://www.

lot),

aaaand

individuals).

welcome!

Each

If

you’d

like

to

see

your

name

LIGHTS, then the Entertainments

in

(ENTS)

Union is run by students, for students,

committee is the one for you. Probably

and in order to do that, there has to

the

be

groups

campus,

to oversee certain things. This should

together

give you a good outline of the various

well as bringing brilliant bands to our

committees

debates

different

committees

at

GUU

and

and

there

are

most

talented

they’re

in

fantastic

committee

charge

of

comedy

chamber

to

on

putting

nights

entertain

as you.

always TONS of ways to get involved.

They also run Open Mic which happens

Have a chat to any of the committees

EVERY week on a Friday night in the

(they’ll be in yellow tshirts) throughout

Reading

the week and see how you join in with

can join them for a tipple and a sing

all the fab activities we have on offer.

along. If you’re musically talented at all

Room

at

GUU,

where

you

then get your instrument at the ready Let’s start with the best committee of

and entertain us please. Famous Ents

all, the committee who have brought

committee

you

edition

Armada’s Tony, and this year, Cammy

this week, and who work tirelessly each

Gibson who’s coming back to uni after

month to bring you the best magazine

a sold out show at the Edinburgh fringe.

on campus, the G-You! It’sssssss Libraries

Try not to be star struck around Hannah

Committee.

or

Jackman, who’s EP came out earlier this

friendliest

year to MASSIVE acclaim. Chief Simon’s

bunch of writers you will ever meet. They

in charge of them, you’ll catch him on

look after the two libraries in the Union

the piano singing sweet melodies. If you

(Elliot and Bridie), which are the BEST

see people running about the Union in

places to study when it comes to exam

purple t-shirts this week, that is the Ents

time

–

committee

They

also

The

G-You

daily

anything,

edition

Not but

free

upon

being

they

tea

run

are

and

the

comes

daily

humble the

coffee

Union’s out

anyone? magazine.

each

Harriet Johnston

members

–

stop

include

and

Emerald

have

a

chat

with them about how to get involved!

month

Alternatively stop and help them carry

filled with juicy articles to make you

a big speaker or something. They’ll love

think and sometimes make you laugh.

you for it. See you at Open Mic, at 9pm

They’re available all over campus, but

can

check

out

photos

co.uk)

and

Facebook

is

glad rags on, it’s the best chance you’ll get all year. It’s a twelve hour party with a swing band, celidh, casino, karaoke etc etc. It also has the biggest guest act that will come to uni – last year we had the incredible CHVRCHES. The year

before,

it

was

Newton

Faulkner.

You should not miss DF either way; the event is incredible (I missed it in first year and I have honestly regretted it ever since).

DF committee work incredibly

an

unrecognisably

transforming

the Beer Bar whilst you enjoy a pint.

If you’d rather see your name in paint,

building

The

different

then the committee who organize the

positions (culture editor, features editor,

BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR is for you.

the design-y folk who make it look nice)

It is the great infamous Daft Friday. Daft

and also many contributors who write

Friday is an end of term ball like no other,

articles for the mag. Come along to

which

one of the open meetings that happen

year.

every week in the GUU as we welcome

a

everyone and all ideas. - they’re every

Union in a mysterious theme that is

Monday at 5pm in the Bridie Library at

kept secret until the night. It is held in

GUU. Queen Lucy heads them up. IF

honour

you want to see your name in print, this is

previous themes included Harry Potter,

the committee for you - photographers

Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. You

the

Union

stunning

into

venue.

If you’ve got talent in the painting/

we recommend picking one up from

4

(https:// It

fancy in your finest black tie. Get your

on Friday!

several

page

NOT fancy dress though, more like dress

at

has

previous

www.facebook.com/GUUnion).

hard

committee

from

years on our Union website (www.guu.

will

be

From

September

committee

of

celebrating work

the

to

Union

to

it’s

106th

December,

decorate

President,

the

and

things

department,

then

chat

to DF committee. They’ll be recruiting for this year in September.

If you think your name looks best carved into

wood

maybe

and

Games

up

on

a

committee

wall is

then where

you belong. Games committee are the MADDEST committee, and set up all the best and most fun days on campus.

Every Monday they host the beer bar quiz, which ends in brilliant prizes and lots of cheeky revelry. In February, the

With GUU! Hellloooooooo, I could do with a few of those. Look out for some incredible promo videos which come out before the biggest events; they’re an absolute hoot. They are ALWAYS up for a chat and a night out, so make sure you go say hi. They’ll be decked out in yellow shirts this week and Daniel is their leader, he’s an absolute hun, so just go and say hello. Keep an eye out too as they’ll be recruiting sometime soon! You’ll see it advertised on the GUU facebook or in the building!

Now you’re all decked up with your week yeah? Mondays is Pub Quiz with Games and G-You Open Meeting with legendary Month Of Games will return

debaters/their

with all of the classics. These include Iron

both sides before deciding which way

Stomach (not to be missed, I promise

to vote. Grab a glass of their famous

you), BADGE (big all day games event

Yakka drink while you converse about

in which teams of three compete in

those serious, and not so serious issues.

events like trolley racing and scavenger

The GUU debaters are famed around

hunt) and dodgeball as well as many

the world for their brilliant skills and

others. They also look after the MASSIVE

students

billiard hall upstairs; it’s the biggest one

compete at the highest level. Speaker

in

training is every Tuesday and it begins

the

West

it out.

of

Scotland.

Go

check

If you can down a drink in less

the

guests

travel

educate

around

first Tuesday

after

the

you

world

on

to

Freshers Week

than three seconds and chat a load of

– don’t worry if you’ve never done it

bollocks,

you

before, head along and give it a go!

You’ll

You might be fab at it. Either way,

may see them running about causing

they’re probably the most well spoken

mischief in their black t-shirts this week

of the lot of us, and brilliant to have a

– look out for their nicknames on the

chat to – you’ll see them in their yellow

back of their shirts. Pudding, also known

t-shirts throughout the week but in their

as Ryan, leads the troop so stop and

robes on Sunday.

there’s

a

good

chance

could fit in with the Games lot.

Finally, if you would prefer to SAY your Another way to see your name carved

name to hundreds of students across

up there with the greats is by DEBATING.

campus, all year, then why not join PR

GUU is pretty famous for it’s debating

committee.

The

talent

peeps

around

university

it

is

the

successful

institution

committee,

advertising

all

PR the

best nights and events of the union.

whole world. NOWHERE ELSE is there a

They’re a sociable bunch who pick up

university

This

shifts each week to spread the GUU

DEFINITELY

love. They’re also paid in the holiest

head along to the debate on Sunday

of grails, BEER BAR VOUCHERS. So if

14th night – ‘Should Scotland become

you

an

vote

campus then it’s highly likely they’ll be

is DURING freshers week, so let our

found in Beer Bar with a cider in hand.

debating week

team

you

Independent

greater.

should

Country’.

in

run

largest

the

Freshers

debating

most

The

don’t

see

Tuesday

is

Speaker

with Debates, Wednesday is

Training your Beer

Bar evening, you’ve got your PR shift on Thursday and then round off the week with Open Mic on Friday. And then you could spend your weekend working on DF stuff!! Sound like the dream week yeah?

THE THING IS GUYS, that the committees will

be

incredibly

welcoming

WHENEVER

friendly you

speak

and to

them – it’s not just the yellow t-shirt which

makes

them

approachable

and

nice. University is about getting involved with as much as is humanly possible and the Union is a fantastic way to do that. Even if you don’t fancy joining a committee

officially,

open

meetings,

speaker training as well as so many

have a drink with him.

–

Libraries,

them

rushing

about

other union events are open to all. If you fancy knowing a little more or just having a chat with the committees a bit more OR to get some more information on any stuff to do with the union, there’ll be a committees fair on at the end of September in the Union - keep an eye out for the date on Facebook.

Get involved with as much committe/ Union related stuff as you can, because I promise it’ll be the best decision you make at university.

5

G-Your

Lifestyle

The Cheesecake to end all Cheesecakes

Hannah Burgess

Doing a flat dinner? Maybe you’re cooking for your girlfriend

trays that un-fastens baking parchment to avoid that horrid

and you want to produce something worthy of the Bake

moment when you realize your cake and the tin do not want

Off… or maybe you just fancy a big fat dessert all to yourself

to part company. Use a metal spoon to press the biscuit

on a lonely evening, whilst watching reruns of Desperate

crumbs down firmly and evenly. Chill in the refrigerator until

Housewives.

set.

Whatever

the

reason,

this

cheesecake

will

seriously tingle your tastebuds, and elevate you to a realm of culinary pleasure you could only (previously) dream of. Get

3. In a large mixing bowl, using a whisk or a wooden spoon,

cooking!

beat

together

the

cream

cheese

and

caster

sugar

until

combined.

INGREDIENTS ●

100g

digestive

biscuits,

4. Fold in the double cream. Keep mixing!

crushed into fine crumbs ●

50g butter, melted

5. Add lime zest followed by the juice and stir until

●

500g full-fat cream cheese

everything is combined and evenly distributed.

●

75g caster sugar

●

2 limes, juice and zest

6. Spoon the cream mixture over the chilled biscuit

●

2 1/2 table spoons of extra

base, making sure that there are no air bubbles.

thick cream

Smooth the top of the cheesecake with a palette knife or metal spoon. Decorate as you fancy.

METHOD 1.

Once

you

have

melted

your

7. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 3

butter, add the crushed biscuits to

hours until. Or as long as you can hold out.

the pot and stir until the butter has been soaked up.

8. To serve, remove from the cake tin and cut into slices. Or 2. Spoon the biscuit mixture into one of those cracking

keep in the tin and fetch a spoon. We don’t judge!

Healthy Easy Brownies Harriet Johnston What would you say if I told you, you could eat an insanely

the darker the brownie will become)

good fudgey chocolate brownie and it’s not ACTUALLY* bad

One/two tablespoons of real maple syrup

for you. Normally when I try to make vegan sweets they just

(For those last two ingredients, try to get things with as little

somehow seem to go wrong – the ingredients are expensive

preservatives in as possible – nobody wants all that chemical

or unfindable. Or they just dissolve into a terrible mixture that

rubbish.)

looks revolting (not an exaggeration, I made black bean

You should – 1) Pecans in the blender, blend them until

brownies and they looked like poop).

they’re bitty but not too much like flour.

These brownies though…are so good. Without a doubt, some

2) Put everything else in the blender.

of the best brownies I’ve ever had. And they’re so easy to

3) Process it all together, it should become sticky and mush

make. So...

together.

You need – a blender (not a hand blender, that was my

4) Bring it out the processor and squash it into a baking tray

mistake, it will maybe start smoking and break).

5) Shove it in the fridge for as long as you like

A bowl

AND TADA. Amazing. It’s the dream. Cut them up and eat

Two cups of pecans (does not matter what size cup as long

them with lunch/for lunch/in bed/wherever you like. Snack

as you use the same cup the whole time)

away.

Two cups of dates (pit them first, because the stone doesn’t taste good)

*I mean I don’t think they’re amazing for you but they’re still

Two/Three tablespoons of coco powder (the more you use,

better than the normal ones. They’ve got some good stuff in.

6

Places to Eat In and Around Glasgow Uni

Alice Cockburn

As a new (or existing) student you’ll find that when there

The Left Bank

are so many demands on your time, cooking sometimes

££ - 33-35 Gibson Street (with sister restaurant Two Figs at the

falls pretty far down the list. Luckily Glasgow has some top

end of Byres Road)

restaurants, cafes and delis many of which are conveniently

Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-12pm

located in the West End, so you can even pop there in

If brunch is your thing this is the place to go; they have a

between lectures. For me, eating out has practically become

variety

a hobby, and I thought I’d try to justify how often I eat out by

Lebanese

sharing my knowledge. In my opinion there are some great

you’ve got a couple of hours to kill between lectures. They

features of eating out; it’s a great way to socialise, get to

source of a significant amount of their produce from local

know your new flat or classmates, to try a new kind of cuisine,

suppliers which contributes to fresher and more yummy food

to make sure you get those necessary veggies, to support

as well as supporting local business instead of big old Tesco!

of

option breakfast.

from

traditional

There’s

also

a

eggs

benedict

good

lunch

to

a

menu

if

local businesses and to get to know the area (that’s a little peek into how I rationalise spending a significant portion of

Kember & Jones

my student loan on food anyway). I’ve complied this list with

£-££ - 134 Byres Road (turn left at the bottom of Unversity

the student budget in mind but also remembering visiting

Avenue)

parents who probably won’t fancy cheese on toast in your

Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat 9am - 10 pm, Sun 9.00 am - 6.00pm

tiny (possibly mouldy) kitchen, and who will hopefully be so

This place is my special favourite for tea and cakes. They have

happy to see you that they’ll treat you!

delicious coffee and a lovely selection of teas and the baking is to die for. There’s always plenty of variety (sometimes too

Crypt Café

much) so I would suggest taking a friend or family member

£ - Mon-Fri 10.30am-1.45pm This

café

is

located

who likes sharing and halving a couple of things. They have on

University

Avenue,

underneath

everything

from

chocolate

and

beetroot

cake

(surprisingly

Wellington Church and is a lovely place to spend spare time

delicious) to lemon polenta cake, and scones and brownies

in between lectures. The staff are friendly and welcoming

if you’re feeling less adventurous. If you’re going for anything

and serve comforting and homey food at seriously affordable

more substantial you might want to bring someone else to

prices.

pay the bill because fresh deli food like this sadly isn’t covered

There’s

also

a

piano

for

anyone

who

fancies

entertaining the other guests!

by most people’s weekly budget.

Hillhead Bookclub

Hanoi Bike Shop

£ - 17 Vinicombe Street

££ - Ruthven Lane (opposite Hillhead Subway station)

Mon-Fri 11am-12pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-12pm

Mon-Wed

Here they cover all the bases, brunch (£6), lunch (£5) and

11am-12.30am, Sun 11am-11pm

dinner (£10). The décor is vintage-old-fashioned with a really

Delicious, fresh Vietnamese food made on site. Price-wise this

welcoming atmosphere and open all day. They also have fab

is more a place to take the parents or go for a celebratory

strawberry mojito’s for only £3 all week which are delicious -

dinner but it’s worth every penny. The food is authentic and

although perhaps not advisable before a tutorial!

offers a wonderfully interesting Vietnamese flavours.

12pm-11pm,

Thursday-Friday

12pm-12.30am,

Sat

Bar Soba £ - 116-122 Byers Road (turn left at the bottom of Uni Avenue) Mon –Sun 12pm-12am If you like Asian food this is an ideal place to hit up.The ymarket

themselves

as

‘pan-asian

street

food’

(whatever

that means), and they have all of the well known dishes with a few more outlandish ones thrown in for those of you who want to try something new. During the week they operate a 2-for-1 offer for students on all mains meals and delicious (and free) water with cucumber and strawberry, so a lunch or dinner there shouldn’t set you back more than £7.

The Hanoi Bilke Shop Cuisine

7

G-Your

Politics

Note from the Politics Editor Kathryn Stevenson Politics is a funny thing. So many of us simply ‘don’t really

about student democracy. Don’t understand why there are

get politics’. Or chose to tune out because it’s seems too

four different coloured t-shirts? We explain the politics behind

complicated. I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s really not. If

of the yellow, red, pink and blue tops. We also have Paul

you’re one of those who have tuned out for too long then

Baird, our beloved debates convener, arguing his case for

you have come to right place. Our hope is that you’ll find

the debating society. We are also discussing the topic of the

G-You

moment-

an

accessible

and

comfortable

place

to

become

Scottish

Independence.

We’ve

asked

students

to

better acquainted with the subject that I (geekily admit) find

give us their reaction to both sides of the debate. So whatever

absolutely fascinating.

the 18th September brings, you heard it here first.

This fresher’s week issue we’re giving you all there is to know

The Colour Guide to University of Glasgow Kathryn Stevenson What you see now is a group of rowdy (and rarely sober)

Yes, it’s true some people never pick one union as their

students in different coloured t-shirts. What you are actually

union. But getting involved in the unions can seriously enrich

seeing

are

at

your university. I like to think of it like the moment you realise

own

what kind of ‘wing’ you belong to. We’re talking ideological

board, the composition of which is different across each body

wings here, the left/right kind- not the Nando’s kind. Once

but the way in which people come to hold those positions is

you connect which party embodies those views, you want to

the same. That’s where you come in. It is your responsibility to

involve yourself with that particular party and help promote

elect your favourite candidates. But how will you know who

it. Unions can be just a place for cheap drink but they are so

to vote for? And where will you vote? Don’t panic, it will all

much more if you find out what happens within them. So talk

become

to one of us in a yellow t-shirt and find out how you can get

University

the of

four

Glasgow.

abundantly

different Each

clear

student

student

in

elected

body

March.

has

Campaign

bodies their

teams

will

be all over campus (and your newsfeed) promoting their

stuck in!

candidate and urging you to vote. We advise that you save

Right, so we’ve covered the yellow and red tops but who are

yourself the trouble of trying to dip and dive around campus

these pink and blue guys? We’ll start with the pink- Glasgow

and embrace the excitement of the election. And you never

University Sports Association (GUSA). So if you fancy yourself a

know- it could be your name on the ballot in the years to

sporting superstar or simply wanting to try something new then

come.

GUSA will have a sport for you- a quick rhyming lesson there in case you’ve considered trying out for the cheerleading

So hopefully by now you’ve figured out that the yellow tops

squad.

are Glasgow University Union (GUU) and the red ones are

which offer a place for all abilities. If you have participated

Queen

at representative level, you can be sure to feel at home with

Margret

Union

(QMU).

Yes,

University

of

Glasgow

GUSA

facilitate

a

huge

spectrum

of

sports

clubs

confusingly has two unions. And yes- you can choose to be

our athletes.

a member of either, and use the facilities of both. Although

opportunity to get involved.

we would obviously hope you find the GUU ridiculously more

Last but certainly not least- the blue tops. This body is the

accommodating. The rivalry between the two sides is rather

Students

ridiculous but it is just that- utterly ridiculous.

ensure that all students are represented at every level within

Or if simply want to give sport a go, this is your

Representative

Council

(SRC).

The

SRC’s

role

to

We enjoy a bit of healthy competition but there is method

the bureaucratic nightmare which is the University. SRC offer

in the madness. You have more choice! We want you to

many services to help aid your transition into University life

find a union that provides services that you want to use. We

such as financial advice, second hand bookshop and a free

want you to find a Union that is filled with people that you

minibus service. Basically these are the people that will help

want to hang out with. We want you to find a union that best

you when you need it most.

represents you. So don’t be afraid to drop into both before

Now you’ve got a coherent colour guide to Glasgow, stop

deciding on an alliance.

using confusion as an excuse and get involved!

8

The Great Debate Kathryn Stevenson Even with all their fancy statistics, no one

I’m not a permanent UK resident (yet), I

animosity towards us Scots as many may

can predict what the 18th September

wouldn’t’ be able to make up my mind

view us as wanting to leave whether we

will hold. If you’re reading this from the

what way I would vote because neither

are Yes voters or not. My preference

other side, please don’t say I told you

side have definitively presented a clear

would

so. If there’s one way to define this

argument in their favour. Both sides are

Scotland. In the event of a Yes vote, I

debate, it’s the uncertainty of it. The

quick to point out the others flaws, but

feel

debate itself is filled with unanswered

neither of them provides any tangible

an

questions and unquestioned issues. The

solutions because no one knows what

concerns, however, are over the later

‘No’ Campaign finally put up some sort

will

years and what will happen if we don’t

of a fight when they plunked Alistair

happens. ‘

Darling

on

a

Alex

Salmond.

sharp

tongue,

televised Even he

debate

with

was

actually

the

vote

with

Salmond’s

uncomfortably

‘The

Independent

not

keep

Scotland

independent

debate has

on

been

Scottish going

Jessica

Politics student

like he up the creek without a paddle,

interest in it as it finally comes to a

the predictions were pulled in another

close.

Scottish

direction

yet

at least once a week by the shallow

upcoming

clinching

point

propaganda

would

one

the

pound

At

first.

as My

for me to want to go it alone.’

have

Darling’s

nation.

succeed

on

for so long now that to be honest, I

regarding

could

for

safety net of the UK is much too inviting

the pound. Just when Salmon looked

again.

devolution

would mean for a new currency. The Philip Simpson, 4th year English Lit Independence

could

once

like

greater

get a currency union and what this

choked by Alistair’s accusation that an Scotland

happen

be

begun

to

Despite

struggle

being

to

mildly

vomited

by

maintain infuriated

both

sides

Smart, ‘If

4th

the

year

History

and

majority

vote

against

independence

in

the

referendum,

be

hugely

personally

disappointed

I that

was soon lost in the second televised

and quickly sobered up by any pub

Scotland did not seize this once in a

debate

debate on the topic, I will be voting yes

lifetime opportunity to build a brand

out on top. As the paper’s declared

to independence.

new country of its own. However, this

Salmond the winner, I couldn’t help but

If it passes, I will be pleased to see the

would not be the fatal blow for the Yes

entertain the idea that SNP are lining

disconnection

themselves up for a sprint finish.

and

It cannot be denied that the debate

will

able

the independence issue, those in favour

has been riddled with scaremongering,

to manage its own affairs in a more

of independence would still push for

inconsistent

which

opinions. have

saw

statistics

Amongst

we

Salmond

actually

and all

come

contradictory

that

managed

between

Scotland’s be

reality

happy

to

see

English

politics

camp.

Although

finally

end.

would

have

Scotland

I

the

to

Yes

supporters

concede

defeat

with

egalitarian fashion.

some

confusion,

If it does not pass, I think the real shame

given that so many are disenchanted

to

will

make

in

Scotland,

independence

with the current Westminster rule. So although the yes side may lose their

at University of Glasgow to reflect the

quo will not be threatened significantly

main objective, they will not lose their

debate and give you a chance to find

for

are

spirit and momentum for change. So I

out what students have made of the

expensive so it is unlikely people will

would urge those in favour of Yes to not

great debate.

have such a chance to alter their future

be

entirely

so drastically again in their lifetime.’

in

September.

mind?

We’ve

asked

years

to

Scottish

reform

will leave conversation and the status

our

that

of

students

up

be

degree

come.

Referendums

Ilana Brener, 4th year Politics Student

to

‘When Scotland

referendum

I

initially

and three

wholeheartedly

learned years

against

If

by

however,

a

defeat

the

18th

produces a Yes victory, this would be an

came

over

about ago,

disheartened

I

Ailsa Pender, Politics Graduate, Masters

immense and historic event. This would

the

Student.

be a time of exciting negotiations and

was

independence,

often

‘As asked

a

politics about

my

student,

I

am

change, and I would be most proud to

thoughts

on

live in a left leaning country that took

am

the opportunity to make their country

mainly because I was asked before I

the

came to university if they spoke Scottish

decided on my vote, though still have

more

in Scotland; I thought that the world

some concerns over what will happen

free.

didn’t know enough about Scotland to

in either eventuality. If Scotland votes

apprehensive about the future, I would

accept After I

it

as

an

assuring

decided

that

independent

those as

who a

country.

Referendum.

I

socially Although

democratic, naturally

I

fair

and

would

be

to stay as part of the United Kingdom,

feel more secure knowing that we had

that,

I feel Scotland and the UK as a whole

the power and ability to make our own

student,

asked

foreign

Independence

would benefit. Although, I am worried

decisions for our own country. Together,

Even

about the reaction from the rest of the

Scotland could build something better.’

though I won’t be able to vote because

UK – there may be a general feeling of

voting Yes

could

be

dangerous.

9

G-Your

Culture

Glasgow: The Music Capital of Scotland With

the

summer

commonwealth and

the

Chloe Turner

games

over

cooperate chain it just lacks personality

the other is a 400 capacity. SWG3 also

independence

vote

that other places have in abundance.

boasts

in the middle of fresher’s week you

It’s one to go to if you get a chance but

production facility for bands so it’s ideal

couldn’t have chosen a more interesting

it will never be a venue to rave about.

for any budding musicians. SWG3 often

time to come and study in Glasgow.

recording

facilities

and

a

pre

supports many post grads so if you want

But one thing that the city has always

Barrowland

to see the next generation of musicians

had in abundance is it’s amazing and

This venue is a proper local favourites

and artists this is the first place to go.

diverse music scene. Both unions have

it’s an old 1960s ballroom with a garish

proudly

music

neon lights illuminating the building so

The Art School

events. Just take a look at some of the

it’s impossible to miss. With a capacity

The Art School doubles as both the

artists who have played at Daft Friday

of 2,100 it’s one of Glasgow’s largest

Glasgow

in the GUU: Arcade Fire (2008); Bombay Bicycle

hosted

Club

some

incredible

School

of

Art

Students’

venues. As a family run venue it has a

Association and one of Glasgow’s most

(2010);

Basshunter

(2012)

certain charm to it that other venues

famous music and arts venue. It was

recently,

Chvrches

(2013).

just lack. The acoustics also beat pretty

recently

But if you fancy venturing out into the

much all other places which makes it a

once

big city here is our guide to some of

must for any music geeks.

its place as an incredibly popular gig

and

most

venue

Glasgow’s best and most well known

The Arches

music venues.

This

completely

reopened for

it

refurbished instantly

students

and

and

reclaimed

locals

alike.

It varies its music from world famous

venue

has

been

important

to

bands

and

DJ’s

to

new

budding

King Tuts Wah Wah Hut

Glasgow’s

Probably my favourite on the list (and

since the 90s.

not just because of its amazing name).

most versatile venues, going to Arches is

Sub Club

It is the smallest venue on this list with

certainly a unique experience. Located

For any electronic music fans this is not

as a 300 capacity venue. It’s small but

right in the centre of Glasgow (across

a place to miss. With a variety of DJ’s on

mighty as King Tuts was named the

the road from central station) it often

every

winner of Britain’s best small venue in

hosts

(Franz Ferdinand played there in 2003)

2011.

as

festival and Celtic connection. However

whatever

‘UK’s Best Live Venue’ for three years on

it’s more famous for the bands and DJs

will have something to entertain you.

the trot. King Tuts is most well known for

that regularly play there. Whatever your

Possibly not a venue everyone would

supporting some of the biggest names

taste of music the arches will have it.

enjoy it’s genre of music focuses more

Radio

One

also

declared

it

demography

festivals

of

clubbing

Weegie artists.

As one of Glasgow’s

like

the

Glasgow

jazz

in music at the start of their careers

night

and

night

occasionally

you

are

a

free

band

subclub

on house, techno and electro. But don’t

including (but not limited to) Florence

Stereo

knock it till you’ve tried it. It has one

and

Nutini

Located in Renfield Lane this is a much

of

and Biffy Clyro. If you want to be able to

smaller venue than the previous ones

its

boast that you liked that band before

mentioned.

Glasgow is- fun , messy and a just a bit

anyone else did just check out King Tut’s

cafe and bar it also hosts many arts

line up. Chances are they’ll be famous

and music events in its basement area.

sooner or later.

The building was designed by Charles

These venues are just a select few that

Rennie

Glasgow has. The best thing you can

the

Machine,

Oasis,

Paolo

02 ABC

Operating

Mackintosh.

as

Great

a

for

vegan

a

more

intimate gig experience.

the

best

atmospheres

‘subculture’

represents

in

Glasgow everything

mental.

do is go out and find places for yourself.

This one is more like marmite. All major

The amazing music scene is one of the

artists will probably play here so if you

SWG3

best things Glasgow has to offer so go

have someone you’re desperate to see

Arguably the cultural hub for Glasgow

out and have an explore. You never

keep an eye out on their website. It’s a

SWG3 is open to musicians but also

know what you might find.

very spacious venue located near the

performance

bottom of Sauchiehall street.

The O2 is

artists and photographers. It has two

perfectly adequate but as it’s part of a

venues one with a 1200 capacity and

10

artists,

dancers,

visual

Rough Guide to Glasgow’s Culture

Alice Cockburn

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has a

much

Glasgow.

to firearms and weaponry. They have a

lot going for it. But it seems that when

It was founded by Dr William Hunter

fantastic collection of work by the group

you

and

live

somewhere

you

sometimes

of

the

aides

of painters known as the Glasgow Boys

(remember this was way before power

as well as work by Mackintosh. If you

things the city has to offer and you

points

fancy seeing some work from further

settle into daily life. It’s easy for Glasgow

so

a

afield they have a collection of work

University to become your whole life

preserved organ or something similarly

by the Dutch Old Masters and French

and for you not to realise what else

eww-inspiring!).

other

impressionists and a permanent exhibit

you

even

you’re

teaching

overhead

likely

to

be

There

projectors,

looking

are

also

at

of.

scientific

prominent

on Ancient Egypt (don’t trust everything

came

my

Scottish figures such as Lord Kelvin and

the Mummy films tell you!) Again it’s

second year when I was given a gift

relics from the Antoine Wall.

free and has a rather nice café in the

card for the Citizen’s Theatre. I decided

The Art Gallery is right next to the library

main hall. They have temporary exhibits

that I needed to find out more about

and again is a fantastic place to learn

throughout the year so it’s not just a

what’s going on in Glasgow culturally.

about Scottish artwork. It has significant

one-time attraction and even if you’re

As so much of what Glasgow has to

collections

Whistler

not sold on the collections, the building

offer is free, it seems to me that there’s

and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well

itself is worth taking a walk through the

something for everyone and most of it is

as

park to see.

right on your doorstep!

house

me,

the

taking

own

advantage

For

be

or

his

to

become less aware of all the amazing

could

includes

collection

discovery

in

instruments

the

who

of

from

James

interiors (which

McNeill

from

the

might

watches

60

Mackintosh

attract

anyone Makeover

If art or exhibits aren’t your cup of tea,

The Hunterian Museum and Hunterian

or DIY SOS!). Entry is free and there’s

Minute

the Citizens Theatre might do the trick.

Art Gallery are both actually on campus

the added bonus of free entry to the

It’s not quite as close as the other places

so there really aren’t any excuses not

temporary

I’ve mentioned; it’s in the Gorbals on

to pop in. The Hunterian Museum is

University students.

exhibitions

for

Glasgow

the Southside, but it’s easily accessible

located in the Gilbert Scott Building (or

by subway or bus (or foot if you’re

the Hogwarts Building) which in itself

Not much further away is the Kelvingrove

feeling fit!) and it’s nice to get out of

is nice to have a look around. It’s the

Art

is

the West End every now and then. It

oldest public museum in Scotland and

similarly famous and again contains a

focuses on reworked versions of classic

has all the variety you would expect

significant

focused

plays and new writing. As the second

and more than enough to keep you

on Glasgow and Scotland. Its collection

oldest operational theatre in the UK it

occupied

is

varied,

boasts many of the original Victorian

the things that sets it apart from other

ranging from exhibits about Scotland’s

machinery and fittings, making it a pretty

museums for me is the relevance of

history, to a sculpture and art, all the way

impressive place to spend the evening.

for

an

afternoon.

One

of

Gallery

larger

and

number and

Museum, of

which

exhibits

therefore

more

A big part of what they do involves Kelvingrove Museum, just across the university campus

exposing as many people as possible to theatre and consequently they sell a limited number of tickets at 50p each.

There are a number of conditions to get these tickets but as a student you can’t beat a bargain like that! Failing that, they offer student prices for most shows so they won’t break the bank. Shows to look out for in the autumn season include 1984 and Hamlet!

I

hope

everything

you

take

Glasgow

has

advantage to

offer

of it’s

truly one of the most culturally diverse countries out there. So go explore!

11

G-Your

Columns

What on earth is ‘Frosh’?

One of the best bits about doing a year abroad, aside from immersing

new, big city.

Kate Whitaker

yourself in a new culture, exploring a new country and the opportunity to study at some of the best universities in the world, is that for at least

Everything is also very big and very American at McGill. Montreal is

one week you can pretend to be an innocent little first year again and

one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and when I first

take part in Freshers week.

arrived I was surprised at how French it was. Where I live is entirely francophone and filled with art galleries, cute little cafes and quirky

I am spending this year at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and

shops, but downtown where McGill is situated seems SO typically

last week was our ‘Frosh’ week. No one seems to know why it’s Frosh

American to me. School spirit, a huge American Football stadium,

and not Freshers, even a quick google search provided me with no

cheerleaders and people playing Beer Pong with red cups. I’ve

answers. I mean, they even call first years Freshmen here, it makes no

discovered I’m great at a game called Flip Cup which is huge here, I’ll

sense.

teach you all when I’m back next year!

Either way the principle is essentially the same. I am writing this

One event was BEACH DAY! We were all taken in proper American

from my bed, armed with tissues, paracetamol and my fifth cup of

yellow school buses (I was way WAY too excited about this) to a club

lemon and honey tea, suffering from a very familiar case of Freshers

on an artificial beach by a lake. People were swimming, water skiing,

(Froshers?) flu.

drinking and dancing in the sun (it was almost 30 degrees all day and I got hideously burnt). Not exactly what I expected to be doing in

Having done Freshers Week twice at Glasgow, once as a fresher and

Canada, where is this snow everyone keeps talking about?

once as a GUU helper, I have been really annoying everyone all week by making constant comparisons between here and home. The

It has been a crazy week, so much fun but very different from my

biggest difference I have found is that here it is more controlled and

experiences in Glasgow.

guided. ‘Froshies’ are put in little groups assigned to Frosh leaders who take them to events, walk them home and hold back their hair when

For more study abroad stories or advice on how to apply, check out the

they’re sick. It’s nice in the sense that it’s slightly more personal and

student ambassador blogs at http://glasgowuniversityabroad1415.

I suppose breaks people into living and going out on their own in a

wordpress.com/.

Fourth year advice

Hannah Burgess

Dear Freshers, you will discover on this journey will enrich your life for years to come.”

Congratulations on making the best decision of your life so far. You will in no way regret it. So far you’ve all left high school and everything

Harriet is beginning her final year as an English Literature Student at

that is safe and predictable about it, the majority of you will also have

Glasgow. As our Features Editor she has her finger on the pulse and

left home and are now living in student halls. But one thing that every

has advice truly worth taking note of. “Be totally as open as you can be,

single one of you will have had in common over the past few weeks will

and say yes to everything! Glasgow is an insanely cool city, which you

be the adults in your life dishing out a host of unrequested advice such

are lucky enough to live in; don’t just stay in the West End. The city is a

as these gems; ‘Remember not to drink too much’, ‘Don’t go out every

labyrinth of opportunity and going to university here means you can

night’, ‘Make sure you eat well’... And so they go on and on. And on!

explore as many of those options as possible. There are so many people

We’ve all been there. On the other hand starting university, no matter

to meet and places to explore, so take advantage. The old favourites will

where you are enrolling, is a nerve-wracking time. So in order for you to

stick with you.”

get some realistic and honest advice, some of the G-You team in fourth year who have been there, done that, and got a fair few t-shirts have

So by a general consensus, go out this week and have an absolutely

chosen to share their pearls of wisdom with you.

amazing time. Do not hold back and try a bit of everything. In my Freshers’ Week I missed the Freshers address which I would not advise

In her fourth and final year of a politics degree, Kathryn is, unsurprisingly,

doing as it’s a great laugh and introduction to life at Glasgow. Similarly,

the Politics Editor for G-You and keen to share the realities of student

Fairs will be running throughout the week which will allow you to stack

life. “University will mess you up!” She is very honest! “You won’t sleep,

up on enough free pens, pencils, key-rings and condoms to last you

you will eat fast food like it’s going out of fashion, and surprise yourself

well into second semester and beyond. Take lots of photos, make lots

with friendships, alcohol intake and romance. Embrace it. You soon

of new friends and think about the academic side of things when you

figure out how to sleep before 2am and stop eating pizza for breakfast.

have to.

The person you are now is not the person you will be in fourth year –

12

and that’s a good thing! At times it will feel like you’re lost but what

Welcome to Glasgow!

Debating at GUU Paul Baird Debate? Or not to debate?

Do you enjoy a good argument? Do you like taking a stand and getting your point across? Well, welcome to debating at GUU! Whether you’re an experienced debater in your own right already or completely new to it all we’d be glad to welcome you along as you join us on campus here at Glasgow. There’s something for everyone at GUU. With our fun, raucous, twelve hour Parliamentary Debates that take place on five Fridays of the year; our black tie dinners; and our weekly Speaker Training sessions ran by our top international debatersthere’s something for everyone here at GUU. Come along and find out more at our Freshers’ Week Debates on Sunday 14 September and Saturday 20 September, both at 8pm in our Debating Chamber. We’re also holding our relaxed Welcome to Debates event on Tuesday 16th September where you can have a chat with our current debaters and meet the team. Our first Speaker Training session is on Tuesday 23 September at 6pm in the GUU’s Bridie Library. We hope to see you all there! Welcome to GUU!

13

G-Your

Societies

STaG - Student Theatre at Glasgow

Chloe Turner

“All the world’s a stage, and all the

and rare opportunity (it’s also a heck

wanted to jump onstage and join in on

freshers’ merely players.”

of a lot of fun). However, if New Talents

the fun.”

largest

still doesn’t appeal to you we also run a

As well as putting on over twenty plays

student theatre society and you have

various number of including a devising,

STaG is also a very social society with a

the chance to be a part of it. ‘But I have

play reading and writing workshops.

huge social being put on each month

no interest in acting’ I hear you say.

In our calendar year we run two festivals.

as well as the after parties for all the

Well then, why not try one of the other

First term is called ‘STaG nights’ which

plays. The motto is if you’re not walking

aspects

runs

STaG

be

is

Glasgow’s

to

stage

devising,

our

oldest

society

managing,

and

whether

tech-ing,

that

writing,

comprises

home drunk at 6am you’re not doing it

of nine plays based around the same

over

three

days.

This

right. Each year we put on a sub-crawl, a Halloween party, a Christmas dinner

directing or designing. Now

theme

and

think about that list, look into my eyes

magic.

The second term festival is ‘New

(why I do have beautiful eyes thank

Works’ which focuses on new writing in

With over twenty new shows to still

you very much) and tell me there’s not

the society. These plays are performed

be

something you’re interested in.

in front of a panel of judges who chose

and written next year we are always

“to join or not to join that is the question”

the winning play which we then take to

open

Okay so now you’re worried that you

the Fringe Festival.

the merrier! So if you like what you

don’t have enough experience to join.

On

This

‘mainstage’

isn’t

something

to

worry

about.

top

this

of

year

this

we

production

our

theme

also

have

which

is

a

takes

and a black-tie ball. directed, to

performed,

new

members.

tech-ed The

more

see sign up for our newsletter which you can do from our website www.

STaG takes in anyone no matter what

place each term. These are the largest

studenttheatreatglasgow.com.

their level of experience. At the end

productions

will give you all the information and

of fresher’s week we will be holding

really

auditions for our production of Peter

‘Jerusalem’

which

could want. Or if you like you’d like to

Pan. This is what we call a ‘New Talents

The Times described as “The best new

talk to someone in person pop down to

Night

play

the STaG Room located on 62 Oakfield

production’.

This

means

that

are

of

STaG

produces

amazing!

Our

by

Butterworth

the

Jez

decade”.

and

first

they

term

Auditions

is

for

updates

about

society

avenue

After the show is over (12th October)

Alongside our mainstage we also run

you’ll almost always find someone in

there is also a chance to be a part of

a

there to have a chat with. We hope to

the STaG board as a first year ordinary

slightly smaller and often directed by

board. To be able to be a part of the

someone with slightly less experience.

running of a society so early on in your

The

university life is an extremely valuable

the twenty two plays that we put on

which

is

posters you see are a selection from

last year. That Sinking Feeling

went on

to the fringe this summer after winning last year’s New Works festival. A hilarious python-esque set on a cruise ship with two

condom

companies

struggling

to

come to a merger after the head of one of the companies gambles away all his money- it was just about as mental as it sounds. It was a huge crowd pleaser with people commenting things like: “A fun and refreshing show. The passion of the ensemble cast was infectious. I

14

see you around!

the

gym)

you

this will be at the end of September. production

opposite

that

everyone who auditions will get a part.

non-mainstage

(just

the

This

and

ExSoc - Glasgow Exploration Society

John Graham Anderson

For what is approaching a staggering

to save the animals!

nine decades, the University of Glasgow

Of course, I was slightly nervous when

and figures – though I suspect that in

has been offering rare opportunities to

the

presentation

my case, with the Tobago expedition

its students; the opportunity to be at

evening came around, still I held the

being primarily turtle-based, the fact I

the heart of zoological fieldwork and

idea that this was exclusively for the

knew what a turtle was did help.

conservation efforts in places most of

scientists,

us view purely as postcard points. The

the

accessible

It goes without saying that my three

Expedition Society of the university has

presentations all quickly put my mind at

months in Tobago will stay with me for

been sending students out to countries

ease;

everyone

the rest of my life. The opportunity to do

such

as

Peru,

not

Society

the

informative being

artists.

However,

and

geared

towards

and

from fourth year zoologists and marine

practical fieldwork, whether it is familiar

biologists, to those of us who hadn’t

or not, whilst also seeing beautiful parts

not all too dream-like: the chance to

previously

of the world, forging strong friendships

see

and

Kerr building even was! Suddenly the

with

preserve our beautiful planet’s wildlife is

dilemma was not, ‘Man, I don’t know

immersing yourself in another culture, is

not as exclusive as it sounds!

if I’m the right guy for this’, but instead

one

‘Man, which expedition to I decide to

Naturally there is a financial aspect to

apply for?!’

this – expeditions aren’t free. But for a

natural

Egypt

Expedition

Trinidad and Tobago since 1920. But it’s tremendous

Ecuador,

merely on trying to impress with facts

wonders

In the summer of 2012 my flat-mate took

known

where

the

Graham

part in his first expedition, which saw him

your

team

members

and

that does not come around often.

comparatively low price you get to see

go to Trinidad – however, with him being

Any

a zoology student, I still considered that

process,

being

own flight, which are booked well in

for me, as a humble English literature

considered for a team in which less than

advance so you will not be entirely out

student, this was not really a option.

a

chosen.

of pocket, and many of the living costs,

But to my surprise, two other friends

And of course, practical knowledge of

i.e. food, are paid for by the expedition

were

accepted

onto

expeditions

interview

dozen

is

especially

a

nerve-wracking

when

interviewees

will

you’re be

the world. You have to pay for your

to

the wildlife in a given ecosystem is not

itself. Furthermore, fundraising is vital, so

Trinidad and Iceland the following year,

the only criteria, you want to be able

make sure to be quick with ideas of how

one a Civil Engineer and the other an

to have a laugh with people if you’re

to do as much of it as possible!

English and French language student. It

going to be spending, depending on

suddenly occurred to me that maybe

the time-span of each expedition, six-

All I can conclude by saying is that

us writers could also have our chance

plus weeks with them. So do not focus

the

Expedition

changing

Society

experiences

provides

life-

anyone

and

to

everyone who is studying at Glasgow University. And its only three pounds to

join

the

society

and

attend

the

presentation evening. So, if you want adventure,

experience,

CV

bragging-

material and the memories of a lifetime, then do hold it in mind.

15

G-Your

Sport Club

GUSWPC does Albufeira Adi Childs It was June, and summer had just started when thirty-two of Glasgow

challenges to complete. I ended up being a team leader which was

University Swimming and Waterpolo Club (GUSWPC)’s finest headed to

probably a bad call. I took all our challenges very seriously which led to

Albufeira in the south of Portugal for 8 nights of sun, sea and silliness.

some cross dressing, many a drinking game, a bit of guy on guy action,

Now when I heard tour this year was to Albufeira, I wasn’t all that

free shots, pictures and kisses with bartenders and much more... finally

pleased. It’s one of these hotspots for British tourists who want some

ending with a cheeky wee skinny dip in the sea, unaware of the creepy

sun but don’t want to experience any foreign culture. Almost everyone

old men watching from the beach. It was all worth it to be the only

there speaks English and half the bars and restaurants are proud to

team to complete all the challenges (even though our prize never

serve British food. I must admit I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to

materialised).

holidays; I like classy places, I don’t like being hounded every time I walk

However, the most dramatic of our day time activities happened in

up to a shop, and if I’m paying money to get out of Britain I want to feel

the hotel. We decided to create a little challenge for everyone on tour.

like I’ve actually left. In my opinion Albufeira is like a B-list Magaluf and

This was to swim round the outside of the pool in the hotel completely

that just doesn’t appeal to me.

underwater. Now we guessed the distance was about 50m which most

However after enjoying last year’s tour so much I thought I might as

of the team could just about manage however no one was in peak

well go -and I definitely made the right decision. I now realise that you

physical health during the trip which is what caused the most drama.

could take this group of swimmers to the most boring place on earth

Our Water Polo captain doesn’t have an averages person’s general

and as long as there was some booze we’d find a way to have the best

infliction of desiring to breathe when he holds his breath. He’d been

week of our lives.

out the night before and had cocktails for breakfast so all things added

So we spent our first night in Faro, then six nights in Albufeira, and

up to him getting about halfway around the pool and passing out from

rounded up the trip with a night in Lisbon. Rather than giving you a

lack of oxygen. I must mention that the hotel pool had no lifeguards,

blow by blow account of what we did, I’ll just run over some of the

but luckily half the swim team are trained lifeguards so no horrible

highlights. Most days were spent by the pool, sunbathing and nursing

ending! When he finally came round, rather than following everyone’s

our hangovers. The nights were where things got interesting. Albufeira’s

advice to go the hospital to avoid secondary drowning he decided he’d

strip is home to many incredibly cheap nightclubs and bars, where it

just try the challenge again later in the week. Genius, I know.

turns out blagging free drinks is easier than anticipated. The first night

Overall the week was fantastic. It was absolute carnage and destroyed

there we had free run of these bars and in standard swim team style

my bank account but I’m so happy I went. The message I’d like to pass

we got pretty wrecked. I spent a good while behind the bar at one club

on is that if you join club this year (obviously it should be swimming)

while the bartender attempted to chat up my roommate and showered

and if they have a tour, go. Save up some money and watch out for your

us with free drinks. After a few cocktails and some lovely shots, the rest

liver but it will be one of the best holidays of your life.

of the night got a bit blurry. Most nights were like that.

My favourite night was our team night. Swim teams are a tad competitive (and they definitely bring it out in me), so one night we were split into groups,

16

in

which

we

had

a

list

of