SHUlife Spring 2015

YOUR spring ISSUE

FREE spring ISSUE 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: vice chancellor interview - summer travelling - hubs history - sexual assault story & more...

ED’S LETTER

SHULIFE spring 2014 Hello and welcome to the Spring 2014 edition of SHUlife - the student magazine of Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union.

SHUlife is a lifestyle magazine that covers a wide area of topics and issues. Aimed at students aged 18-25 representing over 37,000 students, SHUlife is a voice for any Sheffield Hallam student that wants to be heard.

In this edition, we have some really thought provoking articles from feminist campaigns to travel advice to a story of a rape victim. #HALLAMTILLIDIE Catherine, Holly & John SHUlife Editors-in-Chief 2014/15

WE’RE ONLINE:

And when you are done with the mag, log onto shu-life.co.uk. There we regularly update you with all of your favourite topics.

You can also check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/SHUlife and follow us on Twitter @SHUlife.

Contact us at: enquiries@shulife.co.uk SHUlife Hallam Union, The Hubs Paternoster Row Sheffield S1 2QQ

The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of Sheffield Hallam University or Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union.

Please dispose of this in an environmentallyfriendly manner.

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meet the team EDITORs-in-chief Catherine Christy

Holly Evans

John Cartwright

music editors Katie Hetherington

Charlotte Callingham

sports editors Liam Kent

Damon Traverse

lifestyle & culture editors Sian Hodkin

Amy Donohoe

fashion editors Ethan Huntington

Emily Matthews

NEWS EDITORS Nicola Grummett

Karishma Ravalia

film editor Josh Powlesland

Technology Editor Josh Powlesland

food editor Louise Gebhard

Special thanks to Deborah Berman, Sophie Amos, Kirsty Mann, Dr Lily Canter, David Clarke and Tania Clayton.

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Sophie Amos: What is life like when you’re a student officer?

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Fashion: Iconic awards Feature: Rape victim outfits and graphic from SHU speaks out. t-shirts.

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News: Why you should vote in the Students’ Union elections and vice-chancellor to retire.

Music: The history of the HUBS plus a round-up of the best music from 2014.

Cultural Diversity: We find out about Culture Connect at SHU.

Food: Cocoa Crazy and Hong Kong Wok reviews and recipe ideas.

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contents

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Sport: This Girl Can campaign, Winter Varsity news and Trampolining.

Agony Aunt: Cheating, losing friends and coping with heavy workload tackled

Column: A SHU Film: Best of 2014, student’s worst looking ahead to 2015 experiences working in and The Hobbit review. retail Lifestyle & Culture: Travelling tips, feminism and playwright Sarah Kane.

Tech: Charity livestreams, the best of 2014 and what to look forward to in 2015

Want to help shape the next issue of Shulife?

Email us getinvolved@shulife.co.uk 3

Students’ union

Why I have loved being Activities Officer Sophie Amos - @hu_activities These have been the best two years of my life. When I started at Sheffield Hallam in 2009, I came to the Sports Fair at the Students’ Union and got involved with sports.

This progressed to me doing more and more things with the Students’ Union and this sparked my interested in one day becoming an officer.

With time I knew I could improve and change so much.

In my second year of university, the Activities Officer (Doug Muzawazi) at the time really inspired me, he had a great connection with students, was passionate, and most of all wanted to change the Students’ Union and particularly the activities area.

I always knew I wanted to run in the election, I just didn’t know how or where therefore I spoke to the officers and asked. I decided to finish my course first, but I didn’t know how to even start planning a campaign; I had to be creative to think of a campaign that hadn’t been done before, my surname is Amos so me and my friends brain stormed about what I could do with this. From this, The A Team came out of the conversation. My theme was simple but effective.

All of my banners, posters and the whole campaign were based around The A-team. It was hard getting up every day and campaigning, and then having students say “I’m not voting ‘cause I don’t care” but this was my shot at changing the Students’ Union’s future.

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Becoming the Activities Officer was all I wanted to do, I had been thinking about it for four years, but it lay in the fate of students voting.

Results night was nerve wracking! My campaign team were saying ‘I had it in the bag’ but when I got up on stage I was shaking like a leaf. The results were announced and they said; “the next Activities Officer will be…Sophie Amos,” I was so happy I burst into a scream and then sobbed like a baby. I’d done it!

I decided to run again last year and I knew I had to smash campaigning because I had to prove what I had done the year before was right and changing the things I did made it better but I had more work to do. I was watching one of my favourite films and I just knew what my campaign would be based on; Toy Story!

My slogan was ‘to activities and beyond and I was voted in again! My second year as Activities Officer has been an absolute delight, I believe I have improved and achieved so much for the students of Sheffield Hallam.

The reason I’m writing this article is to really say, when it comes to Voting Week, please take your time to listen to and read the candidates manifesto; it’s their passion to represent you. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there so be nice. It relies on you, STUDENTS to vote.

It’s simple, you log onto the

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Students’ Union website and it will be right there. It’s been an amazing journey; our team have worked hard and made some real changes to make the Students’ Union a better place for you all. I’ve been lucky enough to have made some amazing friends and represented some almighty good students and the work they do. If it hadn’t have been for students voting my dream wouldn’t have come true. So please make someone else’s dream happen by voting, it’s simple and it takes two minutes.

It’s been an honour, peace out.

For me, it’s out to the real world of employability.

news

Getting involved with student elections Nicola Grummett - @NicolaGrummett SHU student elections are just deputy chair of the Students’ around the corner and the Union trustee board and a union wants you to get involved. represented figure head for the students’ union externally.

With the chance to nominate Education Officer yourself or a friend for the The education officer’s job is to available positions there really make sure you get as much as is no telling who your next possible from your academic union team will be. Last year’s experience at Hallam. Working winner and current student closely with academic reps president Emily Connor said: and university departments is “Being an officer for the past a big part of the role to ensure year and a half has been the students are happy with how best decision and experience I’ve ever made. I’ve been given their course is being run. an opportunity to make real Sports & Physical Activity change for students and their Officer experience at Hallam.”

If sports are you’re thing, then this role’s for you. The sports Each position makes a and physical activity officer’s difference to your student job is to lead the many sporting experience. As well as five groups available to students at paid office roles, there are Hallam. As well overseeing the also 12 part time student representatives for a number of running of BUCS and Varisty. different university groups and Activities Officer departments.

Think RAG week, societies, volunteering groups and us Officer roles available include: here as SHUlife. As activities Student President officer you’ll oversee all the Student president leads the exciting opportunities available Students’ Union and ensures at the Students’ Union. Helping everything runs smoothly create new groups and – from supporting the other ensuring the running of the officers to helping your student existing ones is the best it can experience personally. As be. well as president, you’d be

Welfare & Community Officer Finally, the role of this officer is to lead campaigns surrounding issues that affect everyone at Hallam – from issues around housing to student health and finance. Their job is to make sure your wellbeing as a student at Hallam always comes first so you can get the most out of your university experience.

The polls for voting open on Monday 9th March and positions are due to be announced in the following week at an awards ceremony which takes place at the Students’ Union. Expect last minute antics, a red carpet and film crews.

Last year, nominees campaigned tirelessly for the student vote in the upcoming weeks to the election. From university propaganda to Lego themed election videos and much more – this year you can expect to see nothing less.

You can find out more about SHU’s officers and student team on the union website www.hallamstudentsunion.com

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news

Vice Chancellor of University announces retirement Karishma Ravalia @karishmar1 Professor Philip Jones, Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University has announced he is to retire in Spring 2016.

At the age of 65, he has been Vice-Chancellor of Hallam since 2007 and the decision to retire took him around 6 months to make. He said: “This is a big decision, and it’s been hard. I have loved my time at Sheffield Hallam but in November I shall be 65, and so from a personal point of view, this feels like a good time to step down.”

So what does being ViceChancellor mean? He could be described as being like the headmaster of a school.

He is the main person in charge - a figurehead – who makes the important decisions about the university.

He’s responsible for the operations at Hallam. He plays an important role within the university having the final say on how things are run in the university.

Looking back on his time he said: “When I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2007, I set out my ambition for us to become a ‘top 50 university.”

Teaching satisfaction has improved, from 76% to 86%, since he started his job in 2007, something he is proud of.

“I have loved my time at Sheffield Hallam but in November I shall be 65”

He originally started his academic career in Law. After spending the first half of his career working in Central London, he moved up north and worked at The University of Sheffield for a few years.

Professor Jones also had a similar role at Durham University before moving to Hallam.

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Talking to Hallam’s Press Office, The Chair of the Board of Governors, Geoff Dawson, paid tribute to Professor Jones.

He said: “Phil’s decision to retire comes at a time when Sheffield Hallam is celebrating strong performances in student recruitment, student satisfaction and research performance, and as we are realising an ambitious estates

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development plan.”

He went on to say: “It has been a great journey, and one that he can be rightly proud of.”

More recently, Professor Jones has played a part in the improvement of the campuses; the New Charles Street Building development and refurbishment of the Heart of the Campus building at Collegiate Campus.

Although he is looking forward to retirement, he can’t imagine himself just sitting around. He’ll need to find something to do, he mused.

He plans to carry on as ViceChancellor until Spring 2016 and has ensured “until then it is very much ‘business as usual’ as we work together to secure an exciting and successful future for our university.”

Feature

Championing cultural diversity at SHU Samantha Jane Logan Recently there has been lots of negative press in the media about internationals coming to the UK. I am proud to be part of a diverse population at Sheffield Hallam, which includes 4000 international students, from 120 countries.

It is the perfect place to meet friends from around the world.

Students get to know someone from a different country, through one-to-one mentoring.

They get a learning set of different nationalities which enables them to gain a range of perspectives and develop their cultural awareness. Students get chance to reflect and share advice.

I study MSc Coaching and Mentoring and I work at International Student Support.

As part of my volunteer work mentoring students and university coursework, I designed a cross-cultural mentoring scheme within my workplace called Culture Connect. Currently there are 140 members from 32 countries. Belonging to SHU GoGlobal campaign shu.ac.uk/ global – it encourages students to have a global outlook by taking part in extracurricular projects.

Sam Gray from Britain said: “Culture Connect brings students together in a friendly, supportive way. They have someone to discuss their problems and successes with, whilst developing a relationship that is rewarding for both parties. It has improved my student experience because I am more confident communicating my ideas, and I have seen progress in my studies. This will help me beyond university when applying for jobs.”

Katrina Love from Britain told me: “Culture Connect is inspiring, as it is purely unique to Sheffield Hallam. With such a diverse community, it is important to try and integrate this community. I highly recommend this scheme – you are always learning something.

By widening understanding, ignorance can be knocked down and friendships formed, which lead to a better future”

Dipika Khanal from Nepal said: “It helps students to understand themselves better.

Training sessions enhance their confidence to be in a group and improve their interpersonal skills.”

The scheme challenges cultural stereotypes in a safe environment, encouraging positive relationships. Monthly training prepares members to work in diverse organisations.

When a Nigerian student first came to the UK, he was nervous after seeing the news channels. He thought British people were uncomfortable with internationals especially from Africa. After joining the scheme, he has met many friends and changed his mind.

Emenike Okeoji from Nigeria said: “Culture Connect is a place to find love and acceptance by everyone, no matter who you are. It is a forum for happy people.”

Regular fun social activities open to all students, organised

by Global Community Society provide additional opportunities for them to practice their informal language skills and grow their support network.

A recent event included an Indonesian music and Capoeira demonstration. These acts will be performing at SHU Fest, a huge festival from 2–8 March.

Deepashree Anjanamurthy from India said: “We have exciting plans to make your student life better. Join our next multicultural event on the SHU GoGlobal Facebook group.’

Global Community Society ‘Glad I joined such a practical scheme! It has been an amazing experience so far.”

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feature Behind the Counter – horror stories from working retail Anna Flockett - @flockerz123 I work at a department store as a ‘customer advisor’- which to you and me is a shop assistant.

Retail is hell to be honest, but it could be worse.

The store is at the end of one of the country’s largest shopping centres, where the tiles on the floor change colour from a classy cream to a muddy brown.

Working in a shop you’re bound to meet strange and interesting

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people. But our shop seems to get all the amazing characters, some of them without the intention of buying.

Some don’t even try to pretend.

They will just take a seat or wander round for 45 minutes staring at people.

I do a bit of everything, including working on the jewellery counter which often the busiest department. The gold plated ‘MAM’ rings are

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one of the top sellers as well as watches. On one unforgettable occasion I helped a middle aged man select an analogue watch. I put it on him and evenadjusted the metallic strap, plus made sure he understood how to set it and had everything he needed. But he asked: “What if I need more help setting up my watch?”

As a good customer advisor I told him he could come back into the store at any time. To

feature Image Credit: Wayne0216/Shutterstock.com

which he replied: “Can I have your number?”

With a queue of about 15 people and no manager around, I made one up, wrote it on his receipt, smiled and said goodbye.

was “doing very well” and he was coming back this weekend.

I still have absolutely no idea how he managed to get hold of my actual mobile number.

On another occasion, I served a middle- aged guy with a beard, who looked like my friend Three days later I was receiving Jess’s dad and had been sent WhatsApps from a number I to collect and pay for his own didn’t know. I replied harmlessly birthday present. thinking someone I knew was messaging me and I just hadn’t When the reservation was saved their number- I was not invalid, the guy phoned up his expecting a reply saying: “It’s wife, who begged me on the Hareem, the guy who bought a phone not to tell him or show watch off you.” him what it was. He asked if there was a way I could take My lack of reply led to six other the gift (a lawnmower) out to messages asking me ”why I his car in a way it would remain had gone all shy.” His watch a surprise. Strange people. I left

my colleagues on collection to deal with him.

But, my favourite angry customer of all has to be the smart- businessman who made me cry, when I told him he couldn’t return his vacuum cleaner because it wasn’t faulty.

In fact it was so clogged with hair and hay it looked like a horse had lived in there for years- and it smelt like it too.

He didn’t like this.

“I cleaned that twice last weekend and left it 24 hours to dry!” was his argument, but it looked more like the vacuum had given his stables a good clean out.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Travelling in Europe and America on a budget Amy Donohoe - @amy_donohoe

We’re coming up to the halfway point for semester two, and that will either fill you with excitement that the stress of the year is nearly over, or sheer panic just thinking about how much you still need to do. Either way, something we’ve probably all thought about whilst getting through essays and exams, or even just procrastinating, is summer. Whether you’re planning a girls’/boys’ holiday, a trip with your partner, or with family, it’s something we look forward to all year, so we thought we’d take a look at some exciting holiday ideas which can be done on a budget.

starting from £34 and 28 countries to choose from, the pass’ validity ranges from 3-8 days within a month, and you can make as many train journeys as you like on your chosen travel days.

which means giving a donation instead of paying standard price for a ticket.

Southern California CityPASS, Los Angeles If you’re looking to visit many of the famous attractions Global Pass California has to offer, the This pass allows you to travel Southern California CityPASS around up to 30 countries, and could be a saving grace for your youth prices range from £157- back pocket. The pass gives £378, depending on the length you entrance to Disneyland, of your trip and how many Universal Studios Hollywood, travel days you require. This is and Sea World San Diego. You the best option if you want to can also choose to add on visits visit 3 countries or more, and to San Diego Zoo and Legoland works out as a great deal since with the pass, which increases you’re getting to see so much of savings even more. Note: the Europe. pass is only worthwhile if you For more information, visit visit everything you pay for, so Something which seems to be consider the time you have and getting more popular again with http://www.interrail.eu/. whether your plans are realistic. young people each year in the Another country which is summer season, is Interrailing.

Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas It’s an exciting way in which you increasingly becoming a mustTopped as one of the best see destination for all ages, can explore Europe by train, but specifically young adults, is attractions in Vegas, tourists using one of the two Interrail usually find it hard to believe America. passes on offer. It’s up to you that this show is actually to plan your route and desired free. With the water travelling destinations, which adds to the Guggenheim Museum, New up to 460 ft in the air, and fun of arranging your trip when York City Renowned as one of the most complemented with more everything is decided to suit famous international museums than 30 songs from classic you. They also offer a ‘Youth’ in terms of both art and to modern, there’s really price for every pass, which is something for everyone. Not to 35% off and available to under architecture, the Guggenheim Museum is something not to be be missed if you find yourself 25 year olds, so it’s a great missed if you’re lucky enough along Las Vegas’ famous Strip. discount to take advantage of. to be in The Big Apple. Student One Country Pass admission is priced at $18 This is the cheapest option, (with valid ID). However, if you and the best pick if you’re only visit the museum between wanting to travel around one 5:45pm-7:45pm on a Saturday, country. With ‘Youth’ prices they offer ‘Pay What You Wish’,

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Catherine Christy - @itscatchris

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Ko Phi Phi, Thailand and Malaysia provides some Thai beaches are a relaxing spectacular views and cultures. alternative to the chaos in Bangkok. These slices of Some of these countries are paradise are still affordable extremely cheap to live in, so despite booming prices. much so, some people don’t A must-visit are the even come back.

Phi Phi islands. If you are familiar Accommodation could cost with the film, you below a fiver for hostel or The Beach, around £20 for nicer hotels. the movie was If you eat local, meals would filmed right in cost you around £2-£3 and Koh Phi Phi beers are around 50p. Avoid Lee which is as the tourist traps, do what the breathtaking as locals do and you’re good to it was in the film. go.

Imagine turquoise waters, white sand and Siem Reap, Cambodia a lovely sunset.

This place is home to the Chiang Mai, Thailand famous ancient Angkor Wat. For those who are sick of the Some of you may be familiar hustle and bustle of Bangkok, with the tree temple featured Chiang Mai is becoming a in Tomb Raider which is part of the world’s largest religious favourite amongst young backpackers because of its monument. A UNESCO World laid back peaceful vibe. Hop on Heritage Site, this Buddhist a river cruise, explore golden and Hindu temple complex temples, haggle at markets features on the Cambodian flag. For £13(US$20), explore without feeling like you are on a conveyor belt of tourists. In the 12th century temple this side of the country, you ruins. Hire a Tuk Tuk (a threecan be assured you might find wheeled open air vehicle) or it a struggle to even meet your bike and spend all day being an explorer. When you’re done, daily budget of spending. go to the less tourist-filled Borneo, Malaysia places like the Killing Fields Asia’s largest island has a in Battambang or relax on a lot to offer for animal lovers. beach at Sihanoukville. After Check out the sealife in all, bus rides in Cambodia are Manukan Island, Malaysia’s only a few pounds.

marine national park. If you adore turtles, head to Turtle Islands, an endangered turtles conservation park. For monkey lovers, Sabah is a sure winner as you can interact with orangutans. The orangutans roam about freely so be sure to cuddle up with one and take a selfie.

Lifestyle & Culture

Where to visit in South East Asia on a budget

“If you eat local, meals would cost you around £2-£3 Halong Bay, and beers are Vietnam around 50p” Another popular

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backpackers’ destination, this UNESCO World Heritage site is best seen on a river cruise. Halong Bay is a natural beauty and you will be able to take it all in when you visit during non-monsoon season months. Do check out the rest of Vietnam as it has a lot to offer. Many would have been tempted to visit Vietnam after watching Top Gear’s special and that is no surprise. This country is serene in its beauty and travelling below budget is an understatement when local buses would cost you just 10p.

Make sure you buy a bowl of delicious Pho on the street sides.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Image Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

The F Word Sian Hodkin - @hodderss Feminism. No don’t worry, it’s not a threat. I know recently the very thought of the word sends shivers down people’s spine, terrified that women everywhere will remove their bras and march through Sheffield, reducing men to nothing but quivering wrecks.

I hate to break it to you, but we don’t do that. Maybe that idea appeals to some people but generally, feminists are rational, sane people who want to live in a society comfortable for both genders. Yep you heard that right; both men and women, living in a world of gender equality. You don’t miss out on the feminist boat just because you’re a man, don’t worry, everyone’s invited.

In this world of Facebook and Twitter, where everyone seems to have the correct opinion and campaigns can start from a single hashtag, it’s easy to get a skewed perception of feminism.

“So women don’t want to be treated like sex objects, but at the same time they’re happy enough with Miley Cyrus writhing around a stage?” or “You want to be treated equally, but you also want men to act chivalrous and beg to your

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every need?” and you sit there wondering “am I a feminist if I still listen to Robin Thicke?”

apparently were only capable of remembering the name of their gown’s designer.

The tough part is that everyone has their own perceptions of Feminism, even my own opinion may differ from the next feminist. As long as you want equality for both genders and have a sound argument to back it up, then hey ho, you’re a Feminist.

So to let Hollywood acknowledge this incredibly annoying and frustrating trend, the #AskHerMore tag promotes the problems asking these questions creates – why are women rarely asked about their role in their film? Why are women only asked about families, or why they don’t have children yet and whether they have any on the horizon?

Can’t women be actresses instead of walking, talking, advertising, baby machines?

So without skewing your vision of Feminism even more and just shouting about how amazing Feminists are, I’m going to show you all the great things that Feminists have achieved so far.

Ask Her More - #AskHerMore The Ask Her More Campaign was set up by The Representation Project in response to the endless interviews at award shows, journalists everywhere screaming “what are you wearing? You look great” or “Who are you wearing?” They noticed that the questions that men were asked were about their role in the film, deep, poetic questions about how the film was to make and yet, women were reduced to walking advertisements and

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He For She I told you Feminism wasn’t just for women! Emma Watson, actress, Brown’s University graduate and general powerhouse was elected as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and started off her role with a bang. After an incredible speech at the UN Headquarters in New York, Emma launched the He For She campaign, in a bid to educate more men on Feminism, to show that Feminism is promoting gender equality not just benefitting women.

Lifestyle & Culture

Sheffield Celebrates Playwright Sarah Kane Roseanne May Cross @RoseMayCross This month sees the arrival of Sarah Kane season, as Sheffield Theatres commends the playwright by performing three of her most prolific plays, Blasted, Crave and 4.48 Psychosis. All three plays explore the depths of human nature.

When Blasted, the first play by author Sarah Kane was performed 20 years ago, it was highly controversial and attacked by the media. In this current climate and since the suicide of the incredibly talented Kane in 1999, ‘Blasted’ might be more relevant now than ever before, through the horrific themes that the play explores.

Blasted is back; this brutal and honest play which involves torture, rape and cannibalism is definitely not for the faint hearted. Kane was no stranger to notorious topics; Artistic Director Daniel Evans said: “She believed passionately that there wasn’t anything that couldn’t be represented in the theatre, however beautiful or cruel.”

The play provides a brutal insight into the world of the Bosnian civil war, exploring relationships, sexuality and the racial traumas suffered by the two nations in conflict.

Crave demonstrates four

characters’ individual struggles including rape, murder, addiction, incest, anorexia and suicide. The play is noted as being a departure from Kane’s usual staged violence and uses a non-linear, poetic style to show a deeper insight into the character’s personalities.

4.48 Psychosis is assumingly self-reflective, presenting everyday anxieties within the female character suffering from severe depression.

“Much has been said and written about her death, but it’s important to say that Sarah

had a wonderful, dark sense of humour – and a huge heart” -Daniel Evans, Artistic Director (Sheffield Theatres) The Sarah Kane Season at Sheffield Theatres is a commemoration of the life and work of the incredibly talented playwright. It’s guaranteed that the performances will leave a significant impression on you afterwards and is definitely an eye-opener for anyone who doubts that female writers could push the boundaries of playwriting and performance.

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Fashion

The Most Iconic Award Show Outfits Emily Matthews - @emilyfm As awards season is upon us on both sides of the Atlantic, we thought we should take a look back at some of the most memorable outfits from previous Oscars, Grammys and BAFTAs.

Audrey Hepburn

Pharrell Williams

The actress who won for Roman Holiday in 1954 infamous for her elegance and grace wore a white floral Givenchy dress. Praised at the time for being one of the best dressed and still classed as one of the best Oscars dresses ever, Hepburn proved that fashion can be timeless.

At last year’s Grammys and Brit Awards, Pharrell managed to bring the hat back into fashion sporting a rather large bowler-shaped one which also featured in his music video for Happy. This Vivienne Westwood Mountain Hat is still available to buy at Worlds’ End for £95.

Opt for a cheaper equivalent on Etsy.

J-Lo in Versace

Who can forget this plunging green number that J-Lo wore to the 42nd Grammy awards back in 2000. The dress gained lots of media attention and made Versace a household name.

Angelina Jolie

Julia Roberts

Gwyneth Paltrow

At the 1999 Oscars where she won for Shakespeare In Love, Paltrow donned a gorgeous pink Ralph Lauren dress inspired by Grace Kelly which brought girly pinks back into fashion.

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It may have been the dress or it may have been the infamous sticking her leg out pose but the LBD that Angelina wore to the 2012 Oscars is a favourite from recent years. Jolie paired it perfectly with red lips and attitude.

Julia Roberts’ black and white Valentino dress won the hearts of the fashion pack back in 2001 when she won an award for her role in Erin Brockovich.

Fashion Chatsworth House praises Fashion Design students Ethan Huntington - @Ethan1808 First year Fashion Design students travelled to iconic country estate of Chatsworth house in Derbyshire to gather inspiration for graphic t-shirts. Their final pieces took inspiration from the house and its surroundings as well as the Sotheby’s ‘Beyond Limits’ Exhibition. Their pictures and inspiration were then manipulated and distorted for a whole collection of enigmatic t-shirts.

Members of Chatsworth House came down just after Christmas to see what the students had created with their

research and editing skills.

The members of Chatsworth house decided to select three T-shirts which best suited the Duke of Devonshire, the Duchess of Devonshire and Chatsworth’s own choice.

felt that it finished it off nicely without being too much on the t-shirt. I won 3 tickets to Chatsworth house so when the weather’s nice, I’ll take a picnic and sit on the grass admiring the lovely building.”

Summer Wang said: “I feel that The winners were: this project taught me to be Bethany Taylor for the Duke’s adventurous with my designs choice and to try something new and Summer Wang for the Duchess’ different. I felt very proud of it choice in the end as I’d never made a Rihan Ashby for Chatsworth garment by myself before.” choice Chatsworth House will be back soon to spot new talent.

We spoke to two of the winners. Rhian Ashby said: “I

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Music A musical history of The HUBS Gina Francey - @GinaFrancey I had a look at the history of Sheffield Hallam’s The HUBS and how it is significant to our musical lives. One question posed by staff and students alike is: what is The HUBS meant to be? Why does it look like a kettle? Why is it silver?

And so on and so forth.

Well, I can’t answer these questions completely for you, but I can tell you the shape of the Students’ Union is iconic as it was originally built with the purpose of being a music museum. It was designed by Nigel Coates and was inspired

by Sheffield’s steel industry, with the roof (or spouts) made from actual steel which spun in the wind.

Unfortunately the roofs are now in fixed positions so they no longer spin, but there is no denying this influence of the steel city on the building.

Through donations from the National Lottery, what we now know as The HUBS was built and ready to open as The National Centre of Popular Music in 1999, just over fifteen years ago.

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The centre aimed at celebrating Sheffield’s own

achievements in popular music included exhibitions featuring Pulp and Human League. The centre also aimed at giving customers a unique musical experience seeing different perspectives, making music hands on and experiencing music around the world.

From this, Martyn Ware, original founder of Human League and music recorder who saved Tina Turner’s career, created a 3D soundscape for the centre which has helped developed music and research ever since. Sadly, the museum could not maintain its finances and shut just over a year after it opened, however, its music career did not stop there.

From 2001 it became one of Sheffield’s main homes for live music, seeing many local bands play within the kettle drums. The live music venue even bagged promoters Barfly, who had represented bands such as Coldplay, Supergrass and Feeder.

Unfortunately, the venue was still facing financial problems and the building was

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eventually sold to Sheffield Hallam University in 2003.

Although the museum or venue never really had a chance to take off due to financial circumstances, I still feel inspired by what was set out in Sheffield, and how the city has contributed to music over the last fifteen years.

When I walk into The HUBS I get a sense of history before my very own eyes.

What can The HUBS bring to the musical table? Is there a chance it can begin holding gigs once again as well as being our beloved union?

Want to relive The HUBS’ music history? Head on down to Team Hallam’s Macmillan Live Take Over on the 21 March at 6:30pm. Catch live acts including Elders, Back to Verona and Parka. There will be a raffle and you can win prizes from Tesco, Plug, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United. Ticket prices ranges from £4 to £5 at the door.

Music

The best and worst musical impacts of 2014 Katie Hetherington - @ka_katieee It’s a new year and most people reflect on their last so why not reflect on the musical impacts of 2014, from the worst to the best.

With a sold out tour, a tour dvd and many appearances on TV, it seems this was a the perfect band duo.

So let’s begin with the ultimate crime in music. Justin Bieber.

Last year was filled with this artist either making a fool of himself or generally being a complete ass. It’s safe to say 2014 certainly was not the year for him. With a couple of arrests under his belt and little music released it seems he is fast becoming one of those people who let fame go to their head.

For 2014’s successes, former X-Factor contestant Ella Henderson released her first album and got to Number 1 in the charts with Ghost.

Considering she wasn’t even in the final and was cruelly booted off before her time on the X-Factor, Ella has beaten the norm and is a rising star in the music scene. Especially as she has even made her mark in America, not bad with all things considered.

Let’s not dwell on the bad, some artists excelled in 2014.

Graced with a union of two epic bands, Mcfly and Busted or McBusted certainly had many successes in the last year.

Yet another success would have to be Bastille, the winner of 2014’s Best Breakthrough Act at the Brit awards. Again like Ella, Bastille has broken into the American music scene

and has a tour set for 2015, so it seems even America agrees with us on this one.

Now for Miley Cyrus, she hasn’t quite had the same luck as those above. With some questionable choices in wardrobe and props on stage, it is more cringe than talent, which certainly proved at her London performance back in May. Then of course we have all that business with the twerking...

So as you can see from the big names to breakthrough acts, 2014 has helped these artists make their mark sadly not all of them are positive. If you don’t agree, why not tweet us at @SHUlifeMusic and tell us what you think.

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Music

Best Soundtracks of 2014 Charlotte Callingham - @callingham94 2014 was an amazing year for films and the artists who contributed to their soundtracks.

Guardians of the Galaxy

create this summer’s upbeat track. Despite the film being denied an Oscar nomination this song is a serious contender for the Oscar for Best Song.

Simon Le Bon and Grace Jones.

Wish I Was Here

The Fault in our Stars

This mixtape style soundtrack was the first soundtrack to reach the top of Billboard 200 without featuring a single new song. Awesome mix volume 1 features songs from David Bowie, Jackson 5 and 10cc which accompany lead character Star Lord on his journey through the galaxy. It’s a feel good soundtrack which you can already sing along to.

This soundtrack had one of the most addictive songs of the year, Charlie XCX’s Boom Clap. The soundtrack also features songs from some of the year’s biggest artists like Ed Sheeran.

Zach Braff’s new film about a father trying to find a purpose in his life has the perfect soundtrack. Braff’s last film Garden State saw original songs from Coldplay and The Shins and they both returned ten years later for this soundtrack.

Gone Girl

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

The Lego Movie

The Hunger Games soundtracks have all fitted the dystopian tone of the The film’s main song film whilst maintaining their Everything Is Awesome is diversity. This soundtrack catchy, original and very effortlessly goes from indie, funny. Comedy band Lonely to hip-hop and gothic songs.

Island teamed up with the Lorde has three solo tracks sister duo Tegan and Sarah to on the album alongside

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The year’s most anticipated psychological thriller was accompanied by an equally chilling soundtrack to guide you through the movies twists and turns. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wrote the soundtrack, they also wrote the soundtracks for the social network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Food

Cocoa wonderland - review Monica Mistry - @MonMistry Imagine a typical five year old girl’s bedroom. That is seriously what I think the inspiration was for the interior of Cocoa Wonderland on Ecclesall Road.

When I first saw the café from the outside, I wasn’t really sure it was going to be my thing. I’ve never been ‘girly’. Even when I was younger, I preferred Action Men over Barbie dolls. Walking up to a pink and pastel blue terrace house that had been converted into a café made me wonder if I had chosen the right place to treat my friend for her 21st birthday.

straight upstairs to the Butterfly Boudoir. Nothing could have prepared me for the room I was about to walk in to. The walls were teal with birds and pink flowers painted on them. There were hot pink fabrics draped from all four corners of the ceiling meeting in the middle.

Paper butterflies were stuck on the walls, hanging from the ceiling and even on some of the cushions lying on the wooden bench that was fitted around the room. It was magical.

milk. I mixed them together to make myself a rich, creamy hot chocolate. It was definitely the nicest hot chocolate I’ve ever had but it did get quite sickly towards the end. I’m going to try the Extra Milky on my next visit as I will definitely be returning.

On my way out, I couldn’t leave without buying a bar of chocolate. There was so much to choose from but I ended up going for a 300g bar of milk chocolate (£3) to play it safe, We sat by the window so we that had been produced by could watch over the busy Cocoa Wonderland themselves. road whilst we were at peace I didn’t dare try the lime and I didn’t make the wrong enjoying our drinks. The window chilli flavoured chocolate bar. I choice. When we got inside, I frame was lined with fairy lights did think it was quite pricey but realised why it is called Cocoa which added to the theme of when I ate my chocolate bar Wonderland. I felt like I was in a the room. My friend received it was a creamy texture and traditional chocolate shop with her pot of tea (£2) and a mini just melted in my mouth. It was a contemporary feel to it. The milk jug alongside a floral delicious. hot pink wallpaper contrasted patterned teacup. She even to the wooden shelving and said she felt like she “could be Cocoa Wonderland is glass cabinets crammed with all in Alice in Wonderland.” definitely a place to go for sorts of chocolaty goodness. the experience. I felt like I I ordered a Milky (£3.50) was five years old again. Visit We wanted to stay in to enjoy which was a cup of melted cocoawonderland.co.uk for a hot drink so we headed chocolate with a mini jug of hot more information.

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Food

HONG KONG WOK REVIEW Kathryn Murphy @kathryn_murphy As a huge lover of Chinese food, I am forever fighting the temptation to eat it. I discovered Hong Kong Wok on London Road through Trip Advisor the first time I visited Sheffield for an open day and have been going back ever since. After hearing how good the lunch time deal was, A friend and I decided to treat ourselves and thought it was about time I reviewed it as it really is a hidden gem.

Peking sauce was fruity but not overpoweringly sweet.

The interior is warm and The ribs had a crispy coating inviting and we were able to and were meaty without being choose where we sat as it fatty. There were 6 ribs which was fairly quiet. We opted for was reasonable for a starter a table next to the window and perfect for sharing. I did which was the perfect spot for think £6 was quite steep, people-watching whilst waiting. however the portion size and As soon as we were seated we quality justified this. were brought a complimentary basket of prawn crackers The ribs left us excited for which were some of the best our main and our meals were I have tasted; full of flavour ready minutes after our starter. and nice and thick giving a Our only complaint was that good crunch to them - there’s we would have appreciated nothing worse than a soggy, hand wipes as the Peking chewy prawn cracker. sauce left us with sticky hands.

I ordered crispy shredded We were then faced with chicken with chilli and chilli deciding what to order. They rice, and he ordered sizzling offer a special lunchtime deal beef in black pepper sauce consisting of about 10 dishes, with rice (both £4.99). The with rice or noodles for £4.99 food arrived in generous a dish. This is good value for portions, especially for a money, although you have to lunchtime meal. pay by cash which is slightly annoying if you don’t have any My crispy shredded chicken on you, but luckily there are was really good with the right two cash points nearby. amount of spice and a sauce that was full of flavour. The We were feeling greedy so chicken was crispy although I decided to get a sharing do prefer my strips a bit thicker starter before our main dishes. with more meat in them, We chose spare ribs in Peking but that’s down to personal sauce (£6.10) which we preference. agreed were delicious. The

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The rice was nothing to shout about but boiled rice is boiled rice at the end of the day, although I am not sure what happened to the chilli rice described on the menu but I decided to forgive them as I think I may have confused the waiter when ordering (his English wasn’t great). I still really enjoyed my chilli chicken and it is one of the best I’ve ever had.

My friend’s sizzling beef in black pepper was equally impressive. I’ve never tried black pepper sauce but I’m definitely a fan now. It had a nice peppery kick and there was plenty of beef and peppers and onions.

As always I really enjoyed my meal at Hong Kong Wok and I’ve converted Adam too! I would recommend the lunch menu if you’re after high quality Chinese food, for under a fiver you can’t go wrong.

Hong Kong Wok is also a great place for an evening meal, and while prices may be higher than your local takeaway, the quality and the portion sizes make it 100% justified.

Simone Letts - @Simonelettsqw

WAFFLES

Waffles are a great allround treat, but there’s just something about waffles and hot chocolate in the winter that makes you feel cosy. It must be the reminder of home-.The thought of being curled up on the sofa, with a blanket, movie on, waffles ready. And you don’t even need a waffle iron, in fact the only equipment you need is a bowl, whisk and griddle pan, it is that simple.

Ingredients • 2 free-range eggs • 300 ml milk • 225 g self-raising flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND GOATS CHEESE RISOTTO I find measurements off putting sometimes, so I’ve tried to simplify it as much as possible.

As long as you follow the rule 1 cup of risotto rice to 3 cups of stock and you can’t really go wrong.

Ingerdients • 1/3 butternut squash, peeled and cut into small chunks • 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 spring onions chopped • 50g butter • Healthy handful of goat’s cheese • 1 cup risotto rice (a standard mug would be perfect) • 3 cups of water • 1 stock cube of your choice (I

Food

Recipies to put a spring into your step • ¼ teaspoon salt • 100 g unsalted butter, plus 1 tsp extra for the pan

as the butter is melted pour in the waffle batter and spread it around to fill the pan.

4. Lower the heat to mediumMethod low and cook the waffles for 1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, around 7 minutes, or until add the milk and combine using lightly golden on the bottom. a whisk.

Flip over and continue to cook Sift in the flour, baking powder for around 7 minutes, until and salt then whisk until fully golden and cooked through combined.

5. Give the waffle an extra 2. Add the butter and gradually couple of minutes on each side stir it through the mixture. to make it crispy. It should be Important : Try not to stir the soft and fluffy in the inside, and mixture any more after this or crisp on the out. your waffles may be tough.

3. Place your griddle pan over Remember, the waffle is a high heat, add the extra savoury so add your choice of teaspoon of butter and spread toppings to complete. it around the pan, and as soon

prefer vegetable) Method 1. Before you start making the risotto, coat the chopped squash in olive oil and roast in the over (220C/fan 200C/gas 7. ) for about 30minutes until soft and brown 2. Pour the water in a pan, add the stock cube bring the stock to a boil.

3.Turn down the cooker to a medium heat and bring the stock to a simmer, pour in the risotto rice .

4. After 10 minutes, add the butter to the pot, until it all melts and stir in the onions and sweat gently for 8-10 mins until soft. The rice should look shiny and the edges of the

grain start to look transparent.

5. Add goats cheese in small chunks at a time. Keep cooking the rice over a low heat, until the rice is cooked al dente (slightly firm, starchy bite in the middle). Important: The risotto should be creamy and slightly soupy. When you draw a wooden spoon through it, it should take no longer than 5 seconds to slide off.

6.Finally add the roasted squash, ensure than any extra olive oil is added to the risotto, this will give the dish more flavour.

Alternative combinations: Mushroom and gorgonzola risotto Pumpkin and sage

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Film

SHU

life

Film

Dave Moxon: Guardians of the Galaxy I don’t think anyone thought this film was going to be as big as it was, coming close to being the highest grossing film of 2014, and was probably one of the best superhero films since Avengers Assemble in 2012.

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Lois Co Ponsford: llat The Hobbit: ed by Battle of the Five Jo sh Armies Po Eleanor Ingleby: The Theory A close second comes wle of Everything or The Imitation Marvel’s Guardians of the capture sland Game Galaxy, but being an avid -@ ever I can’t choose between the jos Tolkien follower, the final committed to hp two as I am a big fan of both ow instalment of the trilogy was screen and strong les Eddie Redmayne and Benedict an easy winner for me. The lan performances from d Cumberbatch. They were both film hit all the right spots and everyone involved, the film done so well and I found them despite not being that close to contained (in my opinion) the interesting as they were about the books (and being dragged most impactful scene released real people with incredible lives out over 3 films) Peter Jackson in any film last year, and leaves and struggles. I was so moved retained its immense quality me extremely excited for part 3 by the portrayal of both Alan and went out in style. With in the new saga.

Turing and Stephen Hawking’s intense battle scenes, heart lives and that couldn’t have breaking deaths and all round Josh Timmiss: Interstellar been done without the kick ass-ness, this film comes Christopher Nolan has a incredible ensemble casts in up top. reputation for amazing films both films; they both deserve and this absolutely lived up all the awards nominations that James Davies: Horns to the high standard people they have received. They are Whilst critically panned, this fun expect from him. Visually it was both definitely hot contenders thriller has all the makings of one of the best films I’ve ever for the Academy Awards. a cult hit and I really enjoyed seen, the casting was great and it. Daniel Radcliffe pulls off the story despite leaving me Oscar Reed: Her the American accent without scratching my head was really It’s hard to think back on all it ever feeling cringy, and engrossing. To top it all off, the films I’ve enjoyed over the the atmospheric mystery of everything was tied together past year. Grand Budapest the plot, as well as various with an amazing soundtrack.

Hotel was a very close second, unintentionally comedic but for me it has to be Her. moments, made this one of my Catherine Christy: The Fault In I almost forgot that this was favourite films of the year.

Our Stars released in the early stages of Focusing on two terminally-ill this year and is a very justifiable Josh Powlesland: Dawn of the teenagers, they both gave each Oscar winner - if it was up to Planet of the Apes other hope despite their known me, it would have won more. A Off the back of the surprisingly fate, and their strong friendship brilliant take on the future with powerful reboot of the classic grew into a relationship. The great performances from both franchise, DotPotA had big beauty of this film is how they Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett shoes to fill, and it’s hard to tried to stay positive by making Johansson. Very stylish. Very argue that all involved didn’t fun of their misfortunes and funny. Very Spike Jonze. exceed expectations. With cherishing what little time they some of the best motion had. A guaranteed tear jerker.

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Film

5 1 0 f2

o fresh d e interpretation t a p of the well-trodden ici

t n A st

material. With James McAvoy as the eponymous doctor and Daniel Radcliffe (even as Igor, the film is unusually focussing on Radcliffe’s if it’s just a bit). It’ll be character in a sci-fi setting, and interesting to see this alternate take on the story is enough to pique my interest. what this film ends up like, with the trailer Josh Timmiss: Chappie Dave seeming much less gothic Moxon: than a lot of his previous works. Due for release in March, Chappie is the latest film from I’m also eager to see how the Avengers: director Neill Blomkamp, who onscreen coupling of Amy Age of Ultron previously made District 9 Adams and Christoph Waltz I’ve been waiting for Elysium. I love his style, and plays out. this film since the end of especially in District 9 and the first Avengers in 2012, Chappie looks like it’ll be similar and I can’t actually explain how Lois Ponsford: Avengers: Age of so I’m already excited for it.

Ultron excited I am for this film. With For me, the first Avengers was what looks like more action Catherine Chris: Inside Out a phenomenon when it came and considerably more drama This comedy is definitely one I’m going to be watching it with to the amazing scale of the to watch out for. It is not your CGI and colossal fight scenes, a massive smile on my face. and I have no doubt that Age of typical Disney fairytale, nor Ultron will surpass it. Especially does it involve villains. The film Eleanor Ingleby: Pitch Perfect touches on what we all think with the anticipated scenes 2 about on a daily basis and the of the Hulk and Iron Man’s I know some people will ‘Hulkbuster’, and the three new guys at Pixar decided to make disagree with my choice but I a film based on just that. Each additions, Vision, Quicksilver am a massive fan of musicals character will have a talk show and Scarlett Witch. and musical films. I have type ensemble in their minds watched Pitch Perfect many influencing their everyday James Davies: Star Wars: The a time since it first came out decisions. This will be a laugh Force Awakens and I’m planning on seeing for all ages.

Even with the ‘Episode VII’ the sequel as soon as it’s moniker dropped, I have faith released. Not much has been Rebecca Swain: Mad Max: Fury in this being a continuation of revealed regarding the plot or the songs that will be featured, everything Star Wars should be. Road but I know there are a few new As they’ve officially renounced Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as Furios; a ferocious cast members, including Hailee the Extended Universe as combination that I certainly being ‘non-canon’, I’m looking Steinfeld. I just hope it lives up cannot wait to see kick some forward to seeing the story to my expectations. ass! It’s set in a futuristic world progress without the limits of where survival is everything, trying to incorporate it. And Oscar Reed: Big Eyes and obviously this ruthless pair I often forget how much I enjoy Han Solo is back - what more are needed to save everyone could I want?

Tim Burton as a director. His else. I’ve seen the previous darker stuff I’m not always so Josh Powlesland: Frankenstein films but this looks like it could keen on, but with films like be my favourite of them all Edward Scissorhands under his Although based on the classic cannot wait to see it. belt, I find it hard not to love him novel, this appears to be a

o M ’s

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Film THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES - REVIEW Dave Moxon - @davmox93 The Hobbit: The Battle of two films, and the opening with the Five Armies is the last Smaug definitely emphasises instalment in The Hobbit Trilogy, that this was the case, but it as well as the last time we’ll be doesn’t take anything away setting foot in Peter Jackson’s from the film overall. vision of Middle Earth. Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, The quality of the acting is consistent with the first Richard Armitage, two Hobbit films - Ian Luke Evans, McKellen is and Orlando Bloom, always will be Evangeline Lilly, and a Gandalf, and while everyone support cast of dwarves, else plays their men, elves, roles well with and wizards no fault in their (who if I were performance, it’s to list in their not Lord of the Rings level. entirety would take all day). The Now down to the film story tells the final itself: after watching it I felt instalment of Bilbo Baggins’ there were three questions that journey to help reclaim The popped into my mind straight Lonely Mountain. away, 1) as a standalone film how was it?, 2) as the end of You can’t really fault this film’s The Hobbit Trilogy how was it?, direction – it’s beautiful to watch, with the scenery of New and 3) as the last time we’ll Zealand being as breath-taking see Peter Jackson’s vision of Middle Earth how was it? as ever. If you’ve seen the first two Hobbit movies (or The Lord The first two questions of the Rings) you’ll know what are easy to answer - as a I’m talking about. standalone film the story was When it comes to Middle Earth engaging and it was enjoyable to watch for its 2 and a half and Peter Jackson, the two hour running time. As the end go hand in hand to create something epic. I know the film of The Hobbit Trilogy, again, it was a good ending. It had was originally intended to be

“is it a fitting end to this Middle Earth adventure Peter Jackson started us on?.”

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the epic battle fans had been wanting to see, everything got tied up nicely at the end and it definitely rounded out this trilogy.

Now for the big question - is it a fitting end to this Middle Earth adventure Peter Jackson started us on 13 years ago?

Sadly the answer is no. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great film to watch and I recommend you go and see it, but it’s not the final farewell I was hoping for.

The main problem is people keep comparing it to The Lord of the Rings (I know I’ve done it many times in this review alone), and we have to remember it isn’t those films; specifically it isn’t Return of the King which I’ve heard it be compared against a lot. Return of the King won 11 Academy Awards (every award it was nominated for) and The Hobbit isn’t that at all.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is meant to be a fun, entertaining film that puts us back into the world Tolkien created, and while it’s a great film it doesn’t live up to the greatness that was Lord of the Rings, and that’s a shame.

James Davies - @jamescedavies Awesome Games Done Quick - or AGDQ - is an annual gaming marathon streamed online that raises money for charity. AGDQ 2015 wrapped up just before the start of the semester, running from the 4th to the 10th of January, and in the space of just a week, the event raised over $1.5 million in donations, 100% of which goes to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

name of Runnerguy would play through the first half of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time blindfolded. Thankfully, this goal was met, resulting in an astounding run as part of the finale on the last night.

The largest bid war raised over $200,000 alone, and was all about the classic SNES title Super Metroid. At the very end of the game players can take a slight detour whilst trying to get back to their ship (to It’s not just watching random escape the planet’s imminent people play games over the destruction) and let free some internet though; the best friendly animals. If this is done, players (known as runners) travel from all over the world to during the final cutscene a tiny speed run their games. A speed blip can be seen leaving the run is generally playing a game planet just before it blows up and that’s it. as fast as humanly possible, so in a week of non-stop Nevertheless, more than streaming, they finished over $100,000 was donated to 160 games. both ‘kill the animals’ and ‘save the animals’, respectively.

Some took hours, others mere minutes, and there were plenty Saving them takes around 10 seconds, and so is never of mind-blowing moments normally part of a speedrun, as - good examples being the it’s an unnecessary loss of time. original Pokémon Green being beaten in under 5 minutes, With speedrun and animal and a 100% complete run of enthusiasts at odds, the bid war Ocarina of Time was an epic was neck-in-neck throughout four-hour journey. the marathon until eventually there were just minutes Money was raised mostly left, and ‘kill the animals’ through donations, and anyone was around $6000 ahead. could donate whatever sum Then, in the last 40 seconds they wanted at any point. before the decision was final, Depending on when you an anonymous donation of donated, there were donation $10,000 came in with the incentives such as prize draws comment ‘Get rekt. Save the to be entered in for as well as animals’. bid wars you could put your money towards to affect the It wasn’t entirely speedruns ways games were played. though, and not even all by humans. The Tetris For example, if $75,000 showcase demonstrated truly was put towards it, a young unbelievable skill, and the TAS gentleman by the screenblock (short for Tool Assisted

Tech

The highlights of awesome Games Done Quick Speedrun) was possibly the most incredible part. Using a standard Super Nintendo (with controllers updated to have USB ports being the only difference to a normal console) TASbot inputted commands to the controllers in such a way that they not only glitched Super Mario World, but gained total control of it.

Then, with the game’s code open to them, they programmed in the commands for the entirety of the original Super Mario Bros game, all via precise button presses, in around a minute. But they didn’t stop there. Gaining control of Pokémon Red, they reprogrammed the game so that inputs would display an almost live-feed of the Twitch chat, creating Pokémon Plays Twitch.

If you want to check any of the runs out for yourself, they’ve all been archived on YouTube, with the user name AGDQuploads.

Also, you could check out SGDQ (Summer Games Done Quick) which is essentially the same event but takes place each summer, instead supporting the charity Doctors Without Borders.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be an event to donate to the Prevent Cancer Foundation or Doctors Without Borders – both charities gratefully receive any contributions year round, and are definitely worth your time and money. Find them at preventcancer.org and doctorswithoutborders.org

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Tech SHUlife Technology’s Favourite Games of 2014 Lois Ponsford: Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor My initial thoughts when hearing about its release didn’t give me much hope - here we go; another film based game set to fail. However after seeing the trailer I was swayed, and this game delivered. Difficult combat makes skills feel useful, and this pairs up well with good enemy progression. Despite the obvious love for all that is Tolkien, the main story is a little banal, but combat and the sheer amount of game play more than makes up for the narrative flaws.

James Davies: Dark Souls II The original Dark Souls is one of the best games I’ve ever played, and so the sequel may be the most hyped I’ve been for any game, ever. Whilst the level design doesn’t always live up to its predecessor, this game did not disappoint throughout any of my three playthroughs.

New features like fast-travel to any checkpoint was a definite improvement from the previous game, and the ability

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to permanently make an area harder to respawn bosses was a solid way to challenge players for greater rewards.

Some parts feel cheaper in terms of difficulty than the other Souls games (throwing several bosses at you at once, enemies turning on a dime to hit you, etc.) but it’s still a fantastic game, worthy of the many hours I put in. A re-release that includes all DLC is coming to the current-gen consoles soon, too, so maybe it’ll be my game of 2015 as well!.

Josh Timmiss: South Park: The Stick of Truth I remember getting it opening day and playing through the story to completion in a single sitting. I love the TV show and having Trey Parker and Matt Stone involved made it feel like another South Park movie. The gameplay is simple, the story is hilarious and you could spend hours just walking around the town. If you have a weekend free you should definitely play through it.

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Josh Powlesland: The Wolf Among Us Although seriously tempted to go with Pokémon X/Y purely because of the hundreds of hours of enjoyment I spent in the region of Kalos gathering together my first complete Pokédex, The Wolf Among Us just beat it to being my game of the year. As the follow-up to Telltale Games’ critically adored The Walking Dead, I didn’t think there would be any way it could be a more impressive experience, but I was proven wrong. Based in the world of Bill Willingham’s Fables comic book series, you follow detective Bigby Wolf as he progresses through a dark interpretation of the classic fairy tales we all know from childhood. Cranking up the action from their previous game, this feels more like an interactive experience than The Walking Dead. It also boasts one of the most engaging narratives I’ve ever played, and decision-making that actually affects the story of the game.

Tech SHUlife Technology’s Most Anticipated Games of 2015 Lois Ponsford: Bloodborne This game looks to be similar to the Dark/Demon Souls franchises, so going from that something tells me it’s going to be a gritty game and an intense experience.

However, they’re advertising big differences in game play.

Combat and motion is paced quicker and more sweeping moves are involved for dense attacks with a much larger emphasis placed on dodging instead of blocking. Slaughtering violently deranged beasts to survive in a medieval realm - sounds like it’s going to tick a lot of boxes for me, and be a great game overall.

year. Zelda is my favourite series, and I look forward to each game tremendously.

What they’ve shown of Zelda U looks incredible, with beautiful graphics and a new approach to exploration. To see them return to the adventuring style that made Zelda so special is great, especially after the disappointingly linear Skyward Sword. Provided the story is as good as it was in that game, this could be the greatest Zelda game of all time.

“What they’ve shown of Zelda U looks incredible, with beautiful graphics”

Josh Timmiss: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D I’ve only played through a handful of Zelda games, but every game I’ve played has been nothing short of amazing, James Davies: Zelda on Wii U so I’m really looking forward Though the latest in the Legend to Majora’s Mask on the 3DS. of Zelda series is somehow I never played the original, but still nameless, Nintendo are I’ve heard nothing but praise, so adamant that it’ll release this I can’t wait to finally be able to

play through the game.

Josh Powlesland: Mirror’s Edge When the original Mirror’s Edge was released on PS3/360 in 2008, I played through the first person free-running/parkour game in one sitting, transfixed.

It boasted one of the most unique styles of gameplay I’d ever seen, and appeared to be a solid first entry in a franchise.

It’s taken seven years, but the sequel has finally come around, and I can’t wait to see what the new generation of Mirror’s Edge brings.

John Cartwright: Star Wars: Battlefront This series occupied a disturbingly large part of my time as a teenager, and it’s fantastic to see it come back to life. EA’s were incredibly cagey about it at E3 last year, only showing off some very early stills, but given their work on the Battlefield franchise and their huge enthusiam for the series, I have high hopes for it.

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feature

hallam rape victim speaks publicly Catherine Christy - @itscatchris This time last year, we featured a story on rape anonymously.

Now, Sheffield Hallam University graduate, Hollie Moore, has spoken out publicly after her attacker pleaded guilty.

He was jailed for 3 years and 4 months and she now has closure. Independent Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) says over 85% of reports are attacks by someone you know. For Hollie, it was an acquaintance.

scream but he held my hair by the root and said ‘I will hurt you if you scream’. There was nothing I could do.”

“It was an oral rape. After he was done, he sat opposite me and just watched me. I pretended to be asleep and held the semen in my mouth

for evidence. It felt awful.“ “When my friends came downstairs, he kissed my forehead and said ‘I’ll see you later’ and left hurriedly.”

“Lock the door, he’s raped me.”

Hollie immediately signalled to

The night when it all changed for Hollie It was Halloween and the drinks were cheap and aplenty.

“The bar was crowded so I had to settle for the quadvods (four shots of vodka in a mixer).”

After a long night, Hollie caught a taxi with a few of her friends after losing others including her boyfriend.

There was another guy in the taxi who one of her friends brought along. “I did not know him but he had already tried to touch and kiss two of my friends.”

Feeling extremely exhausted, she decided to sleep in her friend’s lounge. This was when the attack began.

“I will hurt you if you scream.”

“The whole thing felt very planned. He firstly tried to force me to touch him, then forced himself on me.”

“I was crying and tried to

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Image Credit: Charlie Heather-Cray

“I just collapsed on the floor. I couldn’t stop crying. I was so relieved. I’ve never felt that kind of feeling before.”

“My friends rang the police who arrived quickly.”

He pleaded guilty in November 2014 but was only behind bars in January 2015. “He was given a few months to spend time with his child before his sentence. He should not have had that right.”

They took evidence from the semen, her clothes, mobile phone and swabs.

After a few hours of sleep, the police returned with the SARC team for a full statement. “They asked graphic questions like ‘Well, how did he get his penis in your mouth?’, trying to explain that was really difficult.”

She was checked for any infections or STDs. “They literally stuck swabs right down my throat which made me gag and reminded me of the rape. That was really unpleasant.”

Despite feeling uncomfortable, Hollie had a lot of support from the police and social services.

“Sharon from ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors) came to visit me whenever I wanted. I always had contact.”

“I cannot believe a human being is capable of doing this” Hollie was angry because her attacker was on bail for over a year. “He denied everything and claimed he could not recall. I was devastated.”

“The rapist took my valuable time with my son away from me.”

Hollie struggled with panic attacks alongside depression which damaged her relationship with her son.

“I did not want to be affectionate with him. I was so depressed I wouldn’t leave the house. I was crying all the time, I was angry and throwing things across the kitchen.”

“The rapist took my valuable time with my son away from me. I have a duty and he made it impossible for me to carry out that role for a while.”

She said without the support of her partner, her family life would have crumbled.

Hollie also received moral support from her close friends and university staff. The friends who were there that night, however, let her down.

“What angered me more was he got his new girlfriend pregnant “They did not get why I wasn’t while on bail. I cannot believe a just getting over it.” human being is capable of doing this” “One of them said ‘It’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s that he is He eventually pleaded guilty not capable of rape.’” to the assault at Sheffield Crown Court and was given a “Even when I tried to beg for jail sentence of 3 years and 4 help, I heard one friend say to months. the other. ‘He’s done it again.’”

“He had obviously done it before and they left him alone with me.”

Being drunk is not a reason to get raped.

feature

her friends to get her a cup and she spat out the semen. She shouted “Lock the door, he’s raped me.”

Hollie strongly believes everyone has to drink responsibly but being drunk is never an excuse for rape.

“These are our bodies and you are not welcome unless you are invited. Don’t make assumptions based on clothing and behaviour.”

“I thought to myself that I am not a statistic.”

“My advice is stay with your friends, don’t let them wander off alone or with strangers.”

“Reporting it can be scary but trust me, you can have justice.

You would be helping a lot of women.”

“When I spat that semen into the cup, I thought to myself that I am not a statistic.”

“I am not going to make out that it’s an easy process because it isn’t because that wound is open.”

“The more people that report then more rapists will go to jail and there will be less attacks.”

Helpful numbers: Sexual Assault Refferal Centre: 01709 427327 Rape Crisis: 0808 082 9999 Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 Sheffield Hallam Advice Centre: 0114 225 4148 Hollie gave us her full consent to publish this story. www.shulife.co.uk

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Debate Studying at the library or at home?

Alex Smith - @alexsmith1742 Staying at home to study is a wonderful thing indeed as you are safely within reach of all your creature comforts. You have easy access to tea and biscuits and are quite content to stay within the loving folds of ones duvet.

popular Google selection, the Library Gateway,or from the selection you have purchased with your student loan from Amazon.

the stress of the constant wondering if you are playing your music too loudly through your headphones, and can also give you the pleasure of not listening to anyone else’s conversation about the drama This in turn of who kissed who in last saves your poor night’s drunken escapades at knees from Corp. the pains of crawling around You may also not have to the library floor worry, if like me, you have been searching for the dubbed a “keyboard basher” books you desperately and you are sensitive about need that insist on playing a how loudly you type your cruel game of hide and seek essays, which I am sure your with you. duvet and jumbo bag of Doritos will not judge you for.

Not going to the library enables you to relax and takes away

“you have all the information you need at the push of button”

Plus with all the technology that is on the market these days you have all the information you need at the push of button in the form of e-books. Either from the ever

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Debate Image Credit: John Cartwright

Holly Evans - @hollyyevans We all know that when it comes to studying, motivation is the absolute key to success. When you’re studying at home you are surrounded by distractions; from your flatmate who is begging you to go out, to your Netflix account calling your name.

There will always be something that will take your mind off the three thousand word assignment due in a week’s time.

In the library, there is none of that. Although your Netflix account is still available for you to use, you would feel a

considerable amount of guilt for logging on to it as you have plenty of fellow students around you who are typing away at their assignments which will give you the motivation to do your own.

laptop.

You also get to share the experience of all-dayers and nighters with your friends that will serve as a hilarious memory of your caffeinefuelled time at university.

Studying in the library is all part of the experience.

“You get to share the experience of all-dayers and nighters”

The library also offers you a sterile environment to do group work where you don’t have the stress about worrying who is the food thief among your classmates or who is the clumsy one that is likely to spill coffee all over your

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SPORT

Image Credit: Twitter/@thisgirlcanuk

This girl can... make a positive impact Holly Evans - @hollyyevans This Girl Can is a campaign produced by Sport England to help curb the divide between men and women who take part in physical exercise across the country. In a study carried out by the organisation, they found that fewer women than men take part in a sport regularly two million fewer 14-40 year olds in total. Despite this, 75 percent of those surveyed said that they would like to be more active.

So what is stopping them? Well according to Sport England, women often avoid taking part in physical exercise, even if they want to because they fear judgement on their appearance and abilities - both of which shouldn’t matter if you enjoy what you’re doing, which is why This Girl Can was created.

Sport England CEO Jennie Price told the organisation’s official website: “In This Girl Can, we want to tell the real story of women who exercise and play sport. They come in all shapes and sizes and all levels of ability. They have a myriad of reasons for doing what they do. If you are wondering if you should join them - or carry on - this campaign says it really doesn’t matter if you are a bit

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rubbish or completely brilliant, the main thing is that you are a woman and you are doing something, and that something deserves to be celebrated.”

It doesn’t matter if you get all sweaty, red faced and outof-breath, that’s part of the fun of exercise and it serves as a reminder that you’ve done something powerful to your body and although you may ache in the morning, the endorphins that it has released will make you feel terrific and eager to keep pushing yourself.

We wanted to know how students felt about the campaign and asked if they felt engaged and inspired by the campaign and here is one of the responses that we received:

University is a great place to take part in sporting opportunities and to really fulfil your potential as a sporty woman, whether it is at a professional team level or just recreationally. Sheffield Hallam offers a lot of opportunities for you to do both and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Pop along to the gyms at City and Collegiate Campus where the friendly staff would be more than happy to help you choose the right exercise programme to make you feel comfortable and as, This Girl Can says “feeling like a fox.”

Encouraging this, Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union Sports & Physical Activity Officer, Melissa Penny explained to us that: “I really do believe that This Girl Can is amazing. I’m not Emily Riddell , 21 told us: “I just jumping on the bandwagon entered the Great North Run and supporting the campaign this month and when I got a because everyone else has place I was faced with complete seemed to - it really is about fear and thought ‘what have time this campaign happened.

I got myself into?’ but after Get Active Week was a great I saw this campaign, I was week to get students to try our really inspired! I was always free taster gym sessions and the ‘chubby one’ at school and classes and it was great to see seeing these women (who, in so many girls getting involved my eyes, are more real than with it.” the ones you see in sportswear adverts) made me believe that I can actually do it!”

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Image Credit: Andy Tattersall Photography

SPORT winter varsity woes for hallam but overall title still to play for Liam Kent - @tnekmail

Though it may be a few months until Varsity week, Sheffield Varsity 2015 is well and truly underway after Sheffield Hallam and The University of Sheffield both took to the Alps over Christmas to compete in Winter Varsity.

In early January, Hallam skiers and snowboarders went up against their inter-city rivals for the first five Varsity points and the Winter Varsity trophy.

Unfortunately for Hallam, The University of Sheffield dominated and were victorious in all five of the events, meaning they hold an early 5-0 lead. However, there are still many more points up for grabs and Varsity is far from over as Hallam look to bring the Varsity trophy back home after two years away.

In fact, you do not have that long to wait until the next Varsity event and in fact, you could take part and help Hallam’s Varsity effort. The Sheffield Varsity 10k is now in its fourth year but this year it has a brand new route. Starting and finishing at The University of Sheffield’s iconic Arts Tower, runners will travel through Western Park and Crookes Valley Park before conquering Harcourt Road Hill and then looping back round to the Arts Tower for a further two laps.

This year’s race takes place on Sunday 15th March and is open to both students and nonstudents. Each runner will be asked to choose which of the two universities they wish to represent and then the winner of the event will be decided on the average time for each U

university.

Entry fee is £18.50 for nonaffiliated runners or £16.50 for affiliated runners. If you would like to find out more, or are interested in entering the race, check out sheffieldvarsity10k. co.uk.

Also make sure you are following us on twitter @ SHUlifeSport as we are the only place to come for all the very latest Hallam Varsity news and updates between now and April.

We are also on the lookout for reporters, photographers and videographers to join our Varsity media team. If you would be interested, drop us a message on twitter or send us an email to shulifesport@gmail. com

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SPORT

Start 2015 with a “Boing Boing” thanks to Hallam Trampolining Liam Kent - @tnekmail Students at Sheffield Hallam have access to so many different and wide-ranging activities and sports and we at SHUlife Sport are always keen to promote some of the activities which people might not have considered before.

This issue we take a look at trampolining which has been part of the Team Sheffield Hallam programme for over ten years.

Trampolining is a social and competitive club here at Hallam open to people of all abilities.

Club chairman Tommy Stenton told SHUlife Sport: “It’s a sport in which we encourage competition but the club is host to recreational members too. Being a diverse group of people it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to compete, you’re welcome either way.”

There are a lot of reasons to get involved with trampolining, none more so than the health benefits. Trampolining is said to help increase oxygen capacity, increase your cardiovascular strength, improve your balance, help firm and tone your muscles plus much more.

It also provides the chance to join one of the many successful clubs which make up Team Sheffield Hallam. From the two competitions they have entered so far this academic year, Hallam trampolining have achieved a brilliant 37 medals and they are aiming to build on this in their upcoming tournaments. The team will

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travel to Scotland in early February for the Scottish Open before two Sheffieldbased competitions, the British University & College Sport Nationals towards the end of February and the Sheffield Open in March which Hallam host. They will also be competing in Varsity and are aiming to bring the trampolining Varsity point back to Hallam this year.

It is not just the seriousness of competition however, trampolining also love a good

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social. Whether you drink or not, there’s something on offer for everyone. Stenton added: “The club has a great social aspect and it really reiterates how friendly and welcoming everyone is.”

For more information, you can find the team by searching on Facebook for Hallam Trampolining; following them on Twitter at @ HallamTramps or by emailing sheffieldhallamtrampolining@ hotmail.co.uk .

“My work load has increased dramatically from last year and I’m not coping- what shall I do?”

The best solution is to visit the advice centre that Hallam offers, located at the HUBS. They give advice on all matters and can help you organise and prioritise your work load. You can also talk with your tutors and express your concerns they will more than likely offer you help.

“I’m a first year and I’ve been with my boyfriend for over a year, but since Christmas he’s convinced I’ve cheated on him and is constantly texting me.

He’s become really clingy and I’m afraid that this will ruin the relationship.”

A long distance relationship can be hard to maintain, especially when we are young. If you want the relationship to continue then just be honest with him and convince him that you want to be in a relationship. One thing is for sure, clingy is not an attractive trait.

“I was at a party and ended up sleeping with my best mates’ girl. The worst thing is she confessed it wasn’t the first time she cheated. Do I confess what I did and tell him she’s cheated?”

Put yourself in his shoes. Would you want to know? It seems you have a guilty conscious.

Honesty is always the best policy even if the outcome isn’t great for you. In time he could forgive you. But whether male or female, cheating is always going to hurt someone.

Apologise, potentially take punch in the face but it’s better than lying to a friend, right?

“I get on with guys better than girls but my closest girl friend is getting really jealous because me and the guy she fancies are really good friends. How can I reassure her that I’m not interested? I don’t want to lose either of them as friends…”

Tell her you see him nothing more than a friend and that you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise your friendship with her. To reassure her you should invite her when you and him are hanging out, it doesn’t have to be every time you see one another. Not only will this convince her that you and him are friends but it will also give her the chance to spend time with him too.

“I’ve returned to Sheffield to find that I don’t like living away from home. I miss the home comforts but I like the course I’m doing and I don’t want to lose the friends I’ve made and drop out.”

If you live within travelling distance of Sheffield then why not consider commuting? If commuting isn’t possible then look at your local university, you could transfer. There’s always the option of visiting on odd weekends and sleeping on a friends couch. What you need to do is decide could you do the travelling, could you move university and would you miss Sheffield? Talk it through with your family and see what they say.

Agony Aunt

stress, cheating and living away from home: SHulife’s agony aunt is here to help

Don’t like your flatmates?

Worried about deadlines? Email enquiries@ shulife.co.uk with the subject line ‘agony aunt’ and check the next issue for our advice

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WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR?

This is your chance to vote for the students who will run the Students’ Union on your behalf; making decisions on the things you love, running campaigns and events to make your life at Hallam better and representing you at the university to ensure all decisions that are made are in your best interests.

HOW TO VOTE Find out about the candidates

Read their manifestos, watch their campaign videos, and come to Question Time to hear them debate.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE When you’ve made your final decision, go to the Students’ Union website, login, and vote for the roles in order of preference.

BE THERE FOR THE BIG REVEAL Find out who has won at the Results Night at Bar Phoenix on Friday 13th March from 7pm.

Voting has never been easier! You can now vote online in bed, on the bus, during a boring lecture or whilst you are procrastinating in the library. Voting opens at midnight on Monday 9th March and closes at midday on Friday 13th March.

hallamstudentsunion.org/elections

#hallamelections

#hallamelections