Second Edition | 2017

The

VOICE Second Edition

Editors Basel Hindeleh Nicole Cairney

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Contents O-Week in Review .....................................................................................................................4 Stepping into a Week with the Ultimate Fresher ......................................................................7 A Reflection on the Past ............................................................................................................8 Missing Home .........................................................................................................................10 Get Involved ............................................................................................................................11 Survive the Fresher Flu ............................................................................................................12 Make your room your own ......................................................................................................13 Humans of RMC .......................................................................................................................14 Grooves Around College ..........................................................................................................16 Happening: ..............................................................................................................................17 the Wiretap ......................................................................................................................18

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O-Week in Review What a week! From too much skin and not enough clothing, to the over-played ‘One Dance’.

Congratulations on surviving the exhaustion of this hectic and fun filled experience, which will probably be the craziest and busiest in your entire university life!

The week kicked off with many dance practices in the overbearing heat, a Fresher Fiesta not to be forgotten, and a quick introduction to Ranch that gave a glimpse of what was to expect for the rest of the week.

Scav hunt started on the second night with earthquakes in Mac Centre, cheering train passengers on, getting waxed, fake tanned and last but not least the fresher haircuts that resulted in a few bald heads walking around college the next week. But the fun didn’t end there, bright and early the next morning everyone headed to the train station for more memorable shenanigans including jumping into the harbour, taking leaning tower of Pisa style photos, piggy back rides through McDonald’s, eating raw fish, eating apples in the Apple Store, drinking beer and Jager shots, walking up downwards escalators, doing the fresher dance in various fountains, taking selfies with the group’s egg, riding statues, and many failed attempts to swap shirts with DLC, finishing everything up with a nudity run through china town.

To end the experience of Scav, we had a great Pub/Coffee crawl which featured the return of the no-show buses we all know and love.

Pancake Breakfast made everything better the next day, but that soon faded with Tour de Mac, where more challenges took place, but this time everyone was tied up together. Another night of drinking was needed and Ranch was the place to be for the Back to School party.

And with a sneak attack by RMC the fire drill happened on thursday morning, fooling us all, and waking most of us up to a hangover with no pancakes.

Then came the night of the annual dance off at the ABC party. The inner dancing Queen was well overused due to training but finally all of it was going to be put on show. Nerves filled the air as our rivals poured into the venue. When the DJ announced the time- we faced our opponents with Menzies pride ready to show them our moves. After a good effort from Dunmore Lang, we demonised them with a lot of praying and challenging moves that all came well together. We had it in the bag from the beginning.

Friday morning welcomed a well deserved sleep in, and the day to get ready for #moreiconic harbour cruise. With plenty of tradies and lots of interesting costumes, we cruised through the harbour and with beautiful scenery outside, we danced the night away.

To end it all, at the closing ceremony the winners were crowned and the ultimate fresher named.

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Stepping into a Week with the Ultimate Fresher O

nce upon an O Week,

There was an awkward lunch and our fresher faces show a vibrant mixture of excitement and uncertainty. As a country boy now in the big smoke looking up at the well dressed President Jonty - I was unsure as to what I had gotten myself into. But alas, scanning the room I was soon to learn that half of Tamworth had in fact also jumped ship to join RMC. As the exec gave a quick, “clean” run down of the week we had in store, our parents confidently left us in responsible hands...

I think it was fitting that the execs priority was to make us get in touch with our inner dancing queen before allowing us to settle in. Whilst it was nice to finally get ‘Gangnam Style’ out of my head- ‘One Dance’ will now be there for an eternity.

As each day rolled into the next, O-week grew as an overwhelming opportunity to meet new people through sharing experiences that many of us would never have imagined. Scav hunt was definitely a stand out event for many of us. Getting in touch with my feminine side by experiencing my first spray tan, hair dying and leg waxing was an excellent way to bond with my group. Then flaunting our silky smooth patches of skin through the city the next day was something we will remember for life.

Thursday night, just over the hump of the week and on the home stretch saw us “dress down” to go up against the constant hungover freshers from DLC. With Jesus on our side we slut dropped so hard in the name of Christianity that DLC had no clue what hit them. Whilst it’s no miracle that we won I commend DLC for their efforts.

As Once upon an O week came to a close, the events that had passed and friends we have made shall not be told as tales but legendary facts of how the 2017 freshers of RMC survived the transition to their new home.

Cheers, Sebastian Wall YEAH THE FOURS

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A Reflection L

ooking back on the 4 O Weeks I experienced during my time at RMC and the O Week that just passed whilst I was inevitably working in the kitchen, one thing has is clear to me. O Week is weird. What other week sees people gather on mass to run through the city in various states of undress. When else do we dance the same dance to the same song over and over and over again. When do we dress in school uniforms one night and tablecloths or garbage bags the next. When else do we drink almost every night? (If drinking every night is a regular occurrence, maybe some time for self reflection is needed).

The answer of course is O Week. Lots can be said to sum up and review an O Week. I thought it might be better to talk about what happens after O Week? What happens when the week is over and everyone goes their separate ways and people can often find themselves adrift in a sea of newness. What most people experience when they move to a new place is culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

Anxiety is rearing its ugly head for many students and with that in mind I thought I’d share some helpful tips that I have found helpful during my time at Menzies.

300 - suddenly living with 300 people takes some time to get used to.

The key to this is respect. Respect is a two way street. You need to be respectful of others and they need to be respectful of you. Basically don’t annoy the people you will be living with for the rest of the year and potentially beyond. Everyone is different. What you think is ok might not be ok for other people and if someone gets upset or annoyed by something be respectful of that.

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n on the Past Bite the bullet - yes it’s hard and you can end up feeling like an awkward fool. But it is important to move beyond this. During my first year at RMC I most definitely did not bite the bullet. I stayed in my room watching MKR and RHOBH. When I started my second year I bit the bullet and regret that I didn’t do it sooner. So even if you are nervous and people look intimidating, say hello, ask how they are going or what their name is. Sit down and have dinner with them in the dining hall. Similarly, be inviting and friendly to people who do engage in conversation with you.

Dranks - a large (maybe too large) part of my college experience was heading on up to Ranch or Ubar in some outfit that fit that weeks theme and having some drinks (again maybe too many). Best bit of advice I can give in regards to drinking and nights out is to drink water when you get home, sit up for half an hour before sleeping and have two panadols.

I have avoided hangovers for a long time because of this. Look out for each other. Don’t go as far as giving everyone a number and calling them out to see if everyone is still there, but look out for your mates. Don’t feel pressured to drink. When my friends were doing shots I would pretend to drink it and just subtly not. Empty yoghurt pouches are really, really useful. Don’t social smoke. It’s a bad habit (Ryan).

The Dining Hall - this is basically the hub of connections. Most friendships are forged in the fire of another chicken and rice dinner. Head on up to the dining hall as much as you can to make new connections and meet new people. Make friends with the staff in the kitchen. I might be a little biased (or a lot), but the kitchen staff are the loveliest bunch of people.

The O Week training wheels are off.

Live long and prosper.

Jack Bailey - kitchen worker, head slutty strawberry

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Missing Home Missing home can be a natural side effect of surviving the business of O’Week. An unfortunate outcome of the comedown after constant rush of events. So how do you overcome this feeling?

Building connections and maintaining them is important to keeping yourself sane. A big part of missing home is more to do with the comfort and security it brings. If you clicked with particular people during O’Week spend more time with them- get to know them better. Having company and someone to talk to can make your situation a whole lot easier!

Join clubs, go to the gym, study- keep yourself busy busy busy.

Explore your new location. There’s no way better than making Menzies feel like home than by getting to know what is around you. Even if you just walk around the boundaries of RMC grounds or the university- just so you know where you will be living for the next year.

Avoid the negative effects of being overwhelmed within a new place. Don’t let it get the better of you. Learn the rules and life of Menzies. Talk to your RT, talk to your friends. Don’t bottle your feelings of home sickness! It is more common than you expect PLUS you will definitely feel better after talking about it with someone.

Remember that everything takes time. Keep yourself busy and get to know where you live. It will keep you distracted and eventually Menzies will become a home away from home.

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Get Involved Getting Involved in College Life after O’Week??

You are probably thinking what now? That can’t be it - an intense week with nothing to follow? Just you wait my friends- Menzies is the roller coaster you’ll never come down from in regards to social events and hanging out with your new made friends.

The common room is a great place to interact with other residents. Grab a friend or even someone that is walking by and challenge them to a game of pool, ping pong, or chess. Reserve the movie room and invite a group to enjoy quiet night in watching a fun flick.

Hit bowling, Ranch or Ubar throughout the week if the events are on- you’ll find that about 90% of Menzies is attending. Also attend the inter-college sporting events! It’s a great way to interact with not only RMC but DLC and the Village people as well.

Don’t lock yourself in your room now that O’Week is over! Part of the college culture is building friendships that will get you through your first year of University.

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Survive the Fresher Flu Yep, it is officially fresher flu season. Watch out. It will hit you with an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and a sore throat. It may feel like the end of the world- but don’t panic it will be over in no time.

Best way to beat the flu is to get plenty of sleep. Skip that lecture you can watch online, skip drinking for the fifth day in a row- just relax. If you take it easy, keep to yourself and drink PLENTY of water. Your first fresher flu will be over and done with before you know it.

While catching up on sleep is great, try not to stay cooped up in your stuffy room for too long.

Head outside, breathe in some fresh air and you’ll soon discover that it’ll do you the world of good.

Breaking a sweat is good for you too- It might seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling like utter trash, but believe it or not exercise is one of the best ways to make your body stronger when experiencing Freshers’ Flu symptoms. Even doing some gentle exercise gives your immune system a much needed boost.

As much as it is tempting to live off pizza and chocolate, don’t neglect your fruit and vegetables, the vitamins play a huge part in keeping your body functioning well.

Have some paracetamol handy. Although they should be taken in moderation and shouldn’t be completely relied upon, paracetamol will help to make the symptoms of Freshers’ Flu a little more bearable. It’ll lower your temperature and help to make you feel a little bit more human.

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Make your room your own RMC might be your home away from home, but you’re still sharing it with everyone else, and that could be annoying sometimes. That’s why there’s always your room as refuge, the little space that only you control. Although it could still feel uninviting with the blank white walls, empty shelves and blue carpet, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can pretty it up with a few simple add ons.

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Decorate the walls with posters, pictures, removable wallpaper, or even your home country flag (a bit of patriotism never hurt anybody).

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Trade in the white bed sheets for colourful ones, or ones from your old room for a bit of home-grown tender loving care.

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Add a small rug to really bring the whole room together, and get rid of some empty floor space.

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Put up some fairy lights to have some glow even with the lights off, or just something extra to set the mood for a chill night.

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Have potted plants, or a fish around your room, just so you wouldn’t feel lonely. And add some cushions or beanbags, so your friends can have a seat when they’re over.

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Last but not least fill up the book shelf, with photo frames, books (not just textbooks), souvenirs and little cute items. Don’t overcrowd it though or it will look messy.

Extra tip: Ikea and Kmart are the places to go to for all the decorations that don’t break the bank!

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Humans

Growing up on a taco farm, I never really had the chance to follow my dream of becoming a circus juggler. When I moved to the big city I thought I would finally have the time to pursue my passion filing paperwork, but about a year ago my life took a turn for the worst when I became addicted to Ibis Memes. I spent so much time keeping up with the latest memes, that I didn’t even notice my wife Cassandra and our three kids had already left me. Ever since then I haven’t looked back, or given up on my dream of becoming a disco ballerina.

Ballerina Patrick

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s of RMC

It’s always been my dream to own a dog farm, where I have as many different types of doggy plants as I want. Alas though, this dream was cut short by the realisation that dog plants aren’t a thing. So I decided to pursue a more serious career, a professional chef. I’ve decided to specialise in how best to still make extremely burnt food look edible.

It’s been tough to find testers for my theory, but now, when someone hears it’s a Shrav original, people come running. I guess it just goes to show that dreams really do come true. So don’t stop believing kiddies.

Follow your dreams.

Baker Shrav

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Grooves Around College Top 10 tunes that have been blasted around college!

1. Shooting Stars - Bag Raiders 2. One Dance - Drake 3. Sorry - Justin Bieber 4. Mr Brightside - The Killers 5. Shape of You - Ed Sheeran 6. Starboy - The Weeknd 7. Redbone - Childish Gambino 8. Something Just Like This - Coldplay & The Chainsmokers 9. Never Give Up - Sia 10. Chameleon - Pnau

If you have any favourite songs that you would like to share with others, add them to the spotify playlist by following the link ot scanning the QR code.

If it’s hit, it could make an appearance in our next edition!

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https://goo.gl/O8fwPw

Happening: Wed 08.03.17 - Macquarie’s International Women’s day brunch Wed 08.03.17 - Ranch Black Light Party Thu 09.03.17 - Ubar Toga Fri/Sat 10/11.03.17 - Adele’s World Tour Thu-Sun 09-12.03.17 - Taste of Sydney 2017 Mon 13.03.17 - Holi Sat 11.03.17 - Movable Feast Bondi Beach Sun 19.03.17 - Ultimate Frisbee Sat 25.03.17 - Earth hour

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the Wi “Liquoring the battery” - Jordan Batten

“I thought Shrav’s name was Rash” - Jeremy

Avanti: We’re going to the blacklight party at ranch.

Priyu: I call it the Priyu blackout party

“I just witnessed genocide” - Patrick Newell as soon as DLC danced.

“The first time I went to buy my gf jewellery I was nervous but she broke up with me before I could give it to her” - Angus “You can put your beak in my basket if you want” - Avanti to Patrick at Cruise “She is what i aspire to be when i grow old, grumpy and to the point” - Hannah I was having a dream last night about eating a giant marshmallow, and when I woke up my pillow was gone!”

- Dan Lee

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Ultimate fresher couple

iretap Shrav: i didn’t know how to use it Basel: You went to the fire training !!

Shrav: Not the fire extinguisher, the grill!!!

- Shrav after almost burning down the kitchen cooking garlic bread on the grill

Asking Elisa for bags of drink tokens instead of washing tokens - Mitch

The Holdsworth Special: Salami, Peanut butter, Ham, Cheese, Jam.

“How do you grow a fringe” - Alex Wall, law student

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 Share your voice with everyone!

Are you a creative soul and want to contribute to The Voice? Great!

Send through your work as a message on our Facebook page, or submit it anonymously by slipping it under the doors of either B206 or B116, or drop it in the ‘the voice’ box in the common room.

Any kind of contribution is accepted. Drawings, Articles, Poems, Stories, etc.

And don’t forget to send in any funny submissions for the Wiretap. #RMCwiretap If you want to be featured in the Humans of RMC section, send in a small article about yourself along with candid photo of you.

 RMCVOICE  /thevoiceofrmc  issuu.com/thermcvoice

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