Student Pocket Guide - Belfast - Freshers 2019

STUDENT POCKET GUIDE FRESHERS 2019 #43 BELFAST

WILKINSON . SUE AIKENS . JAACKMAATE STUDENT DISCOUNTS :: TIPS :: EMBARRASSING STORIES RECIPES :: VOLUNTEERING ABROAD AND MORE

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E D I T O R ’ S

L E T T E R

Freshers is a really exciting time for us, not only because we see an influx of students starting new lives free from parents and house rules, but because it’s also our birthday! 14 years ago we launched our very first issue of SPG, and it’s been one brilliant adventure ever since! We love helping you all save money, win cool prizes, discover student friendly businesses, and to generally make student life that bit easier.

We’ve also played a part in landing many students their dream job!

Some of you, though, won’t need any help with that because you will go on to become your own boss! Take JaackMaate for example, the YouTuber who’s got over 1 million subs and talks to us about how to grow a social media audience for yourself.

Also inside this issue we spoke to Jean-Paul Ly about his acting career working on box office movies alongside the likes of Jason Statham.

Sue Aikens from the huge Netflix and Nat Geo series ‘Life Below Zero’, tells us what it’s like living alone in the arctic and shares her bone chilling experience of when she nearly got eaten alive by a bear!

Plus, we were lucky enough to grab time with cover feature Charli XCX, who’s got a new album out and world tour coming soon, and Wilkinson, who’s also busy in the music scene with his European tour and has just released another killer track with Sub Focus.

So sit back, have a read, take note of the discounts within, and with the money you save, have a drink on us! Enjoy Freshers and make it a time to never forget.

BFarrin

Ben Farrin Founder and Group MD

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JEAN-PAUL LY

CULINARY SCHOOLS

JAACKMAATE

MEETING NEW PEOPLE

SUE AIKENS

JAZZ UP YOUR STUDENT HOUSE

WILKINSON

SURVIVING FRESHERS

All Rights Reserved © Pocket Media Group Ltd 2019. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any of the views or opinions expressed in this guide, errors or omissions which may have occurred, or accept liability for any services or facilities featured. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct, changes may and can occur.

in associa tion with:

START

Welcome back to START, where we showcase a range of student art from across the globe.

Lottie Milbank - Textiles, Print Northbrook Metropolitan Collage

Hsin-Yi Yao - Illustration, Painting Kingston School of Art

Bradley Smit - Fashion, Illustration Massey University College of Creative Arts

Archie Hands - Furniture, Product, Interior Building Crafts Collage

Georgia Moore - Set Design - Stage Screen Dance Bath Spa University

Natalie Wong - Fashion, Footwear Regent’s University

START in association with:

If you would like to have your work showcased in the next edition, send your submission, along with your full name and place of study to: info@pocketmediagroup.co.uk. If the le size is larger than 1MB please use a third party le transfer service. Otherwise your email might not reach us!

Fund your future We have scholarships and bursaries available of at least ÂŁ1,000 to support your studies.

Whether you’re just about to start on an IET accredited course at university, are already enrolled on one, or even if you are working through an IET approved apprenticeship, we have funding available to support your engineering passion.

Find out which scheme is right for you and apply today:

theiet.org/scholarships The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698).

Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

It’s inevitable that someone, somewhere will be feeling homesick (rather than hungover or dodgy curry sick), and a cup of tea is a great way to restore good humour and break the ice. So when you’re packing this summer, be sure to include tea bags and biscuits.

Leave your cards at home on nights out. Cash is king.

That way there’s no chance you’ll get carried away with your spending and have to economise for the rest of the year: own-brand baked beans can get tiresome.

(Just don’t be tempted by your phone.) Buy any event tickets you might need in advance – you’ll save a little which means there’s a little more to go around later.

Freshers’ week is a time for freebies. Societies and local businesses are looking for your patronage and are prepared to buy it with a give-away. Expect mugs, USB sticks, and pens. And condoms. Expect lots of condoms. You might want to take a bag.

Common ground is that you all took A-Levels, but your grades mean nothing in uni. And when it comes to revealing secrets, just make sure you’ll be happy to face the revelation in the morning. Freshers’ week is not the time for deep confessions; your flat mates are still strangers and who knows where allegiances will lie in the future.

There’s someone waiting at home to hear from you.

Give them a call, let them know you’re OK, and maybe order some more teabags. Enjoy freshers’ week, but remember: it is only the beginning. Be sure to emerge with everything sufficiently intact and stories of your first week at uni will last you a lifetime.

HI HANNAH, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT FOR US. I UNDERSTAND YOU’RE VOLUNTEERING AT THE MOMENT FOR THE RED CROSS IN NORWAY! HOW ARE YOU FINDING YOUR VOLUNTEERING PLACEMENT OVER THERE?

I’m coming to the end of a 12 month European Voluntary Service placement at United World College Red Cross Nordic. UWCRCN is an international school for 16-18 year olds from over 90 different countries.

It’s been a challenging and exciting experience as I’m based in the outdoor department of the school, so I have learnt how to lead activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and skiing.

I hadn’t had the opportunity to do these things before I moved here so it is incredible to have the chance now! I love that I also get to introduce the students to these activities too.

WHAT’S NORWAY LIKE AS A PLACE?

The Nordic landscape is stunning! I have never lived in a place that is so naturally beautiful. I’ve also never lived in a place where the weather changes so frequently - I’ve seen snow in May and temperatures drop 20 degrees Celsius one day to the next. I live in the middle of nowhere so there is a lot of time for ‘self-care’ things such as going for a walk, practising yoga or writing a journal. The working environment is more laid back too, with shorter working hours and longer holiday periods than in the UK. My favourite thing about Norway is that there is a National Waffle Day in March. I knew nothing about it but was in a supermarket at the time and got to eat free waffles!

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE £20,000 FUNDING! BUT IT DIDN’T SOUND EASY, ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE CAMPAIGNING AND FUNDRAISING ALONG THE WAY...

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF YOUR APPLICATION?

When I discovered the Future Finance scholarship, I was really excited by the opportunity as it would give me the support to continue my studies that I struggled to find elsewhere. The process was really simple!

After submitting a short essay explaining my story and how the scholarship would support my future and professional goals, all that was left was to wait and see if I was shortlisted. After eight months of campaigning, fundraising and worrying, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I could never have achieved this without the support network of friends, family and my local community. All of the likes and shares on social media helped to spread my story, to the point where strangers were messaging me to tell me that they had voted for me!

NOW YOU HAVE THE GOLDEN TICKET ARE YOU ABLE TO RELAX KNOWING YOUR TUITION FEES AND LIVING COSTS ARE COVERED?

It’s a relief to know that when I start my course in October there won’t be the external stress of not knowing how I will pay my rent or afford to buy food. Like many others, before receiving this amazing support from Future Finance, I knew it would take a lot of time and hard work to support my studies because education around the funding options available just isn’t there.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE FUTURE FINANCE POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP?

I first heard about the Future Finance Postgraduate Scholarship through GrantFairy, an app I would recommend to anyone wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK! The app is easy to use and does all the work for you: you enter a handful of details about your course and university and you are instantly matched with dozens of scholarships which are tailored to your personal circumstances.

GrantFairy was born out of the founder’s frustration of being unable to afford to go to university, and the desire to ensure that other students wouldn’t be put in a similar position due to a lack of funds.

YOU’VE ALSO COMPLETED OTHER VOLUNTARY WORK INCLUDING WORKING WITH MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT, COPPAFEEL AND JUDAH’S CLOUD TO NAME A FEW. OF COURSE, VOLUNTEERING IS A GREAT THING TO DO REGARDLESS, BUT WOULD YOU ALSO SAY IT HELPS YOU IN TERMS OF YOUR CAREER PROGRESSION?

Volunteering absolutely helps with career progression as well as being a great thing to do! When I was interviewing for jobs at charities and NGOs at the end of my final year of university, they were asking me to draw upon the experience I had acquired in voluntary roles rather than the content of my degree programme. I was primarily interviewing for positions in social media and communications, event planning and fundraising so the skills that I learned in my role as Charities Chair of my university netball club came in handy. I also worked part-time as a Social Media Assistant at my Student Union so that helped me a lot too!

I think volunteering (particularly during the course of your studies) helps you to gain not only field-specific tools but general life skills such as time management, teamwork and budgeting.

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM PLANS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR STUDIES AND CAREER?

I think it’s important for me to point out that I don’t have any sort of ‘five-year plan’ when it comes to my career as I imagine a lot of students worry about that type of thing. I usually set goals that I would like to achieve in the next 3-6 months of my life and outline the practical steps I can take to accomplish them. I do however have bigger picture dreams such as writing a book, setting up an NGO or doing a PhD. These are things that I would like to achieve at some point in my lifetime but there is no time pressure on them, I’m only 22!

The main area I am interested in studying and working in is access to education. This issue is multifaceted, and I am interested in several different aspects such as; the effect of period poverty on girls’ access to education, both in the UK and abroad; migrant populations accessing education whilst on the move and when settled into a new community; and the monetary barriers to higher education in the UK. I hope that I can streamline my interests during the course of my studies.

YOU RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON AND ARE DUE TO CONTINUE LEARNING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON THE LONDON AND CAMBRIDGE INSTITUTES?

I got into Queen Mary University of London through UCAS Clearing after missing my firm choice offer and rejecting my insurance choice.

However, my firm choice was also in London, so I was pretty adamant that I was going to study there. I chose QMUL in the end because there are many great sociolinguists in the department and the modules explored topics I was interested in, such as language’s relationship to factors like ethnicity and gender. It’s also really fun to be a student in London as there are lots of opportunities to do something different.

I decided to study the MPhil in Education (Globalisation and International Development) at Cambridge because I wanted to be able to study both education and development, rather than just one or the other. The course seems to be unique in the perspectives that it offers, and the faculty appears to be a community of people who genuinely want to change the world.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE EASIEST AND MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF YOUR STUDIES TO DATE?

The majority of my undergraduate course was assessed by coursework which made it easy for me to tailor the course to my strengths. I’ve always been fairly average at exams; I don’t feel the pressure of them on the day, but I am absolutely awful at revision. I was relieved when I got to university and was able to write essays and reports on topics I was passionate about rather than regurgitating facts in an exam hall.

The most difficult part of my studies was managing my commitments on top of my uni work in third year. At the time I was writing essays and a dissertation for my course, working part time, playing netball competitively twice a week, running a charity event once a month and volunteering at various organisations. This took a toll on my mental and physical health about halfway through the academic year and I learnt to slow down – know your limits!

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR FRESHERS?

Get involved! University can be so much more than the institution and the course - you have the opportunity to be part of student media, politics, sports, societies, volunteering, ambassador programmes - the list goes on.

Get the most that you can out of it whilst protecting your mental and physical health (and remember to seek advice if you are struggling).

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HEY WILKINSON, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. WHERE ARE YOU NOW AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

Hey guys, I’m in Ibiza. Just recovering from last night at Amnesia before I head to Italy this afternoon. My head hurts.

CONGRATULATIONS ON ANOTHER BANGER! ‘ILLUMINATE’ IS ANOTHER EXCELLENT TRACK! IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME YOU’VE WORKED TOGETHER - WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK WITH SUB FOCUS AGAIN OVER A NEW COLLAB PARTNER, AND WHAT WAS DIFFERENT ABOUT COLLABORATING THIS TIME?

Thanks! We’re really proud of it. It came off the back of releasing ‘Take It Up’ last year and then doing a bunch of back to back shows this summer at places like Rampage, Glastonbury, Dour, and Let It Roll. So, it felt like the right time to get back in the studio together and make another banger.

HOW DO YOU SCOUT FOR COLLABORATIONS AND DO YOU HAVE A LONG LIST OF ARTISTS YOU WANT TO WORK WITH?

There’s no real science to collaborating really. I’ve worked with a bunch of different artists over my career like Becky Hill, Wretch 32, P Money, Naughty Boy, etc. More recently with Dimension and also Metrik. With Nick (Sub Focus) – we’ve always thrown around the idea of working together. For me collaborations just have to feel organic and the right thing to do for the music.

DID YOU WORK TOGETHER IN PERSON MAKING ‘ILLUMINATE’, OR WAS IT DONE VIA THE INTERNET?

In person. That’s always the best way. You can’t beat being in a room together.

I’M VERY PICKY WITH MUSIC BUT I’LL DEFINITELY BE ADDING ‘ILLUMINATE’ TO MY GYM PLAYLIST ALONGSIDE ‘SWEET LIES’, TWO OF MY FAVOURITE DRUM ‘N’ BASS TRACKS. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE D&B TRACK, AND WHY?

Ah thank you. My fav D&B record of all time? That’s too hard a question for my post Amnesia, Ibiza brain to take this morning. But I grew up listening to everyone in D&B from High Contrast’s ‘True Colours’ album to being obsessed by Dillinja’s drums. There’s so many and I’m constantly being inspired by other artists both in and out of our scene. Outside of D&B I’m really feeling what Flume, John Hopkins and Bonobo are doing. Artists who make music for the right reasons and have next level production values.

YOU MUST BE FEELING PRETTY HYPED AFTER THE FESTIVAL SEASON HAVING PERFORMED ALONGSIDE THE LIKES OF MARTIN GARRIX, TINIE TEMPAH, AND CRAIG DAVID FOR SOUTH WEST FOUR, AS WELL AS DJING OVERSEAS IN BELGIUM AND CZECH REPUBLIC. YOU ALSO HAD FREQUENT PERFORMANCES AT TOGETHER AMNESIA THIS SUMMER! WHICH SET WAS YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?

Yeah, it’s been a crazy summer. I’ve done something like 35 festivals and the first one back in May feels like a lifetime ago! Ibiza is always great; this island is very special to me. But when it comes to festivals…

Glastonbury takes the crown every time. I love that place.

I’M A FIRM BELIEVER THAT WE’RE ALL CONSTANTLY LEARNING. DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT, AND IF SO, WHAT’S THE LATEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNT?

Absolutely. If you are not learning, you’re going backwards. Latest thing I’ve learnt? Probably some geeky production technique which I won’t bore you with. But also, I’ve been learning about balance, or trying to at least. The balance between doing the job I love and finding time to enjoy life with family and friends. Balance is hard, but balance is everything.

FOR NEW DJS AND PRODUCERS OUT THERE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM IN ORDER TO GET NOTICED?

Just stick to your guns. Keep going. This business is really tough and competitive, but if you love what you do, it never feels like a real job. Just trust your gut and keep pushing. Timing and luck play a big part and luck can come when you least expect it!

WHAT’S THE MOST ENJOYABLE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love touring and performing, but honestly just being in the studio and creating music is the best day for me. That’s why I got into this, and making music is the foundation for everything else.

DO YOU HAVE A GOAL IN MIND OF HOW FREQUENTLY YOU WANT TO RELEASE MUSIC, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY DEADLINES OR PRESSURES TO DO SO?

Myself and my team always have goals, deadlines, and strategy. We push each other constantly and an artist needs that to get to the next level. There are no real rules in how much music an artist should release.

Some release one single a year and that does the job, others release every month. But for me, most importantly, it’s about quality control and being proud of every bit of music I release.

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I’m lucky, I’ve had a few. Obviously ‘Afterglow’ going top 10 and becoming a platinum selling record, but also the release of both my albums. Likewise… selling out Brixton Academy and headlining Rhythm & Vines festival in New Zealand. That’s my favourite country and the people are just amazing.

WHAT DOES THE REST OF 2019 AND 2020 LOOK LIKE FOR WILKINSON?

Super busy. I have my club brand ‘Sleepless’ European Tour this Autumn, loads of other shows, more releases ready to go, and then back to New Zealand to headline a bunch of festivals.

I can never slow down. It’s not in my nature.

We’ve all done it.

Forced our eyes to say open an entire night until the point your eyeballs are dry.

Successfully pulling off an all nighter isn’t particularly healthy and it really doesn’t make you feel physically well, but it’s a moment of huge pride and satisfaction.

So, we’ve got some tips to help you achieve that marvelous feeling once again…

You might think drinking coffee is the way to go, but really, you’ll just crash after the buzz and feel more exhausted than ever. Drinks lots of water instead!

Keep the room cool; it’s more likely to keep you alert whereas a hot/warm room will make you feel tired.

Avoid sugars and big meals as these will make you feel heavy and lethargic.

Eat anything rich protein such as cheese!

Take a nap or two during the day before your inevitable all nighter.

Play some crazy, loud music to keep your brain awake!

Open up some windows to allow more oxygen into the room. When you’re deprived of oxygen, you will start yawning which will make you feel tired.

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HI SUE, THANK YOU FOR GIVING US YOUR VALUABLE TIME. HOW ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS FROM?

I am at Kavik at the moment, waiting for spring to finally arrive. 24 hour daylight is here so the thaw can’t be far behind.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU ENDED UP LIVING ON YOUR OWN, IN SUCH A REMOTE PART OF THE WORLD?

The former owner has been a friend of mine for decades and asked me to manage the camp for him, as he knew I preferred (and was at that time living) a very remote lifestyle.

HOW LONG DO YOU GO WITHOUT INTERACTING WITH OTHER HUMANS, AND WHAT IS THAT LIKE?

Around the time we started filming the show, it was common for me to wave goodbye to the last person around the end of August or early September. Then, see the next person late May or early June of the following year. I love this solitary time and enjoy filling it with crafts or projects, like fixing broken motors, or creative things like painting, carving, camping, playing with my fox friends... or simply exploring my big back yard.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF MORE DISCONNECTED FROM HUMAN SOCIETY AFTER ALL THAT TIME, AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ADAPT TO SOCIETY?

By nature of my lifestyle and choices, I am admittedly somewhat disconnected from what most would call standard human societal interactions. You are also assuming I care to re-adapt. I am very good at social skills when needed, but I fail to see where I need to acclimatize to a social world that I do not live in and standards that long ago I felt were substandard to ethical behavior.

WHAT WOULD BE A TYPICAL DAY LIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ARCTIC FROM THE POINT OF WAKING UP TO GOING TO SLEEP?

There really is no “standard” day from waking to sleeping here. I don’t set an alarm and have to chase schedules and please people like in other places. I take each day and moment as it comes.

Weather and situations arise and dictate what kind of day I will have. Tragedy and comedy turn on a dime, and I react and act accordingly. So... there is absolutely no typical day here.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW IN THE TRAVEL POCKET GUIDE! T H E T R AV E L P O C K E T G U I D E . C O M

Your bags are packed. Your room is the emptiest and cleanest it has ever been. You’re about to embark on one of life’s greatest journeys: University.

Feeling both terrified and excited at the prospect of meeting new people? Here are some pointers.

They may have visited the uni already, but everyone will be just as self conscious and scared as you when they arrive ‘for real’ (even though they may not show it). Just say, “Hello”.

What is the worst that could happen? No one is going to be able to get to know you if you don’t talk.

Try and help out if you can, and just be approachable and open.

If you have no idea what to say then just listen.

We are all afraid of new people and new places. University is a fresh start, a place where you can be anything that you want to be.

Don’t get caught up on what people used to think about you in secondary school.

Put yourself out there.

Invite people out for a drink. Explore your new surroundings.

Go clubbing.

Be interested in everything and you will find others interested in you.

Freshers’ week usually happens during the first fortnight of term, and here, new opportunities will be laid out for you.

Join in with as much as you can. From archery to yoga, try things out at least once. If it doesn’t work out, you will at least have a few funny stories to tell.

Speak to new people you meet in class and your halls and find out what they are doing. You may not like everything you try, but through process of elimination you will find out what it is that you really do get a kick out of.

There is nothing that you cannot do, and you should adopt the mantra that there are no failures, only experiences.

You will be amazed where you can end up if – when people ask you something (and as long as it is reasonable) – you just say ‘Yes’.

Better to do too much and reel it in, than not enough and feel like you missed the boat. Good luck and don’t worry.

Remember: you got through the first day of secondary school, and you will get through this.

Arrive with an idea.

Leave with a goal.

20th November 2019 Villa Park, Birmingham

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Chilli is one of those meals which you can enjoy literally any time of the year.

In the winter, it’s a warming bowl of comfort food; in the summer, it’s a spicy fiesta – perfect for alfresco dining.

This recipe is one of my favourites. Packed with vegetables, you will be surprised that something this delicious can be so healthy.

Even meat free, it’s just as hearty and delicious as the original.

2 sticks of celery, diced 1-2 red chillies, thinly sliced If you’re feeling timid, then you can take the seeds out, but don’t expect to get invited to any fun parties.

2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 red peppers, chopped roughly 1 large onion, cut into thick slices 1 punnet of white mushrooms, thinly sliced This might sound like a lot, but they shrink very quickly.

Remember to buy your mushrooms a few days before you cook this dish; you want them feeling slightly tacky to the touch and with a slightly stronger smell. This doesn’t mean they are “off ”, it just means they are ready to cook with. They will add a lot of subtle notes to the dish and really make it something special.

1 tsp garlic paste Paste is much better than diced garlic for this recipe, but if you don’t have any, a couple of cloves sliced very finely will still work.

1 can of mixed beans, drained You can use kidney beans if you prefer, but we like variety.

2 cans of chopped tomatoes with chilli oil Normal chopped tomatoes still work, but it’s well worth spending an extra 50p for that extra kick.

2 squares of extremely dark cooking chocolate Trust us on this one.

Fresh coriander to garnish Butter Oil

Melt a knob of butter over a low heat and sauté the mushrooms with the garlic until soft and delicious. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, fry the carrots, onion, celery and peppers over a medium heat until slightly soft.

Stir in the beans, tomatoes and mushrooms, being carful not to mush up the vegetables too much.

Add in the paprika, season well keep it on a low to medium heat for about 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse.

Grate the chocolate into the chilli. It will probably melt over your fingers a little, but that’s a perk of the job...

Serve with a sprig of fresh coriander.

Add in a TBS of clotted cream when sautéing the mushrooms for added decadence.

Chilli goes well with white rice, of course, but have you considered pairing it with pilau or basmati? Both of those grains of rice are perfectly suited for spicy sauces.

Layer the chilli on some tortilla chips and top with shredded mozzarella and red leister.

Bake in the oven until the cheese melts for some truly spectacular nachos!

Culinary schools are big business.

It’s not just for hobbyist cooks, who want to perfect their pasta or better their bread making. It’s also a recipe for adventure, with residential courses and holidays contributing to the rise in food tourism in recent years. However long your lesson, you’ll likely be learning from an artisan in their trade; someone whose experience and passion will infect your learning process.

If you’re learning in a professional kitchen, you can expect it to be far more intense than your own. TV chefs and cooking programmes may appear to be editing in the fast pace and tempers hotter than the stoves, but you’ll be expected to grasp the basics pretty quickly.

So listen carefully when you’re being given an orientation, instructions, and advice. It’s your tutor’s classroom, so be respectful, even if responding “Yes, Chef!” to everything makes you feel slightly ridiculous. You’ll soon adjust to the speed which things go at, just as you’ll find your way around before too long.

You’ll learn a lot in a very short space of time. This will include the basics: vegetable preparation including knife-skills, making stock, how to handle dough and pastry - and while some of these may seem a little unnecessary, they are the foundations to masterpieces, and you’re bound to learn a thing or two, no matter how competent you are at home. You’ll learn which ingredients are your best friends in your cupboards; those which can be combined to create an imaginative and tasty dish, or add a flavoursome twist to an old favourite, and how to select the freshest ingredients. You’ll also fully appreciate how beneficial it is to work with sharp knives. Anticipate investing in a steel set when you return to your own kitchen.

You will gain confidence, quickly.

You’ll also learn patience. You’ll master tricky methods, complicated recipes, and discover taste combinations which will elevate the everyday to extraordinary.

You’ll learn how to present food beautifully, so that it looks as good as it smells and tastes. Most culinary schools send their newly-skilled pupils home with recipes and guidance sheets to reinforce what they’ve learned, and many courses include food, shared with your fellow chefs. Some establishments will offer accommodation, and the opportunity to taste local fare at local restaurants. From Asian to Zambian cuisine, and everywhere in between, there is a culinary course which is perfect for everyone.

HI CHARLI, HOW’S EVERYTHING WITH YOU AT THE MOMENT? Good, thanks!

YOU’VE DESCRIBED YOUR NEW ALBUM, ‘CHARLI’, AS “BEAUTIFUL & SOFT & AGGRESSIVE & EMOTIONAL & CLUBBY & TENDER ALL AT ONCE”. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT BALANCING THESE VARYING TONES, AND DID YOU FIND THE PROCESS CHALLENGING? I honestly didn’t really think about the tone as I was making it. I really just got in the zone and was totally selfish about all the decisions I was making. When I make music for myself, I just think “what do I want to hear when I go out to a club?” and the answer is this. I need control - and that is normally a challenging process - but I work with a group of collaborators who totally understand me and are totally up for exploring wherever my ideas may take us. I don’t want to work with people who want to play it safe. I’m interested in people who want to turn things on their heads.

SINCE THE DAYS OF NEW TALENT BEING DISCOVERED ON MYSPACE LIKE YOU WERE , DO YOU THINK IT’S GETTING EASIER OR HARDER FOR NEW ARTISTS TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY? It’s sort of easier and harder at the same time. Easier because there’s so many different mediums to break through now.

Obviously the internet is so broad and there’s so many platforms to digest music. I think it’s easier to put music out there and gain a relatively cult and cool fan base (as long as you’re doing something good) but it’s harder to maintain that fan bases loyalty and harder to break through on a truly large scale. And I think that’s why when it happens it’s like, truly a phenomenon.

Photo credit: Andrew Thomas Huang

YOU’VE STATED BEFORE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE YOURSELF AND STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE. DO YOU EVER FEEL ANXIOUS WHILE PERFORMING NEW SONGS WHICH ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN EMOTIONAL PERSONAL EXPERIENCES? Um, I mean I get anxious because I always want my shows to go off. Sometimes when you’re performing an unreleased song the energy is naturally more chill because people don’t know the song, but I’m always confident in my song writing and what I’ve created - otherwise I wouldn’t put it out.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Pop 2 (my mixtape) was a real game changer for me. I think it’s when people finally started taking me seriously. I was like “yeah about time!”

ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRED LYRICS FOR TRACKS ON ‘CHARLI’ AWARE OF IT, OR IF NOT, DO YOU THINK THEY WILL WORK IT OUT WHEN THEY HEAR THE ALBUM? I think there’s one person who will definitely be aware. My boyfriend, who was an ex but now isn’t and we’ve been round and round in circles for years. He knows, I think. Other people not so much. Stuff about my friends is always more intimate and secretive, like maybe I’ll write about a small moment we had at a party - but maybe it meant more to me than it did to them - so they don’t even realize.

DO YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF HOOKED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, OR ARE YOU HAPPY TO PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN AND LEAVE IT? The only time I’m happy to be out of my phone is when I’m writing songs. Otherwise I’m tragically glued to it.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INSPIRATION AND WHY? Honestly it’s the people I work with. My collaborators inspire me the most. There’s lots of music I like, but I don’t get inspired by albums I like - they’re fun to listen to but I’m inspired by the process, by watching and understanding and learning from my friends and how they work. So Sophie is super inspiring to me, and AG and Tommy Cash and Kim Petras - watching how they work and seeing how their artistry takes life is what gets me inspired, rather than “I like that lyric or I like that sound - I’m inspired” - it doesn’t really happen like that.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I once called Liam Gallagher “Noel” at an awards show. I passed him in the bathrooms and he said something nice in passing and I was drunk and the wrong name came out. I don’t think he heard but that’s obviously like, a true f***ing error.

IN THE EVENT OF A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION? Get to a two story house, find a ladder, hack the stairs to bits and be separated from lower zombie ground. Ideally I’d be in the countryside where I could be self sufficient and grow my own food.

Also I’d have a horse to get around.

Photo credit: Andrew Thomas Huang

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Recently I’ve found that starting a bullet journal has been helpful for keeping everything organised in one place, rather than having scattered notebooks/planners/calendars/to-do lists etc. When it comes to studying or blogging, a clutter-free, organised desk is ideal. I also like to make sure to clear out my Macbook once in a while; I end up with so much unnecessary cr*p on there.

The rule of thirds can be so helpful with photography and design. Remember to use it!

Remember that less is more. With my university essays, I often find myself rambling, so I need to remind myself to be concise.

I don’t know about you, but my favourite YouTubers and Bloggers are the ones who come across as very authentic, sharing their creativity and often ‘messy’ and imperfect lives.

Remember that you don’t have to be perfect, and there’s no need to pretend to be something you’re not.

Don’t try too hard to impress people; sometimes the simplest blog post ideas or Instagram pictures work the best.

Sometimes we don’t have to be so explicit when subtlety works much better. People often don’t like to be told what to do. Try suggesting how something could improve someone’s life rather than outright telling them to do it.

Don’t be conventional! I love being spontaneous, and it definitely helps with creativity and inspiration. Try a different way of presenting your work, and have fun!

Make sure your work isn’t overwhelming with different fonts, colours, adverts etc.

Simplicity and white space will make it more calming and tranquil.

Be appreciative of what you have, and work hard on your blog or YouTube channel without expecting to be the next Zoella. No one likes arrogance! I personally like to celebrate the little ‘wins’, like small social media milestones, or a retweet from brands I’ve featured.

Try to be more minimalist in your decorating style. Try meditation or ‘switch off ’ from the internet/technology, and appreciate white space in your work/presentations/ blog design.

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Do you really need to keep that letter from that guy you dated for 30 minutes in primary school? What about your beyond-repair pyjamas from when you were 15 years old?

Throwing old stu out is therapeutic and helps clear out space.

To make your room actually feel like your space, pick out a colour scheme and add splashes of colour to make it feel bright and welcoming.

You can never have enough cushions; they will come in handy at every house party and sleepover you ever have. Personalised photograph cushions are available for around ÂŁ20 at most printing outlets.

Candles are an elegant way to create a cosy atmosphere in your room especially when you’re hung-over and can’t stand overwhelming artificial light.

Team them up with a Moroccanstyle lantern to make sure that you don’t cause any house fires.

When you’re restricted from accessorizing your room, posters can really spruce up boring walls - especially if you’re just a mega fan of Game of Thrones or are in desperate need of some eye candy.

A lot of the time floors go unnoticed, but if you’re the type to actually keep your clothes in your wardrobe (rather than on the floor), rugs are a great way of adding your own touch and some colour to an otherwise bland room. It’s also nice to have something soft to stand on.

Bring some life into your room by adding plants and flowers (just make sure you look after them). Cacti are said to absorb radiation, which might help with those endless hours of watching Netflix from your laptop.

Fairy lights come in a variety of colours and designs to suit any room. They will also save you when your light bulb goes and you can’t aord a new one.

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Hi Jack, tell us a bit more about yourself and your YouTube channel.

I live in a shed and I just make weekly content; I do podcasts, I do celebrity interviews – mainly I just moan about things and other YouTubers. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years now!

It’s gone quite well, hasn’t it?

It’s gone alright! A million subscribers - haven’t got my plaque yet though, still waiting for that. YouTubers get a “1 million” plaque when they hit it. But it’s gone really well! It was only once I did a video about a certain YouTuber’s advent calendar that it boomed. I sort of – and I wish I could say this word – plateaued? For seven years it sort of plateaued and stayed at around about 100K. Then I did that video, and boom; I’m still riding that wave. It could be all over tomorrow, but I’ll take it!

A million subscribers! How does it actually feel to be on that level, because you built that from nothing?

It’s mental, because that was always my goal. There’s literally no way to say this without coming across as very arrogant, right?

But, I said to my cousin when I started, “I will hit a million.”

I don’t know if that’s from arrogance or just confidence.

As I said, when I was on that same number for such a long time, there was a little bit of doubt that started creeping into my mind…

“You’ve been doing it for seven years and you’ve only hit 100K. Do the maths: are you still going to be doing this when you’re 80?”

But like I said, that video blew up and we got there. It was weird actually hitting the million because I didn’t know where to go from there. I thought, “Oh, my next video has got to be this massive banger!” and that kind of made me a bit lazy, because I thought “Well, I’ve hit it now.”

I think it says a lot about the whole social sphere in general, because actually, if you don’t have a goal to shoot towards, you’re just aimlessly publishing content with nothing to try and grab. So kudos to you for having a goal in the first place.

I always say to up-and-coming YouTubers who want my advice as if I can offer it. It’s all about little wins. So, it’s good to have that million goal there, but it’s good to think, “Right, I’m going to aim for 20K, and when I get to 20 I’m going for 50, then I’m going 100.”

You’re still getting those wins, those little dopamine rushes.

If your goal is so far out there, you might feel like you’re not getting on the first level of that ladder.

Let’s talk about YouTube as a platform.

What’s so powerful about it?

Where to start... it’s crazy, isn’t it? Just how big it is now? I think the fact that a woman can put a cat in a bin and get 10 million views shows you the power of it. It gives everyone a voice, really.

How lucky you get depends on how loud that voice is, I guess.

Luck is a big element. It’s giving anyone the power to have a voice and to have an audience, because if we go back 20 years, how would I, in a shed, get an audience? Unless I get put on prime time BBC One – which would not happen! I’m in a shed… it wouldn’t make sense.

In your very humble opinion, what are the key pillars of an excellent video for YouTube?

That’s another hard question, because I think YouTube is so diverse that certain things can work for certain content creators which may not work for others. I’ll tell you something which is the same across the board, and that is the way the video looks when it’s on the homepage. So, the thumbnail, the keywords, the title, all that obvious stuff. There are actually websites now that you can go on, where you put the title of what you’re thinking of calling your video, and it’ll come up with the best 50 tags based on that. For me and I think for a lot of other YouTubers who have “made it”, for lack of a better phrase, it doesn’t matter what kind of quality the video is. So, as long as you’re not filming on a potato, you’re alright! I film little point and shoots, I’ve got my box lights. If it films, it does the job. I don’t use a mic.

I don’t use any of that. It’s more about what you’re saying.

Is the content funny? Are people getting from the content what you’re trying to give out? It doesn’t matter if it’s a high-end piece of content. If it were, they’d go watch it in the cinema or on TV or something like that.

A massive thing for people starting on YouTube is the views. People are obsessed with the views. Obviously your view count is astronomical, compared to the average YouTuber. What is it that gets you that many views?

For me, I think it’s always about finding a niche. Even if you are going to play the game and go on trends, make it your own and make it niche. Give someone a reason to want to watch you above the 500 other people who are doing similar content. Now with me – this sounds mental – my niche is just honesty, right? I went to a lot of YouTube meet and greets, I’ve met a lot of “big YouTubers”, and I didn’t really like who they were. I thought on camera, they come across very family-friendly – chubby bunny challenge and all this. When you meet them, a lot of them are not very nice people. I don’t want to cause any controversy, but they’re not very nice people. I like to think I’m a nice guy - not blowing my own trumpet. I can’t, I’ve tried. I think because I’m very honest about stuff, I’m not afraid to call out the bigger guys.

A lot of the younger audience have started to realise the same stuff about certain people in the community; they come to me for all that honesty. I think the moment I really started to not hold back on anything and go big on the honesty, that’s when people began to really relate with it.

So, honesty, and pick a niche?

Niche, definitely. You can play the trends! You need to play the trends if there’s a big talking point which everyone’s talking about.

Of course, jump on it, because that’s what everyone wants to hear.

Find a quirky way of doing it. Don’t just be a sheep.

Your channel gets deleted today.

You have to start again.

Would you do anything differently?

Yeah, I would. As I said before, I call other YouTubers out for things – that’s kind of my niche. I spent a big proportion of my beginning, sort of three or four years, not wanting to say anything about those guys, because I saw them as a stepping stone of where I need to go.

I would often ignore the bad stuff they were doing. If I were to restart I would just think, “Don’t worry about it, mate. Say what you want to say – if people disagree with you, who cares?” Look at Piers Morgan: people disagree with him, but he’s still getting the views, the traction, and earning a lot of money. Another thing I’d say is always, always, always make people feel. Don’t make them come to your video and click off because it’s nothing. If they hate you, they hate you.

They still might even share your content if they don’t like who you are.

Look at Arsenal Fan TV. It creates a discussion. The worst thing is not being hated, it’s not being cared about. You are always going to annoy someone for something so just be honest about it.

Some of the best brand deals I’ve ever done are when companies have come to me and said, “Promote this product.” and I’ve gone, “Can I joke about the money you’re paying me? Can I joke about your product as well?” and they’ve said yeah. Then you feel more real and then they see a bigger return because I’m being more honest about the product. Rather than going, “Look at this, this is the best mouse-pad I’ve ever had in my life!”

THROWBACK EDITION

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Bring Me The Horizon - Drown (Cover by Twenty One Two)

Known at the time as Fast Forward Music (now named Twenty One Two), Swedish band members Mikael Olsson and Rickard Lindvall perform a truly brilliant, and softer version of Drown.

Ed Sheeran - The A Team

8 years ago, we filmed an intimate acoustic set with Ed Sheeran. This performance of his smash hit The A Team is amazing. Performing alone with just his guitar "Nigel" and a mic, Ed’s talent and passion are undeniable.

A-Trak "Heads Will Roll" & Tchami "Go Deep" - Carl Rag Mashup Finger drummer, performer, and classically trained pianist Carl Ragg changed the way we understand DJing. Using the Trigger Finger Pro, he performs a superb live routine.

Danny Dyer Interview UNCUT What you may not already know

Our first ever video from back in 2008!

Now Eastenders heart throb, all-round good guy, actor and father of Love Island's winner Dani Dyer, Danny Dyer talks openly and honestly about his life and career. He's hilarious!

Here comes BAD Santa Claus!

Aside from exclusive musical performances, our channel has a few random videos including this short story we created showcasing how Father Christmas isn't such a good boy after all. You'll have to watch to why... find out wh

Save my animals and family, and go underground – with plenty of snacks.

I’d probably just get really, really drunk so if I died I wouldn’t be aware of it.

Run and hide! Run and hide! Find friends, and make the most out of what I have left. I’m clearly not the strongest person, I’d find another friend who would take care of me.

You’d probably have to try and find weapons wouldn’t you? I’d try align myself with a clan of bigger boys who could do the heavy lifting and I would do the cooking or something like that. I’d try and get myself a role where I didn’t have to get on the front line, because I’m a coward!

But if that wasn’t the case, I’ve got a poker in the fire downstairs and I’d use that as my weapon, I’d just try my best basically. I’d try and get a stash of beans and a red hot poker and I think I’d be alright.

Save my wife, jump in my rally car, and start mowing down a load of green weird walking people.

JEAN PAUL LY IS NEW TO THE FILM INDUSTRY, BUT HE’S ARRIVED WITH A PUNCH! HAVING RELOCATED FROM PARIS TO LONDON, HE’S WORKING HIS WAY TO THE TOP AND IS ALREADY GETTING NOTICED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ACTING TALENT AND MARTIAL ART SKILLS. IT DOESN’T STOP THERE, BECAUSE JEAN PAUL LY HAS ALREADY RELEASED HIS OWN SHORT FILM “THE DIVISION”, A PREQUEL TO HIS FORTHCOMING FEATURE FILM. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE SELF-TAUGHT FILM-MAKER, ACTOR, AND STUNTMAN TO TALK ABOUT BREAKING INTO THE INDUSTRY, HIS PASSION TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JACKIE CHAN, WORKING ON MULTI-MILLION BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES, AND HOW VIDEO GAMES INSPIRE HIS WORK!

FIRSTLY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JEAN PAUL LY! FOR THOSE THAT HAVEN’T HEARD OF YOU, HOW WOULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO?

My name is Jean Paul Ly, I am an actor based in London, with a specialization in martial arts.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST PLACE?

I started six years ago; I arrived in London not knowing anyone in the business, so you can guess that I had to make my way up! I didn’t have a clue, but I got lucky with some opportunities to start as a stuntman.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RELOCATE TO LONDON?

It’s very simple: London offers way more opportunities than Paris, either for stunts or acting roles.

AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PRACTICING MARTIAL ARTS AND WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN?

I started when I was five with Karate, Capoeira, Tricking and Hapkido (Korean self defence).

HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE AND TRAIN MARTIAL ARTS?

I usually train martial arts four times a week.

WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU FROM THE FILM INDUSTRY AND WHAT ARE YOU CAREER GOALS?

I would love to follow the path of actors and martial artists such as Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen. I grew up watching their films, and I feel very grateful to be able to bring my contribution to the genre.

But lately, I have been focusing on directing a lot more. Let’s see!

YOU’VE ALREADY PLAYED SOME HIGHLY RESPECTABLE ROLES STARRING IN THE MOVIE JAILBREAK, NIGHTSHOOTERS AND HAVE WORKED ALONGSIDE THE LIKES OF JASON STATHAM. WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING FAIRLY NEW ON THE BIG SCREEN BUT GETTING NOTICED AND WORKING ALONGSIDE HUGE NAMES?

Very satisfying to be honest! Making indie films and working on bigger productions at the same time comforts me that I’m doing the right thing (I hope so!). I could be working on a low budget action film and the next day on a multi-million blockbuster. Reputation and recognition are essential for career growth in the film industry and I appreciate working this way, since I see it as a learning curve.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE IN THE WALT DISNEY MOVIE ARTEMIS FOWL?

I am playing the character Nguyen, from the 1st book of Artemis Fowl.

It was an amazing acting experience and my first on a blockbuster and Disney movie, especially working with director Kenneth Branagh.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?

“Le Roi et L’Oiseau” by Paul Grimault, a masterpiece of French Animation.

I do not believe that my top 10 contain any martial arts movies!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ACTORS OR STUNT PERFORMERS TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY?

That’s always an interesting question to answer, because my advice wouldn’t be aimed towards the film industry itself but to the individual.

The film industry is brutal, this lifestyle is not for everyone: it is definitely accepting going out of your comfort zone, and giving 100%, and not less. Set yourself goals for the first three or four years, and then see from there!

IT MUST BE A DANGEROUS JOB DOING WHAT YOU DO?

Yes, making action films involves an incredible range of dangerous action scenes/sequences, which requires specialists and highly trained athletes in various disciplines. However, everything is relatively safe on set and every single stunt is rehearsed and coordinated.

I’VE JUST FINISHED WATCHING YOUR EPISODE OF DIVISION. A 27 MINUTE ACTION-PACKED FILM, WRITTEN, DIRECTED, CHOREOGRAPHED, AND EDITED BY YOU! IT’S A SUPERB WATCH; YOU MUST BE SO PROUD… WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CREATE THIS EPISODE?

Well, I’ve always believed in the vision of doing my own action design and project, without the inputs of producers who wouldn’t get my idea and concept. This one was made with our own budget with many difficulties: no core crew, no 1st AD (Assistant Director), sometimes no 2nd ADs, no make-up or costume departments etc. It was made successfully thanks to our friends. I am also a big believer of “if you want something, go get it yourself”!

WILL THERE BE A FOLLOW UP EPISODE?

The Division stands as a prequel/teaser to a bigger story, and the end of the short film is the beginning of the “real” adventure.

So, I am aiming for a feature film length for this one, but with a proper production value and crew this time.

THAT SOUNDS REALLY EXCITING! HOW DID YOU LEARN TO WRITE, EDIT, AND DIRECT?

I’m a self-taught filmmaker; I’ve studied with books, and filmed several short films prior to The Division. I’ve been an assistant fight choreographer on Doctor Strange, learning from incredible mentors such as Jonathan Eusebio and Vincent Wang, then Action Director on indie action films in the UK and in Asia. It was all valuable knowledge that gave me the confidence to start my own project.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?

During the Jailbreak movie release, the production team had a great idea to release a video game for its promotion, based on the film, for smart-phones on iTunes. So I had my own video game character!

COOL! ARE YOU MUCH OF A GAMING FAN?

I love video games, and they play a major inspiration for my work in action design. Resident Evil 2 remake kept me busy for days; I love GTA 5 online too.

IF YOU COULD COMPARE YOURSELF TO A SUPER HERO OR COMPUTER GAME CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I can’t say which one I can relate to, but I really like “Alucard” from the Castlevania series.

IS LIFE HECTIC FOR YOU OR DO YOU FIND TIME TO RELAX WITH FRIENDS?

Hectic I suppose! I might be too focused on developing films and work…

WHAT’S THE NEXT THING ON YOUR AGENDA?

The Division feature film, and some other ongoing feature films that I hope to make this year!

Students are often loaded down with books and folders. Try to keep one hand free, walk confidently, and be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid chatting or listening to music on your phone when walking down the street. This will distract you and prevent you from hearing danger approaching. If you’re walking alone at night, try to avoid danger spots such as poorly lit areas, and walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.

Think about getting a personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk.

Make sure to check departure times, especially of last trains, tubes, and buses. Try and have your ticket, pass, or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet stays out of sight. Always wait for a bus, train, or taxi in a well-lit place, near other people if possible.

If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver or conductor. On the underground or on trains, try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages. If you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to move to another seat or carriage or get off at the next stop if you know the area.

Carry the telephone number of a trusted, registered taxi or minicab company with you. If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance.

Ask for the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car.

Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive – is it the taxi or minicab you ordered? Try to share a taxi or minicab with a friend and sit in the back of the car. If you chat to the driver, be careful not to give out any personal details.

Use your voice to make lots of noise. Shouting an instruction like “Call the Police!” makes it very clear to anyone within earshot that you are in danger and need assistance.

Try diversion techniques. Doing something unexpected can confuse an attacker and give you a chance to get away.

Some of the suggestions we have heard which have worked are: pretending to vomit, or pretending to see someone and calling out to them for help. Thinking about it in advance will help you to think more clearly in an emergency situation.

In this series, we explore some of the most cringe worthy, outrageous, and outright appalling experiences from students brave enough to share them.

This corker comes from Ken, who got himself into a total sh*t storm...

When I was in my second year at College, I lived in a student cul-de-sac.

There were seven lots of six bedroom houses, and everyone got on brilliantly. We used to freely wander in and out of each other’s houses and no one was bothered. This however led to pranks – mainly between me and one other lad who lived two doors down.

It all started when he used to sneak in to my room when I was asleep and pour small amounts of ice cold water over my face, and then hide when I woke up. I never knew what was going on; it’s a horrible way to be woken up. When I found out it was him, I sneaked in to his house while he was asleep, and shaved a bald spot off the back of his head (monk style). He went days without noticing it and wasn’t happy at all when he found out. He swore revenge, but I wasn’t going to let my guard down; I got a lock fitted on my door so that he couldn’t get in.

I thought I’d won, as nothing had happened for weeks.

Two weeks later we had a house party and I was getting pretty hammered. Little did I know that every time I went to the toilet the little git was pouring laxative into my beer. I was chatting away and showing off when suddenly, without warning, I shat myself.

Not just a little bit. A full on pony. I legged it to the toilet to clean up, but it was carnage. Before I could do anything, I needed some clean pants to change in to. I waddled through a crowd of people to get to my room only to find that the little bastard had locked my room and hidden the key. He made me wait 15 minutes while he told everyone before he gave it back.

Rent, food, and bills aside, we’ve compiled a list of cheeky devils which can catch you out.

Living on campus doesn’t mean this comes free of charge.

Even if you don’t have a TV, you can still get caught out by streaming, which can result in a maximum fine of £1,000!

Using my telepathic senses, I can guarantee that most of you reading this will at some point accumulate a rather tasty amount of library fines in your university career.

Social and physical activities are essential to ensure you’re looking after yourself and having a good time. Clubs and societies may require signing-on fees, and university gyms will require some form of regular payment.

You’d be surprised by your yearly total. It’s best to keep a piggy bank for your loose change; having a ready stash of coins will make your life that much easier for mad dashes to the printer when those dreaded deadlines are approaching.

Check your module booklets, which should have details of any compulsory or voluntary outings. There are of course uni trips and holidays available purely for your entertainment, so if this appeals to you, it makes sense to put away some cash.

Public transport has been on the rise of late, so be prepared to spend a few extra quid a week for those study commutes, and of course the nights out in town.

University libraries usually provide an excellent service.

However, if your desired book is not in stock, you may have to brace yourself for a visit to Amazon.

These can significantly help you on your course (especially if you’re a media student), providing you with the latest goings on and contemporary thought.

It won’t be long before piles of dirty washing have amassed on your bedroom floor. When you eventually make the trek to the laundry rooms, be prepared to spend a few pounds on detergent and general use of the washing and drying machines.

Universities will point you in the right direction, but when you’ve found the perfect new flat, you will need to place a holding deposit and then a final deposit when you move in.

If you think stamp collecting is weird, wait until you see these.

Urban knitting or “yarnstorming” is a guerrilla art form focussed on adorning objects, such as phone boxes and statues, with wool graffiti.

According to underground knitting collective, Knit the Street, “[yarnstorming] is a street art which harks back to the woolly stereotype of grandmas, itchy jumpers, ill-fitting socks, and nice cups of tea by the fire, takes it by the blue rinse and drags it kicking and screaming into the street to blanket a bollard in beasts, swathe a signpost with stitched silliness, or cover a corner in wild woolly creatures.”

Although still technically illegal, it is difficult to view the soft and cuddly creations of “yarnstormers” as criminal acts. However, members still hide their identities and document their woolly terrorism under various pseudonyms.

Ever felt like your favourite cuddly bear needed to see more of the world?

Now it can. All you have to do is register online at toyvoyagers.com, create your toy a travel profile, get a toy voyager ID and send it to a random person’s house somewhere else in the world. It is also possible for you to host someone else’s toy, show it the sights of your local town or city, take lots of pictures and send them to the toy’s owner so they can see what a great time their toy had whilst on its travels.

Although it is understandable for a dog owner to give their canine friend a haircut every now and then, it is a little difficult to see the logic behind the new extreme dog grooming trend, which is becoming increasingly fashionable in China. This unusual hobby has seen Chinese people giving their pets much more than just a shampoo and trim, with dogs throughout the country being dyed and styled to look like various people, animals and cartoon characters. So popular is the bizarre past-time that money spent on pets throughout the nation has seen a 500 per cent increase since 1999!

Yes, you read correctly. There really are people out there who collect airsick bags. The hobby is actually reasonably easy to get involved in.

You simply buy yourself a plane ticket, claim your free airsick bag and then upload pictures of your new collection to the online virtual museum.

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Editor in Chief: Ben Farrin Content Manager: Elliot Norman Graphic Design: Make North Contributors: Jack Shannon, Emily Underworld, Michael Muttiah, Amrit Pnaiser, Emma Piper, Chantelle Brown, Kelly Regan-Mears

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