The University Paper January 2015: Leicester

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January 2015

CLEAN BANDIT NEIL ON STUDENT LIFE AND THE LONG SLOG TO SUCCESS

PAGE 9

Georgia leads fight to raise funds for friend stricken by cystic fibrosis

MEET MY BFF... ...NOW HELP ME SAVE HER LIFE JOSHUA EVANS WHEN Georgia Smith watched her best friend losing her battle for life, she decided she had to do something to help.

Now, the De Montfort University student has given her pal fresh hope after raising more than £68,000 to fund pioneering treatment for Roisin Kelleher, who has cystic �ibrosis.

Roisin, 19, is �lying to the Dominican Republic this month to receive stem cell treatment to heal her lungs.

Her health went downhill after developing pulmonary hypertension on top of her CF, making her dependent on breathing apparatus and a wheelchair when travelling.

Georgia, also 19, said: ‘I have

known Roisin since we were about six and we have done so much together.

‘Up until recently, she could do all the things we loved doing together, like walking to the shops and going out clubbing – but her condition has deteriorated so fast.

‘I just wanted to do my bit to help my best friend.’

Georgia started her fundraising drive by raising awareness of the Breathe Hope For Roisin campaign on social media, adding to the funding pot by selling homemade cupcakes on campus.

‘I didn’t know how bad she was until she started the Breathe Hope For Roisin

Best buds: Georgia Smith (left) raised cash for Roisin Kelleher’s treatment

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Show is Open for artwork

Champions: The Islamic Society at De Montfort University celebrate with their trophy for raising more than any other Midlands institution, thanks, in part, to the help of the Indian Society, left, and Tamil Society, right, and through selling arts and crafts PICTURES: DMU-ISOC/FACEBOOK

Footsore fundraisers walk away with title ANDY LEDDINGTON DEDICATED students baked through the night, packed supermarket bags and hiked up a mountain to be crowned fundraising champions of the Midlands.

The Islamic Society at De Montfort University raised nearly £9,000 during Charity Week, organised by Muslim students across the nation.

Members saw off �ierce

competition from Birmingham and Nottingham by working together to persuade businesses and other societies to lend a hand.

Fatma Thakur, a second-year pharmaceutical and cosmetic science student, said: ‘We raised money for charity week by working as a team, putting all our differences aside to help out in this great cause.

‘Everyone was tired and

sleep-deprived by the second day but we never gave up.

‘We motivated each other, spent the night baking cakes and, during the day, kept the energy and Charity Week spirit going.

‘The society is really happy and overwhelmed by this achievement.’

Other fundraising events, organised with the help of the university’s Bhangra, Indian, Tamil, Bollywood Dance and

Hindu societies, included a sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon – the highest peak in England and Wales – as well as auctions, with prizes donated by Leicester businesses.

Their efforts also saw the group named team or society of the year at DMU, a title shared with the women’s football club.

The society’s events co-ordi-

nator, Asad Khan, said: ‘It was a well-deserved win because we worked hard and we united for a great cause.’

The Charity Week initiative was supported by aid and development charity Islamic Relief and students who took part have voted for the projects they want to see bene�it from the cash raised.

PAINTINGS, pots and prints are wanted for an exhibition of art from across the region.

The annual show Open, supported by De Montfort University, runs from March to May at Newarke Houses Museum and work can be submitted until February 9.

Anyone living in Leicestershire and the surrounding counties can enter, with a top prize of £2,000 up for grabs. Illustration, sculpture, textiles and photography entries can also be put forward, in either traditional or digital formats.

Nick Palmer

Local talent: The Open

Music fusion at old plant A NUCLEAR reactor in Sweden provided the stage for De Montfort music students in a collaboration with the country’s Royal College of Music.

Luckily, the reactor, which the musicians �illed with electronic sounds, was taken out of service in 1970.

Andy Leddington

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January 2015

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Now we’re all free to roam across campus HENRY EDWARDS VISITING lecturers and prospective students at the University of Leicester will be able to get online for free after open-access wifi was installed across the entire campus.

Guests can access more than 500 wifi points at 69 locations by registering with internet provider The Cloud, part of TV and broadband company BSkyB. It will allow them to download the university’s app, which contains information on open days and how to get around campus.

Students and staff already have access to the service on the university’s grounds and in its halls – but Daniel Law-

n DE MONTFORT University has been rated one of Britain’s most influential unis on Twitter. It came joint top with Loughborough University and the University of East Anglia in the list of 125 higher-education institutions. The account, which has 18,600 followers, was equal for influential activity despite having fewer followers, analysis by Followerwonk showed.

rence, deputy director of IT, said it was now vital to offer visitors free wifi.

‘As a large university with

a constant stream of visiting alumni, guest lecturers, prospective students and other visitors, providing wifi is essential to meet today’s expectations,’ he explained.

‘Connectivity is expected from all our visitors and we are meeting this need.’

Roger Matthews, commercial director at The Cloud, added: ‘Being able to use the internet wherever you are on campus seamlessly is expected.

‘Imagine a prospective student at an open day – access to a mobile campus map or information about different faculties will help them feel more comfortable with the university.’

To connect, visitors need to select The Cloud wifi network.

CHARGING AHEAD: Student Rafaela de Aguiar sees her logo promoting De Montfort University’s electric vehicle research hit the road for the first time. The product design student created the blue plug image for the eco car while on placement at the university’s marketing department and has now returned to her native Brazil

contactLIST Email us at leicestereditor@unipaper.co.uk Editor: Joshua Evans What’s On and Your Night: Cavelle Simpson, cavellesimpson@yahoo.com News editor (DMU): Corey Bedford, coreynathanbedford@msn.com

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January 2015

inBRIEF

Help me to save my BFF

Show me the charity money ENTREPRENEURS have turned bright ideas into cash for charity.

Eleven student teams took on the WISE Rainmaker Challenge, raising more than £1,000 for Enactus Leicester. Team Apollo raised the most, at £457.50.

Businesses included raf�les, bake sales and a cooking lesson auction.

from p1 campaign,’ Georgia added. ‘She didn’t want to tell me at �irst, as she didn’t want me to worry.

‘She has received a tremendous amount of support from everyone in our town and they have put on some amazing events for her, such as auctions, bake sales – like I did– and even a clairvoyant event.’

For the latest on Roisin’s progress, check Breathe Hope For Roisin on Facebook or follow @Hope_for_ Roisin on Twitter.

Pedal power is way to work

BEAUTY can be found in the most unlikely places, as these images of the Fletcher Complex refurbishment prove. They were taken as building contractor Balfour Beatty took academics and De Montfort students’ union president Adil Waraich around the site to show how work has progressed since builders moved in. The existing Fletcher Tower is being completely refurbished inside and out, while the surrounding buildings are being replaced.

Healthcare for the homeless HOMELESS people may get better healthcare thanks to students from the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

The Leicester Initiative Good Health Team will give medical treatment to rough sleepers.

Park robber ‘held victim at gunpoint’ DANIELLA MARSH A HOODED robber pointed a gun at a student’s chest before making off with his valuables, it is claimed.

The gunman approached the University of Leicester third year student as he was walking home from the David Wilson Library through Victoria Park.

He ordered the 20-year-old to hand over his possessions – then, when he hesitated, pulled a gun from his pocket and aimed it at him.

The robber then made off with his belongings, includ-

5

ing a Nokia phone, a whiteand-silver iPod Touch, an HP Compaq laptop and a small amount of cash.

The alleged victim, a computer science student, was left ‘really shaken up’ after the incident, according to his �ive housemates.

They later sent a text to others living in the area, alerting them to the danger.

A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection to last month’s incident but was later released.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said attacks of this nature were rare

but advised students to walk in busy, well-lit areas when alone and to avoid leaving any valuables on display.

‘If you regularly jog or cycle, consider varying your route and times you go out, particularly if you go alone,’ she added.

‘Avoid wooded areas and stick to well-lit roads and open spaces.

‘To ensure you stay fully alert to your surroundings, do not use headphones.’

Anyone with information about the incident should call 101.

CYCLING is good for the environment and gets you �it – and staff at De Montfort University are taking full advantage.

As many as 12 per cent cycle to work – the highest of any workforce in the city, a Leicester City Council travel plan survey of more than 200 businesses found.

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Want an idea for dinner? Try out a lasagne smoothie PURÉED lasagne, sloppy mashed potato and thickened orange juice sound stomach-churning.

But three De Montfort University students put them on their menu for �ive days to highlight the challenges faced by people with dysphagia, a condition which makes it dif�icult or even impossible to swallow.

Speech and language therapy students Jo White, Olivia Hallam and Rosa Stoppard Holden set out to understand and increase awareness of the

condition – raising more than £1,000 for Dementia UK along the way.

They kept blogs about their experiences, including cooking videos, recipe tips and advice for producing puréed food, as well as listing facts and �igures about dysphagia.

Jo said: ‘You had to be very disciplined. When I grate cheese, for example, I like to pinch a lump – but on the diet, I wasn’t allowed to. You learnt what puréed well and what didn’t. I blended pasta and that didn’t work.’

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have more mess. We and see the homes being behind the and more family (multiple who was against into HMOs student the Player, said she was not converted and a year for motion, the current occupancy houses) courses. but said ‘We pay £9,000 students doing our are going up. on any privilege of to suggest that we system was unfair. the students blocks a big loophole and making they will pass or of It is time lodgers. the fear is, ‘It is ridiculous cost to their ‘Either landlords the councillor, landlords a lot of money. said: It’s NOUGH depriving people additional ’ said ld student are somehow ALICE GOODE should pay, s Westmoreland.

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Hard to swallow: Jo White, Olivia Hallam and Rosa Stoppard Holden set out to raise awareness of dysphagia

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JOHN SHAW RECEIVING top marks for work will bring a smile to any student’s face – and it is no different for researchers.

Some 75 per cent of the University of Leicester’s research is internationally excellent, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework results.

And most of its work was judged to be globally significant, the REF found.

President and vicechancellor Prof Paul Boyle said: ‘That Leicester entered a substantial proportion of academics – 84 per cent – to the REF demonstrates that our academics are continuing to develop and build upon our world-leading research.

‘Our school of museum

ON THE RISE, TOO DE MONTFORT University is on the up, the latest REF results confirm.

Almost 60 per cent of its research was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent in the study.

The university – which, according to the Sunday Times league table, was the UK’s most improved – has also seen a 15

studies remains one of the top research departments in the country and achieved the highest grading possible – 100 per cent – for its impact.’

REF results, which are judged by a panel of experts, help to determine how fund-

per cent increase in research quality compared with 2008.

Prof Andy Collop, pro vice-chancellor for research, said: ’I am pleased the world-class quality of our research has been recognised.

DMU has an excellent academic community, which works to address a myriad real-world issues.’

ing is allocated. Research in the �ield of clinical medicine also fared well, with 65 per cent of work submitted getting the highest rating.

UoL was ranked 27th of 154 institutions, according to a Guardian analysis.

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inBRIEF

Lessons from the school of life HAVING been through it all already, students are perfectly placed to help out their college counterparts.

Now, more than 100 of De Montfort University’s finest have made this idea reality and are passing on their wisdom to pupils at New College Leicester.

The student tutors offer help in English, maths and sciences, as well as pastoral care and advice, as part of the vicechancellor’s academic mentors scheme.

Helper Sarah Clark, who studies health, said: ‘It’s rewarding to see these people develop over the weeks and see their confidence growing.’

Andy Leddington

January 2015

War is coming... but don’t panic, only model armies will be hurt GAMERS, prepare for a battle of wits and strategy against the nation’s finest.

The student national roleplaying and wargaming championships will come to De Montfort University in March,

with 700 members of game societies from across the UK competing.

The weekend-long event will see matches across a range of roleplaying and war games, with wins counting as points in a

league system. Whichever university has the most points at the end will be crowned champions in the closing ceremony.

Warhammer, Bolt Action WW2, Dreadball and SAGA games will all be played.

Speaking made easier thanks to autism app SUZI WOOLLEY A PAIR of mums have teamed up with programmers from De Montfort University to make the lives of people with autism a little easier.

Dr Yasmin Delargy and Alison Lehman, both of whom have children with the condition, invented AutisMe – an app that aids communication.

They approached the university for help bringing the idea to life and were joined by undergraduates Charlie Edmunds, Arlene Casey, Andrew Seymour and David Watts.

After successfully creating

the program for Android, the team have reunited to produce an updated version, which they hope to also make available on the Apple Store.

Dr Delargy said: ‘Young people with autism still need help to navigate their way through life with as little stress as possible and, while we know that this is not a realistic possibility, we will work as hard as we can to eliminate as much stress as possible.

‘I think that what I have learned from this whole experience is that you can step out of your comfort zone and do things that you never thought

you would ever do – exactly like our autistic young people have to do every day.’

The app is designed to convey personal information – such as likes, dislikes, signs of stress and things to avoid – to be shown to teachers, carers, friends and employers.

It was first created at the Hackathon event, which saw developers from DMU, Leicester University, Microsoft, Leicestershire County Council and other organisations come together to develop software solutions to issues.

The app is available from the Google Play store.

Critics buzzing for coffee idea IT’S not exactly what you need while cramming for exams.

But uncaffeinated coffee has won five University of Leicester students the top spot in the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs’ Scheme competition.

The team impressed experts with SenzaSeeds – a business idea based around technology using naturally uncaffeinated beans.

Knighthood for heart doctor AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned professor has been knighted for his services to medicine and medical research.

Prof Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation professor of cardiology at the University of Leicester and a consultant at Glenfield Hospital, called the accolade ‘a very great honour’ and ‘a complete surprise’.

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Caught by curse of social media BEN SAUNDERS-COURT SOCIAL media is as much a defining characteristic of our generation as the ‘war on terror’, Banksy and X Factor.

In 20 years when you’re watching Liam Payne and Alex Turner on I Luv 2017, reminiscing over the birth of Facebook you will understand its scope.

Your grandchildren will look up at you with their cherubic faces and ask: ‘Nana, did you really store all your personal information in the cloud and willingly put your photographs, birth date, phone number and address on a public forum?’ and you’ll reply, ‘Yes my little love’.

‘But why Nana?’ they’ll ask, and you’ll think about it and sigh, ‘because they told us it

would be fun’. That’s the truth, isn’t it? We post our most personal secrets online for everyone to see because we believe it is fun. We are told that it is the future.

But this idea has worked a little too well. It has become ingrained in us.

A couple of years ago people would talk about how beneficial it was to leave your phone off for a few days and have a little technological holiday.

Nobody says that any more.

We panic if they we haven’t checked Facebook for a couple of hours. Factor in Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp and you realise that something fundamental about our relat­ ionship with social media has changed. We have lost our sense of perspective. We have

closed off the emergency exits and wholeheartedly bought into the information age.

We can’t even pin the badge of blame on the anonymous ‘they’. If ‘they’ jumped off a cliff would you follow? Maybe if it would get you a couple of extra levels on Angry Birds?

The truth is that ‘they’ are, in fact, us. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram is all just software. We have lapped it up. You use these sites because your friends do.

You got rid of Myspace because your friends did.

We are changing our own constitutions, altering our physiology. That’s why you panic when you can’t feel your phone in your pocket or Instagram won’t refresh. We have blinded ourselves into believing that this is for the best.

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talkingPOINTS WRONG IMAGE: How much of your food intake is dictated by how it makes your body look? How many desserts do you dismiss because they’ll only taste like guilt? How much of your time and energy is taken up thinking about what you look like and how you can change it? This attitude has become the infectious disease in our society that the NHS has yet to immunise against. It is the black plague of the 21st century Kathryn Thomson

JOIN THE FRAT PACK: Many of us have heard of frats and sororities through films such as American Pie. They have mad names such as kappa phi delta, throw toga parties, cause havoc across the campus and drink beer like it’s water. The bit the movies leave out is the good that fraternities do for their universities. Members have to do at least ten hours’ charity work, they need to get above-average grades and the fraternity is expected to compete in a sporting league.

Fraternities are much more than just parties – they are a way to make great contacts and, once you are in, you are in for life Elliot DaCosta

WHY BORING IS BAD: The great Marilyn Monroe once remarked that ‘it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than boring’. This is a lesson every student should learn. By now your flatmates probably reckon that they have a pretty good idea of who you are. Frankly, this is not acceptable. They should not feel safe or comfortable in your presence; they should feel nervous excitement whenever they see you Jack Meggitt-Phillips

PICTURE: JESSICA LAIL

MEDIA MYTHS: Being a media student is tough.

It really is. There’s this stigma with being a media student because people think it’s a joke subject where we are ‘glorified camera operators’. It’s as if we all congregated together to do a media degree for lack of something better and that we probably wouldn’t be intelligent enough to be lawyers, doctors, teachers or physicists anyway Anna Landi

DASHED DREAMS: Every year the job market is flooded with graduates, fresh-faced and full of ideas about changing the world. ‘I want to be an environmental lawyer’ they cry; ‘I’m going to work with under-privileged kids,’ they shout. Check back three months later. Living back at home, their driving desire is just to find a job… any job. Sporting an ill-fitting Marks and Spencer suit they join the line of other graduate interviewees, beginning the process of becoming dead behind the eyes. They join the world of the depressed office worker, living for the increasingly s*** weekend in which cool uni friends have been replaced by bloated fortysomething colleagues promising a long and fruitful career in paperwork management Joe Evans

LACK OF RESOLVE: We’ve all done it. We’ve all had the thought: ‘This year I’m going to be different’. We will try to convince ourselves that we’ll change in the new year.

Resolutions about being focused at university, making more effort with friends or changing our lifestyle are made, and broken, at the year’s end. Let’s be honest – we all stick to our resolutions for about as long as it takes for the new year fireworks to finish Kelly Smith

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January 2015

theINTERVIEW: Neil Amin-Smith Uni survivors: Clean Bandit members Neil Amin-Smith, far right, with Luke and Jack Patterson and Grace Chatto

Rather talented N

EIL AMIN-SMITH has to apologise for being late. It is the day after the night before, when Clean Bandit proved one of the highlights at the BBC Music Awards, winning another legion of fans with an orchestral version of Rather Be and breakthrough hit Mozart’s House.

All is forgiven, though, as he laughs it off, explaining he was at an afterparty in Mayfair: ‘Sorry about that – I’m actually usually really good at getting up.’

We feel his pain. After all, he’s talking to students; we’ve all tried this little white lie when we’ve stumbled into a lecture an hour late smelling of the SU. Amin-Smith, 25, is still on a high after being nominated for song of the year, despite being pipped

by Pharrell Williams’ ubiquitous

THEY are the breakthrough act of 2014, a year crowned with No.1 hit Rather Be. Clean Bandit’s fusion of classical and electronica has won them adoring fans worldwide and a nod at the BBC Music Awards. Violin player Neil Amin-Smith tells CAVELLE SIMPSON and JOSHUA EVANS about the slog to the top and surviving university ditty Happy. ‘It was amazing to be nominated,’ he says. ‘The list of songs and the list of artists to have been nominated are so huge.’

Since entering the spotlight with Mozart’s House, his band – Jack Patterson, 28, on beats, synths, and midi-saxophone; his little brother, Luke, 22, on drums; and Grace Chatto, 29, on cello – have been unstoppable.

The story of the Cambridge undergrads who went from classical quartet to dance floor darlings is becoming familiar as they sweep up the accolades, including for their No.1 hit Rather

Be, featuring Jess Glynne. But how did the partnership come about?

Amin-Smith says: ‘We actually had the whole song finished for a long time. It was just looking for the right vocals. Our label played us a track that Jess was on and we thought we’d give it a go with her because she was on our level.’

It proved a wise choice, hurling the four-piece to the top of the charts. But fame took time.

‘It was kind of a long slog,’ he adds. ‘The thing that really made a difference with us was when we started making music videos and posting them online.’ His group

INSIDE: What’s on in your city P10-13

are known for drawing on genres from classical to deep house.

‘Jack listens to a lot of jazz,’ Amin-Smith goes on.

‘We all listen to different kinds of music, like garage. In terms of how we present ourselves live, people like Rudimental are influencing us a lot.’

They are also the ultimate university survivors, having formed at Jesus College, where Jack would record then-girlfriend Chatto’s recitals and remix them.

Any advice on how to get through university?

‘Don’t see it as something you have to “get through”,’ Amin-Smith smiles. ‘It’s over far too quickly.’

Did they have their wild moments, like the rest of us? He pauses for a second, before chuckling: ‘Grace and Jack once got caught… um, together… in a cupboard at our college library.’

Most of us have our favourite uni party venues. Amin-Smith prefers a more intimate set-up: ‘I like small clubs. I’m not really into massive super-clubs.’

For Clean Bandit, life after uni has been pretty sweet – and they’re not slowing down.

‘We’ve come to the end of a really relentless touring period,’ Amin-Smith says. ‘In March, we’ve got our biggest-ever UK tour. We’re really looking forward to that.’

Clean Bandit play 02 Academy, Birmingham, on March 9, 02 Academy, Glasgow, on March 10 and Apollo, Manchester, on March 11

Rae Morris: Don’t be shy, chase your dream P14

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January 2015

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clubbingCALENDAR mon, jan 12

Skank to the biggest in bass

Booom! Mondays, Club Republic, £4 Happy Mondays, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free

tue, jan 13 Loaded, Basement, £3/£2 NUS Mosh Tuesdays, Mosh, £2 before 11.30pm

Funday Monday, Revolution, free

tue, jan 20 Loaded, Basement, £3/£2 NUS

GET ready for a night of raving and misbehaving at Leicester’s O2 Academy as independent label Hospital Records showcases an army of homegrown drum ‘n’ bass talent.

The London-based label has built up an international following for its Hospitality club Getting messy: Nu:Tone PICTURE: FACEBOOK nights, celebrating its Wrec, MASTER X and Ruthless, 18th birthday last year. With the night will offer a taste of stalwarts London Elektricity, Hospitality’s forthcoming Nu:Tone and Metrik on the Ibiza residency this summer. bill, plus special guest TC, Standard tickets cost £15, so it’s set to be a late one on perfect your skanking and January 31 at one of Leicester’s get on the dance �loor! biggest venues. Hosted by Cavelle Simpson MCs Dynamite, Texas, Carasel,

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thurs, jan 22 Thirsty Thursday, The Grapevine, free Roots, Basement, free before midnight Get Pounded, Bowstrings, £2; Quids, Polar Bear, free; Mosh Thursdays, Mosh, £3 before 1.30am; Beat The Bank Pound Party, Marz Bar, free; Student night, Candystripe, free

thurs, jan 29 Thirsty Thursday, The Grapevine, free Roots, Basement, free before midnight Get Pounded, Bowstrings, £2; Quids, Polar Bear, free; Mosh Thursdays, Mosh, £3 before 1.30am; Beat The Bank Pound Party, Marz Bar, free; Student night, Candystripe, free

thurs, feb 5 Thirsty Thursday, The Grapevine, free Roots, Basement, free before midnight Get Pounded, Bowstrings, £2 Quids, Polar Bear, free; Mosh Thursdays, Mosh, £3 before 1.30am Beat The Bank Pound Party, Marz Bar, free; Student night, Candystripe, free

Injunction, DMU SU, £4 Student Wednesdays, Natterjacks, free Walkabout, free Student night, Candystripe, free

wed, jan 21 Injunction, DMU SU, £4 Student Wednesdays, Natterjacks, free Walkabout, free Student night, Candystripe, free

wed, jan 28 Injunction, DMU SU, £4 Student Wednesdays, Natterjacks, free Walkabout, free Student night, Candystripe, free

wed, jan 14

fri, jan 30 Friday Club, R/Bar, free Zuu Friday, Liquid & Envy, £3 Weekend Warm Up @ XY free guest list (DMU); Gate 38, free HouseProud, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free Skint Friday, Republic, £3

fri, feb 6 Friday Club, R/Bar, free Zuu Friday, Liquid & Envy, £3 Weekend Warm Up @ XY free guest list (DMU); Gate 38, free HouseProud, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free Skint Friday, Republic, £3

sat, feb 7 With Love, Candystripe, free Soulshaker, Basement, free before midnight, £4 after Heads or Tails Pound Party, Venom, free before midnight

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January 2015

11

clubbingCALENDAR thurs, jan 15 Thirsty Thursday, The Grapevine, free Roots, Basement, free before midnight Get Pounded, Bowstrings, £2 Quids, Polar Bear, free; Mosh Thursdays, Mosh, £3 before 1.30am Beat The Bank Pound Party, Marz Bar, free; Student night, Candystripe, free

fri, jan 16 Friday Club, R/Bar, free Zuu Friday, Liquid & Envy, £3 Weekend Warm Up @ XY free guest list (DMU); Gate 38, free HouseProud, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free Skint Friday, Republic, £3

fri, jan 23 Winter Ball (DMU), Athena, early tickets £17.50, standard £20 Friday Club, R/Bar, free Zuu Friday, Liquid & Envy, £3 Weekend Warm Up @ XY free guest list (DMU); Gate 38, free HouseProud, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free Skint Friday, Republic, £3

sat, feb 7 from p10 XY Saturdays, £3 guest list Lo Loco, Ghost Nightclub, free guest list before 1am After Party, Envy, £5

With Love, Candystripe, free Soulshaker, Basement, free before midnight, £4 after Heads or Tails Pound Party, Venom, free before midnight

sat, jan 24 With Love, Candystripe, free Soulshaker, Basement, free before midnight, £4 after Heads or Tails-Pound Party, Venom, free before midnight

sat, jan 31 With Love, Candystripe, free Soulshaker, Basement, free before midnight, £4 after Heads or Tails-Pound Party, Venom, free before midnight

sat, jan 17

XY Saturdays, £3 guest list Lo Loco, Ghost Nightclub, free guest list before 1am After Party, Envy, £5

XY Saturdays, £3 guest list Lo Loco, Ghost Nightclub, free guest list before 1am After Party, Envy, £5

XY Saturdays, £3 guest list Lo Loco, Ghost Nightclub, free guest list before 1am After Party, Envy, £5

Booom! Mondays, Club Republic, £4 Happy Mondays, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free

Booom! Mondays, Club Republic, £4 Happy Mondays, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free Funday Monday, Revolution, free

mon, jan 26 Booom! Mondays, Club Republic, £4 Happy Mondays, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free

tue, jan 27 Loaded, Basement, £3/£2 NUS Mosh Tuesdays, Mosh, £2 before 11.30pm

Funday Monday, Revolution, free

mon, feb 2 Booom! Mondays, Club Republic, £4 Happy Mondays, Fat Cat Cafe Bar, free

tue, feb 3 Loaded, Basement, £3/£2 NUS Mosh Tuesdays, Mosh, £2 before 11.30pm

Funday Monday, Revolution, free

mon, feb 9

mon, jan 19

tue, feb 10 Loaded, Basement, £3/£2 NUS Mosh Tuesdays, Mosh, £2 before 11.30pm

Funday Monday, Revolution, free

wed, feb 11 Injunction, DMU SU, £4 Student Wednesdays, Natterjacks, free Walkabout, free Student night, Candystripe, free

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wed, feb 4 Injunction, DMU SU, £4 Student Wednesdays, Natterjacks, free Walkabout, free Student night, Candystripe, free

thurs, feb 12 Thirsty Thursday, The Grapevine, free Roots, Basement, free before midnight Get Pounded, Bowstrings, £2 Quids, Polar Bear, free; Mosh Thursdays, Mosh, £3 before 1.30am Beat The Bank Pound Party, Marz Bar, free; Student night, Candystripe, free

12

January 2015

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what’sON others

January 23: POWER BINGO, Riley’s, tickets at the bar

January 12: PUB QUIZ, Polar Bear, £1 entry

January 23: KARAOKE, The Old Horse, free

January 13: QUIZ & CURRY NIGHT, The Old Horse, £4.99 (curry, rice and naan)

January 24: SUNDAY NIGHT FILM CLUB, Polar Bear, free

January 13: POP QUIZ, Firebug, £2 entry January 15: PRIVATE KARAOKE BOOTHS, 15 Free Lane, £5 January 16: POWER BINGO, Riley’s, tickets at the bar

January 24: PUB QUIZ, Soar Point, £1 entry January 25: PUB QUIZ, Polar Bear, £1 Entry January 26: QUIZ & CURRY NIGHT, The Old Horse, £4.99 (curry, rice and naan)

February 2: QUIZ & CURRY NIGHT, The Old Horse, £4.99 (curry, rice and naan) February 2: POP QUIZ, Firebug, £2 entry February 4: PRIVATE KARAOKE BOOTHS, 15 Free Lane, £5 February 5: POWER BINGO, Riley’s, Tickets at the Bar February 5: KARAOKE, The Old Horse, free February 6: SUNDAY NIGHT FILM CLUB, Polar Bear, free

January 16: KARAOKE, The Old Horse, free

January 26: POP QUIZ, Firebug, £2 entry

February 7: PUB QUIZ, Soar Point, £1

January 18: SUNDAY NIGHT FILM CLUB, Polar Bear, free

January 28: PRIVATE KARAOKE BOOTHS, 15 Free Lane, £5

February 8: PUB QUIZ, Polar Bear, £1

January 18: PUB QUIZ, Soar Point, £1 entry Jaunary 19: PUB QUIZ, Polar Bear, £1 entry January 20: QUIZ & CURRY NIGHT, The Old Horse, £4.99 (curry, rice and naan) January 20: POP QUIZ, Firebug, £2 entry January 22: PRIVATE KARAOKE BOOTHS, 15 Free Lane, £5

theatre

Until January 17: THE SOUND OF MUSIC, The Curve Theatre, tickets £37

January 29: POWER BINGO, Riley’s, tickets at the bar January 29: KARAOKE, The Old Horse, free

February 9: QUIZ & CURRY NIGHT, The Old Horse, £4.99 (curry, rice and naan) Febrauary 9: POP QUIZ, Firebug, £2 entry

January 31: SUNDAY NIGHT FILM CLUB, Polar Bear, free

February 11: PRIVATE KARAOKE BOOTHS, 15 Free Lane, £5

January 31: PUB QUIZ, Soar Point, £1 entry

February 12: POWER BINGO, Riley’s, tickets at the bar

February 1: PUB QUIZ, Polar Bear, £1 entry

February 12: KARAOKE, The Old Horse, free

January 19: LAST OF THE RED HOUSE LOVERS, The Little Theatre, £14 January 31: ISABEL’S WELL, The Curve Theatre, £6

February 6: MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS, The Curve Theatre, £10-28 February 7: THE THRILL OF LOVE, The Little Theatre, £14

Favourite things: Maria (Laura Pitt-Pulford) is wooed by Captain von Trapp (Michael French)

A sure-fire hit for classic fun THE Curve Theatre will come alive with The Sound Of Music as the cast of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic take to the stage.

The tale of nun Maria (Laura Pitt-Pulford)

getting to know the von Trapp children and their stern father (Michael French) as the threat of war hangs over them is told by the creative team behind last year’s Chicago.

THE UNIVERSITY PAPER NEEDS YOUR HELP! If you’re in the know about student life, outgoing and keen to work with a fantastic team of people, we’re on the lookout for new recruits to help with distribution, street teams, promotions and more. Fantastic rates of pay.

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A good choice if you fancy saying ‘so long, farewell’ to those post-Christmas catch-up drinks, the show runs until January 17, with tickets from £18.

Joshua Evans

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

what’sON

Our comprehensive guide to entertainment in Leicester. If you have an event you would like included, please email us at whatson@unipaper.co.uk

Comedy festival has all kinds of funny LET a host of fabulously funny men and women take you on a laughter-filled tour of Leicester and beyond with Dave’s Comedy Festival.

There are events to take you all around the city, from

Stewart Lee’s big show at De Montfort Hall to Funny’s Funny Female Comedian Of The Year award-winner Harriet Kemsley at The Cookie. Think of it as the funniest tour of Leicester you’ll ever have.

With gigs from comedy veterans including John Challis – also known as Boycie from Only Fools And Horses – and modern-day pranksters such as Lee Nelson, as well as screenings of classic films such as Mrs Doubtfire, the

festival gives comedy novices the chance to dip their toe in the water and find out what really makes them cry with laughter.

There is even the chance to watch comedians battle it out to see who’s punniest in the

UK Pun Championships.

So take your friends, have a pint and laugh till it hurts at the nation’s longest-running comedy festival, with events from February 4 to 22.

Joshua Evans

OUR FESTIVAL PICKS

February 4: Josh Howie: Absolutely Fabulous, The Hit TV Show Of The Nineties, Was Based On My Mum, The Cookie Comedy Club @ The Globe, 7.30pm, £5 Come and feel the piercing irony of funnyman Josh Howie as he takes to the stage for a new hour of work in progress. The title says it all – expect hilarious quips about his childhood and his mother, as well as the usual well-written gags that Howie is well known for. A great way to kick off the festival.

February 5: Cocktails & Comedy, 1901 – The Turkey Café, 8.30pm, £10 Two upcoming comedians – David Murphy and Sarah Keyworth – who have achieved acclaim individually at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival come together to perform in this hilarious crossover show. Two different people, two different styles, one very funny show. Ticket price also includes a complimentary cocktail… need we say more?

February 6: Festival Fiver Friday – 5 Acts for £5, Just The Tonic @ Hansom Hall, 8.30pm, £5 This is a real bargain – five comedians for £5. Fiver Friday goes down a storm every year and it’s one of the few events where you can see a variety of comedy acts without stretching that budget.

February 7: SupercalifragilisticexpiGARYTROcious, The Exchange, 8pm, free The world premiere of Gary Tro’s work in progress is set to be strange, whacky and extremely funny. It’s all about one man trying to figure out where he’s going wrong.

February 8: Ivo Graham: Bow Ties and Johnnies, The Cookie, 7.15pm, £12 He was lauded for his debut show last year and now it’s time for a new hour of fabulously literate comedy from the awkward posh guy who just wants to be a lad. The

music January 17: LIVES, The Scholar – O2 Academy Leicester, £6 January 23: ANDY WRIGHT

13

Old and new: (l-r) John Challis, Lee Nelson, Mike Wozniak PICTURES: LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL and Lynn Ruth Miller previous winner of So You Think You’re Funny?, Graham has performed at BBC3’s Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live and now he’s set to reduce Leicester to (happy) tears with his new show.

February 9: John Shuttleworth: A Wee Ken To Remember, The Little Theatre, 7.30pm, £16 Known for his versatility and impeccable character comedy, John Shuttleworth returns to The Little Theatre following a sell-out show last year. As well as jokes, Shuttleworth will also be treating us to some musical numbers.

February 10: Only Fools And Boycie, Loughborough Town Hall, 7.30pm, £15 John Challis, better known as Only Fools And Horses veteran Boycie, is set to dish the dirt on co-stars Nicholas Lyndhurst and David Jason, as well as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Make sure you don’t miss out on the gossip – this show is definitely PRESENTS: PRODUKTY, The Scholar – O2 Academy Leicester, £6 January 29: SAM BAILEY, De Montfort Hall, £27.50 January 30: LOOM, The Cookie, £7

worth a trip down the road to Loughborough.

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February 11: Mike Wozniak: One Man Dad Cat Band, Firebug, 8pm, £6 The ‘wandering minstrel’ is set to preview his tales from the road. He’s been seen in Channel 4’s Man Down and heard on BBC Radio 4’s Small Scenes – and now you can see him at the student-friendly bar that is Firebug.

February 12: Lynn Ruth Miller’s Crazy Cabaret, The Criterion, 9pm, £7 Come see the lovable and whacky Lynn Ruth Miller at the Criterion. Filled with music, jokes and plenty of laughs about the old days from an 81-yearold who has seen it all, this show is off the wall and one you’ll most likely never see the likes of again.

It’s for those who are adventurous – or anyone who just likes a good old-fashioned sing-along.

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January 2015

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A full version of our interview with Rae Morris appears at www.unipaper.co.uk

I took opportunities... even the bad ones M

OST people were �irst introduced to Rae Morris as the ethereal voice on Bombay Bicycle Club’s single Luna last year. But her loyal fans have been appreciating her music since she set out on the road to stardom three years ago.

The 22-year-old’s debut album, Unguarded, will be released later this month before she heads out on tour. TUP caught up with her to �ind out more.

Is there a different process when producing an album, as opposed to working on EPs and singles?

Mentally, I knew I had to create a whole body of work. So, I was quite nervous at �irst, but the producer just said: ‘Look, don’t be scared – because what’s the

worst thing you can do?’

Would you say your hometown of Blackpool has been a positive place for you as an emerging artist?

Absolutely. I think the good thing about Blackpool is that because it’s so small, it makes you stand out a little more.

I realised at the time that if I was in London coming on to the scene and playing open mic nights, it’s musically so vast and such a big city that it’s easy to get lost.

Does the media compare you to your contemporaries and do you �ind that a problem?

I’ve never really had a problem with being compared to the people I’m in a peer group with.

I’m a massive Kate Bush fan,

so often people say about my music, ‘that sounds a bit like Kate Bush’. And obviously that’s not true. I am inspired by her – but I don’t sound like her.

What would be your advice to young artists struggling to get their music heard?

Take the opportunities.

I don’t mean be desperate or sell yourself or anything like that – I just mean never say no to anything just because it doesn’t sound great. I took a lot of gigs where I was like, ‘Oh, gosh, I’m not sure – I don’t think it’s going to be a good one’.

And then you get there and it happens to be the best gig you ever played.

Mollie Carberry

theBEAT Star in the making: Rae Morris has her first album out this month

tourDATES Catch Rae on tour: February 1, Kazimier, Liverpool; February 3, King Tut’s, Glasgow; February 4, The Wardrobe, Leeds; February 5, The Institute, Birmingham; February 6, Gorilla, Manchester; February 14, The Thekla, Bristol; February 15, Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

www.unipaper.co.uk

theBEAT

January 2015

15

Love your music? So do we! Tune in here for all the latest interviews, previews and reviews

Inspired by dad’s wisdom I

T’S a mantra we would all do well to follow: Always do what will make you happy.

For rising star Billy Lockett, the words of his late father, John Luce, have underpinned his determination to forge a career in music.

And, so far, it is paying off.

Lockett, 22, is climbing to the top despite having yet to sign a record deal. He has supported the likes of Lana Del Rey, Birdy and KT Turnstall, most recently touring with Scottish songstress – and Ed Sheeran protégé – Nina Nesbitt.

In March, he embarks on his own four-date headline tour, while his latest single, Old Man, is a beautiful tribute to his father, who died earlier this year from prostate cancer at the age of 62.

‘I sort of hated him sometimes,’ says Lockett. ‘We had a lot of fights but a lot of laughs. Overall, it was great to have someone that cared

How rising star Billy was urged to follow his dream so much about me and about what I do.’

His father, a well-known artist in his home town of Northampton, was constantly pushing Lockett to follow his dream and his words have stuck: ‘Make sure that whatever you’re doing you’re enjoying.

Make sure you’re constantly doing something that makes you happy.’

It’s hard to pinpoint Lockett’s musical style, as each song varies from soothing melodies to more upbeat rhythms, all intertwined with charming piano and guitar. Raw emotion can be heard in his soulful, expressive voice as he reminisces on his life.

So it’s odd to hear his love of music grew from a childhood

obsession with Eminem. He says: ‘I love his lyrics and everything about him really.

I wouldn’t really say he inspires me, because he’s nothing like me, but he was one of the first people that really got me into music.’

Lockett knows he has yet to crack the music business.

‘It’s great knowing that everyone’s there to see you when they’ve bought tickets for your gig,’ he says. ‘But I also love trying to win people over as a supporting artist.’

And despite admitting that ‘things could be easier’, he declares: ‘I don’t want to do anything that’s going to make me depressed in the long run.’

Clearly, he’s been listening to his dad.

Eloise Vanstone

KNOW THE INSIDE

DO headline tour: Where you can catch Billy on his nge, Manchester Lou y Rub The Sunday, March 22: gow Glas s, Monday, March 23: King Tut’ tol Bris kla, The 25: ch Mar Wednesday, , London Thursday, March 26: Bush Hall

tourDATES

Boys find a fresh voice... with a little help from their friends THANK heavens! The Bastille boys are back and they’re mixing with some of the best in the business.

The indie four-piece have returned with their second album and have invited the likes of Haim, GRADES and Rag ’N’ Bone Man to join them.

Although Dan Smith’s haunting vocals still

YOU

T R AC K O N

CAMPUS?

Bastille in VS. (Other People’s Heartache Pt. III)

dominate, the band explore new genres and styles, finding fresh inspiration while playing around with their old sound. It’s the perfect mixtape for the walk to lectures or revision – a chilled offering you’ll find yourself singing along to

without even realising your lips are moving.

If you’re going to spend your student loan on one CD this month, make sure it’s this one. Trust me – you won’t regret not having spent that tenner on vodka trebles for this.

Henrietta Painter

IF SO THE UNIVERSITY PAPER WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. We are scouring the UK for student journalists, so whether you are looking for work experience or simply spending too much time in the SU, get in touch today.

We are on the look out for opinion leaders and change makers who can write engaging copy.

Your pieces will be printed in The University Paper which is read by thousands of students across the UK and you will get that all important byline - perfect if you are looking to build a portfolio.

Not to mention that age old adage, it will look great on the CV. So if you would like to be an influential voice for the student community or just have a strong front page tell us what is going on - pitch your ideas to The University Paper, email: editor@unipaper.co.uk

16

January 2015

hiTECH

www.unipaper.co.uk The latest in everything gadgets and gaming

It’s war but not as we know it

E

XAMS are over and you’re looking to treat yourself to a �irst-person shooter, packed with cinematic explosions and futuristic weapons. Look no further than the latest offering from the Call Of Duty series.

Advanced Warfare is set in the battle�ields of the future, providing combat in an age of robotic exoskeletons and private military contractors.

The setting has had more

Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare

than just a super�icial lick of paint, with both weaponry and mechanics getting an overhaul.

Double jumping, lasers from space, arm-mounted grenade launchers – they’re all here.

The campaign mode has all the �lair you’ve come to expect of a high-budget �irstperson shooter. And with its

Glimpse into the future: The game offers all-new tech

Rating: 4/5

Hollywood explosions and Kevin Spacey taking on the role of lead protagonist, the game’s storyline is grand in scale.

Advanced Warfare is the most signi�icantly changed Call Of Duty since Black Ops 2 – it represents a genuine departure from the morose battle�ields of the past, bringing something a little

fresher and more exciting to the table.

Like other titles in the series, you’ll be �ighting in locations around the world, such as Argentina and Antarctica – but the real draw is the multiplayer mode, and that you’ll �ind as thrilling as ever.

Developer Sledgehammer Games has tweaked the winning formula – but don’t worry, you can still

build up your player and unlock new kit.

The only issue comes to the fore over long periods of game play, with online play stuttering on occasion for little discernible reason.

Even so, Advanced Warfare is heaps of fun and comes highly recommended for anyone with some downtime and the desire to score a few headshots with friends.

Michael O’Connell-Davidson

out soon Dying Light HORDES of flesh-eating zombies are everywhere and it’s down to you to stop them.

During the day, you traverse the virtual world, helping survivors and picking up supplies.

By night, as the infected grow stronger, you change from hunter to prey.

New enemies, such as the Predators, will only appear at sundown – meaning you must find safety.

The game’s RPG element allows you to build your own style of playing. But will you go for silent killing or all guns blazing?

James Williams Rugby 15 WITH the World Cup just months away, a rugby-based video game was inevitable.

However, such games are notoriously difficult to produce because of rugby’s intricate rules.

HB Studios’ attempt allows you to play in the world’s top leagues or for your country – but the game looks similar to any other, except for a new rucking feature that adds a real-life element.

With average graphics and game play, you’d be better off stepping back in time and getting EA’s Rugby 08.

Matt Bullin Saints Row IV: Re-Elected

Pass it on: Play friends as though you’re in the same room

Share a journey back to the ’90s FOR twentysomething gamers, childhood evokes memories of basking in the warm glow of a TV at a friend’s house, rejoicing in the multiplayer nirvana of GoldenEye 007 and Mario Kart 64. It was an era when split-screen reigned supreme.

But the popularity of the ‘couch multiplayer’ dwindled with the advent of online gaming.

Now, with Sony’s latest system software update on the PlayStation 4, the couch is back.

Introducing Share Play – the ability to play games online with a friend as though you were back on that patterned ’90s

couch once more. Share Play lets you effectively ‘pass’ your friend your controller, allowing them to take control of your game as you see it on your screen. Alternatively, you can pass them a second controller and play local multiplayer online.

Buzzwords such as ‘game-changing’ and ‘revolutionary’ are industry prerequisites for marketing campaigns nowadays – but this really is the next level for gaming. With all the releases January has to offer, Share Play is the console exclusive worth having. All hail the couch!

Graham Wardle

PICTURE this: you’re president of the US and aliens invade, intent on enslaving humanity.

What do you do?

Well, in Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, you go out and kick some ass.

The game is a revamp of the excellent Saints Row IV for the new generation of consoles.

If you find Grand Theft Auto too stuffy, you’ll enjoy the unique humour of this series. In GTA, you can break the law; in Saints Row IV, you can break the laws of physics. If you’ve got an appetite for the ridiculous, it’s a no-brainer.

Michael O’Connell-Davidson

Menaces: Destroy aliens

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

onSCREEN

17

Love a good night at the movies? Or perhaps you need a quiet night in front of the TV? Read on to �ind out what’s on...

How they saved our Saul Return of Breaking Bad rogue

B

Flying high: Channing Tatum with heir to the Earth Mila Kunis in Jupiter Ascending

out soon Wild (Jan 16) AFTER a series of tragic events, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a gruelling quest — hiking 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Based on a true story, Wild sees Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) come to terms with the death of her mother, using heroin and getting divorced.

The film is adapted from Strayed’s autobiography by screenwriter/novelist Nick Hornby and director Jean-Marc Callée, who mixes scenes from the lead character’s turbulent past with challenges from her journey.

Emily Lewis Kingsman: The Secret Service (Jan 29) SMALL-TIME crook Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin (Taron Egerton) is taken under the wing of gentleman spy Harry Hart (Colin Firth).

Unwin’s tough first assignment is to deal with global threat and mad techterrorist Valentine (Samuel L Jackson).

Armed with innovative weaponry, such as Oxford Blades and the Gunbrella, can the pair save the day?

Kate Johnson

ENT lawyer Saul Goodman reached cult status in hit show Breaking Bad. Now, the lovable rogue is back in the muchanticipated spin-off from creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.

Better Call Saul sees Bob Odenkirk reprise the role of Saul, real name Jimmy McGill, as he struggles to make his name as a lawyer six years before the events of Breaking Bad. However, rumour has it the prequel will also deal with events during and after.

Although RJ Mitte, who played Walt Jr in Breaking Bad, has said the new series

Spin-off: Bob Odenkirk is back as bent lawyer Saul Goodman has ‘nothing to do’ with the Emmy award-winning show, its success should guarantee Better Call Saul a global audience.

Despite funnyman Saul taking the lead, the show is set to be just as gritty as its big brother, with Odenkirk insisting it will be ‘85 per cent

drama, 15 per cent comedy’.

With Jonathan Banks also returning as ice-cool hitman Mike Ehrmantraut, Breaking Bad fans will be able to sate those withdrawal symptoms.

The show is to premiere in the US on February 8 and will hit UK Net�lix shortly after.

Josh Mcloughlin

New look: Spy Colin Firth. Below, Reese Witherspoon Inherent Vice (Jan 30) PRIVATE detective Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s (Katherine Waterson) new lover, Mickey Wolfmann (Eric Roberts).

This drama-comedy, also starring Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon, is adapted from the Thomas Pychon novel of the same name by writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson.

Rebecca Cattell Mordecai (Jan 23) ENGLISH gent, debonair art dealer and part-time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) wants to get his hands on Nazi gold.

Standing in his way is an international terrorist, the MI5, angry Russians and

almost everyone else.

The film’s trailer offers cheap laughs, poor English accents and the same post-Jack Sparrow Depp that lost its charm a long time ago.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays beautiful wife Johanna Mortdecai and Ewan McGregor, investigates as Inspector Martland.

Morgan Hinton

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Jupiter Ascending (Feb 6) AN ALIEN life force plans to wipe the planet clean, keeping only the humans it deems worthy.

Enter down-on-her-luck earthling Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), who also happens to be a potential heir to the Earth.

Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered interplanetary warrior, is sent to tell Jones she is royalty and protect her from the bounty put on her head by evil alien Balem.

Daisy Edwards

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hungryhouse Cheap Chow eeeeee

18

January 2015

www.unipaper.co.uk

Fashioning their future with words

Lauren Kelly

inSTYLE

Julia Ward

Four student fashion bloggers give ELLA ROSE POYZER advice on how to dress with style for lectures and reveal how blogging has changed their university experiences

W

HAT is your go-to outfit to wear for lectures?

Lauren Kelly: Skinny jeans for comfort and I always have a blazer on to smarten everything up. If anything is scruffy, it’s my hair – never my outfit. You can’t tie that up in a bun with it still looking presentable.

Julia Ward: I like to dress smart-casual. A pair of highwaisted jeans with a cami-top

and a kimono or cardigan is just the right amount of smart and comfy.

Eleanor Danks: I tend to stick to jeans, a top and my trusty leather jacket.

Aisling McGarrigle: Always some sort of jersey skirt and a casual top or jumper, some tights and usually brogues.

For a typical university night out, what kind of outfit is always your first choice?

% 5 2

R O F F ITY PAPER OF S IVER S UN

READ

ER

Eleanor Danks Eleanor: My disco pants or velvet leggings, a bralet or crop top and heeled boots.

I prefer boots to heels – heels hurt so bad!

When on a budget, what shops are your favourites?

Lauren: H&M for basics,

Aisling McGarrigle New Look for jewellery and pumps. Both give easy ways to make a simple or recycled outfit look new – and without breaking the bank.

Julia: One of my favourites has to be Primark. I can guarantee I will find

something I love in there every time I go – and, of course, it’s great on the purse strings. I also love Matalan.

You’d be pleasantly surprised at the number of great quality pieces and accessories you can find in there.

Do you feel as though blogging has enhanced your university experience?

Julia: Life at university isn’t all about getting your degree.

Granted, that is important – but it’s also important to have something extra that makes you stand out from the rest. For me, that something extra is blogging.

It’s the perfect escape from university work and something I look forward to doing after a long week.

Aisling: I studied zoology, which is a far cry from make-up and beauty, so I feel like my blog has opened doors for me that wouldn’t have been an option normally. I recently got a job in The Body Shop and I feel my blog had so much to do

with it, as it was clear I was passionate about the brand and products.

What advice can you give for any student thinking of starting a blog?

Julia: I’d say to just go for it. My blog is for me, not to impress anyone. It’s a way of expressing my passion.

If people read it and love it, then that’s an added bonus.

Eleanor: Have a good think about what your blog content will focus on – start planning and scheduling your posts, research the best photo editing software and look at other blogs for inspiration.

Don’t forget to network – it’s a great way to build connections and friendships with other bloggers to increase your readership.

Aisling: Plan your time and posts effectively. When I started, I was just posting whenever I felt like it – but I wasn’t happy with my posts.

Now I have more structure, I feel my blog is much better and is well put together.

Follow Julia at www.blondeambition13.tumblr.com; Lauren at www.laurenmariesreveries.blogspot.co.uk; Eleanor at www.dreamlovelivefashion.blogspot.co.uk; and Aisling at www.rosysmiles.blogspot.co.uk

Little White Lies is a British, London based brand bringing timeless quality pieces to the 18-35 year old fashion conscious women.

Little White Lies creates exquisite collections, each piece has a unique point of difference- a trim, beautiful buttons or hidden pockets.

Every garment has been thought about in detail from beginning to end creating contemporary modern pieces with a nostalgic retro charm.

We use the highest quality fabrics to create soft dresses and separates; with the use of delicate velvets, vegan leathers, silks and georgette overlays. Attention to detail is what makes this brand so charming. This is carried throughout all designs, giving a feeling of femininity with an urban edge keeping Little White Lies in touch with premium fashion trends.

The brand is stocked across the UK, Europe and the USA making a name for itself as Drapers Young Fashion Brand finalist. To celebrate the growing success, Little White Lies would like to offer University readers 25% off their next shop online at www.littlewhitelies.com

Go to www.littlewhitelieslondon.com and enter code LWLU25 to claim your discount Can be used on full price items only, cannot be used in conjunction with other coupons.

www.unipaper.co.uk

inSTYLE

January 2015

xx

News and views from the world of fashion... all with a student budget in mind

Reem: Towie’s Joey Essex takes time out for a snap, right. Above and left, faux fur and flowing skirts steal the show at CSL

Dozy Joey heads fashion followers at annual style fest

Glitz with a ditz

T

HEY gave us neon and New York; they had the greats and not-so-greats of the fashion world; they even had Joey Essex.

Now in its 26th year, Clothes Show Live arrived at Birmingham’s NEC with all the hoopla and celebrity endorsements you might expect of an event that launched the modelling careers of Erin O’Connor, Holly Willoughby and Nina Porter.

It attracted about 100,000 visitors between December

A star-struck SHANICE ABBOTT sneaks a peek behind the scenes as Clothes Show Live rolls into town for its 26th year

5 and 9, with the 500,000 sq ft-plus of the NEC transformed by 400 stalls, each plying every kind of clothing from cheap and chic to vintage.

There were complaints this year about the lack of bigname stars – but Amy Childs, Joey Essex, Millie Mackintosh, Lauren Goodger, Peter Andre, Henry Holland and more were in attendance.

Cheeky Towie star Joey Essex,

who was there to meet fans and sign his 2015 calendar, said: ‘I’m looking forward to meeting the models.’

Flashing his famed Rolex, the fashion fan said that, while he loves his bling, he remained unable to tell the time.

As though to prove his point, ever-ditzy Joey finished the conversation by asking what day it was. When informed it was Friday, he laughed: ‘Oh, my

watch says Tuesday – I don’t know where I am in the world.’

Fellow reality star Amy Childs could be spotted selling her stunning women’s clothing collection, while Peter Andre was there to sign bottles of his latest perfume, Scarlet.

House Of Holland founder Henry Holland presented a heavily choreographed catwalk show, with themes including neon, winter and New York.

And headliners Neon Jungle kept the crowd entertained as celebrities mingled with fans.

Chelsea boy: Spencer Matthews of Made In Chelsea fame shares a hug with our reporter, middle. Left and right, bold prints dominated the catwalk at this year’s CSL

PICTURES: SHANICE ABBOTT

20

yourNIGHT

Enjoyed a big night in Leicester? We have all the pictures from the city’s hottest nightspots... see if you can spot yourself.

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22

January 2015

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mealBREAK Our fantastic selected recipes are tried-and-tested favourites among students who want to eat well on a budget but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

So, get cooking and enjoy

Top chocs: These iced treats are great to share with friends

Chicken arrabiata

Ingredients: Chicken breast, sliced; three rashers of bacon; tin of chopped tomatoes; half a pepper; whole chilli; two tbsp tomato purée; chilli powder; garlic powder; mixed herbs; salt and pepper; low-calorie spray Method: 1. Spray a pan with low-calorie spray and wait for it to heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook on a high heat until golden 2. When the chicken is almost cooked, add the bacon 3. Meanwhile, chop the peppers and chilli, adding to the cooked chicken and bacon 4. Stir in the tinned tomatoes and tomato purée 5. Add the chilli powder, garlic powder, mixed herbs, and salt and pepper 6. Simmer on a low heat for ten minutes 7. During this time,

breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest and herbs and season well. Pour in the butter and mix with a fork or your �ingers, until combined 3. Cover the �illets with the crumbs, pressing down on each 4. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden Aramide Pearce Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate icing

cook the pasta 8. Once cooked, combine the pasta and sauce 9. Add grated cheese to the top to enhance the �lavour Tip: If you’re feeling brave, try adding two chillis to the sauce Shannon Barrett

Herb-crusted fish

Ingredients: Two �ish �illets; two garlic cloves, crushed; 10g butter, softened; one tbsp fresh basil, chopped (dried is �ine, too); lemon zest, grated (juice is �ine, too); breadcrumbs (made

by grating two slices of toast); salt and pepper Method: 1. Heat oven to 200C. Place the �ish on a large greased baking tray and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper 2. Combine the

Ingredients: For the cupcakes: 100g unsalted butter; 100g sugar; 100g �lour; two medium eggs; one tsp vanilla extract For the chocolate icing: 100g unsalted butter; 260g icing sugar; 40g cocoa powder; four squares of baking chocolate; three tbsp double cream Method for the cupcakes: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking tray with cupcake cases of your choice 2. Cream together the sugar and butter in a mixing bowl until light and �luffy 3. Crack both eggs into the bowl and add two tbsp of �lour, plus the vanilla extract

4. Fold in the remaining �lour until combined. Do not over-work the mixture as you will extract all the air and the cupcakes will not rise 5. Divide the mixture evenly between the cake cases 6. Bake for 15 minutes – they should be golden on top and spring back into place when you press down on them. Wait until the cupcakes are cool before you attempt to ice them Method for the chocolate icing: 1. Beat the butter until light and �luffy; it should turn a very pale colour, which is key to getting the perfect icing 2. Add the icing sugar, 100g at a time 3. Add the �inal 60g of icing sugar along with the 40g of cocoa powder 4. Melt the four squares of baking chocolate and add to the mixture 5. Next, add the double cream until the icing is light and �luffy 6. Place the icing mixture into a piping bag and ice the cupcakes 7. Sprinkle with decorations of your choice and share with friends Shannon Barrett

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

mealBREAK

23

We’ve all got to eat. So whether you fancy preparing something at home or popping out for dinner, we have the recipe for a great meal

Go global with your grub Y

Finish off with fudge

LET’S face it – running to the shops and satisfying your sweet tooth is easier than cooking yourself.

However, nothing beats homemade treats.

Check out this easy, inexpensive chocolate fudge recipe that will sate those cravings.

Ingredients: 450g caster sugar; 50g unsalted butter, diced into small cubes; 170g can of evaporated milk; 150ml milk; 150g plain chocolate Method: 1. Grease a square tin, roughly 18cm by 18cm, with margarine 2. Gently heat the butter, sugar, evaporated milk and milk, until the sugar has dissolved 3. Bring it to the boil

Fine finish: Satisfy your sweet tooth and stir for 30 minutes 4. Remove from the heat 5. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in the microwave

PICTURE: CLARE HORRIGAN

6. Stir the chocolate and fudge mixture together, and pour into a tin 8. Leave to set overnight Clare Horrigan

OU’RE on a budget, you can’t afford to travel.

But that shouldn’t stop you from getting a taste of the exotic straight from your very own kitchen.

Why not invite your friends over and treat them to the �inest cuisines from Guadalajara to London via Barcelona?

Mexico: Tacos Pockets of happiness you can �ill with anything.

Popular �illings include fried meats, cheese and sour cream – but why not try something more unconventional? Raid the cupboards and give whatever you �ind a try. For drinks, you are spoilt for choice — margaritas, mojitos, Sol or even tequila! Sombreros are optional.

Italy: Pasta There are endless choices. Tomato Neapolitan sauce, creamy carbonara or,

Get a taste of the world without leaving home of course, spag bol. To save cash, make loads and keep some in the fridge. There’s a bonus, too: it may be the only legitimate time to consume gallons of wine while staying in theme.

Spain: Tapas The ultimate sharing food – little plates of nibbles, be they hot or cold, that you can throw out in large quantities safely knowing there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Excellent for get-togethers and nights in with the television. Drink whatever you fancy – but sangria is always a start.

Thailand: Green curry Subtler than its Indian cousin, this still goes in the comforting, cheap

and easy-to-make category.

All you need is some chicken, green beans and a jar of paste. Pour in some coconut milk and lime juice and you’re almost in Bangkok.

Feeling adventurous? Then make your own paste; it’s only ground up garlic, chilli, spices and soy sauce, after all. Eat with rice and sink with Singha beer England: Casserole Leave the meat and veg to cook in wine and stock at a low heat in the oven.

It will �ill you up for ages and leave you with a warm glow like proper comfort food should do. Drink tea and listen to the gasps of joy that echo all around.

Lauren Bailey

Download the GBK app to unlock your 30% Student Discount gbkapp.co.uk/uni

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January 2015

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C

an you match the quote to the well-known person?

A: ‘I have this weird thing that, if I sleep with someone, they’re going to take my creativity from me through my vagina.’

B: ‘First, my mother was Spanish. Then, she became a Jehovah’s Witness.’

C: ‘I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don’t know into what religion yet.’

D: ‘I just want one day off when I can go swimming and eat ice cream and look at rainbows.’

E: ‘I created punk for this day and age. Do you see Britney walking around wearing ties and singing punk? Hell no. That’s what I do. I’m like a Sid Vicious for a new generation.’

Take a break and put your grey cells to work with our selection of puzzles

Who said what?

1 Paris Hilton, 2 Mariah Carey, 3 Gwyneth Paltrow, 4 Geri Halliwell, 5 Chris Brown, 6 David Beckham, 7 Avril Lavigne, 8 Ashton Kutcher, 9 R Kelly, 10 Lady Gaga

F: ‘I think every decade has an iconic blonde, like Marilyn Monroe or Princess Diana and, right now, I’m that icon.’

G: ‘Can I get your number? I promise I won’t beat you!’

ANSWERS

1

9

7

2 8 5

2 8 3 8 9

7

1

6

J: ‘All of a sudden, you’re like the Bin Laden of America.’

4

7

5

6 3 4

4 1

7

3 2 5 9

2

1 9

5 4

H: ‘I’d rather smoke crack than eat cheese from a can.’

I: ‘The number of lines in your forehead tells how many lives you’ve lived.’

2

6 1 9

4

2

1 8 6 4

3

7

9

4

2 5

8 9

5 1

3 6

Can you unscramble these singers’ names?

1. MURY OLLS 2. WHEN BOARD 3. WARGER DAY 4. WACK JHITE 5. EJJE SIS 6. ZAKIES

3

2 8

3 8

7

in a

muddle

7. LEEK 8. LOIN PAIN OUT ANSWERS

1 Olly Murs, 2 Ben Howard, 3 Gerard Way, 4 Jack White, 5 Jessie J, 6 Kiesza, 7 Kele, 8 Paolo Nutini

brainTEASE

A10 B4 C6 D2 E7 F1 G5 H3 I8 J9

24

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January 2015

competitionCORNER

Your chance to win fantastic tickets, trips and treats

WIN pizza for a year Great prize is worth a lot of dough

WIN

Hoping for an excuse to stay in?

P

IZZA? Free? For a year?

What more could any cash-starved, deep crust-loving student want?

We’ve teamed up with Pizza Hut to offer one lucky reader a £30 voucher for every month of 2015.

The winner can pick from a menu featuring the �laming hot blazin’ inferno or famous deep-pan meat feast, each accompanied with unlimited salad and soft drink re�ills.

You can even add a pudding from the selection of warm cookie-dough desserts.

Or what better way to keep the hunger pangs at bay by heading for the unlimited buffet every weekday?

25

ARE you dreading stepping outside into the winter weather?

Thanks to HBO UK Home Entertainment we are offering the perfect excuse to stay indoors.

We have a haul of hit series up for grabs including Band of Brothers, The Paci�ic, True Detective and Boardwalk Empire seasons 1-4 to keep you and your housemates entertained.

To enter, email your name, university and year of study to win@unipaper.co.uk

Slice of luck: Why not use your winner’s voucher to treat your friends to a spicy blazin’ inferno or tuck into unlimited salad?

Learn to code in a day for FREE! Get your FREE eLearning course worth £99 exclusively with QA and the University Paper!

•

Go from zero coding skills to being able to develop an app in our one day online course

•

Learn from the comfort of your browser at a time that works best for you

•

If you are thinking about a career in IT – this is the place to start!

Gateway Programme Terms and conditions: Offer finishes on the 20th February 2015. Emails received before 20th February will receive the eLearning course. By emailing us for this promotion you agree for your email address to be added to the Uni Paper database and the QA Gateway Programme database.

To enter, email your name, university and year of study to win@unipaper.co.uk

To receive your FREE eLearning course worth £99 go to: https://kvgo.com/qa/ learn2code

26

January 2015

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

www.unipaper.co.uk



Horoscope 

What’s written in the stars for you this month

ARIES: MARCH 21APRIL 19 January is not a time to sit still, Aries. The new year will bring exaltation and energy but don’t get too carried away. Pay particular attention to �inances and relationships TAURUS: APRIL 20MAY 20 Luck will be on your side this month,Taurus. The world is your oyster this year and it will feel as though you have just hit the jackpot. Just remember to trust your intuition GEMINI: MAY 21JUNE 20 The new year is an exciting time for you, Gemini. It will

be as though a veil has been lifted and for the �irst time you are seeing everything from an entirely new perspective CANCER: JUNE 21JULY 22 Have you been thinking of changing something up for a long time, Cancer? Now is the time to do it. Currently, you have everything you need so what are you waiting for LEO: JULY 23AUGUST 22 Time to focus on yourself, Leo. The new year will enable you to discover talents you didn’t even know you possessed.

And, you know what they

say, practice really does make perfect

VIRGO: AUGUST 23SEPTEMBER 22 The new year brings positivity for you, Virgo; however, an unthinking step could land you in trouble, so stay in control and you will make great changes

LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22 Don’t jump the gun, Libra.

Stay a few steps ahead and consider all possibilities.

Complicated situations will arise but stay in control and they can be solved with ease SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 21 You are going to have to

take responsibility for the actions of others this month, Scorpio. Even if you are not in the driving seat, be ready to accept the consequences SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21 Those around you may be shrouded in negativity, Sagittarius, but don’t let this throw you off. Don’t be afraid to �ight back as it is best to trust your intuition right now CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22JANUARY 19 There is no time like the present, Capricorn.

A goal you have been working towards for a



long time is beginning to manifest and you will have luck on your side like you never have before

AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 You are about to enter a very content phase, Aquarius.

You have been working very hard of late and everything is about to fall into place, so why challenge fate for more?

PISCES: FEBRUARY 19MARCH 20 You are responsible for every aspect of your life, Pisces, so if you are unhappy with certain aspects now is the time to make change.

Don’t doubt your inner strength

Rock it... but ditch the booze In his latest column on LGBT issues, masters student FILIP BIGOS argues you don’t need to drink or take drugs just to conform to a hard-partying stereotype

E Go online to: www.unipaper.co.uk for more quizzes.

VERYBODY likes a good party. The music, the rush, the heat… When the beat drops, alcohol starts pouring and we get going. Especially the gays.

Everyone knows gay clubs are the best – we know how to rock it.

Fun, alcohol and drugs is pretty much what the gay community is all about.

Or, at least, seems to be.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, people always drink. And with age (and depending on how rich their sugar daddy is) they move on to drugs. To switch off. To loosen up.

There is an awful lot of pressure on us to drink,

let’sTALK

and very often to do chems and slam. Yet owners of gay venues don’t tend to think about alternatives for people who don’t want to get wasted every day.

I apologise for targeting gay men but they are the group most guilty of this.

It damages our reputation and shames our community.

It is possible to party without alcohol. I am a 22-year-old gay man – I don’t drink, yet I still date and have a great time.

Most importantly I will remember it from start to �inish. This requires a real pair, because although I am gay, I am still a man and I am myself.

Little and often: Short bursts will help you focus

Festive fun is �inished, now get revising

CHRISTMAS is over and the exam period is back with a vengeance.

Before you start panicking, take a deep breath and check out these �ive revision tips.

1. Write it all down: It may be a pain but it is guaranteed to help you remember all those facts and get them imprinted into your brain 2. Start with the tricky bits: It’s only natural to go for the stuff that we �ind the easiest but consider how stressfree the last few days of revision would be if you were working on the stuff you already understood the most 3. Try short, sharp bursts: Two to three hours of revision each day should do the trick.

Accumulated over January (and hopefully some of December, too), that’s a lot of study time 4. Colour-code your notes: Research shows that a splash of colour can make all the difference 5. Reward yourself: Whether it is your favourite chocolate or a night out with friends once you’ve �inished a topic, you deserve a treat.

Ellie Connell and Kelly Smith

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

let’sTALK

Relationship trouble? Sex worries? Feeling low? We’ve got wise words to set you right

Alice ask

getting on with life – and so are your family and friends – but they will always be there for you. That much will never change.

M

Y STUDENT loan didn’t come in on time so I took out a payday loan. I thought I wouldn’t have to admit it to anyone – but I’m still waiting on student finance and now I owe double the amount I borrowed in the first place.

Josh, Bristol

M

Y BOYFRIEND dumped me on New Year’s Eve... over champagne, no less. If that wasn’t bad enough, I tried so hard to make him happy. I often put him before studying. Now, exams are just weeks away and I feel like I’m drowning. I’m starting to wonder whether I should continue with my course.

Rebecca, Liverpool Exams are exactly what you need right now, Rebecca – hear me out.

Throw yourself into revising, not re-reading every text you ever sent each other. Break-ups take time to heal. Nothing can beat a night in with the girls right now – but you also need a distraction.

Before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet. Besides, let’s be honest – a guy who breaks up with you on New Year’s Eve isn’t worth your time. Your course, however, is.

Lovers’ tiff: But revision can provide the perfect distraction

H

OME isn’t home anymore.

When I went back for Christmas, my parents showed me to the guest room – which was, in fact, my bedroom until four months ago. But the biggest

shock is my friends. I don’t feel like I’m part of their lives any more. I spent so much of the first term feeling homesick – and now it’s as though I don’t even have a home. Tom, Birmingham

Club drugs... why the song and dance?

T

HE drugs market is changing fast. Traditional substances, such as heroin, are in decline, while newer, synthetic chemicals are flooding the market.

Last year, 81 new psychoactive drugs were detected on the European market – the highest number on record. Many of these substances are virtually unheard of. What’s more, many are entirely legal and can be bought via the internet.

Probably the best-known legal high is mephedrone, or ‘meow meow’. Many others are known by their brand names, or simply as ‘research chemicals’.

But are they safe? It’s a difficult question to answer.

27

We’ve all been there, Tom. As much as everyone loves living in halls, it isn’t home. But, as you said – go home and you feel like a teenager again, having to tiptoe around. Do you know what, though? You are

DR OWEN BOWDEN-JONES founded the Club Drug Clinic, a London NHS service aimed to inform young people about the effects and dangers of new substances Because they have been manufactured to mimic the effects of drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, these new substances can be stimulants, sedatives or hallucinogens.

There is no doubt that some of them are extremely powerful and, when substituted for drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy), the effects can surprise the user and even lead to overdose. In the long term, some legal highs cause similar problems to more traditional drugs – dependence, psychosis and depression have all been seen in users. So, despite being cheap and legal, there

is no doubt that at least some are really harmful.

If you do decide to take a chance on a research chemical, take care of yourself by starting small and telling your friends what you are using. If you run into trouble, they can tell the ambulance crew.

Don’t mix – this includes alcohol. The more types of drug you take at the same time, the bigger the risk.

Stay hydrated by taking regular, small sips of water.

Don’t drink more than one pint in an hour, otherwise you might over-hydrate.

For more information, visit www.clubdrugclinic.com.

Submit us your questions and get the answer in next months issue

Don’t sit on this any longer, Josh.

Head straight to your university and talk to someone in student services or the students’ union.

There will be a support fund for people experiencing financial difficulty. The amount awarded will depend on your assessed needs and you will not have to pay it back.

In future, steer clear of payday loans – the interest rates alone will leave you in much worse position than you were in before.

Struggling with your studies, wrestling with a relationship or is your social life at a standstill? Contact our agony aunt on alice@unipaper.co.uk

28

January 2015

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off MESSAGE

Our occasional offering of things that are... just interesting but not entirely sensible

I smell an idea: Who hasn’t overslept and found themselves at lectures without having had time for a shower? What you need is the Axilla Scrubber. At the touch of a button, it will wash those whiffy pits discreetly for you...

Some are bonkers but some of them are absolute gold Colin Furze has built everything from a 70mph mobility scooter to magnetic boots. The inventor tells CHARLOTTE ARROWSMITH about his search for Britain’s next eccentric boffin...

Who left the loo seat up. Again!: Is your student house the scene of regular arguments about bathroom etiquette? The Handy Toilet Seat Lifter is here to put an end to the bickering by automatically putting the seat down after use...

Dozy parka: Fed up with missing your stop for the umpteenth time and having to trudge through the rain to get to your lecture? The Commuter Coat can be pre-programmed to shake you awake at your stop

Y

OU’RE young and gifted... you should probably be trying to come up with an invention that will change the world for the better.

But maybe during that particularly dull lecture you have come up with ideas that are, well, a little less grandiose in their scope.

What about a toilet seat that lifts and closes by itself? No more arguments in the student house about who left the loo seat up. Or a commuter coat that shakes you awake from your slumbers on the bus so you never miss your stop again?

Too late, because other students thought of them �irst and submitted them to the Odd Invention Challenge.

Madcap inventor Colin Furze is a judge. He has more

What next: Colin Furze at work in his lab (garage) than 750,000 YouTube fans and a number of world records for his inventions, which range from a 70mph shopping trolley to Wolverine-style claws.

‘We’ve had a lot of entries, and some of them really are quite bonkers,’ said Colin.

‘The great thing about these competitions is when you ask thousands of people to come up with something, you end up with some absolute gold.’

He has been impressed by the left-�ield thinking. ‘I like making the things that other people might think are not worth making, and that

seems to have driven me in the direction of making weird and crazy inventions which has obviously led to this competition,’ he said.

As for his own inventions, Colin says the mobility scooter edges it. ‘It was good – it was proper smart and everyone loves it,’ he said.

The Odd Invention Challenge was designed by �lavoured spirit brand ODDKA. The shortlisted �inalists will be put to the public vote to win a top prize of £4,999.

See www.oddinvention.com for the entries.

The shower of love: Everyone loves singing in the shower, so what better than the Karaoke Shower, featuring a waterproof touchscreen control panel, a disco ball shower head and big speakers...

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

moneyMATTERS

29

We’re all on a budget... here are our ideas on how to make it stretch as far as possible

£10,000 masters stroke? caseHISTORY

Worth it: Faye Saville worked more than 70 hours a week, juggling a job with her studies

My 13-hour days for an MA IF GETTING a masters wasn’t hard enough, imagine having a fulltime job on top. But that’s exactly what recent graduate Faye Saville did to avoid exorbitant debts.

Juggling a PR role with 30 hours of weekly study towards her MA in strategic communication at the University of

Central Lancashire, Faye found herself working up to 13 hours a day.

‘It’s a mental test,’ the 28-year-old said. ‘You have to push yourself to the limit – but you do amaze yourself with how mentally strong you are.’

Her friends, family and employer backed her over the three years it

took to complete the course – and she said she would do it that way again, rather than take on the proposed loan.

‘Of course, there are always times when you think, “Can I really do this?”’ she added. ‘It was hard. I didn’t go out much and socialise – but I got there in the end.’

superSCRIMPING IT’S a new year, so the partying is over and, predictably, you’re broke.

After chucking away all of your money over Christmas, here are some apps that will help you keep hold of your cash in 2015...

 Organise your

outgoings: If 2015 is the year you have decided to get organised with your outgoings, then the Goodbudget app is for you.

Splitting your spending

between different categories, this free app allows you to easily keep tabs on your expenditure. It can also be synced with other mobile devices – perfect for splitting household bills

 An eye for a bargain:

Your bank balance may have taken a hit over Christmas but that doesn’t mean living like a hermit in January.

Offering discounts at retailers such as H&M, Pizza Express and Tesco, VoucherCodes

uses GPS to find the best deals closest to you

 Get cash quick: Why

not make some money out of your unwanted Christmas presents? While eBay is the obvious choice, there’s a cheaper auction site out there – eBid. The app allows you to flog your stuff and for a fraction of the price.

With more than 3.5million bids last year, there’s a good chance someone will bite

F

OR many masters students, their degree has been a battle of survival.

They have had to �ind ingenious ways to fund their extra year or two of studies.

Some borrow money from their families, while others take on a part- or, even, fulltime job while keeping on top of their course.

Now they have an alternative after the government announced a funding scheme that will allow those aged under 30 and studying towards a masters degree to get a loan of up to £10,000.

The plan, which is planned to come into force in the 2016/17 academic year, will replicate the undergraduate model, where students only start paying back their loans once their earnings reach above a certain level.

James Coe, vice-president of University of Liverpool’s students’ union, said: ‘I am

Loans ‘will help more than 40,000 students’ pleased the students’ movement won this. We must continue to �ight for these loans to be extended for students over 30 and an education system that does not force such high levels of personal debt on to our student members.

‘Postgraduate loans are an important step in widening access to this type of study.’

The government predicts the loans will help more than 40,000 students and enable about 10,000 more individuals to undertake postgraduate study each year.

Sam Smith, a third year at the University of Liverpool, praised the proposal, despite masters degrees being funded on his

course. ‘To become a chartered engineer, a masters degree is needed,’ he added. ‘In the long run, the loan will be bene�icial to others, as it allows people to get further in their job.’

However, students could leave university with debts of more than £60,000, while undergraduate and postgraduate loans will be paid off at the same time.

Luke Stevenson, a Liverpool John Moores University English graduate, said: ‘It’s a trap – a pathetic token measure by the Tories to attract gullible students.

‘Forget loans – we want no tuition fees. Education is for everyone, not just the elites.’

Charlotte Seddon

Moody’s – 12 Month Graduate Placement In joining Moody’s 2015 Graduate Programme, you will have the opportunity to work with analysts on the rating process, including drafting credit documents, formulating ratios, preparing spreadsheets, comparative statistics, as well as exposure to special projects, at times on a global scale.

Location London, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris

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Salary Competitive package Posted 03 Nov 2014 Closes 03 Jan 2015

The Berkeley Group - Graduate scheme, Construction & Property

REPL Group – Graduate Management Consultant

The Berkeley Group is looking for the brightest graduates with degrees in disciplines related directly to the skills and knowledge required in our operational departments. Berkeley Homes are currently recruiting for graduates in the following disciplines: Land and Planning, Technical, Commercial (Quantity Surveyors), Construction, Customer Service Location London (Greater)

REPL is a fast growing UK based technology group with offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore. We deliver sophisticated project management techniques to unlock commercial potential. Our team sits at the cutting edge of where the retail industry meets the next generation of mobile technology, where gamification overlaps with multichannel.

Salary £27,000

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Closes 17 Nov 2014

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Hastings Direct - Graduate Scheme

Accenture- Industrial Placement

We have ambitious plans to attract 3 million customers by 2020 and we are looking for talented graduates to join us whilst we grow and help shape our business. As we are relatively small compared to the big names, you will truly get the opportunity and exposure with our management team to do this. Our Graduate Scheme is designed to help you develop as a future leader of our business, fast tracking your career within Hastings Direct. Roles available in Accounting & Finance, Insurance, Marketing & PR.

Bring your talent and passion to a global organisation at the forefront of business, technology and innovation. Collaborate with diverse, talented colleagues and leaders who support your success. Help transform organisations and communities around the world. Sharpen your skills with industry-leading training and development, as you build an extraordinary career.

Location Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex Salary Competitive Closes 04 Jan 2015

Avanti Communications Group plc – Graduate Engineer Are you expecting a 2:1 or higher in a computer related subject? Are you interested in working in a fast paced environment with the latest technologies in a truly global footprint? Yes? That’s a great start, but beyond that? Avanti seeks your inspiration, your energy and your enthusiasm.

Location London or Midlands

Location Nationwide Salary £Competitive Closes 28 Aug 2015

J.P. Morgan – Technology Graduate Programme There’s not a single part of our business that isn’t empowered and enhanced by the creative thinking of J.P. Morgan technologists. In an industry this competitive, being the best means deploying high-speed software and infrastructure alongside leading engineering and application development.

Location London, Bournemouth, Glasgow

Location London (Central)

Salary Competitive + benefits

Salary £23,000 p a

Closes 30 Nov 2014

Closes 31 Mar 2015

Opus Energy – Graduate Analyst Opus Energy, a dynamic and fast growing organisation, is recruiting to expand its analytical support. Analysts with Opus Energy carry out a wide range of analytical tasks designed to help keep the company on track.

Location Oxford, Oxfordshire Salary £23,000 - £25,000 DOE + £1,000 welcome bonus + £1,000 at end of year 1 & 2 Closes 03 Dec 2014

Rothschild – Private Equity Long Term Internship – Merchant Banking This London based 4-6 month internship is an exciting opportunity to intern with Rothschild’s flagship private equity fund, Five Arrows Principal Investments – a €600 million fund focused on mid-market companies in Western Europe.

Location London Salary Competitive Closes 31 Dec 2015

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

beyondUNI

Strike a balance between study and job

MANAGING deadlines can be hard enough without having to work as well.

For some students, though, money can be tight and a parttime job is required.

Unfortunately, there can be a down side to having a job while studying – trying to balance everything.

Here are some useful tips on how to keep on top.

1. Planning: When it comes to writing an essay or preparing a presentation, knowing where you are going to start saves lots of time.

Try writing ideas in your phone, so you can add to it on the move 2. Plan your diary: When deadlines are approaching, it is great to know when you have free time.

For example, if you work nights and have a couple of spare hours before a shift, you could spend that time researching your masterpiece 3. Release that stress: Juggling everything can take its toll, both physically and mentally, so take time to relax. Find what works best for you and incorporate it into your time 4. Remember: A parttime job is only for now. Make university work your priority.

After all, that’s what you’re there for Jasmine Martin

Need a job? Considering a gap year? Graduating and struggling for inspiration? Then, read on...

Rising star: YouTuber Alice Taylor discusses her life

More vlog, less slog

I

Want to earn money sitting on your sofa? Just talk and upload

MAGINE sitting in front of a camera and filming yourself taking on stupid challenges or capturing everything you do throughout the day, from what you eat at lunch to what you watch on TV. Now controversy last month after imagine getting paid for it. admitting her book (which It sounds too good to was the fastest-selling debut be true, but that is exactly novel ever) was ghostwritten. what vlogging is all about.

Looking to recreate her With audiences of between 2 and 6million, the best vlogs get thousands of views each day.

Perhaps the most famous vlogger is fashion and beauty adviser Zoella, Go for it: You could earn cash from vlogs who caused

success is 18-year-old Alice Taylor, an up-andcoming YouTuber who creates comedic videos about her day-to-day life.

Speaking to TUP, the former student, who now works in TV and film, said: ‘If you are lucky enough, then vlogging can compete with conventional careers.

‘Digital content is becoming more prominent, so there’ll be jobs popping up all over for it.’

With its rise in popularity, vlogging has become a job

for many of these big-name content creators. Top brands are approaching YouTube stars to reach younger audiences and are offering large sums of money for an advertising opportunity within their videos. With a sizeable income (let’s just say enough to cover the rent… and then some), these internet sensations can afford a luxury lifestyle without a nine-to-five job.

However, Alice added: ‘YouTube can be seen as both a hobby and a job – but

Spot the spelling errors and count the cash

PROOFREADING is a necessity of university life. We have all had to do it for stressed-out flatmates or ourselves.

But proofreading is also big business.

There are a number of online proofreading agencies – and most will pay students to work for them.

Such agencies look for neat handwriting for hard

31

five to try

n www.proofreadingagency.co.uk n www.freelance-proofreaders.co.uk n www.globalproofreading.com n www.academicword.com n or why not offer your services via Gumtree.co.uk?

copies, methodical readthroughs and, of course, excellent English. It is

also advantageous to be a graduate or undergraduate in any discipline, as a

technical knowledge of a specific subject can help.

The benefit of proofreading professionally is that the work is freelance, so you can work from home and choose your hours.

With different payment methods and variable salaries, it is best to find a legitimate, well-established website to work for.

Charlotte Pick

if my channel ever got to a level that it supported me, I still probably wouldn’t quit my current job.’

So, does the rise of vlogging mean we should we all quit our degrees, rush out to buy cameras and start filming our beans-on-toast dinners?

Fraser Green, an Australian YouTuber with more than 4,000 subscribers, said: ‘YouTube is a new creative platform that the majority of society still doesn’t understand, mainly due to ignorance.’

The point is, do your research, build a following and, maybe, one day, you can make your money by sitting at home, eating food in front of the computer.

Ryan Lynch Eagle-eyed: The only tools you need are an eye for detail and a pen

January 2015

www.unipaper.co.uk

yourSPACE

Beat the chill with a freeze on spending spoon to sleep.

Better still, there are no strings attached.

4. Pour a hot drink: They work as a perfect hand warmer and take the chill off your body, too. Also, who

bags and blankets. Bundle together in front of a good film and order a takeaway!

6. Use heating sparingly: An hour in the morning and at night on those really chilly days won’t break the bank.

Hannah Southern

can honestly say no to a hot chocolate? Furthermore, there isn’t any chill that a hearty meal can’t banish.

5. Huddle up like penguins: Invite all your friends round and make sure they bring duvets, sleeping

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Keeping snug: To save cash and stay warm, why not put on some layers, invite your friends round and watch a movie, huddled up under a duvet?

GIFT VOUCHER

insulates the house and stops cold air creeping in. There is no point in putting the heating on only for all that lovely warm air to escape through the gaps, so make sure you shut your windows, too!

3. Get a hot water bottle: Who needs a partner to keep your bed warm in the winter? It’s as simple as boiling the kettle, filling it up and, as if by magic, you instantly have something warm you can

A BURST pipe is an all-too-commonplace winter hazard.

Freezing causes the water to expand, leading to a rupture.

Here’s what to do if you suspect this is happening to one of your internal pipes: 1. Turn off the water supply immediately 2. Ensure all cold taps are turned on.

This leaves room for the thawed water to escape 3. If you find the frozen pipe, try warming it gently with a hairdryer 4. Remove anything from the room or area where the frozen pipe is, in case it bursts 5. If you find a leak, contact a plumber as soon as possible Hannah Southern

£

T

HE summer has gone, leaves have fallen from the trees and winter is upon us. Of course, you cannot afford to put the heating on full-time, so how can you stay warm without busting the bank balance?

1. Layers are important: No wonder you think the house feels like the North Pole if you’re only wearing a vest and shorts. Wear jumpers – even put on your fluffy onesie. By now, I’m sure your housemates have seen you at your worst.

2. Shut the door: This

Spare yourself pipe pain

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32

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January 2015

yourSPACE

33

Finding the right place to live, choosing the right people to live with and keeping your place right

Graduating? Do it all again Y

OU’RE graduating in a few months. Your parents and lecturers go on about you finding a job.

But, first things first, where are you going to live?

Moving back home is the obvious choice after university – but after three years of freedom, it will be difficult to take orders from your parents again. You might begin to wonder what all that maturing and independence at university was for.

Of course, moving back isn’t the end of the world; it’ll only be a year or two and you’ll be able to save up, find the right place and get the best job. The classic five-year plan.

But that’s not the only option.

University has taught you the basics about renting and the costs, so why not do it for real?

If, for you, it’s about employment, then let the job lead you – apply everywhere and be prepared to begin an

In it together: Living with other people makes life fun – and cheaper

It should have been done in December but there is never enough time to clean the fridge. Now, the dire consequences face the house. Mouldy carrots left from Christmas dinner and grease on the oven tray that may never be the same again Rebecca Solomon

ALPHA housemates are the organisers who everyone listens to and everyone aspires to be. They’re the kings and queens of halls. So how do you go about usurping them? With sabotage, naturally Hannah Froggatt

For fuller versions of these go to www.unipaper.co.uk

PICTURE: LAUREN KNIGHT

Wise steps that will help you buy WE LEAVE university with tens of thousands of pounds of debt so, to most of us, buying a first home seems like an impossible dream.

With house prices spiralling and banks refusing mortgages and restricting the amount you can borrow, it is easy to feel condemned to years of living at home or in shared rented living.

But there are ways in which graduates can make themselves more attractive to lenders.

First, show lenders that you are ‘stable’. Let them know you have held down a steady job and that you have regular income.

Try to limit your student finance. The thought of

having £7,000 put into your bank account every year sounds great – but added to the £9,000 tuition fee, you could end up saddled with £48,000 of debt.

Make an effort to clear your student overdraft and credit card debts. If lenders see that you have too much credit available that you do not use, this could affect your credit rating.

Finally, and most crucially, start saving for a deposit.

Even without student debt, lenders will still expect you to pay a percentage of the house costs. That may mean working through uni, saving your student loan or moving back in with your parents for a few more years.

Nakita Capp

Up sticks instead of heading for home adventure into the unknown.

You’ve moved to a new city before; you can do it all again.

Another fresh start can be scary but your new workmates will be able to recommend places to live and perhaps introduce you to your new city.

When you get round to looking at your new rented home, remember the basics.

Do you need a parking space?

Can you make it a home? Can you afford the rent? Have you got the best deal with your bills? Remember, too, you’ll have to pay council tax.

It may also be time to find some new housemates.

You’ve had your first taste of community living in halls and in your shared student home,

so why not carry on? We need company. Humans are not the kind to sit alone doing our own individual things. As students, it is the reason we get so little work done when we need to.

Companionships and friendships are what we strive for, so why neglect our natural instincts when we move away from the safe haven of the university campus?

Besides, rent is cheaper when the cost is spread out – as are utility bills, food shopping and the TV licence.

They say university opens doors; this may be literally true when you leave and start looking for your first home.

Lucy Robinson and Megan Haddaway

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January 2015

yourSPACE

Finding the right place to live, choosing the right people to live with and keeping your place right

Choice is hall yours ... but pick who you live with carefully

T

HAT time of year is upon us again – househunting season. No matter how long you’ve been at university, choosing next year’s accommodation is a big decision and one that tends to weigh people down for a few weeks every year.

Many students look back on their �irst year in halls – the glory days when heating and electricity bills were still a problem only for grown-ups – fondly, while others love the independence and maturity that comes with their freezing cold eight-bedroom house, complete with mould spreading across the walls.

University-owned accommodation is, in the main, fantastic.

Most �lats come with

35

en-suite bathrooms and cosy bedrooms.

The tightly packed layout of halls means that there’s always a buzzing atmosphere at home and you never feel lonely – something you may suffer when treading the numerous narrow corridors of student housing.

However, the relatively peaceful atmosphere of a suburban neighbourhood triumphs every time over the constant loud noises from surrounding �lats in halls.

University accommodation is usually far more hygienic and attractive, while private

HALLS v houses: Liverpool students offer their views to SOPHIE CORCORAN Emma Jones, 19, has stayed in halls for her second year. She said: ‘It is a lovely place and is nice and secure with friendly staff. The flat is really nice and I am sharing with lovely people.’

Emma Keeley, 19, lives in a rented student house.

She said: ‘I love the house we live in but halls were better. Ours was homely and we socialised with neighbours a lot more.

It felt safer and it also meant we didn’t have to spend a fortune on taxis.’

Best of both: Halls are cosy, a house can be peaceful accommodation can �it the grimy, dingy student housing stereotype. Whichever option you choose, remember that

a great group of friends can compensate for those stained curtains and cracked windows. Don’t rush, and

choose your housemates wisely – �inding a place to live will seem easy after that.

Harriet Stevens

David McLaughlin, who also lives in a student house, said: ‘As much as I loved halls last year, I turn 21 in April and next year will be my last studying at university.

Halls were a really good way to meet people and have fun – but the workload wasn’t as high as it is now.’

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January 2015

37

wellFIT

Advice for a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape

Get buff...but on a budget Shape up when funds are thin

Cut-price weights: Why bother reading a book when you can use it to keep fit?

I

F THERE’S a time of year when you’re most likely to join a gym, it’s January.

After eating, drinking and making merry for most of December, you might be ready to ful�il that new year resolution to get �it.

There are some great deals for joining gyms – but, if your budget won’t stretch to a membership, then here’s our guide to keeping �it for free…

High-intensity interval training: A great way to burn fat, especially if you’re short on time. HIIT focuses on short bursts of intense exercise, with a less intense rest period. Head to the park with a mate and sprint

– make it into a race. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, try running up and down the stairs.

Circuits: You don’t need a lot of space to set up a minicircuit in your living room.

Use a chair to do arm dips, lean on a wall to support yourself in a handstand

position and clear a space for burpees and planking.

Weights: If you want to use weights but can’t afford any, make the most of what you already have. If you have a particularly large book from your course, use it as a weight to hold to your chest when squatting. Use tins of

baked beans for bicep curls and hold your full laundry basket while lunging.

Run: It may seem obvious, but go for a run. If you’re feeling the pressure of coursework deadlines, getting outdoors can relieve stress and help restore your focus.

Samantha Coles

How to stay focused 1. Be realistic: If running for the bus leaves you gasping for breath, it’s probably not a good idea to sign up for a marathon. Set yourself reasonable goals 2. Fuel: Unfortunately, going for a five-minute jog doesn’t give you an excuse to have two pizzas for dinner. You can’t out-train a bad diet 3. Mix it up: Never do the same workout. Increase your speed, weights or reps each time you train to challenge yourself 4. Rest: It can be tempting to go hell-for-leather in the first two weeks.

Don’t push yourself too hard to begin with, as this can result in injury 5. Stay positive: Bad training sessions happen.

Don’t let them get you

down – acknowledge that you know you can do better next time 6. Moral support: It’s natural to feel selfconscious about exercising alone. Why not get a running club together with your housemates? Having a training buddy can help you push harder 7. All the gear: It’s important to have good training shoes.

Any new kit can boost your confidence 8. Remember why you started: When you’re tired and it’s freezing, staying indoors in your onesie is often more appealing than training. Remember why you started – visualise your goals and think how much better you’ll feel afterwards SC

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38

January 2015

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sportNEWS

Footballers and ton-up rugby stars blaze a trail SAM CHAMBERS IT HAS been a month of trailblazing mixed with bitter disappointment for De Montfort University’s teams.

The men’s football �irsts shot to the top of the league, claiming three wins from as many games, including a 3-0 home victory against the University of Derby’s second XI. They sit four points clear of joint second Bedford and

Derby but failed to replicate their league form in the cup, exiting at the University of Bedfordshire with a 1-0 defeat to the fourth team.

The men’s basketball side also reached the top with home wins against Cran�ield University’s �irsts and the University of Cambridge’s seconds sandwiched between a 57-53 cup defeat away at city rivals the University of Leicester’s �irsts. It could not

�ixtures Wednesday, January 21 Men’s badminton DMU I v Lincoln I, QEII Sports Centre, 1.30pm Wednesday, January 28 Men’s tennis DMU I v Nottingham Trent II, Knighton Tennis Centre, 12.30pm Wednesday, February 4 Men’ hockey DMU I v Nottingham

Trent IV, St Margaret’s Pastures, 2.30pm Wednesday, February 11 Women’s rugby union DMU v Leicester I Aylestonians RFC, 2pm Women’s football DMU I v Nottingham II Aylestone Park FC, 2pm

Mountain to climb: The women’s basketball team are currently bottom of their league be more different for the basketball women, who sit bottom of their BUCS league after six defeats in six games so far.

The netball �irsts have also been �inding life tough and lost �ive out of �ive games, leaving

them bottom. Their third team counterparts, on the other hand, picked up two wins from two – including a 42-7 home thumping of the University of Bedfordshire’s �ifths – to leave them unbeaten in the league

Feisty fighter’s European title

BY HER own admission 19-year-old karate champion Maddison Moore looks ‘innocent and girly’.

But the �irst-year performing arts student at De Montfort University has left male opponents in tears during a campaign that saw her crowned European champion in November and named best female athlete of 2014 by

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Karate England. ‘I’ve turned up for �ights where there were no other women,’ she said.

‘I just said I’d join the men. I made three of them cry.’

She said classmates were surprised when she returned from the Europeans, where she was coached by dad Dan. ‘I assume people look at me and don’t consider me a �ighter,’ she said. ‘I look quite

and well-placed behind the leading pair.

Men’s rugby second team produced the month’s standout result with an astonishing 104-0 away victory at the University of Staffordshire’s

PICTURE: DMU BASKETBALL SOCIETY

second team. Despite their effort, they were unable to pick up another victory, sinking to three losses, including a 24-0 hammering at the hands of the University of Leicester’s third team.

Mo way! We got a record Girly: Maddison Moore innocent and girly.’ But the physical side of the sport, which has left her with a broken nose and �ingers, has prepared her for tough dance modules. ‘You are always going to get hurt,’ she said. ‘You just keep going.’

Tom Cullen

MEN’S �irst team rugby players at De Montfort University broke the record for a half-time contest at a Leicester Tigers v Saracens game.

They caught seven out of ten balls kicked at them in front of 21,000 spectators for a Movember fundraiser. Player Joe Woods said: ‘It was great. Movember is such a big thing for us.’

Tom Cullen

www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

sportNEWS

Defeats dash hopes of winning the league SAM CHAMBERS DEFEATS to title rivals look to have ended the rugby union firsts’ chances of silverware this season but second place is still in their sights.

The University of Leicester XV currently sit third in the BUCS Midlands 1A league having won three out of their last five – including a 58-3 thumping of the University of Birmingham’s second-string.

However, a heavy 45-17 loss against Warwick I and an 18-33 loss against Loughborough II have left them 13 points adrift from unbeaten Loughborough at the top and all but ended their title drive.

They were also knocked out of the BUCS Trophy after a close game with the York I, losing 27-21.

The women’s first team ended the year with just the one win, against local rivals De Montfort University, one place above relegation.

Meanwhile, UoL men’s hockey I’s run of four straight wins was brought to an end by two defeats in a row at the hands of table-topping Warwick I. Leicester II

remain unbeaten after four games and top of the league, three points ahead of second-placed Anglia Ruskin University.

The women’s hockey I will meet Loughborough IV in the quarter finals of the Midlands Conference Cup after a 9-2 victory over Derby I. A 1-6 defeat in the final game of the year against bottom-of-the-table Oxford Brookes II means Leicester are third, and four points from Coventry I at the top of the Midlands 2A. Men’s badminton I won three out of three on league duty to move second but were unable to maintain their challenge in the cup, losing 7-1 to Oxford Brookes University I. UoL’s female badminton team sit at the summit of their division with four wins from four but, again, could not transfer their superb form in the league to the cup. They suffered a 6-2 loss away at the University of East Anglia’s first team.

The men’s football I had a mixed first half of the year, winning two and losing two.

The women’s team fared

Tough tackling: UoL take on old boys in a respite from the league

Golden boy nets place in GB team WHEELCHAIR basketball player Nick Cummins has reached the top of his sport with a call-up to the full elite Great Britain wheelchair basketball squad.

The University of Leicester gold scholar was already part of the GB development squad in recent times and, with consistently good performances, earned a place at two GB elite training camps.

He took his chance and was called up to the elite squad to represent GB and play in an upcoming tournament.

PICTURE: ULRFC FACEBOOK

no better with two wins, a draw and a loss but look to be safe from relegation, being seven points clear.

The UoL American football team go into the new year mid-table, beating Wolverhampton I 36-13 in the final game of the year, following a heavy 0-40 away defeat to Warwick I.

fixtures

Wednesday, January 28 Women’s netball Leicester I v Bedfordshire I Manor Road Sports Centre, Oadby, 7pm Wednesday, February 4 Women’s basketball Leicester I v Lincoln I University Sports Centre, 8pm Women’s badminton Leicester I v University College Birmingham I Charles Wilson Sports Hall, University of Leicester, 4pm Wednesday, February 11 Men’s hockey Leicester I v Oxford 2nd Manor Road Sports Centre, Oadby, 5pm Saturday, February 14 Men’s cricket Loughborough v Leicester I, 10am Leicester I v East Anglia I Crown Hills Community Hot shots: Leicester will take on Bedfordshire I College, midday

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Contact: editor@unipaper.co.uk

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15/10/2014 15:08