The University Paper January 2015: Manchester

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January 2015

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

WHY SILENCE COULD BE SCREAMING...

Is Souvik a victim of serial killer The Pusher? A STUDENT who drowned in a Manchester canal may be one of 61 victims of a serial killer, a criminologist suggests. Souvik Pal vanished on New Year’s Eve 2012 after being thrown out of a club in Trafford. The 19-year-old MMU student was last seen walking off with a man who has never been traced. An inquest recorded an open verdict. Now Prof Craig Jackson, of Birmingham City University, says Souvik may have been a victim of a killer, dubbed #thepusher on Twitter. ‘It is extremely unlikely that such an alarming number of bodies found in the canals is the result of accidents or suicides,’ he said. ‘Do we have another ‘‘gay slayer’’ like Colin Ireland on the loose?’ Some 61 bodies have been recovered from Manchester’s waterways in six years. Police insist none of the deaths is linked. ‘Not one? I find that very hard to believe,’ said Prof Jackson. But GMP said: ‘We have established no link.’

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NO JADE SCANLON

One of many?: Souvik Pal

PICTURE: HELP US FIND SOUVIK PAL/FACEBOOK

AN ANTI-rape campaign has been launched following at least 30 sex attacks on students in just five months. Police, working with student groups, have unveiled a poster that seeks to educate people about sexual assault and shift responsibility away from victims. It shows a group of girls laughing and drinking in a bar, with the caption: ‘It doesn’t matter what she’s wearing, how much she’s had to drink or whether you’ve kissed... sex without consent is rape. ‘If she’s too drunk to consent, assume she hasn’t given

it.’ Campaigners welcomed the move, which University of Manchester women’s officer Jess Lishak said marked ‘a really important change in the narratives around rape in our community’. But concerns about ‘stranger rape’ have also continued to grow following a spate of attacks in Fallowfield. The latest, on December 5, saw a 22-year-old student raped in Ladybarn Lane. It prompted an online petition calling for more police patrols in the area after dark. More than 7,500 people have so far signed it. Bethany Lester, a secondyear history of art student who

lives in Fallowfield, said: ‘I feel very vulnerable in my neighbourhood, especially after dark, following the attacks. ‘I hate to think of them as planned – but the sharp rise in largely one area makes you think of these things.’ She said many students were calling for police to focus on their safety instead of closing down house parties. ‘I think it would be of much reassurance if there was an equal – if not larger – police concern with sexual assaults, rather than dealing with noise and much less damaging antisocial behaviour,’ she added.

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January 2015

Super-slimmer sheds 9st, cigarettes and anti-depressants

I got fit...and conquered my demons LAURA RAPHAEL WHEN she hit rock bottom, University of Manchester student Christine Stokes weighed 21st, was smoking heavily and had been diagnosed with depression. Now, she has turned her life around by shedding 9st, ditching the cigarettes and weaning herself off the anti-depressants. The amazing change has culminated in Christine taking the title of Rosemary Conley Online Slimmer Of The Year, which comes with the added bonus of £1,000 of Marks & Spencer vouchers. Christine, 29, said: ‘I started exercising because I was depressed, so I started eating healthier and getting �itter. ‘I enjoyed the exercise so much it became my lifestyle and I just didn’t stop. I love going to the gym and doing classes. My favourite is Insanity, which is an American high-impact class which involves lots of jumping.’ The PhD student, who

Battle of the bulge: Christine at her heaviest started smoking at the age of 13, joined a Rosemary Conley �itness class in her bid to get healthy and dropped from a size 28, with 60in hips and a 48in waist to a size 10. She was struggling to wlalk and her self-esteem was at a low ebb. She added: ‘I think the �irst step is the worst part – just making your way there. ‘You will be nervous but, by the time you have �inished,

you will be so proud. You will be on a real high. ‘Exercise has helped me so much – and socialising in classes. I now look forward to going to the gym.’ Weight-loss guru Conley told TUP: ‘I could not be more delighted to see how she has transformed her life and, in effect, lost a person. ‘She is now slim and �it and has her whole life ahead of her, as opposed to being morbidly obese. ‘For Christine to overcome so many issues alongside her phenomenal weight loss – it just makes all our work feel so worthwhile. She is a very determined lady.’ Christine, who is in her �inal year of a physics PhD on the theory and simulation of liquid crystals, said: ‘I don’t want to think about writing up right now. But, actually, being a student helped my exercise regime as I could be �lexible and �it it round my studies.’

Fit and healthy: After hitting the gym, Christine now weighs a trim 12st

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Fashion designer who’s in good Nic OUT-of-this-world designs landed a fashion graduate an international prize. Drawing inspiration from the 1950s space age, Manchester School of Art graduate Nicci James took the £5,000 Gold Award at the 2014 NingBo International Fashion Design Grand Prix in China. She said: ‘The whole experience was surreal and overwhelming.’ The collection was based on the theme of ‘achieving dreams’, which she developed for a year. Three other students from the course – Natalie Dawson, Owen Hughes and Amelia Ashley – also won awards. Lorelle Hirth

Future star: Nicci James holds her prize


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January 2015

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Gang posing as drug dealers to steal bank cards ELLIOT DaCOSTA THE city’s main student area is being targeted by a gang of bank card thieves posing as drug dealers, police have warned. Students drinking in Fallowfield have reported being approached by men offering to sell them cannabis. The men insist on placing the drugs directly inside the pockets of their victims as they buy them, swiping bank cards at the same time. Some students told police they were approached by the gang shortly after using their cards to pay for drinks, when it is thought the men noted their PINs. The men have also been

caught on CCTV apparently typing PINs into their mobile phones while partygoers withdraw cash from machines. After the cards are stolen, large sums of cash are taken from the victims’ accounts at nearby ATMs. The gang has struck in the street, as well as in bars and clubs, where the men insist students go to a quiet corner to buy the cannabis. Police warned the men have become angry and threatening when students have refused to comply with their demands, although no-one has been hurt. The warning comes after a rise in card thefts since the start of the academic year. Det

Insp Dave Turner of Greater Manchester Police appealed for witnesses and victims to come forward, although he admitted the link with drugs might be a barrier. ‘I know some victims may be reluctant to, due to their participation in illegal activity – but I would ask that anybody who may have any information about these men to please come forward,’ he added. He warned students to be extra vigilant, especially when they or their friends were returning home drunk after a night out. Witnesses can call police on 101 or, if they want to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

PROUD MOMENT: University of Salford dean Amanda Broderick and her team accept the business school of the year award from comedian Jack Dee at the 2014 Times Higher Education Awards. It also won outstanding contribution to innovation and technology, while the University of Manchester received outstanding contribution to the local community Alex Jolly PICTURE: SALFORD UNIVERSITY

contactLIST Email us at manchestereditor@unipaper.co.uk Editor – Josh McLoughlin News (University of Manchester) – Magdalene Abraha; News (Manchester Metropolitan University) – James Mullard News (University of Salford) – Jade Scanlon Sport (University of Manchester, Manchester

Metropolitan University) – Xan Atkins; Sport (University of Salford) – Sania Rehman What’s On & Your Night – Morgan Hinton Comments – Sam Muldoon Your place – Amy Turner Photography – Stewart Honeyman

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Us, noisy neighbours? You need to get a grip ELLIE TINDSLEY A GROUP of housemates who were fined £450 following accusations of unruly behaviour claim they have been unfairly treated. The male students, who live on Brailsford Road in Fallowfield, also had a number of electronic items confiscated following noise complaints from neighbours. Now fears are mounting that students are being deliberately targeted by locals seeking to exploit new University of Manchester legislation that forbids activities that ‘damage relationships with local communities’. Kayode Brown, one of the students punished under the measures, said: ‘I believe in fairness and we have been unfairly treated. ‘I don’t think it’s fair that we’ve been labelled as antisocial troublemakers who don’t care about the community, as that’s not the case. ‘We take the community and our educations seriously and want to socialise while doing so.’ The move comes after a pair of students were arrested at a party on nearby Amherst Road in November – a step that could see all eight housemates kicked out of university. The group were accused of

disturbing neighbours with high volume levels throughout the day. Residents were said to have continually complained. But a family of five living on the street said they sometimes heard loud music but it was nowhere near severe enough to complain. The father, who wished to remain unnamed, said: ‘I was bothered a couple of times at the start of the semester when there was noise midweek, as my children had school – but weekend noise was no hindrance to me.’ Will Mower, a University of Manchester student also living in the area, agreed. ‘I’ve never experienced any of this anti-social s**t they’re talking about,’ he said. ‘If they want a game of Fifa after a night out, leave them to it. ‘I wouldn’t lose it if a family were arguing in the early hours, so why complain about these boys?’ And he labelled the confiscation and fine in Brailsford Road ‘ridiculous’. He added: ‘If you’re bothered, treat them like adults and knock on their door, then ask them to be quiet. There’s no need to remove their stuff.’ The group in Brailsford Road received two warnings from the council before their noise equipment was

removed, as well as a disciplinary letter from Manchester Metropolitan University. A twenty-eight day window was given before the lads were allowed to reclaim their belongings – and they were also landed with a £450 fine. In a joint statement, they said: ‘A neighbourhood is where you show respect in a community you’re a part of – but it’s difficult to do that when any small negative action is blown up. We want to be a help, not a hindrance’.

Too drunk to consent? Walk away...

PICTURE: GMP

The posters are now appearing across universities and licensed premises. Det Insp Damian Simpson, of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: ‘We’ve dealt with many an incident whereby two young people have met on an alcohol-fuelled night out, one thing has led to another and the next morning we’re arresting somebody for rape. It doesn’t matter whether there has been flirting, kissing or you’ve exchanged numbers – sex without consent is rape and, if somebody is too drunk to consent, then the best thing for all involved is to assume it has not been given.’

Street at war: Students living on Brailsford Road were fined after neighbours complained about the noise

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inBRIEF Press to take over vice role THERE will soon be a new man in the vice-chancellor seat at Manchester Metropolitan University. Prof Malcolm Press, who was pro vice-chancellor at the University of Birmingham, will start on June 1, following the retirement of Prof John Brooks, who has spent a decade in the role.

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January 2015

THE future is bright for one student after he was named BBC Technology Apprentice Of The Year. David Hewitt, 22, who is in his second year of a BBC-affiliated course for broadcast engineers, was one of 11 University of Salford apprentices to be put forward for the accolade.


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January 2015

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£175m student village planned PLANS for a £175million student village featuring 3,000 high-quality units have been unveiled. They follow a deal struck by the University of Manchester with Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Development Company for a three-phase project on the Owens Park site of the Fallow�ield campus. The �irst phase is expected to be ready for the 2018/19 academic year, subject to �inalisation. Vice-chancellor Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell said: ‘This represents an outstanding opportunity for the university. It will allow our students to enjoy some of the best living and learning facilities in the country.’ The project builds on the relationship established with Masdar, the Abu Dhabibased clean technology and renewable energy company wholly owned by Mubadala.

Taking a stand: Manchester students protest against rising fees PICTURE: TANIA SAUMA

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‘I WANT to see Osborne’s wine-stained nose dripping with tears as he steps out of cabinet.’ Four years after the cap on tuition fees was lifted, student anger still burns. And students from the University of Manchester brought traf�ic to a standstill as they protested against rising fees, accommodation costs and cuts to bursaries. The demo, organised by Defend Our Education Manchester, saw protesters march down Oxford Road from the main UoM campus. Activists carried banners daubed with slogans, one of which read: ‘£9k fees, 4 years on, still s***’. One protester, a third-year philosophy student, said: ‘We’re customers and consumers before constituents. ‘I mean, why would those poxbridge MPs take us seriously? We don’t buy loads

 SOME of the lowest-paid workers at the University of Manchester will get a pay boost after the students’ union agreed to become a living wage accredited employer. They will now be paid at least £7.85 an hour under the agreement, which will cost the union an extra £80,000 a year. Matt Harriott, of the UoM Living Wage Campaign, said: ‘We’re proud of our union for taking a stand.’ He called on the university to follow suit.

of property on the Cornish coast, we don’t have triplebarrelled surnames, we hardly own any industries – and we don’t really like having to owe them £27,000. ‘We don’t take them seriously – and they don’t take us seriously, either.’ Asked what the Occupy

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Dreams: Final year law student Rebecca Edward, 22

worse. ‘I proceeded to push CRAIG LEIPNER him off and told him not to me,’ Francesca said. A STUDENT has spoken of touch ‘He then asked me if I was being sexually ordeal at ‘I proceeded to push with a CRAIG LEIPNER her worse. of Edinburgh’s foreign and I replied assaulted him in offone and told him not tart to “No” and reiterated that I hangouts. popular A STUDENT has spoken ofmosttouch me,’ Francesca said. me alone. Penny, who is wanted him to leave her ordeal at being sexually Francesca ‘He then asked me if I was‘This seemed to enrage him English at Napier assaulted in one of Edinburgh’sstudying foreignwas andattacked I replied with because a the next thing I knew in the University, most popular hangouts. tart “No”while and reiterated I had me in a tight bearhug celebratingthathe hours move, and he Francesca Penny, who isearlywanted him to leave me alone. a friend’s birthday at the Hive. so I couldn’t tell me that I to studying English at Napier ‘This seemed to enrage him The fourth-year student proceeded University, was attacked in the because next thing I knew “Should be foreign because I nightclub’s in the was dancing the early hours while celebratingalternative he had room me inatathe tight bearhug was f***ing hot”.’ time. man then told Francesca a friend’s birthday at the Hive. ‘Itsowas The I couldn’t move, and he so crowded pretty The fourth-year studentit wasn’t proceeded to tell me that he I hated her before physically for people unusual her. to attacking was dancing in the nightclub’spushing “Should because I the crowd pastbeinforeign ‘He let go and I turned round alternative room at the time. accidentally was f***ing hot”.’you,’ said touch said. ‘But she ’ him, confront to waived ‘It was pretty crowded so Francesca, The man then told Francesca has who my it wasn’t unusual for people herhe hated her before physicallyhe aggressively groped to anonymity. right pushing past in the crowd to ‘While attacking her. with a group right breast and proceededI dancing club when a white accidentally touch you,’ said of friends, I noticed ‘He let go and I turned roundto run out of the he‘Butlunged after him. I had to leave me, Francesca, who has waived male to confront him, ’ shebut said. push past liking. mythe Hive after that because I too close for my her right to anonymity. hefaraggressively groped was small was so distressed.’ on the hand and ‘While dancing with a group Heright had his breast proceeded felt ‘quite Francesca said in I EDWARD andofwas JONES backout myrun of friends, I noticed a white of to thepushed club when afterthe north-east for a ’ I had to leavedepressed for a week few exposed both me. against male push past me, but he right lunged after him. weeks when were put on reported the assault’ but were theuniversities manTWO thebecause askedthat at with a fever she went down alert, although was far too close for my liking. Francesca the Hive after theI centre of a meningitis no other and vomiting. her alone’ but his leave cases have been reported. He had his hand on the small towas so distressed. scare after a studentturn to p5Her brother, Jeffrey the situation Elvin, made said Newcastle of my back and was pushed in reaction Francesca felt ‘quite from the infection died claims the 22-year-old University Nor- said every within thumbria right against me.’ depressed for a week after year meningitis days of being taken Uni law degree ill. awareness events Francesca asked the man the assault’ but reported the student was sent Nine people who were held home came from to leave her alone but his into contact with hospital with only for new students. Rebecca turn toEdward p5 Housemate reaction made the situation Venothani were offered anti- medication to treat �lu. She Rajagopal was dead within two said: ‘Rebecca biotics in case they days. had had many dreams With large numbers tracted the condition. conand one of of them was students and staff Ms Edward, from at both icient money to save suffMalay- Northumbria sia, had only been to get an air and Newcasback in tle universities potentially

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Attacked: Francesca was depressed for a week after the incident PICTURE: CRAIG LEIPNER

movement wanted to see at the general election, the protester added: ‘I want to see the Tories lose. I want to see Osborne’s wine-stained nose dripping with tears as he steps out of cabinet. ‘The Greens seem all right, I guess – but then, so did the Lib Dems...’ Another demonstrator, a postgraduate, added: ‘Fees, education privatisation, and the welfare and bene�it reforms are all attacks on young people with no legitimate support. We are effectively disenfranchised.’ ‘In education, as in most other sectors, we need the restoration of public funding.’ The protest came just weeks after some 10,000 people marched on Westminster in a national demonstration of anger. More radical elements have called on students to occupy their universities as part of the campaign to overturn the reforms.

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inBRIEF

Big wait is finally over for opening

January 2015

Clubbers warned over sweets laced with LSD JOHN SHAW DRUG DEALERS are targeting students in Manchester with LSD-laced sweets, the National Crime Agency has warned. The alert comes after a seizure of almost half-a-litre of liquid LSD – enough to make more than 5,000 sweets. It is thought the hallucinagenic drug, commonly known as acid, is being put into hardboiled sweets to avoid arousing suspicion from door and staff security at nightclubs. An NCA spokesman said: ‘We are asking that staff at entertainment venues be vigilant and consider refusing entry to customers or groups of customers carrying small amounts of such sweets. ‘The sweets are being marketed towards the student community in particular. ‘Drugs concealed in this manner pose the additional danger

THE new Manchester Metropolitan students’ union building has finally opened after months of frustration. Initially scheduled for September, the opening hit a number of building work setbacks, with the launch eventually taking place on January 12. Rebranded as The Union MMU, the new Cambridge Street building is a short walk from its former Oxford Road address. It offers students a variety of new services, including a dance and martial arts studio, a media suite, bookable meeting rooms and facilities for conferencing. There will also be a new bar, café and shop, while the centre will also provide students the same financial and work support as the old union. James Mullard

For something a little different BEING different is something we can all laugh about. To prove it, MMU will stage a comedy night to explore what it means to be different. Laurence Clark, a comedian with cerebral palsy, will headline the event at the Dancehouse Theatre on February 5.

Mobile project sounds good CRYSTAL-clear calls are coming to mobiles thanks to Manchester Metropolitan University researchers. The academics teamed up with Jaguar Land Rover to create a hands-free system that combats wind noise using a system called ‘beam forming’.

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n CLUBBERS in Manchester have been warned about high-purity ecstasy tablets flooding the drugs market after fatalities in the UK rose more than fivefold in just a year. There were 43 deaths connected to the class A substance in 2014, compared with just eight in 2013. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug

of being unknowingly taken, increasing the risk of harm, especially to children.’ Jasmine Pokuaa, vicepresident of the University of Salford students’ union, told The University Paper: ‘I think students can feel pressurised into the lifestyle of going out and taking drugs. ‘Clubbers should remember that the universities all have

Addiction highlighted a rise from 20-30mg of MDMA per tablet to 100mg per tablet in recent years. After growing concerns, bosses at The Warehouse Project, which had no revellers hospitalised in 2014, have urged caution in taking pills and introduced a drugs amnesty box at all their events. Joe Evans

strict policies on drugs. If they are caught taking substances, then they could be chucked out, which would affect their jobs and lives ahead. Your life could be completely destroyed.’ Possession of LSD can lead to seven years in jail and an unlimited fine. Supply can carry a punishment of life imprisonment, as well as an unlimited fine.

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Perfect pair: Natalie Preston with Faye

Walking again, thanks to Faye DIAGNOSED with cerebral palsy at six months old, Natalie Preston had not walked for ten years. But after meeting Faye, a specially trained labrador, she was soon up on her feet and began studying for a masters in children’s digital production at the University of Salford. Now, the two are up for the Kennel Club’s

prestigious Eukanuba Friends For Life award, which celebrates tales of canine companionship in adversity, given at Crufts on Sunday, March 8. Natalie said: ‘When I first met Faye, I fell in love with her and I immediately felt a very special connection with her. She has given me a life that I thought I would never have.’

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January 2015

Visit the library? Shelve the idea SAMANTHA MULDOON THE library is often one of the worst areas of any university. They’re usually dark, drab and filled with old busybodies (‘librarians’) who, by the looks of it, have never woken up on the right side of the bed. Lecturers will assure you that ‘you won’t need to buy the textbook, there’s a copy in the library’, which is, in fact, a lie. University libraries are so poorly stocked that the last remaining copy was taken out in the 1970s and is probably collecting dust in a graduate pensioner’s loft. In turn, this means forking out another £20 you don’t have to buy a book from Amazon that you won’t read, even

though this semester you’re telling yourself you’re ‘definitely going to do all your reading’ (you won’t). As if students’ lives aren’t stressful enough, librarians on a power trip (‘You can’t come in if you don’t have your student card, it’s our policy’) are the cherry on top of a crappy, stale, Tesco value cake. Obviously put on this earth for the sole purpose of making our lives hell, they sit hunched at their desks waiting to pounce on some poor unsuspecting first year who forgot to return their book on time. But, even as horrible and terrifying as they may seem, librarians aren’t actually the foulest creatures you will find in your university’s library. Libraries are packed with students trying to make themselves

feel better about the amount of work they haven’t done this semester... as if scrolling through Facebook at university is somehow more beneficial to their studies than scrolling through Facebook at home. When you’re searching desperately for a computer to submit an essay that you spent at least an hour-and-a-half on last week, seeing someone happily watch a nature documentary or playing some stupid online game is perhaps the most infuriating thing anyone with a looming deadline can witness. And, if you are the type of person who scatters pens, notes or books across the keyboard to ‘reserve’ a place while you take a three-hour lunch break then, on behalf of the student population, we demand you stop.

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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 how you look, 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

PHONE PAIN: Last week, I was at a Passenger gig and watched a girl stand and video Let Her Go which I thought: ‘Fair enough, it is a nice song’. But when Passenger played a more obscure song she took out her phone again and watched the video she had just taken. I considered asking her what was the point of her being here was and that she could have saved herself the hassle by staying in and watching YouTube Elliot DaCosta

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

STATES OF JOY: If you are considering studying in America, bin the assumption there will be no culture shock. It’s the subtle differences that make you feel foreign, despite the common tongue. However, the international community that you will inevitably meet will be the best people you could ever hope to share your experience with. My international friends have made it the greatest experience I have ever had Sophie Oates Black

You can read fuller versions of these pieces at www.unipaper.co.uk. Then, let us know what you think; email us at comment@unipaper.co.uk


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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 19 Drop-out Mondays, Tiger Tiger, £1 Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

tue, jan 27 Gold Teeth, Deaf Institute, £5 Koosdays, Tiger Tiger, free 42nd Street, Deansgate, free

wed, feb 4 Up for grabs: Rebel Bingo offers great prizes

PICTURE: LAWRENCE HOWE

Bingo evening is a winner

WITH smutty bingo calling, clubbing and a theatrical stage show (complete with dancers), Rebel Bingo isn’t your average night out. Its London shows sell out in minutes and its outing to Manchester’s Sound Control was met with a packed loft.

Prizes included a £400 bike, a £150 Hungry House tab and a giant disco ball. Make sure you grab a ticket next time – there’s something about partying, bingo and loud music that makes for a brilliant atmosphere. Josh Mcloughlin

Uproar, The Venue, £3 Juicy, Joshua Brookes, £3 Bass Face, Sound Control, £5

thurs, feb 12 F#CK, Factory, £1 Brooklyn Dub, Soup Kitchen, £4 The Good, The Bad & The Funky, NOHO, free

tue, jan 20 Student House, South, £2 Gold Teeth, Deaf Institute, £5 Moustache, Joshua Brookes, £4

wed, jan 28 Seductive, Bangkok Bar, £1 Juicy, Joshua Brookes, £3 Uproar, The Venue, £3

thurs, feb 5 Fever 105, Academy, £6 Murkage, South, £3 F#CK, Factory, £1

fri, feb 13 Totally Lost It, Bowlers Exhibition Centre, £20 Fri 251, Factory, £1 It’s Friday, Baa Bar, free

wed, jan 21 Uproar, The Venue, £3 Juicy, Joshua Brookes, £3 Bass Face, Sound Control, £5

thurs, jan 29 Murkage, South, £3 F#CK, Factory, £1 Shut Up And Dance, Baa Bar, free

fri, feb 6 A Love From Outer Space, Antwerp Mansion, £15 Pragmatic, XOLO, £6 Transmission, Albert Hall, £18

sat, feb 14 Relapse, Sound Control, £10 Valentines Ball, Night and Day Café, £10 Factory Saturdays, Factory, £1


www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

11

clubbingCALENDAR thurs, jan 22

fri, jan 23

Fever 105, Academy, £6 Murkage, South, £3 F#CK, Factory, £1

Transmission Funk, Joshua Brookes, £6 Transmission Ram Jam, Albert Hall, £18 Lord Of The Ting, South, £3

fri, jan 30

sat, jan 31

Horse Meat Disco, Deaf Institute, £8 Transmission, Albert Hall, £22.50 Social Club, Soup Kitchen, £5

Henry Saiz DJ set, Sound Control, £10 HomoElectric, Antwerp Mansion, £11 Transmission, Albert Hall, £22

sat, feb 7

sun, feb 8

Twisted Sin, Bangkok Bar, £7 FAC 251, Factory, £1 Transmission, Albert Hall, £22

Mojo, Deansgate, free Cruz 101, Canal Street, £1

sun, feb 15

sat, jan 24 Rubix Cube, Antwerp, £2 Tyler’s Birthday Send-off, The Zoo, £6 Seb Zito, Joshua Brookes, £6

sun, feb 1 Mojo, Deansgate, free Cruz 101, Canal Street, £1

Mojo, Deansgate, free Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

Drop-out Mondays, Tiger Tiger, £1 Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

Drop-out Mondays, Tiger Tiger, £1 Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

Sh

tue, feb 17 Student House, South, £2 Gold Teeth, Deaf Institute, £5 Moustache, Joshua Brookes, £4

T

D U T hh

£5

Mojo, Deansgate, free Cruz 101, Canal Street, £1 Solar, Gorilla, £2

mon, jan 26 Drop-out Mondays, Tiger Tiger, £1 Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

mon, feb 2 Drop-out Mondays, Tiger Tiger, £1 Pout, Revolution, free Juke Box, Brew Dog, free

mon, feb 9

mon, feb 16

sun, jan 25

tue, feb 3 Student House, South, £2 Gold Teeth, Deaf Institute, £5 Moustache, Joshua Brookes, £4

tue, feb 10 Student House, South, £2 Gold Teeth, Deaf Institute, £5 Moustache, Joshua Brookes, £4

wed, feb 11 Uproar, The Venue, £3 Juicy, Joshua Brookes, £3 Bass Face, Sound Control, £5

wed, feb 18 Uproar, The Venue, £3 Juicy, Joshua Brookes, £3 Bass Face, Sound Control, £5

thurs, feb 19 Murkage, South, £3 F#CK, Factory, £1 Shut Up And Dance, Baa Bar, free

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12

January 2015

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what’sON theatre

Monday, January 19: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, The Lowry, £14.50 Tuesday, January 20: ATOMOS, The Lowry, £14 Wednesday, January 21: SPAMALOT, Opera House, tickets £20 Thursday, January 17February 22: THE LION KING, Palace Theatre, tickets £25 Friday, January 23: STEPPING OUT, Stockport Community Centre, £10 Saturday, January 24: SPAMALOT, Opera House, tickets £20 Monday, January 26: EAST IS EAST, Opera House, £20 Wednesday, January 28: A VIEW FROM A BRIDGE, Bolton Octagon, £18 Thursday, January 29: EAST IS EAST, Opera House, £20 Friday, January 30: AUSTENTATIOUS, The Lowry, £20 Wednesday, February 4: LIGHT, The Lowry, £20 Thursday, February 5: LIGHT, The Lowry, £20 Friday, February 6: THE DR.WHOSICAL, The Lowry, tickets £18

DO YOU

Horror show: Gunnar Cauthery as Seymour Krelborn PICTURE: JOHNATHAN KEENAN

Gore-iously gruesome comedy A MAN-EATING plant, lovable characters, amazing vocalists and tear-inducing gags? Let’s face it, Little Shop Of Horrors was always going to be a winner. At the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Saturday, February 7: SIGNATURES, The Lowry, £18 Wednesday, February 11: TOP HAT, Opera House, £20 Thursday, February 12: PHOENIX NIGHTS, Phones 4u Arena, £25

central stage is enclosed by a tower of viewing platforms, giving the best angle to observe characters darting on and off from all directions. The show runs until January 31 and costs £6. Lauren Heraty

Saturday, February 14: COUNT ARTHUR STRONG, The Lowry, £18 Sunday, February 15: PHOENIX NIGHTS LIVE, Phones 4 u Arena, £20 Monday, February 16:

KNOW

THE INSIDE

T R AC K O N

CAMPUS?

SCUTTLERS, Royal Exchange, £15 Tuesday, February 17: TOP HAT, Opera House, £20 Thursday, February 19: I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS, The Lowry, £10

comedy Monday, January 19: BEAT THE FROG, Frog and Bucket, £3 Tuesday, January 20: LIVE COMEDY, XS Malarky, £3 Wednesday, January 21: COMEDY OPEN MIC, Comedy Balloon, free Thursday, January 22: STAND UP THURSDAY, Comedy Store, £12 Friday, January 23: ROBIN INCE, The Lowry, £22 Saturday, January 24: BEST IN STAND UP, Comedy Store, £22 Sunday, January 25: KING GONG, Comedy Store, £20 Monday, January 26: BEAT THE FROG, Frog and Bucket, £3 Tuesday, January 27: LIVE COMEDY, XS Malarky, £3 Wednesday, January 28: COMEDY OPEN MIC, Comedy Balloon, free Thursday, January 29: STAND UP THURSDAY, Comedy Store, £12 Friday, January 30: BEST IN STAND UP, Comedy Store, £22 Saturday, January 31: BARREL OF LAUGHS, Frog and Bucket, £18 Sunday, February 1: NEW STUFF WITH TONY HADOKE, Comedy Store, £10 Monday, February 2: BEAT THE FROG, Frog and Bucket, £3 Tuesday, February 3: LIVE COMEDY, XS Malarky, £3

Wednesday, February 4: COMEDY OPEN MIC, Comedy Balloon, free Thursday, February 5: AN EVENING WITH NOEL FIELDING, The Lowry, £20 Friday, February 6: BARREL OF LAUGHS, Frog and Bucket, £18 Saturday, February 7: BEST IN STAND UP, Comedy Store, £20 Sunday, February 8: NEW COMEDIANS WITH ALEX BOARDMAN, Comedy Store, £10 Monday, February 9: BEAT THE FROG, Frog and Bucket, £3 Tuesday, February 10: LIVE COMEDY, XS Malarky, £3 Wednesday, February 11: COMEDY OPEN MIC, Comedy Balloon, free Thursday, February 12: THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE, Frog and Bucket, £10 Friday, February 13 - Saturday, February 14: STEWART LEE, The Lowry, £20 Sunday, February 15: SIMON AMSTEL, The Lowry, £20 Monday, February 16: BEAT THE FROG, Frog and Bucket, £3 Tuesday, February 17: LIVE COMEDY, XS Malarky, £3 Wednesday, February 18: COMEDY OPEN MIC, Comedy Balloon, free Thursday, February 19: THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE, Frog and Bucket, £10

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 lookout 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 at: editor@unipaper.co.uk


www.unipaper.co.uk

January 2015

what’sON music Monday, January 19: JUSTIN TOWNES EARL, Band On The Wall, £10 Tuesday, January 20: NEW ORLEANS JAM, Matt and Phreds, free Wednesday, January 21: STUART MCCALLUM + BAND ON THE WALL, £10 Thursday, January 22: OPEN MIC, Bierkeller, free Friday, January 23: TOVE LO, Academy, £13 Saturday, January 24: UNLIMITED VOICES, Bridgewater Hall, £10 Sunday, January 25: JESSIE WARE, Academy, £18 Monday, January 26: JD MCPHERSON + BAND ON THE WALL, £12 Tuesday, January 27: KING CREOSOTE, Academy, £15 Wednesday, January 28: FRANK TURNER, Night And Day Café, £20 Thursday, January 29: GHOST POET, Gullivers, £10 Friday, January 30: FUZZ, The Waldorf, £3 Saturday, January 31: MACKY GEE/JOSHUA BROOKES, £7 Monday, February 1: OPEN MIC, Deaf Institute, free Tuesday, February 2: GYPSIES TRIO, Matt and Phreds, Free Wednesday, February 3: THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMAN, Band On The Wall, £18 Thursday, February 4: DOUBLE JAZZ BILL, Matt and Phreds, free Friday, Feb 5: WOMEN FOLK/ BAND ON THE WALL, £15 Saturday, February 6: PRIMORDIAL, Sound Control, £10

13

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

Return of new kids on the lock

Coming of age for Scot’s style

Rising stars: New music at Tuesday Live

Paolo Nutini: Phones 4U Arena

Sunday, February 7: KANTEEN, Sound Control, £7 Monday, February 8: OPEN MIC, Deaf Institute, free Wednesday, February 10: ALEXANDER, Sound Control, tickets £7 Thursday, February 11: KIETH MCGEE TRIO, Matt and Phreds, free Friday, February 12: MINERAL, Ruby Lounge, £12 Saturday, February 13: GRUFF RHYS, Academy, £18 Sunday, February 14: JAMES

TAYLOR QUARTET, Band On The Wall, £15 Monday, February 15: HAMELL ON TRIAL, Ruby Lounge, £15 Tuesday, February 16: KODALINE, Albert Hall, £20 Wednesday, February 17: TV ON THE RADIO, Albert Hall, tickets £22

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Thursday, February 18: HAWK EYES, Sound Control, £8

A story behind each song RISING folk star Michael Rosenberg, more commonly known by his stage name Passenger, resembled a priest giving a sermon at times during his sell-out 02 Apollo gig. Speaking with a humble but electric energy, he shared the story of the cancer patient who inspired him to give up smoking and write emotional ballad Riding To New York. The Brighton-based singer–songwriter also spoke about making music over

Streets, a song about his home town. A medley of earlier hits Jenny Don’t Be Hasty and New Shoes gave the audience a new perspective on work from his first album. But the performance of the night had to be Iron Sky, from his latest album. It promised much in its haunting, synthesised intro and Nutini more than delivered in both power and technical perfection. Like a fine wine, Nutini, who burst onto the scene with Last Request eight years ago, has improved with ge. He has refined his style while holding on to the raw emotion that brought him success in the first place. Liam Osborn

THE performer from Paisley has always had a rough-diamond sort of appeal. But Paolo Nutini showcased a move from his previous passionate, rugged sound to a new polished seductiveness at the Phones 4U Arena on November 6. A stripped-back rendition of Scream (Funk My Life Up), the first single from new album Caustic Love, showed off his smooth delivery, while Let Me Down Easy saw his voice take on a velvety tone, combined with elegant female backing vocals. The more soulful Looking For Something and Better Man followed, before Nutini gave a heartfelt, accoustic version of These

EMERGING talent is on the line-up for the relaunch of one of 2014’s most successful new nights. Tuesday Live returns on January 20 with acoustic hip hop trio Prose – who headlined I Love Live Manchester last month – topping the bill. Indie pop band The Ragamuffins will also be performing, along with singer– songwriters Adorah Johnson and Shelbi. Expect an intimate atmosphere and plenty of drinks promotions at this venue, found under the railway arches on Deansgate Locks. Josh Mcloughlin

the past ten years, during which time he has come back from the break-up of his old band Passenger to write his most successful single Let Her Go, which was nominated for British Single of the Year at the 2014 BRIT Awards. His talent and passion left the audience in silence at several points during the concert; later, he urged the crowd to put away phones and cameras and ‘live life together’ before the last song. Christina Sims

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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


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January 2015

onSCREEN

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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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January 2015

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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?

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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.


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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


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yourNIGHT

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


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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


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January 2015

mealBREAK

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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

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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

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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?

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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


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January 2015

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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


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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


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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...


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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


At Specsavers, if you are an easycare direct debit customer you can get an even better deal, including a free pair of glasses, free delivery. Your eye test and aftercare are also included in the price.

Voted the UK’s most trusted optician Need an eye test? Visit specsavers.co.uk or call 0800 0680 241

Cannot be used with other offers or exchanged in part or whole for cash. Initial 3-month payment required from new easycare direct debit customers. One free pair of £45 range glasses with scratch-resistant PENTAX single vision lenses every two years. Current prescription required. Alternatively, an eye test will be required at our standard charge. easycare benefits are redeemable only by named scheme member. Source: YouGov Plc online survey, 2014. ©2013 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

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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


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yourSPACE

Beat the chill with a freeze on spending 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

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

Spare yourself pipe pain

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? 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

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

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

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

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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


"Despite the fact that England is already the fourth place where I have settled down, thanks to Student Mundial, for the rst time in my life I feel like I've got my "home, sweet home" here. Brand new accommodation, perfect location, aordable price. I'm loving it!!!" Jake: Maidstone, UK - Lisbon, Portubal "Thanks for your help, the place is great, sharing with some friendly people."

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January 2015

yourSPACE

How to find the right place to live, the right people to live with and how to keep your place right

Same mould story... Menace is worse than a clingy ex

M

OULD is maddening. Mould is a menace. Mould is like an ex that never goes away. No matter what is done to get rid of it, it keeps coming back: thicker, faster, uglier, and even more annoying. Ignoring it causes more harm than good. Therefore, it becomes necessary to take the alternative approach: go on the attack. 1. Starve it. Mould has to eat to survive, so stop feeding it. Eat all prepared food (after all, it is cooked to eat, right?) and then wash the plates afterwards. Yes, washing may

In the black corner: Fighting monstrous mould does not have to be expensive PICTURE: SAM DOVE seem like effort but laziness is the problem here. 2. Heat it. Mould loves moisture so the damp igloo you call home – with the heating turned off to save cash – is a perfect spot to

grow. To counter this, turn on the heating for a few hours each day and reduce the general dampness. 3. Trap it. Invest in some £1 to £2 damp traps which catch the condensation from

windows. They’ll significantly reduce the unwanted fungi but not those all-important funds. 4. Kill it. If all else fails, a good old mould-killing spray and cloth will do the trick and

it won’t cost more than £5. Simply spray on the affected area, allow to soak for a few minutes and then wipe away the problems of the day. Keep calm, be mould-free and save money Elliott Neil

1-10 Bedroom Student Properties throughout Fallowfield and Withington You should be “Living the Luxury Student Life”!

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35

Clean up issues with the landlord

YOU’RE older, wiser and out of halls. Landlords will want you to toe the line, but don’t stress. Follow these tips and keep things smooth. Remove the evidence: It’s the morning after the night before and rubbish is everywhere. Bag it and bin it. That way you won’t attract unwanted critters Keep it fresh: Open a window and squirt Febreze. It’s a quick and cheap fix to an unpleasant issue Pay on time: Set up a direct debit and make sure you have funds when it comes to pay day. Landlords are there to make money, after all Jake Lamb


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January 2015

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researchROUND-UP

Our flick through the most fascinating findings from universities around the country

They can tell us a moo-ving story...

Space race: The cold atomic hydrogen gas (blue) is ripped out of the main galaxy PICTURE: NASA/ CAROLE MUNDELL

In a galaxy far, far away, cannibalism is at work IN a galaxy far, far away, something rather sinister and disturbing is being recorded. A mere 50million light years from Earth, a cannibal is at work. A system dubbed Arp 94, in the constellation of Leo, is locked in a gravitational struggle with its

Owzat for the end of dodgy decisions IT’S a bugbear of weekend cricketers up and down the country: dodgy LBW decisions given by the home umpire. Now a new study shows clear evidence neutral umpires do make fewer decisions in favour of home sides. Economists reviewed leg before wicket decisions in 1,000 Test matches that took place between 1986 and 2012. It wasn’t until 2002 that both umpires were neutral. One of the lead authors, Dr Abhinav Sacheti from Nottingham University business school, said: ‘Our results suggest that when two home umpires officiated in Test matches, away teams were likely to suffer on average 16 per cent more LBW decisions than home teams.’ That bias disappeared when neutral umpires were appointed. Bias had been particularly strong in Tests played in Australia, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

neighbours where it rips material out of the interacting galaxies and hurls it far into intergalactic space. This fascinating cosmic laboratory is giving astronomers, including Liverpool John Moores Astrophysics Research Institute, tantalizing clues as to how galaxies have evolved

since the beginning of our universe. A major unanswered question in astronomy is how gas-rich spiral galaxiessuch as our own Milky Way evolve into the ‘red’ ‘dead’ elliptical galaxies, somehow switching off their ability to form stars in the process. Galactic ‘cannibalism’, where one

galaxy consumes another- as in Arp 94 – may provide an answer. Scientists, working with Nasa and the European Space Agency, have combined multiple images taken of the galactic event from telescopes such as Hubble and Spitzer to create the image above. Bryony Holloway

Kama Sutra sex life of the moth I

High wire: The male hangs like a trapeze artist

T’S enough to make a butterfly blush. And if Channel 4 ever get wind of the antics of the gold swift moth, they’d probably make a steamy late-night series about it. Biologists have described the sex life of the rather dull-looking moth as a ‘veritable Kama Sutra’. Prof John Turner, Emeritus professor in the University of Leeds’ school of biology, said: ‘With most insects, you expect to find a fairly set mating process. ‘The love life of the gold swift moth is a veritable Kama Sutra of mating patterns and positions.’ Unlike most insects, which stick rigidly to a single position, the gold swift moth had two approaches: n The male hangs facing the female and reaches over to connect his abdomen to hers. Once they connect, he lets go, falling like a trapeze artist so that he is hang-

ing upside down from his mate. He stays in this position until the following sunrise. n The male hangs with his back to the female and bends his abdomen backwards. They twist round to connect their bodies and then untwist as he falls into the mating position. The twilight courtship rituals of the gold swift moth can be seen in June and July in forest glades and bracken patches all over Britain. Prof Turner observed ‘fighting dances’ between males and occasional ‘homoerotic’ courtships, where males embark on mating procedures with their own sex. He conducted the study during holidays in the north of Scotland. He said: ‘I was doing the washing up and I looked out of the kitchen window to see all this happening in the vegetation in front of me.’ Jenny Monaghan

IF I could talk to the animals and they could squeak and squawk and moo to me… Researchers spent ten months eavesdropping on ‘conversations’ between calves and their mothers. They identified two distinct maternal calls. When cows were close to their calves, they communicated with them using low-frequency calls. When they were separated – out of visual contact– their calls were louder and at a much higher frequency. Dr Mónica Padilla de la Torre, of the University of Nottingham’s school of life sciences, said: ‘Each calf and cow have a characteristic and exclusive call of their own.’

Placebo works for runners

PERFORMANCEenhancing drugs can help athletes run faster – even when they haven’t taken them. Endurance athletes who injected a fictional drug called OxyRBX improved their 10km race time even though in reality they had only taken saline, a study on the placebo effect by the University of Glasgow showed. The runners improved their race time by an average of 1.2 per cent – a small but significant margin after taking the placebo.

Ants always turn left, right UNLIKE Derek Zoolander, ants don’t have any difficulty turning left. Most rock ants instinctively go left when entering unknown spaces, research from the University of Bristol, shows. PhD student Edmund Hunt and colleagues studied how ants explore nest cavities. He said: ‘The ants may use their left eye to detect predators and their right to navigate. Also, their world is maze-like and turning one way is a good strategy to search.’


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January 2015

37

sportNEWS

Oh, what Skum we had SPEIGHT EYES NEW START FREESKIER Peter Speight has vowed to put his recent injury nightmare behind him and cement his place on the Great Britain team. The University of Manchester third year was set to represent his country at the Sochi Winter Olympics a year ago before injury robbed him of a chance for glory. But the 22-year-old remains philosophical, saying: ‘It wasn’t meant to be this time.’ Arriving at UoM on a sports scholarship, he praised the support he has received during his enforced time

Air: Peter Speight PICTURES: PETERSPEIGHT.CO.UK

away from the slopes. Speight, from Sheffield, began skiing aged four, quickly caught the bug and now specialises in the halfpipe. He was first selected for the national squad in 2013. ‘Being in your national team gives you access

to a bigger range of comps, such as the world championships,’ he said. ‘Next up is just riding as much possible.’ First up is qualifying for the US Grand Prix in Park City, Utah, next month. Xan Atkins

GEORGIA GAGE gives all the goss on this year’s trip to the mountains with Manchester’s infamous skiing society SKUM: A drinking club with a skiing problem… And, judging by the antics of those that attended the University of Manchester skiing club’s latest trip, it was no Ski Sunday. While some probably did venture to Les Arcs in Savoie in the French Alps for the skiing, most had one thing on their minds – après-ski. The snow was perfect – just enough for those with ankle-grazing t-shirts and boats strapped to their feet to go bash some ‘fresh pow’, but also enough grass on show for the socialites of the mountain to justifiably nurse a hangover until three, ski to après and potentially never leave. The week kicked off with Eaton Messy. It was agreed this was far better than the infamous Warehouse Project.

Skum – loud, proud and smiling like maniacs – danced until the end and all the way home. Maybe it was the altitude. Amid the table top-dancing and champagne-spraying, the snow finally began to fall and fall fast. You could actually ski, if you fancied it. The mountain meal was a sight to behold. Several manicured, fur-donning girls appeared slightly put out when an enthusiastic committee removed their cutlery. But they soon learned that eating melted cheese, ham and potatoes (don’t question the French) with only your hands is actually good fun. As we waited outside to be unleashed on our skis, a 500-strong choir of drunken students gave a truly magical rendition of the 12 Days Of Christmas. Then, all too soon,

came the last night, the grand finale: Sexual Fantasies. A colourful array of costumes, from gimp suits to Nutella, paraded home in the early hours. On a very sombre coach home, someone pointed out that you spend more hours on the coach than you could ever possibly spend skiing. While many ‘proper’ athletes who run around and hit balls and things envisage the ski trip as a torturous week of compulsory liver failure and nakedness, the trip is a rare opportunity to be completely free – and to do, without judgement, whatever the hell you want. So, save your eye-rolling and your mockery when you hear the word Skum. Yes, we are loud – but what we know is how to play hard. And, of course, there are some who actually want to ski…

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January 2015

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sportNEWS Determined: Captain Irene Kyriakidou PICTURE: NATHAN SALT

Focus is the key for Irene and her team of Invincibles IT’S all about staying focused now, as Salford University women’s basketballers close in on an unbeaten season. With the title of Invincibles within touching distance, Irene Kyriakidou, captain of the �irst team, is quick to ensure the hype doesn’t get in the way of getting the job done. ‘We are very pleased and have worked hard for all these wins this season,’ she said. ‘We have a very good team at the moment. It’s important to stay focused now.’ A strong, experienced core squad has been key to their success this season, she added. ‘The starting �ive players have many years playing the game and at this level, that helps a lot,’ she said. ‘We don’t have a large squad and so the experience we

Down but not out: Salford have as a group is crucial.’ The team sits at the top of the BUCS division 3A, with just three matches to go. Another critical factor has been the injection of new talent. ‘Melissa [Golaub], Lydia [Bowers] and Brianna [McKellery] have been really good for us,’ said Irene.

SALFORD University’s basketball men saw a two-year unbeaten run come to an end against promotion rivals Northumbria University, losing 84-65. Firsts captain Ryan Lohfink described the loss as ‘bittersweet’, adding: ‘I wanted to go further but it’s always going to come to an end at this level, playing better opposition. We have to shake that off and get on with it, with only a few games to go.’ The side remains top of the Northern 1A division, with three games left.

‘Brianna has come from America and shown her quality in the matches so far but, sadly, she is only here for one year as she completes her masters.’ Irene also singled out chairwoman Ellis Whyler, praising her for fostering a tremendous support network for the club. Nathan Salt

League versus union? Only one winner so far... SANIA REHMAN

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THE fortunes of Salford University’s rugby teams could not be more mixed. While the league code is unbeaten, forging ahead in cup and league, the union side sits bottom of their league, without a win. Alex Davidson, a regular in the league side, said: ‘We have won both of our games in good style, so it has been good. We are training hard and we are into the quarter-�inal of the cup, so it is going really well.’ The rugby league team have a big block of games in the coming month – including the cup clash – and Davidson is con�ident they can continue to deliver. ‘We are looking at developing through that period and

Grit: West in action going on winning every game. To win in this league, you can’t really slip up,’ he said. The contrast with the union code is stark. Captain Dominic West said: ‘Lack of discipline has been our issue. Our last few games have been lost by small margins. We have not had a strong line-out this year.’ West said the team showed massive commitment to all

aspects of the game – but that sometimes it was not enough, as rugby also takes a bit of brain. ‘We have already been putting a lot of work in and are now going to be training twice a week – once outside and once inside,’ he added. While respect for the opposing codes is mutual, neither would swap. Davidson said: ‘For me, league is the tougher game much more physical and contact.’ However, West mused: ‘I wouldn’t ever change – although I have considered training with a league team outside of university.’ His union side look to end their losing streak against Bangor University, while the league out�it take on Edge Hill, both on January 28.


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January 2015

sportNEWS

39

We’re sky blue thinking Victories launch Manchester City’s £200m academy JOE EVANS UNIVERSITY football stars past and present christened Manchester City’s new 7,000-seater £200million academy stadium. Manchester Metropolitan University’s football teams sealed a ten-year partnership deal with the Premier League champions by playing the inaugural fixtures at the ground. The MMU men’s football II faced MMU All Stars XI – a team made up of other MMU Sport club athletes, MMU Sport staff members and a number of alumni. The first half saw the All Stars take the lead through MMU alumni and ex-football chairman, Matt Klemperer. But the lead didn’t last long, as Adam Kalka levelled for MMU just before half-time. Shortly after the break, Adam Beresford put MMU in front and they held on to claim a 2-1 win. The women had a far more straightforward victory over long-standing Yorkshire rivals Leeds Gryphons. Captain Vicky Dillon put MMU in front and the lead was extended just before half-time through sport

scholar Emily Hollinshead. The second half started the same as the first, with MMU pushing to increase their lead. The pressure paid off as Rachel Dunlop pounced to make it three. Leeds could not find a way back into the game as MMU ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. The new stadium will be used for the Premier League outfit’s academy and youth teams and its women’s team. Arran Dixon, men’s football captain, said: ‘Competing at MCFC was an experience that none of us playing for the football team will ever forget. ‘Both men and women’s teams produced very competitive, high-quality football matches at an amazing venue. Hopefully, games of this calibre will encourage more and more people to participate in not just football but all sports at MMU.’ Hannah Lines, women’s football chair, added: ‘The game was an incredible experience for all teams involved. The facilities were outstanding and everyone was excited, yet nervous, to be playing at such a highclass facility. The support was amazing and kept the girls in high spirits.’

Midfield tussle: MMU and the All Stars (black and white) in action PICTURES: MMU

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In on goal: MMU women go in search of more goals against Leeds Gryphons

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