Freshers Issue

thewaterfront

The official student voice of Swansea University

Free Freshers’ Issue September 23, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS

INSIDE

Olympic torch visits Swansea

The Olympic torch will visit Swansea University as part of the search for torchbearers ahead of the London page 3 2012 Olympics

Saturday exams given the axe Students will no longer have to sit exams on Saturdays from next summer as year-long campaign succeeds page 5 FEATURES

Pic: Colin Hough

SWANSEA PROPS UP STUDENT SEX LEAGUE

by Becca Taylor

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS at Swansea University have come next to bottom for the number of sexual partners they have had.

A survey revealed Swansea students have an average of 3.3 sexual partners during their time at university, leaving them 60th in the sex league.

Other Welsh universities, Glamorgan and Uwic, came first and second respec-

tively, with students there confessing to having more than10 sexual partners since they moved away from home.

Aberystwyth was fifth with an average of 9.1 partners while Cardiff was 13th with 7.3. Bangor came 57th with a 3.5 average.

“I would say that students at Swansea were too busy having safe sex to fill in this survey, which is why we tabled so low,” said Charlotte Britton, welfare officer at Swansea Students’ Union.

“Seriously though, it doesn’t matter

where we tabled as long as students are safe, happy and comfortable with what they’re doing.”

Miss Britton also reminded students that a variety of condoms, dental dams and pregnancy tests are available for free from level three of Union House.

The survey, conducted by studentbeans.com, asked more than 2,800 students from across 61 universities over a two-week period towards the end of last term.

It also revealed 54% of female univer-

sity students have taken the morning after pill, with the majority citing a split condom or lack of protection as the reason.

The survey also showed 38% of students admitted they had never had an STI check-up despite 35% recalling a one-night stand while being at university.

Students here have given mixed reactions to the results of the survey.

to page 2 >>>

Freshers set for fortnight of fun Everything you need to know about freshers’ fortnight in our jam-packed page 7 pullout guide FRONT

Charlie busting his way in

Charlie Simpson is heading to Swansea for freshers for the first page 8 time as a solo artist SPORT

Varsity heading back to Cardiff Varsity will be held in Cardiff for the second year running at the page 24 Millennium Stadium

02 I NEWS

thewaterfront Third floor, Students’ Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 waterfronteditor@swansea-union.co.uk web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: thewaterfrontSU facebook: the waterfront swansea SECTION EDITORS News TBC waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

Features Jamie Harrison waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk

Sport Chris Penn waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

Music TBC waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk

Film Andrew Williams waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk

TV TBC waterfronttv@swansea-union.co.uk

Culture TBC waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk

Listings TBC waterfrontlistings@swansea-union.co.uk

Societies James Langridge

thewaterfront Freshers’ Issue 23.09.11

Fresh start for Waterfront as new editors move in THE first issue of your new look Waterfront is currently being prepared and this is just a taste of what’s to come.

Two new editors have been appointed and have been working hard to bring the paper up to date with a complete re-launch.

With it will come a fresh new look and a greater focus on real journalism.

Reporters will be encouraged to generate their own stories through contacts and general nosiness.

Stories in this year’s paper will all have a link to Swansea University, which means the likes of the world news section and coverage of Swansea City and the Ospreys etc are no more.

At the end of the day, these stories can

be accessed across many media outlets, where as stories about the university and its students can’t.

This is a paper by students for students and that’s where the focus should be.

The look of the paper will be cleaner with better use of pictures and less text heavy as people don’t have time or want to read reams of copy.

The website will also be updated and be used as a live site for breaking stories in between issues and live sports reports on Wednesdays.

A one-stop shop twitter account along with a Facebook page has also been introduced too so you can keep tabs on what is going on.

One thing that should be said is that the paper is going through a massive

change, so best not to expect everything to happen overnight.

This will take time and there will no doubt be some teething problems, but we will get there in the end.

There has been a tremendous response from people wanting to be part of the paper and anyone is welcome to get involved. Just send us an e-mail.

The aim is to improve you as aspiring journalists by helping you learn how to write, teaching you how to find and develop stories and how to put the paper together.

The end result will be you leaving university in better shape than you started.

And for those who don’t want to get involved, we hope you enjoy a good read.

£100k re-fit for union bars JC’s and Wonky Sheep

waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk

Travel Zoe Gullet waterfronttravel@swansea-union.co.uk

Fashion Lucinda Reid waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk

Games Matt Edwards waterfrontgames@swansea-union.co.uk

Technology Jon May waterfronttechnology@swansea-union.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Becca Taylor, Jazz Dicker, Craig Hadley, Callum Cameron, Jon Griffiths, Becki Allen, Holly Griggs, Max Murdoch, Katie Whitehead, Dan Harvey, David Hendy, Oli Drake, Michael Samuel, Catrin Morgan, Aiden Ramsey.

Proof readers Gem Tregellas, Amy Moore Designers Max Murdoch Photographers Marc Holmes, Colin Hough photographysu@gmail.com Website Toby Hughes waterfrontweb@swansea-union.co.uk

Advertising Annie Cottam (01792) 602496 Distribution Russell Wade (01792) 606715

Pic: Marc Holmes TAKING SHAPE: JC’s on the main campus is due to open on Friday after work is completed on its £75,000 makeover

by James Langridge

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE students’ union’s two main bars have been given a £100,000 makeover during the summer.

In a joint venture between the students’ union and the university, JC’s, on the main campus has had all fixtures and furnishings stripped out.

The brand new interior, which has a blue and white colour scheme, includes improved seating throughout, a new

bar area and new pool tables.

The toilets, which have come under much criticism over the years, have also been replaced.

The idea to upgrade JC’s, at a cost of around £75,000 was proposed by president Luke James in his election manifesto earlier this year.

“JC’s will be transformed into a venue Swansea students will be proud of,” he said.

There has also been significant change at Hendrefoelan student village where

Meeting Times (Meetings are in the Waterfront office)

Copy deadlines for next issue Section editors Features Front News Sport

Monday, September 26 Tuesday, September 27 Tuesday, September 27 Wednesday, September 28 Thursday, September 29

Woody’s has been refurbished and given a new name - the Wonky Sheep.

The name was chosen in a survey of prospective and current students.

The union has worked with the students’ residents committee on the £25,000 project which will be completed in a second phase of work during the Christmas break.

Split into two rooms, one is a carpeted area that acts as a lobby–style, lounge area and the other features an improved bar and better seating.

2pm 4pm 11am 4pm 11am

Section editors News & Sport Features Front De-brief & Ideas

Monday, September 26 Monday, September 26 Monday, September 26 Monday, September 26 Friday, September 29

11am 11am 12pm 12pm 1pm

Sex league <<< from page 1 Third year student Jon May said: “Either there was a huge contrast/spectrum or a few people surveyed were telling porkies.”

Final year student Rex Liddiard suggested a students’ union survey would provide a clearer picture as the studentbeans.com results are limited based on who uses the website.

Admitting that emergency contraception was there for a reason, fellow thirdyear Lottie Watts expressed concern at the lack of care taken to use protection.

She said: “I know it’s difficult when drunk, but there’s no harm in sticking a condom in your bag before you go out just in case.”

Salmon spot predators

SALMON can sense mammal predators because they can tell whether they have eaten salmon before, according to new research.

Swansea University scientists found the fish can “sniff out” otters and other common predators.

Smell acts as an early warning system for the fish.

“It’s the predator’s diet - not just its own smell - that’s alerting the salmon,” said Dr Laura Roberts, co-author of the scientific report.

“The salmon’s ability to sense these chemicals helps them to react to a wide range of predators.”

Disclaimer The Waterfront thanks everyone who contributed to this issue.

Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the students’ union, when an opinion is expressed it is the view of the journalist that is represented unless otherwise stated.

www.waterfrontonline.co.uk

Olympic flame torchbearer hunt heading to Swansea University

by Adam Rennie

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE Olympic torch tour is coming to Swansea University next month in search of inspirational young people to carry the flame during next year’s torch relay.

The visit, on Monday, October 17, is part of a nationwide search for “future flames”.

It aims to recognise and reward the positive contributions made by young people in the region every day.

Coca-Cola, a partner of the London 2012 Olympic torch relay, will be calling on everyone in Swansea to nominate the future flames they know.

They include young people who use their passion in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance, and community and the environment; to spread happiness in their local communities.

Tom Upton, Swansea students’ union societies and services officer said: “We are delighted to welcome the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Tour so that the people of Swansea University can celebrate all the amazing things our local young people are doing.

“We want everyone on campus to nominate the inspirational young people they know and give them the chance to run with the Olympic flame next summer.”

Throughout the summer, the tour headed to some of the UK’s festivals as well as visiting city centres and summer hot spots to call on everyone to nominate the best of British youth.

NEWS I 03

Intake of students meets set targets

by James Langridge

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

TOURING WALES: The Olympic flame will visit a number of cities and towns in Wales as part of next year’s UK torch relay The campaign is being backed by music artists Dizzee Rascal, The Wanted, Eliza Doolittle, and You Me At Six who are all calling on people to get behind the future flames campaign.

Dizzee said: “It’s time to recognise young people in this country and the future flames campaign does just that.

“See the person, not the age. I see young people judged all the time and

there’s negativity about them.

“But people should look at reality – many young people are making a positive difference but no one hears about it.

We can change that by nominating the future flames we know.”

Jay McGuiness from The Wanted added: “We know there’s loads out there that slip under the radar, so if you have anyone in mind, don’t leave it to some-

one else, nominate them.”

And Eliza Doolittle said: “The youth of the UK get such bad press which I really don’t think they deserve.

“We all need to recognise the huge amount of positive things teens are doing and what they give back to the community.

“Everyone needs to nominate the future flames they know.”

MORE than 3,000 new students are due to begin studying at Swansea University this week.

The intake for the year stands at 2,791 which meets the 2011 targets set by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) - Wales’ university governing body.

On top of that there will be around 280 students who will be studying health sciences including nursing and medicine, with places funded by the Welsh Government.

But between 2-4% of these students are expected to be no shows and not enrol.

This is the last year students will pay tuition fees of £3,375 per year.

From 2012/13, HEFCW have approved Swansea University’s proposal to charge tuition fees of £9,000 for undergraduate students.

Students from Wales starting their first degree will not have to pay tuition fees up front.

They can get a tuition fee loan of up to £3,465 to cover the initial cost of tuition, which they only start to pay back when they are earning over £21,000 a year.

A new fee grant, which will pay the balance of the tuition fees up to a maximum of £9,000 and does not have to be paid back, is also available to them.

Support will also be given to students towards their living costs through a loan.

Students are happy with the Outstanding prof wins top accolade Swansea Uni experience

by Callum Cameron

by Becki Allen

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University has some of the most satisfied students in the country, according to a survey.

Students all over the UK took part in the National Student Survey which looks at a number of factors.

They include the quality of teaching, feedback, support, organisation and management, resources available to students and their personal growth.

Swansea scored 82%, indicating eight out of 10 students are happy with the way their courses are run.

Rhiannon Hedge, students’ union education officer, said: “Although there have been improvements in student satisfaction in many subject areas, overall satisfaction with the student experience at Swansea has dropped 2% in the last year to 82%.

“The biggest issue shown by the National Student Survey results this year is

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

assessment and feedback, as just 61% of students agreed they received prompt, detailed and helpful feedback on their work.”

But Tom Upton, the union’s societies and services officer, welcomed the results of the survey.

Now in it’s seventh year, the National Student Survey saw the highest response with 65% of the estimated 260,000 final year students completing

the survey.

A total of 154 higher education institutes and 99 further education institutes took part in the survey which showed an encouraging trend in the level of satisfaction amongst students.

Other Welsh universities including Swansea Metropolitan University and Cardiff University along with Aberystwyth University and Bangor University came out well in the survey.

A SWANSEA University professor is celebrating winning this year’s Economics Network of the Higher Education Academy outstanding teaching award.

Professor Steven Cook of Swansea University’s school of business and economics won the accolade following the introduction of his applied econometrics module.

He said the module “seeks to deliver demanding, technical material in an interactive and practical manner to both illustrate its relevance and develop subject-specific and transferable skills’”.

Prof Cook admitted he was was “surprised and honoured” to win the award that has “further strengthened the department”.

“This award is a further reflection of the enthusiasm and hard work of our staff,” he added.

Prof Cook was due to receive his award at the Economics Network’s national conference at the London School of Economics earlier this month.

Dr Paul Latreille, director of the Swansea academy of learning and teaching (SALT), praised Prof Cook’s work.

He said: “Steve is not only an excellent teacher but also an outstanding researcher.

“He has delivered genuine improvements in performance.”

Praise also comes from Swansea University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for academic quality and student experience, Prof Alan Speight.

He commended Prof Cook for his efforts in turning a “sometimes inaccessible subject” into a success story not only of academic achievement but also of student engagement and motivation.

The economics department is proving to be a great asset to the university, having been recognised for its teaching excellence 10 times since 2003.

04 I NEWS

thewaterfront Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Issue 23.09.11

www.waterfrontonline.co.uk

Students handed exams boost as Saturday sittings are scrapped

by Jazz Dicker

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SATURDAY exams have finally been scrapped, the Waterfront can reveal.

From next summer there will be no more Saturday exams in the four week exam period.

In the past there have been exams on all four Saturdays which has created a lot of unrest among students.

For student mum Madeleine, taking

Saturday exams means she has to pay extra child care fees and misses out on time spent with her child.

Psychology and criminology student Ceri loses out on a day’s wages because of Saturday exams, which he needs to help fund his degree.

The campaign kicked off in January with a themed night in Tooters and just three days later the signatures of over 600 students had been collected.

After two weeks, 1,000 signatures had

been collected and the petition was delivered to university management along with a video of various students talking about why it was wrong to hold exams on Saturdays.

In July, the change was confirmed and students are now going to be able to enjoy a 48 hour weekend to de-stress during exam time.

But Saturday exams will still take place in January over two Saturdays as this is much harder to change.

Students’ union president Luke James led the campaign from the start and was delighted with the outcome.

“I am extremely pleased that after a year-long campaign we have stopped Saturday exams in the longer summer exam period,” he said.

Mr James also thanked everyone who helped support the campaign.

“All the students who gave their time and energy to this cause have made it a success,” he added.

Ban on gay men giving blood axed

by Katie Whitehead

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE end of the lifetime ban on gay men from donating blood has been welcomed by Swansea University students’ union.

The ban aimed to reduce the risk of transfusion transmitted HIV and other infections.

But the union felt the ban was discriminatory and has campaigned against it for years.

LGBT officer Ian Morgan said: “The work that students of Swansea have done over the past few years towards this has been absolutely amazing and I commend every person who put their signature on a petition, or participated in any other event that has gone on in the past few years concerning the former lifetime ban.”

But he feels there is still work to be done regarding the 12 month deferral period that is now in place.

Welfare officer Charlotte Britton added: “The 12 month deferral period is disappointing, especially as we have not been given the reasons behind this.

“I will definitely support NUS Wales and NUS UK in calling for the research to be published.”

Through the Donation not Discrimination Campaign tens of thousands of signatures have been collected and hundreds of direct actions run.

NUS Wales believes gay men who do not participate in high risk sexual activity should be allowed to donate blood as they wish.

PROJECT LEADER: Dr Vincent Teng believes lives can be saved using this device to monitor glucose levels in diabetics

Scientists develop diabetes danger text alert system

by Andy Williams

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SCIENTISTS at Swansea University are developing a system which monitors glucose levels in the blood of diabetes sufferers.

The device in development will provide continuous monitoring of the blood glucose levels using a nanowires biosensor and will save patients having to use the traditional ‘finger stick’ tests.

Blood is drawn into micro-needles which contain the nanowires and by using wireless mobile technology, the glucose information can be sent to mobile

phones.

The system will send text alerts to emergency services or next of kin if the patient is in danger of a hypoglycaemia attack.

The micro-needles, each measuring less than 1mm, are less invasive than the ‘finger stick’ tests and less painful as the blood is taken from a layer of the skin, which has less nerve endings.

Dr Vincent Teng, a nanoelectric expert from Swansea University’s college of engineering, is leading the project and said lives could be saved with this level of monitoring.

“There are many sufferers of diabetes

that live alone and their lives could possibly be saved by the introduction of this system,” he said.

“This multi-functional monitoring system is important to manage the glucose level of diabetic patients and to provide a warning when the patient is unconscious.”

Welsh Government Science Minister Edwina Hart AM said the project can potentially create significant health advantages for patients, savings for the NHS and benefits for the Welsh economy.

It is hoped the device will be available within three years and could even be adapted to monitor other diseases.

NEWS I 05

Increase in rent hits students

by Craig Hadley

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS will have to pay more than £100 extra in rental charges for privately rented accommodation this year, according to a survey.

Swansea students will be expected to fork out on average £60.17 per week - a rise of £2.42 on last year.

That works out at a total of £2,647.48 on average per year.

This is broken down into term time and summer costs which are £2,406.80 and £240.68 respectively.

It means an increase of £106.48 for this coming year.

The latest hikes, revealed by website accommodationforstudents.com, reflect the trend in Wales with Cardiff students seeing an increase to £61.07 and Aberystwyth’s average going up to £62.01.

But Bangor students are even worse off with their average weekly rent going up 11% from £59.22 to £65.87.

Luke Young, National Union of Students Wales president described the rises as “deeply worrying”, while Charlotte Britton, welfare officer for Swansea students’ union, has called it an “unwelcome rise”.

The prospect of either higher prices or a lower standard of living could deter students from certain universities.

But there is greater concern that students might go for poorer quality housing in order to keep costs down.

Miss Britton has assured students that Swansea has no housing shortage.

“It’s important that students take their time, view at least three properties and make informed decisions,” she said.

Students who have come through clearing as well as returning students will be hit by the changes.

But students who received an unconditional place at Swansea, and are guaranteed accommodation in halls for the first year, will not escape a rise either.

Those staying in the Hendrefoelan student village, as well as on campus, will pay more than their predecessors – on average £3 to £4 more per week.

Notably the increases in fees are mirrored across the rest of the UK. Students in London face the highest charges, at £108.33 per week on average, while those living in Cambridge, Exeter, Guildford and Uxbridge have to pay more than £90.

Middlesbrough is the cheapest place to rent where students pay an average of £43.68 per week.

Police urging students to keep safe

HAPPY TIMES: Police hope guidance will help students enjoy life at university

SWANSEA University’s campus police have given students guidelines on how to avoid becoming victims of crime while at university.

Reminders to “lock it, hide it, keep it” includes tips on disguising laptops in rucksacks and securing all doors and windows before leaving home.

Despite Swansea being a safe city, police also warn not to leave valuables

on show when you are out as student homes can be easy targets for thieves.

Students are advised to avoid shortcuts and isolated areas and carry personal attack alarms when out in the city.

Keeping mobiles and MP3 players hidden is also recommended.

When socialising you should travel in a group, keep your drink close by, do not drink drive or be with a drink-driver.

Students should carry enough money to get a taxi home and stay close to trusted friends if they feel dizzy or drunk.

Students are also asked to be quiet, tidy and respectful to others, particularly when coming home late at night.

Campus police officers PC Katryna Malinowski-Evans or PCSO Clive Dainton are available on 01792 295882 or police@swansea.ac.uk.

06 I NEWS

thewaterfront Freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Issue 23.09.11

societies 18

freshers’ guide 14-17

freshers’ stalls 12-13

7

surviving freshers 10

Freshers’ Week 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

big interview 8-9

L I F E S T Y L E A N D F E AT U R E S FOR SWANSEA STUDENTS

front

From Busted to wasted

Charlie Simpson plays freshers >> page 18

What to do?

Our freshers’ guide will tell you >> page 18

Freshers’ Fayre -The Map

>> page 18

Freshers_Front_pp7-9_Cover&interview.indd 7

21/09/2011 08:45

big interview

Charlie Simpson:

The man behind the eyebrows Everyone has their own preconceptions of Charlie Simpson: the one with the eyebrows from Busted who always looked like he would rather be somewhere else; the Fightstar frontman who finally found his feet. But now, most surprisingly, he has become a serious acoustic musician who wants to show Swansea “a good time”.

Lucinda Reid unravels the mystery.

C

harlie Simpson has had more transitions than X Factor winner Joe McElderry. It’s a comparison Simpson would be unlikely to thank me for. Don’t be fooled, with so many different genres in his history you could assume that Simpson is floundering with his musical identity. But Charlie Simpson knows exactly what he is doing.

Born into a musical family where his mother’s side was rich with the artistic gene, he explains how his “great grandad attended the Royal College of Music and was incredibly well known” within the industry.

He says he was not pushed into the business, but he never strayed from pursuing music, leaving education behind him when he was signed at just 16 years old, after answering an advert in the NME.

Freshers_Front_pp7-9_Cover&interview.indd 8

8

EMAIL: waterfrontfrontrow@swansea-union.co.uk

He never went back to education, and you might assume he regrets not having the chanc e to attend university. There is a short pause, but the answer is a resounding: “education really isn’t my thing”.

Anyone who’d had the same break would probably say the same thing. The break in question is, of course, Busted, the million-record selling boy band that catapulted Simpson into the spotlight. After answering the advert in the NME his fate was sealed.

But almost ten years on, the whole pop charade is a sore point for the musician. His management company made it clear that Simpson would not answer any questions about this part of his history, stating that he is no longer in contact with his former band mates and a reunion is not

happening. Busted is one band that will not be seeing the year three thousand.

It’s worth noting, though, that Simpson has managed that rare thing in music: the transition from boy band to authentic indie rock front man, which is no mean feat.

Enter Fightstar, who managed to produce a number of criticallyacclaimed albums before taking a hiatus last year. Simpson talks freely about the band, keen to stress that they, ”will come back, but there is no time frame or pressures, we are all just very chilled about the situation and focusing on our own projects”.

It’s this hiatus and the resulting solo project that brings Simpson to Swansea University. So what can we expect?

Young Pilgrim, Simpson’s debut

as a solo artist, is heavily acoustic with overtones of Americana.

It’s a far cry from the gruff rock vocals on Fightstar’s material. The album is surprisingly refreshing and would make a good bedfellow for the sounds of Mumford and Sons or Snow Patrol. The songs are all written by Simpson, which is proof in itself of how he has used his varied experiences in the industry to create a confident record.

Although it seems odd to stray from the familiarity of bands, Simpson is more than up to handling things by himself.

“Being a solo artist was always in the back of my mind,” he says, “especially acoustic as I loved that sort of music from a young age.

After Fightstar took their break it became the right time to pursue

21/09/2011 08:45

the idea.” The songs are all written

by Simpson which is proof in itself of how he has used his varied experiences in the industry to create a confident record.

Inspired by the music of Pete Yorn, Jackson Brown and The Eagles, Simpson says these were the songs that resonated from his childhood.

But the influence from his producer, Danton Supple, whose credits include Coldplay and the Doves, has also had a big impact on the album.

“Supple was able to turn my

”There has been a massive change in the past ten years compared to the last 50 years,” says Simpson.

“The way of buying music has changed massively. There wasn’t iTunes or Youtube and the whole stage of social media didn’t exist.”

Social media’s obvious impact on the industry has seen Myspace being used to publicise new bands and bring them into the public eye. “Myspace would have been amazing for me at the start. Young artists need to take as much as they

Being a solo artist was always in the back of my mind ideas into reality by finding sounds and getting the most out of an instrument,” explains Simpson.

“He was a great engineer for the record.”

It’s not all been plain sailing. The album was released on schedule on 15 August, but the release was put at serious risk following the London riots at the beginning of August.

A warehouse stocking thousands of albums belonging to many independent labels was destroyed by fire during the looting.

“They probably thought it was filled with televisions and electronic equipment,” he says. “But with nothing to loot, they burnt it to the ground. The labels relied on the stock so it was shocking to hear what had happened. It was touch and go but we were lucky, we managed to release the album on the original date. I have to praise morale at the label – they were fantastic.”

The music industry is undoubtedly something which Simpson feels strongly about, as another project of his proves. Pledge Music is an organisation that brings musicians and fans together, raising money for charity in the process. “It gives musicians 100 per cent control of their music, plus enables fans to pledge for an ultimate access to their favourite bands,” says Simpson, who has been using the site for some time. It’s an idea that shows just how much the music industry has changed since Simpson entered as a teen.

Freshers_Front_pp7-9_Cover&interview.indd 9

can out of social media as it is such a great platform.”

Of course, another platform for new artists is reality television – so is he tempted?

Will we see Charlie Simpson anytime soon, judging X Factor or eating certain kangaroo parts in the jungle? ”I think those programmes are awful, I can’t watch them. It just feeds the hunger of people who want to just get famous,” he laughs.

What he does rate is the Welsh music scene, which he’d heard all about from a mate who attended Swansea University and reported it was “great for new music”. So, after playing in Swansea with Fightstar he returns as a solo artist with a set that he promises will, “bring an energy to the audience”. Apparently artists have to rely on more than just the income from music these days – Simpson gets in a good plug for a certain drink before the end of interview: ”I am sponsored by Jagermeister so I always have a shot before I go on stage,” he confides.

Still, acclaimed music and a shot or two? Something tells me he will be more than welcome at Swansea University.

Young Pilgrim by Charlie Simpson is out now. www.pledgemusic.com

societies 18

freshers’ guide 14-17

freshers’ stalls 12-13

surviving freshers 10

9

big interview 8-9

Freshers’ Week 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

Magical comedy dragon Piff will be making his Swansea debut in freshers’ week. Catrin Morgan caught up with the green one fresh from his battle with Penn and Teller to find out what makes his act smokin’ hot You’ve won an award every year since 2009. Was being a magician always the plan?

Always. Piff the Chartered Accountant Dragon doesn’t have quite the same ring.

So when did you know that the average 9-5 job wasn’t for you?

At 6.30am when the alarm went off.

What advice would you give to our students who want to follow their dream, even though it may not be the most secure career?

Always follow your dreams! Unless they are stupid.

Or involve unicorns. Anyway, security is an illusion.

Shazam!

What’s the biggest perk of performing magic? Does it get you many princesses?

The snacks. Always the snacks. Sadly I don’t have room for any more princesses. My castle overfloweth.

Your act is pretty different to a typical magic act. What possessed you to bring dead pan comedy into it too?

Magic is weird. If you really did have magic powers would you really be finding the four of diamonds? As a magic dragon I could of course rule the world and make minions out of you all, but

thankfully for human civilisation, I like nothing more than standing at a microphone and banging out a tight twenty.

You’ve done extremely well since being discovered at the Edinburgh fringe festival in 2009. What’s been the highlight? And where would you love to be in 10 years’ time?

Piff loves Australia. I did a tour there this year and ate pancakes almost every day. Piff also loves pancakes. Also this year I made my debut in La Soiree, formerly La Clique, which was an epic ambition of mine. In 10 years I’d like to be still eating pancakes. I’m pretty low maintenance.

The idea of dressing up a dragon is really fun. Where did you get it from, and why did you choose it?

Dressing up? I have no idea what you are talking about. I’m a magic dragon.

Has a trick ever gone terribly wrong?

Yes, but I am unable to discuss it for legal reasons.

You’ve sold a trick to David Blaine. Is it a really labour intensive process and how do you think them up?

It can be quite difficult but fortunately I have a magic pixie who whispers ideas to me in my sleep.

His name is Kevin. He also makes the tea.

Your assistant, Mr Piffles, is the world’s first levitating Chihuahua. How did you find him?

Gumtree. Genuinely. On gumtree.

Lastly, if you could perform any trick at all, even if it’s not entirely possible, what would it be?

How about water into pancakes? Do you have any pancakes? When will I get pancakes?

Piff is at Diva’s, October 4

21/09/2011 08:46

surviving freshers

10

It’s a jungle out there. In the next few weeks you will have to dodge inappropriate romantic entanglements with flatmates, mishaps on your alcoholic adventures, 1940s style rationing and enough budget reviews to exhaust the Chancellor of the Exchequer. You’ll survive, as long as you follow Callum Cameron’s simple rules...

6 rules for surviving freshers 1

Don’t sh*t on your own doorstep Danger rating HHH

With all of the new talent roaming around you will find temptation everywhere. But remember, anything you do with a housemate will soon become common knowledge, and it will haunt you forever.

We say: Avoiding this pitfall couldn’t be simpler. Instead of looking next door just go down a floor and look there. If that doesn’t work, try going up a floor. Another floor is like looking into a parallel universe, it looks similar – but it is very, very different.

2

HHHH

Safety first Danger rating HHHHH

Girls who are boys, who like boys to be girls, who do boys like their girls, who do girls like they’re boys, always should be someone you reeeeeeeaaaaalllllyyyyyy loooooooove… hmm? What were we saying? Oh, right, yes – always practice safe sex. Always.

We say: Use condoms, silly – get them at all major stockists, and from the Students’ Union.

Freshers_Front_pp10-13_Survive&stalls.indd 10

Danger rating HH

Cooking for yourself is a skill, once learned, that you will take with you into a long and happy life. It’s also kinder to your wallet, and makes for a healthier body. Ready meals are tempting, with their idiot-proof recipes (open pack, insert into microwave, heat), but can be heavy on the salt and low on the vitamins.

We say: Whatever Kermit the frog might say, it is easy being green. Welfare officer Charlotte Britton says: “Eat fruit and vegetables. They will stop you getting scurvy as well as the dreaded freshers’ flu”. Check out: www. studentrecipes.com/ for great recipes and simple ideas.

Take care of the pennies Danger rating

Alcohol isn’t cheap. Phone bills are regular. Accommodation is expensive.

You do the math. It’s not easy, when you find yourself utterly loaded for the first time ever, but reality check: it’s borrowed cash. You wouldn’t be the first student to fall foul of this one though. Zahid Raja, a 3rd Year Medical Sciences and Humanities BSc student, thought Freshers was simply, “the dream. I literally have no idea how much money I spent or the amount of shots I consumed or the number of societies I joined.”

We say: Your loan will help with the majority of your costs, but perhaps a part-time job might help. There are lots of ways to make your money go further – sharing the cost of food with your housemates and doing big cookups can be a money saver, and it pays to look out for offers. The Students’ Union Ents team has a platinum package this year which includes tickets to all their events throughout the year, which may work out to be a big saving if you plan to go to the freshers events and a club night once a week. The worst thing you can do is ignore a bad situation – the Students’ Union advice centre can help if you find yourself in trouble.

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4

Jamie Oliver, not Bernard Matthews

5

Liver let live Danger rating HHHH

Your liver will take the brunt of your drunken adventures, and it’s got the word ‘live’ in it for a reason – you need it for surviving and stuff. So exercise your common sense. Alcohol is a big part of student life, which bar owners and supermarkets will be only keen to cater for with cheap deals.

It will break the ice but don’t go overboard on the booze (also see Rule 1, Rule 3).

We say: Well, actually, just don’t drink too much. Having a good time is fine, but you honestly don’t want to end up in A&E having your stomach pumped or your head stitched.

6

Don’t be horrible to the people you live with Danger rating HHHH

Sounds like a crazy outlandish thing to say, but cheesing off the people who live with you is a REALLY bad idea. They live with you, they will get cross and then start the same nonsense on you – before you know it, you’ll all be at it, and then it’s world war three. Now where’s our milk?

We say: Don’t take food or booze that doesn’t belong to you. It will anger your flatmates. Don’t take milk that doesn’t belong to you. It will anger your flatmates. Don’t destroy or mess up the kitchen. It will anger your flatmates.

Don’t smoke in your room. It is against the rules, sets off the smoke alarms and means you, your flatmates and the rest of the people living in your building have to stand outside in the cold and wet in your fluffy slippers at 2.37am. And it will anger your flatmates.

21/09/2011 08:47

societies 18

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PrICE waterfrontonline.co.uk

freshers guide 14-17

11

freshers stalls 12-13

surviving freshers 10

Everything you need for the new term

big interview 8-9

And don’t forget ourOctober promise to you 3, 2011

Find a product for less, we’ll not only match it, we’ll beat it by 10% of the difference

Choose from a massive range of laptops and netbooks from top brands such as Sony, Apple and HP!

morfa Retail Park, Brunel Way, Swansea, SA1 7DS (Opposite Liberty Stadium)

*If you find a cheaper price, for the same product and offer, we’ll not only match the price but also beat it by 10% of the difference. Single unit purchases only. The competitor must be a retail store within 30 miles and have stock ready for delivery. DSG Retail Ltd., maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7TG. Registered in England, No.504877.

FOr TECHNICALS ONLY (SUBJECT TO VISUAL CHANGE) ACCOUNT

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25% off GLASSES for STUDENTS Swansea 394-395 The Kingsway. Tel 01792 474 426 specsavers.co.uk

25% off £69 range and above. Monday to Friday. Cannot be used with other offers. Present NUS card or other valid student ID at time of purchase. One pair of complete glasses only, with single vision lenses and scratch-resistant treatment.

Excludes reglazes, safety eyewear, contact lens products, non-prescription sunglasses. Discount not transferable in whole or part for cash. SKU 25142501. ©2011 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

Freshers_Front_pp10-13_Survive&stalls.indd 11

21/09/2011 08:47

freshers’ fayre

F I N D Y O U R W AY R O U N D F R E S H E R S ’ FAY R E 2 0 1 1 : 10AM SEPTEMBER 28 - 5PM SEPTEMBER 29

AT F U LT O N L A W N M A R Q U E E

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21/09/2011 08:48

societies 18

freshers’ guide 14-17

freshers’ stalls 12-13

surviving freshers 10

13

big interview 8-9

Freshers’ Week 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

Society stands

Athletic Union

1......SUCS & Photography 2......Engineering & EWB 3......SumSoc & Physics 4...... HAHA & Conservation and Ecology 5......Genetics & Bioscience 6...... Business and Economics & Psychology 7......Bright Futures & S.I.F.E. 8......French & Italian 9......Politics & Debating 10.... Ancient Studies & American 11....History & Geography 12....English & Postgraduate 13....RAG & Shoreline Theatre 14....Comedy & Glee 15....Capoeira & Musicians 16....Choral & Dance 17....Film & Chess & Art 18.... Students with Disabilities & LGBT+ 19.... People and Planet & Amnesty International 20....Hitch & Explore Swansea 21.... SSWIGS & Duke of Edinburgh 22....Real Ale & Wargaming 23....C.L.A.S.H. & Roleplay 24....Anime and Manga & Sci-Fi 25....German & Spanish 26....Bar & Law 27....AEGEE & Scandinavian 28....ACS & Malaysian 29....Tashan & PakSoc 30....Qatar & Saudi & S.T.A.R. 31....Hong Kong & Chinese 32....Gym Gym & Plaid Cymru 33.... Labour Students & Conservative Future 34....Christian Union & ISOC 35....CathSoc & URNU 36....UWAS & OTC

1......Sailing & canoeing 2......Life saving & Fin Swimming 3......Welsh National Pool 4......Gym 5...... Wind surfing & Wakeboarding/Paddle Board 6......Sub Aqua & Squash 7......Kite surfing and ice hockey 8...... BasketBall Men and Womens 9......Jiu Jitsu and Judo 10....Aikido and Taekwondo Do 11....Boxing & Kick Boxing 12....Karate & weightlifting 13....Fencing & Archery 14....Swimming 15....Mens rugby 16....Cricket & Golf 17....Intramural football 18....mountaineering & Hiking 19....Running and Triathlon 20.... Womens rugby & Ultimate Frisbee 21....Surf & Snow riders.

22....Men’s and Women’s Lax 23....Badminton and Tennis 24....Poker and Beer Pong 25....Womens hockey 26....Mens hockey 27.... American Football & Cheerleaders 28.... Womens Football & Rugby League 29.... Netball.

30.... Karting & Mountain Biking 31.... Equestrain & rowing 32.... AU (stash) 33.... AU (help desk) 34.... AU (help desk)

Information about the commercial stalls was not available at the time of going to press. You can find out more at www.swansea-union.co.uk

Freshers_Front_pp10-13_Survive&stalls.indd 13

21/09/2011 08:48

5

14

Face Off

£3, Sin City, Every Friday, from September 23 www.studentswansea.co.uk

Weekly SU nights such as Tooters and Kiss, are always popular, and Face Off is no exception. Pitching two massive music scenes against each other, Face Off puts rock in one corner and indie in the other, and lets them fight it out between them. It’s the biggest rock and indie night in Wales, and with some tempting drink deals at the bar, the only decision you need to make is whether to get a taxi home, or take the bus.

6

Piff the Magic Dragon

£5, Diva’s, October 4 www.studentswansea.co.uk

NUMBER

freshers’ guide

20 FRESH THINGS WORTH GOING OUT FOR

1

Freshers’ Ball

£15, Campus Marquee September 30 www.studentswansea.co.uk

The Fresher’s Ball is perhaps the one opportunity you’ll get in freshers’ week to take pictures your Mum would be proud of, (bearing in mind that’s before it gets messy). So put on your best bib and tucker and celebrate meeting your new friends, while Charlie Simpson gets his vibe on on the main stage, supported by urban up-and-comer Starboy Nathan.

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£5, Oceana and Odyssey, September 28

www.studentswansea.co.uk

Tooters

£2, Diva’s, Every Friday, from September 23 www.studentswansea.co.uk

It’s all about the twos on Fridays, as Diva’s welcomes everyone, as long as they come in pairs. There are two rooms, two DJ’s, you get two drinks for two pounds and it’s all tootally brilliant. This is the Union’s flagship night, providing a mix of student anthems and commercial chart all the way to dubstep and RnB.

Freshbook

As it’s now illegal not to be on Facebook, this event celebrates everything there is to like about social networking. Choose a t-shirt that sums up your relationship status (most popular: single!) and then head out to social hotspots Oceana and Odyssey and get busy writing on each other’s ‘walls’. Just see how many friend requests you get.

3

He’s made waves at the Edinburgh fringe and challenged Penn and Teller to a magical duel. Piff is a magic dragon who’s left his home by the sea for a new life doing card tricks with his levitating Chihuahua Mr Piffles. So, princes beware – keep your princesses well defended because he takes no prisoners. Or, well, actually, he does, that’s exactly what he does, kidnaps princesses. And don’t even ask, because he doesn’t do children’s parties. See our interview with Piff on p9.

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Fresh & Free

£FREE, Campus Marquee, September 25 www.studentswansea.co.uk

Tony Lee

£5, Diva’s, September 27 www.studentswansea.co.uk

The XXX rating on Tony Lee’s hypnotist show is a bit of a clue to what lies in store for Lee’s victims – um, we mean audience members. The popular act sold out twice-over last year and has been moved to a bigger venue so that everyone can enjoy seeing freshers being humiliated on a spotlit stage.

4

Jon Fratelli

£10, Sin City, September 29 www.studentswansea.co.uk

Sin City, the Union’s alternative venue, is the place to be for live music.

A dark, gritty look and student prices make this the bar choice for many students. Sin City has recently hosted bands such as Gallows, Subfocus, Modestep and Ed Sheerhan, and now they welcome the Fratellis frontman. The gig is followed by Sin Savers, a popular Thursday regular with resident DJ Daz doing his unique ‘anything and everything goes’ set.

Freshers_Front_pp14-17_FreshersGuide.indd 14

Fresh & Free has been voted the best of event of freshers for the last three years in a row, and this is why. The freshers-only event brings all 3,000 new students into the Fulton Lawn marquee, to set hall against hall. With the free freshers’ t-shirt that came with the ticket, freshers are invited to join up with their fellow residents as they party in the biggest-capacity venue in Swansea. Resident DJ’s from all the Union’s venues provide the music. In a word: carnage.

21/09/2011 08:49

13

societies 18

freshers’ guide 14-17

freshers’ stalls 12-13

surviving freshers 10

15

big interview 8-9

Freshers’ Week 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

Song for a Raggy Boy

£FREE, Dylan Thomas Centre, October 6 Box office: 01792 463 980

A variety of literary and poetic treats hitting the Welsh coast this season, starting with Song for a Raggy Boy. From a range of Welsh and Irish poets and musicians alike, this celebration of the life and work of Patrick Galvin, one of Ireland’s predominant poets, and one of the founders of the Swansea-Cork poetry exchange, this will be a great introduction to the city’s literary scene

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9

Tree of Life

10

ilovesafesex

£5, Oceana, October 3 www.studentswansea.co.uk

This is an amazing night, guaranteed to leave you with something to talk about the next morning, and another t-shirt for your collection.

An infamously popular night at Swansea, the safe sex ball is all about enjoying the student body, with the correct precautions of course. With free condoms and sexual health awareness in mind, the Safe Sex Ball is the MILF of ilovemondays.

11

Exist Skate Park Session

12

15

Silent disco

£5, Sin City, October 2 www.studentswansea.co.uk

There can be serious consequences when you like different music to your mates. Don’t worry, now there’s a cure. The Sin City silent disco gives you your own set of headphones, and lets you choose the music. It’s possibly once of the funniest things you’ll ever see – watching your friends rave to drum’n’bass while you shuffle along to a nice bit of indie.

Freshers_Front_pp14-17_FreshersGuide.indd 15

01792 465113

Skool Disco

£5, Oceana and Odyssey, www.studentswansea.co.uk October 5 The annual Skool Disco has turned into a playground fight this year, with dance floors across two of the city’s largest clubs. Oceana and Odyssey will each cheese it up to the max with your favourite and most fondly remembered school anthems. A live web-link will show which class parties the hardest. It’s time to pull up your school socks, practice those tie knots and squeeze into the moth-nibbled but much loved uniform you haven’t seen since the days of pocket money and Sabrina the teenage witch.

Exist Skate Park, Mount Pleasant, October 5 www.studentswansea.co.uk

If you’re a skater boy (or girl), or you like bmx or blading, this skate session is a good introduction to the scene in Swansea. There will be live DJ’s and a fully-equipped indoor skate venue. See www.existskatepark.com for more information – there are student sessions every Wednesday for the rest of the year.

The Potter’s Wheel, Sunday, obviously,

Situated on the corner of Kingsway and Dillwyn Street, this Wetherspoon pub is named after the famous Swansea pottery owned by the Dillwyn family in the nineteenth century. Today, the potteries have gone, but the pub stocks plenty of plates, and on those plates they put some very reasonably priced grub. So if you’re missing your mum’s Sunday roast, or you need a student-priced meal to give two fingers to your hangover, you won’t go far wrong here.

They also serve hair of the dog.

£4.75 (conc.) Taliesin Arts Centre, October 5, 7.30pm Box office: 01792 60 20 60

It doesn’t all have to be about the parties. Head to the Taliesin campus cinema and theatre to see some brilliant works from modern cinematic masters. Very few directors hit their 40th year in the film industry with just six films to their name, and deserve to be called a great director. Terrance Malick is one. He’s the man behind the intimate, criminal romance Badlands (1973), and now delivers Tree of Life, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

Chronicling the generations of a family, the film asks the big question– what is the meaning of life?

Sunday dinner

16

Skeleton Rave

£7, Campus Marquee October 8 www.studentswansea.co.uk Swansea students broke the world record for gathering the most smurfs in one place in 2009. Now it’s time to be part of a new record attempt – this time with skeletons. Everyone has to wear a full-body skeleton costume, which comes free with the ticket.

Along with 3,000 skeletons raving in the UV marquee, Wheatus will perform and Radio 1 legend Matt Edmondson will compere.

21/09/2011 08:49

10 THINGS WORTH GOING OUT FOR

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16

21/09/2011 08:50

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societies 18

freshers’ guide 14-17

freshers’ stalls 12-13

Breakfast

£reasonable, Uplands Diner When the urge strikes, 69 Uplands Crescent

Mleh, mleh, mleh? What’s that taste? Oh, yes, last night’s party. Euch, what’s that feeling? Empty belly. When only a fry up will do, head to Uplands Diner.

They offer extremely reasonable all-day breakfasts that are, simply, amazing.

They even have their own appreciation society on Facebook. In addition, if you beat ‘the Beast’ not only do you reach legendary status but you also get the meal for free. But be warned, many have tried and failed…

19

surviving freshers 10

17

big interview 8-9

Freshers’ Week 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

interview

Wind Street

£unknown, Anytime…

Ask yer mates

Sooner or later you will venture off the beaten track of SU events, and head out to the bars and clubs of Swansea. Wind Street, fondly referred to as Wine Street, is home to such clubs as Revolution, Odyssey, Idols, Walkabout, Yates and Varsity and has everything you need for an unforgettable night (that of course depending on how much you decide to drink). Bassface at the Locker, every Monday, has some great acts in the coming months, launching in October with Doorly and Coki. Lastly Monkey, a small club in the centre of town priding itself on offering an alternative night, have once again surpassed expectation, booking Netsky to DJ at the end of this month.

17

One Day

£4.75, Taliesin Arts Centre, October 3-4

Box office: 01792 60 20 60

Give your liver a break with a night at the campus movies. Adapted from David Nicholls’ critically acclaimed, and best-selling, novel of the same name, One Day gives Ann Hathaway the chance to showcase her Yorkshire accent. Yes, you did read that right. Emma and Dexter are two very different people, one a principled working-class girl, the other a wealthy jet-setter. By checking back with Emma and Dexter every July 15 for the next 20 years, we experience their happiness, hardships, and heartache as they strive to live out their dreams, and find meaning in a world that’s constantly changing.

This year’s freshers line-up is a mix of big name acts, comedy, up-andcoming bands, innovative theme nights and a world record attempt.

Events and innovations manager Russell Wade explains T ell us a bit about your background…

I’ve worked for Swansea Students’ Union for about six years now, and I’ve been Ents manager for about four. I studied materials engineering here at Swansea, but I realised that it wasn’t the career for me. I was involved with the ski club, organising trips and events for them, and I started working for ents, so when I graduated in 2004 this job seemed a natural choice.

So what have you got planned this year for freshers?

We’ve moved the freshers’ ball to the Friday of the first week this year, so it’ll be a smart, black tie celebration of your first week and meeting all your new friends. Charlie Simpson is playing, and he ticked a lot of boxes for us because he’s got that cheesy Busted part of his repertoire, but also a very credible rock background with Fightstar. Then we have Starboy Nathan playing, a new urban act who has had some very good press, and he is definitely one to watch for the future. There’s something happening every day, with all our usual nights, and there’ll be something for everyone.

Freshers_Front_pp14-17_FreshersGuide.indd 17

20

Freshers’ Fayre

£FREE Fulton Lawn Marque, 28-29 September www.swansea-union.co.uk

Kicking off at 10am on the Wednesday of Freshers’ week, this is where you sign up to sports clubs, join societies and get loads of freebies. It’s a one-stopshop for information about the student experience, and it’s worth popping in and out over the two days to make sure you get as much information as possible. Pyramid Posters will be there again, selling all the posters you could ever want for the walls of your new room. And if you fancy joining the Waterfront team, you can sign up there, or pop up to the Media Centre on the second floor of the Union building anytime.

Russell Wade What shouldn’t people miss?

Definitely the skeleton ball. The university already holds the record for the most smurfs in one place, and now we want to break the record for the most skeletons. The standard of costumes has to be high to qualify for a record, and we’ve been given a very generous donation of 3,000 full-body skeleton costumes by Jokers Masquerade, which everyone will be able to keep. We are also launching a new Smirnoff product that night, which is a dry ice stirrer that makes your drink smoke like a cauldron. We’re the first university to showcase it. Wheatus will be playing, and they’ve always gone down a storm, so it will be a great night.

What’s different about freshers this year?

We’ve moved to nights that are about innovative events rather than just getting in big names. There are a few events that are completely unique to Swansea. Freshbook is one that I’m really excited about – it’s across two clubs, Oceana and Odyssey, and everyone will wear a t-shirt with their relationship status on it. On the back, you have a wall where people can write posts. It’s been popular in the past and it will be a good night again this year.

Freshers’ guide

by Catrin Morgan, Aiden Ramsey and Michael Samuel

You can see the full freshers line-up at www.facebook.com/studentswansea

21/09/2011 08:50

societies

Hi society!

directory All email addresses end with @swansea-union.co.uk unless specified

Societies are a great way to meet new people and expand your horizons. With almost 100 different ones to choose from, James Langridge gives a brief taste of what’s out there.

USE YOUR BRAIN! University is about using your noggin all day long. Why not join people who are passionate about their discipline?

Bright Futures helps students develop their employability, giving access to internships and graduate jobs. Centrica, Deloitte and Rolls Royce are all partners.

English Society was winner of the Best New Society award at the SU awards. This year they plan a series of themed workshops, such as Ulysses and Ibsen. They also run a book club and a creative writing club. Law Society helps law students through university by providing welfare support like mentors, regular social events and networking and career based events to help with interviews.

TAKE A STAND! Why not exercise your right to free speech, or get involved with political or religious societies that chime with your world view: Amnesty Society carries out the directives of Amnesty International, which campaigns for human rights worldwide. Alongside hosting traditional social events, the society runs events throughout the year such as painting Sin City yellow to raise awareness of Amnesty’s campaigns. CathSoc represents Catholic students. They are affiliated both with St Benedicts Church in Sketty, and the Fulton House Chaplaincy. Their upcoming events will follow their aim of

providing a fun, educational, and spiritual setting for members.

Labour Students were winners of the Most Improved society at the SU awards, and are a branch of the National Organisation of Labour Students. They host regular guest speakers, policy discussion meetings and year-round campaigning for the Labour Party.

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Every person has a creative side; channel yours and express yourself with art and performance...

Anime and Manga is a must for anyone who loves Japanese animation. Members discuss Anime and Manga, and organise showings of titles throughout the year.

Choral performs a diverse and eclectic repertoire, covering genres such as classical, contemporary, pop, folk, Welsh and musical theatre.

Dance is one of the university’s largest societies, hosting both socials and a variety of workshops throughout the year. Classes cover all genre of dance from hip hop to jazz and are available from beginners to advanced level.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS! Living in Swansea means that you are part of a large international community, surrounded by many cultures...

ACS is the African & Caribbean Society but it’s not just one for people of African or Caribbean heritage. They aim to provide international students who come

from these areas to have a ‘home away from home’ among home students and society members.

Explore Swansea is a society so new that is has no contact details yet, but offers the chance to explore areas of Swansea that are often ignored by the typical Swansea student. Goodbye Wind St and Mumbles, hello Gower and beyond. Pakistani Society aims to promote Pakistani culture and tradition to all the students of Swansea University. All the events that are organised show that they are proud to be Desi.

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! There are plenty of societies that offer opportunities to dabble in more unusual interests...

Beer Pong is a drinking game in which players throw a ping pong ball across a table, aiming for a cup of beer on the other end.

It’s a new society, and will host regular tournaments in Diva’s every Monday. Poker society hosts a tournament every Tuesday at Whites Snooker Hall, Uplands. They also aim to host events in Woody’s Bar in the Student Village.

Wilderness Medicine Society** has been set up to inspire members to learn and practice medicine in wilderness environments around the globe. Wilderness medicine includes pre-hospital care, disaster relief, search and rescue, expedition, mountain, desert, dive and jungle medicine and is open to medics and non-medics alike.

SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT

What does it mean?

LGBT+ is a society representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and everyone else.

Freshers_Front_pp18-21_Societies&Ads.indd 18

18

SOCIETIES ON TWITTER: @sususocieties

Following a successful year, the LGBT+ hopes to continue its high standards in the upcoming year.

The society had considerable success at the SU Awards, finishing runner up in the Best Society category and winning the Most Innovative Award.

The principal aim is to provide welfare – all committee members offer confidential advice and support to any individual who seeks it. The society also aims to

provide a safe space for individuals; some of whom feel excluded from conventional situations.

The Society plans to host a range of events to cater for a variety of people. Upcoming events in the term include drinks, bingo, sports, film nights, coffee afternoons and a Christmas social.

For any information regarding joining the society, they can be contacted at lgbtplus@swanseaunion.co.uk

USE YOUR BRAIN! American Studies: amss@, Ancient Studies: sas@, Bar: barsociety@, Biochemistry and genetics: tbc, Bioscience: bioscience@, Bright Futures: brightfutures, Business and Economics: businessandeconomics@, Chemical Engineering: tbc, Computer SUCS: admin@sucs. org, Conservation and ecology: conservation@, Engineering: engineeringsociety@, English: english@, French: french@, Geography: geography@, German: german@, Health and Human Sciences: tbc, History: history@, Italian: italian@, Law: law@, Media: media@, Nursing: nursing@, Physics: physics@, Politics and International Relations: pair@, Psychology: psychology@, SIFE: sife@, Spanish: spanish@, SumSoc: sumsoc@

TAKE A STAND! Amnesty International: amnesty@, CathSoc: cathsoc@, Christian Union: christianunion@, Conservative Future: tbc, Engineers without borders: Swansea@ewb-uk.org, Islamic: isoc@, Labour Students: labour@, LGBT+: lgbtplus@, People and Planet: peopleandplanet@, Plaid Cymru: plaidcymru@, RAG: rag @, STAR: star@, Y Gym Gym: ygymdeithasgymraeg@

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Anime and Manga: anime@, Art: art@, Capoeira: capoeira@, Choral: choral@, Comedy: comedyclub@, Dance: dance@, Drama: drama@, Film: film@, Glee: glee@, Gospel: gospelchoir@, Musicians: musicians@, Photography: photography@, Roleplay: roleplay@, Xtreme: www.xtremeradio.org, Debating: debating@

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS! ACS: acs@, AEGEE: aegee@, Explore Swansea: societies@, Hong Kong: swanseahksu@gmail.com, Pakistani: pakistani@, Qatar: tbc, Saudi Students: tbc, Scandinavian: scandinavian@, Tashan: tashan@

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Beer pong: tbc, Chess: chesssociety@, C.L.A.S.H: clash@, Duke of Edinburgh: dofe@, Poker: poker@, Real Ale & Cider: realaleandcider@, SSWIGS: sswigs@, URNU: urnu@, War Gaming: wargaming@, Wilderness Medicine: wildernessmedicine@

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22 I SPORT

thewaterfront Freshers’ Issue 23.09.11

INTRAMURAL

Intramural football is competitive 11-a-side football, played between 18 teams all comprising students from Swansea University.

League games are played within walking distance of campus on the Ashleigh Road playing fields.

Afterwards, most teams have a social session either in JC’s or out in Wind Street... or both!

Cup matches are played on Sundays, with the showpiece final the highlight of the Intramural calendar.

The teams

THE Olympic torch tour is coming to Swansea University next month in search of inspirational young people to carry the flame during next year’s torch relay.

The visit, on Monday, October 17, isare teams catering to every There part of a nationwide search forability “futurealthough all share one thing flames”. in common... great banter!

It aims too recognise and reward Be the sure to check out the Facebook positive contributions made bygroup youngto register your interest or get people in the region every day. hold of the captains listed below, Coca-Cola, a partner of the London some who have tried to persuade you 2012 Olympic torch relay, will bewith calling some spiel of their own. on everyone in Swansea to nominate the future flames they know.

Ajax Treesdown FC They include young people who use Captain: Dan Clancy their passion in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance, and BBB community and the environment; to Captain: Rudi Eagling spread happiness in their local communities.

Tom Upton, Swansea students’ union Cefn Eleven FC societies and services officer said: “WeCaptain: Mike Seymour are delighted to welcome the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Tour so that the people ofClinical Finishers FC Swansea University can celebrate all the Captain: Gareth Evans amazing things our local young people are doing.

Crayola FC “We want everyone on campus to Captain: Ben Phipps nominate the inspirational young peo

LAST year SUMFC 6th team won the league title.

At the SUMFC awards dinner it also cleaned up with captain of the year (Dave Mitchell), personality of the year, and team of the year.

If you are someone who craves success and glory, this is the team for you.

You will get the best of both worlds as a university-affiliated club and all the

THE new boys on the block.

Feel like you want to play a bit of footie with the lads and nothing serious?

Well this is right up your Wind Street.

Join our elite, professional, well-trained piss-up on the pitch. Have a laugh, bag some goals, bag some women.

We are a good group of lads who take life’s lemons and add vodka.

Join us on Wednesdays, religious nights out with the boys for ‘team building’ after the game. Only £5 to join. mike_seymour_99@hotmail.com

History FC

SUMFC 6ths

perks that it brings but without the arduous away day travel.

Renowned for our friendly rivalry with both Ajax and Sloth, we welcome any new players to trial for us after the official university trials.

You will have the opportunity to go on SUMFC tour as well as the legendary socials each night.

Contact me or James John on Facebook or on rich.fulton22@ hotmail.com.

Cefn Eleven FC

SILVERWARE: Uni 6ths celebrate picking up the league trophy, beating Sketty Bolognase to the title by a point while ex-champions Team Sloth finished fourth Current holders of the prestigous kit of the year title - the crown EVERYONE secretly lusts after.

With investors that can rival the Qatari royal family (History Society) we are a team full of exports from different departments all over the uni.

Everyone is welcome but fortnightly socials with drinking awards for each game means I cannot guarantee every player survives the night.

Find us at the Freshers Fayre or email me at 558282@swan.ac.uk

Ajax Treesdown FC AFTER winning the Intramural Cup last year and a strong third-place finish in the league Treesdown are looking to strengthen on a great year with some more silverware in the forthcoming season.

We are a side that likes to win but just as important to us all are our socials.

Ajax has a big social side which it cares about just as much as the football and without fail on Wednesdays we can be found in our sponsors bar, Walkabout.

We are holding a trial/training session at the end of September so we can gauge the skill levels of anybody who wants to play for us this season. The session is open to all of you.

If you love football, think your half decent and want to be part of a team that loves to win and drink then come along.

You can all message me on my Facebook account (Dan Clancy) or join the Ajax Treesdown FC Trials 2011-2012 group.

If you want any more evidence of our success just look at our kit from last year and the new Swansea City away kit.

After many meetings we agreed to let the Swans use our kit design to which Brendan Rodgers (apparently) said: “We are delighted that we could incorporate such a successful and stylish kit design into our own ideas.”

FC Climax

Captain: Nic O’Brien

Hardly Athletic FC Captain: Alex Doney

History FC

Captain: Shaun Harries

PhotoSinThesis FC Captain: Rhys Jones

Singleton Park Rangers FC Captain: Luke Skidmore

Signature Captain: Eferebo Oriinem

Sketty FC

Captain: Harvey Austin

Sub-Standard Liege FC

Captain :Charlie Bridgewater

SUMFC 6th’s

Captain: Rich Fulton

SUMFC 7th’s Captain Captain: Lewis Clare

Team Armadillo AFC

Captain: Greg Stephenson

Team Sloth

Captain: Owain Harries CUP HOLDERS: Ajax Treesdown FC won last year’s Ents Cup, another trophy Team Sloth surrendered

The Firsts

Captain: Josh Webster

www.waterfrontonline.co.uk

Rugby league on the rise in Wales and Hawkes aims to be part of it

by Chris Penn

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk AMATEUR rugby league Grand Slam winner Kristian Hawkes believes the sport is on the rise in Wales as he bids to turn professional.

The third year business management student has already won the Four Nations title during his two years with the Welsh Dragonhearts side.

But scrum-half Hawkes has the national professional side in his sights as Wales prepares to jointly-host the 2013 World Cup with England.

“It has always been a dream,” he said.

“I just need to keep improving and... well fingers crossed.”

The Dragons are beginning to make a claim for their stature among the world’s elite after winning the European Cup title last year.

This lead to qualification to the prestigious Four Nations tournament, pitting them up against England, Australia and New Zealand this coming winter.

Hawkes believes that with Wales being involved in the tournament it will highly benefit the game in this country.

“The Four Nations is going to be massive, there is no bigger stage,” he said.

“It will be hard for the side but I think it will give more awareness to people in Wales about rugby league.”

Given the rise of the Dragons and the dominance of the Dragonhearts, Hawkes believes the strong rugby un-

REPRESENTING WALES: Kristian Hawkes believes people should give rugby league a try as the sport grows across Wales ion set up greatly helps the rise in the league game.

“We get a lot of guys from rugby union,” he added.

“We have a great system for union rugby in place here in Wales.

“Passing skills from union to league, we can play free flowing rugby compared to other nations who train solely for league.”

As well as the union system, the Celtic Crusaders and their inclusion in the Super League have also had a major part to play in the progression of international rugby league standards here in Wales.

“They have been involved the last three years playing at the highest level,” said Hawkes.

“They have been developing Welsh players and the results have shown.”

AU is not a sinking ship - says president

by Jazz Dicker

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk THE last president of Swansea’s Athletic Union Dan Ryan-Lowes is feeling confident about the important year ahead - and he is determined to “go out with a bang”.

As of June 2012, Swansea’s AU will be coming to an end and divided into two halves - one half will be controlled by the students’ union and the other half by the sports department.

Ryan-Lowes feels the plans put together to maintain sport at the university is exciting.

He said: “I am not the captain of a sinking ship but the head of what I believe

is the greatest union in Swansea.”

Ryan-Lowes is confident student sport in Swansea will continue to grow after him – and despite the pressure, the president is eager to carry on with the year ahead.

And he is positive that his goals for the year are in reach and he has a lot to keep him busy.

He said: “I do believe that my policies are very achievable, yet at the same time, more and more things that I want to do seem to crop up.”

Ryan-Lowes plans to promote women’s sport, fight to put an end to Wednesday lectures, create better links with the students’ union and more.

Over the next few months he is keen

to see a lot of smiles and take a handson approach.

“There is an awful lot that I don’t know about and I hope that my members can fill those gaps in my knowledge,” RyanLowes said.

The new president has already had a very productive summer and is now ready for the return of students ahead of the new season.

“I have some extremely big shoes to fill and I cannot wait for the students to come back and to make sure that I am doing justice to their faith in me,” he added.

“These are important times for the AU and I am determined to go out with a bang”.

With the Wales team improving every year, Hawkes firmly believes hosting the World Cup is the perfect opportunity for Wales to show what it can offer and for people to try rugby league.

“A lot of people are familiar growing up with rugby union,” he said.

“I encourage people to give league a try, it’s something different with a lot of the same traits.”

SPORT I 23

Varsity loss < < < from page 24 the match as well as being broadcast on Welsh television for the first time in its history.

The Swansea re-invasion of Cardiff in 2012 will also see a return to the Welsh Institute of Sport (WIS) in Sophia Gardens, which hosted most of the matches last year.

Situated next to the Swalec Stadium and only a short walk along the River Taff from the city centre, the WIS proved to be a fantastic location given its part in Welsh sport.

The Welsh netball, badminton and gymnastics teams are examples of the sporting calibre that use this venue and for Varsity to have it again for the next two years is yet again another coup.

Athletics union president Dan RyanLowes was elated with securing the WIS once again.

“It’s fantastic to be back as they have many nationally governed bodies of sport that use the WIS like netball and hockey,” he said.

“It’s great to put our athletes in the position and facilities where they’ll be noticed by the top level of coaches and it shows off the Welsh Varsity.”

thewaterfront WANTED: writers designers proof readers waterfrontsport @swansea-union.co.uk

September 23, 2011 waterfrontonline.co.uk

INSIDE

sport thewaterfront

AU president ready to go with a bang

page 23

SWANSEA TO MISS OUT ON HOSTING VARSITY

CHAMPIONS: Swansea University men’s rugby first team line up at the Millennium Stadium ahead of last year’s 28-18 victory over arch-rivals Cardiff University in the Varsity showpiece match

by David Hendy

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA will miss out on hosting Varsity for at least the next two years as the event is to stay in Cardiff.

Following last year’s spectacle at the Millennium Stadium and the Welsh Institute of Sport, it has been decided to return there in 2012.

Almost 15,000 fans turned up to see

Swansea University beat south Wales rivals Cardiff University 28-18 at the home of Welsh rugby.

But despite the champions being unable to defend their crown on home soil, a return to Cardiff has been welcomed.

“We are excited about it going back to the Millennium,” said rugby first team coach Richard Lancaster.

“It was a fantastic success last year

tral venue - Bridgend’s Brewery Field - for four years, before a three-year stint back at Cardiff Arms Park.

Varsity returned to Swansea after an eight-year absence in 2010 to the jubilation of the Green and White Army.

Throughout the day, Sketty Lane was filled with student sport enthusiasts before the event ended at the Liberty Stadium, home of Swansea City and the Ospreys.

The 20,000-capacity Liberty became the biggest stadium to host the rugby, but its geography in regard to the city centre could prove to be problematic on a permanent basis considering the event pushed around 6,000 spectators.

Last year saw a switch to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium, which was a massive coup, attracting 14,789 fans to

to page 23 >>>

Sports trials Your home of university sport

Hawkes’ high hopes for rugby league AMATEUR rugby league Grand Slam winner Kristian Hawkes believes the sport is on the rise in Wales as he bids to turn professional.

The third year business management student has already won the Four Nations title during his two years with the

and certainly the players really enjoyed it.”

The event on May 2, 2012 will be the 16th meeting between Swansea and Cardiff, as the tradition begins to hit its potential as a sporting landmark.

The Welsh Varsity started off being hosted alternatively between Swansea and Cardiff, at St Helens and Cardiff Arms Park respectively.

In 2003, the event moved to a neu-

Welsh Dragonhearts side.

But Hawkes has the national professional side in his sights as Wales prepares to jointly-host the 2013 World Cup with England.

“It has always been a dream,” he told the Waterfront.

Full story: page 23

TRIALS will be taking place for the majority of our sports over the coming week.

Two football trials will take place, the first on Friday, September 30 followed by the second on Sunday, October 2.

Rugby trials will take place on Friday, September 30.

We were not given times and locations at the time of going to print so for more details on those and other trials taking place check out the athletics union website or find them on Facebook.

THE Waterfront sport is aiming to give you unrivalled coverage of all of the university’s sports teams this season.

Every Wednesday, we will have our team of reporters out and about at matches tweeting and providing live match reports to the Waterfront website, along with post-match reaction.

It will also be the main place to look to see yourself in action as that is where match galleries will go.

The newspaper will not be redundant

though as it will bring you the news that is going on in Swansea University’s sporting world as well as interviews and previews looking ahead to forthcoming games.

It will also give you the lowdown on the key sporting matches coming up that week.

The rugby season kicks off on October 12 with all three teams in action.

Badminton, football, hockey, netball, squash, tennis and lacrosse all start the following week.