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FREE to a good homeIssue No.10 February 2010
The official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union?
www.mynsu.co.uk
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Sabb Elections 2010RAGStudent Street Style
con
ten
ts
nu:life 03Design www.thearchitectshop.co.uk
NSU NEWSEditors Words 3Sabbs’ Info 4-5SU News 6Oh! What’s Occurring? 7Hot or Not 9
FEATURESSabb Elections 11
GET INVOLVEDSocieties (Writers Society & Dance) 12RAG (Raise & Give) 13 21 Things a Student Thinks a Day 15
LIGHT RELIEFHoroscopes 16Lauren West Knows Best 17 Centrefold 18-19Spotted 20-21
STUDENT CULTUREStudent Street Style 23Hot Topic 24 - 25Ask Claire 27Gig Goers 28 - 29
TEAM NORTHUMBRIAStan’s Back 30Stan Calvert Fixtures 31Net Gains 32SUNEE Outlook 33Navy Sail into North East 34Cold Comfort for North Star 35
Contributors
Hot & Not - Danni Mustarde Vote in the Sabb Elections - John Taggart Society Successes - Dance Society (Jasmin Burn & Emily Wood), Writers Society (Holly Marsh) RAG - Hannah Cassidy 21 Things - Pippa Harper Agony Aunt - Lauren West Student Street Style - Jennifer Broom Hot Topic - Sarah Hellawell, Miles Chambers Gig Goers - Phil Moore, Jasmin Burn Team Northumbria - Simon Rushworth , Andy Street & Andrew Spoors
EDITOR’S WORDS
I’ll be honest with you, between the
months of January and March, I want to do
nothing else but hibernate. I’m well into my overdraft, the
weather is a constant shade of grey and the prospect of “summer” isn’t even
a speck on the horizon. BUT SOMETHING IS HERE TO PULL ME THROUGH! THE SABB ELECTIONS 2010! I’m a Sabb this year, last year I was a Northumbria student just. like. you. Any Northumbria student can do this job for a year, full time, paid and trust me - it’ll be the best year of your life. There is still time to nominate yourself for election, see the centrefold for more info. Otherwise, just vote! You directly choose who you want running your SU next year.
Of course there are other massive events happening this month including the infamous RAG, read up on this month’s controversial Hot Topic, something which all of you can relate to, plus tick off the 21 thoughts you see as your own on page 15.
In the words of Terry Tibbs,
Thank you, goodnight. Jones x
Your Sabbs’ - Back To WorkAhh it’s that time of year when the Sabb’s become all nervous, as their jobs are up for the taking! Yes the Sabb elections are here and we’re all hard at work proving our mettle. Also there’s a little insight in how far we would go for our RAG week charities.
Follow us on Twitter or join the offi cial Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/mynsu to keep up to speed with What’s Occurring. You can also visit our YouTube account by typing NothumbriaNUTV into YouTube.
Dave Wright President
What’s been keeping you busy? A heck of a lot of meetings over the past month including one with the Universities version of Ofsted. Something you have achieved for students this month? A mass amount of postcards signed by students who want to see Anonymous Marking come in. How far would you go for RAG?I’d shave my beloved beard off.
Alison Jones Vice - President Communications & Involvement
What’s been keeping you busy? The set up of the SU’s very own TV station NU:TV plus the Sabb Elections 2010!! Something you have achieved for students this month? NU:TV - broadening student prospects since 2010. How far would you go for RAG? A Charity Naked Calendar. My body is only going to go downhill after 22!
Got an opinion? E-mail us! Whether it’s one question or a massive request, we will reply..
NSU News Sabbs’ Info
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[email protected] TVaNUT
alisnor
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TV n
Becky Warburton Vice - President Activities & Development
What’s been keeping you busy?The monumental RAG week! It’s taken a lot of stress to get it organised but it is so worth it. Something you have achieved for students this month?Raised a huge amount of cash whilst giving nearly 100 students the chance to volunteer for a good cause while having a good time! How far would you go for RAG?It depends on how far the RAG team can persuade me!
Adam White Vice - President Academic Affairs
What’s been keeping you busy? Planning Course Rep Conference 2 so we can have better trained reps. Something you have achieved for students this month?Securing backing from the University for Anonymous Marking How far would you go for RAG? All I’ll say is a Tutu and wax.
Pete Woodward Vice - President Welfare & Equality
What’s been keeping you busy?A lot of international induction talks for the new January starters. Something you have achieved for students this month?Liaised with the council on student housing strategies. How far would you go for RAG?Very far!
NSU News Sabb’s Info
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for RAG?he RAG!
te@
northumbria.ac.uk
NSU NEWS SU:News
February 2010SU:News
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Win £300 from NU:TVFancy winning £300 for a 3 minute video? I’ll let you do the maths. We want you to produce a 3 minute video on what Life@Northumbria is to you. This can be anything from life on campus to what you get up to outside of the classroom. We want to see Northumbria students as they really are.The winning video will be broadcasted across campus and the internet to Northumbria’s 37,000 strong population. Exposure for your talents! Second place will receive £150 and
third place £50.
Videos can be as abstract and as comedic as you like, so there’s no reason not to get involved!
For full specs, rules and regs e-mail [email protected] for an information pack.
GOOD LUCK.
Anonymous MarkingThe time to fi nally put your name to the campaign is here. If you haven’t heard already, the SU’s big campaign for the year is to have more schools employ the practice of students handing in work not with their name on, but with their student number instead so that all students are graded fairly regardless of their gender, ethnicity or any other factor perceived by someone’s name on a paper. Look out for people round campus asking you to sign the Anonymous Marking postcards to make your school listen up.
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Competition opens 10 Feb & closes 25 March. Videos must be submitted via CD disc or USB to the SU Welcome Desk.** Videos must be no longer than 3minutes and no bigger than 10mb
???
National Student Volunteering WeekYour SU is big on volunteering. It enhances your CV, its helps other people, and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. That’s why we have devoted a whole week to it. Welcome to the National Student Volunteering Week fronted by the SU’s very own volunteering guru Lady Kitt. The projects will include a Swap Shop, a tea dance for the elderly, a mass Lego building session, climbing, ping pong and walks. And you thought volunteering was dull. For more info e-mail [email protected] and
get involved.
Building WorksI love the sound of drilling in the morning! The building works on your SU are well under way on the front entrance and theatre (Stage 2). The foundations are set and things are on the up and up. Don’t let the mess put you off as the SU is still open for business as usual for day and night
events.
Chaplaincy for EveryoneYou may or may not be aware that Northumbria has its very own Multifaith Chaplaincy open to all students. You don’t have to be religious to drop by, as the name say’s Multifaith which includes any faith you can think of, including atheism. No preaching or converting occurs, however as Head Chaplain Gavin Wort comments, “the chaplains are here to support you and help you make the most out of uni life. Whether you’re going through a rough patch, want a “deep and meaningful” conversation or just looking for someone to listen, we’re here for you”. The Chaplaincy is now located on the Fourth fl oor of Wynne Jones Building (the building next to the Northumbria bridge). My contact details are as follows: tel.: 0191 227 3284 and email: gavin.wort@
northumbria.ac.uk.
NuTalent 2010Calling all MUSICIANS! Have you ever wanted to perform in front of hundreds of people at one of Europe’s LARGEST music venues? Well here’s your chance! In conjunction with Northumbria University, we are giving YOU the chance to perform your own music live at an event being held at the Sage Gateshead on the 22nd of March 2010. Last year’s event was a HUGE success and once again we are out to fi nd the North East’s most promising new and upcoming acts. We are looking for solo and group acts to audition for a chance to become Newcastle’s next big talent! We are open-minded about the style and genre of music and will consider all acts that are willing to perform. Auditions are being held on the 12th of February from 5pm and the 19th of February from 5pm (Please contact us prior to these dates if you want to audition for our event.) Further
information is provided on our Facebook group, search for “NU Talent” and join! So if you’re the next big thing contact Kelly either via email, [email protected] or phone, 07971556380.
Oh! What’s
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NEWS Hot! or Not!
Reliant Robin...
MINI Cooper...
Hot!
Not!
NORTHUMBERLAND STREET’S ‘AWESOME BASS GUY’ Another cold and grey Monday morning and as we mindlessly wander Northumberland Street between lectures suddenly a beautiful sound overcomes us... we follow the funk and there he is... plucking, slapping and thumping, ‘awesome bass guy’ always puts a smile on your face.
THECUT One of the city’s newest clubs in town with a load of different nights from the indie/rock/alternative Connection on a Monday night to Thursday’s dub step night ZOO, there’s something for everyone and if you haven’t already given it a go, DO IT.
HABITA’S PIZZAS Quite simply. They always taste good, they arrive at your table on time (and in a pizza box instead of a plate, authenticity at it’s best) and they’re really good value. What more could you want?
THE JUST FOR MEN ADVERTS There is just no possible way to sit through any of this series of sickly sweet adverts about greying men folk without the most immense cringe.
VALENTINES DAY Valentines day... what better excuse for the suited and booted money making folk to convince consumers that they must go out and buy something red, fl uffy or chocolatey for their better half than making their girlfriends/boyfriends think that by not receiving a gift their love is no more. Genius.
BUS BANTERERS You’re sat on the bus at the end of a long day, you’ve found yourself a prime seat a good distance away from the violent youths and far away enough from the driver to be able to sneak a cheeky sandwich, when all of a sudden... the ‘bus banterer’ boards. They single out their victims, invade their personal space, then trick you into taking your earphones out whilst asking you to move your bags along and before you can put them back in - BOOSH - the journey long banter begins. Pure public transport hell.
union
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votebookSabb ElectionsHave you ever heard of the Sabb Elections? Maybe not. But don’t feel too guilty about it, you’re not stupid or anything (well you might be but I’m not going to generalise), but it is something worth knowing about - so help is at hand in the form of this article...
You are clearly gripped by suspense so I think I should just
go ahead and tell you about it... the Sabb election occurs in
March and is a chance for any student to stand for any one
of the positions - whether that be President, Vice-President
Communications and Involvement, Vice President
Activities and Development, Vice-President Academic
Affairs, Vice-President Welfare and Equality (I know fancy
names! This obviously looks good on the old C.V.) Don’t be
fooled into thinking people who do this will be sitting around
doing nothing - because they are doing other things as well;
you know like spending a week campaigning, performing a
speech at the beginning of the voting week to 400 students
on why they should vote for them and at the end of it - if
they are lucky, they’ll be working full time at the head of a £3
million organisation in the form of the SU - collecting a tasty
£16,000 salary as they go, something to consider for yourself
then? I think yes.
Some people seem to already seem to have it in for the
possible candidates who are considering going for the
Sabb elections - they are probably jealous, but I can say
with the utmost confi dence that they have never wronged
me or did anything to upset my life...of course I don’t know
these people but I feel that is wholly irrelevant. Safe to say
that none of them resemble Sarah Palin, which is always a
plus – so if you don’t feel like running for anything at least
make your vote count. By coincidence one candidate has
something against polar bears - a strange and somewhat
disturbing coincidence I’m sure you’ll agree...
?President
?Vice - President
Academic Affairs
?Vice - President
Activities
& Development
?Vice - President
Welfare & Equality
?Vice - President
Communications
& Involvement
Could this be you?
Anyway I feel I’m venturing away from the point there.
Basically the University needs candidates and moreover
the candidates need votes, they NEED you - yes YOU!
Think of it as a popularity contest, in the sense that that is
exactly what it is – the most popular candidates will win
(I gathered that pearl of wisdom whilst studying A-level
politics).
This is just something to consider...what if one of the
winning candidates won the Euro millions jackpot and
decided to split it with his/her loyal voters? Then how
stupid would you look? You would never live it down,
people would laugh at you on the street and throw things...
safe to say it would be a nightmare, so even if you don’t
fancy being a candidate, at least be rational and clever -
and VOTE!
...a tasty
£16,000 salary as they go, something to consider for yourself then? I think yes.
FEATURES Sabb Elections
GET INVOLVED Societies (Writers Society & Dance)
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WRITERS SOCIETYOnce upon a time, in a Poly way up North, there was a society full of great writers who long aspired to become the next William Shakespeares, Lord Byrons and Quentin Tarantinos… Okay, cut that - let’s get down to the crux here.
Do you just like writing for the sake of writing?
Maybe you write stories or poems or just about anything and have no one to read it or to give you constructive criticism? I mean, let’s face it, you could write anything and your mother’s still going to say “It’s brilliant, dear!” and your friends may say “It’s good” or “I don’t like it” but rarely tell you just what’s right or wrong about it.
Then why not try Northumbria’s new society, the Writers’ Society? We’re brand new and aim to provide a support network for student creative writers. Encompassing a whole range of creative writing forms such as prose, scriptwriting, poetry and editorial work, we are open to those who write as a hobby and those who aspire to be professional writers. Our meetings aim to provide a social arena for members to bounce ideas around, discuss current work and get feedback and criticism on written work as well as an opportunity to socialise with fellow writers as a way to keep you motivated and beat the dreaded Writers’ Block!
We will also be providing resources on character development, story arcs, grammar and literary devices as well as guides to the publishing process. And that’s not to mention the projects we have ongoing and lined-up, like a self-published anthology of members’ work, a radio drama and a soap opera!
There is a lot for you to get involved in so if you’re interested, please sign up at the Welcome Desk. We meet on Wednesdays at 2pm in Reds for our social meetings and Thursdays at 6pm in the Training Room for structured workshops and we’d love to see you there!
Holly Marsh Secretary of the Writers’ Society
Is your new year’s resolution to get fi t but you’re bored of the gym?! Well look no further!! Northumbria Dance Society is a newly formed society for anyone who just wants to dance! Any age, any course, any dance level, male or female, anyone can come, whether you are a fi rst time dancer who may have only shuffl ed a sneaky moon walk in their room or a professional, just give it a go and have fun!
With weekly meetings in Domain it is a great opportunity to meet like minded people with similar interests, learn a variety of different dance styles such as ballroom, Latin, street and ballet. You can even get involved with choreographing your own routines! Currently working towards Northumbria’s Got Talent, dancing at Jesmond Festival and participating in the Unions Strictly Come Dancing sessions every other week in Reds. So, if you are interested in having a good old boogie, sign up at the Welcome Desk in the Students Union for only £3 membership for the whole year, and meet us every Monday in Domain at 8pm! Join us on Facebook, search Northumbria Dance Society. You can also get in touch with Emily Wood (President) by emailing [email protected], Jasmin Burn (Secretary)[email protected] or Sarah Edmunds (treasurer) - [email protected].
By Emily Wood and Jasmin Burn
DANCE SOCIETY
Rise & Give
GET INVOLVED RAG (Raise & Give)
Rise & GGiveRAGHow much can
YOUtake?Every February we hold RAG week, somewhat of a manic week, fi lled with fundraisers. Everything from street collections, to bar crawls, sponsored fi re walks, to silent discos; we really try and pull out all the stops for a good cause! This is a fab opportunity to really make a difference, lose your inhibitions, and make some amazing friends, all whilst adding that vital something to your CV that will set you apart from everyone else. Sound good? Well Get Involved! Contact either myself at [email protected] or VP Activities & Development Becky Warburton at [email protected].
whiwhilstlst ad a dinding tg thatatt v vitala sosometm hing to youro CV that will setyouyou ap aparta frfrom om eveeveryoryone ne else e. e. Souound nd gooo d? WelWe l Gl Get et InvInvolvolved!d! C CoContantactct eitei hererhe my m selse f af t [email protected] or VP Activities & Development Becky Warburton at [email protected].
It’s that time of year again, when the NSU Raggies hit the streets of Newcastle. Collection buckets at the ready, donning their best fancy dress costumes, Northumbria’s volunteers embark on a fun fi lled week in an attempt to raise as much money for charity as possible. What is RAG I hear you ask? In simple terms, RAG stands for Raise and Give, we’re a group of volunteers who want to raise as much money as possible for deserving charities. However, any experienced Raggie will tell you this is only the tip of the ice berg! If truth be told there are no words todescribe RAG, it really is a unique experience.
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21 Things a Student Thinks a Day...
GET INVOLVED Society Successes
1. No way is it time to get up already… snooze button!!
2. …….Snooze again
3. Whoops...I’m not going to make it to my lecture, ahh why else was blackboard invented?
4. Is this edible? Oh it’s mouldy... I’ll just eat around it and hope for the best!
5. Should I go out tonight or should I do that assignment? GO OUT!
6. Ergh it 2pm, I think it’s time for a nap.
7. Nobody will know if I’m still drunk in this seminar will they?
8. Once again, I’ve done absolutely nothing productive today.
9. I don’t have the money to go food shopping, but when it comes to going out or clothes shopping, I suddenly have money to burn!
10. Facebook or Uni work, Facebook or Uni work… Facebook!
11. Boys: Is there any footy on tonight?
12. Eww what’s that smell... I think the bins need taking out.
13. It’s Jeremy Kyle time!
14. Must check my email… to see if I can get guestlist tonight.
15. Washing up is such an effort; I’ll just leave it here for 2 minutes and do it after Hollyoaks…
16. I need to catch up on the latest on BBC iplayer or 4od!
17. What the hell happened last night?! I literally cannot remember a thing!
18. I should probably be working right now.
19. When was that photo taken… when were we there last night?!
20. 10 missed calls from home, I think I should probably ring my parents to tell them I’m alive.
21. Would that person mind if I dumped their washing on the fl oor cause I really need to use the washing machine so I actually have something clean to wear.
y
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..
NVOLVED Society
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Should I go out tonight or
should I do that assignment?Students, the crème-de-la-crème of society, the forward thinkers and future rulers of Britain. There is something very special about the way the student mind thinks. The inner workings of the mind. The depths of thought and philosophical notions. I give you, the 21 thoughts that students think every day.
LLIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes
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LIBRA23 SEPTEMBER - 22 OCTOBER
Watch out for anything electrical this month as you may get a shock….literally! Oh and go spend a bit of time with your parents as well.
SCORPIO23 OCTOBER - 21 NOVEMBER
Think before you buy those shoes this month, you’ll regret it later when you don’t have enough for the bus.
SAGITTARIUS22 NOVEMBER - 21 DECEMBERTake a bit of care when your mate asks you for advice this month, your honesty could cause more tears than you can cope with.
CAPRICORN22 DECEMBER - 19 JANUARYYou will be involved in a triangle of sorts this month; whether that’s love, work or money, watch out.
AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY - 18 FEBRUARY
Litigations a.k.a. court appearances could happen this month if you don’t behave yourself! Go pay that bill from last September.
PISCES19 FEBRUARY - 20 MARCH
Prisons hold a high number of Pisceans - so this month concentrate on your degree and stay out of trouble. A criminal record will defi nitely not help you get a job when you fi nish university.
Uh oh, tissues at the ready as you’re going to be a bit emotional this month. But it will give you the perfect chance to meet a few eccentric people. Every cloud ey!
GEMINI21 MAY - 21 JUNEApparently you will be involved in activities with two young people and an old man. Need I say any more?!
LEO23 JULY - 23 AUGUST
Do more things you enjoy this month! All play and no work makes for a very happy student.
CANCER21 JUNE - 22 JULY
I’d recommend not spending time with people you work with this month, the offi ce gossip will come back to bite you.
VIRGO23 AUGUST - 22 SEPTEMBER
ARIES21 MARCH - 19 APRIL
Hold onto your opinion this month as people may tell you to shut up. Mondays will be lucky for you this month.
TAURUS 20 APRIL - 20 MAY
You’re a cool, calm and collective soul and your secret desire this month is to buy a goat. However your landlord/lady and fl at mates may not appreciate a goat living in the house, so it may be easier to adopt one in Africa.
LaurenWest knows best
Dear Lauren,I really want to go travelling this summer but have no idea how to go about it Where can I get the cheapest deal? Which countries are safest to go to? How many people are ideal to travel with? Just any info or websites would be great.
Cheers, Josh.
Hiya Josh,Good news you are one of thousands of students wanting to do the exact same thing every year and there are countless ways to fi nd out about it. The most suitable operator for people like yourself and fellow students would be STA Travel, which can be accessed at www.statravel.co.uk or there is a branch located at St Mary’s Place (the road going from Northumbria up to Haymarket, after Luckies.) You should pop in for a wee chat with them and they are able to do pretty much everything to help you get sorted. They can plan your route, advise you on where is safe and where would appeal to your individual interests. In regards to how many people to go along with, 3 is usually a sound number to be safe with. Anyway, good luck and have an awesome time!Love Lauren xxx
LIGHT RELEIF Lauren West Knows Best
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Dear Lauren,I split up from the boyfriend a while ago and we both still have feelings for each other and I have no idea whether I should get back with him or not. I don’t want to get back with him right now but I’m worried I’ll lose him for good if either one of us moves on and I can’t face that. What should I do?
K.
Hi K,This is a bit of a tricky one, I know I’ve been there myself. I guess the right thing to do if you still have feelings for him is to not ignore them, but to swallow your pride temporarily and tell your ex. At the same time, you should explain to him that you don’t feel now is the right time for the two of you, and you never know, he might be feeling the exact same way, yet also afraid to say anything. In terms of him moving on, you never know, you could meet somebody else just as easily as him. You have to look at it in the sense that what’s meant to be will be and if you and this boy are meant to be together, you will be. Maybe not right away, but when it matters. I’m a fi rm believer in this and to be honest, it’s usually for the best =) Good luck, hope things work out!Love Lauren xxx
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LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold
votebookSabb ElectionsWant to run a £3million business for a year?
Earn £16,000 for doing it?
Want to gain managerial experience whilst you’re at it?
Then look no further than your Sabb Elections 2010!
You have the opportunity to run your SU for the next
year by running the Elections. Quoted by The Guardian
as “one of the best jobs in the world”, those who get
the opportunity of becoming a Sabb really do have
the advantage over other graduates. The experience is
invaluable and will leave you head and shoulders above
the rest.
I don’t know if you heard but there’s something of a
recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. The
chance of becoming a Sabb is the perfect opportunity to
do something exceptional. You take a year out to do the job
and most courses will accept it as an internship (a paid one
at that!) in the middle of study, or you can choose to do it at
the end of your degree.
Any Northumbria student can run and you are elected
into the position through getting your mates and other
Northumbria students to vote for you. Simple.
Positions availablePresidentFigurehead of the SU, responsible for
overseeing the smooth running of the Sabb
team and University committees and talking
to the media.
Vice - President Communications & InvolvementYou can be the editor of NU:Life, the producer
of NU:TV, uphold democracy in the SU and
communicate to all Northumbria students.
Vice - President Academic AffairsLooking out for your academic
issues and leader on Course and
School reps.
Vice - President Activities & DevelopmentBe the leader of the infamous Welcome
Week, show the way for RAG and all volunteer
projects and societies
Vice - President Welfare & EqualityWatches over the welfare of Northumbria
students including health, housing and money.
Closing date to nominate yourself is FRIDAY
5TH MARCH so get on it quick. Go to the
Welcome Desk to pick up a nominations pack
or e-mail [email protected]
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Profi le edit Friends
LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold
nu:life 19
Sabb ElectionsVOTEWhy should you vote in the Sabb elections?
If you don’t want to run in the elections you must vote!
Don’t give up your right to vote on who you want running
your SU for the next year. It’s vital that you have your say.
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Vote
VOTING DATESNominations Open - Monday 15th FebNominations Close - Friday 5th MarchVoting Days Tues 23rd - 25th MarchYou can vote from any computer via your desktop, so there is no excuse!
1. Once that person is elected you have to put up with
what they want for the next year. You don’t want any
random Joe running your SU.
2. This random Joe (not that I have anything against Joe)
may write on his manifesto that he’s going to start
charging £5 a pint. Don’t want that? THEN VOTE!
3. Once you vote, you can tell anyone else who pesters
you to do it, where to go
4. If you don’t vote you can’t complain about how your SU
is run because you had your chance to have your say.
5. To cancel out someone else vote - if you know your
mate is going to vote for the guy who wants to charge
£5 a pint, you can cancel out his vote, by voting.
6. Every vote counts don’t leave it to someone else. Past
Sabb election some have won by only 4 votes!!!
7. Don’t let someone else make the decision for you.
8. It’s YOUR SU. Decide on something which you get a lot
out of.
9. The SU has a massive impact on your life at
Northumbria, more than you may think. From
everything to the library opening for 24 hours to
appealing a poor grade you get.
10. It will take you 1 minute 45 seconds to do from any
computer. You’ll be back on Facebook in no time.
Networks Inbox
View Discssion Board
Invite People to Vote
Add to My Events
Share
Your RSVP
You Are Attending.
Attending
Maybe Attending
Not Attending
RSVP
LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
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LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
OH THE JOYS OF BEING A STUDENT. Three fuelled years of friends, fl ings and the odd essay. Here are a select few photos from our past events. With everything from raves to gigs, karaoke to cocktails. Whilst ‘more than just a bar’, your SU can put on one heck of a party.
union
STUDENT CULTURE Student Street Style
nu:life 23
With statement coats and layers,
that’s how! There’s a lot of khaki and
chunky knitwear about this month,
and a sprinkling of pattern clashing
and checks in all shapes and sizes.
Also note the bright pops of colour
here and there, which are sure to help
coax the sun out of hiding…!
tudenttreettyle
It’s the middle of winter and most people use it as an excuse to boot up and save the best of their clothes for when the sun reappears in April. Well not Northumbria Students! How are Northumbria kids keeping warm, I hear you ask?
HOT TOPIC GIVES YOU, THE STUDENT, A VOICE TO THE BIG ISSUES AFFECTING YOU. THEY ARE CURRENT QUESTIONS SURROUNDING YOU AND YOUR LIFE AS A STUDENT AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE TOPIC.
You’ve heard it before and probably have had some stick for it at some point. But it’s the same wherever you go; some people don’t believe you really are as skint as you say you are. But are they right? You do get around £3000 a year to live off, with some students whose parents pay their rent and the occasional food shop. Or are students genuinely strapped for cash, living out of overdrafts and raiding the discount shelf at Aldi.
ARE STUDENTS REALLY AS SKINT AS THEY MAKE OUT?
STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic
24 nu:life
MILES CHAMBERSNORTHUMBRIA STUDENT
Students are lazy; students are alcoholics;and students are poor. Though all three of these stereotypes have truthful foundations (come on, admit it, we can be pretty damn lazy!), the one that is without a doubt the main issue to plenty of us is money. They say money makes the world go round, but what they didn’t say was how it can evaporate effortlessly on stuff you didn’t even think about at the time. That sandwich I harmlessly bought frequently from university campus? Well buying one every weekday over the 12 weeks of last semester would help explain where £120 of my loan went. Ouch.
I don’t know about you but when I began life at Northumbria - doe-eyed and disorientated from fresher’s week - I never thought I’d be going down to the supermarket realising that I’d spent more the night before than I had on food for the past week! I guess now is the time of year when how much you’ve spent really hits you. Doom and gloom is often tagged onto January but thanks to the second batch of our student loans coming through and patching over our weakening overdrafts the actual effect the fi rst semester had on our pockets isn’t felt for many until February, when once again those overdrafts take a pummelling.
I’m not saying that students are exceptions in the world and that everyone else has their fi nances easy. The fact is being a student is a good introduction to managing (or more often than not mismanaging) fi nances, and it’s a healthy way of informing us how easily money can be spent. Sometimes we’ve gotta accept we’re to blame a little too. I could complain for hours when I’m broke, but in all honesty I’ll happily spend more on a night out than I intend to spend on food shopping for a week. As students maybe our priorities are unbalanced in the favour of entertainment, but we’re in full time education still - why should we be expected to embrace all of life’s responsibilities just yet?
I’m not saying that all students have money problems; I know quite a few people who for one reason or another are fi nding funding their university lifestyle a breeze. But for every one of them there are four or fi ve of us and the stereotype of students being skint becomes worryingly real.>
YES
“I never thought I’d be going down to the supermarket realising that I’d spent more the night before than I had on food for the past week!”
SARAH HELLAWELLNORTHUMBRIA STUDENT
Student: a word that is often interchangeable with skint, broke and even impoverished, but does this necessarily ring true with today’s student culture?
Take a quick look around campus and you will be hard-pressed to fi nd anyone who appears poverty stricken. The familiar shuffl e of Ugg boots down the corridors, the fl ash of designer gear courtesy of Jack Wills and the continuous updates to Facebook via Blackberry or iphone suggests that in reality students enjoy a relatively extravagant lifestyle.
Many of us would have the rest of society; in particular our parents believe that we are struggling to cope on limited funds. Hence, the stereotypical view of the tax-dodging, scrounging students surviving on baked beans and beer. In actual fact most students regularly afford takeaways, a meal in a restaurant and of course the odd night out. In addition, many students fi nd the time and money for regular shopping trips, they own laptops, iPods and the latest phones. Often seen in M&S food department, driving their Mini’s through Jesmond and boasting grand summer holiday plans, students no longer conform to their traditionally dismal status.
This luxurious way of life is funded by a generous, low-interest loan, non-repayable grants and bursaries, part-time work and usually a hefty contribution from the bank of Mum and Dad. Leaving few students to stump up the cash to become self-reliant during their studies and with the enhanced career prospects that a degree can bring, the student lifestyle doesn’t seem so destitute after all.
On a serious note, over three billion people worldwide live in actual poverty surviving on a mere £2.50 a day. People living in the poorest countries work hard for little or no pay and no hope of a better lifestyle. It really puts our grumbles about being skint into perspective:
• Everyday about 25 000 people die of hunger as they are too poor to buy food.• Even in the 21st Century nearly a billion people remain illiterate.• In the United Kingdom a fi fth of the population live under the low-income threshold and therefore in relative poverty.
(Statistics courtesy of www.poverty.com and www.poverty.org.uk, 2008)
Without wanting to sound too heavy, compared to the many examples of desperate poverty around the world fl ashy undergrads with their gym memberships, GHDs and general high standard of living do not convey the image of deprivation.
Student: affl uent, prosperous, loaded. nu:life 25
STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic
NO“many students fi nd the time and money for regular shopping trips, they own laptops, iPods and the latest phones.”
nu:life 13
Cause for Complaint…?
Finding a ResolutionThe Advice and Representation Centre can make enquiries or advocate on your behalf - it’s usually easier and more effective to attempt to resolve issues before making a formal complaint..
Of Course!Your Course Rep might also be able to help if it’s something affecting many students. Have a chat with them about it or ask us if you don’t know who they are.
Are You Satisfi ed…?If you want to make a formal complaint, we can guide you through this too. It’s your right to complain and let the University know that you’re not satisfi ed. Following the Student Handbook of Regulations, you should fi rstly alert the person creating or responsible for resolving the problem, if possible. If this isn’t successful, completing a ‘Complaints Proforma’ (form) is the second stage. As part of the Proforma, it’s important to say how you think your complaint can be resolved. These complaints are considered by the Dean of a School or Director of a Service and if still unresolved, can then be considered by the University’s Student Appeals and Complaints Ombudsman.
The deadline for making a formal complaint is usually 3 months after the events you’re complaining about.
If in doubt, come and ask us!
ClaireEducation CaseworkerAdvice and Representation Centre
For more info, someone to represent you at a hearing/meeting or any other on-course issues, get in touch with the Advice and Representation Centre - Tel: 0191 2274810 E-mail Claire directly at [email protected] or you can fi nd us on 1st Floor, Students’ Union building, City Campus - Call in for quick enquiries or to make an appointment.
STUDENT CULTURE Ask Claire
Dear Claire,I’m in my fi rst year here at Northumbria and I haven’t found University to be all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve made mates and I’ve had some awesome nights out but there are things the University said about itself that I just haven’t found to be true.I’m completing all my work but there are just other things in terms of ‘sorting stuff out’ that I’ve found diffi cult and the staff I’ve approached haven’t been very helpful. I really want to make a complaint - is that too far fetched?Jason
Hi Jason,I’m sorry to hear you have had diffi culty in getting things sorted out. Your letter doesn’t say exactly which part of Uni you’ve been fi nding diffi cult and so here’s some generic advice... Feel free to contact me directly for more information.
nu:life 27
i
PLAN B NEW SINGLE STAY TOO LONG
British rapper, singer and actor
Plan B found his chart fame collaborating with Drum and Bass duo Chase and Status. End credits reached No.9 in the UK singles chart last year, since then both have punched out the powerful 2008 Dance Chart topper single Pieces, a great song to listen to after a break-up! Following on his drum and bass interest he has teamed up with Pendulum for his newest release Stay Too Long, a good song un-tampered with but appealing with a heavier backing added. A slight contrast to his usual knock-outs what with the high notes, bouncy beat and happy tune but with an indie infl uence, catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm there’s no doubt your feet will be tapping to this one. If Stay too Long is anything to go by for the rest of Plan Bs forthcoming album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks (set to be released in April this year) it will be a well spent tenner.
STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers
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RIHANNA- RATED R
Song choice - listen to Rude Boy and Wait Your TurnRihanna, unconventional R&B singer/songwriter from
Barbados released Rated R in November of last year which has already spawned two top singles, “Russian Roulette” and “Hard”. The album is a result of a muddled musical infl uence where each track offers a new character to her story. The lack of cohesion throughout could be seen as negative but compared to a lot of R&B artists around at the moment its arrived as a breath of fresh air to hear such a diverse mix included on one CD. The tinny electric guitar backing from the former Guns N Roses member in Rockstar 101 adds another fl avour to the plate, a slightly cheesy one, Rihannas voice just seems to clash with the Slash. Rihanna is renowned to have a contemporary musical style within her fi eld and this album is no exception. Mad house, the fi rst track on the album kicks it off with a Dubstep beat and organ effect, alongside with her lyrical fusion it gives a dark, revenge fi lled feeling throughout. This may be seemingly what Rihanna wanted to achieve with the use of her passion sparked from recent messy break from now ex-boyfriend singer Chris Brown. The lyrically amusing track Rude Boy exploits Rihannas style to the best of her unique vocal abilities as well as adding a playful, uplifting attitude to the compilation. It has been said she may have gone a little too intimate with her lyrics but hey, what’s wrong with pain in music sometimes? After all R&B does stand for rhythm and blues.
By Jasmin Burn
nu:life 29
STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers
FRANKIE AND THE HEARTSTRINGS
One to watch Frankie and the heartstrings is a brand new old fashioned pop band from Sunderland. Coming
fully formed out of the North - East, this fi ve piece band made up of Frankie Francis (vocals), Dennis Mennis (bass), Dave Harper (drums), Michael McKnight (guitar), and Pete Gofton (bass), have a 50’s style infl uence complemented with a modern twist to their sound. The name of the band is suited to their 50’s, jock rock sound, and with a charismatic, cocky front man leading the helm, who has been compared to greats like Morissey and Edwyn Collins, the Frankie and The Heartstrings look set to turn heads this year. Like other successful bands from the North - East such as Maximo Park and the Futureheads, Frankie and the heartstrings show a diverse range of songs, with funky upbeat tunes like ‘Hunger’ and emotional, bring a tear to your eye tracks such as ‘Fragile’, they show the potential to be an accomplished indie band. Overall it’s too early to say how good Frankie and The Heartstrings could be, they’re rough, ragged and that’s not just from their Sunderland upbringing, once their fl aws are chiselled out, I guarantee you’ll be straight on itunes downloading their album.
Rating: 8/10
VAMPIREWKD-CONTRA
What do you get when you cross Robert Pattinson with a Saturday
night? That’s right Vampire Weekends new album Contra. The New Yorkers are back with their second album Contra, and after my fi rst, second, third,...tenth listen, I conclude that it’s a good album. Ok that is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a listener, which grows on you like a bad hair cut which turns good. With an opening track called Horchata, (which is the ingredient used to make Tia Maria), it is the base mark for the rest of the album, a simple chilled out sound. Contra does have songs which can be linked to the old stuff of the fi rst album, there are songs like ‘Cousins’ and my Diplomat Son’, which still contain the catchy lyrics and African backing. Although this album isn’t going to make your blood boil, it does have a feel good sound, and reminiscences of the fi rst album. It is defi antly a listener which grows on you, and if nothing else it has given me a craving for a glass of horchata.
Rating: 7/10
STAN’S BACK!Stan Calvert is back this month and this time the most fi ercely contested competition in university sport means business.
Moved from its traditional Wednesday slot, the event will
take centre stage on a Sunday for the fi rst time.
But the action will reach its familiar conclusion at
Gateshead Stadium in the evening as Northumbria tackle
Newcastle in the rugby union showdown.
“Due to the expanded BUCS programme in 2009/10 it
was just proving impossible to squeeze everything into the
usual Wednesday,” explained TN’s event orginaiser Lynda
Dunn.
“Rather than try and shoehorn sports in and put pressure
on teams and venues we decided to set aside a Sunday to
showcase Stan Calvert.
“It’s not what staff and students are used to but we’re
hoping it will prove to be a change for the better. And as
usual we hope the Northumbria community will be out in
force on February 28.
“The day might have changed but we’re expecting the
support to be as vociferous as ever.”
Newcastle are the reigning holders of the Stan Calvert Cup
after their shock 2009 success.
And Northumbria are desperate to get their hands on
a trophy which means everything to Tyneside’s big two
universities.
Hundreds of athletes across scores of sports will play
for vital points in the most competitive and keenly fought
contest in British university sport.
And teamnorthumbria.com is planning to be all over
Stan Calvert 2010 with blanket coverage as it happens.
TN Stan’s Back
30 nu:life
nu:life 31
TN Stan Calvert Fixtures
Athletics 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 3-7pm
Badminton Men’s 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 2-4pm
Badminton Women’s 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 12-2pm
Basketball Men’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 6-8pm
Basketball Women’s 28 Feb NU Coach Lane 4-6pm
Cricket Men’s 21 Feb South North Cricket Centre 1pm
Cricket Women’s 21 Feb South North Cricket Centre 10am
Fencing Men’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 1:30-4:30pm
Fencing Women’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 1:30-4:30pm
Football Mens 28 Feb NU Coach Lane 2pm
Football Women’s 28 Feb Bullocksteads 2pm
Golf 24 Feb Matfen Hall GC 11am
Hockey Men’s 28 Feb Coach Lane 1:30-3pm
Hockey Womens 28 Feb NU Longbenton 3:30-5pm
Lacrosse Men’s 28 Feb UNN Bullocksteads 12:30pm
Lacrosse Women’s 28 Feb UNN Bullocksteads 2:30pm
Mountain Biking 28 Feb TBC, Hamsterly Forest 10am
Netball 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 6:30-8:30pm
Rugby League 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 5pm
Rugby Union 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 7pm
Rugby Union Women’s 28 Feb Cochrane Park 2pm
Rowing 28 Feb Newburn Boat House 1:40pm onwards
Squash Men’s 28 Feb UNN City Campus 3:30pm
Squash Women’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 3:30pm
Swimming Men’s 28 Feb City Pool 1-4pm
Swimming Women’s 28 Feb City Pool 1-4pm
Table Tennis Men’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 2-5pm
Table Tennis Women’s 28 Feb NU Sports Centre 2-5pm
Tennis Men’s 24 Feb Northumberland Club 12-4pm
Tennis Women’s 24 Feb David Lloys 12-4pm
Volleyball Men’s 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 12-2pm
Volleyball Women’s 28 Feb Gateshead Stadium 10-12pm
STAN CALVERT SPORT
FIXTURES
Newcastle are the reigning holders of the Stan Calvert Cup after their shock 2009 success.”
“
Northumbria University’s blossoming relationship with British basketball’s biggest club was strengthened last month as we welcomed home Newcastle Eagles.
Fab Flournoy’s hoops stars had been forced
to spend six weeks on the road after making
way for hit musical Mama Mia! at their Metro
Radio Arena home.
But Northumbria staff and students were
out in force to back the Eagles in their fi rst
homecourt clash since November.
The university were the offi cial match sponsors
of Newcastle’s fi xture with old foes Worcester
Wolves on a night of high drama on Tyneside.
And it is understood the tie-up also served as
a fact fi nding mission for staff ahead of what
could be an even more signifi cant tie-up in
the future.
NU:Life has been told talks are at advanced
stage to bring the Eagles to Northumbria’s
state-of-the-art £30m sports centre next
season.
And the university could be hosting top fl ight
hoops action from September if Newcastle
bosses choose to sever ties with the Arena.
32 nu:life
NET GAINS
Team Northumbria skipper Chris Pearce regularly trains with the Eagles
and said: “Everybody knows what a great relationship we have with the
club.
“There is a long history between the Eagles and Northumbria University and many players have benefi ted from Fab’s support over the years.
“Sponsoring games like the Worcester match reinforces that bond and
it’s a great opportunity for staff and students to see a very professional
organisation in action.
Team Northumbria coaches Greg Modzelewski and Deirdre Hayes
already work for the Eagles in various roles.
And former TN star Marc Steutel is now assistant coach to Flournoy.
But neither the university nor Newcastle have made an offi cial
announcement on where the Eagles will host their BBL fi xtures next
season.
Newcastle MD Paul Blake said: “We have enjoyed a very good
relationship with the Metro Radio Arena over the years and we are very
grateful for their ongoing support.
“This is always the time of year when we start to look ahead to next
season and talks are taking place with a number of partners.”
TN Net Gains
nu:life 33
SUNEEOUTLOOKSalt and pepper. Students and alcohol. Football and the North East. Each word is pretty much synonymous with the other. So it came as little surprise, when back in August, one of the fastest growing sports schemes came to the region.
Originally set up in London and Glasgow, Street League has now
taken a hold of the nation’s footballing hotbed. The charity aims
to help adults that are currently Not in Employment, Education or
Training (NEET), gain qualifi cations through football.
With midweek training sessions, local and regional match-days the
scheme has been an instant success and Team Northumbria has
been there to lend a helping hand the whole way.
In association with SUNEE (Sports Universities North East England),
Northumbria has been sending student interns to help out in
all aspects of the programme. From coaching to reporting and
everything in between, students have been given a range of roles to
develop their own CVs.
But its not just students getting involved, local football legends Peter
Beardsley, Paul Bracewell and Joey Barton have all shown their
support for the scheme too.
“I’m from this part of the world and it’s a brilliant idea, Street League
is becoming more and more popular and if we can help people it’s
brilliant,” said midfi eld maestro Beardsley
“It’s nice to see people getting exercise and it brings people
together no matter where they’re from.
“When you look at the atmosphere and the
response from the people that are here, that is
something that is very important.”
The number of teams participating in the match-
days has shown a steep rise, with more and
more adults in the area looking to turn their lives
around. One of Street League’s early success
stories is Graham Carter.
“Any problems I have had, SUNEE Street
League have supported me through it. I used
to answer with my fi sts to any confrontation, but
now I do it verbally,” said a reformed Carter.
“I had never had any encouragement before.
Through their help and my own determination I
have turned it around and I love life now. I was
only existing before.”
* SUNEE aims to break down barriers and increase engagement in physical activity and sport by delivering a number of sport related projects, including Street League.
The SUNEE partnership will have a dramatic
impact on the lives of our students and staff as
well as the community of the North East through
the promotion of physical activity.
By Andrew Spoors
34 nu:life
NAVY SAIL INTO NORTH EASTNorthumbria University welcomed the Royal Navy to the North East last month.
But the planned trip was far from plain sailing for the
seafarers as they came up against our battling Rugby
League boys.
The Navy were hot favourites to take the honours in the
preliminary round of the world famous Challenge Cup.
And Northumbria had a real fi ght on their hands at a chilly
Percy Park.
“It was a huge game for us but we gave it our best shot,”
said skipper Karl Brandt.
“We played the Army at the same stage last season and it
was a bit of a drubbing.
“So we knew it would be tough but we’re a team that’s
improving all the time.”
Former Northumbria favourite Richie Metcalfe looked after
the navy squad during their trip to the region.
The ex-Newcastle Knights and Gateshead Thunder
player was instrumental in progressing the university’s RL
programme during his time here.
And he explained: “I was delighted when we drew
Northumbria.
“I was part of a group of players who really pushed Ian
Elvin to throw Team Northumbria’s weight behind moving
Rugby League forward a few years back.
“As a result of that the university joined the Super Sixes last
season and are competing in the Super Eights this year.
“I’m proud to have played a part in getting them to that
stage and it’s a programme which continues to move
forward.”
Metcalfe is based in Somerset working as an aircraft
technician and has helped to form a new Rugby League
club in the county.
The Middlesbrough lad’s trips to the North East are few
and far between these days but he’d love to come back on
February 28.
“I played for Northumbria in the Stan Calvert Cup when we
beat Newcastle and it’s a very happy memory,” he added.
“I’m wishing the lads all the best this month and hoping
they can repeat the trick
TN Navy Sail into North East
COLD COMFORT FOR NORTH STARSport was the big loser last month as the worst winter weather in 30 years decimated fi xtures across the country.
And Northumbria University’s athletes were caught in the
middle of severe ice and heavy snow with games cancelled
right, left and centre.
While football and rugby were obvious casualties, as frozen
pitches and several inches of snow left pitches unplayable,
even indoor sports suffered.
Team Northumbria’s Super League netball stars saw their
fi rst game called off before Christmas as Mavericks failed
to make it out of Hertfordshire.
And Barbara Brown’s roster saw their double header in
Bath and Glasgow called off in the fi rst week of January
with airports closed and major roads blocked.
It was a similar story for our basketball teams and TN’s
Gareth McKenna admitted: “It didn’t matter whether we
were supposed to be playing indoors or out.
“Transport was a nightmare and health and safety issues
meant most venues were deemed unfi t. Our players
couldn’t make training sessions and opposition players
couldn’t travel up to the North East.”
TN offi cials spent hours making phone calls to
counterparts across the country in a bid to save some of
the scores of fi xtures blighted by the bad weather.
TN Cold Comfort for North Star
nu:life 35
But the worst weather for a generation has forced a fi xture
pile-up the like of which our coaches have never seen
before.
Paul Johnson’s Northern League footballers went for fi ve
weeks without a competitive game.
And now the squad faces two or three games a week for
the foreseeable future in a bid to fi ght through the backlog
of national league and BUCS fi xtures.
It is a similar story for Richard Arnold’s promotion-chasing
rugby players with the Bullocksteads pitch frozen, then
covered snow and fi nally waterlogged.
“It’s been a diffi cult time for everyone,” added TN’s Colin
Stromsoy. “But we’ve tried to keep staff and students
informed of fi xture changes on our website and we’re just
hoping we’re over the worst of it now.”
To stay in touch with what’s happening on the TN sporting
scene log on to www.teamnorthumbria.com
