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debating the diana film
Issue 9.3
essential freshers’ box sets
what culture to see in kent
23rd September 2013
ukc societies profiles
welcome from sports vp
welcome to kent comment - page 5
iq entertainment - page 18
iq culture - page 20
iq features - pages 12-13
sport - back page
Photo by Jim Higham
Matthew Gilley Newspaper Editor WELCOME to the University of Kent! Congratulations Freshers and welcome back to returning students. University is (apparently) supposed to be the best years of your life and Kent is a great place to come for it. Campus life is vibrant, with
four bars, the Venue, theatre and live music, as well as the Gulbenkian for cinema, and whatever else you can think of. There’s also a whole host of societies, sports clubs and volunteering groups for you to join. The student experience is as much about what you do outside the lecture theatre as inside it, so join anything and everything that takes your
fancy. Check out the Features and Sport sections of the paper to see profiles of some of the choices available to you. Welcome, as well, to the term’s first issue of InQuire, the University of Kent’s fortnightly student newspaper. InQuire has been going since 1965, only a few months after the University itself was founded. Have a look inside for all your
local and student news, debate, reviews, advice from past Freshers, sport and culture. If you’re interested in journalism, love writing, or want to join InQuire for any other reason then come and find us at the Welcome Fayre on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th September or go to http:// www.kentunion.co.uk/ organisation/inquire/.
With the same fee you also get membership to the awardwinning KTV and CSRfm, the University’s student television and radio stations. So really, how could you say no? www.inquirelive.co.uk www.facebook.com/ InQuireMedia @InQuireLive
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News Editor’s Note
Hello, It’s me from the front page again. This week’s issue is (unsurprisingly) stacked full of freshers articles. You can get tips from freshers past, a playlist for pre-drinks and you can hear about the experiences of freshers at other universities across the world. You can also tune in to CSR 97.4fm or head to youtube. com/kenttelevision for more coverage. Have a great freshers’, don’t pass out/throw up too many times. Matt.
InQuireMedia
2013/2014 Editorial contacts: Alasdair Lawrence Chairman chairman Matthew Gilley - Editor newspaper.editor Chad Greggor - Website Editor website.editor Newspaper: Christopher Heron - News newspaper.news Samantha Baldwin - Comment newspaper.comment Emma Shelton - Features newspaper.features Rebekah Chilvers - Culture newspaper.culture Emily Adams - Entertainment newspaper.entertainment Dan English - Sports newspaper.sport Website: Simon Terhaag - News website.news Tom Vine - Comment website.comment Tom Hagues - Features website.features Caroline Wadham - Entertainment website.entertainment Emma Greenacre - Culture website.culture Hetty Sieling - Distribution distribution LaShanda Seaman - Promotions and Events events Daniel Barnby - Design design To contact the committee, add @ inquiremedia.co.uk to the end of the adress under their name.
nus agrees deal with tuc
Christopher Heron Newspaper News Editor
THE National Union of Students have agreed a new deal with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) . The agreement was signed on 29th August by Toni Pearce, the National President of the NUS and her counterpart in the TUC, General Secretary Frances O’Grady (pictured). The document states that they are focused on “developing a new generation of activists who are engaged in the political process, participants in their local communities and campaigners to create a fairer, more prosperous society”. The agreement itself consists of ten points, which include fighting discrimination on campuses and the workplace, working together on a campaign to promote the living wage, as well as supporting and mentoring female leaders within both the student and trade union movements. The agreement guarantees union support and representation for apprentices, and concludes with NUS
supporting TUC efforts to promote trade union membership to students. The agreement between the two organisations has come under some criticism from Kent students, focusing on its lack of appeal towards the general student populace that the NUS represents and its symbolic nature. Union Reform Group cofounder and Kent Student George Hopkin had some strong criticism of the understanding between the two organisations: “The agreement seems to have been made to strengthen the campaigning arm of the NUS but it will do nothing to help most students. “It only gives more power to those who already have it at the top table of national student politics - the tiny hard Left group that sets the agenda and acts upon it”. Reaction to the agreement has not been solely negative, and their has been support for the motion from students both at Kent and nationwide. Jack Lay, the Chair of Kent Labour Students said that “The
agreement between the NUS and the TUC is hopefully a really positive thing for students. “The relationship will allow the NUS to help achieve its campaigning goals, ultimately helping students in the long and
short term.” The full agreement between the NUS and the TUC can be found online, at: http:// www.nus.org.uk/en/ news/news/nus-and-tucagreement/
Photograph by WorldSkills
the times shortlists kent student guide launched Matthew Gilley Newspaper Editor THE University of Kent has been shortlisted for both Excellence and Innovation in the Arts and ICT Initiative of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. These were the only categories in which the University made submissions. Kent’s entry in the first category was based on a number of recent projects, including the launch of the School of Music and Fine Arts in Medway, the construction of the ColyerFergusson Music Building and the School of Architecture Crit Building, both of which opened in the last 12 months, and the University’s partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. The ICT Initiative focused on the Centre for Child Protection’s development of ‘serious games’ to allow students of professionals in child protection to practice in a safe environment. The project was partly influenced by the death of baby Peter Connelly in
2007. The games include ‘Rosie 1’, which simulates a child protection situation involving a family, and ‘Rosie 2’, which deals with the same family five years on. They are intended to be “a safe new medium to explore and reflect upon child protection assessment”. The University’s ViceChancellor, Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, said: “This is further good news for Kent in a year during which the University has been ranked among the top 20 in the UK. It is also further recognition of Kent’s academic strengths and successes, as well as the impact it makes upon society at all levels.” The THE Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28th November.
Emily Adams Newspaper Entertainment Editor FOR the start of the new academic year the University of Kent has altered its student portal and integrated its services into one student guide to make it easier and simpler to use. The original student portal allowed students to view their timetable and access their student email as well as look at their modules through the online learning environment Moodle and the Student Data System. The new student guide offers a clearer layout and easier navigation to Moodle and the Kent student email. There are now direct links to Moodle and the student data system to avoid having to log in to every service separately, plus links to the University’s twitter account so students don’t miss out on important information during term time. There is a University calendar which displays important student news such as the
upcoming events in Freshers’ Week including the Freshers’ Fayre, which is on the 26th and 27th of September. As the guide is now part of the main University of Kent website, students can easily access everything they need such as module catalogue and details about their course. If students have problems with IT and library ervices, solutions and help are also accessible from the main screen of the new student guide. This new integrated system should ease some of the much vaunted problems with navigation and help students mange their studies effectively. The new student guide can be found at www.kent.ac.uk/ student/.
News 3
further stagecoach changes
Simon Terhagg Website News Editor
AS of 22nd September this year, the 6X Stagecoach bus will no longer stop at Canterbury West station. The bus connecting Canterbury with Whitstable and Herne Bay formerly had three stops on St Dunstan’s Street from St Dunstan’s Church, all of which will no longer be accessible by the 6X bus. Due to a new route, the bus will instead loop around along London Road, and steer clear completely of the train station and Westgate. In light of a traffic trial conducted throughout last year, it was originally proposed for buses and cars to resume their former route from St. Dunstan’s through Westgate in early April. However, in the form of a more permanent solution to the congestion problem at the gate, as well as to curb damage to the historic monument, the buses are again diverted to an alternate route. While the new course set
for the bus will still end at the Bus Station, it raises an issue especially for students living on campus. Formerly, students needing a direct and affordable ride from the University to the train station used the bus connection; as of 22nd September, this journey will end at St. Dunstan’s. The rest of the way, no matter the weather or season, will have to be taken by foot. The change has been met with protest from both the student
body and local residents vying for an active return of the Westgate bus stops, but after the test which ran throughout 2012, the new route seems to be the permanent solution the City Council has been searching for. However, while the 6X bus no longer continues down St. Dunstan’s Road after the church, the number 26 bus will continue to take this route, passing by the stop of the train station every half hour.
blurred lines controversy Benjamin Coode EDINBURGH University Students’ Association (EUSA) and the University of Leeds’ students union have banned Robin Thicke’s number one single ‘Blurred Lines’ on campus. EUSA said the song does not comply with the their policy ‘End Rape Culture and Lad Banter on Campus’. Alice Smart, of Leeds’ student union told The Independent the decision had been taken because the song “undermines and degrades women”. The song’s lyrics were cited as the reason for the ban. Kirsty Haigh, EUSA Vice President of Services, said that the song was guilty of “promoting a unhealthy attitude towards sex and consent”. Lines such as “I hate these blurred lines, I know you want it” have been accused of trivialising rape by various critics of the song. Blurred Lines has caused considerable controversy since its release, with it being the
subject of Miley Cyrus’ infamous twerking performance at the VMAs and nudity within the accompanying music video. Robin Thicke has defended his creation, saying that all the singers were married with children and that there were more pressing issues in society than nudity in videos. EUSA’s recall the All Student Votes from the last academic year which rejected proposals to ban ‘lads mags’ in Essentials, indicating that this debate is far from over.
kent exposes cyber crime new national service proposed Emma Shelton Newspaper Features Editor
THE first Survey on Cyber Security, organised by the University of Kent, interviewed 1,500 British people, and found that 18.3% of them have had their computers compromised. According to the 2012 Statistic Bulletin concerning Internet Access – Households and Individuals, 67% of British adults use a computer every day. The survey found that when asking the same people “Has anyone ever broken into any of your online accounts including email, social network, banking, and online gaming ones?”, 11.4% of people between 5564 years old said “yes”. They were the smallest group of people who were affected by cybercrime. The age group most affected were the 18-24 year olds, with 26.3% of them saying they had been hacked. Students generally within the age group aforementioned will be at risk, and students from the University of Kent are no exception. Recent emails from the
IT Services department of the University concerning fraudulent emails confirm the survey’s results and the need for computer security: “fake emails are regularly received by staff and students from people trying to obtain your username and password, financial details, or trying to plant viruses on your computer. We take action to block them, but some still get through”. Finally, the survey looked into the scale of financial losses due to hacking. It found that 2.3% of the population lost over £10,000 as a result of hacking. As students with tight budgets, the University’s warnings bear more weight. Dr. Julio Hernandez-Castro & Dr. Eerke Boiten, from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security Research University of Kent, who were in charge of the survey, will continue to track the progress of cybercrime over the coming years, and will then draw conclusions from the evolution of people affected by cybercrime. More information about the survey can be found at: www. cybersec.kent.ac.uk.
Chad Greggor Website Editor
EARLY next year parliament are set to discuss a bill submitted by Kettering’s Conservative MP, Phillip Hollobone, which proposes a mandatory national service for 18-26 year olds. Hollobone proposes a “modern form of national service” with a variety of options. These include military service, working for the NHS, caring for the elderly or other charitable work for the period of one year. The bill states that anyone between the ages of 1826 who refuses to take part in national service will be guilty of an offence, and will be “subject to a penalty”, though the details of this penalty have not yet been specified. The bill also states that travel and accommodation will be covered for the year of service, and that the adult national minimum wage will be paid. Once the year of national service is complete, they will be entitled to “a lifetime income tax rate personal allowance 10 per cent above” the normal rate, meaning that citizens will be able to earn more before they
have to pay tax on their income. Reaction to the bill has been somewhat negative, with a petition on Change.org started by activist Debbie Sayers to stop the bill. Sayers commented that “it is unacceptable to force any person to engage in training that has mandatory residential elements, military training or actual service in the military without the ability to refuse”. The online petition is currently being distributed around social media accounts and has so far gained over 21,000 signees. The conservative MP Phillip Hollobone (pictured below) is becoming known for controversial politics, also
currently arguing for Burkas to be banned in public. Hollobone believes that national service “would prove popular with the public and be of immense benefit to the young people who take part”. He also admits that the bill will probably not be passed, commenting that: “the lack of time which parliament has for debating [a private member’s bill] will mean that the merits and demerits of the bill are unlikely to be debated and voted upon.” The bill was scheduled to for debate in parliament on Friday the 9th of September, but has been rescheduled for February of 2014.
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News
“i can write an essay! well, no i can’t.”
Amy Gilchrist, Kent Union’s Vice-President for Activities, has been extremely busy in her first few months as a VP. InQuire’s Newspaper News Editor, Chris Heron, had a quick chat with her about her plans for Freshers’ Week and the year, the role of societies and Domino’s Pizza. We didn’t mention her driving skills. Chris: So, what’s the deal should come and get involved. with Freshers’ Week? So do you have any big Amy: So, for Freshers’ week, plans for your year as a we have Woody’s bar setting sabb (Sabbatical Officer)? up next to Blackwell’s, and there will be a stage and some Well, to start with I’m in the blankets to sit around with early process of adding a ‘What’s some music going on. This is all on’ page on the (Kent Union) during Freshers’ Fayre. website and I’m hoping to encourage societies to keep up a How’s Freshers’ Fayre constant stream of information working then? for society events. So for example, if the Belly The Team Kent tent will be over Dancing society are doing a by Marlowe, and there will be a show to plug it on the website smaller tent outside The Venue to encourage people to go along and a big tent out here (the and get involved with tasters for car park behind the Student societies throughout in the year. Activities Centre) for societies. Cool, so what are your Are these over both days? other plans over the year? Yeah, it will all be in alphabetical order. There are the most random table shares! In the Team Kent tent there will be a place offering massages. So, what else has changed since last year? This year we have a bar coding system which sports and societies can sign up to. Freshers’ are able to take the label of any society or sport they want to sign up to and stick it to a piece of paper to go to Mandela and pay for them there. What else is there? We have several societies performing on the stage on Friday. The Salsa society are doing a little shindig, the Magic society, Belly Dancing and so on are all performing so people
So one of my other year plans is to raise the profile of societies a little bit more. Currently we have Team Kent and societies don’t have the equivalent branding over them. So something to bring societies together and raise their profile a bit more. You have a lot of societies who keep to themselves and I want to encourage them to come out a bit more and encourage new members to come along. I’m hoping to get the communication across more societies as well. I feel that a lot of them don’t hear everything that’s going on or don’t get involved as much as they could. Create more of a team spirit. So, back to Freshers’. What are you looking forward to most for Freshers’ Week? Meeting
people,
talking
to
people and working out what they want to do. Over the summer no students are here, it’s desolate on campus. You just want people to talk to to clarify that the things you (sabbs) are doing are the right things and their affect. I really want to try and attend lots of the society socials and stuff and try and film some stuff to set up some promotional videos to try and help promote societies a bit more. What was it like when you were a fresher? I actually lived off campus when I was a fresher. I lived with a bunch of random girls which was the best thing ever. It turns out there were loads of us living
off campus and we all went to fayres together, and in our pyjamas for some weird reason. I remember a lot of Domino’s Pizza. But, just sign up for everything! You’ll get emails all year for the events you may never go to and they will be the most random thing ever which you’re never likely to go to but you may just think “I might go to this”. I signed up for a ridiculous number of societies last year! Even four years later I get emails about bike users on Eliot footpath and stories of crashes with people walking on the cycle path!
So, if you would suggest anything to a new fresher, what would it be? You shouldn’t sign up to a club just because you want their sweets. You should sign up because you are interested in doing it… maybe. Otherwise you’ll get spam for the rest of the year and it’ll really annoy you. Try something new. Try a few things, if you go to one society and it didn’t work out than try something else. You never know, it might just be the people. I was part of Kent Snow, and it’s the best thing I did in my last two years of uni! Also, being part of a committee, if you’re interested I doing it. But if you get interested in a club, then go further in that and get involved. It’s important now, as well as academic study that you do things around it. If anything, Kent Snow gave me a lot more life skills than my degree.. Politics.. hmm. I can write an essay! Well, no I can’t. Brilliant, thanks for your time. The Student Sabbatical team. From left to right: Megan (Welfare), Alex (Education), Chelsea (President), Chris (Sport) and Amy (Activities)
Comment 5
ex-disney darlings desperate to ‘grow up’
Megan Weal DO you remember sitting as a kid and watching Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Wizards of Waverly Place? Well if you were that age now you’d be watching some Disney stars parade around in next to nothing in a desperate attempt to establish themselves as ‘grown-ups’. I’m not usually one to preach about women’s
modesty; if a woman wants to certain image for herself, by all means, go ahead. But these girls aren’t just ordinary people - they are role models projected into the public sphere. What they seem to project is the idea of nudity as a key to maturity. Instead of their goody-twoshoes past, the public is forced to acknowledge these girls as rebelling tweens attempting to break into adulthood. Let’s take the most recent
example - Miley Cyrus’ horrific werk-quake at the VMAS. For those of you who haven’t yet endured the agonizing 6-minute performance, consisting of Miley inappropriately touching her bikini-clad body with a foam finger (amongst other atrocities) let’s say such images cannot be easily dislodged from one’s brain. Despite the inevitable backlash from critics, this jaw-dropping performance has done exactly what Miley and
her advisors probably wanted; they have stripped any last inch of alter-ego Hannah Montana from Miley’s past. It didn’t start in 2013 though did it? Britney’s music videos got saucier with each release. ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ provided nothing but provocative images of seemingly under-age girls gyrating down a hallway in knee high socks. Ten years later in ‘Toxic’, we see Britney writhing around in nothing but diamantes and fondling a man’s crotch. When I was leaving primary school I remember wanting to dress as Britney in a skimpy school skirt, a low-cut-bellyflashing shirt with my hair tied in seemingly ‘innocent’ pigtails. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to be like her, and if that meant donning the confusing half-innocent, half-slut outfit then so be it. Of course my mother staunchly refused and I sulked for a good half an hour. We tend to forget how impressionable children are and how much they long to
emulate their idols. Our generation has been pumped with nonsensical propaganda promoting nudity and over-sexualized behavior as a gateway to maturity. Would you go up to your little sister and tell her that when she wants attention she should flash people a cheeky glimpse of her privates every now and again? Of course you wouldn’t. Unfortunately, growing-up can’t be paired with modesty and dignity for these child-stars because, at this moment in pop culture, modesty is boring. Notoriety is cool. Scandal is headline grabbing. The sooner we manage to pull ourselves out of this degrading mindset, the better. Nudity does not coincide with maturity. In fact it represents just the opposite. There’s nothing more naïve and childish than not being able to stand up for yourself. Miley, no-ones going to slam you if you popped on a nice midi dress and did your thing – why not give that a go for your next performance?
diana film: what is the people’s problem?
As the new Diana biopic starring Naomi Watts as the ‘most famous woman in the world’ opens in cinemas, InQuirers Natalie Tipping and Sam Baldwin argue the toss over the films ‘questionable’ merits: is it tasteless exploitation, or aternatively, are we just over-reacting?
Against
For Natalie Tipping
Samantha Baldwin Newspaper Comment Editor
IN the wake of a stream of biopics released in the past decade, the recent biographical drama about the Princess of Wales has been ill-received by critics, with one critic from The Guardian stating that ‘Diana has died another awful death’. My question is why people seem to care so much. Of course, Diana isn’t the first royal to have a film dedicated to her in recent years, with The Queen, released in 2006, giving a damning portrayal of our monarch and her reaction to Diana’s death. It’s beyond me why the slamming of someone who is still alive wins Oscars whilst the depiction of someone who is dead is terrible, but never mind. Yes, Diana was ‘the people’s Princess’, whatever the bloody hell that means. Yes, she did a lot of charity work for organisations such as the International Campaign to
FOLLOWING an inevitable slew of backlash from prospective audiences worldwide, Naomi Watts’ meek defence of her decision to portray the ‘Queen of Hearts’ is laden with irony albeit unintentionally. “Someone was going to tell this story eventually” quips Watts, regarding the love story between Diana and heart surgeon Hasnat Khan. It seems to me that this story has been told a thousand times over, splashed in copious pages of newsprint for years both before and after her tragic death. Princess Diana’s personal life was perhaps one of the most over-exposed in media history. The last thing Britain, or indeed the world, needs is further documentation of her torrid love affairs. To attempt to justify Watts’ undertaking of the role as some kind of moral crusade to ‘tell Diana’s story’ is laughable.
Ban Landmines – work which is celebrated in the film – but she was also known for playing the victim by exaggerating the short-comings of her husband, Prince Charles. With the film only showing the last two years of her life, perhaps people’s real issue is that it doesn’t show the gory details of the breakdown of her marriage to everyone’s favourite villain. The central
problem with the Diana film seems to be the uneasiness felt at the potential misrepresentation of a figure that holds such a special place in the hearts of many. With the Royal family announcing that they will not be associating themselves with the film however, one has to ask why it can’t just fade into obscurity like so many before it.
Given that the film’s eponymous heroine is an object of boundless fascination, it follows that boxoffice figures are likely to be astronomical. It’s not too far of a stretch to assert that the feature is exploitative in the extreme: profitting from a deceased woman’s tabloid dramas seems a tad unethical in my mind, especially when the object of her affections, Dr Khan, is still alive and well. Furthermore, Dr Khan has stated that the events in Diana are based entirely on “hypotheses and gossip” - a suggestion that director Oliver Hirschbiegel has taken poetic liscence too far in this case. Given the fragility of the issues at hand, one would presume it is neither the time or the place for such artistic clumsiness. Lady Di famously hated media intrusion. To forcefully project her back into public consciousness, especially in a nation where many still grieve, is the height of indecency. And all for the sake of great profits.
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Comment
is alcohol the ultimate ice-breaker?
Joel Tennant
THERE’S a reason I don’t go out so much anymore. More specifically, there’s a reason I don’t drink copious amounts of alcohol, then swear at my friends, propose to strangers, and dance the awkward pintholding shuffle on the dance floor. It’s not because I have any real problem with the situation, it’s just the morning after – y’know, the bit where you remember all the stuff you did and said. And that’s been the problem from day one of starting at university: however many socials and nights out I go on, I end up apologising to people instead of forming new friendships. Alcohol as an ice-breaker? Yes, but not always a good one. Sure, perhaps you’re a social wizard, maybe you can consume half of the alcohol aisle at ASDA, wade into any group and light up the atmosphere with your witty, intelligent banter. And I know people like you exist, after all, I have on more than a few occasions stumbled home, inhaling a kebab or a chicken burger, thinking: “Wow, I am absolutely going to Friend Request that person
when I get in”. Recovering from the cringe-worthy awkwardness of having to deal with the over-eager social networking decisions of the night before, the following day continues the same, as it has done every time before: I will never speak to that person again. Why? Because we’re different, perhaps even a different species entirely. I do coffee mornings or film nights, they do tequila shots. It would be a massive overgeneralisation to say there’s just two groups of people when it comes to the essentials of making friends, and it’s not beyond me to imagine that many of you are capable of retaining self-respect, and control over your dance moves, whilst being only a step away from intravenously hooking pure ethanol to your veins. And yet I never seem to hear from you again after meeting you that night, instead the friends I still have to this day were all my friends well before we got drunk and acted stupidly. Whilst everyone was out in first year crawling back to their accommodation at three in the morning, I was usually sat up watching my box-set of Friends or playing Call of Duty in my
room. Alcohol, though a wellworn comrade of mine through thick and thin, just wasn’t, and still isn’t, my preferred social glue. And, while I don’t think university culture really endorses my lifestyle, I don’t think I’d want it to, either. I’m not worried that the coffee shops don’t have rave nights,
nor am I yearning for a library all-nighter seeing how many chapters I can read without stopping or throwing up. Sylvia Plath said of her favourite spirit, Vodka, that it made her feel “powerful and godlike,” and the late polemicist Christopher Hitchens wrote in his memoirs that he considered the only “worthwhile”
miracle in the Bible to be “the transmutation of water into wine.” Whether your choice be water or wine, I’d propose that where alcohol fails to form an unbreakable bond, you endeavour to find another way to create the friends you’ll definitely be needing as you realise you never took a single note in your lectures.
mtv hosts freshers’ ball - but do we actually care? Chad Greggor Website Editor
“YOU lucky sods, MTV is
hosting this year’s Fresher’s Ball. And for a mere £22 of your hard earned student loan,
you can get in to none other than The Venue for a night of lashtastic frivolity.” That is what I presume the advert for MTV Freshers’ Ball is. But I can’t understand the appeal of it. MTV is, in my mind,
mostly a defunct corporate dinosaur that ruins music, and otherwise is pedalling television shows about drunk and obnoxious Geordies or 16 year old mums. MTV, since as early as the 90’s, has been accused of being a corporation coining off its exploitation of the music industry. Nirvana for example, despite having a huge hit on MTV with the video for Smells Like Teen Spirit, were angered by the monopoly which the station had over music, and later released a song called Rape Me aimed directly at the company. Since then MTV has greatly lost this monopoly to the diversity of the web, and has moved instead into exploiting the lives of real people in documentary style for our viewing pleasure. Now, in a bid to stay relevant, they are commandeering a Fresher’s Ball. But there is a flawed logic in this marketing campaign. Considering students as a target audience
for their channels is making the assumption that all students will have a Sky box or equivalent in their new flat where they can watch MTV. From my experience, very few students can afford Sky, or would invest in it even if they had the spare cash. A fresher might enjoy MTV, but they don’t have the option to view it. So are MTV targeting the employed graduate? Probably not, they are much too old. In my third year, and at the comparatively ancient age of 22, I already find the channel completely unbearable. The excitability and constant bombardment of noise and images seems a little overwhelming. I shall soon be reaching the age where BBC Radio 4 and ITV are the only channels I can listen to or watch. MTV is no place for the graduate. Most of us, by the time we leave university, will have largely grown out of the phase when it was even
remotely enjoyable. Considering that there is no target audience for MTV at student level, it is difficult to understand why they are here. As a station known for its apparent exploitation of people, cultures and music, I disdain their presence in my favourite kind of culture bubble: the student culture. I can only imagine what the MTV portrayal of university will be like: mostly parties, the few people that hook up with each other, student politics spats, protests, first years in pyjamas. Every television programme on the channel must include the three d’s: debauchery, drama and degradation. Suffice it to say I’m not a fan of the whole idea. While I’m sure most students will enjoy performances from the likes of Ms Dynamite and B Traits, I can’t imagine that the presence of MTV will make it any more interesting, but will only be an unwelcome intrusion into a much loved culture.
Comment 7
society’s scapegoat: video game violence Jordan Snedden
WE’VE heard it all before: if you watch a lot of violent cartoons as a child, you will be violent in real life. If there is bad language, you will most likely use it. At some point or another it seems that all forms of entertainment have been saddled with the blame for violence, swearing or loss of innocence. From literature to film, music to video games, paintings to advertisements - no form of entertainment is without blame for the corruption of society. Whether this has manifested itself in book-burnings, in film censorship or in video games being directly attributed as a cause of violence, a trend throughout recent years is that of entertainment being used as a scapegoat by the media. Over the past two decades we have seen films, games and
music blamed for events such as the Columbine and Virginia Tech massacres. Yet, with the success of the recently released -Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V, the fifth instalment in a video game series renowned for its controversy, the media appears to have finally stopped pointing the finger. Is this a sign of a recent change in attitudes, or is this simply following an already long-established trend? Look back to 1991 and the backlash surrounding the release of Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho seems indistinguishable from reactions to some of Rockstar’s other games - Manhunt 2 was banned in 2007 whilst Currys refused to stock Canis Canem Edit, despite the publisher changing the title from Bully in order to obtain classification. The Manhunt series in particular came under close
scrutiny for being influential in the murder of 14 year-old Stefan Pakeerah in 2004, and calls for a ban on the game enforced the notion that video games are responsible for peoples’ actions. Games have been in the limelight for the past decade, but are not the only form of entertainment to have been blamed; before video games was heavy metal - some blamed Marilyn Manson for the Columbine High School Massacre. Prior to this was the media’s focus on ‘video nasties’, banning films throughout the eighties which eventually went on to see critical acclaim such as John Carpenter’s The Thing. As new forms of entertainment have emerged, the media has grasped onto and exploited them until the forms have gained widespread acceptance, claiming that they inspire and
encourage people to commit acts of violence. Of course what we see and hear affects and influences us, but can we lay the blame solely on what we watch, listen to and read? Perhaps there are deeper causes for these tragedies - bad parenting and lack of proper guidance could be blamed. What benefit would this be though, to a media whose
agenda is not to provide support and educate our youth, but to profit from and publicise the controversies surrounding such incidents? Thankfully, the media appears less focused on scapegoating video games for the time being, but it is certain that it will rear its ugly head again. The question is, however, what will be blamed next?
this season’s tv: a winter of discontent?
Kate Burgess LET’S face it, nowadays, it doesn’t take a genius to predict the contents of a TV guide. Certain shows, like Coronation Street and Emmerdale for example, ‘flourish’ all year round, giving incredibly
realistic portrayals of life in the freezing North, where murder and adultery are common occurrences and everyone spends 95% of their life in the local boozer (I’m allowed to say that, being from that mythical place). Other shows constantly
reappear at certain times of the year, with X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing signalling that - here’s one for all you Game of Thrones fans - ‘Winter is coming’. I can’t be the only person wondering why these shows haven’t been canned yet.
Sure, Brucie is a ‘national treasure’ and watching him stumble over his words every Saturday night from September to December does provide a bit of light entertainment, as does watching the celebrities stumble over their feet. My use of the word ‘celebrities’ isn’t without some sarcasm however, as I knew only four of this year’s gaggle from name alone, and still couldn’t tell you who all of them were from seeing their photo as well. The problem for me arose when the show went from having eight celebrities to almost twice that amount. Now, it stretches out for too many weeks, with the excruciating hour long show at the start of September where the celebrities simply meet their partners being too much for me to bear. I’m not sure whether this is any worse than ITV’s offering however. The X Factor returns this year for its tenth year, with the auditions both returning to the original ‘room’ concept, but also taking place in a stadium of 4,000 people. Whilst this does admittedly give a bit of something extra to the audition process, for me, the entire format is tired. Whilst people still find it entertaining - I’m sure there
are people reading this article who would agree - you have to remember, dear readers, that before this there was Pop Idol, which was basically the same format. That means that since I was seven years old, every year there has been a show of this ilk on TV at this time of year. I’m turning 21 in January. What also needs to be noted is that this show has spawned such terrors as Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice, along with American versions of all three which are endlessly repeated on ITV2. There is no escaping the delusional people who go on these shows to try to get their 15 minutes of fame, but the end may be in sight. This year marks the end of the X Factor’s current contract, with no confirmation yet as to whether the show will be returning in 2014. You never know, if ITV ditch it there’s always a chance of it returning on channel five à la Big Brother, but we can pray that the TV Gods forbid this atrocity. I’m personally hoping for something completely new and different to appear on our screens this time next year, or I might just give up on the whole thing and spend my life on Netflix. Oh, wait...
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Editorial & Interview
the horrors of living with nomophobia Emily Adams Newspaper Entertainment Editor STOOD in the middle of a busy Bank Holiday London, as the sun begins to set behind Big Ben, I realise something is wrong. Something is very, very wrong. My friend, my companion, my confidant, is gone. I'm completely and utterly abandoned and they are gone. The reality was, my phone had just run out of battery. It was completely dead. Gone. And I can admit, I was bereft. Pathetic? Maybe, but before you label me as a pitiful, tragic human being and hastily turn the page to escape my ramblings, just stop and consider living without your phone. For anyone, this would surely be a struggle. I recently read an article in i that very kindly allowed me to diagnose myself, and half of the British population, with 'Nomophobia', the fear of being without your mobile phone.
Yes, it is a real thing. I googled it straightaway – on my phone of course. Apparently, one fifth of the population check their emails whilst still in bed, myself included, and nearly a third of us would check our phone during a date. Now, I don’t just spend my days stalking my phone from the corner of a darkened room, ready to pounce when I hear the chime of a text message. I use it for absolutely everything. I tweet, I post, I watch, I write, I do everything imaginable on my phone, because there simply is an app for everything. I'm even writing this article on it now whilst my bulky, heavy laptop sulks in the corner pleading for attention. And it wasn't until I was stood in the middle of London, abandoned, that I realised I was lost without it. I actually panicked, and my heart rate escalated, something an app on my phone could probably have shown you. I couldn’t see the time or the train timetable to get me home. I couldn’t tell everyone what I
was doing every second of the day or Instagram my clichéd tourist snaps to make me feel like a true photographer. Okay, the last two are quite frankly a bit irritating, but I got sucked into this cyber world like everyone else.
And you know what, I don't necessarily think it’s a bad thing. Nowadays, life is all about convenience and speed and that is exactly what my iPhone gives me. I can keep everything in one easy to access place. I don’t think I could actually function
properly without it. Sorry laptop, this just isn’t going to work anymore. It’s not you, it’s not even me, it’s my iPhone. So, today, I unashamedly confess to you, that I, Emily Adams, am a Nomophobe. And admit it... you are too.
in defence of studying english literature Emma Shelton Newspaper Features Editor ALL my life, I have had to justify why I love literature and why it’s worth pursuing. In France, where I was born and brought up, the mentality is very much one which values a career in Law or Medicine but any student choosing to go down a literary path is pretty much doomed from the start.
Having persevered and chosen literary studies at school, I now find myself in second year of university in the UK and the debate against the necessity of the Humanities is still raging and it gets tiring to continuously fight for something you believe in. For me, entering the faculty of Humanities is precisely entering the study of humans and human life, via any medium of performance arts, philosophy, languages or literature. It is such a vital domain where you
learn about your predecessors but mostly about yourself. That may sound clichéd, but understanding how people once lived sheds light on to how we are shaped today. Science students often ask why we study it and how useful is it, what impact will it make in our world today. I concede that writing novels does not reveal ground-breaking cures for cancer, nor does it reduce global warming. Science has the benefit of producing tangible results and therefore,
it becomes easier to point the finger at the ones who only seem to philosophise and muse about life. It certainly appears that way, but it is far from the truth. We are humans with the power of the imagination. This faculty is used to create and it really doesn’t matter what or how it creates. Scientists imagine new solutions when one idea fails to work just as much as authors imagine worlds that are either radically different from our own, providing an escape, or worlds that allows us to see what we cannot see in front of us. It amazes me how pen and paper can produce such insight into our lives, making the unseen seen. Why is it, if Literature is worthless, that D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterly’s Lover or Dickens’ Hard Times or even E. L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey produce so much controversy and uproar? They precisely reveal an image of life that we deny completely. They stir emotions inside of us that we don’t want to feel. They are capable of making
different people angry and sad simultaneously because of the power of what they claim. As Robert Louis Stevensen said, “the difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish.” If a book makes me cry, then that is proof enough for me that the author can masterfully transcribe an irrational feeling of sadness into words. Scientists can explain to us how the body releases tears but they can’t reproduce the heart-wrenching sensation inside of us that accompanies our tears. The subject can never be exhausted entirely. I don’t claim that studying literature is better than scientific progress but I do strongly believe they complete each other. What science finds out about our anatomy and various talents, literature puts it into words and stimulates our senses. Your degree is now worth £9,000 so you must have pretty good reasons for making the choices you do. Don’t shy away from them, but stand up for them.
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IQ Features
don’t stay stuck in your room! get
You have just arrived at Kent and you have no friends? Apart from making some in your flat or on your course, joining a society wi christian union
Free food? We at Christian Union hand out a lot of the stuff. Free hot chocolate, tea, and toast after a heavy night at Venue. Big free meals throughout the year. Chocolate at Easter. Doughnuts when you text us questions about our faith. You may have a mixed response to the words ‘Christianity’ and ‘Jesus’, but we hope to humbly give you a taste of both, in the best possible light. We’ll listen, try to answer any questions you might have – however awkward – and always have time for you. Why not check us out? Check out twitter or Facebook.
KTV
costume for stage and screen
Only established this year, Costume for Stage and Screen is a society where we essentially create, design and make items associated with costumes for theatre and film. Not only do we create items but we customise original clothing, visit exhibitions and, of course, have socials. Anybody’s ability is welcome, from complete beginners to profound professionals. We also have strong links with industry professionals and a student committee full of creativity and knowledge!
KTV is your award-winning student television station on campus. If you love filming, editing or just enjoy watching TV this is the group you need to join. Being a part of the KTV team is a great and exciting opportunity that provides you with transferable skills in media, which is great for the C.V. but also is a load of fun. KTV allows you to let your creative side out, whether it is creating a show, marketing a program or directing a shoot. We also like to have a laugh by having regular socials and organising trips. For more info please email join@ ktvlive.co.uk
T:24 kent environment campaign
A student run volunteer group, the environment campaign is a diligent team of volunteers dedicated to creating a better environment for wildlife, students and local residents across the Canterbury area. We will do this by: - Organising at least one activity every weekend for members to take part in. (In 2012/13 we held 28 activities.) - Providing invaluable skills to members via training and regular volunteer opportunities. (In 2012/13 we held 18 volunteer activities.) - Arranging regular socials and speakers events. (In 2012/13 we held 10 social/speaker events.) Free to Join. Like to join? Contact us at environment@kent.ac.uk
T:24 is UKC’s official drama society. We produce four shows a term performing in venues such as the Gulbenkian and the Marlowe Theatre Studio. We have also recently perfomed at the International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston. We provide opportunities to paticipate in every aspect of production and therefore practical experience, for all students. We also run weekly workshops, T:atSIX, where you can socialise, attend workshops and, crucially, drink tea. Come and find us at the Freshers’ Fayre and learn about our brilliant events, which include 24 hour Drama, socials and our auditions. It’s set out to be an amazing term. economics society
The UKC Economics Society is open to anyone who is interested in current economic and political affairs, it aims to offer students access to information and experiences not available through the University. Our objectives fall into providing our members with the opportunity to express their opinion through presentations, debates, broadening their knowledge by bringing experts to give out speeches and presentations on diverse topics, and provide academic and professional opportunities. Our plans also include an array of social events including nights out, quiz nights and corporate games. Join us and open yourself to a new world!
publishing society
We are a new society all about the creative arts. Fiction, poetry, art, photography, rap and all that falls in between. We want to create a magazine where we can showcase the University’s creative talent. If you’re not too keen on adding content there is still the editorial, marketing and publicity section of the magazine that you can be a part of. We’ll also advertise work experience positions you might not know about and keep you up to date with the latest internships in the publishing industry. Pop along to our stall at the Freshers’ Fayre to find out more! literature society
UKC finally gets a Literature society.
And because it’s just our first year, we’ll need all your ideas to steer it. And yeah, it’s free too. This term, guest speakers Alex Warwick, Melissa Bradshaw and Malcolm Andrews will be coming in to talk to us. And in addition: socials, screenings and monthly themed fun. We’ll also be seving up academic things like revision groups and critical workshops to help you through your degree. But there’s plenty of room for more. So have your say and join us in writing a bloody good first chapter, whether you study literature or not.
conservation society
If you are interested in environmental or animal concerns, check out the Conservation Society during Freshers’ Week. We do everything from building bat boxes to film screenings of important conservation and environmental initiatives around the world. Taking part in local projects around Canterbury is also very important to us, so if you enjoy working outside and meeting new people then come join in! Contact us either through conservationsociety.ukc@ gmail.com, or pop onto our website: http://consoc.wikifoundry.com/ for more information! Remember, all the volunteering hours we do can go towards the Employability toolkit scheme.
kent law temple society
The Kent Law Temple Society has established itself as the oldest and most prestigious Law Society within the Kent Law School. It is primarily designed to assist students interested in pursuing a career at the Bar, yet it is addressed to all those law and non-law students at the UKC and Medway campuses, who wish to learn more about what a career at the Bar entails and how to get there. Over the coming year we have a variety of events planned to achieve these goals. Find us in the Eliot marquee on Friday to sign up.
IQ Features 13
t out and get involved on campus!
ill enable you to make long lasting friends who love what you love. Check a few of them out here and sign up at the Freshers’ Fayre! trekent rambling
LGBT society
Welcome freshers and returning students! The LGBT committee has been working hard all summer to prepare a year full of exciting events for your enjoyment. In our safe and social space, anyone is welcome, whether you identify as part of the LGBT or just want to support your friends. You can find us at Freshers’ Fayre on the 27th and at ukclgbt.org.uk, where you can find links to our social media and details of all our fresher events, as well as details of our weekly coffee meetings which take place every Wednesday! #hellokent
TreKent Rambling walk all over Kent amidst beautiful scenery and secret woodlands, stopping off at pubs and meeting lots of new people. We meet every two weeks giving people plenty of time for other activites. Our walks vary in length from approximately two to six hours, and often include some kind of mischief. So come and sign up during the Freshers’ Fayre on Friday 27th of September.
the islamic society (isoc)
My name is Rehema Mnende. I am a second year undergraduate Psychology student and the President of the Islamic society (ISOC). The ISOC aims to alleviate the burden of adjusting to the University environment as a Fresher. It is a phenomenally friendly community aiming to assist you with the challenges you will face as a Muslim, in every aspect (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social). Moreover it is an opportunity for knowledge, growth and entertainment through the various events taking place throughout the year. Being a member of ISOC is an enriching experience and I speak from my own.
csr fm
Googoo for Gaga? Only have one Direction? Crazy in love with Beyoncé? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then CSRfm is not for you. We pride ourselves on holding true to our slogan ‘Your Only Alternative’. We will be playing some tunes from artists you know and love but we try as much as possible to stray away from the mainstream to provide something truly unique to students in Kent. Along with our unique playlist, we have a wide variety of specialist and speech programming. If you’re one of the crazy ones who likes to look outside the box with an open mind, CSRfm is the place for you, and we’d love to have you on board.
the forensic science society
Join us for talks with top industry professionals and experts in the field of Forensic Science. Regular practical demonstrations and fantastic trips and opportunities to make new, like-minded friends. Trips for this year include ‘Laser Tag’ and a visit to a Ballistics Range! Fired up yet? Well that’s not all! With a calendar packed with numerous themed social events, we provide many affordable opportunities to get together as a society. Why not pop along to meet our dedicated team at the Freshers’ Fayre, or follow us on Facebook & Twitter @ukcforensics? (our weekly meetings take place in ELT2 at 6PM every Monday)
football fans society
english language and linguistics society
We are the English Language and Linguistics Society. Sounds geeky and boring, huh? Wrong. ELLSOc not only offers the opportunity to meet your fellow coursemates away from the lecture theatre and offers advice on academic assignments and research, but we also host some pretty incredible events too. Guest Speakers, themed socials and an annual Summer Conference, at which academic professionals from around the country come to present alongside students, are all in a day’s work for us. So, why not join? Whether you’re on the course, or just love language, we may be the nerds you’re looking for.
Are you interested in football? Is the beautiful game always on your brain, whether you’re watching with a group of friends, discussing your team’s chances, or partial to playing yourself? Then this is the society for you! By joining the Football Fans Society you’ll get to know other fans and take part in kickabouts, watching matches at campus bars and cup finals at the Gulbenkian, football pub quizzes, FIFA tournaments, trips to watch local teams, socials and more! Like what you see? Join our Facebook group at FFS – Kent Uni or follow us on Twitter at @FFSUKC. psychology society
The psychology society offers an understanding into the intriguing world of Psychology. We are a diverse and vibrant society offering a wide range of activities to our members. Being such a large society, we aim to provide a variety of activities and we constantly strive to achieve this. Our society provides guest speakers throughout the year in our Tuesday Talks, volunteering and training opportunities, Makaton training, study groups, learning resources in Keynes Library and socials every fortnight. We look forward to seeing you at our Freshers’ stall on 27th September and our activities throughout the year.
UKC belly dance society
Looking for a fun new way to keep fit and meet people? We offer both beginner lessons for those who’ve never tried belly dance before and intermediate classes for those with more experience, so give it a go! It’s a lot of fun and you don’t have to get your belly out! There are plenty of opportunities to perform, including our very own showcase. We also host regular socials, ranging from fancy dress nights out to pyjama and pizza nights in. For lesson times and to find out more, please visit us at our stall in the Freshers’ Fayre on Thursday, or like/follow us: facebook. com/ukcbellydance and twitter.com/ ukcbellydance
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IQ Features
global freshers’: how it’s done elsewhere germany Elodie Banse
University: Saarland University. What were your first impressions of the University? I completely fell in love with the fact that my University has a campus which most German Universities don’t have! Everyone was really welcoming and I was almost surprised by how planned our Freshers’ was and how much effort the other students put into the organisation. What is ‘Freshers’ Week’ for you? Freshers’ is the week before university begins. We get introduced to our professors, listen to lectures, receive information about extra-curricular activities and people working in the field. We had several tours around campus, where we can check out the cafeteria and the city, including clubs and bars. What did you love about the first few weeks? I loved meeting lots and lots of new people, including second and third year students. Being able to see the city and the University from their point of view helped us to be more realistic and settle in faster. Were there any disappointments for you during the first few weeks? You couldn’t always get a seat because the
lecture room was too small and the schedule was jam-packed so the breaks were often too short to get a proper lunch break in between. Advice to 2013 freshers. Don’t be afraid of all the new people around you, chances are they have the same interests as you do. Explore the university, the city, the nightlife and really enjoy your first week! Describe the week in one word. Eventful
england Emma Shelton
University: University of Kent. What were your first impressions of the University? When I first visited Kent campus on open days, I really didn’t like it and very little corresponded to my university criteria, except the course. Now here, and a year on, I settled in very fast and my experience is so different to the one I anticipated. I don’t regret my
france Lea Hey University: Université de Poitiers, in France. Second year law student. What were your first impressions of the University? Moving to University is a huge step forwards into adult life. You had to get used to the autonomy very fast, which was hard for me at first. As the year goes by, you come to love organising your new life. What is ‘Freshers’ Week’ for you ? In France, it’s called Initiation Week. However, what British students call Freshers’ Week happened over one weekend and cost 60€. Because of the ridiculous price, I chose not to go. My Initiation Week went well and we were each assigned a mentor for the year. Mine was a Masters student at the University and she was in charge of preparing me for University life. This year, the professors have organised a variant of Freshers’ Week and although we couldn’t experience it, I think it’s very important to be part of. What did you love about the first few weeks? I met so many new people and learnt a new working mentality. I didn’t want to miss out on anything so I threw myself into everything I did. Any disappointments? My biggest disappointment for the year was that
there were very few, if any, socials dedicated to students. We were expected to focus on work. Advice to 2013 freshers. For all new students, don’t let yourself get too distracted with the newly attained freedom, but do allow yourself time off aswell. Work can be a lot of pressure but by making good friends, you can lean on them when you need help and offer support in exchange. That way, you will get through the year. Describe the week in one word. Autonomy.
usa Mary Madeleine de Bellescize University: I am a sophomore student at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, a Jesuit university. What is ‘Freshers’ Week’ for you? In the USA we don’t really have what you call ‘freshers’ week’. We are told to move in the day before classes start, which is a hassle. You spend an entire afternoon organizing your room, figuring out where your classes are, depressingly saying goodbye to
choice for a single minute. What did you love about Freshers’? It has to be the only time where you speak to everyone who crosses your path and it seems like the most natural thing to do. It was a week full of people, introductory lectures and getting around Canterbury. Were there any disappointments for you during the first few weeks? People behave in a way never to be repeated during your time at university. You discover quite fast who was genuinely friendly and who was putting on an act. What was special about moving into residence? I moved into Keynes College. Within my corridor, there were 12 other people and apart from two Brits, we were all International students. For me, the people that I lived with made my time at university. Conversations at the dinner table were so varied and really widened my cultural awareness. Advice to the 2013 freshers. Do not shy back from anything. It’s scary but make the effort to introduce yourself to as many people as possible, even if it’s to ensure you have a choice of people to sit next to in lectures. Describe the week in one word. Overwhelming
your family and best of all, you have that awkward first night with your roommate. What did you love about the first few weeks? The first few days, your roommate is your only friend on campus, so you better start things off on the right foot. The way I see British Freshers’ Week is basically an entire week dedicated to partying and meeting people, which sounds fantastic. Our Freshers’ Week is not the same. Everyone basically says ‘Hi’, smiles and tries to remember everyone’s name while rushing from one class to the other. Although it is exciting, it is terrifying. I guess it’s like that any where you go. We are social creatures and constantly feel the need to be surrounded by people who care about us. Once you find your group of friends, the need to talk random strangers vanishes. Any disappointments? It’s frustrating how superficial people get in order to make friends. However, I enjoyed the little boosts of bravery needed to introduce yourself to a total stranger. Advice to 2013 freshers. Get out of your comfort zone, because the worst that could happen is an awkward conversation with someone you do not have to be friends with. Best of luck!
IQ Features 15
top dos and don’ts for first year Charlotte Wright
DO make sure you leave your door propped open when unpacking during Arrivals’ Weekend. This makes it easy for your new flatmates to come in and have a giggle over your novelty animal door stop. DON’T spend all your student loan in Freshers’ Week. I know it’s easy just to hand your debit card over, but keeping a vague track of your finances will allow you to enjoy other opportunities throughout the term! DO try and go to as many social events as possible. Even if a night out at Venue doesn’t sound your thing, it pays to give things a try! DON’T drunkenly make toast at 4am after a night out. You won’t be the most popular person in the block when the fire alarm goes off and everyone has to stand outside in the freezing cold in their PJs. DO go down to Canterbury and explore. It’s a lovely city and you can take your new flatmates with you for an adventure. DON’T lose your friends on a night
out. Stick with the group and have a local taxi number saved in your phone just in case. DO make sure you register for the
University medical centre early on. It will be the best decision you ever made by the time Freshers’ Flu strikes. DON’T let things get on top of you. Using your phone calendar or buying a
diary will help you remember those first term deadlines. DO sign up for some societies or sports teams. Not only a brilliant way to meet people, you can also try something completely new! DON’T worry about or hide being homesick. It’s most likely everyone will feel it at some point, so talk to people and try to keep yourself busy. DO offer to cook a meal for your flat one evening. Piling together for ingredients will work out cheaper and you can have a laugh while you contend with making spaghetti bolognaise. DON’T be alarmed if you find yourself lost in Eliot or Rutherford. Three or four years down the line, some of us are just as clueless. DO make sure you keep up with the serious stuff. Although your first year should be about settling in and having fun, checking your email once in a while will be a great help! DON’T worry if Freshers’ Week doesn’t feel like ‘the best week of your life’. Most people have a lot more fun once settled and sure of their friend group!
freshers’: a week to forget Megan Weal
For most, Freshers’ Week is about to fly past in a flurry of vodka bottles, takeaway pizzas, rushed friendships and photos that will both trigger some incredible memories and at the same time profusely confuse you. As a result of the alcohol fuelled British tradition of Freshers’ Week, you’ll wake up with your phone filled with photos of people that you’ll never see again and phone numbers that will be as much use as to you as the label maker that your mum insisted you packed. There seems to be a misconception that students in other countries don’t feel the need to pump themselves full of alcohol to meet people. That they go out and they introduce themselves to people in a civilized manner as opposed to getting so intoxicated that they can’t remember the names of the people they spent half the night with. But is this image of innocence and serenity truly justified? Let’s take America for example, a place where I began studying a little under a month ago. Although there was no designated ‘Freshers’ Week’, I can assure you that the parties were just as regular and the alcohol just as available –despite the fact that the drinking age in the USA is 21 and university life
events You looking to go out during Freshers’ Week but you don’t know what’s on? Enjoying nights out with your flatmates is the best way to get to know eachother better. Check out what’s on in the Venue and make the most of a lack of work. Monday 23rd September - Press Play (Kent Uni’s official RnB Jam) Tuesday 24th September - The International Welcome party (resident DJs play music from around the world to welcome our new international students to Kent)
Wednesday 25th September - The Skool Disco ( the new massive societies and sports night out, packed full of free give aways, crazy themes and general madness. Detention just got a little more interesting.) Thursday 26th September – Student Republic presents #Trend Friday 27th September - Foam Friday (The Messiest/Clean party of the week.. its Soap!)
generally begins at 18. The Hollywood image of Frat parties and keg-stands are real. Students across the globe pride themselves on the reckless myths and drunken stories that Freshers’ Week provides. Although many condemn such ‘student’ behaviour as unnecessarily childish, I for one think Freshers’ week entitles us to a week of fun and frivolity before we take out our biros and get down to the important degree stuff. Take this week to enjoy yourself (responsibly, of course) and throw yourself out of your comfort zone. The un-judgmental aura around Freshers’ Week is confidence inducing. By putting yourself out there and keeping your dignity you’ll end your first week on an excitable buzz of new friends and a lingering hangover.
Even if you don’t remain friends with every single person you meet during Freshers’, you’ll have had a good time. Don’t worry yourself with the life-span of your Freshers’ friendships. The important thing to take away is that you have met these people and in amongst the throng of people that you’ll never speak to again, you will have met a handful of people that will stay with you until you all throw your caps in the air and cry at your graduation. Just as a quick warning though, be prepared for a lot of awkward stareouts over the next few weeks as you see someone you think you know, but just can’t place. Accept the fact that you shamefully danced to One Direction in Venue with that person and they’re probably so ashamed of their twerking that they just can’t look you in the eye.
Saturday 28th September - The Freshers’ Ball (MTV hosts this year’s Freshers Ball bringing with them a host of big name artists. On the Rave digger stage is DJ B-Traits from radio 1, SHY FX, Dismantle and Katy Shotter performing a rave classics PA. On the MTV stage, we have ‘Tich’ supporting uk RNB superstar Angel and urban legend MS DYNAMITE! There is also a
casino where you have the chance to win a golden ticket to the Venue for the entire year!
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IQ Entertainment
EVENTS FRESHER PLAYLIST
what, when, where? your freshers’ week diary
The ideal playlist to get you ready for every night in Freshers’ week. Here’s a bit of a taster for you. You can find the full playlist online at www.inquirelive.co.uk, or just follow the QR code at the bottom. There’ll be something for every one of your new housemates. It’s Time - Imagine Dragons Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. T.I, Pharrell Let’s Dance To Joy Division - The Wombats Drop It Like It’s Hot - Snoop Dogg Tennis Court - Lorde Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Ready To Start - Arcade Fire Burn - Ellie Goulding I Love It - Icona Pop Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis Can’t Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Animals - Martin Garrix Mr Brightside - The Killers
The Venue
Mungo’s
The Cuban
This is your guide to the ultimate nights out in Freshers’ Week, from a foam party at the Venue and events around campus, to student night in Canterbury and trips to The Cuban. InQuire’s Entertainment Editor gives her advice on the best places to visit in your first week Emily Adams Newspaper Entertainment Editor
Darwin for a Ruby Tuesdays night of indie, alternative tunes.
Monday As a UKC student, you’re sure to spend many a night at the Venue. It’ll be the marmite of your university life; you’ll love it or hate it. However you feel you’ll inevitably end up there every week whatever the theme. Sloth night stands out as a particularly unique one. Yes, sloth night really did happen. This year, they’re kicking off the week with their Press Play Launch Party so take a look and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Feeling brave? Monday night is student night in your new hometown so head to The Cuban for a jam packed night and a vodka slushy or three. Or try out Alberry’s for their Get Cheeky night. I’ll let you decide for yourself what that means. Tuesday Round 2 at the Venue? This time it’s their Rendez vous International Students Welcome Party and as the
Pompeii - Bastille Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor Roxanne - The Police Spectrum (Say My Name) - Florence + The Machine Origins
Superstition - Stevie Wonder country’s European University, you’re sure to make a few new friends here. There’s music from all around the world too so if you’re an international student feeling a bit homesick, maybe a night at the Venue will make you feel at home. If you want something a bit different and if you’ve already had your fair share of Venue for the week, head to Origins in
The Venue
Wednesday Wednesday is always Vensday during term at the Venue where all the sport societies come and let off some steam. But during Freshers’ week, dig out your school uniform for Venue’s annual ‘Skool’ Disco. Be prepared for drawn on freckles, pigtails and geeky glasses, though I don’t know who actually went to school dressed like that. Thursday K-Bar is, in my opinion, one of the best nights out on campus. It’s small, always lively and you can easily stumble there and stumble home. It’s where I spent my first night at uni, where I got to know my housemate and where we then drunkenly invited every single student back to ours for a house party. Here’s my advice: Don’t do it, it was a rookie mistake. Or if you want to avoid the possibility of that actually happening to you, try out The Brewery Tavern for a Student Republic night and £1 Jagerbombs. Friday This Friday, it’s foam party time at the Venue. Dress down, leave your belongings at home and don’t even think about sorting your hair out, you won’t even look recognisable by the end
of it. Foam is not your friend. However, if you want a more sophisticated night out, there’s free entry at The Cuban every Friday. Take your pick, dress up or dress down, unless there’s a Massive Mungo’s happening, you definitely don’t want to miss that. Saturday Freshers’ Ball is the pinnacle of Freshers’ Week and this year I hear MTV are hosting the night but if you’ve had enough of Venue, I wouldn’t blame you, and if Ms Dynamite really isn’t your cup of tea or you can’t even remember who she is, just head to town to meet all the Saturday night locals. It’s sure to be busy and it’s always an interesting night. Get to know some of the less obvious bars and clubs, like Foundry or Penny Theatre.
K-Bar
Sunday Day 7 of Freshers’ week and you probably aren’t going to want to do anything except sit very still, eat dried cereal out of the box and watch every episode of Community. So take the day to feel sorry for yourself and prepare for your first official week at university. Maybe go for a quiet drink at Woody’s and try to remember what happened this week. Or if you’re not ready to calm down yet… house party anyone?
IQ Entertainment 17
getting around ON CAMPUS... 1. Woodys The sports bar perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons or a relaxing drink after training.
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2. K-Bar The alternative night out to the Venue, great on Thursdays. 3. The Venue The campus nightclub where everyone is found on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s certainly an experience you have to try up.
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4. Mungo’s Relax , eat and drink or study here between lectures in the heart of Eliot College
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5. Origins A Tex-Mex style restaurant by day offering the best fajitas and enchiladas. Try out Ruby Tuesdays here every week for less mainstream music.
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6. The Gulbenkian The campus theatre, cinema and arts centre for when you want to feel like a cultured student.
2 AND IN TOWN A pick of some of the most popular bars, clubs and pubs in town
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1. The West Gate Inn (Wetherspoons) 2. The Lady Luck 3. The Canterbury Tales 4. The Old Brewery Tavern 5. The Cuban 6. Alberrys 7. Chill Nightclub 8. Thomas Ingoldsby 9. The Miller’s Arms 10. The Dolphin Inn 11. The Parrot 12. The Jolly Sailor 13. The Penny Theatre
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IQ Entertainment
TV & GAMING WORDS OF WISDOM UKC students and Fresher’s Week veterans offer you their best advice on how to make the most of your first week at uni. “Go to venue and check out the deals that the student bars have during Freshers’ Week” Caroline Wadham, 3rd year, Politics and International Relations “Talk to everyone you meet and don’t be afraid to try something new” Lily Hodgetts, 2nd year, English Language and Linguistics
essential boxsets for every fresher Chad Greggor Website Editor Peep Show
Peep Show is another one of those comedy series that takes a little while to get into. While Jezz and Mark, the detestable duo sharing a flat together, may seem essentially like horrible people, once you get to know them you find their horribleness slightly endearing. David Mitchell’s nasal whining and Robert Webb’s idiotic mishaps keep the series fresh but consistent. Now up to the 8th season, a surprising high for a British comedy, there are plenty of episodes to keep the average fresher occupied. Adventure Time While I understand this show was designed for kids, there is something
“Get to know your housemates over a cup of tea straight away. You’ll see them every day so if you’re all friends, it’s a whole lot easier!” Andy Cooke, 3rd year, Philosophy “Get involved in the most random societies, like Harry Potter or the Tea society. You never know, they might be really fun.” Penelope Small, 4th year, Sociology
bizarre and psychedelic about the fantasy world of Adventure Time that resonates with my adult self. Finn and
Jake live in a post-apocalyptic world called Ooo, where everything seems to have taken on a life of its own. There are talking dogs, humanoid cupcakes, flying-dragon-unicorns that speak Japanese (known as ‘rainicorns’) and sassy purple talking clouds called lumpy space people. The fact that the show is only 10 minutes long also makes it great for a short break while essay writing, giving your overworked brain a much deserved rest. This also makes it a fantastic show for hangovers. Breaking Bad Chances are you’ve probably heard a lot about Breaking Bad already, and you should definitely believe the hype. Bryan Cranston gives a performance that is worth his own weight in Emmys, but he only just outshines a similarly brilliant supporting cast. Bob Odenkirk, who plays the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman, is set to get his own spin-off on NBC. A double-bluff plot that charts the slow-burning development of Walt’s megalomania makes this series close on high-art. As much as it is revolutionary TV, it is also highly addictive and a fulfilling way to waste time. Fresh Meat Fresh Meat provides a surprisingly decent portrayal of university life (except that students do work, some of the time). For any Freshers feeling nervous about their first week at
Timmy Thompson, 2nd Year, Astrophysics
Nick Howe, 5th year, Architecture “Don’t stay in the campus bubble, get in to Canterbury and see what’s about” Roy Lavender, 3rd year, German “Visit a different place on campus every night” Jake Stone, 2nd year, Maths
a disgraced lawyer, a divorced mother of two, a film fanatic with a suspected case of Aspergers and a pensioner who tries a little too hard to be cool. My favourite character is Abed, but Señor Chang, played by the Asian guy in the Hangover movies, Ken Yeong, comes a close second. Another great thing is that there are four seasons of twenty episodes, more than enough to keep you busy.
total war: rome ii - a pyrrhic victory
“Grab all the freebies at the Freshers’ Fayre, if there’s free Dominoes, keep going back for more. It’s all about the free food.”
“Don’t miss the Freshers’ Fayre. It’s the first step to getting involved in any society you want. That, and K-Bar, K-Bar, K-Bar!”
university, I suggest watching the first episode, where the newly acquainted housemates have an awkward discussion about their favourite kind of hot beverage for lack of a more interesting subject. Community If you like pop culture references, college humour and absurdity then this is the show for you. An American series about some of the students of a community college; it follows around
Christopher Heron Newspaper News Editor
There is nothing like an inspiring speech before the clashing of armies on the field of battle. Not that I would know, being a 20 year old resident of Great Britain whose closest experiences to genuine warfare have been playing bulldog at primary school and watching Piers Morgan and Alan Sugar slug it out on twitter. Regardless, the folks over at Creative Assembly know how to get the blood pumping before the ancient armies of antiquity hit each other with pieces of metal. Rather unfortunately for Rome II, the burden of expectation has hit it hard. The ultimate Total War game beckoned,
a return to the classic formula of the original Rome: Total War after the ill-fated ambition of Empire and the underrated but constrained Shogun II. Some of the classic problems that have haunted the Total War series remain, including the consistently erratic AI (which CA claimed they had improved massively). In one battle, Carthage decided to send its archers to attack me head on. With swords. Rome emerged victorious on that day. The game has the potential to be incredibly dull, waiting several minutes to go through the factions just so you can click ‘End Turn’ once more. However, the lure of changing history is always there. The historical
battles are a particular highlight (my personal favourite being the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest), with the antics of the AI sometimes creating hilarious outcomes. Having played the game on both high and low settings, Rome II is playable on most relatively modern PCs. If you can run Shogun II, then Rome II shouldn’t be a problem. Battlefields can look spectacular in the Mediterranean and Africa, and the rain-drenched fields of Northern Britain are only a derelict bus stop away from the real thing. However, the current build is riddled with bugs, and several patches will be needed to improve the game’s performance. Overall, Rome II is a disappointment, falling afoul of its own ambition. The game is stretched, with some of the problems that affected Empire: Total War resurfacing. At a wallet busting £44.99, I would struggle to recommend the game in its current state. Unless, of course, you are going to create a Druidic Empire that spans the forests of Europa and brings the heathens of Rome to their knees.
IQ Culture
cultural events calendar
canterbury’s wise words festival Matthew Gilley Newspaper Editor
Mon 23rd Sept-Sat 28th Sept Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Marlowe Theatre Thu 26th Sept-Fri 27th Sept The Wedding Singer The Gulbenkian Theatre Fri 27th Sept Jazz And Big Band Afternoon Canterbury Christchurch University Fri 27th Sept-Sun 29th Sept Canterbury Food And Drink Festival Dane John Gardens Sat 28th Sept The Marlowe Comedy Cabaret The Marlowe Theatre Sun 29th Sept NT Encore: Othello The Gulbenkian Cinema Mon 30th Sept-Sat 5th Oct Canterbury Anifest Augustine Hall, Canterbury Christchurch University Sat 5th Oct Stephen K Amos Is The Spokesman The Gulbenkian Theatre Sat 5th Oct Paul Merton’s Impro Chums The Marlowe Theatre Sun 6th Oct The Wizard of Oz The Kings Hall, Herne Bay
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Photo by Matthew Gilley
From 13th to 15th September, Canterbury hosted the Wise Words festival, a weekend of poetry, storytelling, discovery and related arts. Unfortunately, thanks to weather and only arriving in the city on the afternoon of the 14th, InQuire was only able to attend a couple of events. It was, however, very good and next year’s festival is highly recommended. On Sunday afternoon, InQuire partakes of one of the ingenious Alternative Tourist Information Station’s tours. I am randomly given the penny tour, for which my only guides around the city are an outdated map, a penny to flip at every junction to decide which way I go and a card with the instruction to change direction every time I hear music – which in Canterbury is quite often. I set off and
soon find myself wandering back alleys and tiny streets of terraced houses. I pass about 100 small, lovely looking cafés that I’ve never seen before, a few churches and a small, tranquil park between the back of the Marlowe Theatre and the river. The tour is something of a revelation. For a small city, there’s an astonishing amount that is completely new to me, and the contrast on show is stunning. One coin flip away from the hustle and bustle of a main street and the ringing of the Cathedral bells, I find myself surrounded by nothing but tiny houses and the wind. I am, however, a little disappointed that I didn’t get the cup tour, where you place a cup anywhere on the map, draw around its circumference and then follow that line. I’m told this has involved people blagging free entry to the cathedral and through the back doors of offices. If you want to
Photo by Rebekah Chilvers
Photo by Rebekah Chilvers
experience Canterbury in a new way, random wandering is the way to do it. InQuire also caught some of the Street Slam Poetry, and despite the disappointing lack of people listening in, the poetry was impressive. One poem involved a man shouting “we all stand together” at the end of every verse; it was powerful stuff and the small audience certainly showed their appreciation. In addition to the events of the festival, there were spells of oddities in the streets. There were ladies dressed like characters from Alice In Wonderland as they cycled their way through the city centre, while others carried signs which said things such as “look up”. If the Sunday of Wise Words was anything to go by, then the whole festival livened the streets of Canterbury. (Additional reporting by Rebkah Chilvers)
‘twerk’ and ‘selfie’ in the oed? lol
Joel Tennant
The Oxford English Dictionary has updated its already massive collection of words, and OMG is it causing a fuss. It was back in 2011 that Perpetual Crying Chambers were set up in every town and city across the UK so people could lament OMG and LOL being added to the dictionary and, as it has done almost every year, the updating of the 2013 version has caused a similar reaction. So, what are the main culprits of this mass delusory state of Englishis-falling-apart depression? Twerking – verb, informal. Miley will be proud. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “[to] dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.” Example: “Because Miley Cyrus kept twerking, I almost lost the will to live.” Squee – exclamation/verb. Despite sounding like a cuter word for urinating, it’s actually an expression of excitement. In the case of an exclamation: “‘Squee! David just looked
at me!’ said Nick Clegg, excitedly.” As a verb, “I squeed all over my room when I got accepted at the University of Kent.” Selfie – noun, informal. Perhaps birthed most dramatically by the army of Emo rock fans on MySpace back in the mid-noughties, the MySpace photo is now the far more sensibly,
universally named Selfie, which involves taking a picture of yourself typically with a phone or webcam. Example: “I had no idea ducks could take selfies!” Omnishambles – noun, informal. If you haven’t seen The Thick of It, then the first usage of this may have passed you by – and you might want to rectify that by getting acquainted with one of the greatest speakers of our generation, Malcom Tucker. Basically it means a collection of terrible decisions, mistakes en masse. Episode 1, Series 3, Malcom Tucker: “Jesus Christ, see you, you are a f***ing omnishambles, that’s what you are.” Food baby – noun, informal. Ever saddened that science has not yet given men the opportunity to get pregnant, I often make use of the next best alternative: a food baby. Characterised by a swelling stomach from eating large quantities of food, the expression relates to the aesthetics of the early stages of pregnancy. Example: “I will name my food baby after its father, Pizza-and-Chips.”
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IQ Culture
in other news... The V&A museum has announced they will display a working gun called the “Liberator” created using a 3D printer.
The National Trust has revealed plans to open the Big Brother house for public tours as part of a project to engage with younger members. Critics have called it a “ludicrous” decision which they fear could be in the place of protecting sites of “real historical significance”. Colin Firth is to voice Paddington Bear in a new film. Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters will all join Firth as the cast of the film set to be released at the end of 2014. Supermodel Naomi Campbell has said that fashion designers snub black and Asian models more than they did when she started as a model 25 years ago. A rare photograph of a lost Sunflowers painting by Vincent Van Gogh has been found in the archives of a Japanese museum. The original painting was from 1888 but was destroyed by a fire in Japan in 1945.
Julia Smith
top ten kentish cultural experiences
Whether you’re a bright eyed Fresher or a returning student who’s slightly more bleary-eyed, here are some tips to make the most of your first term at university by exploring the cultural delights that this fine city and county have to offer. 1. The Gulbenkian: If deadlines and debauchery are just too much to handle, this little gem is good for the soul. Your resident cinema and theatre right here on campus is home to a vibrant programme of films, plays and comedy shows, with everything from foreign art-house cinema to television comedy heroes gracing the screens and stages. 2. Studio 3 Gallery: The perfect place for fitting in a little artistic appreciation between lectures, Studio 3 is a dedicated exhibition space within the University’s School of Arts building. With exhibitions curated by students and staff alike, the gallery is great for a little cultural pick-me-up. 3. The Beaney: The beautiful Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in the heart of Canterbury is a fantastically inviting place to spend a rainy afternoon, with everything from Anglo-Saxon artefacts to Ancient Egyptian amulets on display.
4. Lilford Gallery: Looking for something more contemporary? The Lilford Gallery is one of Canterbury’s surprisingly bright assets with a brilliant collection of the likes of Banksy, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin on show.
5. Canterbury Cathedral: One of the oldest and most famous Christian landmarks in Britain, the Cathedral is steeped in history and draped in absolute glory. Entry is free with your KentOne student card – do try to take the time to appreciate its splendour before you graduate in its hallowed hall. 6. Bramley’s Bar: Had enough of paintings and pews? Bramley’s is surely one of Canterbury’s classiest drinking establishments. With real cocktails (which aren’t just WKD in a tall glass) and a deliciously dark interior, your first visit here will definitely not be your last.
7. Whitstable: A short bus ride away lies this quaint and quirky little town by the sea. Excellent for sunny afternoons on the beach, Whitstable is great for clearing out the cobwebs of a stressed student mind. 8. Chilham: This beautiful little village is like the land that time forgot. Its perfectly preserved Tudor buildings have been the backdrop for many a period drama, but you can forget your own drama over a Kentish pint and a gorgeous Sunday lunch. Definitely a hit with the parents! 9. Turner Contemporary: A shining minimalist beacon amongst the sad neon arcades and abandoned fish & chip shops of Margate town centre, this snazzy gallery is home to a highprofile range of major international exhibitions. Plus, it’s just a quick train ride away! 10. Cupcake Café: Graced by the Queen herself, this pastel café is a must for those visiting the surprisingly cultured Margate Old Town. For the girls, there are cupcakes. Need I say more? But lads, look out for the toasties and fish finger sandwiches the size of your fist. Definitely a highbrow experience.
top free sights to see in canterbury
Holly Hepburn
Freshers, before you find out the hard way, here’s a brief warning: Canterbury is not the cheapest place to live in the country. And whilst we’re in this dark place of sharing things, being a student is one of the worst financial situations you could be in. But during your time at Kent, you may want to explore Canterbury and it’s likely you’ll be struggling for money, so you’re going to need to know where you can spend some quality time without emptying your pockets. So here’s a brief guide to some of Canterbury’s best freebies. 1. Sidney Cooper Art Gallery: Owned by Canterbury Christchurch University, the gallery exhibits artwork from staff and students, as well as local, national and international contemporary artists. There is free entry to all of the exhibitions, so the Sidney Cooper Art Gallery is definitely worth a visit. 2. Westgate Gardens and Dane John Gardens: There is a lot of green space in Canterbury, and what better way to spend some relaxing time in the sun (if there is any) or a chilled work session than in one of Canterbury’s finest public gardens. The Westgate Gardens are just across the road from the Westgate Towers. Here you can find Canterbury’s winding river as well as blossoming
flowers and ancient landscape features such as the Norman archway. The Dane John Gardens are located near to Canterbury’s bus station and can be dated back to 1551. They have a similarly historical feel to them, as the monuments and memorials show. All this cultural delight and it doesn’t cost a penny.
3. The Blean Ancient Woods: If you’re feeling up for a little trek to and through some woodlands, then look no further than Blean Ancient Woods. A half-hour walk from the university towards Rough Common is all that stands between you and 11 square miles of enchanting forest. As with many other attractions in Canterbury, the woodlands are historic, and can be traced as far back as 1600. The site is nationally recognised as being
important for wildlife and is a perfect place to enjoy a break away from uni life. 4. Canterbury Norman Castle: It is the site of the wooden motte and bailey castle built after the Battle of Hastings, on a route taken by William the Conqueror in 1066. Today the site displays the ruin of the stone castle built in the 12th century to replace the former wooden one. So this visit probably won’t be a full day of free fun, but it’s not every day that you can see an ancient castle mere minutes from a city centre for nothing. To get the full experience, give the wall walk a go too. 5. Westgate Towers: Besides Canterbury Cathedral, the Westgate Towers is the most distinctive landmark that Canterbury has to offer. Unfortunately the Westgate Towers Museum and City Gaol Café are currently closed meaning that a visit to the Towers won’t last long, but it does mean that the Westgate Towers makes the list for the best free attractions in Canterbury. Whenever you find some spare time, take yourself to the Westgate Towers and see it for what it was: a medieval gate used by pilgrims on their way to see the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.
IQ Culture
best and worst: book to film adaptations
Rebekah Chilvers
Newspaper Culture Editor
Critics and fans alike often say that film adaptations can ruin a novel. It is certainly true that a number of books have been tainted by the brush of Hollywood. Though literature lovers often express their extreme distress when film versions of their favourite books are even slightly different to what they had imagined, sometimes, it’s much more than the small details that ruins it. The film just isn’t up to scratch. And yet, when the adaptations are done well, the visualised version brings the pages to life. Here are some of the best examples of films that did just that. For the third best book to film adaptation, it’s the 2013 version of The
Great Gatsby. The classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald - which is set in 20s New York – translates so well onto screen. The glamour of the decade makes for beautiful cinematography which matches the scenes formerly imagined through Fitzgerald’s descriptive prose. Fitzgerald’s novel is indeed a classic but was at times hard to read due to the packed description; the film was much easier to follow and ironed out any confusion I had previously. Second place goes to the 2011 version of Jane Eyre which captured the story flawlessly; Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender - as Jane and Mr Rochester respectively - played their roles of unlikely lovers so well that let’s just say I had a wet face by the end of the film. Charlotte Brontë’s 19th century gothic love story was certainly done justice by this film adaptation. To Kill A Mockingbird is the perfect example of a book to film adaptation done right, and places first. Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is one of the best castings there has ever been; Peck just is Atticus Finch, the brave lawyer who stands up for what is right. The film emulates everything that Harper Lee’s novel had achieved in the way of evoking emotion and sending out a strong message about equality.
Unfortunately, some films didn’t manage to stick to their stories as well as this. At third place for worst adaptation, it’s Twilight. The book wasn’t a revolution for literature, so the film was never going to be a masterpiece, but it somehow managed to be a step down from the literary version. Worsened by the emotionless acting of Kristen Stewart, Twilight wins the award for being one of the cringiest, laughable films there ever was. And please let’s just forget about the sequels. The Other Boleyn Girl comes in second place for the worst. Philippa Gregory’s book of the same name was littered by this attempt to ‘Hollywood’ the Tudors. Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson just weren’t convincing enough as the distraught Boleyn sisters. War Of The Worlds has beaten off all the competition for the worst book to film adaptation. H. G. Wells’ War Of The Worlds is a fantastic piece of science fiction which was ahead of its time when first published in 1898. But the 2005 film War Of The Worlds was an abomination. In the attempt to modernise the story in present-day America, Hollywood massacred Wells’ novel. It had none of Wells’ original characters and was about as far from the novel as possible.
the alternative freshers’ list Megan Weal
You’ve packed your car full to the
brim with every single item on the Essential Items For University list, but there are some things you will need that you aren’t told to bring. They skim over the truly important three items that every Fresher should have squeezed into that overly packed car. Sooner or later, the night’s going to come when you and your housemates decide upon a movie night. There will be different opinions. Someone’s going to want a soppy rom-com, another will be gunning for a classic Bond, and someone else is going to want something dark and twisted, probably Requiem For A Dream. You want something light-hearted and appealing to both sexes. And for this I suggest to you Friends With Benefits. The modern, sexually charged rom-com is laugh out loud funny and, at the risk of objectifying young students as being hormone driven and only interested in “one thing”… Girls, it’s got topless, bumshowing Justin Timberlake and boys,
it’s got a scantily clad Mila Kunis. Even if that doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll be breaking any sort of tension there previously was by watching two ‘friends’ get it on right in front of your eyes. Everyone’s happy - the Requiem For A Dream voter, perhaps not so much. You’ve got the film covered, next get the pre-drink soundtrack down. Again everyone’s going to have their own taste so it’s going to be tough to buy one album that’s going to please everyone. Now, may I suggest that you don’t go for something which is currently charttopping. Instead, get a 90s pop album - the cheesier the better. If S-Club 7’s Reach or Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag start playing, the dodgy dance routines will come out and that will be one memorable pre-drinks. Once you’ve partied with Steps and recovered with Timberlake, you’re going to need to do some work; that’s why you’re at university after all. So if you buy one book all year, I would strongly suggest it be a Thesaurus or, even better, a combined DictionaryThesaurus. There’s only so many times
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pause for thought In the memory of Irish poet Seamus Heaney who recently passed away aged 74. His work was loved by many and may it live on.
Docker There, in the corner, staring at his drink. The cap juts like a gantry’s crossbeam, Cowling plated forehead and sledgehead jaw. Speech is clamped in the lips’ vice. That fist would dropp a hammer on a CatholicOh yes, that kind of thing could start again; The only Roman collar he tolerates Smiles all round his sleek pint of porter. Mosaic imperatives bang home like rivets; God is a foreman with certain definite views Who orders life in shifts of work and leisure. A factory horn will blare the Resurrection.
you can use the word “evidently” or the phrase “this clearly presents…” in an essay before your seminar leader wants to rip your paper in half and marks you down. Okay, so maybe these aren’t the most important items that you have to bring with you. But I highly recommend buying them purely for awkward sexual tension, bad singing and one happy marker.
He sits, strong and blunt as a Celtic cross, Clearly used to silence and an armchair: Tonight the wife and children will be quiet At slammed door and smoker’s cough in the hall. Seamus Heaney
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Sport
ukc coast to coast challenge success Paul Bown BETWEEN July 2013, members of UKC’s Athletics and Cross Country Club ran from Hornsea on the East Coast to Southport on the West Coast along the Trans Pennine Trail for their chosen charities. With ten days of running, two days of travelling, one day of rest and 215 miles covered in the period, the runners were constantly challenged by the weather, the terrain and of course their bodies. The teams’ chosen charities were Pilgrims Hospice and Breast Cancer Campaign. Seven individuals were present throughout the whole challenge, all of them experiencing the laughs and pain of the two week ordeal. The team consisted of Michael Fitzpatrick, Paul Bown, Danny Jackson, Tom Jackson, Nick Johnson, Eldred Lee and Dan Warrington. Many other club members joined the team throughout the challenge.
Photograph by Paul Bown Everyone in the injury ridden team ran part of the way, with five runners beginning the challenge on the 3rd July at 10am but Danny Jackson and Paul Bown were the two individuals who completed the
team kent - what will you choose? Dan English Newspaper Sport Editor BOASTING over sixty studentled sport clubs and societies, there really is something for everyone here at the University of Kent. Supported by Kent Union, clubs offer something different for everybody so, there’s no excuse not to try something! Whether it be Athletics or Sailing, Football to Korfball, Canoeing to Sailing or Karate to Taekwondo , try something different, something new, because that’s what University
is partly about, right? Visit the Kent Union page for more information or, alternatively you can contact the Sports Coordinator on A.van-poppel@kent.ac.uk or VP (Sports) on Union-sports@ kent.ac.uk or visit the Student Activities Centre. For more information check out www.inquirelive.co.uk or www.kentunion.co.uk. Got a story? Get in touch with one of our editors. We’d love to hear from you!
whole challenge, all of the 215 miles, 346 kms and 250,000 steps. From running in the countryside, across the Pennines and through towns and cities the pair completed an
estimated 55 hours of running. Nevertheless, without the hard work of the support team, none of the runners would have ever made it past Hull (13.5 miles in). At the forefront of the support
team was Tom Jackson and Dan Warrington, whose coordination kept the runners pressing. During the heatwave of July, the team was constantly moving, staying in different campsites/houses/hotels most nights. The team made the UKC 9-Seater, named Terrence, their home as they travelled north. The second day was very eventful; beginning with the four runners getting lost. This culminated with the team finding themselves in a field with two bulls and surrounded by private property. Stories were made, including a runner breaking his arm and reaching 450 metres above sea level in the Pennines. The challenge was both mentally and physically the toughest trial many of the runners would have ever completed. The 215 miles were completed with £1400 raised for charity, as the team already look towards the next gruelling challenge.
scandal rocks snooker Dan English Newspaper Sport Editor THE world of Snooker has been embroiled in a match fixing scandal following the announcement that Stephen Lee has been found guilty of fixing matches between 2008 and 2009. Lee, 38, who had strenuously denied the allegations, was found guilty by officials who labelled the case the “worst case of snooker corruption we’ve seen”. With his punishment yet to be decided, it looks likely that Lee will be subject to a lifetime ban from the sport. It was claimed by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association during the hearing that more than £40,000 was paid into Lee’s wife’s account during this time. The tribunal found that Lee had thrown matches and thrown them by a pre-determined score, although it stressed that there is no suggestion that any other player had been involved. If this wasn’t damaging enough for the sport, its leading
star Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed that Lee is not the only player guilty of match-fixing. The five-time world champion tweeted “I’ve heard there’s many more snooker players who throw matches”. World Snooker boss Barry Hearn reacted furiously to O’Sullivan’s claims, calling the statement “wholly unacceptable and extremely damaging”. He added: “We have written to Ronnie asking him to explain his comments and to provide details of any match-fixing.” O’Sullivan later added that he had “no concrete evidence of
match fixing in snooker”, but certainly gave the suggestion that players knew who else is involved. Judd Trump, one of the sport’s rising stars, said any player found guilty should be banned for life. Speaking to the BBC before the announcement Judd said: “If anybody is found guilty, they should be chucked out the game.” This is a case that is going to rumble on for some time, and is something counterproductive for a sport trying to reinvent its public image.
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a sporting summer to remember Dan English Newspaper Sport Editor AS summer began in 2013, it was easy to dwell on the triumphs of London 2012 as a distant memory, and as a summer of sport success that could not be matched just a year on. Well, we certainly gave it a go. First up were the British and Irish Lions, on tour in Australia and looking to seal their first series win in Australia since 1989. Led by head coach Warren Gatland and tour captain Sam Warburton, the Lions were rampant during their warm-up games, winning all but one of their seven matches. The first Test saw the Lions edge the match 21-23, thanks to a missed kick in the final moments from Australia’s Kurtley Beale, losing the tie for his side who had struggled with injuries throughout.
The second Test saw a much better performance from Australia, helped by the superb display from Christian Lealiifano, whose kicking ensured a close but deserved 16-15 win for the homeside. And so it came down to the third and final Test of the series. The pressure was on, and the Lions lost their captain Warburton prior to the match through injury, and so were led by Alun Wyn Jones. Only one man decided this tie, and it was Leigh Halfpenny. Hailed as player of the series by many prior to the tour, Halfpenny roared his side on to win 16-41, in a dominant display by the Lions, ensuring a historic victory, to the delight and elation of the travelling fans, as well as those at home. A remarkable feat. Was this going to be Britain’s only sporting success this summer? It was just the start.
The British public wanted to recreate the excitement of the previous summer, and it fell to Andy Murray to continue what had already been a summer of success for British sport. The sun glistened on SW19 as Murray fought for every point and game as if each were match point, before finally coming home to win in straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4. An emotional Murray, whose tears of despair from twelve months before had now turned into droplets of joy, hurled into the crowd to embrace his delighted mother Judy. Two weeks later, on the Champs-Élysées, Chris Froome, sealed a second successive British win in the Tour de France, to the delight of the nation. Froome was the polar opposite
to his predecessor Sir Bradley Wiggins. Quiet, calm and collected, the Kenyan-born Brit went quietly about his business for the majority of the Tour, picked up the necessary wins and recording the times needed for success. Like his personality, his win was celebrated in a somewhat understated yet powerful way, set against the backdrop of a lit up Arc de Triomphe as dusk rolled into the French capital. Britain didn’t have enough time to recover from the Lions, Wimbledon and the Tour before it was thrown into an Ashes battle with rivals Australia. England were the in-form side going into the five-match Test series, and were the clear favourites against an Australian side still in transition following the Pointing, Warne et. al era.
As it was, the series was far from a classic. The drama was seen off the pitch rather than on it, with offfield scraps and a war of words dominating the back pages rather than wicket taking and run-scoring. Winning the first and second Tests meant England required winning or drawing the third to retain the little Urn. The match ended as a draw sealing the win for England, to the delight of the home crowd, retaining the Ashes after wins in 2009 and 2010-11. We often wondered how British (and Irish) successes could be repeated after the Olympics. But our sportsmen and women gave as good as they could this summer, and we certainly were not disappointed.
a quick guide to lacrosse korfball explained Roan Caulfield DESCENDING from the Native Americans, Lacrosse was a game played by both men and women from their individual tribes. With several miles of plains between each of the two goals, hundreds of players from each tribe and single matches lasting for days at a time. Because of this, Lacrosse was a violent and brutish event which earned nicknames such as “Little War” and “Bump Hips”. Fast forward around 500 years and Lacrosse has evolved. This evolution has formed Lacrosse into structured, fast paced and unique field sport
which is played by both men and women all over the world. Here at the University of Kent we play both male and female Lacrosse, both with their own rule sets. Men’s Lacrosse is played over four, 20 minute quarters and a team will consist of ten players. The pitch is divided into three attackers, three midfielder, three defenders and a single goal tender. The remaining team members are on the bench and in some respects is much like Ice Hockey. The sport runs on a rolling sub basis, with no limitations on the amount of substitutions used. The aim of the game is to score
goals against the opposing team by shooting the ball, using the Lacrosse stick, past the goalie and into their goal. Lacrosse is a full contact sport which means full body checks are allowed. As a result, each player must wear a helmet, a pair of gloves and arm pads. Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands and must use the netted pockets of their sticks to shoot, pass and scoop the fallen ball from off the floor. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can find us both at www.facebook.com/ UKCMensLacrosse and twitter. com/UKCmenslacrosse
Chloe Robins I can already hear you saying ‘Korf…ball?’. Sorry to disappoint you but it is not the game played in the Harry Potter books. Essentially, Korfball is a cross between netball and basketball. Korfball is a mixed sport, where the battle of the sexes is put aside, during a match or training, being replaced with mutual cooperation. The game is made up of two ends. Each end has two women and two men. Regardless of position, anyone can take a shot at the goal, even if like myself, this is not your
strongest asset to the game. The first team has a mix of those who have been playing Korfball since they could walk and those who have only started playing Korfball, the latter of whom make up the majority of the society. There are trips away including competing at the Attila Tournament. The society is also invited to play against other sides in Holland throughout the year. All Korfball members are invited to play on behalf of the University of Kent Korfball Society at the Southerns, Nationals and Championships. If you think you can handle it, then this is the sport for you.
visit our website at - www.inquirelive.co.uk/sport
InQuire sport get ready to be part of team kent
Chris Bull Vice-President for Sport SPORT is an integral part of many students lives here at the University of Kent. For some it entails competing on a weekly basis in the Team Kent colours as part of the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) programme. Others compete on behalf of their College in Inter-mural competitions, whilst some partake in sport as a means of socialising and exercising with friends and colleagues alongside their studies. My time at University wouldn’t
have been the same if it weren’t for getting involved within sport. On leaving University, people remember their time through the people they met, the things they did and the places they went. Sport epitomises this and presents many incredible opportunities for all those that get involved and I cannot reiterate those words enough. For all those who have thought about playing and/or volunteering within sport here at the University, all I can say is to get involved. Last year we reached new
heights, we were faster, and we were stronger. This resulted in our highest ever finish in the BUCS league table, finishing 30th. As we look forward to the new academic year we have 12 teams currently in BUCS 1A and the National Premiership combined. Last year we saw a number of our teams battling it out for promotion. 10 clubs won their respected leagues, three of which made it into the National Premiership playoffs. Besides the traditional BUCS Wednesday afternoons we had many outstanding individual performances throughout the
year, which resulted in national success, both in the form of titles and National selection. Amongst all this success we once again retained our Varsity title for the 17th successive year with a record margin of 30-10. Over the next year, I would love to see Team Kent grow and develop even further. We’ve now laid the foundations to build upon our success. Over the next 12 months I’ll be working very closely with our individual sports men and women and their respective clubs as I hope to provide them all with greater resource and expertise in order to go one
better. Sport is for everyone here at the University of Kent, and I’m so excited for the year ahead. To all those that have just arrived at the University for the very first time, get involved and I guarantee you won’t look back. With up to 60 sports clubs, numerous Inter-College competitions and many recreational opportunities, you won’t have to go far to find a sport that suits you. To all those that have been here before, it’s a new year and a new challenge, get out there, give it your all and have a go!