YOUR VOICE Student satisfaction surveys STUDENT www.chester.ac.uk/studentvoice Issue 2 NEWS 2017/18 THE UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER STUDENT MAGAZINE
CSU elections p6
Seegulls p8&9
Fundraising champions p15
Surveys close on Monday, April 30, 2018
3 Hackathon
engagement 4&5 Careers and Employability Survey
7 #WeAreWarrington All students who complete their survey will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw and have the chance to win up to £250 in High Street vouchers 12 Time to cook
Acade ic uality 16 Skiing stars Support Services 2 STUDENT NEWS
STUDENT 1 NEWS Your voice! 2
Student News is an official Student satisfaction surveys 3 University of Chester publication, produced by THE University is keen to make sure all its students have the best Here are the different surveys and who they are mainly for: the University’s Corporate possible experience while studying here. To do this, it needs to • First Year Experience Survey (FYES) Communications Department, know what you think works well and what we could do better. Undergraduate students in their first year of study at University 4 to keep students informed of There are various surveys tailored to students at different of Chester. 5 University news. stages of their time at University. Each only takes around 10 • UK Engagement Survey (UKES) 6 minutes to complete and anyone who completes their survey will Undergraduate students not in their first or final year of study at 7 Any students who would like to have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw with the University of Chester. 8 write for Student News are invited chance to win up to £250 in High Street vouchers. • Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 9 to get in touch with the Corporate The surveys are your chance to tell share your experience as Taught Postgraduate students studying a course mainly 10 Communications Department on the a student at the University of Chester and your feedback is really at Level 7. 11 email address below. important - the more students that take part, the better we can • Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 12 make your experience at the University of Chester. Research Postgraduate students studying a research course 13 CONTACT The National Student Survey (NSS) for final year mainly at Level 8 (includes MRes and Professional Doctorate 14 [email protected] undergraduate students is already open and all eligible students students). 15 will have already been contacted about completing it – if you There is also one prize draw for all the other surveys 16 EDITORIAL TEAM haven’t already filled it in, then please do, as the information combined. The prizes for this are two x £250 High Street 17 • Alexandra Williams from your responses are vital. Each student who fills in the NSS vouchers, 2 x £100 High Street vouchers and 10 x High Street 18 • Beth Heywood survey is eligible for a prize draw – the prizes this year are 50 vouchers. 19 • Charlie Bristow x £50 Amazon vouchers and 10 x £300 STA Travel or Amazon If you would like to complete your survey, or just find out more 20 • Cherelle Mitchell vouchers. about them, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/studentvoice 21 • Elizabeth Pittaway All the other surveys open on February 12, 2018 (closing on We really hope you take the opportunity to get involved this 22 • Hayley Naldrett April 30, 2018), and your responses to these surveys are just as year and help us make changes that can improve your University 23 • Jack McGovern important! Your feedback is confidential to the research team and experience and that of students like you. Use your voice! 24 • Jemima Pallister any reporting will be entirely anonymous. 25 • Jessica Brown 26 • Katherine Harris 27 • Nan Pickering 28 • Nicholle Nugent 29 • Sandro Salemme • Sophie Bell • Sylvie Devaney
PHOTOGRAPHY The University’s AV team, unless otherwise stated.
To obtain this information in – large print, audio, electronic or other alternative format please e-mail: [email protected]
Winners of last year’s NSS prize draw Samuel Gornall and Amy Frost. STUDENT NEWS 3
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4 THE University’s first hackathon (a 24 hour computer coding 5 marathon) has taken place at Thornton Science Park. 6 A group of Computer Science students gathered at the Thornton Campus for a 7 weekend of computer coding-based challenges, free refreshments and prizes. 8 Event organisers Peter Butcher and Thomas Day, who are both Demonstrators 9 in the Department of Computer Science, Mark Holland, a PhD student, and 10 Andrew Muncey, Deputy Head of Computer Science, deliberately arranged the 11 event to coincide with a Campus Open Day, so that prospective students could 12 gain a varied flavour of student life. 13 The hackathon was free to enter and students had been signing up since L-R: Ishak Emanet; William Tedstone; Tonje Davidsen and Dylan Elliott. 14 September to take part, with spaces filling up quickly. The attendees were split into 15 four teams and received a brief at the beginning of the event, before starting their 16 challenges. Untitled2 17 Staff were amazed by the quality of work produced by the teams, which primarily consisted of first and 18 second year students – some of whom had only been at University for a few weeks. 19 The overall winners were Team Insomniacs, a group of three first year and one final year undergraduate 20 students. They built a social media aggregator that combined all the output from social media accounts related 21 to the University of Chester, which could then be queried to build up, for example, a calendar of events across 22 the entire University. The team built the system that could be queried using an Amazon Echo Dot which could 23 respond to a user’s specific question. 24 Andrew Muncey, Deputy Head of Computer Science, said: “The quality of the software the students 25 produced in the 24 hour period, with little or no sleep, was testament to their hard work, and the projects 26 created by each of the different teams demonstrated real inventiveness and creativity.” 27 You can find out more about the Hackathon and any more upcoming events on Twitter, Facebook and at 28 http://hack.fse.network/. 29 L-R: Jordan O’Neill, Vikas Gundarapu and Alex Tuft.
Helping musicians fulfil their potential IF you’re an aspiring musician and want to learn more about connecting with that is going to stick in the minds of your audience, two podcast episodes including an academic at the University will your fans? provide you with some useful tips. • Audience – Or more specifically, Dr Mark Duffett has built a career around researching, publishing and lecturing playing your audience as an on the topic of fandom and has been referenced in the New York Times and Rolling instrument. How included are your Stone magazine. audience in the overall package of how In the podcast episodes he gives aspiring musicians tips such as thinking about: you present yourself and your music to the • Tradition – looking at how many artists have taken pieces of certain songs world? or genres from a different era and made them their own in the present. • Using your music – Your music should be one Beware of not borrowing something from the recent past though! of your greatest assets. You need to make sure you • Consistent image – Thinking of yourself almost as a brand, if you aren’t are getting the most out of it. consistent, fans may struggle to associate with you and make a lasting Throughout the two episodes, Mark gives great examples from the music world. connection. In particular he talks about Elvis, who he has studied at length, and who, to be fair, • Being memorable – An obvious one perhaps, but something many artists was not bad at gaining the odd fan or two. don’t always focus on. What is it about your music, live show or interview To find out more visit https://www.acpgmusic.com/episodes 4 STUDENT NEWS Careers Fest
By Elizabeth Pittaway
CAREERS Fest 2017 took a lot of time and planning from many of the staff in Careers and Employability, including myself. Although I came in later on during the planning stages, I still attended every meeting and saw how much hard work went into organising the event. For the University’s first ever careers fair, it was a very successful event with over 700 students and 50 employers attending. Careers Fest helped students find and gain information about possible careers in their area of study. The overall experience helped me, as an events student, as I was able to see how a real event was organised and then implemented. It was nice seeing everyone there and I hope to see you all at next year’s Careers Fest! Car ers F s ‘17
The Chester Car ers Difference Award F s ‘17 by Katherine Harris
DURING my degree, I was determined to progress onto a specific Master’s course. To increase my chances I needed to display skill development. I heard about The Chester Difference Award during the University’s Volunteer Fair early in my first year. I had clocked up a number of voluntary hours in various advertised organisations, so I had already gained points towards The CDA without realising, which was very motivating. Careers and Employability staff offered continuous support and advice on how to complete The CDA, which I could use to increase my points. This included volunteering as a red t-shirt during induction weeks, completing the ECDL qualification, attending multiple EYE training sessions, part-time summer work, being a student representative and Student Academic Representative (StAR), alongside being the Vice President of a society. With independence and flexibility, I achieved enough points to progress onto the final assessment centre by the time I reached the middle of my second year. The support offered by Careers gave me confidence approaching the final assessment. Completing The CDA encouraged me to try opportunities, gathering great experience along the way, which could improve my chances of achieving my career goal. The assessment included a formal job interview by TalkTalk employers, which gave me an insight into what interviews may involve and how I could best prepare for them. Overall alongside the snazzy CDA certificate, I now have an array of skills and added confidence, with an ambition to achieve my career goal. STUDENT NEWS 5 Working on Campus
By Katherine Harris
AFTER three years of undergraduate study, I decided to apply to the UniJob bank during my postgraduate course. Once the application and interview were complete, I could proudly call myself a UniJob bank member. The Careers department was a great support in guiding me through the process and providing helpful feedback after the application process. The opportunities were advertised on CareerHub and also sent via email. I went through multiple applications and interviews, but once I was offered a job the generous income made it all worthwhile. My role as the Project Management Assistant in Careers and Employability involved supporting the launch of the first ever careers fair. Working opposite Binks on the Parkgate Road Campus gave me the flexibility to work in between lectures and experience of working within a supportive, hard-working team. I had my own desk with full-time staff members and was given important tasks, such as independently designing employer booklets and promotional material for Careers Fest. As well as the added benefit of office birthday cake and endless cups of tea, I was able to take part in the large events such as Careers Fest, TEDxUoChester and ASK. Alongside a rewarding pay slip, the added skill development was a significant bonus. The UniJob contract can last from a few weeks to a year, providing a great opportunity to work in different roles, developing a wide range of skills. For example, I worked as a DLHE phoner and a Student Ambassador. I now work as a Project Management Assistant. The university experience can be busy, stressful and financially difficult, but since getting involved in UniJob I have been able to earn an incredibly generous wage with extremely flexible hours. UniJob
Elizabeth Pittaway, Employment Opportunities Team Events Assistant
UNIJOB has given me the chance to work in events management which is the field I want to work in when I graduate in November 2018. UniJob applications open in October each year and, once you gain a place on the UniJob bank, you get the first chance to see any jobs advertised by the University, like my role of EOT Events Assistant. My role allows me to gain real-world experience in the events industry, as I am currently studying Events Management. I work with fellow colleagues to help organise and run events such as this year’s very first careers fair, ASK and TEDx UoChester, taking place in February 2018. Working with UniJob I have my own University computer and email account. I am also given a lot of responsibility, such as setting up and coordinating meetings with internal and external clients. I would 100% recommend applying for UniJob or creating an account with CareerHub to gain access to the latest jobs. Both UniJob and CareerHub have given me multiple experiences to show on my CV before I even graduate! 6 STUDENT NEWS Chester Students’ CSU Elections – Union make your voice heard
DO you want to make positive changes here at the University? Do you want to be the voice of thousands of students? If you are keen to make a difference to the student experience, you might want to consider running in the upcoming CSU elections! You could help determine the future of Chester Students’ Union by voicing the wants and needs of your fellow students. The SU will be looking for students to fulfil four different Sabbatical Officer roles, including SU President, VP Education, VP Activities and VP Warrington. We got in touch with the current Sabbs to ask what they have enjoyed most about their roles…
Cherelle Mitchell, CSU President Sandro Salemme, VP Warrington Jack McGovern, VP Activities Sophie Bell, VP Education
“The reason I ran in the election for “The Sabbatical Officer role is an “This job really is like no other, it’s “Student engagement is such a massive President is because of a New Year’s incredibly unique experience, it’s definitely extremely engaging, challenging and part of our jobs and I love knowing resolution, which was to get out of my not a job you will come across later in life. enjoyable, all at the same time. Meeting that I am actually able to influence the comfort zone and challenge myself - and so There is a high level of engagement with and speaking to students and staff on University’s decisions on a lot of issues. the journey began! For the last 17 months, students, and hearing what students have a daily basis means that every day is If elected, you sit on a number of high- I have worked with a team of three other to say is definitely one aspect of the job different. While I was a student, I was level committees within the University and full-time officers, where we are responsible that I love. Some of my ideas for campaigns very engaged with the SU, participating are often the only student representative for representing a student population of and what to do throughout the year have in sports regularly, while also attending present, so you really do have an 20,000 across sites and satellite campuses. come about from having conversations with social events. Since starting the job, I have opportunity to make sure that students’ The perks of the job, such as a salary students in the library, in the SU office, and realised that our SU is so much more than a voices are always heard. We have to and free accommodation, are obviously even in the bar, making it a very sociable sports fixture on a Wednesday and a night ensure that decisions which will ultimately attractive, but the most rewarding part of job. In my role you must always ensure out on a Friday, it’s also about listening, affect students the most are being made this role is knowing that it directly benefits that the students’ views and opinions are representing and supporting every student with their best interests in mind. I love students and others. We attend a lot of taken into account as, at the end of the day, throughout their time at University. Cherelle the sense of achievement when we do meetings to ensure the interests of students they were the ones who voted for you! My encouraged me to become a Sabb, and the something in the students’ favour! If elected, are put at the forefront of the University’s advice is to run for the position, regardless more I found out about the job, the more I you will be responsible for representing decision-making boards. The job really of whether you think you’ll win, you might wanted it. Put yourself forward, start talking almost 20,000 students and you will is what you make it and you literally can be surprised!” to students, and help make positive change develop many skills which will give you a shape the Union and your manifestos at the University.” great advantage in your future.” however you wish.”
Cherelle’s top tips for the election… • Ask yourself if you’re the best person for the job - If you think you are, then go for it! Don’t worry about the other people running. • Organise your manifesto - you should know in advance what your campaign will focus on, which involves combining your personal beliefs with those of your peers. Be sure to also discover your ‘brand’, capitalising on your unique selling points and interacting with the current student body - you will need a good support network! • Practise public speaking - you’ll be doing plenty of this before and during your tenure, so it’s important to hone your communication abilities. You have to really believe in yourself and what you stand for if you want people to vote for you. If you are interested, please get in touch with current SU President, Cherelle Mitchell, by emailing [email protected] to book a meeting to discuss the job role in full and receive a detailed job description. STUDENT NEWS 7
#WeAreWarrington A world of opportunities uochester 6 min THE University’s Study Abroad team is determined to give all students at the University the opportunity to study overseas. Inclusive and supportive, no matter your prior experience or academic ability we aim to offer the support to enable students to reach the best of their individual ability. “Teach Them to Fly” is the team’s motto. The Study Abroad team, based in the International Centre, offers the opportunity to take part in English–speaking opportunities abroad*. As far afield as China, Australia, Thailand and many more, or as close to home as Spain, students can take part in a full year academic exchange; Summer Schools (following each of their academic years) and Overseas Internships or Overseas Volunteering. Last term, students and overseas learning providers gathered en masse for the first ever Study Abroad Destination Fair. Students thinking of studying abroad were able to meet those who had already done so and gain an insight into what the overseas experiences are all about. This exhibition of all things study abroad gave students the opportunity to learn first-hand about all that is offered by Study Abroad at Chester, from year-long Exchanges to Summer Schools and Short Term Experiential placements. Members of staff, overseas learning providers and current exchange students all gathered in a packed venue in what was a real festival of all things study abroad. The evening began with Overseas Experiential Learning and Study Abroad Lead, Candida Darling-Adams addressing the crowd and encouraging all guests to mingle, chat and ask questions. For second-year students in particular, the event was beneficial, as they were able to ask previous exchange students, providers and experts all the questions they had to help them make a decision on where they wanted to go. Second-year Psychology student Stevie Shepperson said: “It’s been great to speak to so many people, including a student who has been to Australia, as this is where I want to go. Having all my questions answered has made things a lot clearer and #WeAreWarrington calmed a few nerves I initially had. There’s a long way to go yet, but tonight has certainly got me in the mood for studying overseas even more!” DEVELOPING a new hashtag is never easy, but following the success of The Study Abroad Destination Fair was also a chance for a number of overseas #MyChesterStory it was felt that it was time for the Warrington Campus to have its learning providers to chat to students and explain the kind of experiences on offer. own voice. Teams 4 U, an international humanitarian charity operating in Africa, Asia and Eastern Students and staff are being encouraged to use the new hashtag Europe, was one of the providers at the event. #WeAreWarrington to share their stories about the Campus and town with the Dave Cooke, Founder of Teams 4 U, said: “We encourage students and the public wider world. in general to go and improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Africa, Asia and Student feedback suggested that #MyChesterStory did not fit in with life at Eastern Europe. The work our volunteers do is hugely important to local communities, Warrington. Students felt it was too focussed on Chester, more than 30 miles away. whether it’s helping keep young children in school, or supporting the administration of With this in mind, the team in Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions (MRA) HIV tests. developed a new hashtag, to help raise awareness of the Campus and to showcase “It is always empowering to hear how volunteers say the experience develops them student life at Warrington. #WeAreWarrington is the alternative to #MyChesterStory, personally too. It is so encouraging seeing so many students here today and I hope with the aim of giving the Campus and students a bigger voice at the University and to they go on to have an enriching study abroad experience.” prospective students. Candida said: “It was fantastic to see so many students who are interested in We will be sharing content generated by students across various social media studying abroad. Current students have been engaging with everyone in attendance networks as well, which can be incorporated into various promotional materials in print and their interest in studying abroad is now even stronger.” and online. Email [email protected] for more information or check out Mark Hoddell, Marketing and Recruitment Co-ordinator for the Warrington the website https://www1.chester.ac.uk/international/study-abroad Campus, said: “We looked at various options and decided on #WeAreWarrington, *These all fall under the banner of study abroad. For opportunities in other which would give the Campus a voice that staff and students could get involved languages contact Modern Languages. with. We chose this after much discussion about concepts and themes and feel it complements the #MyChesterStory campaign. “While both hashtags work nicely side by side, it helps to differentiate Warrington from Chester. We also think that the campaign could be interesting to the local community, particularly those with a sense of civic pride. “We believe that it sounds proud and confident and that people should be proud of their University Campus. We hope it will provide many more stories we can share with visitors and prospective students about life on a vibrant, friendly, and community-based Campus.” L-R: Dave Cooke and the Teams 4 U group. 8 STUDENT NEWS SEEGULLS FANTASTIC NEW BAND FORMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
Chester’s answer to The Strokes comes in the form of five-piece, up-and-coming indie sensation, Seegulls. The band - who met at University while studying Popular Music Performance - have had to put a lot of hard work into proving to the world that they are a ‘real’ band, and not just fuelling a hobby. Lead singer and guitarist James Kitchen explains: “We Stating that they “offer something fresh to the decaying You can catch Seegulls at various up-coming gigs in didn’t just want it to be a ‘uni band’, so it kind of annoys genre of indie rock,” they want to stray as far away from 2018, and you can listen to their music on Spotify. More me when people come up to us and say, ‘oh you sound like bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen and The 1975 info can be found at www.seegulls.co.uk. a real band’, because we are a real band. This isn’t just a as possible. hobby, this is the only thing I want to do for the rest of my Kitchen says that having to study for a degree as well as BY SYLVIE DEVANEY life, ever.” trying to pursue their musical career was a challenge. After graduating from University in November 2017, “It was hard, especially in the third year. We didn’t playing regular gigs through the year and recording in the get a lot done band wise in the third year because we just new year, it seemed that all was well for these high-flying wanted to get the degree out of the way. I think we’ve done Seegulls. However, 2018 bought with it an emotional more in the past two or three months than we did in the first farewell to drummer and good friend Joshua Goodyear. six months of the year. Since we graduated we’ve got our The band have left things on good terms and are set to heads screwed on.” welcome a new drummer in the near future. Offering up some pearls of wisdom to students who find Enthusiastic and full of promise, Kitchen bounces into the themselves in similar situations - wanting to get a degree but Students’ Union bar of his old University, where I am set up also wanting to pursue a musical career - his main advice to meet with him. He is greeted by old friends, who shout was to just go for it. him over for a catch-up. Apologising to me for the brief “If you’ve got creative juices, keeping it inside you and distraction, he sits down with a smile, ready to tell me all just using it for uni, it’s wasted potential. Just get it out. Even about Seegulls. if you don’t want the world to hear it, just do it. Because Often asked questions about the misspelling of the it’s great just having that. It takes up a lot of time. If you’re band’s name, many believing the idea came from The serious about it, you will make time for it.” Beatles, Kitchen elaborates on the back story: “It just came Seegulls are set to hit the recording studio together this to me one day,” he says. “There’s a band in Leeds called month as well as making their return to the stage. It’s going Eagulls and I liked the idea. I didn’t know that The Beatles to be a busy year for the five-piece with the emergence of a was spelt wrong until about two years ago when a tutor new drummer on the horizon, we can only expect asked me ‘are you trying to rip off The Beatles?’” great things. With an edgy name and a bright future ahead, Seegulls “We always say that next year’s going to be our year, are keen to make themselves stand out from the crowd. maybe not next year but the year after is going to be our Working with Scruff of the Neck to promote their name, year. That’s when everybody in the world is going to know they hope to help pioneer the left field of indie music. who Seegulls are, fingers crossed.” STUDENT NEWS 9
SEEGULLS LIVE: STUDIO 2, LIVERPOOL
BY CHARLIE BRISTOW
CHESTER-BASED Seegulls are really starting to make waves in the North West’s music guitars in the band really tie them together, with a clear rhythm section backed up by a scene, having played their biggest show earlier this year at Manchester’s Academy 3. more complex lead layered beautifully underneath. After seeing this gig, it’s not hard to see why. Loud guitars, energetic performances and Crowd interaction plays a massive part of the gig. The highlight is singer James a sense of unity really bonds the band together, frequently smiling and joking with one telling everyone to get to the floor, as he conducts the band to a crescendo of guitar- another. It’s refreshing to see in an industry where constant pressure looms. based wall of sound, before allowing them back up. Members of both the band and With no hesitation, the band clamber on to the stage giving a brief introduction crowd are suddenly leaping around in excitement. of who they are and what they’re here for, before ripping into their first track “Good 2017 has been a fantastic year for the band, they say, and 2018 promises much, Enough”, quickly followed by other tracks from their debut EP, including “Right Light” much more. The North West - and who knows where else - has a lot to look forward to and one of their newer songs, “Mother”. The energy from the band is ridiculously from this band, the simple art of being a decent bunch of lads with a passion for music contagious and it isn’t long before the majority of the room joins in as well. The three without doubt carrying them far. 10 STUDENT NEWS My experience of societies
BY JEMIMA PALLISTER
THE excitement increases as more opportunities arise for the newcomers! something new; Therefore I decided to And as the taster activities got well under way, I decided to get involved join the Swing Dance Society. Despite with tennis. Taking part in the team trials at David Lloyd Leisure Club was being unable to make it to the taster an experience of which I was proud and wanted to achieve my best in this sessions, I managed to catch on activity. With the session lasting around two hours and the captains keeping quickly. I have learnt the Charleston, a watch out, my determination to play well was what I was counting on shim sham and the basic steps along while wholeheartedly enjoying and making the most out of the experience. with new material all of which was While unfortunately unable to make the first couple of running taster new to me. sessions, the Saturday Park Run was my easiest and most ideal session to Joining three societies has start, having been used to them back home. Meeting lovely people and enabled me to get out more and meet new people as well as running with the President of the Running Club herself, I have to say it is having breaks from studying. Although it has been a fairly nerve-racking something that makes you feel really good for the rest of the day. The experience for me, it is definitely worth pushing yourself and trying Saturday Park Runs have become a weekly routine currently as well as lots of things out especially at University. Not only will your confidence Delamere Forest running by the lake. Along with this, the Thursday 5k be boosted but it is a great way of taking time away from the stress of night-time runs along the beautiful walls of Chester, exploring areas that completing first University assignments. were completely new to me. Not only have I met some really friendly and By taking part in the Tennis team, Running Club and Swing Dance lovely people, my confidence has also grown from getting involved in more Society it has not only enabled me to be more confident in myself but also than one society, which I struggled to do at home. in challenging myself into doing things I would not normally do. One of my main targets when coming to University was to learn and join
My 10 top tips for settling into University life BY JESSICA BROWN STARTING University is without a doubt extremely exciting. However, for some it can also be quite a scary time. To help I thought I would share with you my top 10 tips for settling into University life.
Make sure to join societies. However, Don’t be afraid to ring home in the Find a part time job. One of the 1. make sure you sign up to societies that 4. first few weeks. It may seem like 7. best ways of curing yourself of any you are genuinely interested in. That you are the only person doing it but homesickness is to involve yourself in way you will likely meet people who believe me you won’t be. Plus, no one activities that will distract you. What share the same interests as you. The can reassure us quite as well as our better way to do this than working social nights are also great nights out! families can. alongside your studies? Bring photographs or other reminders Pay visits to home. If the Get to know the area. You will likely be 2. of home with you. Let’s face it, most 5. homesickness really does become 8. living here for at least a year so get to of us will encounter homesickness at unbearable then don’t be afraid to know the city some point. However, having reminders go home for a short period of time. of home with you means that this will However try and keep this to a Volunteer in the community. A great hopefully not last for very long. minimum as this will not help with the 9. way to meet new people and to help homesickness in the long run. integrate yourself into the community Be open about how you are feeling. While 3. for many, homesickness disappears Make your room feel like home. Have fun. Just make sure you after the first few weeks, for some 6. Personalise your room using posters 10. accommodate your studies alongside the students this is not the case. If this and other decorations such as fairy partying! happens it is important to speak to lights. If going home isn’t an option someone you trust, whether it is a bring home to you! friend, family member, lecturer or even a friend from home. STUDENT NEWS 11
Alumni fund Save cash with Stunii
A GLOBAL Entrepreneurship and Business Management student has developed the student discount here to app, Stunii. Stunii is a free app, designed by students at the University for exclusive and unique discounts for fellow students around the city. The app has exclusive discounts on many well-known brands, like help you Vue Cinema and Total Fitness, as well as discounts at local independent businesses such as Coast to Coast, The Church and Urbano 32. The app, which currently has over 1,500 users, has many unique features, such as the ‘demand IS your sports team looking for sponsorship? Do you a deal’ function, which allows students to share where they would like deals to be available; flash aspire to host your own academic conference with your deals, which instantly notify all users of exclusive savings; special invitations to VIP events exclusive classmates? Are you looking for funding to help you deliver to Stunii users and digital student verification. a community project? The Stunii team is made up of Jordan, aged 20, from Chester, Jessica Saunders, aged 21, from The Chester Alumni Fund was created for students, just Warrington, and Christian Draycott, aged 21, from Leeds. Jordan and Jessica were winners at The like you, to help support you with your academic studies, Pitch 2017, which is part of the University’s Venture programme in partnership with Santander. The sports and other extracurricular activities. The fund is Venture programme is designed to inspire students to be enterprising and develop the skills and supported by donations from former students who are knowledge to start a business or become self-employed. members of our alumni community – something that you will Jordan developed the app as a response to new students’ questions about student life and automatically become a part of once you graduate. budgeting. He said: “As a student myself I appreciate the challenges of living independently The Chester Alumni Fund is our way for alumni to support on a budget . I know how hard it is to make your budget stretch when you want to go out and you, our current students, by helping fund your memorable experience all the fantastic places the city has to offer. I developed the app as I wanted to give and meaningful activities through sponsorships and The students the real experience of their new University city, by offering them unbeatable deals to help Cestrian Award, which covers four key areas: sports; save on their student budget. Each deal on the app has been carefully chosen to suit the needs of all community; academia and special projects. students.” The Cestrian Sports Award and The Cestrian Community He added: “We don’t just target national brands we give students discounts at the small quirky Award are both open to current students, either as independents. We offer students a range of discounts from food and drink to local butchers, individuals or as part of a team. The Cestrian Sports Award tattooists, hair salons and many more. Stunii is the champion of the high street, offering free is aimed at those who are representing at national or marketing in exchange for some great exclusive deals.” international level. The most recent recipients of The Cestrian Jordan, who has also recently been elected a Student Ambassador, hopes to continue the app’s Community Award are Bethany Parsonage and Dr Sian success. He said: “Currently the app can be used by any student in the vicinity of Chester. The short James, whose innovative project was to create teaching term vision for the app is to iron out any glitches before we launch in local cities such as Liverpool materials based around the unique landscape and history of and Manchester. Once Stunii is successful in these key cities, the aim is to develop a franchise to Bardsey Island, in North Wales. take the app nationwide.” The newest strand of The Cestrian Award is the Academic Stunii is available to download now on the App Store and Google Play. Award, which was created to support student-led academic activities. The award is open to those of you who wish to organise academic activities such as conferences, workshops or seminars. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your CV with valuable skills and we are currently the only area in the University providing funding for these activities. Last term, Digging into the Dark Ages, a student-led Archaeology conference, was the first such event to receive funding from this award. The students themselves successfully applied for the maximum amount and members of the Alumni Association’s Executive Committee were very impressed with their application. The University of Chester Men’s National Basketball League Team is also among some of the first recipients to benefit from sponsorship from The Chester Alumni Fund. The team, which comprises both current students and alumni, is Jordan Tew at The Pitch 2017. being supported to continue to compete at a national level. Our dedicated fund aims to benefit the student experience at the University, so we would love to hear about your projects or ambitions, and see how we could help. For more details and to apply, please visit: https://alumni.chester.ac.uk/Pages/The-Cestrian- Christian Draycott and Jordan Tew. Award.aspx 12 STUDENT NEWS
Part–time jobs: Gaining experience, making money and managing time and stress while at University
by Nicholle Nugent
THERE are many reasons why students might consider getting a part–time job I have free and what time I will be while at university. For some, the reason is financial. For others, it may be that working/studying. they would like to gain some experience in a sector that they are interested in. Whatever the reason, students seeking out part-time jobs is growing, and there Don’t do too much are plenty of ways to get ahead of the game. The University recommends that students who work part–time should So how do I go about finding a job? not exceed 15 hours a week, as doing more than this could jeopardise grades UniJob is a great place to start, although it is a competitive scheme. UniJob is or cause burnout. If you do feel as though doing too much work is causing you run by the University and offers temporary positions based on Campus throughout significant stress, talk to your employer. Most employers take on students and the year, which may include administration, retail, cleaning and plenty of others. know the issue you will be facing. In my experience, most are understanding. It is advised that you attend a specific EYE Training session run by the University in order to give you a better chance of obtaining a place on the job bank. Why is it good for me to have a part–time job? The University’s CareerHub is another great place to search for jobs. You Besides having a little more money in your pocket, having work experience can look for part–time jobs off Campus on this website, and various companies will put you in good stead to succeed in getting a graduate job once you’ve advertise here. completed your studies. Employers want to see that you’ve developed good time management skills, are able to prioritise tasks, work in a team and above all But how will I fit it all in? have commercial awareness. If possible, try to find work in an area related to It can be difficult to learn to balance your part–time job with your studies your degree. I am a Psychology student currently working as a support worker and find the time to fit everything in. (Don’t forget – you should also try to make (a helping role), which will allow me to build people skills. However, even if you some time for a social life and relaxation). My biggest piece of advice would be cannot find a job which is relevant, any experience and knowledge of being a to purchase a good academic diary. I have been able to figure out what times part of the workforce will help. Health4All Recipe Book
THE University has put together a book of recipes with a range of ‘easy cook’ real food ideas for busy people. The recipes provided: • Are easy to follow • Are low budget • Use many store cupboard ingredients • Are nutritionally balanced.
This book has been compiled thanks to the submission of recipes by students and staff at the University. Why not try these three recipes below, to whet your appetite? To buy copies of this unique Recipe Book for £4, please email [email protected] or call on ext 2045 to arrange collection/payment. STUDENT NEWS 13
Free Swim In conversation from 8th January NO SWIM HAT REQUIRED with a football ‘legend’
SPORTS Journalism students had the opportunity to interview former Liverpool FC player Alan Kennedy when he visited the Parkgate Road Campus. Day Morning Lunchtime Afternoon Evening The interviews were conducted through a series of workshop sessions for first year Monday 7.00am - 8.30am 12noon - 1.30pm 4.00pm - 5.30pm Sports Journalism students as part of their Sports Writing module. The sessions were Tuesday 7.00am - 8.30am 12noon - 1.30pm designed to help the students with their interview techniques.
Wednesday 7.00am - 8.30am 12noon - 1.30pm 4.00pm - 5.30pm 8.00pm - 9.30pm Alan was invited by Paul Hassall, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media. Alan is a ‘Liverpool legend’, having scored in two winning European Cup finals in the 1980s. During Thursday 7.00am - 8.30am 12noon - 1.30pm his time at Anfield, he won five league titles, two European cups and four league cups. Friday 7.00am - 8.30am 12.00pm - 1.30pm 4.00pm - 5.00pm 8.30pm - 9.30pm Paul said: “I was a digital reporter with Liverpool FC prior to moving to the University
2.00pm - 3.00pm and did various articles with Alan over the years. He kindly agreed to come on to Campus Saturday 12.30pm - 2.00pm MALE swim for an interview session, where he was quizzed about the Reds’ season so far, their
2.00pm - 3.00pm chances in the Champions League, as well as his own time at the club in the trophy-laden Sunday 12.30pm - 2.00pm FEMALE swim era of the late 70s and early 80s. The write-ups from this can be used as part of the students’ assignment portfolios.” The students also recently interviewed Cheshire Phoenix General Manager, James @UoCSportActive Sport and Bryce, for their Sports Writing module. They discussed the Basketball team’s recent form Uoc Sport Activelifestyle Chester Active i estyle and upcoming matches. Two students, Matilda Buss and Tom White, subsequently had their interviews with James published in the Chester Chronicle. Paul added: “I have managed to bring in some excellent guests and it has enabled students to gain invaluable experience speaking to sports figures, both past and present. We have also had Warrington Town FC Chairman, Toby Macormac, in to discuss the Class For all Yellows’ current campaign and their hopes of getting promotion. Toby has not only given up his time to assist with interview practice, but he has also provided opportunities for abilities third year students, where they are able to attend matches, to interview the manager and Timetable players, with some articles being published in the Warrington Guardian.”
12:15 17:15
Monday Yoga Ladies only Box Fit
Tuesday Abs Blast Circuit Training
Wednesday HIIT
Thursday Circuit Training
Friday Legs, Bums & Tums
@UoCSportActive Sport and Meeting Alan Kennedy. Uoc Sport Activelifestyle Chester Active i estyle 14 STUDENT NEWS This BUCS Girl Can!
This BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Girl Can Week took place in November across the Chester, Warrington and Shrewsbury Campuses. News from THE aim of the week is to encourage students to engage with Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign and in doing so, close the gap on the 1.55 million more men than Chester Dance! women that are taking part in sport once a week. Over 20 sports were involved in the campaign from BY BETH HEYWOOD Netball to Fencing and Rounders. The sports clubs each put a fun and exciting session to get new students enjoying THE first term of University was super busy for us in terms and celebrating their sport. of charity work and volunteering! And we have been so Individuals participating in the week increased impressed with everyone’s involvement, especially all our participation, with approximately 75 women and girls lovely freshers! Our first amazing voluntary event was getting involved. Approximately 50 of those participants performing in the Christmas parade through the streets of were taking up physical activity for the first time or Chester and our girls made fantastic “swans-a-swimming” resuming activity after a period away. and “maids-a-milking”. It definitely put us in the Christmas This Girl Can campaign lead, Sarah Latham from spirit. Chester Students’ Union, spoke positively of the I’m not going to lie, our Marie Curie collection in town campaign. She said: “Getting active is as much a part of was freezing, but it was well worth it! Across the day we a healthy, happy student life as the library, lecture hall raised a whopping £574.95, all while having lots of fun and Union. This BUCS Girl Can campaign was a great with bubbles, watching Chester Orchestra Society and celebration of active female students at the University having a little dance to keep us warm! Thank you to all of Chester. Thank you to all the sports teams, University the girls who volunteered and a special shout out to our departments and Active Cheshire that got involved. We Club Captain and top collector of the day, Lyndsey. look forward to next year’s campaign.” Our Christmas Show was a huge success, showcasing The campaign run by BUCS also found BUCS content everyone’s talent for one of our wonderful chosen reached over half a million users on social media through charities for the year – The Survivors Trust. We raised the use of the #ThisBUCSGirlCan hashtag. awareness about sexual assault and rape with a special This BUCS Girl Can campaign provided opportunities charity dance and after our raffle and ticket sales we for women and girls to be physically active throughout the raised a huge £233.40! Everyone performed their hearts week, whether that is at a participation or performance out and the committee was super proud of everyone! level. Thank you to all who came along to watch. Our final charity event of the term was our fashion show for the Debenhams VIP event in aid of Look Good Feel Better Cancer Charity! It was amazing to see our dancers out of their joggers and leotards and being all dolled up. We’re not used to strutting our stuff in six-inch heels, but we managed it and although we don’t have the final amount yet, it is confirmed that it is definitely over £800! Finally we finished off the last week of dance with our sassy Beyoncé class and I think it is what we all needed after a busy (and sometimes stressful) term. Everyone’s contribution over this past term has been overwhelming and I’m 100% sure our Charities Officer Beth is super proud of all the members of Chester Dance! Our estimated total for this term after all our big and little events (every little helps) we have raised…….. £1,698.35!!! Smashing last year’s £1,500 target and well on our way to this year’s target. #wearechesterdance STUDENT NEWS 15 Fundraising champions
Representatives from Chester Women’s Aid with Events Society President, Chloe Claire; Vice-President, Lucy Kirkbride; Society Communications Officer, Rebecca Jack; Society Social Secretary, Emily Gould and Charity Officer, Megan Hassall. Pole Fitness Society.
MEMBERS of the University’s sports teams and societies raised an incredible worked alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council to put on several events £21,170.49 for charity during the first term of this academic year. in the community, for example the Christmas Lights Switch On in the city centre, From the start of October until the end of term in December the students hit the which over 15,000 people attended. The Society also worked alongside the ground running, hosting their own events and being active members of the local Council on another three Christmas parades and have received high praise for community and raising almost double the amount than in the same time period their success. last year. The Pole Fitness Society ran a mental health awareness night in the Students’ The Netball team raised an impressive £3,190.35 by taking part in the Union and volunteered as charity street collectors for Marie Curie, raising over gruelling Hell Runner event, which collected £1,279.24 for Giddo’s Gift, set up by £458 for the charity. Mandy Giddins, whose 18-year-old son died last year after battling with Ewings Other events hosted and organised by sports and societies members have been Sarcoma; and Movember, which supports men’s health projects. They also took held throughout the term. part in the annual sleep out for Chester Aid for the Homeless and raised £774 Sarah Latham, Student Activities Manager at Chester Students’ Union, said: and hosted a night for Teenage Cancer Trust raising £1,137.11. “Raising money for charity and working with the community is a big part of life at The Events Society held a Winter Ball for charity Chester Women’s Aid at The Chester Students’ Union. Queen Hotel in Chester for students from across the University. From ticket sales “We are really proud with the amount of money the sports and societies have and a raffle throughout the night they raised £1,371. The Events Society also raised in the first term - a record breaking £11,500 more than last year.”
Netball team at Hell Runner. 16 STUDENT NEWS STUDENTNEWSSPORT
L-R: Ella Ward; Dale Chandler; Aaron Yule; Dafydd Williams; Hannah Griffiths and Matt Withington. Students recognised for their skiing talents
A MEMBER of the University’s Ski Club has been recognised as one of the best women’s novice skiiers by the national governing body for Higher Education sport in the UK, BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport). The Ski Club competed in the annual BUCS Dryslope Championships, travelling to Edinburgh in November to take part in a series of elite and novice events. The competition consisted of two 12-hour days where competitors had to be on the slopes for 7am. L-R: Jack Appleby; Megan Tidbury; Stacey Fogerty; Jake Edwards; Jake Mills and Dean McShane. 350 female skiiers were whittled down to just 30 in a time trial slalom knockout stage to compete in the short slalom. The following day, the fastest 150 females competed in the giant slalom (similar to short slalom, with smaller gates further apart on a longer course), before the final standings were announced. 24–hour football match Ella Ward qualified for the top 30 on the first day and came 23rd. To compete in the top 30, Ella was upgraded from novice to elite. The next day, she competed in the top 150 giant slalom race nets funds for charity and finished 22nd with a time of 32.81 seconds, receiving 2nd STAFF and students at the Warrington Campus put their now they can do it while tackling each other! As founder place for best women’s novice skiier in BUCS. stamina to the test by taking part in a gruelling football of Chasing the Stigma, I am really honoured and grateful Hannah Griffiths, aged 19, from Telford, also competed in the match to raise money for Chasing the Stigma mental that we have been chosen as the charity to benefit from female slalom alongside Ella, qualifying for the giant slalom and health charity. such a massive fundraising effort.” being awarded 29th place for best novice skiier with a time of Kick-off for the game was at 3pm on Saturday, The game was organised by Jake Edwards, Fitness 48.48 seconds. Hannah had not competed since the age of 10, December 9, with the full-time whistle blown at 3pm on Instructor and Football Coach, and Dean McShane, making her achievements all the more impressive. Sunday, December 10 in the sports hall on Campus. Mental Health Lecturer. It is the second consecutive year Dale Chandler, aged 34, from Portsmouth, competed in the Thanks to the efforts of all the players and supporters, that the University has held a 24–hour football match male snowboard slalom, finishing 7th out of 150 male boarders, more than £800 was raised. at the Warrington Campus. Jake also organised a raffle qualifying for the next day’s board cross competition. Board cross Chasing the Stigma is a mental health charity founded with prizes donated from O’Neills, Warrington Wolves, is where two snowboarders go head to head in a race through by Liverpool-based comedian Jake Mills, who has become Manchester City FC, Everton FC, the Royal Court Liverpool a course of jumps, an influential figure in campaigning about mental health Theatre and Manchester Giants. known as ‘kickers’. issues after speaking publicly about his own battle with Dean McShane, Mental Health Lecturer at the Aaron Yule, depression. Jake presented to students at the Campus’s University, said: “Currently in the UK, mental health President of the Mental Health Awareness Week last year. problems affect one in four of us and one in 10 younger University of Chester Jake said: “I am absolutely delighted that students and people. The University has been fully behind the “Hub of Snowsports Society, staff at the University of Chester have chosen Chasing Hope” with Jake Mills presenting to our students and staff said: “I am very proud the Stigma as the beneficiary of this year’s 24–hour during Mental Health Awareness Week at the Warrington of all my team for fundraising football game. Obviously this is a great Campus. We know the benefits physical exercise has on their efforts. It was an opportunity for Chasing the Stigma, but more importantly your mental health, so what a great way of raising money amazing weekend, this is a fantastic way of getting both staff and students to and enhancing awareness of mental health.” where we all got on talk about mental health. Jake Edwards said: “The event was a great success, really well and got “This is a lot more than a fundraiser, it is showing made even more successful because we had students some amazing results. people that there is help available out there for anyone stay and camp out on the sports hall balcony. It was a I’m incredibly proud who might be struggling with their mental health, which very enjoyable game, even at 6am! And we managed to that our racers, as we know is a particularly important thing to address within raise a large amount of money for a great charity. But I well as our Society, universities. When I met students, it was clear that they can safely say after being there for 24–hours I would be will be getting more Ella’s medal. were really eager to tackle mental health head on and happy to never kick a ball again!” recognition.”