THE NATIONAL Heads Up New term, new wmusic

STUDENTFREE November 2009

The heads up on new music you have to hear in this month’s BRANDING LEAVES 15 SCARRED FOR LIFE Drunk friends used scalding-hot What coat hangers to brand themselves in ‘group challenge’ Drunken students does the used scalding-hot coat hangers to brand the initials of their former halls of residence onto NUS do each other. The ‘group challenge’ by Exeter University students involved the burning of the initials into chests, arms for you? and thighs by holding the reshaped hanger against the skin for ten seconds. The NUS President Wes entirely male group made the Streeting fills us in plan while sober, and all took part voluntarily. Many were on what our national said to have been gritting their teeth and biting down union does for us on a wooden spoon. - page 9 One of the branded men, branded students were first incident of this kind, the who sought to remain “shaking and gritting their University of Exeter have nameless, said: “We are a teeth”. experienced controversy over tight group, all very close The University of Exeter’s student behaviour before, friends. There is a daredevil director of communications, with the death of 18-year-old culture amongst us, and it Stuart Franklin, said the Gavin Britton in November Camera wasn’t a spontaneous thing: incident was the first of its 2006. we had talked about it kind and was unlikely to The teenager was found at before” incur any disciplinary action. a building site the morning Three of the group He stated: “What they after partaking in a ‘pub were taken to hospital for have done to themselves golf’ event where he drank phone treatment, and all have been is probably punishment so excessively it caused him told they will be scarred enough”. to die. for life. A witness said the Although this may be the by Vikki Littlemore goodies up Free digital new music sampler for every reader 27 choice cuts from acts covered in this month’s magazine including Smoke Fairies, FUNfun, for grabs Dials, Pagan Wanderer Lu, Solvor Vermeer, Cougar, Spokes and many more - page 10 Details in this month’s magazine The National Student, November 2009 2 NEWS

The National Student welcomes contributions. DISGRACED OUCA BACKED BY CONSERVATIVES The National Student The Conservative join Conservative Future, by Vikki Littlemore works closely with Party have offered their a national organisation student publications backing to a disgraced linking Conservative across the UK. association of student groups. Association’s right to use Conservatives from Marius Ostrowski, a ‘Oxford University’ in their We are happy to accept Oxford. third year student at Oxford name. The name change news, comment, has come under criticism, features, and reviews Following the telling University, expressed on any subject. of racist jokes at a anger at the decision, however, as ‘nothing drunken hustings, Oxford stating: “The Conservative more than a superficial, Contact us at: University Conservatives Party’s decision to back an placatory gesture’ in which The National Student Association were banned institutionally backward no substantial changes will PO Box 7731 from using the University’s and bigoted organisation, be made. Derby name. However they have such as OUCA has Michael Rock, National DE1 0RW now been welcomed as an consistently proved itself to Chairman of Conservative official branch of the party. be, is a serious blow to the Future, responded by or email: pointing out that the editor@ Ben Lyons, co-chair of current Tory leadership’s members of the Association thenationalstudent.co.uk Oxford University Labour pretences to compassionate Club commented: “OUCA Conservatism and open involved in the Hustings or phone: 2.0 are the same people representation of those who controversy had been 0845 46 300 46 who got elected at racist share Conservative ideals. expelled from the party. Hustings. They are the He added: “The party’s David Barclay, JCR The National Student is same people who spoke in refusal to seek a more President of Worcester, the independent, monthly debates on re-conquering suitable mouthpiece for is less than convinced, newspaper for higher the empire. And they are Oxford Conservatism risks insisting that the education students in the same people who are alienating its supporters Association would require the UK. still not allowed at Freshers in the current student “close scrutiny to ensure that a return to the Published by Fair. This exposes the body, and only fuels Defender Newspapers, sham of David Cameron’s dissatisfaction with the shame of the port-swilling PO Box 7731 ‘progressive Conservative state of UK politics in the pompousness of OUCA is Derby Party’ as it goes out of its younger population as a never again allowed a place DE1 0RW way to support a bigoted whole”. in Oxford’s public life.” Bullingdon-lite.” In response to “complaints He added, “As Obama © 2009 The Association held of inappropriate and infamously warned us just All content is the copyright an emergency meeting unacceptable behaviour”, a year ago, you can put of Defender Newspapers David Cameron’s party has offered their support to the where a unanimous Oxford University Proctors lipstick on a pig; it’s still a unless otherwise stated disgraced OUCA decision was reached to decided to remove the pig.” thenationalstudent.co.uk The National Student, November 2009 NEWS 3 Student loan Student groups protest BNP fiasco continues Thousands of new by Robert Dalling Question Time appearance and returning university students are still waiting for confirmation of loans to pay of the SLC claims he ordered for fees and rent, despite more staff to be taken on, university commencing as well as extra telephone many weeks ago. lines opened, to deal with As of the end of October, the rush. over 100,000 students “We’re sorry that our were still awaiting their customers are experiencing payments from the Student difficulties getting through Loans Company (SLC), to our customer advisers at who have struggled to cope Student Finance England,” with the record levels of the company said in a applicants, which this year statement. “This year, reached 1,091,653. we have received record Universities UK which numbers of applications. represents vice-chancellors We have increased the in higher education, said number of staff by 120 in that universities had order to deal quickly with responded sympathetically the unprecedented numbers to the situation, and most of calls and applications.” had measures in place However, Seymour- to help cash-strapped Jackson has come under students. Other students intense criticism by NUS have been forced to ask President Wes Streeting, for extra parental help in to the point where the a time of recession, after NUS have called for him to the manner of applying resign, or be sacked: “I’m Student activists Sarah Gibbons, the vociferous and the police was changed from regional absolutely furious at the by David Bateman united against the BBC’s Glasgow Metropolitan presence grew. councils to directly to the bizarre claim of the head of decision to allow the British Student Union President The police lines were SLC. Student Finance England, National Party a place on and a board member of the broken several times, and Pam Tatlow, a chief Ralph Seymour-Jackson, parliament elections in Question Time recently. NUS said: “More people there were some minor executive of Million+, a that delays to the payment June. Protestors from groups are getting involved in the reports of violence on both think-tank set up by the of loans to 50,000 students The BBC have since been including the Socialist fight against fascism. They the police and protestors universities, has criticised are ‘reasonable’. criticised for allowing the Worker’s Union, Fight are taking a more active side. After the show, a the Student Loans Company “Tell that to the students far-right party a voice. Against Fascism, the interest because it’s in failed attempt was made for failing to respond to the I’ve spoken to who are BBC deputy Director- National Union of Teachers their best interests.” to prevent the BNP leader volume of applications: panicking about how to pay General Mark Byford (NUT), the Communication The protests were being allowed to leave, “The additional demand rent, pay bills and pay for insisted on BBC News Workers Union (CWU) initially peaceful, with with Griffin exiting from from students starting food. He must have been that the BBC had no right and NUS rallied together chanting and anti-BNP another exit. in 2009 can hardly be a speaking live from Cloud to deny them a voice, outside BBC offices to leaflets being handed out. The BNP were asked to surprise, and the SLC Cuckoo Land!” only governments could protest the appearance However, as it got closer to appear on BBC’s Question should have staffed up He added: “It’s time for advocate such a thing, as the of Nick Griffin, the BNP Nick Griffin’s arrival time Time after winning two to meet the expectations Ralph Seymour-Jackson to BBC has the “responsibility leader, on the show. the crowd became more seats at the last European of both students and do honourable thing and of due impartiality”. universities. resign – or for ministers In response to the to step in and sack him. situation, Ralph Seymour- There’s a growing consensus Young women use ‘spiked’ drink as excuse for excessive drinking Jackson, the chief executive that enough is enough” Female students claim myths fuelling hysteria their drink has been spiked about drink-spiking. BNP would be ‘very comfortable’ in Exeter to explain embarrassing However, police reports have Actress Emma be. You’re not going to get behaviour from excessive consistently undermined Thompson has caused hundreds and hundreds drinking, suggests a recent these misconceptions, controversy after she of black students here told students at Exeter overnight, but what you study. with Detective Chief University that the BNP can do is make them more Despite there being Superintendent Dave Gee, would love the city because comfortable.” no evidence to prove the who conducted a study it is so white. Local residents acted widespread occurrence of into drink-spiking in 2005, She added that her angrily to the comments. drink-spiking, over half of dismissing it as nothing adopted African son had Stephanie Johns, 28, the 236 students questioned more than an ‘urban legend’. been racially abused told the Daily Mail, “This in the study at Kent The NHS commented on during his time at the is a classic case of reverse University said they knew the Kent University study, university. prejudice.” someone who had had their agreeing that “there are few She told the stunned “She’s accusing us of drink spiked, and three- documented cases of sexual audience that the Far being racists by using quarters identified drink- assaults after drug-spiking” Right party’s leader Nick sweeping generalisations Griffin would ‘feel very that racists use about spiking as a more serious and that “vulnerability to comfortable’ in the city. ethnic minorities. It’s risk factor for sexual assault sexual assault may be more The comments were galling and patronising. than alcohol or drugs. commonly linked to the high made at an event that Nick Griffin is a racist and Dr Adam Burgess, who level of alcohol consumed Thompson had organized a white supremacist who conducted the study, by many young women on to discuss racism. would not be welcome in concluded that this trend nights out.” Thompson urged staff Exeter at all.” emerged because stories of Perhaps students should and students to be more John Miles, 42, added, drink-spiking are ‘exotic’ displacing their anxieties There has recently been be more concerned about tolerant towards ethnic “It’s very noble of her to and “more convenient to about the consequences of a perceived rise in the use what is already in their minorities, saying: “You adopt an African child but guard against than the consuming what is in the of ‘date rape’ drugs such as glass than what a stranger must understand you that doesn’t give her the effects of alcohol itself”. bottle on to rumours of Rohypnol and GHB, with might be adding to it. have a staff who want this right to tar us with the university to be the most Nick Griffin brush.” He also suggested that what could be put there by newspaper articles, soap humane safe place it can by Chris Marple “young women appear to be someone else.” opera story-lines and urban by Joel Sharples The National Student, November 2009 4 NEWS Medical students ‘tweeting to much’

‘Tweets’ and status updates by medical students often breach patient confidentiality, according to research in the the Journal of the American Medical Association (AMA). 78 Deans of medical schools in the US were questioned, with 60% in you and the public’s trust in the reporting finding inappropriate profession.” content posted online. In addition, Considering the vast numbers of 13% found direct violations of patient employers who now use the internet as confidentiality agreements, despite a means of ‘screening’ job applicants, the importance of professionalism in UK medical students would be the field of medicine. advised to exercise more caution than A spokesman for the British Medical their American colleagues before Association commented on the issue: posting incriminating information on “Patient confidentiality is paramount Facebook or Twitter. He’s mucus-green, persistent and intent and medical students and doctors At the moment, the UK’s General on world domination, but the most impor- obviously need to be very careful about Medical Council, does not have tant aspect of the University of Chester’s any information they post online. You guidance that covers medics’ new, innovative public health character is must make sure that your conduct at blogging. that ‘Viral Man’ is proving such a hit with all times justifies your patients’ trust by Joel Sharples staff and students that he has taken on a life of his own. As the personification of Swine Flu, students, dressed in a striped jumper and gloves covered in spikes and wear- Toying with the future ing a wild wig and green face paint, A graduate has become so ‘fed up with “thoroughly fed up” at receiving a continous are spreading key messages about the rejection’ from employers that he sought stream of rejetion letters. importance of good respiratory and hand to take matters into his own hands - in Dismayed but not deterred, Freddie set up hygiene, how the virus affects sufferers the process creating his own company, StudentToys.co.uk. and where to seek treatment. StudentToys. The company aims to tap in to the student Follow Viral Man at facebook.com/viralman Freddie Williams graduated in June 2008 market by building a “single student shop with a 2:1 Honours degree in Politics from that sells all the things that students buy”. the University of Nottingham. Initially, he has opted to begin with Working in jobs which are generally thought of very negatively He misguidedly thought that employers products aimed at “big kids”, such as three is not a bad thing just after graduating. The experience of would be phoning him up, but after a year of men waterbomb catapults, and fancy dress pub-work and skiing in Canada using all the outfits. having to make ends meet and rub shoulders with those you savings he had, he soon realised the perilious Despite a maxed out overdraft, little take for granted is no bad thing, and it certainly did me the job market which faces graduates in the knowledge of how to create a web-page and world of good - David Blunket - page 12 current economic climate. another job to juggle, Freddie has managed He spoke of the situation: “When I was to get the company up and running leaving for Canada, I was a little smug and successfully. thought, ‘thank god I’m not applying for a job Having made his dream of owning his just now’. I presumed the job market would own company a reality, Freddie said he have picked up again by the time I was back. contacted The National Student, “partly As I soon discovered, I wasn’t quite right.” to inspire people that they can beat the After months of of “seemingly applying doom and gloom of the global recession and to every job in the country, and having not depressed jobs markets, and partly to see if even received an interview, he started to your readers feel a giant elephant costume get concerned. Forced to return to his job at a bargain price is what has been missing at the local pub to pay rent, Freddie was from their lives.” MaYoMo: Next-generation ‘Social News Network’ wants students MaYoMo has announced its full public that news.” launch, describing itself as a powerful new Access to all content on the MaYoMo website video-centric social network for mobile citizen is free. Anyone can quickly create an account journalists and “the most inspired alternative and start contributing content and uploading source for global, multimedia news content”. photos, video, and other media assets – from The site is particularly interested in attracting a variety of devices, including video-enabled student journalists as users and creators. phones. Contributors who have met certain “Unlike other sources of world news,” criteria can create their own “channels” and says MaYoMo, which stands for ‘Map Your generate income from them. To show its Moments’, the site “delivers independent, global commitment to becoming a credible source news content with Web 2.0 convenience and in “the new era of internet journalism”, flexibility. It is designed for both journalists and MaYoMo has also launched a programme independently minded, socially and globally with journalism schools in the US and other aware readers around the world who need a countries. It aims to promote itself as an ideal new, socially-connected, real-time platform for forum for students to apply their skills and global news reporting – and conversation about become published writers on the global stage. For more, visit mayomo.com touch, becoming compatible with other UNIVERSITY ON YOUR MOBILE mobile phones by the end of the year. It is produced by oMbiel, and aims to “greatly The University of Sheffield is setting enhance the student experience.” a new trend by launching a new mobile Dr Christine Sexton, Director of the application that will give students access to University of Sheffield’s Corporate university information on their phone. Information and Computing Services, said: Forthcoming events, maps and personal “With over 24,000 students and almost 6,000 timetables will be among the information staff, students are living increasingly mobile available as well as a friend locator to help lives, needing information and services them meet up with other students, access to on the move at anytime. CampusM™ will library records and faculty, staff members or ultimately save students time, keep them student contacts in the University directory, better informed and make communicating news alerts and important information. with staff and other students a lot easier.” CampusM™ will be free to download and will firstly available on the iPhone and iPod by Vikki Littlemore The National Student, November 2009 NEWS 5 GRADUATES ARE TO BLAME; NOT THE RECESSION 2009 graduates lacked by David Bateman the adequate forethought in planning their careers of early career planning to avoid the perils of a being extensively reported competitive job market and the wide availability and global recession. of resources, the majority As the number of of students lack a long- unemployed 2009 term perspective. We graduates looks set to hit can now see those same 30,000 only six months students entering the after graduating, the workplace; immensely Higher Education Careers underprepared for a job Services Unit (HECSU) hunt during a recession.” reveals almost two-thirds Shortly after the of graduates did not visit publishing of these their university careers figures, the Bright service at all. Futures society- active at Less than half attended over 35 UK universities- organised events, despite held a conference between the importance of career employers and students planning in the early which was attended stages of university life. by companies such as HECSU surveyed Barclays, KPMG and nearly 50,000 students, Nestle. and found that the lack of The event largely jobs available to students emphasised that a 2.1 society member, John stave off unemployment. they might develop their efforts made by higher is perhaps because degree from a reputable Dore, who is Marketing Kate Purcell from the careers. Those who had education institutions of their own lack of university no longer & Communications Institute for Employment progressed to university to encourage students preparation rather than guarantees a job, Manager for HSBC Private Research at the as ‘the normal thing to to consider options the job market. with Helen Eastern of Bank. He highlighted the University of Warwick do’ without a great deal and explore sources of Jane Artess, director Barclaycard commenting value of any opportunity said: “The study found of thought about future information and guidance of research at HECSU that “It is about them for a student to be more those who had entered employment were most from the outset of their who commissioned the being able to bring a than ‘just a CV’. university with clear likely to say their views studies, the majority research, said: “It’s practical edge back to their Despite this, it appears career objectives were on their future careers had made little effort to concerning to hear that studies”. Guest speaker 2009 graduates did not do sometimes less clear were no clearer.” investigate the resources despite the importance at the event was a former as much as they could to about the detail of how “The fact is, despite the available to them. “ LGBT PROTEST BURKHAStudent banned from college for notBAN removing veil A Muslim student has by Nawin Santikam GAY BLOOD BAN been banned from Burnley College for refusing to College. Where individuals Students across the UK converged on blood remove her burkha. decline to comply, then I donation centres to protest the National Blood Officials barred local am afraid that we cannot Service policy of banning gay and bisexual men from resident Shawana Bilqes accommodate them.” donating blood. from enrolling, after He added that veils The current policy has been denounced as requesting she remove her impede staff-student discrimination, and an archaic practice. veil to help prevent identity communication which is Scott Cuthbertson, the NUS LGBT officer who is fraud. necessary to “maintain co-ordinating the event, said: “It is time that the Bilqes refused, and was the highest standards of National Blood Service changed its homophobic policy informed via letter that teaching and learning”. and lifted its ban on gay and bisexual men. Other she would not be permitted Bilqes was willing to countries have already changed their policies sending to continue her course compromise with the college a clear message that discrimination on the basis of unless she ceased wearing officials, telling Sky News sexual orientation is unacceptable; it is time for NBS the garment while on that she would be willing to do the same. The LGBT community is very diverse, campus. Despite offering to take the garment off so and a blanket ban against all gay and bisexual men is a compromise, the college as her identity could be no longer appropriate.” remained adament she must established, however, her NUS LGBT priority campaign this year is ‘Donation remove the garment before request was denied and she not Discrimination’, and is aimed at ensuring a policy enrolling. The college’s was told she ‘couldn’t wear it review takes place. principal, anywhere on the premises’. They joined students and other campaign to protest John Smith, defended the Since being told she the policy, which issues a lifetime ban on donations decision: “We do require would not be admitted if she from gay and bisexual men, regardless of their current all students of Burnley wore her burkha, Bilqes has lifestyle and therefore the suitability of their blood. College to have their faces been forced to seek higher Claire Anderson, NUS LGBT Officer, at the London visible when at the college. education elsewhere. protest, said: “This policy is really frustrating because All members of the college The floor length garment, lots of healthy gay and bisexual students want to give community should be known as a burkha, covers blood but can’t because of the ban.” identifiable at all times everything but the wearer’s “It’s not someone’s sexual identity that makes them when in the college. Where eyes. It has caused similar high risk, but their sexual practices. Heterosexual individuals are able to controversy in France, people who engage in high-risk behaviour are not comply with these reasonable where it was banned from banned, but deferred for a limited time; a blanket ban requirements, which apply state schools in 2004 by perpetuates the myth that HIV/AIDS is a gay disease, to all students equally, President Sarkozy, who and does not treat donors equally and on the basis of we would be very pleased has since sought to have it actual risk.” to admit them to Burnley banned throughout France. by David Bateman The National Student, November 2009 6 NEWS Huge opposition to tuition fees rise ECO- The government by Robert Dalling has a major problem on their hands according to a recent poll - despite their key constituencies where insistance tuition fees will the ‘top-up fees generation’ have to rise, a meagre 5% accounts for a “substantial IRONMAN of 18-24 year olds support proportion” of the electorate- A University of Bath student Alexander raised £2,165 for the the move. usually between 21-33%. became the first eco-ironman by Wilderness Foundation UK by The poll conducted by the 10 of those 20 completing one of the world’s hardest completing the 3.8km swim, 180km Universities and Colleges constituencies are held by triathlons on a bamboo bike. cycle and 26 mile run on October 4. Union (UCU) found that Labour and five of those Wearing a limestone-based rubber To reduce his carbon footprint, Jon 85% of those polled directly have a majority of less than wetsuit and running shoes made from made many changes to reduce his opposed a rise in tuition 6,000. recycled fibres, 27-year-old Londoner, environmental impact, such as ordering fees from their present UCU general secretary, Jon Alexander, swapped his usual organic vegetable ingredients, using level of £3,225 per year. Sally Hunt, spoke on the training clothes for eco-friendly ones organic sports nutrition products, and The average student situation: “Today’s poll for ‘Challenge Barcelona’. travelling to Barcelona by train using debt, currently estimated shows that the country, In a bid to raise awareness of our Eurostar. to be £23,500, would rise and in particular the top- ‘carbon footprints’, Jon sought to train, Dan Lewer, co-founder of to over £30,000 should the up fees generation, will not travel and compete in the most eco- Government accredited offsetting firm Government continue with stomach further increases friendly way possible. He finished in Carbon Retirement, said that Jon’s plans to raise the limit. in the cost of going to 11 hours and 32 minutes, which was lower carbon footprint “is largely due to The reasoning behind such university.” 14 minutes faster than the fastest time the greener travel choices he made, and a move is that students will She added: “What we at the original Ironman event in 1978. his choice of a soy-protein vegetarian be able to re-pay the fees really need to see is some However, Jon’s greatest achievement versus meat-protein diet”. because of the rewarding action. We will not create was in lowering his carbon footprint Currently studying part-time for his and well-paid job they a better or fairer education to a level at least 80% lower than his MSc in Responsibility and Business receive post-university. system, where all who have fellow participants. Practice, Jon acknowledges his course as However, in the current talent can genuinely benefit, Jon said: “I’ve proved that with a an inspiration to take on the challenge. climate this does not if we do not drastically alter little imagination, we can make things However, the super-fit 27-year-old now appear to be as easy. the current system.” better all round. To me, this proves aims to encourage more people to adopt Students who received All major parties have the point that we as athletes really his eco-friendly approach. loans to help with tuition now conceded tuition fees need to think about what we’re doing. His next major challenge is the fees in the 2008-2009 will have to at least remain All humans depend on the natural Jurassic Coast Challenge, where he session represented 1.7% at their current levels, and the Liberal Democrats, environment to thrive - but we should will complete the run using a barefoot Eco Athlete: Jon Alexander is giving of the UK electorate, and this figure is set to rise for who have notoriously have good reason to be more conscious running shoe. Jon’s blog is available a eco-friendly edge to competting of that fact. And to do something about at: ecoironman.blogspot.com/. this year. campaigned for the abolition it.” by Olivia Heath While this figure of tuition fees, have even appears relatively low, changed their opinions and the UCU also identified 20 revoked their promise. a test of the physical and mental endurance of each athlete’s ability to push themselves to the limit.” He continued: “Rowing is a sport that promotes healthy living and extreme physical fitness, two attributes that will definitely be needed during this gruelling challenge. There is very little room for error, and specific training began in earnest two months ago. The 16 athletes have been selected on the back of fitness, sprint and endurance trials, because every member of the team must be able to compete at the top of their game for 15 hours straight in order to complete the challenge”. DFDS Seaways Captain, Jens Knudsen, said: “This is the first ROWERS RACE AGAINST FERRY time I have had an activity like this one on board my ferry! Whether IN NORTH SEA CHALLENGE or not they are able to complete the distance in a faster time than the A DFDS Seaways equate to 496 kilometres, they travel at around University’s most the deck of the cruise ship will depend upon cruise ferry has a new or 308 miles. 18 knots per hour. Of successful sports club, ferry. Beginning at 5pm their level of fitness and competitior- a team of 16 John Crummie, UK course they won’t have and has consistently on the 6 of November, stamina.” rowers from Newcastle Managing Director the waves to contend been ranked second in teams of two will row for The rowers are University Boat Club. for DFDS Seaways, with! We are always the British Universities just over three minutes undertaking the The NUBC team will said: “We sail daily to keen to support charity, and Colleges Sports per session to ensure challenge in an attempt attempt to beat the Amsterdam but it is not and these students have league. The race, dubbed optimum efficiency. to raise £10,000 in ferry’s average crossing every day that someone really come up with an the ‘DFDS Seaways Andrew Curry, a sponsorship towards the time of fifteen and a half wants to race us! It’s a ingenious way to raise North Sea Challenge’, spokesman for the £30,000 average annual hours in a through-the- real challenge for the money for their club. I will involve the team NUBC, spoke of the task running costs of the night effort. The total students to try and wish them good luck.” linking two rowing ahead: “This will be a Boat Club distance rowed will beat our cruise ferries; The NUBC is Newcastle machines together on monumental challenge, by David Bateman The National Student, November 2009 NEWS 7 GRADUATE USES BILLBOARD TO BEAT RECESSION A Philosophy graduate took by Grace Wermenbol the unusual measure of advertising herself on a billboard in a desperate attempt to beat the recession and find herself employment. 22-year-old University of Greenwich graduate Gemma James was contionously receiving the same feedback from any company she applied to work for: the recession was making it tough to take on graduates. Undettered, Gemma acted on her mum’s suggestion that she put her CV on a billboard to gain more attention. Her advertisement seeks to display her resolute and determined approach to finding employment, by proclaiming: “Don’t you wish your employees were this proactive?” Within days of her CV being process ending there, Gemma posted at Victoria Station in is optimistic her creative and London, the outdoor advertising ingenuitive approach will organisation Kinetic contacted gain favour with an employer Graduate Gemma James with her billboard her for an interview. Despite the somewhere in the near future.

COUNTER TERRORISM COMPETITION STUDENTS Student designers, architects and engineers from across the country have the opportunity to prevent a terrorist attack- and win £2, 000 in prize money. TURN TO The prestigious competition, entitled ‘Public Spaces, Safer Places’ is organised by the Home Office and is looking for student propositions on how GAMBLING to prevent a vehicle based terrorist attack in a crowded place, such as a student club. The competition is a response to one of the recommendations made by Home Office Security TO EASE Minister Lord West, who hopes to find students willing to fulfill their role as “the future of counter terrorism”. It will allow students to THEIR demonstrate their innovation and skill in recognizing and dealing with a variety of vehicle-based attacks, as well as creating awareness of counter-terrorism among MONEY WOES professional bodies, such as architects and designers. Lord West said:“Protecting In an attempt to reduce the problem lies with wins.” try and prevent gambling games like poker, as they crowded places remains one of ever-increasing debts, many how accessible gambling Gamcare emphasises the becoming a dangerous and think that it is a game of the key challenges in counter students are resorting to is online. Thousands of need for students to know costly addiction. skill, but can quickly get terrorism, which is why we the unpredictability of pounds can be gambled when to stop, and that The director of student themselves into financial are undertaking initiatives gambling. without having to leave the gambling in moderation services at Lincoln trouble as gambling can like this to engage with the The charity organisation comfort of your own home is the key. While students University, Judith Carey, often get out of hand.” future architects of public Gamcare recently released because of the massive cannot be prevented from expressed her concern If you think you may spaces”. figures indicating that a rise in online gambling. gambling, there is a need at this vastly increasing have a problem with The competition closes in December 2009, and an third of the people they Mr.Scarff said: “Young for a greater awareness of problem. She has had to gambling, contact Gamcare awards ceremony will be held seek to help are students people enjoy the buzz of when gambling becomes deal with a number of cases at gamcare.org.uk, or via for the winners at the Home aged between 18 and 25. gambling and over a period dangerous. Gamcare offer of excessive gambling, and their helpline on 0845 6000 Office in April 2010. Adrian Scarff from of time they might have student support in the form said: “Students receive 133. Gamcare believes that fun, but the house always of guidance and advice to their loans and then play by Neal Fantom The National Student, November 2009 8 NEWS PARDONING OF ‘RACIST’ Advice from STUDENTS PROVOKES OUTCRY IN SOUTH AFRICA Four students at the University of The four men, R.C. Malherbe, Schalk the Free State in South Africa are facing Van der Merwe, Johnny Roberts and Danie criminal prosecution after an allegedly Grobler, labelled by South African Media “racist” video emerged on the internet in as the “Reitz four”, were residents of the February last year. Reitz Men’s Residence at the University Getting your teeth into all things dental However, University Vice Chancellor of the Free State’s Bloemfontein campus. Jonathan Jansen has declared that the The video appears to have been produced four will not be internally disciplined by in response to the university’s integration the University, and would be allowed to policy initiated in 2007, which aimed to return to their studies as a “gesture of reintegrate the traditionally white Reitz racial reconciliation”. residence. The video ended with the The video, reportedly shot in September statement “Op die einde van die dag is dit 2007, shows four white male students wat ons regtig van integrasie dink!” (This subjecting five black workers - four women is what we think of integration!). and one man - to a mock initiation ritual. It emerged following unrest and student The video begins with the students ordering riots over the University’s integration f you’ve just started college or university going until your next trip to the dentist: the workers to dance and participate in a programme, and was reportedly and moved away from home, then it’s a drinking contest. Next, they are taken out distributed by the ex-girlfriend of one good idea to get registered with a local - Don’t scrimp on your tooth brushing time. Three to a sporting field where the students are of the four. Following its publication on I minutes, twice daily is the minimum for a healthy, dentist. That way you won’t have to keep fresh smelling mouth heard laughing hysterically as they are the internet in February, the men were travelling back home if you need dental help. made to race and perform rugby drills. charged with Crimen Injuria; the serious Most dentists provide both NHS and private - A giant sized toothpaste portion doesn’t mean Between each segment of the video, the unlawful or intentional impairment of a care. cleaner teeth. Stick to pea-sized amounts on a students are seen sitting next to a sign person’s dignity. And if you’ve been avoiding the dentist brush with soft to medium bristles and a brush reading “intergrasie” (integration) while The incident has raised serious questions because you’re worried about getting a jaw- head small enough to reach your back teeth they take it in turns to be interviewed; over how successful the changing of public dropping bill, you’re not alone. When consumer repeatedly referring to the women as attitudes from Apartheid to present day champion Which? asked people why they had - Floss, floss, floss! A once daily must to help keep “difebe” (whores). has been. not been to the dentist in the last two years, bad breath and gum disease at bay, especially as However, it is the final ritual which has State prosecutor Ben Mulutsi has cost was one of the main reasons. your toothbrush won’t reach all the gaps between your teeth caused the most controversy. It appears asked the Bloemfontein Regional Court to But did you know that if you are a student under 19 and in full-time education you won’t to show one of the students urinating on postpone the trial to allow the prosecution have to pay anything towards dental costs - If your toothbrush is looking worn out, give it the meat before serving it to the workers. The more time to prepare its case. The trial is on the NHS? The same applies if you are boot. You’re not getting any real cleaning action so workers are made to kneel on the floor now scheduled to begin in February 2010. pregnant or a mother who has had a baby in bin it and treat yourself to a new one! before being forced to eat the meat in a All four men have been released with a the last 12 months. To find out the full criteria “fear factor” competition which caused warning till the trial begins. for accessing free dental treatment check out - Stop smoking and cut back on the wine, coffee and tea to avoid those unattractive teeth stains several of them to gag and vomit. by Nawin Santikarn the Which? dentistry webpage at www.which. co.uk/dentist During your check up expect your dentist to: A regular trip to the dentist keeps potential problems at bay as well as spotting them - Examine your teeth, gums and mouth before they become worse. Complaints such as SUICIDE OF ‘HARRY - Ask about your general health and any problems passion killing bad breath or bleeding gums can be resolved with advice or treatment from you’ve had since your last visit your dentist. POTTER’ STUDENT If you’re among those who haven’t sat in the - Ask about your oral care routine and your diet dentist’s chair for a while and need a quick fix A third year student has tragically prevention of student suicide within - Discuss the timing of your next visit been found dead in his room at Oxford higher education, last published to restore your kissability status – or if you University. statistics on student suicide in 2007, just want to know how to take care of your by Miranda Watson, Which? health campaigner 21-year-old Toby Rundle from Williton, which revealed a number of 267 deaths teeth - then follow our top tips to keep you Somerset was studying Classics and of students aged between 20 and 24. English at Oxford University’s Lady Chris Rundle, Toby’s father and the Margaret Hall, and had dreams of one farming editor at the Western Daily day becoming a food writer working Press newspaper, had driven his son Dental jargon buster in San Francisco, a city he had visited back to Oxford last Sunday in time to What is a bridge? What is Fluoride? during a gap year in 2007. start his final year, and said he had A bridge is a replacement for a missing tooth or A mineral which occurs naturally in water and some Rundle, who had grabbed Media been looking to the future and appeared teeth. It is usually made from precious metal or foods. It has proven benefits to the health of teeth - attention previously by funding his to be without problems. university degree through the £7,200 He said: “No one has a clue: not his porcelain. Unlike dentures, which are removed, it is including reducing tooth decay - and in some areas sale of a Harry Potter book - one of principal, his tutor or his friends. I took fixed in your mouth. is added to local water supplies for this reason. only 500 hardback published copies him out to lunch with his best mate and of JK Rowling’s ‘The Philosopher’s they said, ‘We know we have a tough What is a crown? What is root canal treatment? Stone’- was discovered by a fellow year ahead but — what the hell — it is A cap which completely covers the natural tooth Root canal treatment is needed when the blood or student hanging in his college room on only one year’”. Thursday, following a night on the town “He was looking forward to it and and is made of metal and/or porcelain. It can be nerve supply to a tooth becomes infected. It pre- drinking. I had an e-mail from him on Tuesday used to make a tooth look better or where one has vents the spread of infection to the tooth and jaw. The university, still in a state of saying everything was ace — we had no become broken, decayed or damaged. shock, spoke on how “deeply saddened” inkling that he was unhappy.” What is tartar? everyone was by his death. An educated young man, Rundle had What are dentures? Tartar is plaque which has hardened. It can only Dr Frances Lannon, principal of Lady achieved three straight As at A-levels Margaret Hall, said: “We were deeply in history, Latin and English to win a These replace lost or missing teeth, and can be be removed by a dentist, usually by carrying out saddened by the death of Toby Rundle, place at Oxford. ‘full’ (replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower a ‘scale and polish’ where the tartar is scraped a third-year undergraduate at Lady Rundle owned his own set of kitchen jaw) or ‘partial’ (replacing a small number of teeth). away and the teeth polished if needed. If plaque Margaret Hall. knives and was passionate about food They are custom-made in metal or plastic from and tartar build up near the gums, the bacteria can She continued: “Toby was well liked and writing. He had started writing impressions of your gums. cause gum disease. by everyone in college. He was a lively, articles for the newspaper where communicative and popular student. his father worked at just 15 and had Our condolences and thoughts are ambitions to become “the next Giles What is a filling? What is a veneer? with his family and friends at this very Coren”. A small piece of metal or resin that your dentist can A thin layer of porcelain or other material which difficult time.” Thames Valley police confirmed that use to replace the missing enamel on a tooth which fits over the front of a tooth to improve its shape, RAPSS, (Response and Prevention the death was not being treated as has decayed. colour and position. to Student Suicide) a UK research suspicious. project which looks specifically at the by Rob Dalling The National Student, November 2009 FEATURE 9 NUS: What does it do for you? So what exactly does our national union do for us? NUS President Wes Streeting answers the question we all want answering..

US may be one of can all argue about how universities so that they can the largest and most best to make the case for remain globally competitive, Nrespected student student finance, improved without raising fees and organisations in the world housing, higher standards of pricing poorer students out but I’m often asked by teaching; but that’s a debate of certain universities and students what it is NUS that you and other students courses. With your help, actually does apart from across the country can do over the next year we can offering a discount card. within NUS. Last year, the make it impossible for MPs I can assure you that then Minister of State for and universities to deny that NUS makes a big impact Lifelong Learning, Further there is an alternative to on students’ lives. We have and Higher Education, Bill fees. fought hard over the past Rammell was asked his view Having said all this, NUS 18 months, successfully on NUS, he said: “what can I is not just a campaigning campaigning to double the say…if NUS didn’t exist, the organisation. We have a bank disabled students allowance, lives of politicians would be of dedicated and professional playing a key part in whole lot easier.” staff who work alongside the preventing the reduction in We are working effectively committed and passionate the abortion limit from 24 for you but we cannot be elected officers to deliver to 22 weeks, fighting against complacent. We need your for you and your students’ proposals to prevent students support in order to overcome union. NUS provides tailor from living in certain the major challenges that we made information, advice, communities and releasing face. training and support to a groundbreaking piece of Soon, we will have a your local union that could research into the experiences huge fight on our hands: to not be found elsewhere. We of student parents. rescue our higher education are the leading provider of Crucially, we have also system from being corrupted independent advice and offer reformed the national union, by market forces and to individual students a wide making it more accessible prevent a future where the range of information on a to the majority of students, most esteemed universities number of issues such as and allowing you more are only accessible to the finance, housing and health. opportunity to play an active very rich. The forthcoming Most of you will have heard role in shaping our policies. review of higher education of our best known benefit, We are now in a much funding will be our first the NUS Extra Card. NUS stronger position to campaign chance since 2004 to fight Extra is the student passport on behalf of students and the unsustainable top-up to discounts at a number of students’ unions. fees system, and we must retail outlet, cinemas and We also represent you be prepared for the battle tourist attractions. However, on a national platform. As that lies ahead. We are you may not realise that the President of NUS I regularly working hard to ensure that Extra card doesn’t just save attend meetings with MPs the cap on tuition fees is not you money; we have invested and policy makers. We have lifted and that a fairer and over £2 million in the past 2 a seat at the table with the less complicated system of years from the sale of the Students Loans Company, student support and fees is cards directly into students’ where we assiduously defend implemented. unions to help provide the rights of students. We That is why, in June, we advice, support and training secured a National Student launched our proposals for an for students like you. Survey (NSS), which gives alternative means of funding I hope that this gives you university applicants more higher education, which an insight in the important information than ever before would make course costs work we are doing. Students about the institutions that free at the point of use for all need an organisation they are applying to. We students. Graduates would that defends, extends and lobbied for the creation of then contribute towards the promotes their rights. That the Office of the Independent higher education system is why being a member Adjudicator (OIA) to according to how much they of NUS matters so much ensure that students have earn – meaning that those and will make a difference an independent place of who use their degree to earn to your everyday life. Get appeal outside of their own lower wages in the public involved with your students’ institution – and NUS now sector would not have to pay union this year and let’s fight sit on their board. as much as those who use together for improved rights The reality is that their degree to secure big for students across the UK. governments of all colours salaries in the City. If you would like to find out pay attention to NUS, and Such a system may not more information about the unless students have a place be perfect, but it proves work we do why not check in the national union they that there is another way out our website at www.nus. nus.org.uk are, in effect, voiceless. We of increasing funding for org.uk. Feature your features in The National Student We are always looking for new student contributors. Interested? Contact: [email protected] Camera phone goodies up for grabs We have four LG KS360 + HP Photosmart A526 Compact Photo Printer prize packages courtesy of Camera Phone Zone up for grabs.

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Solvor Vermeer The National Student, November 2009 FEATURE 11 The other side of the street With the number of homeless people reaching 109,000 – a figure which can only rise with the recession – Ashley Scrace spent an eye-opening night on the streets of Hastings to discover the life- style of those forgotten few who sleep rough.

here is little that we some food” the Dog got its name.” appreciate more than Settling down next to me Reciting various lines Ta good night out. for the night, he laid out his from Herbert, he explained The flickering lights and mat for the kind donations the allusions between the the music pulsating from of passers-by. In his lap books and his life. nearby bars. were a collection of coins. Telling me about his For us being out on the He had gathered pieces of life, he ventured on to how streets in the dead of night shrapnel but nothing more he’d ended up a man of the usually means socialising – twenty-pence maybe. street. or a walk back to our nice What is twenty pence After marrying his wife warm homes. nowadays? Penny sweets in the eighties, a string of Yet there are some who are hard to come by. violent assaults led to his are out every night of the Chewing gum is double the arrest and imprisonment in week. Not spending money, price. Apparently nothing the infamous Strangeways not warming inside a pub, is of such miniscule value. prison, Manchester. across the pavement. Government sought to I don’t want sympathy. It but outside sitting with the When confronted about “It was an interesting “Oi, piss on this fucking gather statistics as to the was all my own fault. When weight of the world on their his position an answer time. As you probably cock!” reasons for homelessness. I came out, all I had was shoulders. The forgotten of inaudible mumbling know, the riots were around Just as it was reaching Whether it is due gone though.” people of the street: the strained from his mouth – then.” the important climactic to personal reasons With the current economic homeless. along with a pungent smell Actually, I didn’t know – event, Ben’s tales of horrible which defy belief, or due climate, it is only predicted A recent programme on of methylated spirit. A I was just too young. humanity were realised. to circumstance, the to get worse. With 2.3 the BBC attempted to show name was caught. In April 1990 the “Why don’t you get a job?” breakdown of the family million people unemployed what living on the streets is “They call me Desperate prisoners at Strangeways, they shouted. seems to be the main reason and only 425,000 jobs on like by getting the rich and Dan”. Fitting, that. notably Paul Taylor, began “If I could, would I those unfortunate souls end offer the chances of ending famous to spend a night Across the road a flock rioting in protest against be here?” came Ben’s up on the street. up homeless – via spending on the tiles – the concrete of Seagulls swooped down their appalling living response. Out of those studied, or just misfortune – are ones. to the beach, searching conditions. Good point. He may be 36% of homeless people much higher. Wanting to experience for scraps by the sea. Dan Starting in the Chapel homeless, but he’s not lived their dangerous life Yet statistics released this for myself, I entered looked up, almost in awe, the gangs rioted through stupid. due to parents, relatives in June 2009 from the town with a very different but more in jealousy. the prison, tossing furniture Measuring homelessness and friends inability to Government revealed agenda to usual. Sitting on The Gulls had got over, hitting guards and is difficult due to the accommodate them any that homelessness is the cold concrete I intended something – either a even making it to the roof. varied definitions of what longer. decreasing. to observe the streets measly piece of food or A recorded conversation homelessness is, who is Problems with rent and The statistics showed a around me. some rubbish. Either way, in the Chapel between counted as homeless and mortgage payments were 15% fall in people declaring Hunched over in a brace something. Dan looked other factors, proving themselves homeless to the position, in my dirtiest distressed as the Gulls problematic for 6% of those local councils in England clothes, I sat and watched looked towards him – the “Why don’t you get a job?” studied. between January and the world waiting for some real street scavengers But by far the most March compared with the human contact. belittling the timid startling reason for same period in 2008 and It did not take long for amateur. they shouted. homelessness is the 18% a 26% fall in the number someone to approach – I asked to stay with him which makes up the ‘other’ accepted as homeless on coincidentally another for a while, but my request reasons. There are a myriad the whole. homeless man. was quashed. Sleepily of reasons listed: family Who is right and who He appeared to be in his eyed and seemingly “If I could, would I be here?” breakdown; abandonment; is wrong? Ben did not mid-thirties, wearing worn frightened, Dan pointed relationship trouble and so comment on the numbers, jeans and a printed t-shirt me in the direction of came Ben’s response. on. So what makes up the but he did comment on the which had faded over the another homeless person ‘other’? experience. years. Unshaven, and, from who, he claimed, would be Reverend Noel Procter and the changing situations of Ben looked up. He “It’s horrible. Really bad. the smell, unwashed, he more than happy to talk Paul Taylor revealed the the individuals concerned. appeared to have had a Why, I don’t know. I mean leant over and stuttered a to anyone. He went by the anger of the mob and their Statistics from job in a factory, cutting you get some nice people, few words. name of Ben. reasons for rioting. the Department for sheets of steel. When but others not so much. “How is it going?” he Slumped outside the local Approximately £55 Communities and Local imprisonment came, the “People piss on you, steal asked. Wetherspoons sat a man. million of damage was Government (2005) job obviously went. It was your shoes, try and burn Here came the complicated He appeared to be sleeping, caused, with over 140 estimated that there are during the imprisonment you. My glass eye was even part - explaining in the with his small Jack Russell people injured in the riot. 10,500 rough sleepers in when his personal situation nicked. Now I’m waiting on nicest possible way that I taking guard. But Ben was adamant the UK at any one time. A took a turn for the worse. the NHS for a new one.” was not really homeless He stirred, feeling my the media coverage was further 100,000 are only in “My wife left. I had no But what does he aspire but acting for presence from twenty-feet false. He stated none of temporary accommodation house or anything and to do? “A house would be advantageous reasons of away. the reported brutalities to cope with their most of my family is gone. good.” But Ben shocked me my own. “Hello, son.” One eye happened at all – from the predicament. So I originally came down with his humbleness. The man understood my opened. The other was hands of the prisoners or Yet figures from here with my brother as he “Nothing really though. situation but was reluctant missing. the guards. the Joseph Rowntree helped me out.” I love the smell in the to talk – possibly due to my Ben revealed he was Some more controversial Foundation suggest Details all went blurry morning. I like waking up covert behaviour before. But 44-years-old and has been claims seeped out, otherwise. They estimate here, but somehow he ended and looking up at stars. I he provided some truths homeless for ten years. With interspersed with sips of that there are 75,000 up on the streets. And feel freedom, y’know, not colder than the concrete. no other company – except his water. people living on the streets the past has been littered those prison walls.” “It’s tough out here. comrade Dan and his dog, “It was all wrong really.” of the UK who are youths, with sleeping rough, being There was an uneasy People don’t give much” Fluke, Ben explained the The water bottle tipped yet alone the others who beaten up and asking for silence. The question naturally loneliness such a position back. “The vicar got us riled are above 24-years-old. spare change. “My violent past is followed: what are you holds. anyway.” In 2007/08 the “It’s easier to end up here behind me. I did it my saving for exactly? “I read. I’ve read all of A couple of girls Department for than you think. I mean, way. I would kill for some “I just want enough for James Herbert. That’s why approached us, staggering Communities and Local I’ve been inside for years. Sinatra, though.” More features online at thenationalstudent.co.uk The National Student, November 2009 12 FEATURE The state of education: WILL STUDENTS DECIDE LABOUR’S FATE AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION? Former Education Secretary David Blunkett talks about what New Labour have done for universities, the problem of tuition fees and the value of a degree with David Bateman.

tudents are set to this appears an effective better job, students must of young adults has to be a major factor in policy - it enhances the be prepared to finish their result in a large cohort Sthe looming General skills and knowledge of studies with an average getting to universities. Election of 2010, with issues the population at an early debt of £23,500. When I first started such as tuition fees, student age, thereby increasing When these points are as Education Secretary, loans, and university places the quality of Britain’s analysed, and considering what got me was that it likely to play a major part in work-force. However, this we have a vast shortage was those who expected who steps into power. could be seen as short- of youngsters undertaking their children to attend With that in mind, does sighted, as a degree alone apprenticeships, why is university, that small Labour’s performance with percentage, who had the regards to education, and presumption that it would universities in particular, ‘All the investment and effort lead to a dilution of quality. mean they will get the It is a rational based on student vote, or lose it? put into raising teaching knowing your kids will At what looks likely get to university, basically to be the end of New standards and aspirations those who sent their Labour’s 12-year reign, if of young adults has to result children to independent current opinion polls prove schools. If you asked the 13 accurate, I spoke to Tony in a large cohort getting to large percentage of the Blair’s first Education population who didn’t Secretary, David Blunkett universities.’ automatically expect their about how successfully children to go to university, Labour have dealt with I’m sure they would see the university issues. value in achieving the 50% At the forefront of is no longer a guarantee achieving the 50% target attendance goal.” New Labour’s policies for of employment, because so important? Undoubtedly it is universities is the lofty many people now obtain Blunkett said: “All the beneficial that a larger target of getting 50% them. investment and effort and more diverse group of school leavers into Also, considering there put into raising teaching attends university each university. At face value is often no guarantee of a standards and aspirations year, and Blunkett’s response makes a good point about broadening universities outlook. But, in reality are universities Labour’s controversial tuition fees policies have come under fierce opposition from students actually achieving this diversification? A study published in of straight ambition. insistence that they remain The Times found that We had to change the pivotal. This is shown by a pupils from independent aspiration and expectations recent finding published schools are five times as of families so it became the in This is Money, which likely to get to one of the norm for their children to says one in four graduates top ten universities in attend university, whereas is still jobless or not in the UK. This suggests previously the norm had full-time employment the state-school system been leaving school at 16. three years after leaving is flawed, and a widening Career advice in certain university. From these gap between social classes areas was very poor, statistics, it seems clear where the elite’s children and there is a definite that there is an issue of attend elite universities. transformation in ambition whether a degree is worth Blunkett commented when the knowledge was £23,500 pounds to most on the issue: “Firstly, we provided, but that also university students. are only now seeing the takes time to show itself.” Have we not reached a generation of four-year- Attempting to have point where a university olds from 1998 (when we more state school pupils degree is no longer value changed the system) reach attending university for money for at least 20% GCSE level, and it takes cannot be criticised, but of students? time for these changes to the means of obtaining “A degree would not show themselves as state this still appear to have be good value if what are school pupils had been devalued degrees to the perceived as poor and low- historically failed by the point where they are not ranking jobs were the only system before we came as powerful a tool for ones available.” Blunkett claims that university graduates still have much better prospects in the jobs market into power. finding a job as they once Blunkett added: “Secondly, it is a question were, despite Blunkett’s “However, that is not the The National Student, November 2009 FEATURE 13

that over 40% of graduates is unrealistic. It is now student-related vote, would the Conservatives have resorted to bar work about how can we make and that this could be a have performed better for or stacking shelves at some it fairer. We need to find deciding factor in the next universities? stage after their degree. more imaginative ways for election? “Compare what was When that is considered, students to pay. In an ideal “By massively expanding happening in the ten years is it right that students world, that would be in the university enrollment, we before we came to power, could be asked to pay form of a graduate tax, but have expanded the student to the ten years after 1997: even higher tuition fees, ten years ago that was seen constituency which you will see an absolute when many are already as totally unacceptable. includes their families. It contrast in priority, in struggling to find work One formula I’d advocate, would be an awful irony if investment, in quality, befitting their education although it will not help the student vote, after we and in expansion. The only had made it so much larger, worry is we aren’t selling then went against us. In hard enough what we have marginal constituencies in done, and what we are particular, it will make a prepared to do. We need ‘I think it is right students differnece, and that really to speak more directly to would be a cruel twist. youngsters. Many people have to contribute more, but But we shouldn’t get the wouldn’t be in the position I am against simply lifting the student vote because we they are in if we hadn’t have got the students there- invested in transforming fees cap- it would be a free- we should get it because educational opportunities, we do things right for this and if you are looking for-all.’ country- economically and at who will continue socially. Universities get to perform best for a huge proportion from universities, the answer is the taxpayer as a whole, this government.” that will allow them to immediately, is increasing and the amount raised The only questions re-pay the vast amount of the baby bond and using it from tuition fees pales in remaining are whether debt they already face? as a major contributor for comparison to this.” the student vote will prove Blunkett stood by the payment. It would then Had they won power decisive, and who will benefits of a degree: “I’d be a substantial nest egg instead of New Labour, benefit because of it. like to make it clear that which could be replied a degree is certainly still upon and could transform worthwhile. While I was feelings to tuition fees- Education Secretary it was yet the opposition is clear many students were currently talking not getting the job they about doing it away. expected immediately- it I’d also be in favour often took more than 18 of non-monetary 13 months for the benefits of payback, involving their education to come giving back to into play. When you are the community competing for jobs in a by substantial world where soft skills and voluntary higher education is key, work.” which we are, then if you While don’t have the degree you politicians from are going to be even further most parties disadvantaged. Many agree tuition young adults appear happy fees will to borrow for a car, but not probably rise, a for their education.” mammoth 85% Although this is certainly of youngsters true, it seems to point oppose that to the fact that a degree probable rise, is something you simply according to the require in the modern Universities world, rather than being and College case for the vast majority a football stadium, with something of real merit Union. of graduates. Working in 20,000 turning up. If we which makes you stand Therefore, jobs which are generally could achieve something out. Blunkett continued in is there not thought of very negatively along those lines, I’d be regards to tuition fees: “I a worry that is not a bad thing just very happy.” think it is right students Labour will after graduating. The It is true that a degree have to contribute more, lose a large experience of having to remains a qualification for but I am against simply part of make ends meet and rub life, and most students now lifting the fees cap- it would the shoulders with those you accept that they must go be a free-for-all. I would take for granted is no bad above and beyond merely be in favour of finding thing, and it certainly passing their exams to get alternative methods of did me the world of good. the job they desire. Yet, students funding their Learning should be a life- would this qualification for studies: a modest formula long thing, which doesn’t life still be worthwhile if it for gradual increase end when you obtain your involved paying an even in line with inflation, degree. I knew when I larger some to achieve it? and other ways like graduated I needed to do In a year when the NUS research, looking to a post-graduate to be a have said £19 million less future employers tutor- you have to accept a was spent on universities, and money-making degree is a stepping stone politicians have made clear partnerships with and find the right in-house a rise in tuition fees is not the private sector.” training for whatever job far from being inevitable. He continued: you are seeking. In South While this rise is being “We are at a stage Korea recently, they held contemplated, The Higher now where we can a convention for adult Education Statistics never go back to learning which half-filled Agency recently discovered not paying- that The National Student, November 2009 14 FEATURE A Traveller’s Tale For the last six months, Nathan Millward and his trusty moped steed named Dorothy have been blazing a dangerous trail on the road from Sydney to London. We catch up with them Kazakhstan.

ell hello there, how Chinese. They look different, marvellous that their culture is different, Wyou could join us their language is different. this fine Kazak morning. The These people are originally mood in the camp is good, from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan me and Dorothy are doing and other parts of Central just fine. Last night we slept Asia. Only now they’re ruled in a hedge and tomorrow we by China and find themselves cross into Russia, it couldn’t strangers in their own land. be going any better. This is It’s the silent Tibet that few Kazakhstan after all, a place people know about. where drunken policeman Anyway, the Uighurs harass you for ‘souvenirs’ and were fired up recently the person who pumps your when rumours of some of petrol carries a Kalashnikov. their people being attacked But it’s alright, we’ve actually and raped went around. quite enjoyed plodding across In retaliation they rioted, this ploughed-field of a place. hacking to death various It’s just massive, thousand innocent ‘Han’ people - those of miles across and nothing we stereotypically think of But in China I didn’t need quicker. last thing she needed was had a relay of dangerous dogs in the middle but small as Chinese - and generally any porn, I had Abdul for more torturous terrain. But chasing me all the way from villages and fields. It’s like misbehaved. As a result amusement instead. Abdul And that was that, my that’s exactly what she got. the border to Bishkek, the riding across the Australian the army were called in, was the local guide I had to trip in China over. Abdul Granted, the mountains and capital 500 miles away. outback all over again. Just the situation momentarily employ to escort me through escorted me to the border hills of Kyrgyzstan aren’t as flat empty land with a million calmed, then the Hans did China. Don’t ask me why, it’s with Kyrgyzstan and said sharp and steep as that we’d It was here I had to apply places to pitch your tent and the same to the Uighurs as some dumb-arse Chinese rule goodbye. just passed, but it was tough for Kazakhstan and Russian a smile on the face of the they’d had done to them. that makes riding through in it’s own unique way. The visas so I could progress to locals that says everyone’s The province went into the country an expensive Pottering through no-mans roads for a start were terrible. the next step. Sadly, it was welcome. But in the distance meltdown. pain in the arse. To make land I had no clue what to Just rock and dirt and steep also the place I had to get we’ve travelled since our last And this being the Chinese matters worse, Abdul was a expect from Kygryzstan. I’d and long. Then there’s the Dorothy repaired. For a while report in Pakistan, not every government wishing to have real bungling half-wit, with a only heard the name for the killer dogs. You’d see them at she’d been leaking oil and where’s been quite like that. their image squeaky clean, car that kept breaking down first time three weeks ago a distance lurking around the it was now doing it rather Take China for example, they did everything they and an electric scooter which when Iran’s refusal to give ‘yurts’ - huge sheepskin tents badly. I acquired about parts the place we entered from could to prevent the wider made him think he’d gone me a visa had me plotting - where their masters lived. in the local shops and market Pakistan. There’d been a real world hearing too much back to the future. Having halls, but it wasn’t any good. old shit-storm kicked up in about it. Hence the lockdown come all this way with me To make matters worse, Abdul was a Kyrgyzstan is a country of the weeks proceeding our on internet and international and Dorothy dealing with the cars - largely expensive ones entry there. People fighting, phonecalls. And that’s not challenges alone, it was so real bungling half-wit, with a car that - not motorbikes, so while I 200 killed, military manning all. Entering China I had frustrating to have this man kept breaking down and an electric was waiting two weeks for the streets and no internet or my laptop, USB sticks and sat on my shoulder every the visas to come through international telephone calls digital camera taken away minute of the seven days I scooter which made him think he’d I had a man in Australia to even ring mum and tell her to be examined for anything was there, in China, where at gone back to the future. send me the stuff I needed. not to panic. they didn’t like the look of. In 11pm every night a woman While I waited I stayed in a I’m not going to pretend anticipation of that I deleted would ring my hotel room little family run guesthouse I know exactly what it’s all all my porn. Which wasn’t and ask if I wanted ‘massage’. a new course through the Then they’d see you. behind a huge metal gate. It about, but from what I can see wise as in my tent on a night Without porn I nearly ‘Stans’, for slang, or Central was cosy and the other guests it goes a little something like I get lonely and like to have buckled, but just when yes Asia for proper. The main I’ve never thought what were sweet, but the brother this. In southern province of something to look at. Though was on the tip of my lips I’d man at the border gave it would feel like to be a of the owner was a drunk and Xianxiang live the Uighurs. that’s perhaps why I’m remind myself that at the end me some clue as to what to rabbit chased by a hare, but the baby one of them had had Now, the Uighurs aren’t your partially blind. of this magnificent adventure expect. Bristled haired and I guess this must be it. The liked to drown cats. He was typical chicken chow mien I have a magnificent women fat, he had a full set of gold dog barks, then it trots, then only two or something, but who I hope will still be teeth and pretended to shoot it gallops at a pace to match still, he was an absolute little waiting at the finish. Hence with an imaginary machine to Dot’s as it snarls and bastard. my stiff shoulders. gun as I approached. He was farts and gives every hint pleasant in a ’don’t fuck with it’s about to eat you. So full In the end I didn’t get to So that was China; a me,’ kinda way, and after the throttle I give her, throttle to see as much of Kyrgyzstan country sadly too frightened thoroughness of the Chinese the stop at 40mph along the as I would have liked, but to expose itself in fear of border procedure it was nice terrible terrain as the bitch I would say this; if you’re not looking good naked. I to enter a place where things bounds on to the road right looking for a place to walk, just wish the Government were a little more sloppy. No beside us, snapping at our or climb, or relax way off the of the Chinese people one inspected my bike, no heels for more than a mile beaten track then I really would relax, chill out a bit, one cared if I carried porn or until it runs out of puff while would recommend it. The because the folk I met, be not. It was my kinda country. in my pants I’ve just done people are amazing, their they Han or Uighurs - were Sadly it wasn’t Dot’s. another poo. People say to culture awesome. I won’t say all wonderfully friendly stop and hit aggressive dogs quite the same thing about and helpful. I even had the It’s fair to say the old girl with a stick. But you’d have Kazakhstan because there’s pleasure of visiting a Chinese never was built for this type to have balls as big as bricks really not much there. Only hospital for an X-ray and of treatment, and having to even consider that. And me, sleeping in a hedge, thought it all much neater barely survived her flogging God knows what they put in waiting to cross the Russian than the NHS. Chaotic, but over the Himalayas, the the local Pedigree Chum as I border in the morning.

The National Student, November 2009 SPORT 17 Ainslie dreaming of fourth gold on British waters James Davies talks to the greatest British Olympic sailor, Ben Ainslie Christophe Launay nife-edge decisions, an ambitious and sporting commentators adrenaline rushes, ferocious competitor, won who didn’t know anything Kextreme weather, his first Olympic medal, a about sailing who were bitter rivalries, heart- silver in the 1996 Atlanta questioning the fairness of stopping races. These Games. Looking rather it, but actually within the things are all in a day’s relaxed, the Olympic history of sailing it wasn’t work for Ben Ainslie. legend revealed, “I think that new and certainly I The British sailor has in many ways winning a didn’t break any rules. It won four Olympic medals silver medal was very good was just very aggressive including successive gold’s for me because it gave me sailing. But sometimes in in the last three Olympic the determination to go any sport, that’s what you Games, making him not out four years later and need to win.” only a British hero, but work that much harder Asked where this quite simply our greatest to go one step better- so it ruthless streak comes Olympic sailor ever. wasn’t all bad, although from Ben was unable to In addition to his three it was pretty frustrating explain, “I don’t know. Olympic gold’s and one at the time.” Like in all sports you have silver, Ben has won eight Four years later, he to be ruthless at certain World and European achieved every athlete’s points to get a result and Championships during dream, winning an to win.” his illustrious career to Olympic gold at the After the Sydney date, been crowned ISAF Sydney Olympics in 2000. Olympics, Ainslie, who World Sailor of the Year Ben reveals just is an Honorary Doctor of twice, and won British how ruthless he is on Sport, at Southampton Yachtsman of the Year it, admitting to fierce University, changed focus four times. rivalries, above all with and spent fourteen months In an exclusive interview the Brazilian, Robert with the One World for The National Student, Scheidt, the man who Challenge America’s Cup grew up, learned to sail to get involved and make advice would the triple Ben reveals the truth robbed him of gold in his campaign. In 2004, he and trained, would be a them realise it’s not that gold medallist give to behind his remarkable first Olympics in Atlanta. competed in the Athens pretty surreal feeling and hard at the grass roots to those who wish to follow achievements and his With a broad smile Olympics and again won something very special.’ get into a sport. It’s then in his footsteps and, if plans to bid for a fourth emblazoned across his gold in the larger Finn It’s no secret that up to you to take it as far possible, emulate all he gold, on home waters, at face, Ben remarked, “It class, only to return to the British Olympic as you want.’ and Ainslie has achieved? the London Olympics in was one of those classic the Cup, competing with Association are targeting admits he is fortunate “The key is to enjoy 2012. rivalries that had gone the Emirates Team New a number of key sports to have such a strong it and to get involved. Ainslie, now a CBE, from ’96. In the four years Zealand as an after guard for medals with rowing, team to support him, ‘My Sailing I think has come revealed he came to love leading up to Sydney, we member and ‘B-boat’ cycling and sailing top success has been a result a long way in the last ten sailing at an early age, “I were competing against helmsman. of the list. It has been of a number of different years. The likes of Ellen was about eight when my each other in various His most recent win argued that these are all things. Obviously a huge MacCarthur have really family moved to Cornwall. events which either he or was gold at the Beijing fairly exclusive sports, as amount of hard work, brought sailing into the It’s a great place for a kid I would win. It came down Olympics in 2008. He you have to have a certain which you need in any living room and she’s to grow up, especially if to the final race in Sydney commented, ‘The gold in amount of backing behind sport, but I’m also really really helped promote the you love the water because and I basically had to Beijing was very special you in order to compete. fortunate to be supported sport, but it’s still got a you’re by the sea. I was take him out, so it was because it was my third This argument however by great people such as long way to go.” lucky, because we lived some pretty aggressive consecutive gold which doesn’t stand up with coaches and sponsors. It’s Another gold in three on the edge of a creek, off tactics.” meant a lot.’ the Olympian, “I think amazing, with individual years time would certainly an estuary, so it was very What Ben did, to beat So has Ainslie dared to there’s always a bit of sports you only see helped promote sailing easy to get down to the the Brazilian in Sydney, imagine what it would be a misconception. All one person out there even further and judging water and go out sailing has been questioned like to be coming home for Olympic sports at the competing, but the team by his track record you whenever I wanted to.” in some quarters and the gold medal, on home top level are elite, but if normally behind these wouldn’t bet against What started as a hobby, regarded as unsporting water, in Weymouth with you go down to the grass people is huge so I’m Ainslie making it four quickly turned into a way by certain critics. Looking the union flags flying? roots in sailing, I think very fortunate with the golds from four games. of life, and by the age of a little bemused, Ben After a brief laugh, Ben it’s one of the highest support I get.” 16 he was already Laser explained, “It was a little said, “It’s a scary thought. participation sports in the Having expressed his Close to the Wind, Radial World Champion. bit frustrating at the Winning a gold medal UK. The big thing is to desire to race at the next Published by Yellow At 19-years-old Ainslie, time. There were a few on home waters, where I encourage the youngsters Games in London, what Jersey, priced £18.99 YOUR PAPER NEEDS YOU! The National Student is your paper and needs your help! We are always looking for contributors to write news, views, features and reviews. To get involved email [email protected] or call 0845 46 300 46 The National Student, November 2009 18 SPORT British duo seal success with fourth place finish

The English Masters and Denise Johns. The their semi to Czech duo still the best result for where all the participants the lead up to the 2012 Beach Volleyball duo, who had seized the Lenka Hajeckova and a British pairing in the feel comfortable. Olympics and Boulton and competition was held National Championships Sona Novakova. The history of the Beach Especially us, because Johns, and all the other in Blackpool in mid the previous weekend, British pair then missed Volleyball European we are being supported members of the British September and the made it to the semi-finals out on a Bronze medal, Championships. Johns by our fans so well, that volleyball team, will be event proved to be very of the Masters. being defeated by Doris attributed some of their gives us an extra boost.” looking to continue this successful for Great Unfortunately Boulton and Stefanie Schwaiger success to the venue of This fourth place result improvement when the Britain’s number one and Johns could not make of Austria, but their the Masters, “The English shows the progression English Masters returns pairing, Lucy Boulton the final, losing out in fourth place finish was Masters is a great event of British Volleyball in to Blackpool in 2010. Loughborough and Hartpury get perfect preparation for BUCS Championships With the regional Loughborough taking on Hartpury and Loughborough heats of the BUCS Futsal Helvecia, a repeat of the FA indicate the potential for Championships beginning Futsal Cup final in July. university futsal clubs to this month, Loughborough Loughborough put in an succeed at national level.” and Hartpury have already impressive performance and “For both teams to showed their ability after were unlucky to be defeated be competitive against respectable performances 7-5, but were left to rue the the national champions at the FA National Futsal numerous missed chances highlights that university Grand Finals in Swindon on which had fallen their way. Futsal is going from strength the weekend of October 24. Loughborough had a to strength. The increase in Both teams had qualified chance to put things right team entries for the BUCS for the National Finals by when they faced their student Futsal Championships finishing runners up in their counterparts from Hartpury. further symbolises the respective National Leagues, With a rivalry going back to growing popularity of Futsal sealing their place in the top the 2008 university Futsal in the Higher Education six teams in the country. championship final the sides sector.” The two sides were drawn were keen to defeat each other After these performances in the same group as each to retain their title hopes and it will be interesting other, along with tournament in the end Loughborough to see whether the favourites Helvecia, current managed to maintain the consecutive title, defeating were unlucky to be drawn in have entered the BUCS football powerhouses of national champions and FA good form they had shown Tranmere Victoria 7-2. the same group as them but Futsal Championships and Loughborough and Hartpury Futsal Cup winners. Only against Helvecia to edge a Loughborough coach Tom the performances over the with only 16 men’s and 8 will reign supreme in the the group winners qualified close encounter 5-4. Curtis was pleased with weekend have given the team women’s teams qualifying BUCS competition or if new for the final meaning that A depleted Hartpury side his side’s performances and confidence which they will for the National Finals the futsal champions will be both university teams had then lost 8-4 to Helvecia, recognised the difficulty of carry over to next season.’ competition will be tougher found. a tough task ahead of them whose experience saw them the task they had faced, ‘The The performance of both than ever before. Be sure to check out if they wanted a chance of advance to the final ahead of lads put in an outstanding sides on the national stage George Carney, BUCS The National Student being be crowned national the two university sides. The performance against indicates a bright future for Football Development in the coming months champions. reigning national champions favourites Helvecia and came university Futsal. 57 men’s manager commented, “The for all the latest on the The group started with sealed their second so close to beating them. We teams and 28 women’s teams recent achievements of Championships. The National Student, November 2009 SPORT 19 British duo seal success with fourth place finish

Swansea set the standard at Surfing Championships

On the weekend of the honours. thanks to smooth organisation October 16-18, Fistral beach In a tightly fought contest, from the British Surfing in Cornwall played host to the Gordan Fontaine from Association we were able to BUCS Surfing Championships. Bournemouth University get 340 surfers in the water The competition, held in claimed top spot in the men’s over the three days.’ association with Ticket To Ride individual competition and in Brian recognised the good Worldwide Surfing Adventures, the women’s field Beth Mason fortune the event had with saw an impressive 340 surfers from Swansea University sealed regards to the weather, compete for honours over gold. Mason gained another “Conditions were perfect with Friday and Saturday. top spot as part Swansea team great waves and weather The strong turnout means who retained the women’s which really enhanced the that the Championships are overall competition whilst the surf festival atmosphere for now the second largest surf University of Plymouth were the 750 spectators who came competition in the world, the victors in the men’s team out to watch our best student beaten only by the USA competition. surfers in Cornwall this year.” National Championships in Mark Brian, Head of Sports Will Hayler, Co-founder of terms of competitor numbers. Programmes at BUCS was Ticket To Ride summed up the The Championships gave obviously delighted with the success of the championships, students from across the success of the championships, “All the elements came country the opportunity to ‘The BUCS Surfing together for us this weekend. show of their skills and ability Championships kicked off the The sun shone, the waves were on the waves of the south west sporting season for BUCS and classic and the standard of coast. There were both men’s this year’s event exceeded all surfing was at its highest. The and women’s individual and our expectations.” whole weekend had a festival team competitions present “We had a record number feel to it and we felt privileged competing for a total of four of entries for the event and to be a part of it.” Durham dominate on the water to leave competitors adrift

Late October saw some dominated the event taking and also in the Women’s of the best University rowers away 10 medals including Championship Double Sculls in the country competing at three gold, two silver and by Erica Thompson and the PricewaterhouseCoopers one bronze. Of the many star Mathilde Pauls. Rowing Small Boats Head, run performances, Emily Taylor Other notable performers in conjunction with the 1st GB shone taking gold in the of the event were Imperial Beth Mason Rowing Team Assessment in Women’s Championship sculls College who secured two golds, Boston. event and also impressing in three silvers and a bronze. The event which attracted the GB Rowing Team trials. Fiona Rennie, Chair of FULL RESULTS: 2nd – Andrew Griffin – University record entries saw rowers Taylor finished only a few the BUCS Rowing Sport of Plymouth from 27 universities compete seconds behind Debbie Flood Management Group said, “We Women’s Individual: 3rd – Billy Norways – University on the 5km course on the who was returning to action would like to acknowledge the river Witham. The first two following a year out after enthusiasm and support from 1st - Beth Mason - College Falmouth divisions were a combination of winning a silver medal at the the GB Rowing team staff Swansea University 4th - Nick Reid – Bristol University BUCS entries and GB Rowing previous two Olympics thus and coaches in planning and 2nd - Jaydene Kerton – Team trialists who competed showing the strength and running the event. There were Bournemouth University Women’s team: in single sculls. For the third talent within the university a lot of smiling faces at the end 3rd - Clair Smail - Swansea 1st – Swansea University division, which was solely rowing circuit. of the day and we hope to see BUCS athletes, the course had For the 2nd division, Taylor many of those faces again at the Metropolitan 2nd – University of Plymouth to be slightly shortened taking joined her partner Jessica Championship and Beginner 4th - Hannah Dixon - Swansea 3rd – Swansea Metropolitan into account the weekends Budgett in the Championship Head in February.” University weather conditions. double sculls, where they took Many of these happy faces Men’s team: The outstanding a bronze medal. Durham also undoubtedly belonged to Men’s Individual: 1st – University of Plymouth performers of the weekend sealed gold medal success in Durham and their rowers will 1st – Gordon Fontaine – were undoubtedly Durham the lightweight men’s pairs be hoping to shine once again 2nd – University College Falmouth University, who, once again, by Alex Gillies and Ole Tietz in next year’s event. Bournemouth University 3rd – Bournemouth University