CAMPUSATTENTION!CAMPUSATTENTION! LIFE LIFE CAMPUSDOESCAMPUSDOES LIFEIT LIFEIT CAMPUSCAMPUS CREWIRINA WAI TING CREWIRINA ABOUT!MARIYA WAI TING ABOUT!GABE MARIYA GABE JESSICA LORNA JESSICA JOHN LORNA JOHN TURN OVER TURN OVER & FIND OUT & FIND OUT GREATESTAGAINGREATESTAGAIN CALENDAR MORE!CALENDARMORE! The CampusCUP Cup is an incentiveThe to Campus CUPencourage Cup hallsis an incentivespirit and tocommunity. encourage The halls Cup spirit is won and community. The Cup is won by the hall which has gained bythe the most hall Campus which has points gained at the the end most of theCampus year, pointsThere willat the be end of the year, There will be many opportunities to gain Campusmany opportunities points at all ourto gain events Campus throughout points theat all year. our Theseevents throughout the year. These events will allow you to try newevents things, will make allow friends you to tryand new generally things, feel make part friends of the and halls generally feel partOFDEFINITELY of the halls EVENTSOFDEFINITELY DO EVENTS APPROACH!TO DATEDO APPROACH!TO DATE community. Ultimately the Campuscommunity. Cup is Ultimately to encourage the Campushealthy competitionCup is to encourage and sense healthy of competition and sense of community in your hall, to helpcommunity you get the inGOOD yourmost hall, out ofto yourLUCKhelp timeyou get in the theANDGOOD Student most out MAY Villages. of yourLUCK time in theAND StudentSHOULDGET MAY Villages. INVOLVED SHOULD GETANDBE INVOLVED DON’T CONSIDERED MISS ANDBE OUT! DON’T CONSIDERED MISS OUT! CHECK OUT THE BANGOR CAMPUS LIFECHECK WEBSITE OUT THE BANGOR CAMPUS LIFE WEBSITE JOIN US AT WWW.CAMPUSLIFEBANGOR.CO.UKJOIN US AT WWW.CAMPUSLIFEBANGOR.CO.UK OR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ALL OUR LATESTOR FACEBOOK NEWS. PAGE FORTHE ALL OUR LATESTBEST NEWS. HALLTHE WIN! BEST HALL WIN! WWW.CAMPUSLIFEBANGOR.CO.UKWWW.CAMPUSLIFEBANGOR.CO.UK ENTHUSIASTICENTHUSIASTIC & FRIENDLY & FRIENDLY

Bangor University Students’ Union Freshers Issue 2017 English Language Issue No. 263 Find our stands at any Newspaper The FREE D Pier of the points or pick up a A O R H T R copy from any of these@SerenBangor locations t A G seren.bangor.ac.uk i R E P Swimming a P Orme Road - Your halls kitchen - Academi Shop r U Pool S t - Students’ Union - Uno i n a - JP Hall - Fridd Shop M e - Neuadd Willis - Wheldon D G A LY O N R N I E A R N O E A M D D A Halls of Residence O R

Sports and Leisure buildings BANGOR E G E L L ALDI DEAN ST University buildings O Peep C Nightclub A5 Main Arts T T S ROAD UN V Bus O Library A M Station D Supermarket MENAI SE NI IA Friddoedd Site R T G L S V L HIL E IC AN N D D T RAFO E R O P IV R E IA Bar Uno Morrisons DEINIOL Deiniol Library Playing Sports Hall YHEAD ROAD Fields Normal Site HOL Maes Glas A5 Sports T ASDA E Normal Site E Centre R Library T S H Y G T AD MAP OF BANGOR HI P SERENDIPITY SPECIAL SUMMER FESTIVALS O Y Bistro RO P Railway N D Ô ED L O Station D D RI FF

AD RO LIDL N St Mary’s FO R Menai Bridge B A Menai Bridge, E N L R St Mary’s Treborth Pitches M E Treborth Sports Site, O TESCO A N C A55, JunctionA55, Junction9 9 T NSS puts Bangor University eighth in the UK

R O A D North

A4087

areas have also achieved 100% decisions about University places over 350 universities worldwide for the He said: “Bangor is an excellent place by EMMA JEWKES satisfaction, placing them at the top of the next few weeks. fourth year in succession, according to study, nestled between the sea and angor University has received a their subject table in the UK. Bangor “Our commitment to our students, to the Times Higher Education World the mountains of north Wales. It is resounding testimony from last University’s average satisfaction rate and to the quality of their experience University Rankings released earlier a warm and friendly place and an years graduating students a er of 90% is above the UK and Wales at Bangor, is of course a team e ort this month. excellent environment for making new Bbeing placed eighth in the UK and averages of 84%. by our entire community, from the Elaine Haf Elis from Abergele, friends and socialising with people second in Wales following the results  e courses to achieve 100% academics who deliver lectures, to the who has recently graduated with from all over the world as well as from of this year’s National Student Survey. were Computer Information technical sta who run laboratories, a degree in Welsh said: “Over a closer to home. I was fortunate enough  e NSS, taken by half a million Systems, Criminology & Criminal the PhD students who assist with period of three years I’ve had some to receive scholarships to study here graduating students across the United Justice/Psychology, Cymraeg, tutorials, our administrators, and all memorable experiences to treasure and this support has been invaluable Kingdom, featured 460 academic English Literature, Environmental the service departments who support for a lifetime!  e course was really as I present my work. Bangor is also institutions, eight of which are in Science, Marine Biology/Zoology, the smooth operation of University interesting and relevant to the current a great place for students to volunteer, Wales. Music, Philosophy and Religion, life. work environment.  e University be part of a sports team and to join Professor Oliver Turnbull, Pro Vice- Psychology with Clinical & Health “I would like to thank all our sta , has also o ered me some valuable the various societies. I’m proud to be Chancellor for Teaching & Learning Psych, Sport Science (ODA), Sports and would also like to thank our recent experiences such as the opportunity to a part of the Welsh community here at Bangor University said: “ ese Science, Zoology and Zoology with graduates for giving our University work with the marketing department and really enjoy living and socialising are a wonderful endorsement of Herpetology. such positive feedback. We hope that on open days and at the Eisteddfod at Neuadd John Morris-Jones.” our activities, and indeed of Bangor Senior sta at the university put the they keep in touch with the Bangor and also with the University’s Talent  e NSS results provide the most University’s values. We have long success down to the high standard of University graduate community.” & Opportunities Programme. I have comprehensive feedback on the been renowned for providing not only teaching and the student experience  e news follows hard on the heels enjoyed myself so much at Bangor, and student experience at each institution, excellent teaching but also student at Bangor University, along with the of the University’s recent success in as the standard of teaching is excellent, drilling down to school, course and support, and these results yet again University’s focus on identifying and being awarded a Gold Standard in I’m returning in September to follow a programme level and also drawing re ect this.” addressing any problems that may the UK Government’s new Teaching postgraduate Secondary School PGCE on broader information about areas  irteen degree courses achieved arise for individual students. Excellence Framework, the only Welsh teaching course.” such as teaching and assessment and 100% satisfaction rates from the Prof Turnbull added: “ e data university to achieve this standard. Another happy student is Ste an feedback. students, and nine general subject should also be really valuable for More recently, the University Nicholas from Camarthen, currently prospective students, who will make retained it’s position among the top studying at the School of Education. /serenbangor AT SERENDIPITY

CAN’T WAIT FOR SERENDIPITY? NEITHER CAN WE! JOIN US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM NOW! Seren Members 2017-18 twitter.com/ serenbangor instagram.com/ serenbangor

Ever fancied yourself as a journalist? Perhaps you want to channel your inner Clark Kent or Lois Lane? Maybe you’re more of an April O’Neil or even a Rory Gilmore? Whoever you want to be we want you at Seren! (Even if you’re a bit of a Rita Skeeter!) Photos are more your thing? Okay, Peter Parker, grab a camera and capture some of Bangor’s students in action! Whatever your passion, Seren has something for you. Come and meet us at Serendipity (not named after us, but probably should be!), grab some freebies and sign up for one of our taster sessions! Here’s an idea of some of the things we get up to: FEATURE WRITING NEWS REPORTS LIVE SPORT COVERAGE WRITERS PHOTOGRAPHERS DESIGNERS CONTRIBUTORS PROOFREADERS BROADCAST JOURNALISM & MORE Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 5 CONTENTS

News 6-7 Comment 8 EMMA JEWKES Travel 10 EDITOR Arts and Culture 12-13 [email protected] Welcome to Bangor! Both to Music 14-15 those students returning after a long summer away and to all of Festival Special 16-17 19 you lovely new freshers. Bangor is a great place to live and to study Fashion 18 in so I’m sure you’ll love your time Lifestyle 19 here. Although, a word of warning, it does y by. It only seems like two Societies Special 22-25 minutes since I moved here yet here I am heading into my third year! Freshers Survival 26 This is my  rst issue as Editor of Seren so it’s kind of a special one Bangor Map 27 for me. I’m so excited but nervous at the same time. Seren has already TV 28-29 been a huge part of my time at Games 30-31 Bangor. I started o as a writer before becoming Lifestyle Editor, I Books 32 then dabbled with being TV Editor before being Deputy last year. And Film 33-35 now here I am, your Seren Editor for this academic year. I honestly can’t Union 36 wait to see what the year brings. Sport 37 16 As this is the  rst issue of Seren this year, it is a fairly short one but there’s still plenty to peak your AU 38 interest, I’m sure. Can I reccomend that your  rst port of call is our mamouth societies special. The societies will become a huge part 34 of your time at Bangor as there’s literally something for everyone. Whether you’re into wrestling, sci- , comic books or even pokemon, 30 there’s bound to be a few that you join at Serendipity. Serendipity is the freshers fair held here at Bangor every year. It does get very busy though so be warned. It is worth taking your time to look around though as some of the people you meet at the stalls may become  rm friends over the course of the next year. We’ll be there too so why not pop along to see us. You may even decide to join us, which I would heartedly recommend. We are always looking for writers, proofers, photographers, etc. Also, you may want to join take on your 29 own section within the paper and that’s great if you do. We have a 32 number of openings and if you want to start your own section that we don’t feature then talk to us!! So, shameless plug out of the way, all that’s left is for me to say that I hope you enoy this freshers edition of Seren and that I hope you enjoy your time here at Bangor as much as I have! TEAM ----- The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or 2017-18 CONTRIBUTORS Bangor University.

----- Abi Robinson Editor Emma Jewkes Lifestyle Catrin Jones Stephen Farr Seren is printed by NWN Media. Deputy Finnian Shardlow TV Jordan King Charlie Wilson Comment Simran Prasad Games Megan Richards Francesca Sciarrillo Travel Jack Carr-Brickles Books Beth Smith Alex Curnow Arts + Culture Chloe Heath Film Jack Hollinshead Music Lizzy Dillon Science Laura Aspin Fashion Sash Deacon 6 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 NEWS Bangor Pier undergoes

Police pay cap to be li ed £1M restoration project he Government has announced estoration work has begun on the sca olding has been up for over it will li the pay cap on po- Bangor’s historic Victorian pier two weeks now.” lice and prison o cers.  e a er £1m worth of funding was “Much of the work will involve TTreasury has stated it wants to “strike a Rsecured with the aim of retaining it as shotblasting the girders and making balance” when dealing with spending a community facility for many years to sure the structure is sound.” and ensuring that o cers services do come. “ e pier will largely remain open for not go unnoticed.  e funding for the project comes the public although it will obviously Number 10 has also spoken, saying from capital funds of Bangor City look very di erent, aesthetically, that ministers are looking to imple- Council, which keeps back an during the work.” ment “ exibilty” in the public sector’s allocation of its money to maintain the “As a city council, we apologise pay cap, looking to start in 2018/19, pier when necessary. for any inconvenience during this and bringing an end to the seven-year Council clerk, Ian Jones, said that the construction project but these works stint. work is likely to take up to four years to are deemed necessary to secure the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, complete, although the council hopes future stability and safety of the pier Elizabeth Truss, has said “We will con- it will have been  nished in three, with for future generations to enjoy.” tinue to ensure that the overall pack- North Wales contractors being used Despite being refused Heritage age for public sector workers recognis- where possible. Lottery Funding in 2015, Bangor City es their vital contribution and ensures “Garth Pier has not received Council is funding the three year that we can deliver world class public any major maintenance works for project to strengthen the structure of services, while also being a ordable many years and is now in need of a the city’s iconic pier, overlooking the and fair to taxpayers as a whole.” refurbishment. Menai Strait. New £10 note in circulation “Due to the precarious nature of In 2015, Bangor City Council this work, substantial sca olding is presented a bid to add more kiosks and required as well as stringent health and interpretive displays to tell residents safety measures.” and visitors about the history of the At 1,500 feet in length, Bangor’s structure over the last 120 years, but Garth Pier is the second longest in were knocked back in their bid. Wales, having been built in 1896 with Mr Jones added that the work is the last major works on it taking place also set to result in new handrails on in 1986. the pier deck, as well as the structural Mr Jones added: “ e  rst phase of improvements underneath. rom the 14th September 2017, a new £10 note will be introduced. Much like the £5 note that was releasedF this time last year, it will be smaller and durable than the old one. In addition, they will have their own serial number, to help counteract counterfeit notes.  e £10 will feature iconic novelist Jane Austen, with 2017 marking the 200th anniversary of her death, and Winchesher Cathedral (where she was buried). If you still have your old £10 notes, don’t panic! You have until spring of 2018 to spend them before the Bank of England begin to with- draw them from circulation.  e £20 note replacement will be launched in 2020.

Bangor students tasked with saving the coastline Dogs get pier trial Dr Siobhan Vye, CoCoast Project and introduce new diseases. If we can port.  e crab is native to China and ith the Garth Pier receiving by EMMA JEWKES O cer, Bangor University said: map the non-native species around Korea, but has been spotted in the a new £1 million invest- “Marine non-native species are our coastline then we can get a better UK in locations as widespread as the ment, a vote has taken place olunteers in North Wales have animals and seaweeds that  nd their understanding of how they’re a ecting estuaries of the  ames and the Clyde. toW allow dogs onto the pier for the  rst been asked to help a national way to our shores from other regions in the marine environment.” Concerns have been raised about the time in a number of years campaign to track an invasion the oceans. Sometimes, the conditions One example of an invasive marine speed it is establishing itself and the Vtaking place around the UK’s coastline. here in our UK seas are not right for species in North Wales is the seaweed, damage it can cause to  shing nets and It was held by Gwynedd councillor Nick Pickavance, with 226 people vot- For centuries, marine species have the non-native species to remain, grow Sargassum muticum, commonly infrastructure. ing for dogs to be allowed on the pier, moved around either by hitching a ride and reproduce so only a fraction of the called wireweed.  is is thought to  e CoCoast partnership involves but kept on their leads. on the hulls of ships or as stowaways species that move about establish on have arrived in UK waters in the 1960s Bangor, Hull and Portsmouth An inital 12 month trial period looks in ballast water. In many instances, our coasts.” and now has spread as far as the Isle universities, the Scottish Association set to be implemented. Owners must species have been deliberately “Of the species that do succeed, of Skye. It is thought to be responsible for Marine Science, the Marine have dog bags with them and bins will introduced for commercial purposes. some can a positive e ect – for for displacing local species by starving Biological Association of the UK and be provided to deposit them. Now, a national campaign to record example, they might become a new them of sunlight. the Marine Conservation Society.  is will be greeted with great enthu- non-native marine species, has taken food source for existing species and Another invader the Marine Along with Earthwatch Institute, siasm by members of the community, place to map the extent to which increase the biodiversity of the marine Invaders campaign is asking people the Natural History Museum, as they can include the pier in their non-native marine species are present environment.” in Wales to look out for is the Chinese Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the morning walks and enjoy the stunning and to help scientists understand the “Others thrive a bit too well and can Mitten Crab, which is believed to have Centre for Environment, Fisheries and views of the Menai Strait with their impact they are having on the coastal become pests.  ese invasive non- been introduced by ships emptying Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the furry friend. environment. native species compete for resources their ballast water when they reached North West Coastal Forum. Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 7 NEWS

Brave cancer victim inspires castle to castle swimmers he life of Irfon Williams in- spired brave fundraisers to swim 12 miles across the Menai TStrait to raise money for cancer su er- ers in Gwynedd.  e 20 hardy souls, including a 13-year-old, donned wet suits to battle currents, whirlpools and jelly sh while swimming from Caernarfon Castle to Beaumaris Castle raising money for the #teamirfon campaign in memory of Irfon who died this year a er a long battle with cancer.  e #teamirfon campaign has raised over £150,000 and donations will continue to fund wigs and headwear for patients, complementary therapies and new equipment for the Alaw Unit which treats cancer patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Mr Williams’ friend Trystan Williams organised the event and also take part. He said: “I wanted to do something to make sure Irfon’s legacy lived on and to build on the success of the #teamirfon campaign to ensure Bee tracking technology moves up a gear cancer patients are supported in the best possible way.” Irfon’s widow Rebecca who helped project to develop a new proven their capability to do this. include tracking Asian hornets (a solves the weight and battery longevity organise the swim and a fundraising means of tracking bees in Paul Cross, Senior lecturer in the serious threat to many bee species) in problems.” auction at Beaumaris Pier & Food the landscape is progressing environment at the University’s School Europe with a view to controlling or “Our next step is to develop a mobile Festival, praised the bravery of the Awell according to scientists at Bangor of Environment, Natural Resources & eradicating them before it’s too late.” receiver to track and follow the bee’s swimmers: “I saw them go under University. Geography explains: “Bee populations, Dr Cristiano Palego, a microsystems transmitted signal as it forages.” the Menai Bridge.  ere were lots of An ecologist and a microsystems our vital crop and fruit pollinators, expert at the University’s School of  e initial project is funded people shouting their support. It’s a engineer are working together to are in serious decline; their survival Electronic Engineering explains: as a Knowledge Economy Skills dangerous challenge but everything develop micro-backpacks for bees that faces challenges on several fronts, “Existing bee monitoring devices face Scholarships (KESS) Programme.  e has gone swimmingly. It’s all fantastic will enable the bees to be followed by insecticides and varroa mites to name limits due to their weight, range, and partner organisation is the Bee to see all ages getting involved.  e small drones as they  y from plant to a fe w.” how long their power source lasts- Improvement and Bee Breeders crowds have been great. plant. “ e ability to track bees or other and these are the problems that we’ve Association (BIBBA), who are keen to “It’s a very emotional event for  is will enable scientists to learn insects over their entire foraging range set out to resolve using cutting-edge fund research into honey-bee tracking me and it’s fantastic that the energy more about where the bees collect will be useful in various circumstances. micro-technology.” in temperate environments to identify carries on. Irfon would have loved that nectar and what might be a ecting Neonicotinoids and other insecticides, “We have proven our ability to the foraging range of the bee under community ‘feel’. their numbers. for example, a ect the bee’s ability to harvest the bee’s electrical energy to di ering climatic and environmental “He was very passionate in children  e lightweight, long range bee navigate.  e ability to track them over enable us to do away with the need conditions.  is will provide the getting involved in exercise and tracking device will harness the bees long distances can help us work out for a battery and our end product will company with more robust viability exercise being good for mental health own electrical energy to power the how the nicotinoids are a ecting their weigh only a third of the bee’s body assessments before establishing new as well as doing something for others backpacks and the scientists have just direction  nding. Other applications weight, or less than a raindrop.  is apiaries. also being good. He would have been thrilled to know that all ages had got involved.” Bangor retains place amongst worlds best universities Mrs Williams said around £4,000 had been raised by the swimmers e orts so and the environment in which we far - that was before the auction had Bangor University has retained its work makes Bangor an attractive des- been held. position among the top 350 universi- tination for students and sta alike.” Among the individuals and ties worldwide for the fourth year in  e University’s position among companies who had donated prizes succession, according to the Times the world’s best universities is the lat- and goods for the auction were Higher Education World University est in a number of league tables and Zip World, La Marina, Felinheli, Rankings released earlier this month. surveys which re ect well on Bangor Dafydd Hardy,  e Slate, artists Glyn Welcoming the news of the University. Davies and Pete Jones,  e Crown, University’s continued international Earlier this year, Bangor University Caernarfon, Chateau Rhianfa and reputation and re ecting on Bangor’s was awarded Gold for the standard of Wild Horse Brewery. successes in 2017, Vice-Chancellor its teaching in the UK Government’s Father-of- ve Mr Williams was Professor John G Hughes said: “I am Teaching Excellence Framework, be- diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer thrilled that Bangor University is once coming the only university in Wales to in 2014 which spread to his liver. again ranked amongst the best in the be awarded the top standard. He raised more than £150,000 for world, and especially in the Top 10% Also in 2017 and as a result of its patients on Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw for our international outlook.  e commitment to the sustainability Unit through North Wales NHS impact of our research, o en in col- agenda, the University was recognised charity Awyr Las. laboration with international partners, by the UI Green Metric as being in Mr Williams died on May 30 and is felt across the globe. In addition to the top 4% of the world’s greenest thousands attended his funeral at this, the high standard of our teaching universities. Bangor Cathedral. 8 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 COMMENT

LET’Sby ABI ROBINSON veganism, theatre,TALK chess, dog walking; Now, a work-related tip forFRESHERS when the you name it, we have it! I strongly rec- excitement of fresher’s week is over t’s here! You’ve made it through ommend you join as many as you can, and you start your degree (you’ll love the stress of A Levels or which- and the luxury of being a Bangor stu- the 9am lectures a er student night ever chosen route you decided to dent is that all societies are free to join! I’m sure). Buy or bring a USB stick. As- take.I You’ve packed up your belong- Secondly, continuing with the topic signments are very important and the ings, said goodbye to your beloved of societies, I’d recommend making last thing you want is for your com- pets (only for a while) and all arrived the most of your surroundings whilst puter to crash with a deadline in 15 at the same place; University! Whether you’re at Bangor and visiting some of minutes. Save everything on your USB it’s something you’ve been waiting for the beautiful spots in Snowdonia. You stick to avoid a nightmare like this and your whole life or maybe just a recent could do this safely by going with the you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble. decision, you’re at the same start line Mountain Walking society or even And  nally, enjoy yourself! Univer- as everybody else and it’s going to be embracing an outing with another so- sity is a time in your life you’ll cher- one amazing journey! ciety. ish and miss, so make the most of it! Being a fresher last year, I feel I have Quite an unusual tip, but still just as Of course, you’re there to learn and an awareness of the do’s and don’ts of important! Keep your moving-in box- enhance your knowledge, but you’re fresher’s week. It’s important to make es. It’s always something you’ll regret if there for other, just as important life your own mistakes, but a little advice you dispose of them, especially when lessons too. You have a year of meet- to help you along the way won’t hurt. you’re carrying your new heavy plas- ing amazing people ahead, so say yes So  rstly, during fresher’s week we tic ones up bitch hill. Just place them to the opportunities you get and learn have an event called Serendipity. It on top of your wardrobe, because even from the mistakes you make. I hope presents a chance to join societies that though the last thing on your mind is Bangor makes the same great impres- may interest you. Whether it’s music, the day you’ll leave for summer, it ar- sion on you as it did on me. Good luck! sport, journalism, gardening, cooking, rives sooner than you think. THE TOOLS OF LIFE Alzheimer’s by SIMRAN PRASAD materialistic objects. Tools that mould of achieving monumental success and your success, make you stand out in a you would pose as serious competition Awareness n life, people o en believe that if sea of people, and conquer your life, to your greatest opponent: yourself. we invest in dependable, quality ultimately originate from a place far  ough there are many facets to tools that hail from a reputable more precious than a store. If you as a investing in yourself, I genuinely brand,I we will shape our lives towards person have drive, determination and believe the tools to shape your success. So we venture out, and we perseverance, you have a few of the mind-set are important in achieving buy the best brand of laptops that’s tools needed to achieve true success everything you could possibly want in currently selling out, or the best phone in your life.  ose unique qualities life. Personally, I think that investing at the moment because it comes with cannot be purchased, nor will you need in yourself resembles layers, with a built in personal organizer, that we anything else to stand out and create every layer enforcing one goal: success. assure ourselves we’ll  gure out how to a life you want. Motivation, courage Success in life, love and maybe even, use someday. and self-awareness are just a few more in yourself. While you create strong  ough these things may help our examples of tools in life that would armour capable of withstanding success, and may have some degree of help you reach your dreams more hurdles that come with the road to fact to it, personally, I believe that in than any materialistic object could, success, if you want too, buy that laptop, life, the tools that mould our success, however, these attributes require some or invest in that phone.  ey are tools involve attributes money cannot e ort on your part. that help the tools you already create, buy. When you read those quotes In order to wield these tools, and put or even things you treat yourself with, on tumblr, that involve Plato saying them to good use in order to carve because part of investing in yourself, something along the lines of ‘ e tools out the life you want for yourself, is to treat yourself! Having said that, which would teach men their own use they require hard work, dedication I’m going to  gure out how to save would be beyond price”, know that he and positivity, to name a few.  is is this on my new laptop, and probably is not taking about that new phone where, the valuable term, ‘Invest in  gure out how to work the personal that exceeds your budget, but would be Yourself’ comes into play. If you invest organizer on my phone tomorrow. Or the ideal tool for you. He has a deeper hard work, drive and perseverance in at some point since buying it. yourself, you will create tools worthy meaning, one, which involves a lack of by SIMRAN PRASAD produce new treatment that will lessen the amount of people being a ected. round the World, September  e brain is one of the complex organs 21st marks a very important of our body, having about 100 billion day in terms of mental health: nerve cells; it stands to be the most AAlzheimer’s Day. Alzheimer’s is a type puzzling organ we have. Despite a lot of dementia that causes problems of hard work being done, there is no when it comes to memory, thinking research that has discovered the cause and overall behaviour. Symptoms de- of Alzheimer’s. However, research has velop very slowly, and become severe discovered 6 pillars for reducing the enough to interfere with many aspects risk of Alzheimer’s.  ey encompass of life. What many people don’t real- regular exercise, social engagement, ise is that currently, there is no cure to healthy diets, mental stimulation, Alzheimer’s.  ough extensive treat- quality sleep and stress management. ment and research is going on, there By following a regime that includes is no substantial solution to this cur- these 6 pillars, the risk of develop- rent dilemma. In today’s World, many ing Alzheimer’s signi cantly reduces. people go through this tough battle, Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include, and for them to not be able to recollect memory loss that disrupts daily life, memories so precious to them, that di culty completing familiar tasks, shapes their lives and connects them and confusion with time or place, to to their family, really raises a cause name a few. Alzheimer’s is an aggres- for concern. However, research has sive mental health disease, and in or- scoured new heights, with ninety per- der to combat it best we can, we should cent of our knowledge of Alzheimer’s take a stance as a community and try being discovered in the last 20 years. our level best to establish a positive  e hope now, is to better understand mental health for ourselves, and for the brain and its complexities, and those around us. Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 9 10 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 TRAVEL

SHEEPs the summer comes to an stunning cathedrals andAND museums. forests to high-rise skyscrapers, CHEERFUL this end and the University semes- However, it also has a buzzing night- crazy Vietnamese city is bustling with ter restarts or for that matter; life with plenty of bars and clubs to life. And while you’re in the humid Astarts (I’d like to take this opportunity explore. Slavutych Shato Brewery is city you can knock back a beer or two to warmly welcome all the freshers to a great place to grab a pint and with for just £1.15 each and it’s probably Bangor… and University) it is natu- the average drink just £1.07, you won’t safer than drinking the water. ral for our minds to dri occasionally break the bank either. back to summer whether that be to 7. Mexico City, Mexico (£1.26) pine over a well-deserved holiday or 3. Bratislava, Slovakia (£1.09) Packed with street markets and bus- to remind yourself that you’ll end up Surrounded by vineyards and the Lit- tling bars, Mexico City is one of the (insert menial, minimum wage task) tle Carpathian mountains, Slovakia’s craziest destinations on earth. And all over again if you didn’t come to capital city is a great place to spend a you can drink to your hearts content Uni to do something new and exciting boozy weekend.  e pedestrian-only, for just £1.26 a beer. (again, welcome) either way however 18th-century old town is known for the fun work starts now and you might its lively bars and cafes. 8. Belgrade, Serbia (£1.27) be interested in treating yourself to a Serbia’s capital is famed for its giant well-deserved holiday at the end of the 4. Malaga, Spain (£1.11) fortress the Beogradska Tvrđava – and semester to keep the  ame alive during  is party town on Spain’s Costa del the pints are just £1.27. even the darkest, coldest Bangor win- Sol is known for its budget resorts ter study sessions. So without further and sandy beaches. And at just £1.11 9. Asuncion, Paraguay (£1.28) ado, here is a list of the cheapest places a pint your money will go a long way.  e  ight to Paraguay might set you to get completely and utterly “relaxed”  is one certainly  ts the criteria back a few bob, but when you’re there for next to nothing next summer… then. it’s cheap as chips.  e average beer is only £1.28. 1. Krakow, Poland (£1.07) 5. Delhi, India (£1.13)  is southern Poland city is One of It might cost you a bit more to get 10. Bangkok, ailand (£1.36) the cheapest cities in the world to grab here, but when you eventually do you  e city made famous by  e Hango- a pint and a great spot for a city break can forget all that expense and ardu- ver Part II won’t disappoint as a stag or stag do. With beautiful architecture ous travel for just £1.13. You could do destination. With sex shows, sky and top nightlife, the medieval city also take a trip to nearby Agra to visit bars and £1.36 beers it’s a party ani- has it all. the famed Taj Mahal while you’re at it. mal’s dream.

2. Kiev, Ukraine (£1.07) 6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (£1.15) MOST EXPENSIVE - Geneva (£6.32)  e capital of Ukraine is packed with From wildlife reserves and mangrove stay away.  e Good the Bad and the Ugly - Hikes, Walks and Rambles Hurricane t risk of this page turning into a England.  e brainchild of writer Moor – all the way to the foot of certain talentless, witless, soul- and keen hiker Alfred Wainwright, Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, less, click-baiting shambles, it passes through some of the UK’s at Fort William. High road or Low Amentioning no names,. Here is anoth- most scenic landscapes and varied road, you’ll de nitely get to Scotland er list of places to go to and things to terrain of not one, but three national before me, but I reckon I’ll have the Irma10 people, 8 People have been killed do in those places whilst you’re there. parks. Starting at St Bees on the coast last laugh with these amazing views of itting writing this on the 7th of in French Caribbean island territory Although there are many a camp re of the Irish sea, the route takes you the natural Caledonian landscape. over the craggy mountains of the Lake And  nally some Welsh ones for all of September, I am aware that the and 1 death con rmed in the British story that will be heard told of scenic, District, through the rolling Yorkshire those now local to Bangor, so there’s category 5 hurricane will have hit overseas territory Anguilla.  e hur- truly awesome walks around the world Dales and North York Moors, ending no excuse! landS in Cuba and the US by the time ricane is still gathering strength drawn there are a fair few on our doorstep up at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North this paper goes to print and therefore up from the hot waters of the Carib- right here in the UK! Sea coast. Glyndŵr’s Way: 135 miles. I am reluctant to speculate at this early bean Sea this time of year at the end Located in Mid Wales, most walkers stage in which I write and instead o er of summer, providing more fuel for the e Pennine Way: 268 miles. South-West Coast Path: 630 miles. haven’t caught on to Glyndŵr’s Way the facts so far.  ere is no doubt how- storm. As this is this the closest walk round If you like your walks with sweeping a 135-mile route through Mid Wales ever as to the potential destructiveness Another place which the hurricane my way, and I attempted a 50 mile coastal views and salty sea air, then – and that’s just one reason to go.  e of this incoming category 5 hurricane has already hit is Wall Street as storm stretch from near Stockport to Shef-  eld this summer I now feel wholly the South West Coast Path is for you. farmland, hills and moors between which means wind speed of around damage potential threatens con dence At a whopping 630 miles, this is the Knighton, Machynlleth and Welsh- 185mph and a storm surge of up to in the markets the insurance sector entitled to refer to anyone who didn’t walk to Bangor and is from anywhere longest National Trail in the UK but is pool feel more remote, the views 11m which poses a  ood threat in ad- being down more than 2%. However south of Manchester as a so south- anything but ugly as this route takes across Cadair Idris and Plynlimon dition to other dangers. coupled with the fears over North ern pansy (we ironically gave up at the walker through 2 world heritage more exhilarating. Florida Government spokespeople Korea nuclear tensions the storm has Hope and now I must deride everyone sites including the Jurassic Coast and such as Rick Scott the Governor of helped safe heaven assets such as gold until the shame fades). Anyway the the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Wales Coast Path: 870 miles. (Unof- Florida are telling residents of Florida to surge to its highest price in a year. Pennine Way is a 268-mile National Landscape. It started out as a trail for  cially). that live on or near the coast or oth- Amidst the chaos is Amazon’s contro- Trail along the rugged, mountainous, coastguards, who patrolled the south In 2012 the world’s  rst uninterrupted erwise in danger areas that it is their versial decision to hike prices of panic backbone of England, from Edale in west peninsula looking out for smug- route along a national coast was cre- responsibility to get out of the course buy items such as bottled water from Derbyshire’s Peak District, through glers (how very ‘Poldark’). Starting at ated. Don’t be put o by the length of the danger now and that they are in around $5 for a pack of six bottles to the Yorkshire Dales to Kirk Yetholm Minehead in Somerset, it runs along of the path, any section of path can no doubt of the destructive power of upwards of $20 and have caught a con- in the Scottish Borders. As well as the coastline of Exmoor, continuing and should be attempted. Averag- the imminent threat and also stating siderable amount of  ak from people the eye-boggling mix of scenery and along the coast of North Devon into ing around 10-15 miles walk per day that homes and possessions can be re- on social media a er having made that terrain, trail walkers also pass through Cornwall where it follows the entire breaks even the longest walks down built and replaced but lives cannot be decision. numerous places of cultural signi - Cornish coastline.  e route then and makes the seemingly impossible; replaced once lost – leaving no doubt Meanwhile people who are unable cance, like Haworth village (home of takes you across the mouth of the possible.  e Wales Coast Path covers as to the life threatening nature of such to  ee are stocking up on these provi- the Brontë Sisters), the cradle of the River Tamar and along the south coast all the famous bits on its 870-mile a powerful natural disaster. sions and making their way to storm Industrial Revolution in the South- of Devon, before ending at Poole odyssey: Gower, Pembrokeshire, the Many of the meteorologists have shelters. Although at the time of writ- ern Pennines, and the spectacular Harbour. Cambrian Coast.  ere are number- compared this storm to hurricane Alan ing the true destructive toll of the Hadrian’s Wall. Not to mention, the less beaches, estuaries, cli -tops and in the 1980s which sustained 185mph hurricane is yet to be calculated both highest inn in the British Isles, Tan West Highland Way: 96 miles. woodlands. City waterfronts, castles winds for around 18hours however economically and humanitarian, if one Hill Inn – the perfect spot for a hard Scotland’s  rst long distance trail, and the occasional industrial site Irma has roundly trounced this record thing is certain it is that natural dis- earned, refreshing pint. the West Highland Way runs from among the nature reserves but that’s sustaining similar wind power for asters such as this one underline our Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow, part of Wales; part of the voyage up to and over 40 hours so far.  ere responsibility and unique capability Coast-to-Coast: 192 miles. through some of the most spectacular of discovery. Just be careful of the has already been an estimated $100m to work together in our societies when One of the UK’s most popular ram- scenery in Scotland – past the shores shu ing troglodytes in and around worth of damage to the Caribbean is- faced with situations which can’t be bling adventures, the coast-to-coast of Loch Lomond and through the Aberystwyth! land of Barbuda where the hurricane solved with impeachment or protest. walk is a 192-mile long-distance rugged landscapes of the majestic has already claimed the lives of at least (uno cial) walking route in Northern Highlands and the desolate Rannoch Lawr lwythwch Yoyo heddiw i gasglu pwyntiau teyrngarwch a gwobrau ar draws lleoliadau bwyd a diod prifysgol Bangor Download Yoyo today to start earning loyalty & rewards across Bangor University’s food & drink outlets

1 2 3 Lawrlwytho ap Yoyo Creu cyfrif Talu, casglu pwyntiau Download the free Create an teyrngarwch a gwobrau yoyo app account Pay, collect loyalty & rewards

Cael yr ap am ddim yn awr Get the free app now 12 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 ARTS & CULTURE SciFi Wales Returns

by CHARLIE WILSON ger and better than ever before. With on creating indie projects. it has changed, Jones was positive: es throughout the day; a strange and guests ranging from Doctor Who stars While the all-star cast was certainly a “[ ere are] more and more people amusing diversion for many. enue Cymru opened its doors Sophie Aldred, Gareth David-Lloyd draw for convention goers, SciFi Wales coming through the door,” he said, Ultimately, it’s important to remem- to hundreds of Sci-Fi lovers and Rosie Jane to Star Wars actors had more to o er. One of the larg- commenting on how much bigger the ber that the convention was for a good this weekend for the third an- John Simpkin, Gloria Garcia and Tina est draws of the con were the traders, convention had gotten since its prior cause, too.  is year, SciFi Wales’s of- Vnual SciFi Wales Convention, run by Simmons, convention attendees were ranging from local cra -shop owner year.  cial charity was the RSPB, and their UK Conventions Ltd. On Saturday able to gain an understanding of what Ann Warren to Frisson Comics, an Speaking of cosplay, it was one of stall got a lot of interest from attend- 2nd September, the convention ran all being part of a blockbuster Sci-Fi pro- indie horror publisher based in Liver- the highlights of the event. With the ees.  e day was great fun for Sci-Fi day, o ering guest speakers, panels, duction was all about. And it wasn’t all pool. Many traders were in there  rst cosplay competition o ering an adult lovers, and o ered a chance for local autographs, photo ops and dozens of actors either: Viz Comic co-founder year at the con, but Graham Jones, prize of £100 (and a separate children’s businesses to gain exposure. SciFi traders to any and all fans who wanted Simon Donald was in attendance, as Commanding O cer of  e Dragon event), many attendees took the op- Wales is expected to return next year to attend. well as illustrator Je Cummins, and Order (a non-pro t cosplay club) has portunity to dress to impress. Con go- to Llandudno.  is year the convention was big- the cast and crew of Whovians and been attending SciFi Wales since its ers were also entertained by several, Dead Air o ered a unique perspective conception. When asked about how well-choreographed wrestling match-  eatre Review: Angels in America by STEPHEN FARR Whilst the AIDS crisis is a thing of not the case with Gar eld’s masterclass characters to life. than the second. A wonderfully cra ed n  rst glances, ‘Angels in the past, ‘Angels in America’ o ers an in overacting. He does grow into Nathan Lane is also incredible as Roy script weaves the lives of di erent America’ seems like it would engaging and relevant commentary the role during Part Two though, Cohn, based on the real-life mentor characters together and creates bursts be di cult to sit through. on racial issues, which still dominate but not before he has made Walter to Donald Trump. He switches from of individual stories.  e second AO gritty eight-hour marathon of a the US political landscape as shown completely detestable. Scottish actor drama to tragedy to comedy with ease, part, ‘Perestroika’ favours style over play set in 1980’s New York at the by the recent Virginia protests. Few James McArdle carries o Louis well, and even manages to convey a sense substance with dream sequences and height of the AIDS crisis during the critics have compared the issues portraying him as likeable at times, of vulnerability from an otherwise special e ects which does nothing to Raegan era of politics doesn’t sound faced by LGBT characters in ‘Angels and obnoxious and repugnant at despicable character. enhance the performance. Indeed, the like it would be an enjoyable a air, in America’ to what is faced by the others. second part could easily be halved in but appearances can be deceptive. gay community today in either the British actress Denise Gough is  e staging was intended to length without inhibiting the plot. Presented in two individual parts, USA and the UK; May’s government a revelation as Harper Pitt though, incorporate cinematic values to Overall though, ‘Angels in America’ the play is led by theatre veteran is socially conservative in name only expertly playing an incredibly complex further engage the audience, so says is an engaging and insightful eight Nathan Lane, Spiderman star Andrew and Reagan’s administration has no character and exploring themes of Marianne Elliott, the Director of hours, expertly discussing issues of Gar eld, and British actor Russell comparison to that of Trump’s in terms gender, religion and mental health. the production. And the staging of sexuality, race, gender and religion. Tovey. Tickets for the National  eatre of hard-line approach to LGBT issues.  e latter of which is especially the play is indeed something is to Whilst the  rst part is superior to the staged production were immediately Russell Tovey and Nathan Lane relevant to the present day. A Mormon, marvelled at. Revolving elements second, the quality remains top-notch. snapped up when they went on sale both shine in their roles as Joe Pitt Harper struggles to come to terms of the stage multiple layered stage,  e play is only let down by a weak back in April. and Roy Cohn respectively, whilst with her husband Joe’s (Russell Tovey) coupled with pyrotechnics create this conclusion and a weak actor, Andrew  ere are two questions to consider relative unknown Nathan Stewart- homosexuality and medicates herself fantastically cinematic feeling.  e Gar eld, in such a prominent role. having watched the full production. Jarrett excels in the role of Belize. to escape into fantasy worlds. Isolated costume department should also be Despite this, the quality of the rest of Firstly, is the extreme length justi ed? Andrew Gar eld is without doubt the from society, she laments “People who applauded for their contribution in the cast and the exemplary staging Secondly, is the play, which was weakest link, playing ‘stereotypically are lonely, people le alone, sit talking creating countless out ts that span elevates the production to being one written in the early 1990’s, still relevant gay’ character Prior Walter; a nonsense to the air”. Gough shares a 900 year period with an amazing envied across the theatrical world with today?  e answer to the former is a character-type that has been bested most of her scenes with Tovey, and the attention to detail. the bittersweet message that “there are resounding yes, the answer to the latter in recent years. An actor with more chemistry between the two is palpable.  ere is no doubt that part one no angels in America”. deserves more consideration however. re nement could have added a degree Both give desperately heart-breaking of the ‘Angels in America’, subtitled of vulnerability to Walter, but this is performances as they bring two tragic ‘Millennium Approaches’ is stronger Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 13 Interview with Tamara Harvey Artistic Director at eatr Clwyd

They’re going great! I’ve worked combination of things that made me play that is ahead of its time? myself! with Jamie Ballard who is playing think ‘I could do that!’. Absolutely. The great playwrights Do you have any words of wis- Vanya and I’ve worked with Martin The production is said to be ‘a portray human emotion and human dom for students at Bangor Uni- I love being part of Turner before who is playing the pro- new version by Peter Gill’. In your experience in a way that is so honest versity pursuing a career within a building that truly fessor. There are others that I haven’t opinion, what makes it ‘new’? that you are astonished when watch- the arts? has the opporunity to worked with and that combination is We started with a literal translation ing that nothing has changed in hun- Read everything, see everything be at the heart of the always really fun because you have a which ends up being gobbledegook. dreds of years. There are a couple of and think outside of the box in terms bit of familiarity but you’ve also got Russian in particular is such a di er- speeches where Astrov (the doctor) of what you see. All of the arts are community a whole di erent group of people. ent language. You need a writer to talks about the way that humans are helpful if you want to get into the One of the joys of being a director is take that gobbledegook and turn it destroying the earth and you think arts. The really important thing is to by FRANCESCA SCIARRILLO  guring out what makes people tick into something that sounds like the ‘wow Chekhov was writing this a keep reminding yourself that it is not heatr Clwyd is viewed by many and how they like to work. In week way people speak. You need some- hundred years ago and we are still a race; give yourself time to  gure to be at the very heart of the three we are really starting to dig one to understand the relationships screwing up the planet!’. out who you are and what you want TMold community and wel- into it; people really know their lines and characters and  nd equivalents What have you enjoyed most to do and the kind of artist you want comes visitors from all over the UK and so you can really explore what’s that will make sense to us of the about becoming part of Theatr to be. It isn’t a race! and much further a eld. Mold is lo- behind the words. metaphors or jokes they use. Peter’s Clwyd’s legacy? cated an hour and a half away from What is it that drew you towards version is true to the original; we are I have been incredibly fortunate Bangor; certainly within travelling Vanya? very de nitely in Russia at the turn of with my casts; it feels like we are all distance for any student wanting to It is a play that I’ve always loved. I the century but there is a freshness in it together. I love being a part of explore North Wales to the fullest as saw a production of it and that pro- to it and a humanity to it. a building that truly has the oppor- Read well as immerse themselves in thea- duction was one of the things that Will the production be a modern tunity to be at the heart of the com- tre, arts and culture. Tamara Harvey made me fall in love with theatre. take on the original drama or will munity. That’s something you don’t everything, has been Artistic Director at Theatr When you see a production that’s re- it take a more historical approach? necessarily get in other places. The see Clwyd since 2015 and very kindly ally extraordinary it almost puts you We are setting it in period but what other thing that makes me feel so chatted with me about her upcom- o directing it for a while because it is so wonderful about this company privileged is the skills that we have. everything ing production of ‘Uncle Vanya’ by feels as though you couldn’t possibly is that they don’t feel bound by that. Everyone is intensely passionate Anton Chekhov (recently adapted do it justice. When I arrived at Clwyd Their playfulness with each other and about what they do and really com- and think by Peter Gill). The show will run from I was talking with Peter Gill about their emotions and desires all feel as mitted to making the most beautiful September 21st until October 14th. an adaptation and he has adapted immediate as if they were dressed in thing they can. That loyalty, pride and outside of Here’s what she had to say: a number of Russian plays but not jeans and a tshirt. dedication is genuinely unsurpassed. How are the rehearsals going for Vanya and Vanya has not been on at Would you describe ‘Uncle Vanya’ That’s the stu that makes me wake the box Uncle Vanya? Clwyd since 1994, so it was perfect to be an example of a Chekhov up in the morning and want to pinch Pontio: A haven for Arts and Culture by CHLOE HEATH guably a way of bridging the gap just how amazing we all are). As well or restaurant… a theatre trip would between the local and student com- as this, we are also blessed with a cin- not be complete without a cocktail ontio is not only a way of get- munity, allowing us to appreciate ema that shows LIVE SCREENINGS of and a lovely bit of grub beforehand. ting from lower to upper Ban- art and theatre, side by side. With a National Theatre productions…we With cocktails less than a  ver, it re- Pgor without crawling up that theatre showing circus shows, Welsh no longer need to travel the distance ally would be an o er that we cannot hill (fresher’s, you have no idea how plays, comedians, and some fantas- to Llandudno to see shows that are refuse. lucky you are that Pontio is open tic shows from independent theatre world renowned. To make it even With Pontio, we are placing our- with a LIFT). With the obvious bene t companies, it allows us to appreciate more exciting, Pontio o ers these selves on the world stage to be able of avoiding a cardiac arrest, we are so all the talent that the local area o ers tickets at a price that won’t injure our to experience some of the  nest arts privileged to be able to absorb our- us. Recently, our talented student little student pockets. and culture, now for the little Welsh selves in all the theatre and culture groups have also been given the ex- The great value for money is also city, this is a big deal. that we could wish for, within crawl- citing opportunity to perform their contributing to the local commu- To keep up to date with the latest ing distance from our halls and hous- own productions in a professional nity. The money we save on tickets events at Pontio, stick with Seren and es. So, what is ‘Pontio’, I hear you ask? theatre setting, allowing them to also means we can certainly justify check out the Pontio website. Enjoy! Pontio; meaning ‘ to bridge’ is ar- gain a wider audience (and showing spending our savings in the bar, café 14 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 MUSIC Fulfilling Festivals? by LIZZY DILLON it alone. As if the festival hadn’t done audience will never forget and that enough, crowds were even blown they will hold fondly in their hearts As usual, this summer was cram away by a surprise appearance from forever. However, the festival on packed with festivals all over the The Queens Of Stone Age, that everyone’s lips this summer was, as country that catered to every music meant the festival not only met, but expected, Glastonbury. Ed Sheeran taste imaginable. But with some exceeded any expectations it had took the country by storm as the particularly impressive line ups upon it. Another festival that did not nation watched him close the festival being announced week after week disappoint was Parklife. Every year, live and on their TVs, accompanied throughout the spring, did the this summer event seems to attract by only his guitar. He demolished festivals live up the high expectations more people from all corners of the the divide between the audience that their audiences undoubtedly country. But with fantastic headliners and himself by encouraging them had? With a set list of over an hour like The 1975, this is unsurprising. to sing along as loudly as they could, and a half, headliner Eminem blew After a fantastic performance, the an o er that they took up happily. No One Expects The Reading and Leeds Festival away with Mancunian band closed the  rst The 80,000 camera phone lights that two outstanding performances that day of the festival with a tribute swayed before him as he sung ‘The were a feast for both the eyes and to the Manchester Arena terror A Team’ also made his performance Spanish the ears. His stage was illuminated attack where they encouraged the even more magical than it already with industrial images that perfectly audience to make as much noise as was. It is safe to say that Ed Sheeran’s accompanied his classic songs and possible, rather than the traditional performance has made him even by ALEX CURNOW place by Taylor Swift. This is a huge remixes of well known tracks that moment of silence. This surprisingly more popular than he already was accomplishment for any song on the everyone could sing along to. Also, moving moment of the weekend will (if such a thing is possible), and that Billboard charts, and only shows how his stage presence was, as always, have undoubtedly made the festival it alone made the festival well worth The UK Charts have never quite loved the Spanish tune really is. The overwhelming, despite him being on one that the predominantly northern the wait. integrated other languages. The last song then seemed to start a trend as, known top ten foreign song was just a few weeks later, J Balvin and the Macarena in 1996 (and we all Willy William’s song ‘Mi Gente’ was know what a hit that was). Yet, this released. The Spanish track soared Thanks For The Memories summer has seen a rise in Spanish to number  ve on the UK Singles in our charts and our shopping Chart, where it has stayed, unmoved This summer’s release of Disney’s old Disney  lms, I started watching his vicious attempts to escape. I carts. Justin Bieber took the world for weeks. This is a dramatic change live action Beauty and the Beast on through them. Memories of my remembered clutching my Ken doll, by storm when he teamed up with for the usually ‘strictly English’ British DVD sent me hurtling back to my primary school days came ooding Eric, to my chest as I watched The Luis Fonza and Daddy Yankee, both charts. Could the Brits be changing childhood. It was by far my favourite back to me during every song. Every Jungle Book with my dad. We sang formidable artists in Puerto Rico, their deep rooted ways, or is this yet Disney animation as a child, but I was time I watched the Lion King I would along with Baloo and the monkeys to remix Despacito for the charts. another example of Bieber’s magic still shocked when the hand of Walt run wildly round my house in search every Saturday. The songs brought The Canadian superstar begins the touch? Either way, it signals a very himself reached into the far corners for my ginger cat as the ‘Circle Of back memories that I could not song in almost perfect Spanish, and exciting change for the UK Singles of my mind and retrieved most of Life’  lled my living room. Once I’d believe I had forgotten and I cannot ultimately led the song to the top Chart that will hopefully lead to a the lyrics to every song. The  lm found him, I would hold him above wait to see what else I remember as of our charts. It sat at the top of the new wave of songs  lling our clubs got me well and truly in the Disney my head by his neck and bottom I continue to re watch my collection. Billboard 100 chart for sixteen weeks, and internet histories in the years to mood. So after digging out all my until the song had  nished, despite only recently being put into second come. The Albums That We Were Waiting For by ADAM PARRY

Lorde - Melodrama Everything Everything Alt-J - Relaxer Harry Styles - Harry Kesha - Rainbow - A Fever Dream Styles

omewhat less of a shock ow this was a summer than their last album Get ith perhaps the most fter a long awaited and esha is back with her new, release that did not STo Heaven, A Fever Dream disappointing album rather surprising  rst single fresh album ‘Rainbow’. disappoint. Lorde stuck to is a comfortable album that can Wof the summer, Alt-J from the One Direction KGone are the days of party N surely do nothing but please have once again shown that they A driven tunes about drugs, alcohol her roots and produced another heart throb, Harry Styles  nally work of art that de nitely lives up an Everything Everything fan. A cannot live up to their outstanding released a self titled album that his and sex. Instead, ‘Rainbow’ is an to its grand title. The chart topper mixture of upbeat, party perfect debut album An Awesome Wave. fans had been craving. An obvious emotionally driven album that ‘Green Light’ will undoubtedly be songs such as ‘Can’t Do’ and ‘Desire’, Although an average album overall, step away from his boy band comments on freedom and self- soon followed by the catchy and and mellow, relaxing ballads like Relaxer fails to provide the bands roots, Harry Styles is a relaxing con dence, probably because of uplifting ‘Supercut’. However the ‘A Fever Dream’ make this album edgy yet relaxing sound that all album with a 1970s rock feel. The the recent struggles and obstacles slower and more dramatic songs an Everything Everything classic. their fans crave. Even the album’s soothing, opening track ‘Meet Me she has faced. The mixture of ‘Writer In The Dark’ and ‘Hard However ‘Run The Numbers’ is a leading singles ‘In Cold Blood’ and In The Hallway’ is reminiscent of slow paced and upbeat songs Feelings/ Loveless’ are perfect fascinating track that is reminiscent ‘3WW’ are forgettable. It sadly ‘Sign Of The Times’, whereas ‘Kiwi’ creates an impressive album and for Lorde’s famous interpretive of their 2015 single ‘Distant Past’. seems that the exciting days of and ‘Only Angel’ are heavier songs an enjoyable atmosphere. Tracks dances. Also, the shorter songs Its unusual sound perhaps marks ‘Left Hand Free’ and ‘Breezeblocks’ that express Styles’ attempts to such as ‘Woman’ and ‘Bastards’ ‘Liability (Reprise)’ and ‘Sober II an exciting yet subtle change in are quickly fading away. Without reinvent himself. I doubt that this project female empowerment, and (Melodrama)’ show that the tracks the band’s sound that we will see a desperately needed come back exciting album will be beaten the tracks ‘Hunt You Down’ and of the album are linked, making in albums to come. from Alt-J in the next few years, this by his former band mates and ‘Spaceship’ both include elements her second album a sensational could certainly be the beginning of it certainly points towards an of country, which is a great and dramatic feast for the ears. the end for a once promising band. exciting future for the ex-pop star. addition to her pop persona. Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 15 MUSIC Guess Who’s Back? How Did It Get So by LIZZY DILLON Misunderstood?

by LIZZY DILLON

Probably the most underrated only conclusion I came to was that album of the summer, Royal Blood’s How Did We Get So Dark simply does How Did We Get So Dark has not have the initial impact that Royal received a huge amount of negative Blood had. When the band were  rst criticism from music critics all over heard on the radio, the sound of George Ezra - Don’t Taylor Swift - Look the country. However after reading just their drums and bass guitar was The Script - Rain several reviews that called the album completely original and extremely Matter Now What You Made Me ‘boring’ and ‘a step down from their exciting; they soon released an Do previous album’, I was shocked when album that had a higher standard I listened to the album and formed than anyone imagined. Therefore, my own, contrasting opinions. The such critical and public excitement eorge Ezra claims that he his unbelievable summer lthough I feel that this opening title track had me instantly would surely be impossible to wrote this highly anticipated release will undoubtedly summer perfect single was hooked as I was thrown into the replicate with a second album that Gsummer single soon after Thave heads turning for a released at the wrong end the release of his debut album A classic Royal Blood sound that I had ‘only’ matched the standard of their long while, as listeners hear that of the season, The Script have hoped to hear. The album’s singles unbeatable debut album. It therefore Wanted On Voyage. However yet another pop princess has returned with a club perfect song ‘Lights Out’ and ‘I Only Lie When seems incredibly unfair that such this seems hard to believe after ‘turned bad’. In a Miley Cyrus like that is an unrecognisable step I Love You’ are certainly not the a talented duo have received such listening to the monotonous track. transformation, Taylor Swift has away from their ‘Man Who Can’t Be album’s only noteworthy tracks, as criticism for once again proving that Although reasonably catchy, this ditched her passive aggressive, Moved’ days. It’s incredibly catchy many critics claimed. In fact I believe ground breaking, heavy rock music disappointing song certainly does light hearted sound for a heavier, chorus  ts in perfectly with the that every track is of the standard to does not require an electric guitar; not reach the standard that Ezra club perfect beat, and savage lyrics current chart topping songs of be released as an individual single, something that I feel is worthy of a set with his 2013 chart topper that leave no room for questioning today, however it is sandwiched and, if such a thing were possible,  ve star rating itself. I also have to ‘Budapest’ as its repetitive melody her usual hurt and aggression. between Danny O’Donoghue’s I’m sure they would be. With each wonder whether Royal Blood’s critics means the impressive vocal range After reaching number one in the famous wrapping that we all know song being as heavy and exciting as were hoping for a disappointing, that we expected from Ezra is UK Singles Chart just days after and love. This single signals a nice the last, the duo’s repetition in their second album and found fault where not present. This unexciting song its release, I have no doubt that change for The Script, and is a concluding song ‘Sleep’ that they it wasn’t. When you consider that unsurprisingly only reached this transformation was a fantastic crowd pleaser that will certainly be ‘don’t want to sleep’ seems highly How Did We Get So Dark reached number 66 in the UK Singles Chart, move for the young artist, and heard all over the country for the appropriate and de nitely leaves Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and sets a worrying tone for his that the single will be the song of next few weeks. their listeners wanting more. After and prompted their  rst, sold out, upcoming album. Fresher’s Week, if not the entire having such a positive reaction, I had world arena tour, it certainly seems  rst, academic term. to question why such an exciting that I am not alone in my opinions, release had faced such professional and that the critics are in fact in a negativity. After listening again to minority. their debut album Royal Blood, the 16 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 MUSIC REVIEW: Green Man Festival

by FINNIAN SHARDLOW

otent usters of emotion are policy last year; it’s always safe to engrained in almost all of my assume that you can rely on the PGreen Man memories. This year, quality of the acts to hold up the the most notable moment wasn’t festival alone. something being said. It wasn’t On Thursday, legendary shoegazers even a song being sung. It was the Ride enlivened their characteristic willowy glint in Julie Byrne’s eye as wall of sound, seizing the audience in she gracefully sat and showered in a hypnotic wave of absorbent guitars the adoration of an ever responsive and lush harmonies. Ride were a Green Man crowd. No bravado. gentle drift into a more animated No disconnect between artist and Friday, which pounced with vivacity audience. Just a collective mutual instantly. W.H. Lung dissipated any pleasure in creativity. That, for me, morning lethargy with their popping is the personi cation of Green Man and grooving post-punk sound. Festival. Later on, Angel Olsen’s raw and The organisers could probably scatty rock ‘n’ roll jive aptly preceded book MC Hammer to headline all a predictably hyperactive headline four nights and still attract a 20,000 performance from the modern strong horde of enthusiastic, gold masters of synth-pop: Future Islands. jumpsuit donning music-lovers to On Saturday, the Walled Garden Glanusk Park. It was another sell-out was densely packed with talent such for Green Man’s 15th birthday bash. as delicate folk singer-songwriter And whilst line-ups may interchange, Charlie Cunningham and the their ticket sales don’t budge. vulnerable but thunderous indie- Fundamentally, it’s stellar acts rock sound of Big Thief. that sell tickets. However, what Saturday’s headliner lacked in compels Green Man’s devoted audience interaction. Nestled behind following to consistently return is Ryan Adams’ thick, dark fringe is a far more profound: It’s the aversion face somewhere. Adams may be to most festivals’ garish emphasis on quiet and discreet, but he’s also moneymaking; it’s the barebones, composed. He let the music talk unbranded approach to almost for him, unleashing a barrage of all facilities; it’s the overwhelming hammering arena rock anthems. sense of comradery which binds our Sunday had no intentions of pulling disparities and allows us to relish live any punches, with political punk music as one festival. These are the rockers Shame instilling a frenzied heartfelt pillars of Green Man. And pit of sweaty head banging in the Far when imbued with the spellbinding Out tent. In the same venue, Sleaford landscape of the Brecon Breacons, Mods engaged crowds with their it’s no surprise that many people – trademark, no-nonsense coalition dubbed ‘settlers’ – opt to pitch up of barked lyrics and rough drum early and stay onsite for a week. samples. “I wondered what kind of crowd Whilst PJ Harvey drew large crowds would turn up at Green Man on a at the Mountain Stage for Green Thursday,” Anna Meredith ironically Man’s  nal birthday hurrah, a real quips to the Far Out tent, evidently coup were Australian out t Methyl astounded at the brimming crowd Ethyl, who sleekly mould together that came to watch her perform so surf-rock and psychadelic pop. early in the festival. It’s yet another Then all that remains is to watch the instance where the Green Man ceremonious burning of the Green festival goer – and their unrelenting Man. One  nal communal farewell, passion for music – is typi ed. submerged in the twinkling embers I heaped praise on the booking of another mesmerising festival. Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 17 MUSIC REVIEW: Festival No. 6

by FINNIAN SHARDLOW

arshot of the phrase: “Well, However, this allows for a peculiar at least it’s not raining” could fragmentation. Ebe heard speckled across There was almost a dual purpose the festival site as murky clouds for attending Festival No. 6. For some frosted over what was to be the  nal it was a music festival; for some a few slithers of blue sky on Friday glori ed camping holiday. Music afternoon. It was almost out of raw didn’t feel like the resounding pulse hope as opposed to any element of the festival like it is for most. It of certainty. It’s understandable, was just there if you wanted it – Festival No. 6 has been battered by along with comedy, cabaret, culture adverse weather conditions before; talks, carnivals and masterclasses. a reiteration of last years ooding Not to mention the more luxurious, is surely unwelcome amongst its upmarket activities like paddle regular attendees. Predictably, boarding, wood  red hot tubs and the forecasted four day tirade of Michelin star dinners at the Hotel downpour hadn’t been thwarted by Portmeirion. As a result, turnout for a poetic last gasp summer revival, a large proportion of artists – with it merely arrived 24 hours late. The the exception of headliners – was bittersweet vista of deluge glistening relatively muted. A dispiriting state through stage lighting was made which left the atmosphere somewhat doubly agonising following a disjointed. glorious urry of sunshine on Regardless, this didn’t hinder the Thursday. Carrot on a stick comes to quality of any performances. And mind. despite not receiving a warranted I’m not haranguing Festival No. 6 for attendance, there was a wealth the uncontrollable force that is British of musical excellence scattered weather – when we’re not enduring throughout the line-up. it, we’re endlessly tiring over its Opening The Grand Pavilion stage every advance. And, in all fairness, on Friday, Klangstof would have No. 6 sta were on hand to aid those been many people’s  rst live act of whose tents had propelled – albeit the festival. A stigmatic slot which in a Mary Poppins fashion – into the the Dutch four-piece scorched with gloomy abyss when gale force winds zipping indie-rock melodies and fumed in the unconventional setting guitar wrenching solos, quelling any of Portmeirion. expectation of mediocrity. Charlotte The word festival evokes scenes Church provided an unashamed pop of muddy  elds and brimming injection. It was hit after hit as the campsites. No. 6 have that. What Welsh singer-songwriter reimagined other festivals don’t have is a a generation of momentous kaleidoscopic, and, often dazing singalong tracks in a zany, soulful Italian village which looks like fashion. Wild Beasts’ honeyed, silky the abstraction of an unhinged synthscape seamlessly soared into caricaturist. Aesthetically, Festival No. Bloc Party’s raucous, jangly rock 6 is unquestionably unique. explosion. However, show stealers An Indian brass band playing were without doubt The Flaming jovially in front of worn, coliseum-like Lips. With dancing eyes, an in atable pillars. Festival goers prancing in a rainbow and singer Wayne Coyne grand crystal blue fountain. Oh, and serenading the audience from the palm trees. Yes, palm trees. In Wales. saddle of a giant LED-decorated Words simply don’t do it justice. The unicorn, the infamous acid-infused place is riddled with an incongruous psych-rockers imparted Festival No. eccentricity. It’s nothing short of 6 with a much craved essence of a tourist hotspot in its own right. personality. 18 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 FASHION CAN A PIECE OF FASHION IGNITE AN EMOTION? es. That is the answer to the front of my eyes had all been worn shook the nation. loss of the man that had worn these question in my opinion. I’m not by the much beloved actors for these I was sad, don’t get me wrong. I was pieces and cemented their place in Ysure that I would have been  lms that were, and still are world fa- upset when I heard that a national history. able to answer that question with mous. treasure had died. I didn’t cry though. Had I asked the question, ‘can such assured con dence if not for an I looked around in awe at the cos- I also didn’t feel as e ected as the a piece of fashion ignite an emo- experience that happened this Sep- tumes that had become so iconic. diehard (no pun intended) Harry tion?’ before I went to the studios, I tember. This is a little story that hap- My little brother dragged me in a Potter fans. However, as I was faced wouldn’t have been positive. How- pened to me whilst we were all away hurry to the potion room. It was with the long, black jacket, fastened ever, I can safely assure you that a for the summer holidays. there that it struck me. Standing in with buttons and a high collar, with piece of fashion can make you feel. It My mother, brother and I visited the the middle of the room was a man- the Hogwarts robe shrugged over doesn’t have to be a famous piece. It Warner Brothers Harry Potter studios nequin dressed in the costume of the top of it, I was rocked with an can be a piece from your childhood in London, Watford and we were be- Severus Snape, the professor played overwhelming sense of grief. I hadn’t that makes you feel nostalgic, or a yond excited. I knew it would be bril- by actor Alan Rickman. Now, unless realised how much an item of cloth- piece that you have bought for the liant. However, I hadn’t anticipated you’ve been living under a rock this ing; a piece of fashion, could bring future that makes you feel excited. the incredible impact that seeing past year and a half, you will know on such a strong wave of emotion. I Next time you are rummaging all of these real life props and sets that Alan Rickman tragically passed felt the devastation hit me all at once. through your draws or a wardrobe, would have on me. The things that away last year. Snape was arguably All from the simple, black pieces that ask yourself; do you feel anything? really struck me were the costumes. Rickman’s most famous and beloved are seen so often and have become Or is it just a piece of fabric? These costumes that were right in character in his career and his death so iconic. I felt heartbroken for the Fashion Trends to Follow this Autumn Ladies Gents: Tights: Tights appear to be a fore- Grey suits: Grey is the new black. At front fashion accessory this coming least, in terms of suits this Autumn. season. They are usually just an after- Grey is the go to colour for suits this thought if you are wearing a skirt or season, which is great. Black is always a dress and your legs feel a little cold, usually the go to colour but why not or let’s be honest here girls, if you for- mix it up a little this season? It’s a light got to shave your legs the night be- enough colour which doesn’t seem fore and need a quick cover up. How- too cold and corporate, which allows ever, tights this season seems to be for the suit to look a little more styl- one of the main features of the out t, ish. It’s di erent and just like black, it whether it be those high school look goes with pretty much any colour. alikes or ones with a fancy pattern; Roll necks: Otherwise known in the tights are going to be in for this com- UK as ‘turtlenecks’. This is both a styl- ing season. ish and practical out t choice. Most Slogans Tee’s: Let’s be honest, do say about their fashion choices, ‘no these ever really go out of fashion? pain, no gain’. However, this style of Whether you are popping into Pri- top or jumper is very practical and mark or New Look, you will always will be able to keep you warm with- be able to  nd at least half a dozen out having to wear a scarf. This is also T-shirts with an inspirational quote a look I think looks great on men. It on them. However, it seems that Au- looks smart and casual at the same tumn 2017 will be taking this fashion time. A fun wintery substitute for a trend to the max. It’s always popular, shirt. so why not? Silk shirts: The person who comes Huge bags: This summer it seems if to mind immediately when think- you wanted a bag big enough to  t ing of silk shirts, is Bruno Mars. Of more than your purse in it, you were course, the pop singer is known to out of luck. It seemed it was tiny bag be incredibly fashionable with his season, which is  ne because every- clothing choices, so it couldn’t hurt one loves hands free, especially in to be mimicking him and his fashion the clubs. However, big bag lovers, choices. This fashion accessory is it would seem your luck is about to one that re ects personality I think. Who Wore it Better? Tobey Maguire: This is a very young, Andrew Gar eld: The suit looks (al- Winner: Andrew Gar eld: Some- change. Big bags seem to be all the They aren’t that common and they very baby faced Tobey Maguire when though it was speci cally designed times it is di cult when analysing rage, the bigger the better it would don’t suit everyone, as is the case he played the role of Spiderman from for Gar eld) in comparison to Magu- the fashion of  lm to separate the seem. So if you’re a big bag fan, pop with a lot of fashion. If they do suit 2002 - 2007. To be honest, Maguire ire’s one size  ts all look. The suit is character and the clothing that they out and have a look around, they you however, get out and rock it this looks to be too young for the suit. I more attering in the right areas and wear. I have a personal preference of seem to be back in. season, as you will be in trend with know that is ironic considering we hugs the actor’s body, giving him a Andrew Gar eld over Tobey Maguire the fashion world. have most recently seen Tom Hol- more muscular superhero type look as Spiderman. Yes Maguire is a clas- land play Spiderman in Spiderman to him. The suit looks to be like a sic but personally I prefer Gar eld. homecoming. However, something second skin in this adaptation of the Therefore, I have to be careful to about Maguire’s head and his body suit and it looks to be less obvious to make sure that the costume is get- seems to be out of sorts here. He the actor that it is what he is wearing. ting properly analysed and I’m not was the  rst Spiderman and that is There appears to be a slight pu to just using it based on my preferred something that can never be taken the chest but it is not as dominant as actor. However, Gar eld just looks away from him. However, being the the one Tobey Maguire is wearing. more natural in the clothing and is  rst often means that the actor is the The suit is much more modern due wearing the piece just as easy as if guinea pig for the costume and a lot to the advancements in technology it were a hoodie and jeans. Maguire of alterations will be made. It can that have become avaible to us. Of seems to look so much more aware often mean that they are seen to be course, that happens regular, espe- of what he is wearing and therefore, the worst. The suit is iconic. However, cially after the hiatus between Magu- the suit doesn’t seem to look as natu- Maguire doesn’t look particularly ire and Gar elds  lms. ral to the character. comfortable in the suit which almost makes him look out of place. Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 19 LIFESTYLE FRESHERS GUIDE TO BUDGETING IN YOUR FIRST SEMESTER tarting university is both daunt- actually, you couldn’t eat it all before treats here and there. ing and exciting! With so many it went out of date. Why not make Sthings happening at once, such dinner as a at to ensure all the ex- Entertainment as freshers, meeting your new at cess food gets put to good use? It’s At start of the semester, you  nd mates and buying your essentials. I also a great way to socialise with yourself throwing yourself into as am sure it crosses many a student’s your new friends! Being savvy from many social situations as you can mind; how will I a ord the lifestyle I the start will save you money in the and, whilst it sounds expensive, it want? I know from experience that long run and who knows, you might doesn’t have to be! Whether you en- the  rst semester can be one of the even be the next Gordon Ramsey by joy going out or whether you prefer most expensive. But, with these sim- the end of the semester. quieter nights in, both can be inex- ple tips to guide you, hopefully you’ll Want and Need pensive ways of making the most be eating more than dry corn akes When starting university with a out of your  rst few weeks. Whilst for dinner in second semester! student loan, it can be easy to fall Academi can be appealing 5 nights a Food Shopping into that dark hole we call online week, why not have a  lm night with As exciting as the prospect is that shopping. Everything is suddenly your atmates or take part in the pub you get to do your own food shop, calling your name and you  nd your- quiz on a Sunday? Allocating yourself demonstrating self-control against self impulse buying the same jumper nights to spend that little bit extra or that Ben and Jerry’s or 8 pack of Coke in 3 di erent colours. Writing a list of stay on the cheap side will ensure will ensure you start the year right. what you want and what you need you can do all that you want in the After shopping for enough food for a allows you to see what you should busy  rst few weeks. family of four, you soon realise that, be budgeting for and maybe a few

Nightlife Tips 10 Cheap and Cheerful meals Pasta Bake- An easy dinner that things you hope you have in the have to be a last resort meal. Try keeps you fed all week. A versa- kitchen. With so many recipes and leftover chilli or cheap cheese and tile meal that allows you to add (or avours, it’s a tough choice to make! beans. not add) any protein or veg of your Making a large batch and freezing Spaghetti Bolognaise- Another for Freshers choice to push it even further. It also some ensures that you always have favourite meal using mince, a versa- works as an e ective group meal, so soup when you least expect you’ll tile meat than can be bought in bulk get all your new friends and take a need it! and separated to create a selection seat! Risotto- Not your average student of wholesome meals. Add as much Stir Fry- Another cheap but quick go-to meal, but it is surprisingly easy or as little veg to the sauce and it can the walk home. Everyone has their meal that can be made in just min- and cheap to make. By simply adding also be frozen for another time. preference, that perfect takeaway utes. A simple meal for one or a stock, veg and with or without meat, Stew- Another winter warmer that food that will stave o tomorrow’s group! Add as much or as little of it makes a tasty and  lling meal. allows you to add your choice of hangover. So remembering a couple meat and crunchy veg, just how you Chilli- This meal can be made with meat and veg. Packs of pre-cut veg of quid to buy it with is a must. like it. or without meat and as spicy as you can be found in most supermarkets Stay with friends: Fajitas- A  rm favourite among like! Items used to make chilli can and are inexpensive ways to ensure Despite the fact that it is liter- many that keeps you full for the be easily stored in the cupboard for you are using everything up. ally tiny, Bangor will be a brand busy night ahead! Veggie fajitas are whenever you fancy. Nothing like a new place for hundreds of you this a particularly inexpensive meal and Mexican heatwave to make winter September, which means that you can be made for as little as a pound bearable. won’t be completely familiar with it a serving (adding meat slightly in- Pitta Pizza- Pitta breads come in right away. Stick with a group of your creases this). at around 50p a pack (dependant Don’t wear heels: atmates/course mates living in the Soup- Although it’s not the most on what supermarket you shop at) They might be the most adorable same area/your peer guide, so you exciting meal on the list, it sure is al- and by simply adding tomato puree, heels you’ve ever purchased, but I can  nd your way home safely. most everyone’s comfort food. When cheese and toppings of your choice, promise you, you will rue the day Buy club tickets: the at is cold or the winter sni es you have a healthy pizza alternative. you saw them when you attempt This is a tip you should carry are making their way through the Jacket Potato- With an abundance to trot down Bitch Hill in them. I’ve through the whole of your university building, soup will be one of the of  llings, a jacket potato doesn’t seen many an evening ruined by un- life: buy tickets for whichever club comfortable heels in towns and cit- you’re going to. They’re usually at a ies that are at, so imagine what hell cheaper rate than that which you’d awaits your poor little feet as you pay on the door, plus it means quick- stumble down to Academi. er (or even guaranteed) entry to the How to Make Your Room a Home Head down to the club early: club. A de nite must on AU night Bangor is tiny, incase you were una- (Wednesday/Academi) and S.O.S our new room might not be the most attractive lows and cushions. Invite your besties round to have a ware, and so the choice of clubs is (Saturday/Academi) nor spacious living space for the year, but there  lm night and use the pillows to double up as a sofa bed. limited. Academi is the university’s Expect to wait ages for a drink: Yare plenty of ways to enhance what you’ve got and You’ll  nd shops such as Ikea, Dunelm and Asda  lled very own nightclub, and best place It’s freshers, the world and his dog to put your own stamp on your new digs. A  rm favour- with a range of colourful yet cosy items to spruce up your for a Freshers’ night out; but be- have descended upon Academi and ite among new students is posters and pictures galore. new room. ware of the queue. There have been are all gagging for a double vodka Hang polaroid style pictures on string and pegs to make queues backing all the way up to red bull. Be wise and buy a couple your room look chic. Posters of your favourite band, pro- Bitch Hill in previous years, and many of drinks every time you get served, gramme or game make your room look homelier, but can a fresher has been turned away with- otherwise you’ll spend the entirety also be a conversation starter between you and your new out a hope of getting inside. My ad- of your time in the club sobering up atmates. vice would be to get to academi for in the queue for the bar. Light it up! Fairy lights are always a uni room staple and about 10pm, and hope you get in, Remember that last entry for create a chilled and cosy atmosphere. Hang them from or just follow the advice of your Peer Academi is 1am: walls, around your bed or from shelves for an inexpen- Guide; they know best. I can’t speak for Peep – sorry, Cube, sive mellow glow when you’re up all-night studying. Save money for food at the end but the last entry for Academi is 1am. There’s nothing like snuggling up with a hot beverage of the night: Why, I hear you ask? I have no idea. and catching up on Net ix after a long day at uni. What Some might say that the best part Sorry. better way to make it cosier than an abundance of soft of a night out are the cheesy chips on furnishings. Nothing says comfortable like a stack of pil- HALLS WORKING WITH YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE OFFICE BEST ACCOMMODATION AT BANGOR WWW.BANGOR.AC.UK/BOOKAROOM STAY SAV VY! STAY WITH BANGOR UNI! With a dedicated team of staff committed to putting your accommodation needs first, be it helping you search for the best private accommodation or finding the right hall for you, getting your next place to live through the university is the smart move!

UNIVERSITY HALLS STUDENT HOUSING All-inclusive living – no surprise bills! Impartial advice and support Live with friends and choose Extensive choice of properties your own rooms All our landlords have committed to 24/7 service and pastoral support our Conditions WWW.BANGOR.AC.UK/BOOKAROOM WWW.BANGORSTUDENTPAD.CO.UK

22 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 SOCIETIES

SERENDIPITYSo, you’re  nally here! You’ve settled into halls, had your  rst at party and experienced your  rst cheese night in Academi. PREVIEW Whle it’s great to get on with the people you live with (and many of Bangors alumni will agree with my next point), it’s well worth joining a couple of societies to widen your social circle and Bangor has no shortage of societies to join. Whether you like mountain walking, Sci- , anime, comic books, drinking tea, or even if you fancy joing your favourite student newspaper, there is literally something for everybody. They are all free to join too so what’s stopping you? So allow me to take you on a tour of just a few of the societies that Bangor has to o er... Bangor Animation at the next  ursday viewing. During Lovers and Watchers our welcome week ,which will be the week following serendipity, you can Hello students new and old. We are expect a small PowerPoint presenta- the Bangor Animation Watchers and tion while we introduce everyone to Lovers society or BAWLS for short. this year’s committee as well as going We are a society that meet up on a over the rules for the rooms we use  ursday evening to watch animated and the actual society before we jump movies or shows.  ese will consist into our  rst viewing of the year.  ere of one eastern and one western show is more to our society than just these each week.  e themes of each week weekly viewing however, we also have is chosen by the societies committee. a few social events, whether they be  en a poll is put up on the society Fa- cinema trips for certain releases, pub cebook with some options for both an crawls with fun games to go with them eastern poll and a western poll. Every- and crossovers with other societies. one who is part of the society can vote We also have our staple wales Comi- on the Facebook page and add their con trip in April which many people own options.  is is where most of the look forward to every year. We very student involvement comes into place. much look forward to meeting all  e top choice for each poll is shown those who wish to join our society and hope you all enjoy your fresher’s week.

Bangor University throughout the year, in and around Bangor LGBT+ Concert Band the local area these include our joint Christmas and Spring concerts with  e Bangor LGBT+ society is one Do you play a wind, brass or percus- Bangor University Brass Band.  is sion instrument? Concert Band could of importance within the commu- year we’re also very excited to be com- nity. Our society has largely grown be the band for you! We’re looking peting at the National Concert Band for musicians of all abilities and from throughout the years and has devel- Festival in November. oped into something great. We have a all subject areas to join our band. Don’t have an instrument? We have a Whether you’ve played for years, you’d range of events that happen through- number of di erent instruments avail- ery resulting in, hopefully, an enjoy- like the chance to play your second/ out the year, with some events run- Bangor University able to lend out to our members. Drop able experience for all members. Last third instrument or even if you’ve just ning on a weekly basis such as a pub String Orchestra us a message or an email if you’re in- year’s highlights included two fantastic picked up an instrument for the  rst quiz and LGBTea. Events can vary terested! concerts, which were both streamed time, we’ll be sure to  nd a place for and can be chosen by those within the Bangor University String Orchestra We’ll be at Serendipity in Fresher’s and published on our facebook page you. We have spaces in all sections and committee. Come  nd us in serendip- is one of the universities freshest en- Week so if you’d like to know more for your viewing pleasure, featuring hope to see as many new faces as pos- ity and we will be happy to tell you sembles. We play an eclectic selection about our taster rehearsal or the band music by Elgar, Gershwin and Corelli sible this year! all about our society and who we are. of the string orchestra repertoire rang- itself, or to chat to some of our com- and a second appearance in the annual If you’d like to give us a try our taster  roughout fresher’s week we will be ing from music from the world of tel- mittee members we’d love to see you School of Music Gala concert.  is rehearsal is on Sunday 24th Septem- running events that are open to eve- evision and  lm to the  nest works of there! year we are particularly featuring the ber at 4:30pm in Mathias Hall (School rybody; there will be a movie night the baroque masters. One of our key If you have any questions feel free to music of Joe Hisaishi from the Studio of Music) followed by a free bu et! (with 3 movies chosen by you! Go on philosophies as a society is inclusive- drop us a message via email: Ghibli anime  lms including Spirited Yes, that’s right, free food! If you can’t the Bangor LGBT+ page where there ness and we encourage anyone that has [email protected] Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Cas- make it to the taster rehearsal but will be a poll with movies for you to ever picked up a violin, viola, cello or Or via social media: tle in the Sky. We meet every Sunday still want to come along, our weekly choose from), a quiz and a pub crawl double bass to come and give our soci- Facebook: @BangorUniConcert- in Powis Hall or the School of Music at rehearsals are on Sunday a ernoons going on during freshers week and we ety a go. We pride the orchestra on its Band Twitter: @BUconcertband Snap- 2pm and are this year being conducted from 4.30-6.30pm usually in PJ Hall. invite everyone to come along and be- ability to bring the best out of players chat: buconcertband by our past-leader Alice Teulon and We perform in concerts and events come a part of our society. of any skill level and its atmosphere of support, encouragement and comrad- our chairperson is Zachary Reading. Bangor History and  ght as part of a shield wall. ment with CADW to o er volunteer- Arcaeology Society Academically the society is closely ing opportunities for society members Bangor University In Fresher’s Week we are o ering a associated with the school of Welsh and also to use BUHAS reenactors at Jazz Band taster session, so if you’re interested, Bangor’s History and Archaeology History, History, and Archaeology. We their events. We hope to run a trip come along to Serendipity (the Fresh- Society is a diverse and wide ranging host guest lectures from those estab- abroad to Budapest at the end of the We are a student lead society that er’s Fair for clubs and societies) where society that is open to all students no lished in the  eld and run regular trips academic year and to get as many perform regularly in society events you can see what we have to o er, sign matter the course of study. Our cur- to historic sites and a trip to the Jorvik members to the Jorvik Festival as pos- and in local venues in the Bangor area. up and start making more friends! rent members range from Ocean Sci- Festival in York. sible. We welcome all abilities and no expe- We have a weekly rehearsal in the ence students to Forestry. In previous years the society has At the end of the academic year rience is necessary! Music Hall every Saturday from BUHAS is far more than just an aca- even run trips abroad, in 2016 BU- BUHAS will host the Valhalla Tour- No audition is necessary, just turn 4-6pm and our  rst taster session is on demic society, one of our main activi- HAS ran a trip to Prague, something nament in which other re-enactment up with your instrument and we will Saturday 23rd September so we hope ties is Viking and Saxon re-enactment we hope to do again this year. societies from di erent universities  nd a place for you everyone is wel- to see you there! and we train twice a week on Wednes-  e society has links to Gwynedd will battle out to see which is best. It is come. We believe jazz music is fun and ex- days and Saturdays at 1pm at the stone Archaeological Trust who o er vol- the  rst of its kind and we are excited We have regular social events; these citing and we want to use it to bring circle. As part of re-enactment, mem- unteering opportunities for members that it is  nding its roots at Bangor can be anything from  lm nights to people together to make fantastic mu- bers have the opportunity to take part and o er them experience as to what University! trips out to see local jazz gigs provided sic! in national shows, such as the Jorvik it is really like to work in the  eld of Feel free to contact the president by North Wales Jazz, so keep an eye Festival in York with the national Archaeology. Lauren Lewsley for further informa- out for what socials we have planned Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! groups. Our training o cers will tion [email protected] and  nd us this year! Bangor University Jazz Band teach new members how to  ght with What does 2017/18 hold? New for on Facebook Bangor University His- spear, axe and sword, as well as how to this year we have negotiated an agree- tory and Archaeology Society. 22 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 23 SOCIETIES SOCIETIES HOGSoc

HOGSoc runs a student-led B.E.D.S. ditional English plays but in the past community garden in the heart of  e Bangor English Dramatic So- year alone have produced everything Upper Bangor. In 2010 we started ciety (BEDS) aims to allow students, from Tennessee William’s A Streetcar SERENDIPITYSo, you’re  nally here! You’ve settled into halls, had your  rst at party and experienced your  rst cheese night in Academi. PREVIEW Whle it’s great to get on with the people you live with (and many of Bangors transforming a quarter of a hectare alongside the wider community, to Named Desire, to Siwan, to a very ex- alumni will agree with my next point), it’s well worth joining a couple of societies to widen your social circle and Bangor has no shortage of societies to join. Whether you like mountain walking, Sci- , of disused University land into a create theatrical art to inspire and perimental take on Shakespeare’s Ro- anime, comic books, drinking tea, or even if you fancy joing your favourite student newspaper, there is literally something for everybody. They are all free to join too so what’s stopping you? So allow productive, beautiful and biodiverse empower themselves and others. meo and Juliet as well as opportunity me to take you on a tour of just a few of the societies that Bangor has to o er... garden. Currently one of the largest award to perform self-written pieces. We take pride in creating qual- at the next  ursday viewing. During  e garden features raised beds, winning companies in North Wales, Bangor Animation perennial beds, cold frames, living we provide a multitude of oppor- ity theatre to challenge professional Lovers and Watchers our welcome week ,which will be the productions making us an ideal soci- week following serendipity, you can willow dome, a selection of welsh tunities across all of the disciplines heritage fruit trees and our beloved involved in theatre production, to ety for those who wish to pursue this Hello students new and old. We are expect a small PowerPoint presenta- professionally and would like to gain tion while we introduce everyone to shed. All of which needs our tender name a few: acting, directing, tech, the Bangor Animation Watchers and loving care and attention in order to stagecra , stage writing and show more practical experience. Lovers society or BAWLS for short. this year’s committee as well as going Another crucial aside is the per- over the rules for the rooms we use  ourish! publicity, along with our strong links We are a society that meet up on a HOGSoc is open to students each with the Film Society we can also of- sonal side of BEDS. Despite our size  ursday evening to watch animated and the actual society before we jump we are a very sociable company who into our  rst viewing of the year.  ere Sunday running work parties 1-4pm. fer you opportunities to get involved movies or shows.  ese will consist It’s a great place to meet new people, with  lm providing you with audition alongside learning and creating to- of one eastern and one western show is more to our society than just these gether we prefer nothing more than a weekly viewing however, we also have learn new skills and relax a er a information. We allow our members each week.  e themes of each week https://www.facebook.com/groups/ good chin-wag in a pub with a pint a few social events, whether they be stressful week. We also have many to explore this art form through our is chosen by the societies committee. hogsoc/ in hand, or heading on a night out or cinema trips for certain releases, pub socials including BBQ’s, Film nights, Bangor Tea Time six main semester shows per year,  en a poll is put up on the society Fa- Our  rst o cial work party is even just going to chill at a beach. crawls with fun games to go with them Pub trips and fun days out! Society alongside a multitude of side projects, cebook with some options for both an Sunday 24th September at our We would like the opportunity to and crossovers with other societies. To  nd out more, ask any questions “When life gets you down, or which has been known to include the eastern poll and a western poll. Every- beautiful garden, next to St James’s welcome you into our company and We also have our staple wales Comi- and to keep up-to-date, join our stress consumes your poor world- Edinburgh Fringe Festival. one who is part of the society can vote Church on Ffriddoedd Road. we look forward to meeting you soon. con trip in April which many people Facebook page: weary psyche, there’s a place where Despite what the name would sug- on the Facebook page and add their Hope to see you there! you can come for a friendly tea gest we do not limit ourselves to tra- Find us at Serendipity for more de- own options.  is is where most of the look forward to every year. We very tails on how to get involved. much look forward to meeting all Social Sciences Society break – your own Bangor Univer- student involvement comes into place. sity Tea Time Society. Whether  e top choice for each poll is shown those who wish to join our society and  e Social Sciences Society is an ac- a Christmas celebration and to de- hope you all enjoy your fresher’s week. ademic society established within the stress from assignments. you’re in need of some time away School of Social Sciences, but open to Academic activities will include from the chaos that can be student The Afro- Caribbean Society all students on any course. Our aims regular study sessions to encour- life, or just a brief respite from your Culture is a basic need! A commu- treatment in Africa. Do you foresee a are to bring people together; to cre- age individual or group revision in hectic day where you can socialise nity thrives through its cultural herit- boring academic year? Come join us ate a strong relationship between stu- a relaxed environment where other with a cuppa, we at Tea Time feel age, it dies without it!  e Afro-Car- and let’s spice it up for you. You don’t dents and sta and to ensure students students will be present to answer your pain and want to give you an ibbean society (Bangor) is a body of need to be African or Caribbean - can get involved in activities which questions. In addition, we plan to hour or two of tea, biscuits and cake like-minded individuals that seeks to just have an interest in the culture may bene t their university life. invite guest speakers in throughout where you can put your feet up. And preserve, promote and celebrate the and you’re welcome to join! Register Our big event this year is our trip the year to deliver presentations on it’s not just a weekly a ernoon ses- African and Caribbean culture and with us at the serendipity or add us to Barcelona, organised alongside their academic work or their careers, sion of tea and cake, we’ve got our heritage.  e members of the society up on our Facebook page @Bangor members of sta . We will be visiting to bene t the studies and personal frabjous Alice In Wonderland Tea are uni ed and enriched culturally, University Afro-Caribbean Society several of the city’s landmarks, such interests of all students. We have also Party in October, and we’re hav- socially and professionally through and come to our meetings! We have as Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and attended Crimiknowledge conference ing some pretty spectacular shared a range of fantastic events across the something for everyone! Monjuic cable car, whilst also linking in the past and hope to continue this events with other societies (because year.  e events include career,  nan- Upcoming Events Bangor University throughout the year, in and around Bangor LGBT+ we’re everyone’s best pals) through- cial and academic workshops, talent 1st October 2017 – Inter-cultural the local area these include our joint the visit to Social Sciences by visiting trip as it allows students to hear from Concert Band a homeless shelter and a soup kitchen. a variety of people discussing a di- out this year! We’ll be going to the exhibitions, lively cook outs, fash- Night and Welcome Party for New Christmas and Spring concerts with  e Bangor LGBT+ society is one Sea Zoo in Anglesey, touring the ion shows, and bus trips to historic Students. (Come socialise with old Do you play a wind, brass or percus- Bangor University Brass Band.  is Other activities we plan to organise verse range of topics relating to Social sion instrument? Concert Band could of importance within the commu- include trips to the surrounding areas Sciences. Students can get involved many cafes of Bangor and let’s not places. & new students and enjoy delicious year we’re also very excited to be com- nity. Our society has largely grown forget drinking all the tea we can get We are also an award winning inter- Afro-Caribbean foods). be the band for you! We’re looking peting at the National Concert Band of Bangor, such as Beaumaris Gaol, in any events as much or as little as for musicians of all abilities and from throughout the years and has devel- local castles and Snowdonia so that they like. our tea-loving mitts on. Feel free to national society – twice International 1st – 30th October 2017 – Black Festival in November. oped into something great. We have a just drop in, we’d love the company, Society of the Year 2013 & 2015 and History Month Celebration (High all subject areas to join our band. Don’t have an instrument? We have a students have a chance to explore We will have a table at Serendipity, Whether you’ve played for years, you’d range of events that happen through- North Wales during their time here. but please join our Facebook page – and what’s more there’s a mug of currently won the Award for the best street dancing & drumming, Trips to number of di erent instruments avail- ery resulting in, hopefully, an enjoy- like the chance to play your second/ out the year, with some events run- Bangor University We have also begun planning a Win- Social Sciences Society – to  nd out tea, a myriad of di erent biscuits in Achievement of the year 2017 in col- Liverpool, Cardi and North Wales, able to lend out to our members. Drop able experience for all members. Last third instrument or even if you’ve just ning on a weekly basis such as a pub String Orchestra ter Ball to bring students together for more! vast quantities and (if the universe laboration with Mona-Peters Foun- and lots more. us a message or an email if you’re in- quiz and LGBTea. Events can vary year’s highlights included two fantastic smiles upon us) some lovely home- dation that supports breast cancer picked up an instrument for the  rst terested! and can be chosen by those within the Bangor University String Orchestra concerts, which were both streamed Bangor Writers Guild made cake waiting for you. Join our time, we’ll be sure to  nd a place for We’ll be at Serendipity in Fresher’s committee. Come  nd us in serendip- is one of the universities freshest en- and published on our facebook page happy tea friends and sign up online you. We have spaces in all sections and Week so if you’d like to know more Writers’ Guild is a society for all, skill or passion that you want to share ity and we will be happy to tell you sembles. We play an eclectic selection for your viewing pleasure, featuring with the SU, or just come along to Bangor Brass Band hope to see as many new faces as pos- about our taster rehearsal or the band whether you love creating amazing with the group, we can arrange that all about our society and who we are. of the string orchestra repertoire rang- music by Elgar, Gershwin and Corelli the meetings, we’re always happy to Bangor craft society Society sible this year! itself, or to chat to some of our com- fantasy worlds, pouring your heart too.  roughout fresher’s week we will be ing from music from the world of tel- and a second appearance in the annual give you a warm mug of comforting If you’d like to give us a try our taster mittee members we’d love to see you into gritty personal poetry, challeng-  is year, we also have the added running events that are open to eve- evision and  lm to the  nest works of School of Music Gala concert.  is leaf water and a biscuit! So, would  e Bangor Cra Society are a We are Bangor University’s Brass rehearsal is on Sunday 24th Septem- there! ing people’s perceptions with im- bonus of a Social Secretary, who rybody; there will be a movie night the baroque masters. One of our key year we are particularly featuring the you kindly pop in to a Tea-Time so- group who love to make and provide Band, also known as BUBB. We ber at 4:30pm in Mathias Hall (School If you have any questions feel free to mersive scripts/screenplays, or even will ensure that we are having just as (with 3 movies chosen by you! Go on philosophies as a society is inclusive- music of Joe Hisaishi from the Studio ciety meeting? Come down on any di erent types of cra s opportuni- welcome those who play brass and of Music) followed by a free bu et! drop us a message via email: if you’re not sure what you want to much fun as we are writing! A mix- the Bangor LGBT+ page where there ness and we encourage anyone that has Ghibli anime  lms including Spirited Wednesday at 12-2 if you want to ties. Workshops vary week to week percussion instruments to join Yes, that’s right, free food! If you can’t [email protected] write, we aim to provide an open, in- ture of drinking and sober socials will be a poll with movies for you to ever picked up a violin, viola, cello or Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Cas- kick back and relax with a friendly from Knitting, Sewing, Jewellery us for our weekly rehearsals and make it to the taster rehearsal but Or via social media: clusive environment to bring out the will be arranged throughout the year, choose from), a quiz and a pub crawl double bass to come and give our soci- tle in the Sky. We meet every Sunday cuppa char!” Making, Painting, Up-cycling and our regular concerts and events still want to come along, our weekly Facebook: @BangorUniConcert- best writer within everyone. to allow members to get to know one going on during freshers week and we ety a go. We pride the orchestra on its in Powis Hall or the School of Music at many more. We also have socials throughout the year. We welcome rehearsals are on Sunday a ernoons Band Twitter: @BUconcertband Snap- Our sessions are greatly varied to another beyond their work. The Comic Book invite everyone to come along and be- ability to bring the best out of players 2pm and are this year being conducted and fundraising opportunities for all those of all abilities, whether they from 4.30-6.30pm usually in PJ Hall. chat: buconcertband meet the needs and of the individuals Our  rst two taster sessions will be Society come a part of our society. of any skill level and its atmosphere of by our past-leader Alice Teulon and to join. We have regular workshops have just picked up an instrument, We perform in concerts and events that make up our members.  ere’s on  ursday the 21st of September support, encouragement and comrad- our chairperson is Zachary Reading. every Tuesday starting at 6 pm in the or have played in brass bands all no pressure to attend each and every and  ursday the 28th of Septem-  is is a society all about shar- Teaching Room 1 in the Wheldon.  ght as part of a shield wall. ment with CADW to o er volunteer- their life, and our events try to cater Bangor History and session, as an outline of what will be ber. We will be meeting in the Main ing, reading and discussing comic Everyone is welcome to join.  ere Academically the society is closely ing opportunities for society members In Fresher’s Week we are o ering a to this range of abilities. As well as Arcaeology Society Bangor University covered will be posted ahead of time Arts Foyer from 6:30pm onwards. books, whether you have a vast col- is no experience need, and every- associated with the school of Welsh and also to use BUHAS reenactors at taster session, so if you’re interested, our weekly rehearsals, we regularly Jazz Band in our Facebook group and on our You’ll be able to spot us by our signs, lection yourself or want to get into body is welcome to participate and History, History, and Archaeology. We their events. We hope to run a trip come along to Serendipity (the Fresh- play in the community, whether it Bangor’s History and Archaeology likeable Facebook page, so you can so don’t worry! If you have any ad- collecting. So come on down and join in the fun!!  e BCS is relaxed host guest lectures from those estab- abroad to Budapest at the end of the er’s Fair for clubs and societies) where be playing carols at the cathedral, or Society is a diverse and wide ranging We are a student lead society that see if what we’re going to be cover- ditional questions, you can join our you can read the collection of com- and easy-going society to enjoy lished in the  eld and run regular trips academic year and to get as many you can see what we have to o er, sign marching down Bangor High Street, society that is open to all students no perform regularly in society events ing that week will appeal to you. We Facebook group by searching ‘Ban- ics we have and get clued up on all cra -making! and the highlight of our year is matter the course of study. Our cur- to historic sites and a trip to the Jorvik members to the Jorvik Festival as pos- and in local venues in the Bangor area. up and start making more friends! will also be holding regular polls and gor Writers’ Guild’ – or you can email your comic related trivia. We meet Festival in York. sible. We have a weekly rehearsal in the UniBrass, the inter-university brass rent members range from Ocean Sci- We welcome all abilities and no expe- discussions to get feedback on what [email protected]. We on a  ursday between 6 and 8 in band competition held every Febru- ence students to Forestry. In previous years the society has At the end of the academic year rience is necessary! Music Hall every Saturday from sessions you enjoyed and what you hope to see you at a taster session the Academi building and would even run trips abroad, in 2016 BU- BUHAS will host the Valhalla Tour- 4-6pm and our  rst taster session is on ary.  is year, the band also would BUHAS is far more than just an aca- No audition is necessary, just turn would like to see more of. Addition- soon! love to see you there! like to run a series of workshops demic society, one of our main activi- HAS ran a trip to Prague, something nament in which other re-enactment up with your instrument and we will Saturday 23rd September so we hope ally, if you have a particular writing we hope to do again this year. societies from di erent universities to see you there! with local musicians, and there are ties is Viking and Saxon re-enactment  nd a place for you everyone is wel- games such as Mario party games to kinds of game from the mainstream such as mystery games. BUGL is a other exciting opportunities in the and we train twice a week on Wednes-  e society has links to Gwynedd will battle out to see which is best. It is come. We believe jazz music is fun and ex- Bangor Gaming Archaeological Trust who o er vol- the  rst of its kind and we are excited citing and we want to use it to bring Society competitive games such as League of games to indie games such as Nid- place of gathering for game enthusi- pipeline. days and Saturdays at 1pm at the stone We have regular social events; these Legends and Overwatch. BUGL also hogg or Lethal League which we have asts who just want to unwind a er the If you are interested we would love circle. As part of re-enactment, mem- unteering opportunities for members that it is  nding its roots at Bangor can be anything from  lm nights to people together to make fantastic mu- and o er them experience as to what University! sic! BUGL or Bangor University Gam- competes with  e NUEL (National won for 3 years now. Another aspect stress of University and such. BUGL to see you at our taster rehearsal bers have the opportunity to take part trips out to see local jazz gigs provided University eSports League) where we of BUGL are the events. Every year occurs every Wednesday 4pm till 7pm on Wednesday 27th September in in national shows, such as the Jorvik it is really like to work in the  eld of Feel free to contact the president by North Wales Jazz, so keep an eye ing League is a society made up of Archaeology. Lauren Lewsley for further informa- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! people who like videogames where we compete against other Universities we do themed events for occasions and Sunday 2pm till 5pm on the Stu- Powis Hall 6-8pm, or drop us a mes- Festival in York with the national out for what socials we have planned online. Another is that every year for such as Halloween and also a gaming dent Union’s room of requirement 4th sage on our facebook page (@BU- groups. Our training o cers will tion [email protected] and  nd us this year! Bangor University Jazz Band discuss and play all kinds of games. What does 2017/18 hold? New for on Facebook Bangor University His- We are a society that caters to all Societies Festival we compete with marathon event that occurs once per  oor of Pontio. I hope to see you all BrassBand) or by email at bubrass- teach new members how to  ght with Aberystwyth gaming society on all semester during which we do events there. [email protected] spear, axe and sword, as well as how to this year we have negotiated an agree- tory and Archaeology Society. sorts of people, from playing casual 24 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017

Bangor Masters of Pokémon Society (BUMPS) SODA BUMPS is a friendly and relaxed so- a nostalgia movie night of the  rst ciety that enjoys all aspects of Poké- three movies and a random type TCG What do you get from a collection mon; be it the cards, video games, tournament. of singers, dancers and actors? Pokémon GO, manga or anime. Dur- Our biggest event of the year is the What about pit orchestra, backstage ing semester, we host competitive Pokémon Pub Crawl, which is ran technicians and the Pontio Bryn and themed tournaments (for both cooperatively with other Bangor So- Terfyn  eatre on your doorstep? the video game and TCG), where the cieties, where you can participate in Well - this is the Bangor University prizes range from sugary treats to of- drinking challenges across pubs in musical theatre society SODA!  cial Pokémon centre products from Bangor to earn your badges and be-  is semester, Soda are starting a Japan. come a true Pokémon Master!  is new tradition with a pantomime of We’re not all about competition social won Event of the Year 2016 “Cinderella” arriving in November. though, alongside our tournament and is one of the largest collaborative In the second semester, we are events we run movie marathons, quiz events. excited to stage the spectacle of the nights and with enough interest, we We’re easily found on the Student year with confetti cannons, a live also host Pokémon GO walks around Union website, you can join our Fa- student orchestra and Wildcats Bangor. cebook group where we post all our galore- it’s High School Musical! Some of the events we’ve ran include event information. Furthermore, the second semester a Christmas themed tournament, will host a yearly Summer Showcase, a laid-back concert of musical songs Bangor University Herpetological Society Bangor Dog Walking STILL won’t let us!), so we love our performed by our members. All Herpetology is the study of reptiles venom-related talks which attracts Society unique concept of bringing dog lovers productions are open to everyone and amphibians (“herps”).  e Ban- speakers and guests from all over the and dogs closer together. Our mem- of the Bangor student body and we gor University Herpetological Soci- UK and even further a eld. It’s a great Bangor University Dog Walking bers themselves either use us because encourage everyone to audition! ety (informally known as HerpSoc) opportunity to  nd out about the lat- Society (BUDWS) was set up in 2015 they miss their dogs whilst they’re at We’re extremely excited for all these is a free academic society interested est venom research, meet and talk to as a new society to bring a home uni, or they just love dogs. Lots of our productions and would love for as in the study, conservation, education experts in the world of venom (not comfort to those who’ve le their members haven’t had the chance to many people as possible to help and keeping of these exotic, and un- just snakes!), and buy venom-related four-legged friends at home during own a dog before, so we provide the join in and have some fun! Most derstudied, animals. equipment, books and clothing. their time in Bangor, as well as for opportunity for them to  nally have years we also take part and do some During term time, we have meet- You’ll have the chance to join up those who simply love dogs. We have a bond with a few dogs and make a Victorian Carol singing at Beaumaris ings every Monday evening from and order HerpSoc clothing (t-shirts, teamed up with local dog rescues to new canine companion. Our mem- Christmas Market, it’s a great day out 19:00, which usually involve talks hoodies) at our  rst event of the term allow students to have a break from bers bene t from staying active whilst and a lot of fun! from experts, herpetologists and fel- on Monday 2nd October, where you studying to walk dogs at their shel- helping the community of dogs at It doesn’t matter if you are best at low students, on a range of herpetolo- can see - and handle - a variety of pet ters, giving both the student and the our partner shelters, as well as hav- singing, dancing, acting, building gy-related topics, followed by a social reptiles, and meet fellow members dog a break from their surroundings. ing the opportunity to socialise with set, playing the  ute or none of these drink and chat a erwards in the local and enthusiastic keepers. Over the past year we’ve become es- like-minded dog lovers and make things. We will try our very best to Wetherspoons. Find out more about HerpSoc and tablished and we’ve grown to have new friends.  e committee them- help cultivate people’s’ skills and We also run photography competi- our upcoming events at our stall at a strong community of dog lovers. selves are barking mad about dogs, try and bring the best out of them, tions, get involved with conservation Serendipity, where we’ll have some  is year we have more socials, talks, and love the idea of bringing students it doesn’t matter on how skilled you of local herps, such as habitat man- live reptiles and amphibians on dis- meetings and events planned than closer to dogs, as we all understand are!  ere will be opportunities agement with local Amphibian & play! ever before. We understand that com- that being outdoors with a pooch can throughout the year for there to Reptile Groups, and have even organ- You can also keep up to date with ing to university can be a daunting relieve stress, keep you  t and make be training for either backstage or ised trips to nearby herp conferences HerpSoc events on our Facebook time for everyone, but it’s even harder you feel better. We look “paw-ward” onstage. We are happy to include in the past. page (Bangor University Herpeto- knowing you’re not allowed to bring to welcoming all dog lovers to our anyone with an interest and passion HerpSoc has been proudly organ- logical Society), on Twitter (@Ban- your pooches along too (we’ve tried, ever-growing society this year!” for musical theatre! ising and hosting the annual Venom gorHerpSoc) and Instagram (@ban- but unfortunately halls and landlords Day conference right here in Bangor gor_herp_soc). for the past 7 years – a full day of Endeavor Bangor Christian September/ October Line-Up Union For over 50 years we have been the Pirate Night with Peer Guides/ En- Bangor Wrestling Appreciation Society Bangor University Christian Union  rst stop for Bangor students inter- deavour Committee! – Tuesday 19th Hey there good Brothers and Sis- with open arms, a relaxed atmosphere exists to give every student in Bangor ested in all aspects of ocean science. September ters, we KNEW you’d come and read and discussion for all to have. a chance to hear and respond to the Our society aims to provide you with Endeavour Pub Social – e Castle - this. We are the Bangor University On Sundays, we meet for an extra Christian Faith. As a society we run access to exciting and enlightening ursday 21st September Wrestling Appreciation Society! A role playing game session which is many events for all students. Lunch talks with prominent guest speak- Anglesey Sea Zoo Trip – Saturday recently formed society in Bangor completely optional in  e Greek in bars give an opportunity to hear ers, while also giving you the chance 30th September University formed in 2016 because Main Arts on a Sunday, just bring and discuss a wide range of relevant to meet like-minded peers. Students First Meeting and Pub Crawl - urs- we as wrestling fans are everywhere, your dice, a character sheet (which topics while enjoying a plate of free from a wide variety of academic back- day 28th September we just need to  nd one another and we can help get for you) and your im- food! Games night where we meet in grounds are invited to join us and get Animal Behaviour talk by Prof. what other way to bring us all togeth- agination, and we’ll take the rest from halls common rooms, and play board involved! George Turner – ursday 5th October er than a society… or a Club… which there. Shark Talk then Shark emed So- games, And Global Café, a place for you could say is too sweet. We also plan to host three watch international student to meet and Regular weekly talks on  ursday cial! – ursday 12th October We meet every Monday at 7pm in parties for Survivor Series, Royal enjoy a plate of food from a di er- evenings Seawatch Trip at Point Lynas, Angle- the Welsh Seminar Room and anyone Rumble and Wrestlemania in Acade- ent country each week, while also FREE food following talks provided sey and everyone is invited to the weekly mi, and plan a few house show trips learning about di erent cultures. If by  e Castle Capturing our Coast (Citizen Science meet. Whether you are a new fan, a during the year. you want to get involved with some Events and trips held throughout project) talk by Siobhan Vye – urs- casual watcher who dips in and out All in all, we’re a welcoming society of our many other events, check out the year! day 19thOctober of the action, or a seasoned veteran of seasoned and new wrestling fans, Mammalian Diving Physiology talk our Freshers week timetable, or learn who’s seen his or her share of squared and we welcome you to the BUWAS more about us,  nd us on Facebook; Join the discussion on Facebook, by Dr Michael Berenbrink – ursday circle action over the years or even a Club, which like the Bullet Club, is Bangor University Christian Union. Twitter & Instagram and stay up to 26th of October person who watches one company or 4-4-4-4-4 lyfe. So in the vein of Kenny Pu n Island Boat Trip! many, we welcome you to the society Omega, goodbye and goodnight! date with the latest news and events from the society and the committee! Sci-Fi Cage (because why not!?), and many more to come in the come year! Folk Society As well as the  lm nights, we have  e Sci- society is a welcoming Bangor University Folk Society society that is open to any and every- loads of other socials, such as our Fresher’s week big fat ice-breaker is a very welcoming society with one! Whether you are the nerdiest of something for everyone. We have nerds with a knowledge of everything quiz, a cocktails and board games night with Sci-Fi themed cocktails, as music sessions open to all abilities Sci- , or have an interest in a small - just bring your instrument and aspect of it, or even If you have never well as a slumber party! If you ever have any queries, re- play or sing along If you want to try had an interest in science  ction but out some traditional dancing we would like to gain one, you will al- quests or just want to show a funny message for your fellow nerds to see, have Playford and Cotswolds morris ways be welcomed by a friendly face! dancing workshops each week and At the Sci-Fi society we hold many join our Facebook page by looking for ‘Bangor University Sci-Fi Society’. are currently planning some ceilidhs! di erent socials throughout the year. We have a taster Day on Sunday 1st Our main social is a weekly  lm night. We are a friendly, welcoming and fantastic society that welcomes all October. Come  nd us at Serendipity Each week there is a di erent theme for more information, contact us at backing the choices in the  lms, so newcomers. We are an epic gathering of nerds that would even make Mr [email protected] or  nd far there have been themes such as us on Facebook. Robots, obscure Sci-Fi  lms and Nic Sulu say “Oh my!” 24 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 25

Bangor Masters of Pokémon Society (BUMPS) SODA Bangor Film of choice). Not only do we aim to pro- Media School which is down the road PhotoSoc meetings. Don’t forget to join our BUMPS is a friendly and relaxed so- a nostalgia movie night of the  rst vide a loving and welcoming society from Main Arts), which will comprise Facebook group “Bangor University ciety that enjoys all aspects of Poké- three movies and a random type TCG What do you get from a collection Society who are very passionate about what of workshops, general meetings and At Photosoc, we welcome every- Photographic Society”, follow us on mon; be it the cards, video games, tournament. of singers, dancers and actors? we do, we also seek to educate and screenings of  lms. So if you’re curi- one with a passion for photography Snapchat: bu_photosoc Instagram @ Pokémon GO, manga or anime. Dur- Our biggest event of the year is the What about pit orchestra, backstage “No art passes our conscience in prosper not only as individuals, but ous to learn more about  lm or just no matter what skill level. We wel- bu_photosoc and Twitter @Bangor_ ing semester, we host competitive Pokémon Pub Crawl, which is ran technicians and the Pontio Bryn the way  lm does, and goes directly working as a group. Last year we were want to have some fun and watch come all types of cameras too – from Photosoc. and themed tournaments (for both cooperatively with other Bangor So- Terfyn  eatre on your doorstep? to our feelings, deep down into the responsible for the making of over ten some  lms (or both), Bangor Univer- Phone cameras to DSLRs everyone the video game and TCG), where the cieties, where you can participate in Well - this is the Bangor University dark rooms of our souls.” - Ingmar  lms, some of which were screened sity Film Society welcomes you with is treated equally and our talks cater prizes range from sugary treats to of- drinking challenges across pubs in musical theatre society SODA! Bergman. Film is a medium which in Bangor’s prestigious Pontio build- open arms. We will be at Serendipity to everyone. We o er a friendly and  cial Pokémon centre products from Bangor to earn your badges and be-  is semester, Soda are starting a inspires a great many among us; join ing.  is year’s committee is devoted if you want to come meet a couple welcoming environment for everyone Japan. come a true Pokémon Master!  is new tradition with a pantomime of us here at Film Society if you too want to creating a learning atmosphere of us, but we also can be contacted to come and try something new and We’re not all about competition social won Event of the Year 2016 “Cinderella” arriving in November. to be part of a society which aims and introducing new challenges and through the following social medias develop a new skill. Our talks range though, alongside our tournament and is one of the largest collaborative In the second semester, we are to do just that. Here at Film Society, gatherings to the pre-existing society if you have any questions or queries: from Landscape to Architecture and events we run movie marathons, quiz events. excited to stage the spectacle of the we welcome members whether they and the new members who join us Twitter: @BU_FilmSoc Snapchat: everything in between. Regular trips nights and with enough interest, we We’re easily found on the Student year with confetti cannons, a live have an appreciation for  lm watch- this year. As it stands , we are holding b lmsoc Insta: bangor_ lmsoc will also be planned, such as visits also host Pokémon GO walks around Union website, you can join our Fa- student orchestra and Wildcats ing or the making of the medium a la two meetings a week on Tuesdays and We hope to see you soon. to Portmeirion and the Manchester Bangor. cebook group where we post all our galore- it’s High School Musical! Christopher Nolan (or your director  ursdays at 6 pm in JP (the Creative Christmas Markets. Meetings are Some of the events we’ve ran include event information. Furthermore, the second semester will host a yearly Summer Showcase, held every Monday night at 7:30 in a Christmas themed tournament, useful during your time at the univer- will make it slightly easier in the run a laid-back concert of musical songs Linguistics Society the Drama Rehearsal Room, Main sity when completing your modules up to your  rst lecture as you’ll meet Bangor University Herpetological Society Bangor Dog Walking STILL won’t let us!), so we love our performed by our members. All arts (until mid-November, when and assignments. everyone before you’ve even thought Herpetology is the study of reptiles venom-related talks which attracts Society unique concept of bringing dog lovers productions are open to everyone  e Bangor Linguistics Society the room will change to Wheldon,  roughout the year, there will be of opening a book. Socials, drinking and amphibians (“herps”).  e Ban- speakers and guests from all over the and dogs closer together. Our mem- of the Bangor student body and we (BLS) allows students from the world behind Academi). A erwards we someone at the library during ‘O ce and non-drinking, are run as o en as gor University Herpetological Soci- UK and even further a eld. It’s a great Bangor University Dog Walking bers themselves either use us because encourage everyone to audition! of Linguistics, English Language & visit Wetherspoons for a drink and/ Hours’ (9am-6pm) to o er support, possible during semesters, from  lm ety (informally known as HerpSoc) opportunity to  nd out about the lat- Society (BUDWS) was set up in 2015 they miss their dogs whilst they’re at We’re extremely excited for all these beyond to come together, sharing or meal. In addition to our Wether- advice, or a place to study if required, nights to white t-shirts to the fun cen- is a free academic society interested est venom research, meet and talk to as a new society to bring a home uni, or they just love dogs. Lots of our productions and would love for as new and exciting experiences. A ded- spoons trips post-meeting we will which could all come in handy if you tre to fancy dress, there’ll be some- in the study, conservation, education experts in the world of venom (not comfort to those who’ve le their members haven’t had the chance to many people as possible to help icated team of committee members also go on regular socials, whether it’s are still unsure about a few things. thing you will enjoy! We also host and keeping of these exotic, and un- just snakes!), and buy venom-related four-legged friends at home during own a dog before, so we provide the join in and have some fun! Most and volunteers work closely with the to Cheese Night at Academi or a Pub Linguistics workshops, introduced annual Christmas and Summer meals derstudied, animals. equipment, books and clothing. their time in Bangor, as well as for opportunity for them to  nally have years we also take part and do some Academic Schools to provide the best Crawl around Bangor, it’s guaranteed and conducted by students over the which is a fantastic way to end the During term time, we have meet- You’ll have the chance to join up those who simply love dogs. We have a bond with a few dogs and make a Victorian Carol singing at Beaumaris possible resources so your time at to be a good time. Regular Portraiture last few years, will run when possible calendar and academic year with stu- ings every Monday evening from and order HerpSoc clothing (t-shirts, teamed up with local dog rescues to new canine companion. Our mem- Christmas Market, it’s a great day out Bangor University is the most enjoy- sessions will also be held in Pontio to help students tackle any issues they dents and sta , alongside renowned 19:00, which usually involve talks hoodies) at our  rst event of the term allow students to have a break from bers bene t from staying active whilst and a lot of fun! able of your life. in addition to our weekly Monday may be having in speci c modules. linguist David Crystal. from experts, herpetologists and fel- on Monday 2nd October, where you studying to walk dogs at their shel- helping the community of dogs at It doesn’t matter if you are best at We have our own library, which During welcome week, the society We will have a stall at Serendipity, low students, on a range of herpetolo- can see - and handle - a variety of pet ters, giving both the student and the our partner shelters, as well as hav- singing, dancing, acting, building contains a large variety of books and Bangor Rock Society members as they share their thoughts and peer guides work together to or- Bangor University’s Societies Fair, so gy-related topics, followed by a social reptiles, and meet fellow members dog a break from their surroundings. ing the opportunity to socialise with set, playing the  ute or none of these journals across the  eld of linguis- on our society. ganise social activities and introduc- come along to say hello and sign up drink and chat a erwards in the local and enthusiastic keepers. Over the past year we’ve become es- like-minded dog lovers and make things. We will try our very best to tics in addition to the main libraries Bangor Rock And Metal Appre- “You’ll never  nd a better place to tions with your course mates.  is free of charge. Hope to see you there! Wetherspoons. Find out more about HerpSoc and tablished and we’ve grown to have new friends.  e committee them- help cultivate people’s’ skills and across Bangor.  ey will become so ciation Society, or BRAMAS as it’s be yourself without judgement” - Jack We also run photography competi- our upcoming events at our stall at a strong community of dog lovers. selves are barking mad about dogs, try and bring the best out of them, known by its members, is a place Lee, former chair. tions, get involved with conservation Serendipity, where we’ll have some  is year we have more socials, talks, and love the idea of bringing students it doesn’t matter on how skilled you where normality ceases. Here in our “ e best decision I made since ar- of local herps, such as habitat man- live reptiles and amphibians on dis- meetings and events planned than closer to dogs, as we all understand are!  ere will be opportunities Rostra society, we welcome all manner of riving at uni was joining BRAMAS. agement with local Amphibian & play! ever before. We understand that com- that being outdoors with a pooch can throughout the year for there to Acting! Tech! Fun! If you’re inter- alternative folk and provide a happy Come for the music, stay for the peo- Reptile Groups, and have even organ- You can also keep up to date with ing to university can be a daunting relieve stress, keep you  t and make be training for either backstage or ested in any of those three things and comfortable environment for you ple.” - Sophie Tibbs. ised trips to nearby herp conferences HerpSoc events on our Facebook time for everyone, but it’s even harder you feel better. We look “paw-ward” onstage. We are happy to include then I’ve got a society for you: Rostra! to just be yourself, free of judgement. We also have events planned for in the past. page (Bangor University Herpeto- knowing you’re not allowed to bring to welcoming all dog lovers to our anyone with an interest and passion Come and be part of the  rst show of We happily accept fans of all kinds of freshers week: HerpSoc has been proudly organ- logical Society), on Twitter (@Ban- your pooches along too (we’ve tried, ever-growing society this year!” for musical theatre! the year, Pandemonium, a tale about rock and metal, whether you’re a die 21/09 - Rock in the Lo at Rascals. Be- ising and hosting the annual Venom gorHerpSoc) and Instagram (@ban- but unfortunately halls and landlords the civic rights of demons! Or maybe hard black metal fan, love Def Lep- gins at 8:30pm Day conference right here in Bangor gor_herp_soc). you want to try your hand at Mac- pard a bit too much or you like to 23/09 - Local gig in Rascals. Begins at for the past 7 years – a full day of Endeavor Bangor Christian beth? Either way Rostra’s got you. In rock out to Alestorm; you’ll be sure to 8:30pm September/ October Line-Up Union the past we’ve done everything from  nd a place in our family. We look forward to seeing you all self-written plays to Shakespeare, very soon. Until then, rock on! For over 50 years we have been the Pirate Night with Peer Guides/ En- Still not convinced? How about Bangor Wrestling Appreciation Society Bangor University Christian Union from comedies to dramas, from the  rst stop for Bangor students inter- deavour Committee! – Tuesday 19th hearing from some of the society’s Hey there good Brothers and Sis- with open arms, a relaxed atmosphere exists to give every student in Bangor weird and whacky lands of Terry ested in all aspects of ocean science. September ters, we KNEW you’d come and read and discussion for all to have. a chance to hear and respond to the Pratchett’s Discworld to the dark and Our society aims to provide you with Endeavour Pub Social – e Castle - this. We are the Bangor University On Sundays, we meet for an extra Christian Faith. As a society we run debauched world of Sweeney Todd. Bangor LINKS Division – St John Cymru- access to exciting and enlightening ursday 21st September Wrestling Appreciation Society! A role playing game session which is many events for all students. Lunch We love theatre and everything to do talks with prominent guest speak- Anglesey Sea Zoo Trip – Saturday Wales recently formed society in Bangor completely optional in  e Greek in bars give an opportunity to hear with it - directing, the costumes, the ers, while also giving you the chance 30th September for the Champions League  nals in University formed in 2016 because Main Arts on a Sunday, just bring and discuss a wide range of relevant make-up, the lights, sound design Are you looking to; to meet like-minded peers. Students First Meeting and Pub Crawl - urs- Cardi . Looking to next year we aim we as wrestling fans are everywhere, your dice, a character sheet (which topics while enjoying a plate of free and set building and designing. So if make new friends? from a wide variety of academic back- day 28th September to train a further group of students we just need to  nd one another and we can help get for you) and your im- food! Games night where we meet in you’ve got skill, talent, wide-eyed cu- learn new skills? grounds are invited to join us and get Animal Behaviour talk by Prof. as well as increase the skills of pre- what other way to bring us all togeth- agination, and we’ll take the rest from halls common rooms, and play board riosity or just an interest then we’re help others? involved! George Turner – ursday 5th October existing members to, not only help to er than a society… or a Club… which there. Shark Talk then Shark emed So- games, And Global Café, a place for excited to meet you. Come down to JP ful l St John Cymru Wales’ vision to you could say is too sweet. We also plan to host three watch international student to meet and hall on the 23rd of September at 2pm  en Bangor LINKS is the society Regular weekly talks on  ursday cial! – ursday 12th October have a  rst aider in every street but to We meet every Monday at 7pm in parties for Survivor Series, Royal enjoy a plate of food from a di er- for our taster session and if we don’t for you! evenings Seawatch Trip at Point Lynas, Angle- also give our volunteers the chance the Welsh Seminar Room and anyone Rumble and Wrestlemania in Acade- ent country each week, while also see you there, then we’ll see you at the FREE food following talks provided sey to provide the highest quality of  rst and everyone is invited to the weekly mi, and plan a few house show trips learning about di erent cultures. If pub later! As part of St John Cymru-Wales, by  e Castle Capturing our Coast (Citizen Science aid care at some of the biggest events meet. Whether you are a new fan, a during the year. you want to get involved with some the nation’s leading  rst aid charity, Events and trips held throughout project) talk by Siobhan Vye – urs- across Wales. If you choose to join our casual watcher who dips in and out All in all, we’re a welcoming society of our many other events, check out we give you the opportunity to learn the year! day 19thOctober society you will be expected to regis- of the action, or a seasoned veteran of seasoned and new wrestling fans, Mammalian Diving Physiology talk our Freshers week timetable, or learn new skills that enable you to help oth- ter as a volunteer with St John, how- who’s seen his or her share of squared and we welcome you to the BUWAS more about us,  nd us on Facebook; ers and make a di erence whilst mak- Join the discussion on Facebook, by Dr Michael Berenbrink – ursday ever this does not mean you have to circle action over the years or even a Club, which like the Bullet Club, is Bangor University Christian Union. ing new friends, connections and the Twitter & Instagram and stay up to 26th of October go out to events. You could just come person who watches one company or 4-4-4-4-4 lyfe. So in the vein of Kenny chance to attend some of Wales’ big- date with the latest news and events Pu n Island Boat Trip! along to learn new skills and meet many, we welcome you to the society Omega, goodbye and goodnight! gest events with a uniformed service. from the society and the committee! new people! If you have any questions Last year, as a society, we successful- we will be at serendipity on both days Sci-Fi Cage (because why not!?), and many ly trained numerous students as  rst during fresher’s and will be more than more to come in the come year! Folk Society aiders, who then went on to cover happy to answer any queries. We will As well as the  lm nights, we have events across North Wales including also be running taster sessions to give  e Sci- society is a welcoming Bangor University Folk Society ‘Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza’, you a feel for what we as a society do! society that is open to any and every- loads of other socials, such as our Fresher’s week big fat ice-breaker is a very welcoming society with ‘ e Anglesey Vintage Rally’ and a We look forward to meeting everyone one! Whether you are the nerdiest of something for everyone. We have junior football tournament to name in the upcoming weeks, and wish eve- nerds with a knowledge of everything quiz, a cocktails and board games night with Sci-Fi themed cocktails, as music sessions open to all abilities a few.  ree members even got the ryone luck for the new semester! Sci- , or have an interest in a small - just bring your instrument and opportunity to provide  rst aid cover aspect of it, or even If you have never well as a slumber party! If you ever have any queries, re- play or sing along If you want to try had an interest in science  ction but out some traditional dancing we by our stall at Serendipity or even would like to gain one, you will al- quests or just want to show a funny Seren message for your fellow nerds to see, have Playford and Cotswolds morris better yet, come to one of our taster ways be welcomed by a friendly face! dancing workshops each week and evenings... At the Sci-Fi society we hold many join our Facebook page by looking for Enjoy writing? Fancy yourself as ‘Bangor University Sci-Fi Society’. are currently planning some ceilidhs! the next Lois Lane? If so, then Seren di erent socials throughout the year. We have a taster Day on Sunday 1st Mon 25th Sept - 7PM - PL2 PONTIO Our main social is a weekly  lm night. We are a friendly, welcoming and should surely be right up your street! fantastic society that welcomes all October. Come  nd us at Serendipity Aside from writing, there’s openings Each week there is a di erent theme for more information, contact us at Tue 26th Sept - 7PM - BRAINT backing the choices in the  lms, so newcomers. We are an epic gathering for sub-editors, proof readers and of nerds that would even make Mr [email protected] or  nd photographers. So, why not pop COMMON ROOM, FRIDDEOEDD far there have been themes such as us on Facebook. SITE Robots, obscure Sci-Fi  lms and Nic Sulu say “Oh my!” 26 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 THE

GUIDE TO SURVIVING 2017 UNIVERSITY THE SEREN CHECKLIST 24 THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD JOIN A CLUB OR SOCIETY PROBABLY BUY HAVE AN ARTICLE BECAUSE YOU PUBLISHED IN SEREN HAVE NO IDEA HOW GLADYOU’LL CLIMB SNOWDON OR TAKE THE TRAIN BE TO HAVE THEM 1. Bedside lamp 2. Noise-cancelling headphones DEFEAT MIKE’S BITES’ 3. Flip- ops 4. Extension lead GREEDY BASTARD 5. Large wash bag 6. Bag for Life 7.  ermal socks LEARN HOW TO 8. Onesie/Dressing gown 9. Hanging shoe tidy PRONOUNCE FFRIDDOEDD 10. Dish drainer 11. Extra pillows 12. Extra blanket WATCH A SIX NATIONS 13. Glitter/face paint 14. Memory stick GAME IN BAR UNO 15. Travel mug 16. Oven gloves 17. Door stop SUPPORT BANGOR AT 18. Ear plugs 19. First aid kit VARSITY 20. Hot water bottle 21. Alarm clock 22. Bottle opener/corkscrew SPEND 48 HOURS IN THE 23. Extra coat hangers 24. Noticeboard LIBRARY IN ONE GO 25. Lots of notebooks 26. Walking boots 27. Condoms VOTE IN THE SU ELECTIONS 28. Slippers 29. Posters STAY UP ALL NIGHT AT THE 30. Dictaphone SUMMER BALL 27 A55, Junction 9 A55, Junction 9 T T Menai Bridge, reborth Sports Site, reborth Sports Site, Normal Site Normal Site idor stands at any copy from any of these locations points or pick up a of the Find our - Neuadd Willis - - JP Hall - Students’ Union - Your halls kitchen A55, Junction 9 A55, Junction Treborth Pitches Bridge Menai Halls of R Y Y Supermarket Library Nightclub University buildings Sports and Leisure buildings Bistro Bistro Sports Hall Sports Hall Library Normal Site esidence

- Wheldon - Fridd Shop - Uno - Academi Shop

B B

E E

L L

M M

O O A5

N N

T T

R R

O O

A A

D D

HOL

YHEAD ROAD

F F

R Playing Fields ID Fields D O E D D R O A D

M Friddoedd Site

e Centre Sports Maes Glas Centre Sports Maes Glas

n

a BANGO R i

A4087 MENAI A5 S AV

TESCO

Bar Uno Bar Uno

D D

V V

R R t

I I

C C I I

V V

T T

E E

O O

R R

I Railway I

A A r Station a

i C A t ER N A R Morrisons F O

N

G

R G

L O L

A

A A

N D N

N

R R

o

A A

rt h F

O LIDL N

ASDA H I L M L E CO NA LL I R EG O E AD DEINIOL

St Mary’s St Mary ’ St H IG Library Deiniol

Main Arts H RO S A T D R E LÔ ET N s P O P T Y ROAD Bus Station

UP ALDI PE R G A RT P H ED RO ES A

TR D

IA

G

N G

DEAN ST ST DEAN DEAN

L

I L

Y S Y

E Orme Road N

D N Pier The N N

E E

R R

O

O Swimming Swimming

A

Peep A D D P P ool ool M O U N T

S T 28 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 TV Review: Dragons Den TVX Factor CATCHUPLEGO Masters Gogglebox As sure as a hangover every Continuing the theme of real- Not a great deal can be said for morning through freshers, and ity TV; sort of, we have Channel 4’s this tellyception, as pretty much equally as painful, X Factor is back. LEGO Masters. The set up is simple, everything I write about is the Talented wannabes with heart with 8 LEGO loving dynamic duos programmes that the Goggleboxers serve but not before an exasperated by EMMA JEWKES wrenching sob stories and talentless of varying ages from childhood are watching. The format, where we look from Peter Jones or a stern tell- wannabes who make you despair to middle-agehoof (that’s a word watch other people watch TV sounds ing o from Deborah Meaden. ragons Den; the show where for society’s future join forces again right?) battling it out to be crowned absolutely ludicrous, even years after Talking about the Dragons, they members of the public try to to get told by four people of great LEGO Masters and have their work the show was  rst made; but there is are obviously one of the main attrac- Dwin an investment from  ve of importance whether they’re good on display in a new LEGO Museum in something addictive about it. There’s tions. Seeing these billionaires faced the country’s top entrepreneurs. On enough to get  ve minutes of fame Denmark - the home of our beloved something so engaging about with being asked for money to fund the face of it, it’s a fairly straight for- and a slot on Celebrity Coach Trip! bricks. Hosted by Melvin O’Doom on seeing normal people doing what something as pointless as a paper ward cocept for a show and one that Jokes aside, the cynical popularity top PG banter form, and with judges you do, but seeing how di erent folder is quite amusing to say the should, in a logical world, get quite contest is grossly compelling, like the including LEGO’s assistant director of we all are - TV is a unifying factor least. This year, two ‘newbies’ have boring. However, there’s a reason feeling you get when you see roadkill design and the woman who thought for even the most dysfunctional of joined the show in Tej Lavani and that Dragons Den has been around and can’t help but stare… just me? up The Shard, the show showcases families, and the topic and catalyst Jenny Campbell. While it may take for as long as it has. For every Reggae Ah well! the ageless and limitless creativity of most modern debates. Be it soaps a series or two to warm to the new Reggae Sauce, there’s ten madcap, of LEGO fans in various innovative or reality series or the latest Game ones, we still have Peter Jones, Debo- hairbrained ideas ranging from the Catch up on ITV Player, new episodes challenges, with high drama as one of Thrones (shameless plug but rah meaden and Touker Suleyman, ludicrous to the downright barmy! Saturdays/Sundays at 8pm. poor placement and a masterpiece big review to your right guys), and last year’s newbie. Of course, these inventions often can fall apart as quickly as my hopes seeing the reactions of people to TV get the short shrift they probably de- of a  rst! shouldn’t be gold but it just kind of is. REVIEW: STRIKE - THE Catch up on Brick Masters on All4 now! Catch Gogglebox on All4 now! CUCKOO’S CALLING Doctor Foster - WHAT’S UP DOC?

n late 2015 the BBC pulled an elations, and tribulations. As Gemma ace out of nowhere with award- attempts to feign nonchalance, her winning drama Doctor Foster, a suspicions are aroused again as to I why her ex has come back into her series that made paranoid people even more paranoid and happy life and to all intents and purposes seems to be living the high life. With couples paranoid people. The story new man (well sort of) James enter- of Gemma Foster, played sublimely ing the fray and Tom being a lot more by Suranne Jones, and her fall from than merely a bystander and victim suburban blissful family woman to this time around, things are as di - vengeful wife of an adulterous hus- cult as ever for our favourite vengeful band captured the attention of over to borderline psychotic doctor. Hav- f there’s one thing that the televi- a murder enquiry, things get very in- information from people - a back- 10 million viewers. As the plot thick- ing watched the  rst episode there sion world probably has enough of teresting. ground in psychology goes a long ened and the tension grew, we were is more than enough to suggest the for a lifetime, it’s detectives. We’ve I won’t simply narrate the goings on way, any of you psychology students story isn’t quite over, and it looks set I looking for a new direction, private on the edge of our seats, and when had Holmes and Hercule, Marple and of the series, but the leading pair of to be another descent into the world the  nale came I for one was hit for Maigret, Barnaby and the Mystery Inc Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott detectives are waiting for you! of vengeance and mind games and I `The pacing is just about right for six by the unbearably awkward rev- amongst others, and they’ve all been are liquid gold together throughout for one am relishing the prospect of their  rst outing as a team. Strike’s the series, a departure from the more elations that  nally came to light. the subject of some stunning who- what’s to come. rough cut visage and shady back- slow approach of Rowling’s novels, Having seemed done and dusted, a dunits and gripping drama - what, It’s obviously early doors, and infor- ground, scarred mentally and literally but nevertheless allowing itself time one series masterclass in scripting mation is sketchy as to where exactly you mean the ghost in Scooby-Doo by his time in the army, as well as his for re ective moments and character and character studying, this Autumn things are going, but it’s the refresh- was actually the janitor? Crikey! But exploration that lays the foundations ongoing struggles with his ex-wife sees Doctor Foster back, but what is ing ability to watch a piece of drama now we have another to join our ros- culminate in an incredibly complex for years of Strike cases to come. The there to anticipate this time around? without having recognisable check- ter of sleuths, do we need him? character who must have been both accompanying score is stylish and points of plot and predictable twists a joy to play for an actor and a bur- cool in an unforced manner, and the Well to give us a bit of context, From the creative mind of JK Rowl- series two doesn’t simply pick up that sets Doctor Foster apart from ing (alias Robert Galbraith), the den of a task to step up to. Luckily, script has an honesty and organic the swathes of other dramas that Tom Burke of Musketeers and War quality that sets Strike apart from where series one ended, in fact we Strike novel series has been a solid  nd ourselves two years down the are available. This is a family drama & Peace fame, is more than capable just being ‘another detective series’. where the lines of what is right and body of crime  ction so gritty and of carrying what may be the next The climax may be predictable for line - a neat if unintentional symme- realistic you’d be hard pressed to im- try between how long we’ve waited wrong, too much or not enough are iconic TV detective. Though he isn’t the seasoned armchair sleuth, but is blurred; the world isn’t as black and agine the same writer gave us Dobby quite a visual match for Rowling’s executed with an energy and impact for the new series and the current time we  nd ourselves in. Gemma white as the innocent and the guilty the house elf. The books have been book Strike, his characterisation for that is shocking no matter whether or the victim and the criminal, it’s critically lauded and - following BBC’s me as a reader and a viewer, is quite you knew who did it or not. All in all, and her son Tom have seemingly moved on with their lives, well as about actions and consequences adaptation of The Casual Vacancy - it incredibly matched to my imagined Cormoran and Robin, be tting their and how far we all go to seek the jus- Cormoran Strike. Similarly, Holliday avian names, soar and take ight as much as a family torn by lies can be, made perfect sense for the book’s in- when they are hit with a bombshell. tice we grant ourselves the right to evitable transmutation to come from Grainger is brilliant as unwanted in- the answer to whether we need an- serve. Gemma Foster is on the edge tern turned invaluable ally Robin, other crime drama duo… and you Estranged ex-husband Simon and the beeb. When a worldwide starlet new wife Kate are back in town, with again and there’s nobody for her to who herself is at a crossroads in a don’t need to be a genius to work protect anymore and nobody to an- model commits apparent suicide, the shaky relationship with an uncertain out that answer is a resounding yes. a cushty house warming and wed- media swarm and the world she lived ding party invite for seemingly eve- swer to but her own mind, hell hath career path. Grainger is charming Catch The Cuckoo’s Calling on iPlayer no fury as they say. Catch Doctor Fos- in is shaken, but when her adoptive and endlessly entertaining in the now, The Silkworm is available too by ryone Gemma knows, including Tom. And thus the wheels are set in mo- ter on iPlayer and new episodes on brother turns up at private eye Cor- ways her Robin manipulates people the time of publication, and Career of Tuesdays at 9pm, BBC One. moran Strike’s o ce wanting to open with accents and characters to prise Evil is coming soon. tion for another tense and moody series of awkward encounters, rev- Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 29 TV

GAME OF THRONES OUR WATCH IS NEARLY OVER Game of Thrones has been a phe- ons, the Dothraki, and the Unsullied, the dead took a turn for the worse as the outro pieces encapsulated every- by JORDAN KING nomenon, a tour-de-force that has obliterating a signi cant number of the Night King speared Viserion with thing I had seen over and over again. continually challenged and de ed Cersei’s forces and reinforcing Jamie’s an ice-spear, felling one of Daenerys’ The performances across the board UH DUH, D-D-DUH DUHH, D- the conventional constrictions of scepticism no end. So for House Tar- children and claiming an ice dragon were stunning also, with Peter Din- D-DUH DUH D-D-DUH DUH television. Be it in its brutality, scope, garyen, the situation is anything but to assault the wall. klage as ever a standout, but Nikolaj D-D-DUH DUH D-D-DUH that of a glorious monarchy, and with So much happened this series that Coster-Waldau’s Jamie Lannister has D cinematic endeavour, or simply the the revelation of Cersei seeing proof I don’t want to stray too far into mere really stunned me. His character arc DUH, DUHH DUHH DUHH, D-D-DUH way that even after every character of the Army of the Dead and the al- recounting of events. What did I truly has been so superbly written and DUH DI DE DUHHH… and so on and you loved and loathed has met their liance between Jon Snow and Dany, think? Well for a start, I think that the performed that for all of his wicked so forth! Big ol’ SPOILER warning be- comeuppance, there’s still some poor her scheming seems set to be in vain. drastic condensing of time in Wester- deeds, he has been somewhat re- ing slapped on this bad boy, because sod who will get o ed in a barbaric By the end of the series, even Jamie os, where ravens can cross the seven deemed. This comment may also winter is here my avid three readers stylem that is delightful in the dark- had scarpered, not even pregnancy kingdoms in about half an hour, is a be made of Theon Greyjoy, whose (hi mum); and this series has been est way. GOT will be a series that keeping him home. grievance I understand yet sympa- smarmy ways garnered hatred and brrrrrrr-illiant! Well maybe I’m be- comes to de ne the golden age of TV Elsewhere we had the revelation thise with. With a lot of ground to whose subsequent emasculation at ing a tad over excited, but this was us lucky souls  nd ourselves within. that Jon Snow not only has Targaryen cover, literally, before we say good- the hands of Ramsay Bolton evoked a long time coming and part of the Series 7 sees the pace quickening blood, but that his actual name is Ae- bye to Westeros, the timeframe has an uncomfortable sympathy that has and plot thickening with not much gon Targaryen and he is a legitimate had to hasten dramatically to ac- now turned to a kind of rooting for fun of writing is going all in on the and rightful heir to the throne, ahead count for this. From a practical stance as he sets sail to save Yara from his things you love! So having been left room to process one ‘WTF?’ moment before the next big clanger drops of auntie/bedfellow Daenerys. So the slower burning plot elements of twisted cousin Euron; Al e Allen de- with a new King of the North, who it’s safe to say things are hotting up series past were able to be so be- serves an Emmy just as much as Peter it turned out was equal parts wolf and leaves you needing to shut the front door in shock. Lena Headey’s there whilst North of the wall, every- cause there was 30-40 hours worth Dinklage, there I said it. and dragon. A would-be Queen in delectably cruel Cersei is sitting on thing was getting a great deal colder. of series to follow everything up in It’s been a season of twists and the south headed over to Westeros the throne as it stands, though her With winter here, and the night ‘real time’, which is simply impossi- turns, highs and the occasional lows, with a frankly unfair eet of ships kingdom is crumbling around her as king advancing ever closer to the ble. Messurs Weiss and Benio are on but Game of Thrones’ inimitable and dragons, and an actual Queen - aside from the sadistic and wickedly wall with his army. Series seven saw top form as ever with their scripting, hype and buzz was well justi ed and who is about as crazy as it gets and comic Euron Greyjoy and his Iron a Magni cent Seven-like expedition writing some incredibly tense and loyally rewarded, and with only a sin- Fleet - her allies are dropping like team, spearheaded by Jon Snow, go poignant scenes - most notably the gle set of six episodes to go, revel in ready to wreck some lives; the stage once more beyond the wall and fac- confrontation between Tyrion and these episodes knowing you were was set for the beginning of the end ies and her lover brother Jamie is getting more than a little wary of the ing an icy stand o with a swarm of Cersei in the  nal episode, which had the generation who owns Thrones. of the most ambitious TV series of all wights and the ever-menacing Night been a long time coming and played Our watch is nearly over, but there’s time. Oh, and the white walkers were fact that everyone is baying for the queen’s blood. The aforementioned King. Though the men survived out superbly. The score was as in- still a war to be waged and I will be looking set for a scrap at the wall too. everyone includes Daenerys - who thanks to some dragon-based inter- tegral to the show as ever this time there til the end. Catch up on Thrones But more on that later chaps and exercised the brutal force of her drag- vention from sceptic Dany, the tide around, and I found myself lingering now on NOWTV or SkyGO Boxsets. chapettes. of the battle between the living and on the credits just a little longer as 30 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 GAMES GAMESCOM 2017

Nintendo Switch, PS4 Pro, and Xbox mostly packed, and the main public visitors were being herded memorable exhibitors being BY MEGAN RICHARDS One X. This year the trade exhibit corridor, as well as being well lit, was to walk di erent ways around the Playstation and Xbox. Playstation had a record breaking attendance of open and large. The convention was convention centre, which were was and looked well organised, but his year, I attended Gamescom, over 350,000 visitors. The convention structured so that the business and subject to change, or would take had incredibly long waiting times, Europe’s largest Gaming took place this year from the 22nd trade section was on the opposite the visitors on routes that led them whereas Xbox had  fteen games Tconvention. The exhibition that to the 26th August, with the  rst end to the exhibiting, public area miles from where they wished to pushed against one wall, and was is called “The Heart of Gaming” has day only open to exhibitors and of the convention, which made go. This had the potential to be very very much more cramped, and exhibitions showing new games from press. Gamescom is still held at the navigating the convention very annoying, and added unnecessarily looked disorganised, although its big games studios and developers, as Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, easy. There were large banners to the length of the convention queues were much shorter. well as interesting indie developers, where it has been held since its and signs which indicated where centre. In the next section, I shall brie y talk from around the world. It is also a inauguration in 2009. in the four large halls where games The exhibitions in the halls about some of the bigger games that place to try out playing Games on The convention centre itself had were exhibit. There were drawbacks themselves were mostly well were being shown at Gamescom. the newest consoles, such as the a very good layout; in that, while however, in that for a lot of the time, organised, with the two most Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 31 GAMES ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD What really appealed to me about this indie game was its use of time, as a main plot mechanic. It is used in a fascinating way to solve puzzles, and to help the protagonist survive the situations she  nds herself in.  at said I would have liked to play more of this game, as I would have liked more of a  avour for the plot. LIFE IS STRANGE: ASSASSIN'S CAT QUEST BEFORE THE  is game was incredibly fun to play, and had a very quirky premise. CREED ORIGINS It was easy to see that playing this STORM game, especially since it is primarily One of the  rst things I noticed about this instalment, is that the controls have a mobile game, would become ad-  is is possibly the most popular game of the smaller games I played, and I been changed again.  is made it di cult to play at times, especially when dictive. One of the drawbacks of this enjoyed what I experienced. I found the absence of Max’s time travel abilities trying to use stealth in a particular section for the  rst time, because the former game is how much grinding and time helped me enjoy this game more, as Max’s abilities tended to make me linger free run button is now the attack button. However, a more welcome change is would be necessary to complete this on choices, whereas with Chloe as protagonist, all decisions are  nal. It is also the addition of Sensu, Bayek’s eagle, which is now your literal eagle vision. It game, which some players may  nd worth noting that Chloe isn’t Max, she is the more adventurous of the protago- can be used much like the owl in Far Cry Primal, where it can collect reconnais- daunting. nists, and her choices o en re ect that. sance on enemies for Bayek, and swoop down from above and attack or distract enemies for you. CUP HEAD POKEMON TEKEN UNCHARTED:  is is one of the more popular games I feel I really enjoyed this game, and it was very fun to play a  ghting game with on this list, and I found it very enjoy- Pokémon, where the action happened in real time. I also found the controls able and o the wall. Another thing very easy to learn, and were very similar to those of other  ghting games I which immediately I liked about this have enjoyed in the past. My one concern is that the game’s characters may be LOST LEGACY game was that it has local multiplayer, unbalanced so that some more popular Pokémon’s may have advantage. A very enjoyable aspect of this game were the character interactions and which is becoming less common these dynamics between the two leads. It felt very genuine, and original, and only days.  e game has a very harsh dif- occasionally reminded me of conversations from the original series.  e  culty curve, especially during boss controls were also very easy to understand.  e demo le you wanting to know battles, but I found that only made me more about this instalment’s mystery. My one issue about the demo, was that it more intrigued by this game. felt very much like a DLC for Uncharted 4, rather than something new to the franchise. DETROIT  is game focuses especially on its worldbuilding, and the tension between the androids and humans.  e section in the demo also used in- teresting but not uncommon ways of detective gameplay. I also found the choice driven di usion aspect of the game very interesting. My one wish MARIO ODYSSEY whilst playing this game however was to understand the German choices  e open world in this game is mechanically like Breath of the Wild’s, where displayed on screen… there is a variety of things you could do as well as the main plot. A drawback to Mario’s open world however is its design, it is meant to look like a city.  is STAR WARS: lessons its impact, as all the buildings and non-plot important NPCs look the SUPER same or at least very similar.  is makes the game area disorientating, and feel empty. It is worth noting however that this isn’t the only a part of the game, and LUCKY'S TAIL that there are other sections where gameplay follows a more traditional Mario BATTLEFRONT 2 structure.  is game surprised me as to how much I enjoyed it, it was very bright I am not great at shooting games and I wasn’t playing on my usual platform, but and wacky, with a simple but creative it was impressive how, with very little hand holding, how easy it was to learn the plot. It was not a di cult game by controls.  e new settings are what attracted my interest to this game, because any stretch of the imagination, and X BOX ONE X unlike the previous game, I was not merely relegated to selecting battles from reminded me of Skylanders or old the original trilogy, or from one or two of the battles in the new  lms. In the Spyro games. Last but not least, I tried out the Xbox One X. Before I had a chance to play any new game, a choice can be made from the large range of scenarios from across games on it, the  rst thing I noticed, to my relief, was that the console is smaller the saga.  is could lead to funny, but jarring, moments where you would be than the old VHS sized Xbox One Classic, and that like the Xbox One S, did playing on a prequel’s map, in seeing a sequel’s character like Rey. SONIC not have the chunky power source on the outside.  e games that I played on the new console performed incredibly well, and there were many moments that FORCES seemed to run very smoothly and seamlessly, where there may have been lag  e most appealing thing for me or crashes on my Xbox One.  e graphics on the console were also really good, MIDDLE EARTH: regarding this game is nostalgia. As and the image very clear and crisp.  e fully integrated 4k resolution was really I was playing, I remembered playing impressive to look at. However, it must be remembered that in order to see the Sonic Advance and Sonic of the Secret 4k resolution you will also need a 4k TV, which is very expensive, o en on aver- SHADOW OF Rings, two games I really enjoyed as a age as much as the console itself.  e entire combination of console and tv cost- child. I liked the game, but one of my ing comes to almost as much as a term’s worth of rent, so buy it with caution. major criticisms of the demo was that the controls needed to be tightened WAR up. I am not sure if this was due to the Would you like to get involved with the Games sec-  e controls in this game are still very good as was it’s previous instalment, game still being developed, but I really tion? Are there any gamesyou want to review or any- want this game to succeed, so I hope and the combat is still as smooth and enjoyable. While the combat in the thing games related you want to write about? Just get main missions is engaging, it doesn’t have the di culty spike found in other this is the case. sections such as raids.  is, along with a feeling that you are only doing things in touch, I’d love to hear from you!! up to the next set piece makes the side quests much more interesting and more entertaining . Another thing to note is that while the graphics are much improved over the last game, the game still retains a very dark colour scheme. [email protected] 32 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 BOOKS TELL NO ONE BY HARLAN COBEN; A REVIEW THERE WAS MY LIFE BEFORE THE TRAGEDY. THERE IS MY LIFE NOW. THE TWO HAVE PAINFULLY LITTLE IN COMMON.

by FRANCESCA SCIARRILLO memory of the events which took thriller will hook you from the  rst doing. It keeps you guessing the place. The narrative begins eight page; I couldn’t put it down. Told whole way through and yet, some- lizabeth and David Beck grew years on as David (or as he prefers to from a  rst person perspective, the how, still manages to leave no stone up together as childhood be called, ‘Beck’) invites the reader reader receives a vivid insight into unturned. It has it all: murder, love, Esweethearts and went on to get into his life to see how the horrors the horrors experienced by Beck, betrayal (to name a few!). Whilst the married. Each year, they would visit of that night have left him broken. and how his whole existence has be- novel complies with stereotypical Lake Charmaine on their anniversary He soon becomes wrapped up in a come thwarted. His guilt for being murder mystery plot devices, it also and scratch a new line onto the same criminal investigation, prompting unable to remember evokes genuine addresses hard hitting issues that af- tree to symbolise the years spent to- him to believe that his wife could sympathy from the reader. At times, fect contemporary, American society. gether. However one year, disaster still be alive. Is it someone playing you’ll agree with Beck’s actions and If you like American crime drama, this strikes and Elizabeth is brutally mur- games with him? Or could she re- at other times you’ll be shouting at is certainly a book you would enjoy. dered whilst David is left with little ally have survived? Coben’s mystery him, wondering what on earth he’s Happy South of the Border, West of Birthday the Sun- Haruki Murakami Roald Dahl

oald Dahl was born in Wales on the 13th September, 1916. When you think of your childhood, you remember his lovingly, crafted tales. He Rhas been described as the “Shakespeare of children’s literature”, which few would argue against. When he was younger, he was sent away to boarding school multiple times. The events he encountered during his time in these places were recorded and then recounted in his book ‘Boy’. He  rst served in the army and RAF before he published his  rst piece of work which related to the adventures he had during the war. After this, Dahl launched into a creative outburst, writing classic after clas- sic. These books consist of ‘Matilda’, ‘James and the Giant Peach’ and ‘Witches’, to name a few. A common theme in these fantastic books is that children defeat an adult villain of some kind, with at least one good adult involved. This re ected Dahl’s own experience with adults, which can be found in his book ‘Boy’. Dahl was the master of creating his own words like lickswishy. He never re- ally explained what his words meant, but this inventive and playful element IT WAS AS IF  THIS SOMETHING to his writing was made understandable to children, as they sounded similar I THOUGHT OF ONLY LATER, to words they are already familiar with. Boring adults even made a dictionary of Dahl’s words, as they weren’t clever enough to even understand them! OF COURSE  SHE WAS GENTLY PEELING BACK ONE LAYER AFTER ANOTHER THAT COVERED A PERSON’S HEART, A VERY SENSUAL FEELING.

ajime grew up in the suburbs daughters, as well as a successful jazz had to put the book down because of post-war Japan as one of bar; or so he thinks. This is until Shi- he angered me. Yet, I wanted to see Hthe rare single children in a mamoto reappears. She comes  lled how these things panned out. I was place dominated by siblings. His sole with mystery and adventure and it hooked on his ego. The  rst person companion named Shimamoto was turns his life upside down. narrator helped this happen, as you also an only child. They spent their I couldn’t give the book more praise were always inside his head. Some- time listening to her father’s exten- if I tried. It is beautifully written as times I think I read on to see him sive record collection which is a fond well as having a solid plot. Despite get hurt. It was the perfect way to memory of his from over the years. loving the book, there was one thing present the story itself as you under- However, his family moved away and I hated and that was Hajime. He ir- stood the mystery that is his life  rst the pair lost contact. ritated me with his self absorbed hand and try to fathom why he did Fast forward to Hajime’s thirties. nature and how much he ruined his such things. Overall, the book hooks After drifting he has  nally found girlfriend and wives lives to ful l his you in the most unimaginable way. happiness with a loving wife and two own sel sh desires. Multiple times I Yet, it all makes sense. Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 33

@SerenFilm @seren lm [email protected] Get in touch and get involved! Don’t forget to nd us at Serendipity! Freshers Recommendation

elcome week at Bangor is students, with a decent selection of The Hangover (Amazon Prime) Barden Bella’s take it international talking mule Donkey to save a prin- one of the most memora- movies for a reasonable monthly fee, A four-man stag do to Vegas; what and the third movie is now well on its cess in this fairy-tale mash up. There Wble experiences of your life. including a free 30-day trial period. could possibly go wrong? Bradley way to completion since the teaser. is no debate that it is one of the best Moving into your accommodation, Also, if you’ve got one service, some- Cooper, Zach Gali anakis, and Ed Pulp Fiction (Amazon Prime) animations ever created and helped meeting new people, joining vari- one will probably have the other so Helms, try to piece together their Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar winning to skyrocket Dreamworks Animated. ous societies and drinking your own you can share between each other. night in one of the most highly rated  lm is one of the most iconic motion Step brothers (Net ix) body weight and then some in alco- Below are a selection of  lms on comedies ever made. We’ve all had pictures of all time. From Samuel L. Another comedy that everyone hol; it’s just magical! Net ix and Amazon Prime that those nights out so I’m sure after Jackson’s Ezekiel bible speech and loves; Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly But when meeting new people, would be ideal to gather round a watching this, you’ll be sharing yours. explicit wallet, to John Travolta’s revi- are forced to live under the same roof  nding common interests is at the laptop or TV and enjoy. (Article writ- Hot Fuzz (Net ix) talisation and Uma Thurman’s groov- when their parents marry. Anything forefront. Probably one of the most ten and submitted by 8th September The middle avour of Edgar ing dancing and memorable movie Ferrell related from Elf to Anchorman common interests is  lms. If you 2017. Content on services subject to Wright’s infamous Cornetto Trilogy is poster; it is a must see. is worth your time and this doesn’t name a load of movies you have change): Hot Fuzz. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost Sherlock Holmes (Amazon Prime) disappoint. watched, the likelihood is someone The Breakfast Club (Net ix) team up as police o cers in what Robert Downey Jr (Holmes) and Ted (Amazon Prime) & Ted 2 (Net- you meet has seen and enjoyed Five high school kids from very dif- seems to be the quiet town of Stan- Jude Law (Watson) star in Guy Ritch-  ix) them too. ferent backgrounds are in Saturday ford. A  lm you’ve already watched ie’s very entertaining adaptation of From Family Guy mastermind Seth With lectures not starting for a detention to complete an essay on a thousand times on ITV2 is always great  ctional private detective. Their MacFarlane comes R rated Ted, a whole week, and some down/re- who they think they are. This 1985 worth another viewing. chemistry is undeniably brilliant and talking teddy bear who gets us in covery time, it’s the perfect chance classic is regarded by many as one of Pitch Perfect 2 (Net ix) makes for such easy watching when stitches. With pop culture reference, to join up with your atmates or the best  lms ever, with the message While it’s gutting the  rst one isn’t nursing a hangover. unique humour and celebrity cam- friends from your course and watch a the story portrays being relevant to on there, the second Pitch Perfect Shrek (Net ix) eos, it hard not to wish you had one  lm. Streaming services are ideal for all walks of life. still ful ls your acapella needs. The Angry ogre Shrek teams up with of your own. Recent Releases: 25th August by JACK HOLLINSHEAD

(such as the infamous Pablo Escobar), felon and notorious safecracker Joe Roads at the top of your lungs with Throughout the night, police held 12 American Made it’s unimaginable to think someone Bang (Daniel Craig) and his brothers its infectious inclusion. It’s certainly people hostages; 10 black civilians t’s fair to say that Tom Cruise didn’t lived this life, not matter how much Sam (Brian Gleeson) and Fish (Jack worth picking up on DVD, as it enter- and 2 white girls, interrogating them get o to the best of starts this Hollywood stardust is thrown over it. Quaid). tains you from start to  nish; a speci- with violence. Local security guard, Isummer with his reboot of The Cruise turns in a noteworthy perfor- Its understated manner and clever- ality director Steven Soderbergh has Melvin Dismukes (John Boyega) of- Mummy launching Universal Stu- mance, much like his early work that ness is both entertaining and impres- provided us with numerous times fered his services throughout the dios’ ‘Dark Universe’ in potentially the we all know and love. The fast-paced sive, and is the reason why Logan over the years. incident, but was ultimately swept wrong direction. But fans of his can plane sequences make for fun watch- Lucky is such a good  lm. The direc- along with the hostage’s due to the be pleased with his latest picture; ing, and you get a nice clear-cut story tion and pace is consistent through- Detroit colour of his skin, with the police try- American Made. that doesn’t get wrapped up in the out, with the family orientated story nother  lm that didn’t bring ing to cover their tracks. The movie is based on the real many plot points and third parties in- staying true to its purpose by driving home big bucks at the box of- Much like Dunkirk (review on the events that started in the late 1970s, volved in shipping god knows what the heist forward, not going over the A ce, but a strong  lm that eve- next page), Detroit’s intensity and when a pilot for TWA (Trans World to god knows who. Overall, a good, top with explosions or chases. The ryone should see. Detroit is based on real-life horror gives you an account Airlines) named Barry Seal (Cruise) is enjoyable  lm to end the summer driving is used appropriately and real events that took place during the of just how terrifying it would have recruited for the CIA by agent Monty on. doesn’t take away from the focus of riots in the city in 1967, known as the been during the events. Actor Will Schafer (Domhnall Gleeson) to carry Logan Lucky the plot. 12th Street Riots. The  lm focuses on Poulter, who plays one of the white out reconnaissance missions into The cast are strong with their per- the speci c incident of the Algiers police o cers Philip Krauss, is es- South America. From this, Seal’s life nfortunately, it performed formances. Driver has an exceptional Motel that took place on the night sential playing a racist. Of course, escalates beyond his wildest dreams, poorly at the box o ce, prob- one handed scene that is impressive of 25th/26th July. Tensions began to Poulter isn’t a racist in real life, but his as he ends up working for the Medel- Uably due to the Mayweather in its intelligence, with both him and grow throughout the city after an un- performance is staggering and per- lin Cartel while the DEA, FBI and ATF VS McGregor  ght taking over the Tatum adding layered depth to the licensed club was raided, causing the fect for the character. Boyega, Smith, are all after him; but the main objec- back end of August. But, Logan Lucky stereotypical simple ‘hillbilly’ type riots to begin, with civil authorities Laitmore and other cast members tive for Seal is to provide for his wife is a  lm which you should take the characters. Craig’s unhinged and and elected representatives power- including Anthony Mackie and John Lucy (Sarah Wright) and their family. time to see. fun Joe Bang adds to the comedic less to stop the violence. Kraniski are powerful, drawing you in Movies, no matter how true they After being let go due to liability side of the  lm, with the supporting After the Dramatics, a black R&B with every breathe. keep with the original, real events reasons and his ex-wife Bobbie Jo cast adding quality, including Seth group, are forced to leave their gig With this  lm being released to of what happened, are a fascinating Chapman (Katie Holmes) moving MacFarlane as eccentric, arrogant and tour bus due to the riots, Larry mark the 50th anniversary of the way for you to  nd out about some- away with his daughter, Jimmy Lo- millionaire Max Chilblain, a sponsor Reed (Algee Smith) and his friend 12th Street Riots, this  lm is still as one. Much like the Jordan Belfort bi- gan (Channing Tatum) coerces his for a Nascar team with a serious and Fred Temple (Jacob Laitmore) end distressing today as it would have opic, the brilliant Wolf of Wall Street, brother, Iraq War veteran and ampu- focused driver, Dayton White (Sebas- up at the Algiers. When meeting been if released in 1967. It is a shame you want to read more and more tee Clyde (Adam Driver), into help- tian Stan). people at the motel and back in a that these events stand in history, about what this person has done and ing him rob the money vault during The country western backdrop of room, Carl Cooper (Jason Mitchell) but hopefully we have evolved since how they did it; I found myself doing the Nascar Coca-Cola 600 race at the state fairs and music keeps with the shoots blanks from his starter pistol then and it is important to take some the same with Seal. His involvement Charlotte Motor Speedway. They as- homely tones of the Logan charac- to frighten the National Guard, sent time and watch this  lm to make sure in the whole escapade, the risks he semble a team consisting of their sis- ters. You will undoubtedly walk away to control the trouble, but police it doesn’t happen again. took and the people he worked for ter Mellie (Riley Keough), convicted singing Take Me Home, Country respond and storm the building. 34 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 FILM Reviewing A Selection Of by JACK HOLLINSHEAD

Wonder Woman Much like Man of Steel, the  lm is Baby Driver The impact of the writing resonates War for the fter the backlash from critics story driven, showing the con ict of dgar Wright’s wonderful new throughout. It gives each of the char- Planet of the Apes and some fans of Batman v Su- interests these heroes face when dis- action heist hit is one of the acters their own unique style and ollowing on from the events of Aperman: Dawn of Justice, and covering not only more about them- Ebest movies of the summer as a sense of what motivates them to the second instalment, Dawn Suicide Squad, the continued suc- selves, but the people and world it follows get-away driver and mu- pursue the life of crime. The acting is Fof the Planet of the Apes, the cess of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic around them. It focuses on their hu- sic enthusiast Baby (Ansel Elgort), terri c, as Elgot and James hold their leader, a chimpanzee named Caesar Universe) and the reception 20th manitarianism and purity, rather than who works under crime veteran Doc own around a star-studded line up. (Andy Serkis) takes his colony to high Century Fox has received for R-Rated over idealising their comic book back (Kevin Spacey), alongside various The wonderfully orchestrated stunt up in the woods. But when a military features Deadpool and Logan; the story to create a potential quick buck gangs of mis ts, including Buddy work in this  lm is incredible. The su- faction called Alpha-Omega, under DCEU (DC Extended Universe) and at the box o ce. Gadot portrays Di- (Jon Hamm), Darling (actress), Gri perb driving sequences are uid and the leadership of a ruthless dictator Warner Bros were on the back-foot ana extremely well, being loving and (Jon Berthnal) and Bats (Jamie Foxx). seamless as they transition around known as The Colonel (Woody Har- heading into the release of Wonder compassionate, whilst being totally But when he meets diner worker the evolving romance of Baby and relson) destroys their home and mur- Woman. A  lm that dedicated fans badass in the process. She captures Debora (Lily James), the game Debora. ders some of his apes, Caesar is out such as myself would have seen, re- Wonder Woman’s  nest qualities as changes. As CGI becomes increasingly used, for vengeance, looking to put an end gardless of overall quality, but fans, she learns more and more about the When Guardians of the Galaxy be- which is sometimes needed and at to the war once and for all. as well as audiences in general, can power she possesses. Pine is very came a global sensation o the back some points isn’t, it would have been The motion capture and CGI, as be pleased with just how fantastic it good as her opposite, with the two of some questioning by many, one easy for Wright to increment it into with the  rst two instalments Rise (of is from start to  nish. sharing great chemistry. of its major drawing points was a the  lm. But all the stunts were done the Planet of the Apes) and Dawn, is The origin story shows Diana Prince Director Patty Jenkins has done a wicked soundtrack that would ring on location in Atlanta. This gives the mind blowing. The attention to detail (Gal Gadot) learning about her myth- fantastic job in taking the wonder- through your brain and in your ears  lm a realistic edge, knowing that is exquisite; everything from fur to ological heritage and how to become ful sneak peek we saw in Batman v for months on end. Baby driver is no they were done on tarmac rather battle wounds is superbly done to a warrior, before Captain Steve Trevor Superman and creating a beautiful di erent. The music drives the story, than the screen, because not only are bring Caesar, Maurice and co to life. (Chris Pine) crashes in the clear wa- movie about an icon that can begin with Baby picking speci c songs for they dangerous, but they are brilliant Even in an era where CGI is used con- ters of the Amazonian island; Themy- to inspire a new generation. Won- speci c jobs. Not only that, but the in every sense. stantly, you can’t help but be in awe. scira. Accompanying him to  ght the der Woman has become the highest way movement in scenes adheres to This is easily one of the best  lms Not only the apes, but the landscape war waging in Western Europe, she grossing movie of all time by a fe- the beat of the track. From Queen to this summer. The original screen- and action sequences are a thing of must stop gas producing Dr Poison male director, as well as the highest Blur to the Beach Boys to Bob & Earl play leaves you scrolling through beauty, adding to the overall quality (Elena Anaya) along with the mythi- grossing domestic (United States) to T-Rex. Hit after hit that, much like your phone or iPod to  nd songs you of the movie. The performance that cal, treacherous son of Zeus; her half- origin story, surpassing Spider-Man Guardians,  ts poetically with the would use as a get-away driver, but Andy Serkis gives is unbelievable, brother Ares. (2002) and Deadpool (2016). symphony of story and direction. remember not to try the stunts! easily his best as Caesar to date. Recent Releases &

IT - 8th September Wind River - 8th September American Assassin - 15th Sep- Kingsman: The Golden Circle - another world ending threat. Based on Stephen King’s 1986 A wildlife tracker (Jeremy Renner) tember 19th/20th September Keep your eyes on local cinema novel, a group of kids who call them- and FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) join Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien) is as- Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is back in listings for a double screening with selves ‘The Losers’ Club’ are out inves- together to solve a murder mystery signed to Stan Hurley’s (Michael his perfectly  tted, bespoke Kings- Kingsman: The Secret Service. tigating an evil that takes the form of on the Wind River Indian Reservation Keaton) black ops recruitment pro- man suit as he teams with the United a clown and who they believe is at in Wyoming. gramme to help the CIA track down States Counterpart Statesman (Chan- the hands of their friends’ death. a rogue operative. ning Tatum, Je Bridges) to take on Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 35 The Summers Best Movies

The power he portrays through mo- Dunkirk veterans Kenneth Branagh and Mark The Big Sick o his back. tion capture is divine, truly perfect- hristopher Nolan’s portrayal Rylance supporting. Harry Styles ut of all the Hollywood block- Like a Randy Orton RKO, this  lm ing the art he has already mastered. of what Winston Churchill de- did incredibly well in his  lm debut, busters and star-studded came out of nowhere. This beauti- But the best thing about this  lm, Cscribed as “a colossal military adding strength to the whole perfor- Omovies that have been re- ful story has been cleverly written which can often get lost in franchis- disaster” is impactfully beautiful. mance rather than seeming like any leased over the summer; I bet one by the two who experienced it  rst es, is the story. It’s a great story of Along with his wife Emma Thomas, publicity attraction. With its wide an-  lm you never thought of watching hand, Nanjiani and Gordon, with morality and desire from start to  n- they have produced some of cine- gles and  rst-person cockpit shots, it is The Big Sick. A love story that has well-timed jokes, awkward relation- ish. The way it unfolds and the depth mas best  lms; from the Dark Knight is cinematically stunning from frame truly warmed our hearts and under- ship moments and passionate par- you get from the characters is stun- trilogy to Inception to Interstellar. to frame. cut the competition this summer. ents; just what you expect from their ning. That is testimony to the ethos Their latest adventure, Dunkirk, adds The nonlinear narrative of the Well if you do one thing, take a few actual lives. Anybody who has had writers/producers Amanda Silver and to their superb resumé of critically movie from three perspectives was hours out of your life to sit with some a relationship can see themselves at Rick Je a have implemented right acclaimed movies. a pleasant surprise, especially with snacks, drinks, maybe even some tis- some point in this  lm as relatability from the beginning with Rise. They The story follows the evacuation of how they all aligned in the conclu- sues and watch, what has been said (to some extent) is the driving factor. have envisioned what they wanted, British and French troops across the sion, but caused confusion for me on by many, as one of the best  lms of Playing any sort of biopic is tricky, and with the help of directors Rupert channel as they try to escape Ger- one occasion. The composition was the year to date. as the people who really experienced Wyatt and Matt Reeves, they have man advances towards the beach orchestrated by Hans Zimmer. As Loosely based on a true story, the it all must watch; whether everything achieved it. and harbour at Dunkirk. Not only usual, he matches the  lm perfectly, writers Kumail Nanjiani and his wife happened or not, but the cast did a A  tting conclusion that has been were the lives of those serving their drawing you into the suspense min- Emily V. Gordon tell their struggling great job of conveying the raw emo- the goal since James Franco began country in the three divisions of the ute by minute. tale. Comedian Nanjiani (playing tion of the situation. The comedy, ro- teaching baby Caesar. There have army, the navy and the RAF in dan- With great period war, they try to himself) meets grad student Emily mance and drama go hand in hand, been rumours that a fourth is being ger, but those of civilians who were give a sense of what trauma, devas- (played by Zoe Kazan in the  lm) and blossoming together rather than planned, which could be welcomed willing to sacri ce their life to bring tation and loss soldiers su ered. Of they fall for one another. Kumail lies being forced; a credit to the real-life by fans and critics alike after the suc- servicemen home. course, they are not close to what to his Pakistani family, who believe relationship between Kumail and cess of War for the Planet of the Apes, Whilst Tom Hardy and Cillian Mur- our brave servicemen & women have in arranged marriage to a person Emily. but some stories are best left at their phy return once more to collaborate and must face in such circumstances from the same culture and race. But rightful end and this surely is one with Nolan, Dunkirk sees young Brit- . Dunkirk, historically accurate or not, when Emily develops a serious ill- What has been your favourite of them? Otherwise, it may turn out ish actors such as Fionn Whitehead, gives you a sense of how di cult it ness, Nanjiani deals with her parents lm of the summer? Check our like Transformers, and nobody wants Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden and was to simply survive onslaught af- Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray website for more reviews, includ- that to happen again. Irish actor Barry Keoghan take cen- ter onslaught on the beaches, in the Romano), whilst trying to make his ing Spider-Man Homecoming, tre stage, performing superbly, with freezing sea and roaring skies. way in stand-up and keep his family Gifted and more! Upcoming Movies

Flatliners - 29th September Blade Runner 2049 - 6th October The Snowman - 13th October Jigsaw - 27th October Thor: Ragnarok - 27th October Medical students who are intrigued In the year 2049, a new Blade Run- Originally a novel by Jo NesbØ, a The horror franchise Saw is back Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) seek- as to what lies beyond death dis- ner, O ce K (Ryan Gosling) unearths detective (Michael Fassbender) is with its eigth installment: Jigsaw. ing the whereabouts of his missing cover more than they bargained for a dark secret that could have serious tasked with investigating disappear- After the death of the Jigsaw killer father Odin (Anthony Hopkins). But when they try the thrill one too many consequences. But it leads him to a ances on the  rst snow of the winter a decade ago, a new succession of when Hela (Cate Blanchett) descends times. former Blade Runner; Rick Deckard season. muders come to light that are all too Ragnarok upon Asgard, can he and (Harrison Ford) familiar. his team stop her destructive wrath? 36 Seren | Freshers Issue 2017 UNION Societies Guild Proposal For a long time, societies have can work closely with to make even been successful at changing the way bigger events. This gives all socie- that education at Bangor University ties a better opportunity to work to- works. From running entirely sepa- gether and learn more techniques to rate conferences, to hosting 72 hour make their opportunity even better. charity marathons, societies have Another way to help societies given students the opportunity to become even better is the new develop themselves both personally achievements system. This new sys- and academically. James Williams, VP tem would give societies a series for Societies and Volunteering want of 12 di erent awards that can be to give students the opportunity to achieved in order to gain further go even further. distinctions. What’s even better is It is proposed that Societies will that for every achievement, the soci- see a new structure with more op- ety and committee will be rewarded. portunities for collaboration and These include more BEA points, ad- development. It is proposed that a vertisement on university comput- Societies Guild is formed. Societies ers, and a variety of other rewards. will be arranged into a series of clus-  is idea will be discussed further ters, which committee members can during the societies’ welcome meeting choose, to have a group that they on September the 18th, 8pm-9pm.

Course Reps – Get Involved! It’s a new academic year and as chance to highlight the great things well as all the excitement that brings, that your school, lecturers and sta like meeting new people, catching are doing too to make sure they keep up with friends you haven’t seen all happening. Students’ Union to hold its  rst ever De-Stresstival! summer and getting involved in the If you’re interested in being a course hundreds of activities Undeb Bangor rep you can nominate yourself from De-Stresstival is a week-long event name a few. For those of you, who De-Stresstival will be giving out free (your Students’ Union) is putting on, Welcome Week. Even if you don’t fan- giving students the opportunity to want something a bit more relaxing, Pizza!! Along with drinks and other it’s also time to make sure you know cy being a course rep this year it’s still have some fun and de-stress! It will come to our Canine Calming Room nibbles. about how to become a Course Rep. really important that you have your allow students to take part in excit- to cuddle our four legged friends! For those of you facing any issues The course rep system plays a vital say on who represents your views, so ing activities, alongside workshops Everyone is welcome to join the Sab- or wanting some advice, our Aca- role in making sure that the opinions you can vote for all those who have that are designed to be relaxing and batical O cers during the evening, a demic caseworker will be holding a of all students are represented and put themselves forward during week promote well-being. We also aim to couple of things they have planned daily 1-hour drop in session to listen valued so that you have a direct say 2. raise awareness of mental health, are an open mic night in Belle Vue and help. For anyone who is unsure in the shaping of your academic ex- Log on to www.undebbangor.com/ educate students on plagiarism and and an evening in the Global Café. of plagiarism, we will be giving out perience. It’s basically the chance for coursereps for more information and to promote the advice and support There will be a chance for everyone lea ets on what di erent types of you to have your say, be heard and all things Course Rep Related. provision we have here at the Stu- to compete in our sports event at plagiarisms there are. There will also make positive change. It’s also your dents’ Union. the Brailsford dome; the fun activi- be a game to guess the similarity There will be a variety of games ties will include egg and spoon race, percentage on work that has been such as a piñata, painting your own sack race, three-legged race, etc. plagiarised and of course, a prize for gnomes and bracelet making to Lastly, what better than FREE FOOD! the winner! Athletic Union Submit your ideas to your Students’ Union now Taster Session Want to Make Change Happen? Why not let Undeb If you’re unsure about the clubs you Bangor (your Students’ Union know what you’re pas- want to join this year, why not go sionate about and what changes you want in your Uni- along to a Taster Session, the taster versity and Union by submitting Your Ideas now. sessions begin on Thursday 21st of Any student can submit, upvote or down vote an idea September, kicking o with Men’s to direct the work of your Students’ Union. If you have Futsal in Hall1 6-8pm and will contin- an idea about how to make Undeb Bangor (Your Stu- ue for a week. The taster sessions are dents’ Union), the University or the community better the perfect opportunity for you to for students you just need to log on to www.undeban-  nd out which sport you will enjoy, gor.com/yourideas and let us know. if you enjoy the taster session then We can’t wait to hear from you and help make your you can join that club online through ideas happen. undebbangor.com Freshers Issue 2017 | Seren 37 SPORT Premier League Clubs Vote On Transfer Bangor Univeristy Sporting Opportunities Window Changes Beginning Next Season remier League clubs have agreed only and has no bearing on other to close the summer transfer leagues and competitions.” window the day before the start “ e  rst transfer window in which ofP the 2018-19 season. this applies will be the summer trans-  is means clubs will not be allowed fer window in 2018 (ahead of the to register any new players a er 5pm 2018/19 season) and it will close on on the  ursday before the season- 17.00 on  ursday 9 August 2018.” opener. “ is new rule applies only to the  e vote at a meeting of top- ight acquisition of players. Clubs will still clubs on  ursday, which was not have the ability to sell players to other unanimous, followed weeks of debate leagues in which the transfer window about the uncertainty caused to man- is open (as they can now to leagues agers and players by three weeks of that have di erent transfer wind dates, transfer activity and speculation at the eg MLS and CSL). start of a new campaign. “Clubs have discussed this topic at  e Premier League released a state- length at previous shareholders’ meet- ment saying: “Premier League clubs ings (February 2017 and June 2017) have today agreed to a rule amend- prior to today’s vote.” ment that will see the summer transfer As it stands, the ruling will only af- window in any year end at 5pm on the fect the English top  ight, with no  ursday before the start of the sea- other leagues having voted on the po- s on .” tential change. “ is is for Premier League clubs Benavidez Makes History

ne of the many attractions to Teams compete weekly at BUCS sity. All sports teams compete against University is the chance to get (British University and College Sport) one another to claim the trophy and involved with sports teams. in league and cup competitions across bragging rights for their respective WhetherO it be representing them or the country. university. Last year, we were victori- just playing socially with friends; it’s You can sign up to join these teams ous, and became the  rst away win- something that many enjoy. Here, at at our Fresher’s Fair Serendipity.  ere, ners in history. An awesome day where Bangor University, we o er a vast vari- you will get all the information you everyone gets involved, from playing ety of sports teams for everyone. From need and any questions that need an- to reporting to spectating; it’s worth American Football, to La Crosse, to swering. coming down to experience. Ultimate Frisbee; you name it, you can Each year, we have our Varsity com- probably join it. petition against Aberystwyth Univer-

England’s Summer Success David Benavidez has become the en from 19  ghts. youngest  ghter to win a world super- Britain’s Callum Smith was supposed middleweight title, claiming the va- to  ght Anthony Dirrell for the vacant cant WBC belt aged 20 years and nine WBC super-middleweight title in Sep- months. tember.  e American beat Romanian Ron- However, Smith sacri ced his title ald Gavril by split decision to also shot to take part in the World Boxing become the youngest current world Super Series, while Dirrell could not champion.  ght through injury. Benavidez was  oored in the 12th  e belt was vacated a er Badou Jack round of the  ght but won 117-111 moved up a weight division a er be- and 116-11 on two judges’ scorecards, ing ordered to defend his title against while the other was 116-111 in Gavril’s Liverpool’s Smith. favour.  e victory leaves Benavidez unbeat- Van Gaal Speaks About His United Axe ouis van Gaal says Manchester United  nished fourth in the Premier United went "behind my back" League in his  rst season in charge to in replacing him as manager qualify for the Champions League, but Lwith Jose Mourinho in 2016. despite winning the FA Cup, they  n-  e Dutchman, 66, was sacked 48 ished  h in his second campaign as hours a er winning the FA Cup and they could only qualify for the Europa Mourinho was appointed less than a League. week later. " e pressure was enormous with my " ey told me only a er it was leaked head in the noose and they went right by JACK HOLLINSHEAD the scenes inside the ground were im- have some tinkering to do. Keaton Jen- out, it was the biggest disappointment behind my back," said Van Gaal. oe Root had his  rst challenges as mense. England would go on to win nings, Mark Stoneman and Tom West- of my life," Van Gaal, who was two "I think it was all orchestrated like a test captain when his side faced the series 3-1. ley had mixed series’ at the top order years into a three-year contract, told  lm and it was done very much behind South Africa and the West Indies Root’s side would then face the West of the batting. Toby Roland-Jones Dutch paper Algemeen Dagblad. my back right from January." inJ respective series’. A er drawing Indies, where we saw the  rst ever day/ impressed with the ball, but I’m sure "United put my head in a noose and United paid out £8.4m to Van Gaal with Bangladesh and a series white- night match take place, with a pink Chris Woakes will be knocking at the I was publicly placed on the gallows." following the departure of the Dutch- wash away in India last year, it was ball being used when the  oodlights door for a place in the Ashes squad; so It is Van Gaal's  rst interview about man and his coaches. important to build some momentum came on. England steamrollered the plenty to think about. the manner of his Old Tra ord exit. "United did not discuss this with ahead of the Ashes in Australia begin- Indies, with Alastair Cook scoring 243  e Ashes  rst test is on the 23rd No- He had won seven national titles me. If they had come to me with the ning in November, and England fans as the home side won by an innings vember at  e Gabba, Brisbane, with with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich Mourinho plan then I could have said will be glad to know they have done and 209 runs.  e Windies would level BT Sport providing the coverage. Be and AZ before being appointed Man- 'OK, let's give it everything for the last just that the three match series, but England sure to check you don’t have a 9am if chester United boss in May 2014. six months, complete commitment to  ey started well against South Af- made no mistake in the third, winning you want to stay up for this series! each other and the team and then Jose rica, but a er two tests, the series was by 9 wickets.  is was a special test for THEY TOLD ME Mourinho can take over'," he added. level at 1-1. In the third test, and the bowler Jimmy Anderson, who joined ONLY AFTER IT WAS " ey could have saved the last year 100th England test at the Kia Oval, the illustrious 500 wicket club and Want to get involved with the LEAKED OUT, IT of my salary by doing that but a er we saw some breath-taking bowling took career best  gures of 7-42. Sport pages or any other sections of WAS THE BIGGEST what happened I made them pay every from Moeen Ali. He won the match As promising as these results are un- Seren? Get in touch via our website, penny." with a hat-trick, with the third and der new captaincy, Root and current social media or email: DISAPPOINTMENT OF  nal wicket being correctly reviewed; Head Coach Trevor Bayliss will still MY LIFE Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports The AU ExecSPORT Team 2017- BUCS Of cer - Secretary - Marketing and VP for Sport - Corrie Shorrock Elle Langham Publicity Of cer- Tatenda Shonhiwa Louise Fell How have you started implementing your ideas? With the unpredictability of the job, a lot of unexpected tasks have come up on my desks since I started, a few projects I have been working on are around funding for sport and physical activity, I have also started working on a Welfare in Sport strategy details on this will be Firstly, how are you rolled out just after freshers week. Hi, my name Corie and I’m the nding your new Bucs o cer this year. I’m currently a Hi, my name is Elle and I’m your AU Varcity is the main 3rd year student studying criminal exec secretary this year. I’m currently role as a Saab? justice and criminology. I’m involved completing a PhD with the school It’s been a busy and exciting time event if the year but with several teams within the AU of Sports Science and have loved for me over the summer,  rstly what other sporting powerlifting, judo, rugby league, being a part of the AU during my getting to learn the role, there’s a events should Gaelic football and American time in Bangor! I’ve been part of lot more to it than what meets the football. I have been the 1st team cheerleading, gymnastics, lacrosse Hello! My name is Louise a Fell eye and the experiences I got from students be looking captain of rugby league for 2 years and pole  t and was captain and and I’m the Communications and learning from other o cers across out for? and now I am the club captain as well now coach of the cheerleading team. Publicity O cer of the AU Exec for the country. I managed to make I am glad to announce Varsity will being the social sec of powerlifting. As your secretary, I assist the rest of the 2017/18 academic year. I’m friends that will for sure support me be on April 21st and we have that at Being this year BUCS o cer, I will aim the AU exec team in the organisation currently doing a masters in Sports throughout the year in the role. home, but throughout the year but to make sure everything is always and running of events as well as and Exercise Psychology and have It’s been good working with the within Undeb we have Superstars organised, no one is running round documenting discussions and been an active member of the other 4 o cers, and just seeing and superteams in December, panicking so that everyone can leave decisions that come up at meetings. AU throughout my three years in their energies especially with their Healthy Living week in February on time and enjoy there Wednesday I’m also involved in the running of Bangor. I am currently Vice-Club approach to students. It looks like it ,Alan Marsh throwing tournament afternoons of sport. the This Girl Can campaign and can’t Captain of the Badminton Club, and will be an exciting year ahead. in March, AU dinner in April to wait to see what this year has in store! have previously been Vice First Team name a few. To keep in touch with Events Of cer - Captain of the Women’s Cricket What brought you to all things sports please give our AU Nikki Smith Healthy Living Team. As the Communications and the role? Facebook page alike. Publicity O cer, I will aim to make The reason I ran for this role Of cer - sure all of the great stu your teams was because I wanted to make a There’s a huge Lilly Stokes do this year doesn’t go unnoticed. A di erence to other students, being variety of sports big part of my job is also to publicise a part of the AU over my studies events that the AU run, which means here was the best decision I made for new students to I’ll have a big hand helping with and ensuring that, more students get involved in at the organisation of Varsity 2018. I take part in sport is my goal. I aim Bangor. What advice will also be looking to improve the to strive to ensure that there’s a communication of major sporting platform for our student members can you give to those successes to Seren. be able to get active. looking at getting involved in sport for CHECK OUT YOUR What are your main the rst time focuses this year My best advice to give anyone in in terms of ideas sport is JUST DO IT!, its FREE and all our clubs are inclusive to ensure ATHLETIC UNION you are hoping to everyone feels welcomed. Sports implement? de nitely made my experience here The job is very dynamic, I had so much better. The friendships you Hi guys, I’m Lily and I am this year’s hoped to have a uni ed AU make out of this experience will be healthy living o cer. I’m studying CLUBS AT merchandise program by now lifelong. the MSc Marine Environmental and also to grow the campus Protection on an Athena Swan sport program, however due to What are you Hey! I’m Nikki and my role as part Women in Science scholarship. when timetables are published During my 3 years in Bangor I have SERENDIPITY! and agreed, I wasn’t able to add looking forward to of the exec committee is the Events O cer. I help choose Academi AU been involved in the AU through to campus sport so hopefully by most about being a cheerleading and pole  t, being WEDNesday 20th the end of the year we may be Saab this year? night themes and assist clubs with fundraising. I am currently doing captain for the cheer squad last year able to. With The AU Kit, we are I am looking forward to SEPTEMBER, PJ HALL a Masters in Clinical and Health and coach this year. still trying to review the needs just seeing the AU grow, the Psychology, and I am part of the My role this year will involve running that our students have in regards membership numbers in particular, Ladies Hockey Club and Bangor the mental health campaign along to kit, before we make a decision I am looking forward to hopefully a Snow; where I was a social sec in my with assisting in other campaigns. In about which company can be the hat trick of Varsity wins. From being second year! As the Events O cer, addition to this I will be promoting uni ed provider. I am  nding a lot a member to now the head of it, it’s this year I aim to create di erent AU healthy living from the comfort of of things take time to happen, but something I could have only hoped night themes, and encourage more your own home with no need to we are de nitely going in the right for. fork out for gym memberships and direction. clubs to raise money, using lots of di erent ways. overpriced vegetables. AD