ORIENTATION WEEK | 22 SEPTEMBER 2008 VOL 3 | ISSUE 1 THE OFFICIAL DCU.SU MAGAZINE CAMPUS camPus 1 2 camPus CONTENTS22 SEPTEMBER 2008 13 16 8 14 7 4. Your Union The supremely helpful Niall, Susan Stuff to do this week and David Download the NERD/Strokes/ 7. Getting Around Santogold song from Converse.com. Planes, trains and automobiles. And It’s free and oh so danceable also Dublin Bus Show off your silver screen knowledge 8. Pimp My Room at the pre-ball quiz on Wednesday Gadgets for your college bedroom Bag as many freebies as you can. You 10. Map can get a semester’s supply of noodles Your guide to DCU if you really try ... Discover your inner screen god/goddess 12. Culture Club The Blizzards, GAA jerseys and more Say “yee-haw” at every opportunity 14. Celluloid College The must-see college movies Editor: Eimear Ryan 16. Clubs & Socs Contributors: Susan Hurley, Niall McClave, Dave A sneak peek at real college life McGovern, Claire Ryan. Thanks: Russell Altman, Shea McNelis, Una Redmond. 18. Miscellany Contact: 01 7005195, [email protected] Must-surf websites and assorted bits camPus 3 Union niall mcclave welcome to dcu Freshers of DCU 2008, welcome. is learning about life - learning My name is Niall McClave and I’m how to cope on your own with- the Students’ Union President this out mammy’s cooking; becoming year. I know there are all sorts of friends with people from back- stuff that you’re dying to know grounds you’ve never imagined, now that you’re here, and that’s never mind experienced; taking what we in the Union are here for. part in something and finding out I’m sure most of you your potential. Oscar are excited and more Only about 10% Wilde put it best when than a little nervous he said: “An education about what to expect of what you is an admirable thing over the next few years. learn in but it is worth re- I guess the best piece university is membering from time of advice I can give you to time that nothing is to get involved. Join a what you learn worth knowing can club or society, become in lectures ever be taught.” a class rep or help out When the time during some big event. These comes for me to say goodbye to are the best ways to make new DCU I will take with me a wealth friends. of memories and I hope you do There’s so much to learn in too. If ever things start to get your time in DCU. I wouldn’t have on top of you do call up and say believed it when I started but hello. We’re here for you and honestly only about 10% of what we’ve been through it all so don’t you learn in university is what be shy. Oh and mine’s a Jack and you learn in lectures. The rest Coke if you’re asking. DESERT ISLAND ... Book: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Mmm, lengthy. Movie: Castaway - it’s like a survival guide. Or if I want to be enter- tained, The Godfather. Album: The Breadcrumb Trail by The Frames. LAST MEAL: Tomato soup for starters. Medium rare striploin steak for main, with fried unions and pepper sauce. For dessert strawberry black forest ga- teau with a side of chocolate eclairs. TIPS FOR FRESHERS: * Go to every event you can during Orientation Week. * Random hook-ups are fun, but always be careful about scoring some- one in your class. These things can come back to haunt you ya know. * Enjoy yourself and dive right into university life. 4 camPus Union susan hurley all over your issues Hey everyone, my name is Susan Orientation week is all about and I’m the Deputy President of meeting people. Sure you get the Students’ Union. your timetables, cards, guides I am the Education and Wel- and maps, and your talks on fires fare officer, meaning that I am and stealing bikes, but believe the lady to come talk to about me, Numero Uno on your list of anything that might be bothering priorities this week should be you during your time here. I also having fun. Head to the events represent your rights and inter- in the bar and locate the cosiest ests at the highest level in the couches on campus and get to university. know some people in your class. I am here to help DCU is renowned for you as best I can, with Numero Uno having the most vi- anything from academic on your list of brant club and society problems to personal priorities this life in the country and ones. From timetabling I guarantee you there issues and exam wor- week should be is a kooky collection of ries to finding grinds, having fun people suited to eve- there is plenty of sup- ryone. port available. If you’re having When I was in first year, I went doubts about your course, find- to a Music Soc meeting in search ing it difficult to settle in, having of “free drink” ... I came out trouble finding accommodation, with a bottle of Fanta, a commit- getting grief off your landlord, tee position and what were to having money issues, health is- become my best friends in the sues, employment issues, lovelife world (awh shucks ... I know). issues ... we are all over your While education is our primary issues! reason for being here, there’s a Seriously though - at the very reason people say your college least I can give you a cup of tea days are some of the best of your and point you in the right direc- life, and the SU are here to help tion. make that happen. DESERT ISLAND ... Book: Ulysses by James Joyce. I’d finally have time to read it. Movie: Jurassic Park. A: because it’s AWESOME and B: when I go in- sane I can have all sorts of cool imaginary dinosaur adventures. Album: Blue by Joni Mitchell. LAST MEAL: Does chocolate fondue count as a meal? TIPS FOR FRESHERS: * Koka noodles and chocolate do not constitute a healthy diet. Get your five a day into ya - it’s good for hangovers too! * Get to know as many people as possible here - you never know who your next bessie mate will be! * If you want to guarantee a great night out, fancy dress is key! camPus 5 Union david mcgovern delectable posters & booklets Hello there. My name is David year we will be piloting a Green McGovern and I am your Cam- Week to make our campus a lit- paigns and Information Officer tle more eco-friendly. for the year. Welcome to our fair Enough about me. This week campus. DCU is home to all sorts is all about you finding your of weird and wonderful people, feet. Niall and Susan have said events and stories, so I sincerely it already but take part in eve- hope you enjoy your time here! rything you can this week. And My role in Campaigns once you’ve done and Information con- DCU is home that, take part in as cerns all the communi- to all sorts of much as you can next cation between the Un- weird and week, and the week ion and student body. I’ll after. Your involve- keep you up to date with wonderful ment in student life events and policies on people outside lectures will campus. This will vary be what makes col- greatly, from articles in this mag lege great. and online updates, to delectable Right, that’s it from me. It posters and tiny booklets. of course stands that you can Some of the campaigns that drop up any time to the SU, will “go live” this year are Fresh- and let us know if there’s any- ers’ Week (next week!), Health thing you’d like help with. Later Week and SHAG Week. Also this dudes. DESERT ISLAND ... Book: The Beach by Alex Garland. And then I could say “Oh I’m on a beach too.” Movie: The Dreamers. Album: Partie Traumatic by Black Kids. LAST MEAL: That’s too hard to say. But I’ll tell you something, I’d have a coke on draft with it. TIPS FOR FRESHERS: * Don’t get involved with extra-cirricular life. Ha, just kidding. Take part in absolutely everything you’re interested in. It’ll really make your time here super. * Never let an assignment overwhelm you. It’s one thing and noth- ing else. You can manage it. * Wear sunscreen. 6 camPus Luas Feature The you’re going to have to get to grips with New to the city? the strange beast that is misleading the Dublin bustransport numbers system. (the 19A go figure) - it’s a minefield ... lines that don’t but link not up, the 19, goes to DCU, your guide to GETTING AROUND the city if you’re prepared to Luas from say, Stephen’s Green Dublin Bus combine a few routes. to Connolly Station. For you see, the two lines are totally uncon- What? In all likelihood Dublin Do: Have the exact change for nected. Bus shall be your chariot around the nice busman. the city for the next few years. Its cheery blue and yellow fa- Don’t: Get off at the wrong DART cade is sure to warm your heart. stop. Unless you recognise delectable posters & booklets where you’re travelling to or What? Dublin Area Rapid Tran- How? There’s a bus stop con- have a landmark to look out for, sit.