++FRESHERS WEEK ISSUE+++FRESHERS WEEK ISSUE+++FRESHERS WEEK ISSUE++ YOUR English Language University Newspaper SereSEPTEMBER 2005 n UNIVERSITY OF WALES BANGOR SERENDIPITY: CLUBS HEALTHY EATING FOR FEATURED : & SOCIETIES GUIDE POOR STUDENTS FRESHER’S WEEK By James Ainsworth !!2005!! Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and Girls. Mature and Tradi- tional. Welcome to The University of Wales, Bangor. For most of you, this is the start of a three year journey into the unknown. During your university lifetime in Bangor, you should endeavour to take hold of the numerous oppor- tunities available to you as well as take time to explore your surroundings. Take in a scONe (The pronunciation of this noun is at the editor’s disgression and contrary to the SU President’s declaration of “It is pronounced sCONE, due to the vowel-consonant-vowel cluster, where in this case the preceding vowel is pronounced as a capital letter.”) or three at the end of Bangor Pier. Stroll along the peb- ble beaches. Consider the delights of a walk to Anglesey and for the truly daring, tackle Glanrafon Hill after a night out. If this is causing you any concern so far, fear not for we have a few words of wisdom from this year’s Students’ Union Presi- dent, Rob Harris. “My words of wisdom are to enjoy yourself, have fun and frolics and join as many clubs as you can.” Rob believes that “University is as much about life experience as it is about getting a degree.”. Rob started out as an intrepid Seren reporter no less (He even wrote movie reviews for this issue) “Above all we are all here to help, assist and guide you through your university career in whatever way we can.” Rob’s successful campaign was built around the key issues of increasing communication and rep- SU PRESIDENT-ROB HARRIS resentation across the campus as well as to gain as much benefit for the students from the university as possible. “The whole executive is in place to support people and there are a number of voluntary positions to support and represent minority groups.” Rob is keen to emphasise the diverse nature of the student population and the importance of community spirit and promotion of the Welsh culture in which we live. “On behalf of the Students’ Union, we welcome you to Bangor and hope you all have a fun-filled future.” SPORTSPORT MUSICMUSIC FILMSFILMS INSIDEINSIDE :: OPINIONOPINION COMPETITIONSCOMPETITIONS 2 September 2005 EDITOR’S BRIEF Dear Reader Briefly... Hello! Welcome to the new look SEREN and this my first issue as editor*. I hope you will all find something of relevance and maybe a hint of provocation and independ- This issue was compiled by: ent thinking from your fellow students in this re-launch issue. It has been hard work getting the Seren name out there and bringing in funding over the summer but now begins the fun and making Seren a publication of which we can all be proud. Editor - James Ainsworth [email protected] In this issue there are lots of useful pieces of advice for freshers and ‘veterans’ of this university life affirming experience. There is a map outlining the locations of all the clubs, societies and other stalls at Serendipity during Fresher’s Week and how to make the most of your money when Production Editor - Daniel Turner it comes to doing your weekly food shop as well as details on up and coming entertainment in the SU. The regular music and film sections will keep you fully clued up on your interests. For those who intend to blag their way through Distribution, Advertising, Finance - the start of the semester, we have a shed load of competitions. Chris Snookes A big thank you to everyone who has helped put Seren together over the summer(and put up with my moaning) and all those who have contributed to this issue. I hope you have a great year and enjoy reading your student run univer- Culture Editor - Chris Snookes sity newspaper. Music Editor - Christopher Alcock & James James Ainsworth *The editor reserves the right to make a few mistakes in the first issue. with contributions from... Dizzy Hobbs, Stuart Edwards, Huw Pritchards, RiczCo, Student Services, We have a number of fantastic positions available on the Seren team for this year. Working for Seren is a rewarding Laurel Morgan, Andrew Valentine, R, experience and is a desirable attribute to put on your CV. Especially if you have an interest in journalism. We all have to Sam Burnett, Esby, Adam Isbell start somewhere! We have positions in the following areas Club & Societies Writer (Anyone who is willing to try out the various activities on offer at Bangor and report back to the masses) Sports Editor (Anyone with a knowledge of all things sport) Web Editor (Experienced computer type to keep website up to date and review websites) Welfare Editor (Has an interest in reporting the issues relevant to the students) If you are interested in any of these positions send an e-mail to: [email protected] explaining why you would be good for the specific position. Good luck. Get in touch: STUDENTS UNION DEINIOL ROAD BANGOR GWYNEDD LL57 2TH Tel: (01248) 388017 R S E E [email protected] S N R www.seren-bangor.co.uk NEWS September 2005 3 Briefly... BANGOR WELCOMES US DEBT RELIEF Universities in America have opened up the doors for UK ARRIVAL PROCEDURES students to take up their Fur- ther Education Stateside, after allowing UK students to apply for their 3rd World Scholarships. These bursary funds are usually only made available for those in Less Economically Developed Countries who wish to study. Given the introduction of tuition fees and lack of assistance from the Government, it is increas- ingly becoming a more financially viable option to take up study abroad. By James Ainsworth day arrival arranged for residents of Emrys evans, Llys Tryfan and Neu- add Reichel. The move was welcomed by Ffridd Site security who have in Congratulations to Croeso-Welcome Bangor for their first signs previous years been stretched at the influx of new and returning students. of common sense. This year the Fresher’s Weekend “BIG MOVE In accordance with local police, a colour coded trav- NO MORE JOOT IN” has been split over two days to avoid the predictable chaos el route was devised to spread the flow of traffic during the move and congestion on the approach roads to Bangor and the halls in period in order to minimise traffic congestion along the A55. of residence that are seen every Fresher’s Week. In an unprec- In theory, if you are reading this, the scheme has worked and you JOOT is no more – but never edented move, Croeso-Welcome Bangor have put the student first. have arrived. It would be even more effective to split the arrivals between fear, trendy wine bar company Residents of Elidir, Y Borth, Y Glyder, Cefn-Y-Coed, Bryn Dinas the old and new residencies over the two days to spread the concentration and Tegfan were invited to arrive no earlier than 10.00 AM with a Sun- of traffic. Here is to a full year of quality service and forward thinking from ‘Varsity’ are setting up shop in Croeso-Welcome Bangor! their place, ensuring that higher- class Bangor students need not go without. The new-look bar is expected to open within weeks WE ALL LIKE... By Chris Snookes one too I might add, who spoil themselves with the chocolate and Varsity are currently recruit- choice. It is in fact women, who gorge the highest percentage of ing Full and Part Time members Students eat cake. Yes its official everybody, the age old Chocolate Cake in this gastronomic battle of the sexes since the of staff. myth has finally been cemented into hard cold reality af- research claims men ‘opt for a healthier treat’. Perhaps a pint. Or ter a recent Hotpoint survey conducted for Childline re- seven. vealed that a staggering 34% of us Students are most likely The research was however all in good heart and with good to scoff into an oversized slab of chocolate, yes chocolate intention, to get us Students baking in time for the ‘Cakes for cake when we most feel the need to indulge. Childine’ campaign to mark their 19th Birthday. The idea is sim- ASDA COMING SOON Such vital research also claimed to establish links between ple whip out you utensils, whack the Chocolate Cake eaters and in your ingredients and whisk up Asda are expected to get the their typical lifestyle patterns green light to build a superstore a cake for you and your mates. claiming those who choose Sell your ‘creation’ or get yourself in the city centre, planning chiefs Chocolate are therefore more sponsored in whatever crazy-cake- reviewed planning permission for likely to watch DVD’s, go out baking-way possible and give the the supermarket chain on the site for a drink and enjoy a good proceeds to Childline so that they of the former football stadium in night out. So what about those can continue the good work they with less of a sweet tooth and do in providing help and support Farrar road. Protests came from more of craving for a moist one unlikely store – Tesco feel to children and young people all rich fruit cake caressing their over the U.K. It’s a great way to get the store would have a bad effect palate? In a some what stag- everyone in involved, prove your on the local economy.