VOL18ISS1

UniVerseVolume 18, Issue 1 27th September 2010 Circulation 4000 FREE

“I’m really looking for-ward to my term in of-

fice and helping to make the lives of students

even better!”Aaron Porter

President, NUS

Hatfield housing headachePRIVATE sector housing in Hatfield is rated POOR or VERY POOR by over 55% of polled students, a recent poll shows.

Problems encountered often include mould, condensation and ventilation issues, cleanliness, broken fixtures and fittings and with demand meeting or even surpassing supply the incentive to improve is all too often not big enough.

If one set of students do not take a property, a landlord is quite safe in the knowledge that some more will come along and through sheer desperation have to sign up.

The town has been subjected to large scale construction in recent years but the booming blue chip jobs market in Hatfield and its

continued on P.3>> Housing issues are a common cause of stress among students. Photograph: Rachel Ann

Chris Ulph

Tuesday 28th SeptemberDistort featuring Young Guns and

Francesqua and Rollz

Wednesday 29th SeptemberHypnotist Tony Lee

Thursday 7th OctoberStevie Starr, The RegurgitatorAs seen on Britain’s Got Talent

Thursday 30th SeptemberSub Focus

universe.uhsu.co.uk

Sponsored by

If you have any comments or would like to get involved please contact me at [email protected].

Yours,

Chris UlphEditor-in-Chief

IT is with an immense gratitude to a great many people that I am in the position to write my first of many articles as editor of The UniVerse.

I first picked up a copy of the newspaper in 2004 when I began my initial and almost naive foray into higher education at the de Havilland campus. Almost three years in industry and a series of fortunate events later, I am back in AL10 for my MA and the opportunity to head the student newspaper.

The recognition for the work and time committed by Charlotte Jones, with whom I worked last semester, cannot be overstated and an upmost priority taken forward this year will be continuing to build on the foundations already laid to improve the standards and quality of this newspaper.

Charlotte has now moved on, accompanied by Emma Stock, to head up our new sister publication, which is currently making its debut in the student domain.

The UniVerse team wish to extend the warmest of welcomes to all of the new students from both the UK and further afield as well as a large welcome back to returning students, lecturers and support staff who I hope have had productive and enjoyable summers.

Criticism of The UniVerse has been commonplace since I can remember and I am reasonably sure that this predates my recollection to when

we called ourselves a polytechnic. We cannot forget our roots; however, there is an opportunity to build something worthwhile, an opportunity to take this criticism and run with it, to create something that we can cherish on not just the local stage but on the national one too. We are fortunate enough to have Sabbatical officers elected by you that care about the student media. However, we need to keep up our end of the bargain too.

This is a student newspaper; some like me like to get involved in its editorial, some are keen photographers, commentators and journalists. All of us contribute without reward because of the skills we have to offer and skills we learn to improve ourselves. Get involved. If you think there is a better way to improve your CV, please tell me how.

The UHSU media is for you and by you; I am under no illusion that it is a cliché and under no false impression that there is now an expectation, an expectation to take this year by the scruff of the neck and say ‘count me in’.

This University is a melting pot of ethnicities, beliefs, cultures and talents: economists, accountants, artists, poets, engineers, scientists, Europeans, Americans, Asians, Africans, Hispanics, Muslims, Christians, Hindus – this is where I ask you to all step up and write about what you are passionate about. If you think that your Sabbs aren’t in contact enough, say so. If you have received a high level of customer service, write about it. If you have learnt something on your course that you want to share, share it.

Be what makes this University great and remember the diversity at this University is what unites us, not what divides us.

A Whole Universe of Possibilities...

The UniVerse is the free newspaper for the University of Hertfordshire. We will always aim to bring you the best news and reviews each week.

Written, designed and edited by students of the University of Hertfordshire.

Editor-in-ChiefChris Ulph

Lead PhotographerIla Desai

Contributing DesignerShyam Bansropun

Web DirectorSam Martin

Assistant Web DirectorKenny England

Media AssistantAlastar Armitage-Brain

VP Communications & MediaThom Palser

[email protected]

Editor-in-chiefThe UniverseUniversity of Hertfordshire Stu-dents’ UnionCollege LaneHatfieldHertsAL10 9AB

Published byHarmsworth PrintingOld Milton RoadDidcotOxonOX11 7HH

The UniVerse, 27th September 2010

2 UniVerseEditorial universe.uhsu.co.uk

“The diversity at this University is what unites us, not what divides us”

If there is something that you feel needs to be brought to the atten-tion of The UniVerse Staff, Media Team or even the University as a whole please write in to us and have your letters published.

Write to:

Editor-in-ChiefThe UniverseUniversity of Hertfordshire Stu-dents’ UnionCollege LaneHatfieldHertsAL10 9AB

or email

[email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chris Ulph

Lookout for our sister magazine

Blue Moon, out now!

Hatfield housing headache Hints & tips...Some advice and what to look for when you move in to your student house:

Before anything else make sure you have a copy of the inventory when you move in. Some agents and landlords conduct a ‘check-in’ when you take up tenancy where you go through the inventory with them. If this is the case do not get pressured to speed through it; check every item thoroughly. Is that drawer marked? Is there a scuff mark on that skirting board?

In all likelihood you will be moving into a fully furnished property. Check all of it - behind beds, underneath sofas. If in doubt get it logged on the inventory - it can save you ‘megabucks’ in the long run.

Take photos. If you feel a description is insufficient then take a digital photo and email it to your landlord or agent; if there’s a paper trail then there can be no disputing your evidence should there be a dispute at the end of your tenancy.

Common things to look for that could be missed:Check behind the WC for staining•All light fittings should be clean; run your finger down the inside to •show dustCheck the kitchen worksurface; the mottled effect may mask obvious •scratchesCheck all lightbulbs work•Check extractor fans - both in the bathroom for dust and above the •cooker hood for grease. (Metal ones should not be greasy to the touch and should be cleaned periodically in the sink with washing up liquid and the disposable ones turn red when they need changing.)

If you have any sort of gas in the property you must have, by law, a copy of a gas safety record which should have the ‘Gas Safe’ logo on it. They are normally valid for one year.

Under legislation brought in by the Housing Act 2004 your landlord or agent MUST have registered your deposit with an authorised deposit protection service and provide you with the membership number. If not, the penalties for your landlord can be huge and they can be required to compensate you.

Some simple remedies for household problems:A product called ‘1001’ can be bought from most supermarkets to •clean up small carpet stains although be careful not to rub the stain into the fibresKeep shower screens free of limescale by spraying a product on after •you shower may seem tedious but believe me that scrubbing it at the end of your tenancy is not something you’ll want to do.Buy a pot of bicarbonate of soda and leave it open in the fridge and •change it every several months; it absorbs nasty smells (within reason)To clean a microwave of dried on splatters put a bowl of 400ml •of water in the microwave for three to five minutes and then wipe downIn the absence of a specially designed product use shampoo to clean •a bath and also buff the taps to a shine


3 UniVerseNews universe.uhsu.co.uk

Recent local building by Bovis. Photograph: Bovis

continued from front page>>

proximity to London mean that it is ideally situated for young commuters, further exacerbating the problem.

When we consider that the University of Hertfordshire was, along with De Montfort, Aberdeen and Warwick, one of the Higher Education Institutions that had to provide overflow accomodation in hotels and far-away halls last year, it begs the question: how can we solve this problem?

Irony starts to creep into the equation when the MP for Welwyn and Hatfield is in fact Grant Shapps; the current Housing Minister in the coalition government.

Nica de Koenigswarter, President of UHSU met with local councillors earlier this year to speak about

introducing a locally based ‘Landlord Accreditation Scheme’ to improve standards.

Nica said in her blog, “This is fantastic news. It will mean that

we can provide all students with an accredited list of houses, and you will know only to choose houses off that list.”

Voluntary schemes are certainly hit or miss, especially in the self regulating industry that is lettings.

Nica is however still pushing local and national government and will be lobbying at all levels to improve the quality of student housing.

If you have had any problems with private sector student housing contact us on [email protected] with your story.


4 UniVersePage4 universe.uhsu.co.uk

EleHouse in live music driveTwo nights a month the Elehouse will play host to a wide variety of bands and artists in its commitments to support new music.

One of the nights will be organised as a Jam Night featuring a host band who perform two half hours sets and also provide an opportunity where artists can take to the stage and perform solo or ‘Jam’ with the band. Some fantastic experimental music has come out of these nights in the past and organiser Mike Hadert feels that this year should not be any different saying, “They are fun musical evenings and have been going down a storm”.

The first live music night this term has been announced as Friday 8th October where the EleHouse will see brilliant cover band ‘Junkyard Aliens’, who went down so well last year will return as headliners.

The second of the two monthly events will consist of an Open Mic Night where all you need to do is turn up to perform; a true variety of acts normally turns out to perform and test their mettle in front of a usually buzzing audience.

Mike has been involved with Jam nights for over six years and sees this as an opportunity to, “inspire people to learn to play instruments... bring together musicians to form bands”. Mike’s Jam Nights have even inspired a

former professional musician to pick his guitar back up and play in three separate bands.

Mike feels that he loves organising these events to, “encourage and inspire future musicians... and to keep music live.”

Now, show your support on 8th October not just for the Union but for Essex-based Junkyard Aliens and the continued successes of EleHouse Live Music nights.

Foxy, performing at the EleHouse. Photograph: Mike Hadart

Dan Cook, performing at the Elehouse. Photograph: Mike Hadart



Adam Flint & The Majestic 12

Who are the Majestic 12? They are not, for those of you not fully versed in US government conspiracies, the secret committee of scientists, military leaders, and government officials, supposedly formed in 1947 by an executive order of U.S. President Harry S Truman set up to investigate UFO activity in the aftermath of the Roswell incident, New Mexico in July 1947.

Acknowledging my lack of codeword clearance at the Pentagon, the M12 I am actually referring to is much closer to home.

I met with UHSU Vice-President of Union Development Adam Flint who explains; “The Majestic 12 is a system put in place by last year as a feedback mechanism to analyse the quality of student entertainment provided by the union. “

“This gives the student body a voice to change and shape future booking and event policy.”

“Twelve students are appointed each year to attend functions and events and report back their thoughts and feelings about successes and failures of UHSU events.”

It is now in its second year of operation and appears to be going from strength to strength. Following the growth from a manifesto pledge to a fully functioning platform, M12 has gone through several beaurocratic teething problems; moving from a wholly elected body to an appointed one.

Some have thought that just twelve students are not capable of being fully representative of student

demographics and an admissions count of 24,000 but as Adam explains there is method behind his numbers “I can’t get that many students in the room so I worked on a principle of 8 degrees of separation and also recognised that social media plays a big part in who knows who and getting a message across”

The total number of students divided by the average number of facebook friends per UH student, again divided by the eight degrees of separation gives us a figure of twelve; hence twelve members.

When asked what kind of services M12 will monitor Adam replied, “The events of UHSU, from front of house, I hate to use the word but ‘customer’ side of an event, from how they were met at the door to the act they saw perform, spanning from Freshers’ ‘til the Summer Ball.”

“Regular meetings will be held to provide a forum for feedback which will then be published on the UHSU website (uhsu.co.uk).”

“Over the year, M12 helped select many events (including Summer Ball acts) and also helped us establish what doesn’t work at the Forum, I won’t say who because I don’t know if I am aloud [sic] to say they’re shit” [Eds. Probably a good idea].

“The reason why there is a banner saying ‘Forum’ in the Main Auditorium was because a female member of the M12 enlightened us to the fact that anyone wearing a skirt wouldn’t feel comfortable on the balcony.”

“It’s about letting students know that they have power in the say with our events.”

“This year we aim to be the most student facing sabbatical team ever by going out and speaking to as many students as we can finding out what issues they are facing form both membership and commercial side of your student experience. We also have surveys and feedback forums running all through the year our website now has a comment section were we want honest feedback.

All students are eligible to apply and to do so, go to the UHSU website, click on the Majestic 12 banner,

fill out the application form and Robert is your Mother’s Brother, you should then hear from Adam directly.

Apply now via www.uhsu.co.uk/M12.

If you have any questions Adam can be contacted at the Sabb office on the top floor of the EleHouse or email [email protected].

Chris Ulph

Florence and the Machine performing at the Summer Ball. Photograph: Dan Hubbert

Hertfordshire’s got Talent‘Jedward’ who appeared as guest judges alongside Heart Radio Programme Controller Mark Sadler, Steve Wortley, Director of the Valle Academy of Performing Arts and Music producer Mo Sheikt (Mr DJ Virus) of Studio Asia.

However it was not Jedward who received the highest accolade of the day; that honour fell to Georgia Sheed, the winner of Hertfordshire’s Got Talent 2010, who said afterwards, “I’m speechless, this is amazing.”

Georgia, from Welwyn Garden City, was awarded first place which consisted of a £1000 cash prize, professional career-building guidance sponsored by Domino’s Pizza Hatfield and £500 worth of photos provided by Ray Lowe Studios.

Georgia, a member of the Sarah Andrews Dance Academy in Harpenden, has been recognised



In fine reality TV show tradition swathes of young teenage girls were already congregating in the foyer of the Forum Hertfordshire when I arrived hours before doors opening to set myself up. They were eagerly anticipating the performance of X Factor finalists

Chris Ulph

Winner, Georgia SheedPhotograph: Miss Sheed

What exactly is Enterprise Ideas Challenge (flare)?Designed to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to get their bright business ideas off the ground, the Enterprise Ideas Challenge is the University of Hertfordshire’s annual business start-up competition. It gives students and graduates the opportunity to kick-start their business

What do students get out of it?Competition entrants compete to win from an amazing £25,000 prize fund and the chance to be crowned ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2011’. This consists of cash, consultancy, free office accommodation and equipments.Additional benefits include: Free one-to-one mentoring sessions, the opportunity to attend free Enterprise Knowledge workshop, access to the Enterprise Incubation Centre, a high-quality furnished office space.

How do people get involved?All they need to enter is a business idea - product or service, or an existing business launched in the last 3 years. Their ideas can be from any discipline, as big or as small as you like, and from any sector whether its fashion, IT, fine arts, sports, food and much more.

To enter, interested candidates will need to fill-in both the registration form and Round 1 entry form, which are available on the website: go.herts.ac.uk/ideaschallenge

Who can get involved?Full or part time student from the University of Hertfordshire, also graduates of the University of Hertfordshire in the last five yearsThey don’t need to have studied any business related degree or have previous experience in running a business to enter the competition.

Ideas can be:• Acrossanydiscipline• Productorservicebased• Asbigorassmallasyoulike• Fromanysectorwhetherit’sfashion,IT,fineart,sports,food

They can enter:• Asanindividual• Asateam(ofuptofivepeople)• Group entries can include non University of Hertfordshiremembers

To enter you must either have an idea for a business (product or service) or have launched a business in the last 3 years

The competition involves 3 rounds:

Round 1: Simply submit a summary of your idea.

Round 2: Write a business plan for your idea. Training workshops and one-to-one business advice is available to fully support you throughout the process.

For further information visit: go.herts.ac.uk/ide-aschallenge

email [email protected]

or telephone 01707 286131

Round 3: Prepare a short elevator pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a question and answer session. Each finalist will receive full support including a boot camp in preparation for their pitch.

When do people need to speak to you by?Round 1 deadline is 5pm Wednesday 5 January 2011Competition launches on Friday 1 October 2010

What have previous Enterprise Ideas Challenge (flare) en-trants gone on to do?Since the competition began entrants includ-ing finalists, winners and even people who didn’t make to the final have gone to start up their business.

Five minutes with ‘FLARE’

Plug into a real enterprise network

Enterprise Ideas Challenge (flare)Open to students and graduates £25,000 prize fund!

For further information visit: go.herts.ac.uk/ideaschallenge

Have you got a bright idea?

EyeOnHatfield

EyeOnHerts



Jedward in the VIP area after the show. Photograph: Chris Ulph

Man in court over Hatfield murderRichard Clare, a Hatfield man has been charged with killing 43-year-old Peter McConnell on March 21st this year.The post-mortem showed Mr McConnell, also from Hatfield, died of a single stab wound.Police found Mr McConnell’s remains at Mr Clare’s home in Fern Dells, Hatfield.

Student admits to being involved in Hatfield street brawlAlmagir Hussain, a journalism student at the University of Hertfordshire, appeared before St. Albans magistrate admitting battery and damage to a car after a fight which took place on August 16, 2009.The 21-year-old, from Kent, was given a community order of one year which included 50 hours of unpaid work and also given five months to pay £300 compensation.

Flasher in HatfieldA woman was targeted by a flasher as she walked along Cavendish Way in Hatfield towards the town centre at around 11am.She noticed a man waving his arms above his head to attract her attention.The culprit is white, about 5ft 6ins tall, aged between 30 and 40, with short dark brown hair.

Watching the headlines

Hertfordshire County Council boss gets new jobCllr Robert Gordon (Con, Goffs Oak and Bury Green), leader of Hertfordshire County Council has landed a top national job.He elected as chairman of the County Councils’ Network at the organisation’s annual general meeting earlier this month.Cllr Gordon will continue in his role as the leader of Herts County Council and said he was looking forward to the challenge despite public services coming under intense financial pressure.

Facebook blunder sees 21,000 guests agree to turn up to schoolgirl’s birthday partyA girl of 14 who mistakenly made her address and phone number public on Facebook while telling friends of her birthday party ended up with 21,000 promised guests.Rebecca Javeleau sparked a police operation over fears thousands would flock to her father’s modest flat in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.Her mother used the social networking website to cancel the October 7 party by removing the page publicising the event.

Marathon cyclist raises £2,500 for cancer charity (UH News)University of Hertfordshire marketing executive Julie Grace is celebrating completing a 323-mile sponsored cycle from London to Paris and raising £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.Julie (28) competed in the four-day marathon in memory of her mum Alison (52) who was diagnosed with untreatable cancer last July and died just weeks later.Julie said: “In the four days that we were cycling 2,960 people would have been told that they have cancer. At the moment the 26 riders who took part in the event with me have raised enough money to fund a mobile cancer information centre which is likely to be visited by an average of 1,321 people.”

Watching the headlines

in her past for her singing talents having been awarded Best Song in the Advanced Section of the British Art Awards 2010.Fighting off 14 other finalists including singers, dancers and would be West End acts, Georgia sang Pie Jesu, a motet taken from Dies Irae, a thirteenth century Latin Hymn, usually read at Requem Mass.

After announcing the winner Jedward said “She like fully deserved to win ‘cos like she was inspirational and like, and like she sounded like a true professional.”

The final, held on 18th September, saw the culmination of two months of auditions.

Second place fell to Alter Ego (see page 10) who received a £250 cash prize sponsored by Studio Asia and Chilli Raj in St. Albans as well as £250 worth of promotional photos by Ray Lowe Studios.

Third place was awarded to Emily Dunn who received a pair of tickets and backstage passes to any show at an O2 Academy as well as £100

worth of promotional photos by Ray Lowe Studios.

There was also the coveted ‘Special Prize’ sponsored by Studio Asia which consists of a one year recording contract with Studio Asia. Mo Sheikt said of winner Conor Walker, “[He] has something special about him.”

The rules were simple; 4 minute time limit and a healthy respect for the judge’s decisions. [Eds. Disappointment did creep in when I read that pyrotechnics were banned…].

Thom Palser, VP Comms & Media, said following the event, “It just goes to show how versatile the Forum Hertfordshire space is and how successful it can be to host wide variety of events.”

The show was compered by former Blue Peter presenter Stuart Miles whilst Jedward performed a seven song set including ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Teenage Kicks’ and ‘All the Small Things’ and despite a knee injury were as energetic as expected.

WELCOME! It’s a huge honour to be able to write to you as the new President of the National Union of Students. As the representative voice for students across the UK, NUS has a proud history of standing up for the rights of students, and fighting to ensure you can gain access to a world-class education system.

NUS has played a critical role defending your rights and winning campaigns to make student life better. In the last two years we have clawed back millions of pounds for students to fight for interest-free student overdrafts, won a national tenancy deposit scheme to make sure you get your money back, and conducted ground-breaking research into the student experience to ensure your academic and welfare issues are prioritised at Herfordshire.

During the recent General Election we ran the most successful pledge campaign of any campaigning

organisation in the UK, where 1500 candidates and now over 150 MPs have already pledged to vote against higher tuition fees, including Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and nearly 100 Labour MPs.

The year ahead promises to be both exciting and challenging. Government cuts to the education budget, and the reporting of the long-awaited review into University Funding and Student Finance chaired by Lord Browne will take centre stage. NUS will be leading the fight to oppose any increase in tuition fees, whilst fighting for a fairer alternative.

Students’ unions will play a crucial role in lobbying local MPs, and wewill be working with SUs to support them in their efforts. We have also recently announced a National Demonstration in London on 10th November 2010 to show our opposition to funding cuts – and I very much hope that lots of Hertfordshire students will be able to attend!

A welcome from NUS President Aaron Porter



But we won’t just be fighting on fees and funding. Accommodation, feedback, contact time, quality of teaching, environmental issues, supporting students’ unions, hidden course costs, liberation, global justice, volunteering, employability, academic representation... and so much more are all on the agenda as we are determined to help make your student life better.

To help us get better at communicating with you directly, feel free to check out www.nus.org.uk - as it will be kept up to date with the key student news, latest campaign wins, competitions, interviews and much more. And if you’re really keen on getting news even quicker you can follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nusuk or join our Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/nationalunionofstudents

Every student in a member students’ union is automatically a member of your students’ union and also NUS, and this means you are eligible to buy an NUS Extra

An NUS call to arms?

NUS and the University and College Union (UCU) are jointly organising a national demo, ‘Fund Our Future: Stop Education Cuts’ on Wednesday 10 November 2010, in Central London.

The demo is part of NUS strategy to influence the Coalition Government. NUS and UCU firmly believe that education changes the lives of individuals, families and communities. Education and skills will also be key to our economic recovery.

Staff and students in further and higher education are coming together to build an unprecedented coalition to fight against the cuts that have been imposed upon our communities, as well as to resist the prospect of higher fees and increasing privatisation in education.

Interested? Contact Nica de Koenigswarter on [email protected]

Aaron Porter

card for just £10.99 which has a whole host of nationally negotiated discounts which students can access.

You can also add on an ISIC Card for just £2. For more details check out our website - www.nus.org.uk

NUS has a long history at leading the fight to ensure students’ can get the best deal possible - I’m really looking forward to my term in office and helping to make the lives of students’ even better!

In unity,

Aaron PorterNUS National Presidentwww.twitter.com/AaronPorter

Aaron Porter, NUS President. Photograph: NUS


10 UniVerseSocietyAdvertorial universe.uhsu.co.uk

The Hip Hop Dance Society continues its success this year, sponsored by Alter Ego Dance Company, running weekly classes and training for competitions across the UK.

Alter Ego Dance Company is a multi-award winning Hip-Hop establishment based in Hertfordshire. Their international performance and competition status is a result of training and choreography from founder and director, Brendon Hansford.

Alter Ego has been established in the dance industry since 2005, opening more dance classes all over Hertfordshire, succeeding in raising the standard of dance in the area, and are now bringing top level hip hop dance to the University of Hertfordshire.

Hip Hop dance is amongst the fastest growing of all art forms, with

the number of people participating in dance activities continuing to increase every year, attracting people of all ages and abilities with the passion to dance.

Anyone can enjoy dancing regardless of their age or background, whether or not they have danced before, and whatever their shape or size. We wished to create a society to introduce hip hop dance to the University of Hertfordshire, creating classes that are open to all abilities and cater for those wishing to progress and learn new techniques, as well as those just wanting to keep fit and have fun. Not only do you get taught the steps, but also the actual techniques behind Hip Hop dance.

We have many members who attend our weekly classes and a successful competition team who have ranked in the top two in every competition we’ve entered so far. This year we want to provide even more students the opportunity to compete, so we are auditioning for both a beginners and intermediate team!

Each week the Hip Hop Dance Society runs an all level class starting Wednesday 6th October 2-4pm and then every Wednesday from 1-2pm in the Attic within the forum. This class is open to all our members to attend, paying a small fee of £3 for an Alter Ego dance class.

Having the sponsorship from Alter Ego Dance Company means

Top: At the Sunderland Competition, Middle: Alter Ego Adult Crew, Bottom: Competition Team Photographs: Hip Hop Dance Society

we are able to provide top level Hip Hop dance at a cheap rate for students to really benefit from. The competition teams will also attend weekly rehearsals, receiving training from Alter Ego Dance Company to compete at numerous dance competitions across the UK, provided a great way for students to really represent their university.

The Hip Hop Dance Society will be present at this year’s Freshers’ Fair, so come along and meet the team and get more information, or join our Facebook group for videos and photos.

President of Hip Hop Dance Society: Sal Hamaida ([email protected])

Facebook Group: ‘UH Hip Hop Dance Society’

Society Focus: Hip Hop Dance Society(Sponsored by Alter Ego Dance Company)



Like to Break Dance, Swing Dance or Debate? Want to play Poker or Bridge, discuss legal issues or share cultural interests?

For more information, contact:[email protected]: 01707 285001

www.uhsu.co.uk/societies

Be part of it!

Get involved with one of UHSU’s great societies or clubs. We have something for everyone!

Getting involved is a fantastic way to develop your interests, make new friends, boost your CV and HAVE FUN!

In a university of 24,000 students, a turnover somewhere in the region of a quarter of a billion pounds and one of the largest employers in the county, Anum Malik, a second year law student made her way across from South East London to discuss the merits of volunteering as a School or Student Representative.

Student Reps are quite simply an additional channel for students to voice their concerns about teaching quality, lecturing standards when you feel like there is no one to turn to or you feel you have not been taken seriously within your cohort.

Like the cliché or not, it is likely that other students have or are encountering similar problems to you. Yasmin Bastow, UHSU Vice-President Academic Support said, “It is often easier to speak to your peers rather than a lecturer whose position might make them come across as aloof.”

Anum started out as a Student Rep last year and has been promoted this year to School Rep; a position that will oversee the operation at the academic school level. “I enjoy representing the University in many ways and as a student rep I feel I can make a valuable contribution… [it] is important to find a balance of responsibility.”

Issues with lecturers, hidden course costs, marking turnaround and workload are some of the issues student representatives frequently deal with.

“A lot of people have a lot of things to say but don’t necessarily project out to teachers and lecturers.”

With high aspirations to study the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and eventually get called to the Bar, Anum sees this as a fantastic opportunity to develop skills and experiences in problem solving that will give her advantages when it comes to carving her career.

Been inspired by a Student Representative or want to make difference to your course or the University?

Why not become a Student Rep yourself? UHSU will provide full training and you will leave University with a certificate and the feeling that you have helped fellow students get through their studies without unnecessary stress.

Log onto the Student Representatives new website portal to find and contact your representative.

They will be happy to support you with any issues you may have or point you in the right direction for help.

For more information contact Mary Mazzilli, UHSU Academic Liaison Co-ordinator, on 01707 286148 or email: [email protected] or alternatively Yasmin Bastow, VP Academic Support on [email protected].

Student reps; want your voice heard?

Come and meet your sports teams on Friday 1st Oct (Freshers Fair, College Lane)de Hav V College Lane Campus Football Match Weds 12th Oct - 2pm£2 entry per player, open to all campus residents.

To get involved contact Dave Taylor via email and state which campus you are currently living on.Email: [email protected]

UHAU

The ACS has reolocated to the top floor of the EleHouse, accessible via the first floor of the Forum Hertfordshire or the ramp next to the EleHouse.

The Advice and Support Centre (ASC) is a free and confidential support service based at UHSU. We can help with an array of is-sues, including personal, academ-ic, social and health matters. Even if you are just looking for some-one to talk to over a cup of tea and some biscuits, we can offer a lis-tening ear. No concern or worry is too small.

As well as offering a sympathetic ear, ASC has a selection of Per-sonal Alarms and Pregnancy Test-ing Kits available at reduced prices and condoms that you can pick up for free.

Check out the new UH branded merchandise at the Union Shop as well as a film rental booth where you can get top films to rent.

Union Shop to rent films

Advice & Support Centre (ACS) relocation

After the mammoth training we completed, I have been lobbying both the council and local leaders hard for action on the abysmal quality of student housing. I have now been put on a working group to create a Landlord Accreditation Scheme. This is fantastic however, I am still concerned that due to the supply and demand of housing being equal rogue landlords will still fill their houses. Therefore, I am pressing on with my campaign, to ensure that the standard of student housing is uniformly good. I have also been working with the team, CEO, Union staff and CEO on developing a new strategic plan, which we will consult the students about later in the year. From my campaign last year to gain access to all student email addresses, the university has finally given us access so we can actually tell ALL of you what we are up too. I have also been working with the team on our local campaign ‘Have You Heard?’ make sure you look out for it. Finally, if your pissed off with the government and think that they shouldn’t be cutting the funding to Higher Education, come and protest with me in London on November the 10th.

Nica de KoenigswarterPresident

Thom PalserVP Communications &

Media

Yasmin BastowVP Academic Support &

Campaigns

Adam FlintVP Union Development

Laura YeomanVP Student Activities


12 UniVerseYourSabbs universe.uhsu.co.uk

Hello UH!To all new students welcome to the best SU in the UK (source: me) and to all students returning welcome back. Hope you all had a great summer and are looking forward to the best year UHSU will ever have. This will be my last term as a UHSU officer and I want to make the most of the time I got left to make a real impact on students at UH, over the sum-mer I been focusing on engagement because I believe you can’t measure how good a union is by how many students vote in elections, it’s by students who interact and actually are better off for using us!I firstly revamped The Majestic 12 (the way we find out if you like our events) check out our website (uhsu.co.uk/m12) after that I worked on student council how we can make it actually interesting and relevant for students because stu-dent council is the fundamental way to make change happen here, by the way the first one is 14th October in c152 at 6pm (shameless plug) come one come all!For more on YOUR union check out my video blog at uhsu.co.uk and let’s have a great year!



Ref: 4621BabysitterSt. Albans (Marshallswick Area) £7 per hr

Duties: Enthusiastic & energetic babysitter/nanny (live out) to do afterschool pick-up at 5.30pm - 7.30 pm 3 days per week. Encourage 10yr old boy to complete his homework, read to the best of his ability and practice his double base. Occasional evening babysitting.

Time: 2hrs Mon, Wed & Thurs - School Term time

Requirements: Non-smoking, driver (own car) preferred. Experience with references required to start as soon as possible

Apply by: Please contact Christine Brown-Quinn on 07785550559

Ref: 4619Waiter/Waitress St Albans Negotiable

Duties: Waiting on tables, cleaning tables, serving food and drinks.

Time: Min 10 hrs

Requirements: Good spoken English, knowledge on Thai or Indian food and advantage but not essential, polite, hard working and honest.

Company: Asia Restaurant

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01727 8000024 The Quadrant, Marshalswick, St. Albans, Herts. AL4 9RA£250.00 per week per week, 3 Bedroom

Deposit(£):750.00Tenancy length: 41 weeks

41 Week Tenancy £250.00 per person deposit Managed by SU Lettings

3 Beaconsfield Road, St. Albans, Herts. AL1 3RD£280.00 per week, 4 Bedroom


41 Week Tenancy £250.00 per person deposit Managed by SU Lettings.

7A Harpsfield Broadway, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 9TF£288.00 per week, 4 Bedroom


41 Week Tenancy £250.00 per person deposit Managed by SU Lettings

47 Cherry Way, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8LF£350.00 per week, 5 Bedroom


44 week tenancy £250.00 per person deposit Managed by SU Lettings

Telephone: 01707 286152 email: [email protected]

EleHouseCollege Lane Campus

Opening hoursMonday to Friday, 9am-5pm

288 Bishops Rise, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 9QT£330.00 per week, 5 Bedroom


41 week tenancy £250.00 per per-son deposit Managed by Landlord

7 Gean Walk, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8SU£335.00 per week, 5 Bedroom


44 week tenancy £250.00 per per-son deposit Managed by Landlord

70 Deerswood Avenue, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8SA£335.00 per week, 5 Bedroom


44 week tenancy £250.00 per per-son deposit Managed by Landlord *****RENT REDUCED******

68 Deerswood Avenue, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 8SA£375.00 per week, 5 Bedroom


44 weeks tenancy £250.00 per person deposit Managed by Land-lord

96 Heathcote Avenue, Hatifleld, Herts. AL10 0RJ£280.00 per week per week, 4 Bedroom


41 week tenancy £250 per person deposit Managed by SU Lettings

Ref: HTF/19642CLEANER - Churchill Contract Services Hatfield £5.80 per hr

Duties: Carry out dail cleaning duties in an office and factory environment. Daily cleaning duties include sweeeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, emptying bins and cleaning toilets.

Time: 2hrs per day - 6pm-8pm

Requirements: Honest, hard working & trustworthy. Experience preferred but not essential as training can be given.

Company: Jobcentre Plus - Churchill Contract Services

Email:

Telephone: 01582 760055

Apply by: Telephone above number and ask for Churchill Contract Services head office

HTF/19706N I G H T C L U B PHOTOGRAPHERS - Picture-Pal HATFIELD £5.85 - £7.50 PER HR

Duties: This job involves nightclub photography, floor sales impulse purchase by the customers. Orders are produced on site by either yourself or another member of the team.

Time: 5hrs per night

Requirements: You must be able to drive with your own car. No photography experience required, happy bubbly personality. Must be at least 18 years of age and flexible where you work. Confident, approachable and hardworking essential.

Company: Jobcentre Plus - Picture-pal

Apply by: Please visit www.picture-pal.co.uk and follow instructions on webpage

Telephone: 01707 285019email: [email protected]

EleHouseCollege Lane Campus

Opening hoursMonday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Hockey, Men’s Football, Men’s Intra-mural winners Football and Mixed Squash. Rounders and Dodge Ball was also on offer for students to play socially!

Varsity 2011, 6th April

This year we shall be travelling over to Bedfordshire to regain the title for a 2nd year running and hope the event builds on success! Be there to support your teams!!

12:30-17:00

17:00-18:00

17:00-18:00

17:30-19:00

17:00-18:00

15:00-17:30

NO ACTIVITIES Social sport Bolt On activities commence week beginning Mon 11 October 2010. League Bolt On activities start week beginning Mon 25 October 2010 and MUST be pre-booked - see website for full details.

Sports Activities

FREE

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£1.5

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12:30-17:0011 a-side Football

Astro PitchCollege Lane

FutsalSports Hall 3

Herts Sports Village

Swim for £1.00Herts Sports Village

Touch RugbyNew Generation Outdoor

Pitch 2, Herts Sports Village

NetballOutdoor Hard CourtsHerts Sports Village

DodgeballSports Hall 2


5 a-side FootballNew Generation Outdoor

Pitch 2, Herts Sports Village

17:30-19:00Tennis

Outdoor Hard CourtsHerts Sports Village

13:30-15:30Squash


13:30-15:30Table TennisSports Hall 2


13:30-15:30Badminton

Sports Hall 2Herts Sports Village

06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00

06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00 06:45-17:00

Swim for £1.00Herts Sports Village

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

www.uh-au.org.uk

LEA

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£25

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Athletic Union

11 a-side FootballNew Generation Outdoor Pitch

1 & 2, Herts Sports Village

HSV_student_activities_flyer.qxd 13/9/10 5:28 pm Page 1

Another year of sporting success at UHAU Colours Award 2009 – 2010

Every year the University of Hertfordshire celebrates the sporting successes and achievements over the past academic year by holding the prestigious Colours Awards ceremony. The Colours Awards evening (which is a set fixture on the UH sporting calendar) recognises and rewards the efforts and achievements of the Athletic Union sports club members. The

night is dedicated to students and coaches to enjoy and reflect on their year’s success and achievements.

The Colours Awards ceremony for the past four years has been held at the prestigious Tewin Bury Farm in Welwyn. The Vice-Chancellor Tim Wilson joined 250 other guests including Sports Village staff, sports students, representatives from most Athletic Union sports clubs and coaches to celebrate the sporting success of the 2009/2010 academic year.The awards ceremony was hosted

UniVerseSport


Colours Awardscontinued from back page>>

UHAU Mens Football. Photograph: RaG - Varsity 2010

UHAU Hockey. Photograph: RaG - Varsity 2010

UHAU Mens Football. Photograph: RaG - Varsity 2010

14

Martin Burrows, RowingMatthew Bromley, RowingRichard Hill, RowingGemma Rabbitt, RowingCharlotte White, RugbyKathryn Emerson, RugbyHolly Hughes, RugbyRebecca Hall, RugbyUche Amako, TennisHannah Gadsden, TrampoliningRachel Hurst, TrampoliningLeah Robson, TrampoliningAinee Foo, TrampoliningFaye Marsh, Women’s FootballEmma Tune, Women’s Football

Half Colour Awards are awarded to individuals that have represented at regional or county level (where no regional program exists) throughout this Academic Year:

Miriam Beales, BadmintonCharlotte Aldred, BadmintonHannah Fletcher, BadmintonBenjamin Andrews, FencingDavid Wells, GolfSteven Ellis, RugbyLawrence Lowman, Swimming

Full Colour Awards are awarded to individuals that have represented at National level throughout this Academic Year:

Fabrizio Gargiulo, American FootballLeslie Oluwole-Wilson, American FootballEmma Ania, AthleticsDavid Bell, RowingJackson Wray, RugbySarah Quantrill, Women’s FootballCally Rowell, Women’s FootballJadine Madden, Women’s FootballJennifer Beattie, Women’s FootballKim Little, Women’s FootballLillie Billson, Women’s FootballNatalie Ross, Women’s FootballNiamh Fahey, Women’s Football

UniVerseSport


Sean Leahy, SwimmingTimothy Frost, Judo

Team of the Year: Women’s Football

Awarded for outstanding sporting performance and Sporting organisation throughout the year both on and off the field of play

Club of the Year: Climbing

AU President Award: KickboxingAwarded for outstanding achievement to a club or person of whom he or she believes deserves it for reasons such as, best developed club, most giving, well organised, etc

Coach of the Year: John Bayer

John Bayer was awarded coach of the year based on successfully winning the National Southern Premier League for two consecutive years, improving the performance of the squad in the National Cup competition with a quarter final place and this year reaching the semi-final losing to the eventual winners. John has also been instrumental in increasing the profile of the club and managing the partnership between the University of Hertfordshire and Arsenal Ladies.Check out the AU video created by two UHSU media society members; Tom Ford and James Belmont on www.uh-au.org.uk.

Joshua Denton, ClimbingAndrew Viney, CricketJenna-Leigh Debock, DanceAllan Smith, FencingJoshua Coates, FencingPaul Davis, FencingGary Schoeman, GolfCopeland Hewitt, HockeyPhoebe Casey, HockeyRachel Taylor, HockeySophie Daltrey, HockeyJennifer Wilson, KarateAdam Sizeland, KickboxingDanielle Peters, KickboxingMatthew Smith, LacrosseNicholas Pearce, LacrosseOris Ikomi Men’s, FootballDanielle Dornan, NetballAmie Pell, NetballJames Nevens, Rowing

by Luke Ashmead from BBC Three Counties radio. Luke has worked for the BBC for ten years and is currently the voice of sport on BBC Three Counties radio serving Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and of course the mighty county of Hertfordshire.

Club Colours – Granted to those with individual achievements and commitment within the respective clubs.

Samuel Richards, American FootballJonathan Goodman, ArcheryJoseph Taffe-Atkins, BasketballTimothy Higginson, ClimbingTimothy Woodbridge, Climbing

UHAU Mens Rugby. Photograph: RaG - Varsity 2010

UHAU Womens Rugby. Photograph: RaG - Varsity 2010

If you are an athlete in any sport that we don’t currently offer as a club, there are still ways to get involved. Check out the BUCS individual competitions (www.buc.org.uk); if you feel you are eligible get in contact with the AU team at the Sports Village on de Hav Campus.AU Office: 01707281180www.uh-au.org.uk/

Get involved...

15

UniVerseSport


The 2009-2010 season saw Herts finishing 48th out of 146 institutions with the BUCS National Rankings. The majority of the 29 AU sports clubs compete throughout the year within the South East playing conference and knock-out competitions.

Just a few of the 2009-2010 Sporting Achievements

Women’s Football winning the Premier League South, retaining their title from 2008Women’s Badminton winning the league (1A)Fencing winning the league (2B)Women’s Tennis winning the League (2C)

Men’s Tennis winning the League (4B)Netball 1sts winning the League (1A)American Football getting as far as the Semi’s in the BUAFL Play offCheerleading winning the National Championships level 3Trampolining - Leah Robson (English, Communication & History) finished second in the BUCS Champs for TrampoliningSwimming - Lawrence Lowman (Sports & Exercise Science) finishing 3rd in 1500 and 800m freestyle events at BUCS Long Course ChampsRugby Union - Jackson Wray (Psychology) was selected for England U20sRowing – Dave Bell (Business, Economics & Management Science) double skulls national

• Participation in 11-a-side football or futsal league - includes all match fees, match day officials and equipment

• Free team playing shirt• £1.00 off-peak swimming• Discounted limited edition

UHAU hoodie

Leagues

Only £25 per semester

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Social Sports

Only £25 per semester

AU Club Health & Fitness

Only £195 per year

Representative Club

Only £55 per year

• Access to our state-of-the-art gym, pool and group exercise programme at off-peak plus times

• Free limited edition UHAU hoodie worth £25!

• Includes membership of one UHAU sports club for the 2010/11 academic year

• Discounted physiotherapy & sports massage

Athletic UnionAthletic Union• Free access to our ‘turn up

and play’ sports sessions • Only £1.50 (usually £3.00) for

multi-activity sessions (badminton, squash and table tennis) plus £1.00 off-peak swimming

• Activity leader and equipment provided

• Discounted limited edition UHAU hoodie

Step 2: Add your preferred Membership Bolt On from the 4 options below

Step 3: Complete your membership form with your choices and visit the Athletic Union or the Sports Village reception to join!

• Includes membership of one UHAU sports club for the 2010/11 academic year

• Free limited edition UHAU hoodie worth £25!

• At least 1 weekly training session with a NGB qualified coach*

• Training and match day equipment, match fees and facilities included*

• 2nd Representative Club £30

Athletic UnionMemberships www.uh-au.org.uk

FREEHOODIEwith selected Bolt Ons

FREEHOODIEwith selected Bolt Ons

• Free Sports Village membership (worth £20)• Member rates for pay-as-you-go activities at Hertfordshire Sports Village• Priority booking for court hire and classes• Insurance cover

Step 1:Select the £10 Athletic Union Start-Up fee, which is compulsory

and must be taken out by all Athletic Union members

HSV_student_bolt_ons_land.qxd 13/9/10 9:10 am Page 2

2009-2010 Season Overview

champion 2010Archery – Jonathan Goodman (PGCE, Secondary Art) 3rd in BUCS Archery ChampionshipsKarate – Jennifer Wilson

Laura Yeoman - VPSA

(Physiotherapy) 3rd in BUCS Karate Championships Women’s Football – Lille Billson, Cally Rowell, Jadine Madden, Sarah Quantrill and Emma Tune – selected for England Universities squad.

Varsity 201021st April

2010 hosted the 1st annual Varsity tournament between Herts and Bedfordshire; Hertfordshire was proud to host this at the Hertfordshire Sports Village. Hertfordshire won the trophy 4-3 winning Men’s Rugby, Women’s Rugby, Mixed Badminton, Mixed

continued on P.14>>

UHSU Mens Rugby. Photograph: UHSU

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