Christmas on campus: Christmas Lights Switch On 2016

So, the days are getting shorter, temperatures are plummeting and that can only mean that Christmas is on its way!

Last week the University held its annual Christmas Lights Switch On, which is always the traditional curtain-raiser to the festive period.

It’s the third one I’ve been to whilst at Southampton and even though we’re not quite done for the semester, it never fails to provide us with some much-needed Christmas cheer.

The event attracts masses of students, staff and local residents alike and has been running for about five years now. I remember back in my first year how excited I was, seeing the University community come together to see the Christmas lights being switched on, usually a month before the big day itself.

Last week no disappointment either. The Switch On always takes place on the Redbrick area which is the main hub of our campus on Highfield. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by Christmas carols and an excitable snow machine, plus the campus is a hive of activity with individual huts set up like a proper Christmas market, with societies promoting themselves or simply selling food to raise money for their respective societies.

The brass band helping to warm up the crowds

If that weren’t enough, you’ve also got a host of vans selling an array of quintessential fairground food that you just can’t do without, ranging from doughnuts to candy floss and much, much more. My family more than anyone else know that I just wouldn’t be able to turn down the opportunity to get fresh doughnuts, so I had to take my chance!

Of course, the pinnacle of the evening was the actual switching on of the lights at 6pm, when the button was pressed by Capital Radio’s South Coast presenters, Emma (an alumnus of the University!) and Tom, and suddenly, Highfield Campus was glowing resplendently in blue, draped across the trees.

 Moments before the Switch On!

The illuminations on campus

There’s just something about the lights which makes Highfield Campus look somewhat magical at night, though that’s not to say it doesn’t look great during the rest of the year!

For me, the run-up to Christmas is now well underway and is a period that I look forward to almost as much as the day itself, with all that expectancy.

Furthermore, last week’s event has made me all the more determined to get over to Winchester’s Christmas market in the coming weeks, especially given how renowned it is across the country. You can easily get over there by train or by bus if you can’t find anyone to drive you, plus the tickets for both options are surprisingly cheap. With an ice rink, mulled wine and cider as well as an array of international gastronomic treats, what’s not to love about a good old Christmas market?

 A Christmas event wouldn't be complete without a Christmas tree!

For anyone who didn’t get to see it the first time, you can still get to see the illuminations right up until the start of January. So don’t miss out on getting yourself into the festive spirit on campus!

Paul

Organisation 101

Getting organised for semester one exams may seem years in the future.

Some might even have a problem with thinking about the possibility of an assignment next week.

However, I myself am an avid organiser, and in the run up to exam period, and in the midst of assignments, I wanted to share my top tips with you.

1. Break up your tasks into sizeable chunks

Don’t just write ‘study’ on your to-do list. If you made a plan of all your modules and the topics within them, you can then work towards making a study schedule in the lead up to the exam. I like to vary my days and have options of study in case I get stuck or get bored of the current thing I’m studying!

I like to get a year planner where I can write different topics each day (and use colours!) and then I can easily see my plan for the say, so I don’t waste time watching cat videos on YouTube.

2. Get a planner.

One of my favourites is the Palgrave Student Planner, which you can find in John Smiths Bookshop
on Highfield Campus. Alternatively, using iCal on Apple products or Google calendar where you can colour different subjects makes it easy to plan for deadlines and assignments.

I also really like the app ‘ToDoist’ which has a really beautiful interface, the option to add subjects and projects, deadlines and reminders etc., and you get points for completing tasks!

3. Write to-do lists.

I have a big obsession with writing lists; lists for everything from shopping, to assignments to do, for sections of the assignment I’m working on, sections of the sections… My best recommendation is to get a desk planner, or some kind of pad which you can scribble on. That way you can get all of your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.

This helps me to not feel swamped with thoughts, and then I won’t constantly feel like I’ve forgotten something (great success!)

4. Stay motivated and on track with work.

Make your study space work for you. Keep it clean and make sure all the supplies you need are within reach or won’t require much effort to get to.

I like to use Momentum, it's an add-on for Chrome which opens every time you open a new tab. It has a to-do list to remind you what needs doing, tells you the weather if you haven’t been outside in weeks, and also has a daily motivational message!

Remember, take breaks, get lots of sleep, have snacks on your workspace, and drink lots of water. You can do it!

Georgia.

Jailbreak 2016

“36 hours. The sky’s the limit. Where will you end up?”

From Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th, I participated in Jailbreak 2016 with my best friend Claudia Pellegrino.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this unique and incredible event, Jailbreak is a charity hitchhike organised by The Union’s RAG (Raise and Give) team, whereby students endeavour to travel as far away from the University WITH NO MONEY in 36 hours!

Not only did this sound extremely thrilling, but it was in aid of three fantastic charities:

Action Against Hunger: providing life-saving care for malnourished children.

Alzheimer’s Society: A leading charity in the fight against Dementia - a brain disorder affecting over 850,000 people in the UK alone!

Group 170: a local Southampton-based family group from HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust who take takes disabled, sick and disadvantaged children on holidays.

Before the trip

The aim for each participant was to raise £50 through their JustGiving page. We absolutely smashed this target with a total of £223 before the big event! Between all 27 teams this year, we managed to fundraise over £5,000.

We wanted a themed hitchhike and decided we would dress up as Pocahontas and Little Red Riding Hood and call our team name Escape from Fairyland!

Signs made, Pocahontas and Little Red Riding Hood ready to go!

We had also rang and emailed around various airlines/ferry companies and secured two FREE return tickets from Portsmouth to Caen.

Saturday

At 9am, the horn was blown and 27 teams sprinted off in different directions. We headed straight to Bassett Green where we spent an hour hitchhiking in the freezing cold in hope of a lift to Portsmouth. Although we were extremely unlucky, we bagged a ride to the City Centre with none other than an ex-Southampton Jailbreaker!

From there, we wandered around West Quay and Marlands doing bucket collections and raised enough money to fund a cheap bus to Portsmouth to catch our ferry!

At the ferry terminal we came across other Jailbreak teams and had a group photo together, before embarking on our 6-hour ferry ride to Caen! Despite the length of the ferry ride, we had a fantastic time enjoying coffee, chocolate and making friends with other passengers - we were even offered a ride to Croatia!

Having a romantic Titanic moment on the ferry!

We were extremely tired (and hungover in my case) by the time the ferry arrived at Caen. Fortunately, my friend picked us up and drove us 2 hours to stay at another friend’s house in Rouen.

It was a very surreal experience going back to the town where I had spent my semester abroad and I was over the moon to meet some of my friends again!

Sunday

We had received free bus tickets from Flixbus from Quai du Havre, Rouen to Charles de Gaulle airport. Having awoken at 6am to catch our bus, we were extremely disheartened the bus did not show up. However, we met a lovely Algerian man who let us wait in his car until 10am with his friends - at which point it became apparent that no bus was coming.

Top Tip: Always keep snacks. Never trust French transport on Sundays.

Fortunately, his friend was leaving for Charles de Gaulle airport with his wife and they kindly offered us a lift! Unfortunately, it took over an hour longer than planned (due to some directional issues) and we were dropped off rather far from the airport and having to walk down an A road for a while until we hitchhiked another lift.

At the airport we spent hours asking airlines for free/discounted flights but were unlucky so we decided to catch a 4-hour train back to Caen.

Highlight of the trip: Arriving late and desperate to avoid sleeping at the Caen ferry terminal, we thought we might as well try our luck for a cheap hotel room...and managed to get a free hotel room and complimentary breakfast!

A delightful assortment of pain de mie, hot drinks, yoghurts and condiments!

Monday

Our last day of Jailbreak kickstarted with yet another missing bus. This seemed to be a common morning theme for us! After waiting for half an hour, we decided to bite the bullet and pay for an overpriced cab to get to the ferry terminal in time. We met another team at the terminal and headed back to Portsmouth.

Appropriate ferry cafe name!

Having returned to English soil, my friend came to pick us up and drop us home- special shout out to Sam for being stuck in traffic for 90 minutes on the way to pick us up!

And so concludes my Jailbreak experience! It was a very surreal, unique experience and honestly, one of the best weekends of my life!

It was also a fantastic opportunity to put my degree into practice and speak french throughout the weekend.

A massive thank you to everyone who helped us (tried to help us) along the way and to my amazing friend Claudia for putting up with me all weekend!

I hope this has more than convinced you to take part in Jailbreak 2017!

Aditi

Christmas gift tips for students

Despite all the stress associated with buying Christmas gifts, it is amusing how the whole process of sorting Christmas gifts out always creeps up on us...and then you are sat there in the middle of December buying socks for your dad because you gave up on finding something else.

As a student it can be especially hard planning gifts - so here are some tips for the festive period which we are now entering.

Obviously you need some sort of budget and plan for how many people you are actually buying a present for. Lists are glorious to have and prove to be life savers every year.

Then it comes to actually deciding what to get everyone…

Memories! 

This is a gift idea that will suit every budget and will be appropriate for everyone from grandparents,  and parents to partners and best friends. The more pricey examples would be to get concert tickets, a little weekend trip or similar. The more budget friendly way could be a day out, dinner, museum tickets or cinema tickets. If you are a student and don’t have the chance to see someone as much anymore, this is a great, meaningful gift.

For Christmas I got a hotel night in London with my best friend for when she was coming over to Southampton to see me and we had the best time. It was the perfect gift because we are so far apart and only see each other a few times every year.

Homemade things! 

No, I’m not taking about the drawing you made in school that you gave your mum and dad for Christmas 10 years ago (although I’m sure parents still love to receive these types of gifts).

This could be an album, a framed photo or a homemade cup. It could also be several small gifts. The nicest thing is obviously the thought and time that goes into making something for someone, which I’m sure is a winner with grandparents and parents.

I’d love to show a picture of my masterpiece of a coffee mug I made my mum for Christmas 15 years ago in school; she still loves it so much, but it is unfortunately in Norway.

Pampering! 

You might think this is a gift more suited towards females, but this is a gift I dare to say will go down well with everyone – because everyone needs a bit of pampering sometimes, right? A gift card for a massage or manicure, makeup, skincare or simply a new fancy shaving set for your boyfriend, brother or dad. I can’t see anyone not being happy with any of these and this is a great way of giving something most people don’t always take time out or allow themselves to do.

Magazine subscription, books or something similar! 

A year's subscription of someone’s favourite magazine or a gift card for iTunes, Spotify or similar are definitely winners regardless who the gift is for.

I hope this guide is helpful when planning for Christmas gifts and remember, f nothing seems tempting, you can never have too many white t-shirts or socks!

Alexandra

Careers season 101

I don’t know about you, but this month I have been bombarded with career information!

From emails about fairs to department-specific guest lectures, I have never felt so pressed to consider my place in the real world.

Consequently, I decided I would share some of the useful employability-related events I have recently attended, hosted by the Careers and Employability team at the University - and encourage that you consider these if you have not done so already!

Guest Speakers

I frequently receive emails from my faculty about upcoming guest lectures but I rarely attend - not because they aren’t interesting but purely because I can never seem to squeeze them in alongside my other extra-curricular activities and contact hours.

However, I would highly recommend you going to specific career-related talks that your faculty arrange, whatever year you’re currently in! Two weeks ago I decided to attend a talk about joining the civil service. I walked in the room thinking civil servants are basically all James Bond and left deciding that is the career I am determined to pursue! Now I am currently in the midst of applying for their Summer Diversity Internship Scheme to gain a taster of what it would be like to work for the government.

CV Drop In

I had heard about this service since first year and kept intending to update and print my CV to bring into the Careers Service, but never got round to it. In fact, I did finally get round to it after I had submitted my Masters applications (not the best idea in hindsight). The drop-in service appointment lasted 10 minutes and was enough to skim over and discuss my CV. As a follow up from the CV drop in, I booked into a 30-minute career meeting to discuss my future plans in further depth.

Top Tip: Take advantage of this service before you submit any university, placement or job applications!

Careers Appointment

Heads Up: The Careers team are extremely busy so it can take up to two weeks to get a slot! However, it is definitely worth the wait as it is reassuring to discuss future plans with a professional who is very helpful at providing information and guiding you in the career path you wish to pursue.

Business Fair

With over 95 exhibitors, this is one of the most popular events in the careers calendar.

Top Tip: Always check the event page on Facebook nearer to the event date as there is likely to be a link to purchase tickets/book spaces by then!

Having booked in advance, I attended the fair with a close friend of mine. Given that she is interested in law and accountancy whilst I am interested in international development, there were only few companies that were of mutual interest to us! Nevertheless, this turned out to be advantageous to us given that both of us chatted with companies we would have never considered otherwise.

Another Top Tip: Look up the list of employers attending the fair in advance so that you have time to prepare questions for any organisations you are keen for!

Opportunities Fair

This event was extremely different to the Business Fair – it was much smaller in size and had a real focus on what the University of Southampton itself provides. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to learn more about schemes such as the Excel Placement Programme and Business Innovation Programme and chat to the staff as well as previous participants.

To conclude this post, can we just take a moment to appreciate the Careers and Employability team? Outside of university, these kinds of opportunities would only be available for a substantial fee.

We really are fortunate to have such a great service here at the University and it would be a shame if students did not make the most of it.

Aditi

Part 3: After my Year Abroad

After completing my Year Abroad in France way back in June, the first thing I knew I wanted to do was revive some of the Erasmus culture when I came back to Southampton - by joining the Erasmus Society! It’s proved to be a great decision so far.

I’m one of this year’s buddy coordinators for the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at Southampton, along with my excellent fellow coordinators, Désirée and Jodie. Essentially, the three of us have the difficult task of matching up the best part of 400 students, so that international and UK students can get to meet one another and practise speaking whichever language/s they want.

The word ‘difficult’ is quite probably the understatement of the century here, as our decisions are bound to make some people delighted whilst others will feel more disappointed.

At the Erasmus introductory white T-shirt party

Back in early October, we sent out a quick survey asking people about their interests and subjects as well as the preferred nationality of their potential ‘buddies’. The response was incredible; much better than we had ever imagined, so our job was even more challenging!

There are 18 of us on the committee, which is one of the largest contingents at the University. So far this year, we’ve promoted ourselves at the Bunfight, set up trips to Oxford and Bath Christmas markets and organised introductory and Halloween parties. As we’re in charge of the buddy scheme, we create meet ups but the initiative is very much down to the amount of effort the buddies put in.

 My committee polo t-shirt!

Now more than ever, I realise just how important and rewarding such a scheme is, especially having just returned from a year abroad myself. At the start, it can be extremely daunting as you never know whether you’ll like the country, be able to make friends and manage the dreaded language barrier.

The buddy scheme is so relevant in establishing a bond between home and international students, rather than allowing cliques to grow, and showing that everyone who studies and works here is a valued part of our community. I think this is very important, especially with recent political events (Brexit being one of many!).

For all the Modern Languages students at Southampton learning French, Spanish, German - you name it - there will be just as many Erasmus and international students looking to improve their English with a native speaker. Another really great thing about it is that it’s not exclusively for language students – anyone can join in!

One of the Language Exchange events at the Bridge

We’re equally fortunate to have a multitude of language events where people can chill out and chat with people of all nationalities from diverse backgrounds, even if it’s just down the pub or on campus. After all, people often say they speak a language more fluently after a drink or two!

Nowadays, there’s a Language Exchange every Tuesday evening at Bridge on campus which always has a warm, friendly atmosphere, plus the French Society, Spanish and Portuguese Society (SLAPS) and German Society all run weekly cafés in nearby Portswood.

There really is no shortage of language opportunities here at Southampton!

Paul

Enjoying university life in Southampton without alcohol

So this week is Alcohol Awareness Week, and as  students, I’m sure we are all familiar with alcohol and the effects in can have on our bodies and minds.

As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy clubbing, didn’t attend every Freshers' event religiously, and doesn’t relish the thought of a hangover, I’ve compiled a list of alcohol-free activities for you to try in Southampton.

Being a student isn't all drinking and nights out!

1. Try Mettricks, Southampton’s own local coffee chain

Instead of going out for a drink at a pub, you could try Mettricks. There are three in the city centre, one at Guildhall, the Old Town, and at Bargate. With a cosy, casual vibe, it’s the perfect place to chill with your friends on a Saturday, or bring that essay you’ve been meaning to write and go full hipster doing work in a non-mainstream coffee shop.

2. Explore Southampton’s cultural side at the museum and the art gallery

The SeaCity Museum is just the right size to get done in an afternoon, and has some amazing exhibitions highlighting the diversity of people in and around Southampton, and how that has changed over the years.

The City Art Gallery is located just behind the museum, and is currently home to part of the exhibitions for the British Art Show 8. It also has a beautiful permanent exhibition of the Perseus Series, which is a cartoon depiction of Greek myths. On top of that, entry is free!

3. Take some time to relax in Valley Gardens on campus

Hidden behind the Union building is a gorgeous place to come and relax. In the summer it is the site of our Bioblitz events and insect walks, but in the winter it is a fabulous place for robin-watching. If nothing else, it’ll be a good Instagram opportunity.

4. Find societies which don’t run alcoholic socials

I know of a few societies which have socials and events that aren’t all at SoBar and Jesters, but you’ll be pleased to hear that the socials they run sound like some of the best. For example;

• Sprinkles - for ice-cream and crepes!
• PlayZone -  a giant, adult-sized playground. Yes please!
• Oxygen FreeJumping  – it’s just a room full of trampolines – what more could you want!?

5. If you do get roped in to going out, don’t panic

If you order something that looks fizzy and (preferably) a funny/bright colour, people will be fooled! My favourite for this trick is a lime and soda, it can definitely pass as a vodka lemonade.

Georgia

Your guide to study spaces on campus during deadline week

Just like learning your new timetables and lecture locations each semester is hard, it can be quite hard to find somewhere to work during the busy months of November, December and January.

However, you don’t need to learn this the hard way because I will break it down to you in this mini 'guide'.

The Hartley Library is the place the majority of students come to study at some point and thus why it in these days is getting increasingly hard to find a seat on any of the five massive floors.

The course collection is where you have everything you need nearby – each desk has a socket, there are two printers and all of the compulsory books for modules should be in there for you to use. This explains why it can be hard to find a seat here after 10 o’clock on a normal day! That’s why you have the four other floors to find a seat. Not all desks will have sockets, but the University has been refurbishing the library over summer so increasingly more seats do, including all of Level 3.

I have still managed to find seats in the library around noon, but as exams and final deadlines are approaching, you need to arrive earlier and earlier in the library to get a seat. That is why some of the four other libraries the University have might be a better choice for you depending on your course.

Humanities have the Avenue Library, Ocean and Earth science have the NOC library, health related subjects have the Health Services Library and all Winchester-based students have their own library at WSA.

The key things to remember; wrap up, bring food and water for a couple of hours of work, and don’t give up on finding a seat (unless you’ve been through all five floors - the closer we get to the end of term, the earlier you need to be there.)

If, against all odds, you can’t find a seat in the library, there are other options. Depending on how well you work with noise around you there are plenty of cafés on campus to work in; Costa Coffee, Starbucks or the Arlott for example. The Arlott is quite (read: very) busy during lunchtimes, but after noon and early in the mornings it is quite a pleasant place to work. Costa, on the other hand, is busy from 10am 'til late.

There are also common rooms in each building. Beware, they get quite busy as well, but are great places to get some work done in between lectures or if you have group work. The newly refurbished bit in Building 58, for example, is very nice.

For Freshers it is worth knowing that your halls usually have some designated study places, which can be more convenient to visit than the library.

May the odds be ever in your favour when finding a spot to study on campus, and good luck to everyone with their deadlines!

Alexandra

My favourite event of the year: Diwali

Around this time of year everyone seems preoccupied with finding Halloween costumes and purchasing fireworks for Bonfire Night, but few remember the Hindu Festival of Lights – THE most popular festival in South Asia!

My family take Diwali very seriously – it’s basically our Christmas! I’ve been fortunate enough to celebrate Diwali in India many times and honestly it was one of the highlights of my childhood!

The streets are lined with diyas (lamps) and exquisite patterns from gulal (colourful powdered paint) and the skies are filled with fireworks all night.

History

Diwali is also known as ‘deepavali’ meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’.

So why the obsession with lights?!

Diwali symbolises good defeating evil and thus light prevailing over darkness. This stems from the Ramayan (the first of two ancient Indian epic poems) in which prince Rama and his wife Sita return to Ayodhya having been banished from their kingdom for 14 years and defeating Ravana (the demon king of Lanka) in the meantime.

Jains and Sikhs also rejoice on this auspicious day:

• Jains - celebration is for Lord Mahvira (Founder of Jainism) who reached a state of Moksha (eternal bliss)
• Sikhs- Diwali marks the release from prison of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh in 1619. Furthermore, the foundation stone of their most holy place (Golden Temple in Amritsar) was laid on Diwali in 1577!

Diwali 2016!

30th October fell on a Sunday this year, meaning everybody in the family was home and we could really make the most of the day. I brought my boyfriend Alex to the festivities too - and we dressed him in a traditional Indian kurta (long-sleeved shirt)!

 Alex and I all dressed up

On the Sunday, only vegetarian and non-alcoholic drinks were permitted. Fortunately, this barely affected me - but proved a significant challenge for Alex! I managed to squeeze in a very early morning workout (thanks to the clocks going back that night) before helping my family clean the house. We bought fireworks before spending the afternoon catching up with a close friend!

The main festivities for Diwali always occur in the evening. As soon as it began to get dark outside, I prepared for my favourite part of the day, lighting the diyas! Everyone helped to light the candles around the house and in the garden and switched the lights off… it looked BEAUTIFUL!!

After my extended family had arrived, we had the main puja (prayers) at a shrine created in our living room with Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth, at the centre of worship. Following the prayers, we ate lots of mithai (Indian sweets) and went outside for fireworks!

If there is one thing to know about Indian culture it is that we love to eat massive portions as well as feed others!

The rest of the evening consisted of eating multiple courses and chatting with family and close friends. The night concluded fairly early as the young children had to go to bed, but it was a fantastic evening nonetheless!

If you ever have the opportunity, DEFINITELY attend a Diwali celebration!

Aditi

Part 2: During the Year Abroad

The deadline is fast approaching for second-year students to decide on their Year Abroad destinations, so hopefully here I can convince you what a great opportunity it is!

If you didn’t know already, last year, I was on a study exchange at Université Grenoble-Alpes in the French Alps. Grenoble’s not the most well-known place in France but I definitely found that to be one of the most enticing factors about living there.

Skiing at Les Deux Alpes

The university

First and foremost, university life was completely different in France compared to here. For example, there were several different campuses, with mine on the outskirts of the city. For Erasmus students, the process was daunting at first as you’re suddenly thrust into two-hour lectures in French alongside native students and then you have to organise your own timetable. We only needed to achieve 30 credits for the year, translating to 5 / 6 classes a week so, naturally, I left Monday and Friday free to catch up on work or explore more.

The stereotype is that French administration is arduous and inefficient – something I can definitely vouch for! However, I found it useful to experience another education system and it certainly helped my organisational skills.

Me in Avignon (credit: Trott Shots Photography)

Speaking the language

Undoubtedly the main reason for going abroad is to speak the language as much as possible. This can be a challenge as most students of other nationalities wanted to improve their English but at the same time, gaining fluency in the foreign language is very rewarding.

I tried buying magazines or newspapers to enhance my vocabulary outside of class. Otherwise, joining a club, participating in language exchanges or doing some sort of voluntary work (like for a food bank) are all valuable additions to any CV as well as to your own personal development.

That didn’t stop me making some embarrassing linguistic mistakes though – many French words only have minor nuances in pronunciation, as I found to my cost on several occasions!

Up Mont Blanc

Opportunities

Living and studying at the heart of the French Alps was a real treat, in terms of travelling to places like Lyon or Annecy or even going over to Switzerland and Geneva. Fortunately, Southern Rail’s network doesn’t stretch quite that far! Likewise, I couldn’t refuse the chance to go skiing and for a very reasonable price too with a student card.

Furthermore, although there wasn’t the same emphasis on societies, there were so many opportunities to play sports for credits or as a hobby, as I did with tennis in my first semester.

Visiting Lyon's new stadium

The UN building in Geneva

Taking in an ice hockey match 

Finance

As a student, it’s natural to be concerned about the fees of it all. As language students, the year abroad was an obligatory part of our degree but for other subjects, the opportunity is often there without people even knowing it.

However, the reality is much more optimistic – the fees for the year are just over the £1000 mark, but when you factor in extra finance from Student Finance plus a 300 euro monthly Erasmus grant, a year abroad does not have to be unaffordable nor inaccessible.

Paul

Saving the world: A student guide

You might have heard that the COP21 Agreement made in Paris last year came into effect on Thursday 3rd November. This means that countries including China, India, and the U.S. now are legally obliged to stick to the global temperature target of no more than 2°C above the pre-industrial levels, and to pursue a target of 1.5°C. This is a great step in the right direction, but cannot be done without everyone playing their part.

If you’re like me and care very much about challenges such as food security, biodiversity loss, access to water and global climate change, I’ve compiled a list of some things you can do to save the planet as a student at Southampton.

If you’re in halls, this might sound obvious but switch things off, meaning lights, extractor fans, lamps etc., when you're not going to be in the room or around for the day. You would be surprised at the number of times that I’d come home from a day of lectures to find bedroom and bathroom lights still on. I know it seems easy to use as much electricity and water as you want when in halls; some people say, “If only I do it it’s not going to make a difference…” But think about it this way; it’s a good habit to get into, especially if you’re moving into private-rented houses in your second and third year!

On that note, it's easier than you think to recycle (which all halls at Southampton cater for) and there are even annual competitions to win ice-cream!

If you want to make a direct impact on your carbon footprint, consider cutting out meat and dairy products from your diet. Not only will this save you money on groceries, it will also directly affect your personal contribution to emissions! The University's Vegetarian and Vegan Society will be able to help a lot as they are willing to help with any questions you may have, such as recipes, where to buy food, and general advice.

You have the option of doing your washing in halls on a lower temperature too, and if you invest in a clothes horse, you can cut out the dryer element (saving you money, once again).

Join groups which are environmentally focused. Green Action Southampton undertakes a range of projects including an SU Food Co-Op, to cut down on packaging and transport, candle-lit evenings at The Art House Café in Southampton (vegan!), the Southampton Climate Forum, and they also run the awesome Environmental Rock Music Festival! The Marine Conservation Society run weekly beach cleans in and around Hampshire, the Student Switch Off Society – funnily enough – switch things off, and I’ve heard it’s quite fun to run around campus and turn off as many plugs as you can…

If you’re more politically minded, you can join the Young Greens who meet regularly to discuss Green Party issues, and are focused mainly on change in Southampton, so there will be things you can actually get involved in! There are student groups for most major political parties.

Obviously, I’m not saying everyone has to do all of these things and join every student group starting from today, but maybe if you could pick one or two off the list and start there, you could really make a difference today.

Georgia

What's up, November?

If there is a competition on how many stupid things you can accomplish in November I think I’m winning it so far. I’ve managed to break my glasses and break my foot the last week, so it’s safe to say I feel quite useless this week!

But then I remember that apart from the peak of deadlines in November – there are so many other things going on in November that it is time to cheer up and look forward to this month:

Guy Fawkes Night

Coming up this weekend! I find the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night interesting, but nevertheless one of my favourite days/nights in England. I love fireworks, so November is already 'my' month and Guy Fawkes is like an extra nice night. There are loads of firework events going on around town, but I think the best one is the one in Mayflower Park.

From my first Guy Fawkes celebration in England

Remembrance Sunday 

This is without a doubt my absolutely favourite Sunday to spend in England. I’ve already purchased my poppy, which I wear with loads of pride although I’m as British as a pizza.

There are various ceremonies going on around town, but the easiest one for students to participate in I would say is the one in Watts Park. I’ve been here two years in a row now and look forward to spending my third year here as well. You Britons really know how to commemorate your military service women and men and given Southampton’s important position in both the World Wars I think it is beautiful to see the veterans coming out for this.

The University also hold a mini-service on campus every year, on the 11th November, for any staff and students who want to pay their respects.

Remembrance Sunday in Watts Park

London trip with the University!

As a part of a module I’m doing this year we are going to London to work in the House of Parliament for a day! In good English slang; I’m buzzing for this. I’m confident this will be a once-in-a-lifetime and very valuable experience. Since we are going on a Friday, my plan is to hopefully stay in London for another day and enjoy the Christmas spirit in the capital.

Christmas Light Switch-on

If you think campus is crowded in the first week of every new semester, you have obviously never been to the Christmas Light Switch-on. Although you move a bit like sardines in a barrel (this is a Norwegian expression for it being very crowded) – it is well worth it. Our beautiful campus is even more beautiful with the Christmas tree and all the Christmas lights being switched on.

Then there are the personal highlights of November… I’m celebrating one year with my boyfriend and two of my best friends are turning 21!

So despite my lousy start to November, I’m sure this will be a lovely month!

Alexandra

Checking in

In our second throwback post, ex-blogger and Computer Science graduate Robin Johnson shares what he's been up to since leaving Southampton, alongside some friendly advice.

Well… hello again!

Crikey! It’s hard to believe it’s been well over a year since I was bidding farewell to Highfield campus as a permanent home, wearing a pointy hat, collecting a thin paper scroll with which I could prove I’d graduated from the University of Southampton with an MEng in Software Engineering, stuffing four years’ worth of assorted paraphernalia into my parents’ cars (it was a lot!), and then riding off into the glorious sunset - or, more accurately in my case, the Northern drizzle!

Although plenty of time has gone by, memories of the wonderful place are as fresh as ever. It seems like merely weeks since the end of my quite unforgettable life at Southampton, as the time has shot by, having morphed into another incredible year of excitement, adventure, and equally tremendous tales.

Just as my time on the south coast never seemed to stand still, I’ve been lucky enough to land in a graduate life and job which has so far proven just as fast-paced, varied and exciting as the four years of higher education – and it’s similarly making the months just fly by!

Of course, it’s been somewhat impossible to stay away from the place where I learnt so much about the world, and throughout the year, I’ve been back to visit campus on a few occasions – after all, there are too many fantastic folk, and theatrical societies, at the University, not to!

It all still feels warmly like a second home, and although I now feel decidedly “old” when I go back, it’s still coloured with happy memories, friendly faces, and that brilliant communal spirit that makes it such a special place to learn about yourself, your course, and the world around you.

Braced with that infectious enthusiasm at University, which inspired me to try and pursue as many opportunities around my studies as I could (it took getting a First to convince my Mum!), I’ve tried to maintain this approach to life in the ‘real world’ ever since - although it’s ever so slightly more difficult when you pay council tax, have a full-time job, and need a regular sleeping pattern!

Through one way or another, I’m delighted to say I’ve found myself making a living and working in the vibrant setting of the capital city, London, accompanied by many of my friends from my time in Southampton, as well as plenty of brilliant new people. And, in news that will surprise nobody who read my previous articles, my job’s in the theatrical industry!

My ‘new’ home!

Having graduated and then visited the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a third year in a row – it must be a tradition now! - I took a bit of time out to rest up, and consider my options. With a wide-reaching degree under my belt, which encompassed topics from programming to project management, and design to digital systems and applications, as well as numerous opportunities in media, performance and other creative applications afforded to me by the University and brilliant Students’ Union, my experiences in Southampton gave me plenty to consider moving forwards, as well as loads to try and cram into a two-page C.V.!

Directing in Edinburgh after graduation - there was still time for one more production with the University!

In the end, having spent a bit of time practising these skills in my own time, I decided to try and go for the creative industries which formed such an invaluable part of my University life, an interest which Southampton did so much to cultivate.

In doing so, however, I was acutely aware that the sheer flexibility of the degree I received from the University will allow me to move in other directions if necessary, and will stand me in good stead for future endeavours and adventures - whatever they may be!

One chance meeting at a careers’ fair later, and I’ve found myself working as an intern for a wide-reaching West End theatre organisation which has seen me so far:

• work at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Opera House and West End Live in Trafalgar Square
• attend and report from theatre press nights
• work in editorial, ticketing and marketing
• meet and interview plenty of household names (including, recently, Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart!)

Needless to say, it’s been a surreal year!

Working on the red carpet at the Olivier Awards was a surreal, but incredibly exciting, experience!

 Reviewing the new Harry Potter play in the West End was another highlight!

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a brilliant organisation for the majority of the year, and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunities they’ve afforded me. With hopefully more fantastic experiences on the horizon, the future is certainly looking bright.

To future Southampton graduates, I’d just urge you, no matter what your aspirations, to absolutely go for it; you’ll find a way. And for those of you lucky enough to still be there: enjoy your time, make the most of it, and say “yes” to as many opportunities as you can; you never know where they might take you, both academically and personally.

Looking back on life at Southampton one year on, it’s strange to think that the journey I embarked on five years ago, as a nervous, shy first-year, has taken me to where I currently am. But I’m proud of the fact that the journey started at the University of Southampton; what a place to be!

Robin

Avid for art? British Art Show 8 at Southampton

Hey readers!

As mentioned before, I am usually swamped in extra-curricular activities, but last week I fancied doing something completely different to my usual routine. The British Art Show 8 immediately came to mind – I had seen posters all over campus promoting the event and kept promising myself that I’d make time to visit.

Background

Before going to the exhibition I thought I would do some background research to find out about the interesting history of the show. The exhibit features the work of 42 artists who have significantly contributed to UK art over the past five years and over half of these artists have created new pieces especially for this big event!

The focus of the art show is the “changing role and status of the object at a time of increasing convergence between the real and virtual”. These topics hugely appeal to me, having studied various theories concerning space - particularly virtual space - and perceptions of space and objects.

My inner geographer was ecstatic to see how the artists have consequently imagined ways to conceptualise materiality and epitomise the digital era.

Exhibit Day!

Last Tuesday I FINALLY got to visit the show! I had a two-hour break between the end of a lecture and intramural netball training and figured that I had to seize the opportunity to go! I decided to visit the John Hansard Gallery exhibit as I was already on Highfield campus. The John Hansard Gallery is one of the many arts venues we have at the University.

I would encourage everyone - student, lecturer, or local - to check it out! The exhibit isn’t particularly large so it can easily be done in a gap between lectures, or at lunch time, with ample time to watch parts of the films showing - but you’d need over an hour to watch every film and take your time in the exhibit.

Oh yeah, and it’s FREE!

Upon walking in I was slightly started to see a wall of faces beside me (as shown below)

“Spirit is a Bone” (2013) Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin

I found it extremely compelling and spent quite a while examining the intricate features of each face. The portraits had been created using sophisticated facial-recognition technology that was developed in Moscow for use at border controls - but without the subjects consent!

I highly enjoyed the short films showing, particularly ‘All That is Solid’ (2015) created by John Akomfrah and Trevor Mathison. It was entirely monochrome and featured incredible footage from past and present. The majority of the scenes were photos of landscapes - rather than humans – but the overall effect was mind-blowing. Some sound effects – such as crying infants - were rather uncomfortable, but this was undoubtedly successful in emotionally connecting with the viewer!

A scene from ‘All That is Solid’

My favourite part of the display, however, had to be Melanie Gilligan’s multi-episode drama named 'The Common Sense: Phase 1', exploring the ways in which new technologies can influence our thoughts and behaviours. The series centres on a piece of technology named ‘the Patch’ which is worn in the upper roof of the mouth and possesses the ability to communicate feelings between individuals. Each episode was remarkably different from the others- but with each episode featuring a darker scenario!

Hopefully this post has persuaded you to experience the exhibit yourself. Lucky for you, it is here until 15th January - so there's plenty of time left to visit!

Aditi