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Nottingham Trent Students’ Union Official Magazine
Issue 9 platform-online.net
CONTENTS
NEWS3 Freshers’ Ball Line up Announced4 Your Guide to Media at Trent
LIFESTYLE7 Time to get out there8 Space Saving Accessories for your Room 10 Freshers’ Week Survival Guide12 Savvy Shopping on a Student Budget
SPORT13 Where can I watch Sport 15 Nottingham: A City of Sport
FASHION & BEAUTY 19 Beauty Tips 20 Shopping Guide to Nottingham 22 Fashion Essentials
MUSIC25 Notts Gig Guide 26 The Ultimate Freshers Mixtape
CULTURE29 Fancy a Film?32 The Playhouse Theatre
GAMING & TECH35 Three Games to Enhance your Degree 36 Three Apps for Welcome Week
PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN 39 The Art Students’ Guide to Bonington 40 The Notts Bucket List43 Societies for Artists
Cover Image by Aaron Kelwick
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EDITOR’SletterHey everyone and Welcome to NTU from all of us at Platform!We’re happy to bring you the first edition of the academic year and what will hopefully be your go-to Freshers’ Guide. We have something for everyone with articles about Lifestyle, Sport, Fashion, Music, Gaming and more. If you’re new to NTU or just new to Platform, I want to tell you a little bit about us. We’re the only official publication at Nottingham
Trent University, we post regular articles on our website platform-online.net to keep you up to date with all the latest goings on around campus, the student world and beyond. We also produce a bi-monthly print magazine capturing the biggest events at NTU and great features from all of our sections. This issue is an introduction to Freshers’ Week at Trent but also university life in general, whether you use us as a guide, some late night reading away from studying or even as a way to avoid awkward bus conversations on the way to Clifton, we hope this is the start of a long relationship between you and Platform. My advice to you, is enjoy this time, there will probably never have been a more exciting period in your life, so kick back, listen to a pick from this edition’s mix tape, read up on the best places to shop featured in our fashion section and learn all about the Trent Media family in our news sections ‘Guide to Media at Trent.’ Take it all in and once again welcome to NTU. If you’re interested in joining Platform, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for new contributors and if you come onboard you may be able to join the committee later on if you would like to. Contact us via our details at the back and someone will be in touch.
Mel BrooksEditor-in-chief
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NEWSFRESHERS BALL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED // YOUR GUIDE TO MEDIA AT TRENT
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Kicking things off will be the popular Radio 1 DJ MistaJam. 2014 has seen the DJ perform
in Ibiza, Mallorca and cover festivals including Creamfields and Hideout for Radio 1Xtra. The Nottingham-born DJ also performed in the SU last year for the official relaunch of Climax. Students loved his set so much that his encore lasted another hour!
Secondly students will be treated to Becky Hill. Becky came to the public’s attention during the first season of The Voice, reaching the semi-finals as part of Team Jessie. Since then the 20-year-old has worked closely with Rudimental and seen a fantastic year as her single with Oliver Heldens, ‘Gecko (Overdrive),’ reached number one in the UK charts.
Rounding things off will be MOBO award-winning Fuse ODG.
His debut single ‘Antenna’ reached number seven in the UK charts last year and his 2014 single ‘Dangerous Love’ peaked at number three this year. 2014 also saw Fuse ODG nominated for the World Music award for Best Male Artist and for Best Live Act.
On top of that there will be a massive chocolate fountain, casino tables, official photographers and more live music. The Freshers’ Ball will be held at the Student Union on the City campus on Sunday 5th October. The fun starts at 9pm and won’t stop till the early hours of Monday morning. Grab your tickets at trentstudents.org/freshersball or for any queries about the event please contact [email protected]. Tickets sell out quickly, so get yours before they’ve all gone.
James Bavin
NEWS
Here at Trent we really like to go the extra mile for our freshers and this year is no exception. Here are three special performances for this year’s Freshers’ Ball.
FRESHERS BALL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
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YOUR GUIDE TO MEDIA AT TRENT
With two universities and around 70,000 students spread throughout the city it’s safe to say Nottingham is student friendly. Yet for you, the fresher, this lifestyle may all be very new and it may be unclear where to go for quality student news coverage.
Here‘s Nottingham Trent’s three big hitters in the world of student media.
Find us all on Twitter and Facebook to get the absolute best coverage of all things NTU. Don’t hesitate to get in touch via Facebook if you’re interested in working with us. We would love to have you on board!
It’s great to see that you’re reading your first issue of Platform, the university’s award-winning student magazine. You’ll come to learn a lot more about us over the year but in the mean time I’ll summarise what we’re all about. Platform is an A-Z of student life in Nottingham. We will always have your back, giving you the most interesting and engaging news and info on the all the things you care about at uni. With up to date coverage and useful tips on life at Trent we’ll see you through from your first year ‘til your last. For all the budding writers and journalists out there, this is the place to be! Look out for Platform around the university, online and all over social media.
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NEWS
If you want to get your face known then look no further than Trent TV. Trent TV, winner of 5 National Student TV awards, provides students with quality coverage of events in the city and at the university. For all you keen music and sport enthusiasts Trent TV is a brilliant way of getting to interview the bands or sports stars in Nottingham. Don’t believe me? Here’s some words from Lydia Meredith who joined up last year :
‘It’s an amazing experience, it’ll give you experience working with a camera, and you can improve your presenting and editing skills.’
We enjoy great working relationships with the many venues around Nottingham, so this is a great excuse to get out and about and enjoy the city.
Are you more of a chatterbox than a writer? Well don’t worry, NTU has its very own award-winning student radio station, ran by the students for the students. It’s a brilliant place to go to get all the hottest news, chat and tunes. Alex Blakemore really enjoyed his first year on Fly and would recommend it to everyone.
‘It’s a great way to meet loads of mates and learn new skills whilst having an awesome time.’
Get behind the mic at Fly’s state of the art facilities, it’s a fantastic way to build your confidence and to make new friends. You’ll have an absolute blast doing it so get your voice out there.
James Bavin
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LIFESTYLETIME TO GET OUT THERE // SPACE SAVING SOLUTIONS // FRESHERS WEEK SURVIVAL GUIDE // SAVVY SHOPPING ON A STUDENT BUDGET
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LIFESTYLE
TIME TO GET OUT THERE!
With the whirlwind of Freshers approaching
fast, you are about to be surrounded by a lot of new people. Friendships will blossom left, right and centre - but always broaden your horizons.
It’s natural to cling to the people you live with, because you bond over the most nerve-wracking part of university together. Those you meet first will always feel like a safe, warm, comfort blanket. Most freshers will create great friendships in those first few days but don’t restrict yourself to just being friends with the first group of people you meet. Hopefully your flatmates will be fab, but remember that you have been thrown together with these people - you didn’t hand-pick them to be your best friends. If your
flat-mates aren’t the bees knees it’s not the end of the world. There are so many other opportunities to meet people.
The best piece of advice? Join a society. At Freshers’ Fair you can choose from a huge variety of sports and society clubs to get involved in. If your new BFF housemate isn’t up for cheerleading and you are, don’t be afraid to join alone. Remember, everyone’s in the same boat, and if not by the second training session, you’ll certainly be close friends after the first social of the year.
Take risks and make your friendship circle as wide as you can. You’ll have heard that your university friends will be the ones you keep for life, so why not make as many as possible?
Georgia Farquharson
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SPACESAVINGROOMAfter securing your university accommodation, the urge to take every single thing from home with you is very tempting. So you can fit everything in, Freya Shah has found six awesome accessories to help you save space:
Your desk should always be the first place to start. This back of the chair organizer is perfect for your everyday university essentials. Etsy - £2.87
This one is for the ladies. The Umbra Little Black Corset organizer is perfect for getting your jewelry and hair accessories off every surface, freeing up some space. Amazon £18.35
Time to get creative! Why not grab some cheap colourful mason jars and attach them to the walls? Use Velcro to attach the jars for a more practical solution to drilling. Wilko’s £1.50 - £20
ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR
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LIFESTYLE
SPACESAVINGROOM
Your bathroom is not going to be huge, especially if you are living in halls. Placing this hamper behind your bathroom door will definitely prevent any cluttering. DX.com - £2.99
Clothes, clothes and more clothes. Every university student’s room has a floordrobe. Using multi hangers will allow you to hang four jeans in the space of one, and will make sure you can actually see your carpet.Lakeland.co.uk - £8.99
Depending on your room, you may or may not have a bedside table. Either way,
this bedside caddy is amazing for your every night essentials, e.g. a bottle of
water and much needed paracetamol for that hangover! Ebay - £9.67
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Go to your InductionsAlthough getting out of bed and dragging yourself to an induction won’t be at the top of your agenda, please GO. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to study abroad just because you had one too many jägers last night.Make the Most of itGoing out ten nights in a row guilt-free will be something of a rarity in a few months when you’re up to your eyes in coursework. It’s a great opportunity to meet a wealth of new people and suss out the best post night out fast food joints -Trent Kebabs.Get InvolvedEven if you’re not a real party animal, at least make the effort to get to know people. It doesn’t
mean you have to stumble in at 5am, spoon your McDonalds box and be too hungover to function the next day, but try not to isolate yourself.Join a SocietyYou’ll quickly become familiar with weekly Wednesday antics. Ocean will be in your iPhone dictionary in no time and trust me, you won’t look back. Joining one does require a gym membership, but you can bag one for £99 during Freshers Week.Spend WiselyYes, sensible Sally has come out to play. It’s all well and good buying rounds but when reality kicks in and you finally understand the meaning of the word budget, you’ll kick yourself for being so generous.
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&TIPSTRICKS
Nicole Cottrell
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Shopping can get pretty expensive, especially when you aren’t buying in the right places. One thing you will learn to appreciate is just how much money your parents spend on you every week to keep your bellies full. So, if like most students you want to keep your food budget to a minimum then here are a few handy tricks you may want to take note of…Plan aheadSometimes being organized can save you not just a lot of time, but money too. Have a think about what
Abby McHale
Savvy Shopping on a Student Budget& you’re doing each week and plan your meals accordingly so that you can buy in bulk, rather than nipping to the corner shop every night for a ready meal because you don’t have anything else.Don’t go to the Nearest ShopIf you are living in the city centre the chances are your nearest shop will be a Tesco metro or Sainsbury’s local, which can be pretty expensive with not a lot of choice. Your best bet is to find an Aldi or Lidl which are just as good as other supermarkets and a fraction of the price.Online ShopAnother option is online shopping. This could be by yourself or with a flat mate. Asda and Tesco do free delivery over a certain price and you can usually stock up on a few weeks worth of food as you don’t have to carry it home.
Don’t forget to look out for discounts posted through your letter box… they might come in handy.
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SPORTWHERE CAN I WATCH SPORT // NOTTINGHAM: A CITY OF SPORT
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SPORT
Fresh to a new city, obviously the first thing
you’ll be thinking is – “Where am I going to watch the game this weekend?”
Well fear not, here’s Platform Sport’s guide to Notts’ best sport haunts.
Walkabout BBC, ITV, BT Sports, Sky Sports Walkabout is a sports viewing paradise. Infamous for its late night Superbowl, Ashes and Wrestlemania parties, the Aussie bar chain lies on Friar Lane, close to Market Square. The 500 capacity bar and nightclub has 14 TV screens and projectors dotted over its two stories, with food and drink deals to accompany your sporting fix.
The Approach BBC, ITV, Sky SportsAcross the road from Walkabout lies the locals’ favourite The Approach. Traditionally
a rugby pub, the Approach is always heaving when Derby are in town or Carl Froch is on the box. A great place to place to soak up the Six Nations atmosphere and drinks deals in second term.
The Gooseberry BushBBC, ITV, BT SportsA stone’s throw from the city campus SU lies the Gooseberry Bush. Cheap beer and cheap food, this Wetherspoons bar boasts a decent atmosphere and a good venue to watch meaningless matches and sink cheaper lagers and local ales.
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The Bush has several TV screens dotted about the pub and shows live England Euro qualifiers, Rugby Union and the occasional continental game.
The Horn in HandBBC, ITV, Sky Sports Opposite the Newton building on Goldsmith Street, the Horn in Hand is a treasured sanctuary for NTU students and societies. With a giant projector screen and multiple HD televisions on two floors, the Horn comes alive when a big game is on as locals and students fuse together to the soundtrack of the pubs dubious jukebox shuffle. A great venue for Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League football, all forms of cricket and everything else Sky Sports can offer. Take advantage of the Horn’s drink deals and purchase a Yellow Card.
HootersBBC, ITV, Sky Sports, BT Sports, American channelsHooters needs no introduction. Scantily clad females serving chicken wings imploring more
then generous tips from your already thin back burner, Hooters is a fantastic venue to watch live sport. On the same stretch as Trent Bridge, Meadow Lane and the City Ground, the American chain is a popular pre and post match haunt for County, Forest and cricket fans alike. With 3D, HD televisions and a multi-screen function – Hooters is the perfect destination for a Gillette Soccer Saturday session.
Riley’s Sports BarBBC, ITV, Sky Sports 3 metre HD screens and £2 pints - Enjoy an afternoon in local pool and snooker club Riley’s. Hidden on St. James’ Street, just off the Market Square, Riley’s Sport’s Bar is a haven for lovers of the beautiful game. Comfy seating, 3D TV’s, slot machines, dart boards, pool and snooker tables; Riley’s has the lot – and it also offers free student membership.
Peter Adams
NOTTINGHAM:A CITY OFSPORT
The city of Nottingham is a veritable hub of sporting clubs, leaving you spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying your entertainment appetite.From cricket to football to ice hockey, you won’t be disappointed by what this city has to offer.
Alex Clarke
SPORT
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Nottingham Forest FCWe’ll start with football and where better to kick us off than at the city’s most successful club, Nottingham Forest. You’ll know them for Brian Clough, his statue is situated in the Market Square, and their back to back European Cup wins in 1979/80. Nowadays Forest have fallen somewhat from their former glory and operate in England’s second tier, yet the future looks bright for the Reds under new boss and club legend Stuart Pearce. He’s assembled a strong, passionate squad and Forest are one of the bookies favourites for promotion to the Premier League this season. Their stadium, the City Ground, is located on the banks of the River Trent in West Bridgeford, with the club offering student memberships for tasty discounts at every home game.
Notts County FCPeer just over the river and you’ll see another football ground, Meadow Lane, which is home to England’s oldest football club Notts County. Plying their trade in League One, County pulled off what has been dubbed ‘The Great Escape’ last season, by implausibly avoiding the relegation trap-door under gaffer Shaun Derry. Trent Media enjoy a fantastic working relationship with the Magpies and are allowed seats in the press box for each home game - so get writing and you could find yourself pitch-side, dictaphone in hand, doing your best John Motson.
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Nottingham PanthersIf football isn’t your cup of tea then worry not, for the city is home to one of the most successful ice hockey clubs in the county, Nottingham Panthers. Ice hockey is frenetic, frantic and often brutal - in other words it’s the embodiment of sporting entertainment. The Panthers’ home is at the Capital FM Arena, just east of the city centre – and with the cheapest tickets only setting you back a tenner, you really don’t have an excuse not to sample a game. It’s not just about what’s happening on the ice, but what’s happening off it - with the lights, music and atmosphere that accompanies each match. A Panthers game is an experience not to be missed, especially if fierce rivals the Sheffield Steelers are in town.
Nottinghamshire County CCWe’re taking a short bus journey back over to West Bridgeford for our last stop, Trent Bridge. Sharing its postcode with the City Ground, Trent Bridge is the headquarters of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club (NCCC). Its awe inspiring history dates back to 1830s and as well as hosting NCCC, the ground also accommodates numerous international test days, drawing thousands of eager cricket spectators to the banks of the Trent. Notable former players for NCCC include Kevin Pietersen, Stephen Fleming and Chris Broad – so if you’re itching for your cricket fix, you won’t get much better than the historic Trent Bridge cricket ground.
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FASHION&BEAUTY
FRESHERS BEAUTY TIPS // SHOPPING GUIDE TO NOTTINGHAM /// FIVE FRESHERS FASHION ESSENTIALS
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FASHION & BEAUTY
BEAUTYtips
Being a fresher is all about having the time of your life, not worrying about make-up. So here are some tips and tricks so you only have to worry about having as much fun as possible:
Don’t be afraid of colour! Whether it’s your nails, lips or eyes, a pop of colour will transform any look. Over your first year expect to wear a lot of face paint but colour can be part of a normal evening look too. Blue eyes are all over the catwalks and if you’re feeling daring it could really make you stand out from the crowd.
Metallic eyes are huge this season and are the perfect way to look glam in first term. Just find a shade that suits your skin tone, avoid too much glitter and it will be a flawless and glamorous twist to the classic smoky eye.
Berry lips are becoming a classic beauty must! Wear in the day with minimal eye make-up or a smoky
eye for a gothic evening look. Dark or bright shades of lipstick add drama to any look and are the perfect distraction from tired eyes if you’re recovering from a night out.
Removing your make up after a night out is an obvious tip but it is incredibly easy to forget with all of the fun of being a fresher. A good cleanser or face wipes will save you so much time the next day and will leave you looking refreshed and awake (even if you aren’t feeling it).
Dry shampoo will become your best friend. Whether you’ve overslept or you just need to get rid of last night’s hairspray - it will be your saviour. Always make sure you have this little lifesaver at the ready.Words and Images by Nikki Brown
So you’re all settled in and now it’s time to go shopping for those Freshers’ outfits, but where do you go? Here is Nikki Brown’s shopping guide to Nottingham to help you out:
SHOPPINGguideTO
NOTTINGHAM
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FASHION & BEAUTY
The Victoria Centre is where you will find House of Fraser, Topshop and
Urban Outfitters along with Boots and Superdrug for all of your cosmetic needs.
Nottingham has so many amazing vintage shops so you’ll always find something unique. Cow is based in Hockley and has a wide range of both men’s and women’s clothes at really good prices. The shop has so much stock you may find yourself spending a little too long browsing. Wild Clothing is based a few streets down and again has a great range at good prices with a few brand new items. Baklash is on the way to Market Square down Norfolk Place, this again has a huge range of vintage clothing and even has a bargain basement so it’s easy to grab a great deal!
Market Square is where to head if you’re looking for Primark, Debenhams or Schuh.
Debenhams is where you will find Nottingham’s only Miss Selfridge ladies so don’t forget it! Primark is a student favourite and Nottingham’s will not disappoint (although it does get very busy). Zara can also be found near Market Square on the way to Hockley.
For make-up, Nottingham has its own MAC store which is also near Market Square. The staff are super friendly and always ready to give you tips. They often have limited edition products in store so it’s always worth paying them a visit.
If you’re looking to spend a little more and like designer shopping, head to Bridlesmith Gate. This is where you’ll find American Apparel among many others. Whereas if you prefer high street bargains, Lister Gate on the way to the Broadmarsh Centre is home to New Look, H&M and River Island.
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Eplatform-online.netFYour own Personal Style
You’re going to be making lots of first impressions this week and how you present yourself is quite a big part of that. Be true to yourself! Don’t drastically change your style as you won’t feel comfortable. Also, first impressions count so you don’t want to be remembered as the guy who wore the awful ‘pusssaaay patrol’ shirt to your first lecture. Don’t be THAT lad.
Comfy ClothingAfter big nights out during Freshers’, nothing is better than testing out your new found cooking skills with a lovely fry up whilst discussing ‘what on earth happened last night?’ with your flat mates, all in your comfy joggers and jumper.
A Great Bag Whether it’s a backpack or a messenger bag, make sure you find a good sturdy, durable bag for your brand new textbooks.
Fancy Dress The best Trent nights aren’t complete without crazy fancy dress (that is usually lost by the end of the night). From animal ears to hotdog costumes, there will be a time in the year for you to wear them and go wild! If you’re lacking in the costume department, Luvyababes will be your new best friend. This marvellous emporium will sort out all of your fancy dress needs through Freshers’ Week and beyond. Check it out upstairs in the Victoria Centre.
Lastly a True Trent Fashion Essential... Get kitted out in camo ready to join the Trent Army! (And luckily for us, camouflage is bang on trend right now so you can even style things up and wear the pieces again).
FASHION ESSENTIALS
Shannon Lawless
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GIG
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MUSIC NOTTS GIG GUIDE // THE ULTIMATE FRESHERS MIXTAPE
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MUSIC
Just moved in? Don’t know what to do with the spare time you’ll have during your time at uni? Well fear not! There’s an extensive list of upcoming gigs in Nottingham, here is a small selection as chosen by Platform:
Sam Smith, Rock City, 28 OctoberSmith hasn’t had a shabby year so far. At the age of 22 he’s already smashed America and countless records with his debut album – so this upcoming gig is destined to be unforgettable. Be warned though, his soulful vocals are capable of reducing the burliest of blokes to weeping messes. Alex Copley
The Specials, Rock City, 31 OctoberTerry Hall and co. arrive in Notts combining two-tone rebellion with their stumbled-upon status as national treasures. Their greatest hits are guaranteed to get everyone and anyone moving their feet. Classics like Ghost Town and A Message to You Rudy are instantly recognisable and staples of British pop culture.
Klaxons, Rescue Rooms, 2 NovemberMercury Prize-winners and everybody’s favourite nu-rave band come to Rescue Rooms three albums down and one marriage to Keira Knightley in. Their live show promises to be full of glittery energy as you embrace your inner 14-year-old. Rob Conlon
Parkway Drive, Rock City, 15 DecemberOn the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... one hell of a hardcore gig! Australian giants Parkway Drive have become one of the most important players in the heavy music scene in recent years. Don’t take our word for it: Kerrang! awarded latest album Atlas with a perfect 5/5 score. Megan Cox
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Freshers’ week is an experience unlike any that you’ll have again, getting you ready for
a few years of late nights, boozy adventures and musical madness. Freshers’ is your chance to make friends and memories that will last you a lifetime so our music writers have put together a list of tunes that our freshers’ weeks wouldn’t have been complete without.
DJ Fresh – Gold DustAs a militant indie kid, Freshers’ Week could be a nightmare.The only guitar music you will hear is when the Oceana DJs play Arctic Monkeys, quickly followed by Nirvana to prove he’s ‘edgy.’ Quite
frankly however, when you’re dressed like a tiger and drunk off Tesco Value vodka it’s hard to care, and this banger takes me back to those golden nights. Rob Conlon
Tool – Parabol & ParabolaOkay, so these are two tracks but they’re like salt and pepper. You can’t appreciate one without the other. Tool are a distorted, slightly trippy rock band from LA.They’ve been around for little over twenty years and these songs show why. Heavy with strange imagery, spiritualism and distorted guitar riffs that could make the wall turn into a colour-bled giraffe at any moment. Excellent if you’re having a bit more of an experimental freshers’ experience. Harry Hammett
THE ULTIMATE FRESHERS MIXTAPE
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MUSICDaniel Bedingfield – Gotta Get Thru ThisI guess I chose this as my freshers’ song for its energetic beat and sleek vocals. The track has aged well and the modern R&B influences mixed with the garage beat give it mass appeal whilst also, for me, providing a throwback to the 90’s music scene, which is currently experiencing a revival of sorts. A massive tune, really. Max Stanford
Thy Art Is Murder - The Purest Strain Of HatePossibly not featured on the list of all time top party songs, but it’s a banger brought to you by the Aussie boys from their 2012 album titled Hate. It’s guaranteed to get you in the mood
for throwing some crazy shapes in Rock City. It’s three minutes of crazy riffs, machine gun double pedal, and a filthy breakdown that will make you lose your s**t. Nothing like a bit of deathcore to liven up a party, right? Megan Cox
R. Kelly – Bump n’ GrindHeed my words, young fresher. As daft as it sounds, this song will shape your time at university. Whether it’s on the battlefield also known as the Ocean dance floor or in your pre-drinks playlist, this sleazy anthem is a sure-fire party-starter. All together now: “My mind’s telling me noooooo…..” Alex Copley
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CULTUREFANCY A FILM? // THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE: NOTTINGHAM’S GEM FOR ALL THINGS CULTURAL
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CULTURE
BROADWAY
From national chains with IMAX screens, to independents showcasing the best specialist films, Nottingham offers a fantastic range of
cinema. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed film buff or just checking out the latest blockbuster, we bring you Platform’s top spots for a trip to the silver screen.
One of Nottingham’s cultural gems, the independent Broadway cinema (below) lies within the trendy Hockley area. Showcasing a wide range of mainstream, documentary, international and cult movies, it has a constantly changing programme. Some must-sees for September include comedy-drama Pride, 1988 classic Big, starring Tom Hanks, and Nick Cave documentary 20,000 Days on Earth. The cinema also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Mayhem Festival, a must for all horror fans, and Bang!, which presents the best short movies from across the East Midlands. Members can enjoy discounted tickets, whilst students bag 10% off all year round.
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By far Nottingham’s biggest cinema, well known chain Cineworld (previous page) is the go-to place to check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Located less than a minute from the Arkwright building, it boasts an impressive 14 screens and is surrounded by a number of bars and restaurants in the Cornerhouse complex, making it the perfect evening out. There’s also an IMAX screen, with up-coming releases Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (below) and Interstellar soon available to see in eye-watering 3D.
Nestled in the heart of Nottingham’s student hub, Lenton, the Savoy is a favorite for those on a budget. Flashing your student card will get you both a ticket and change from a fiver. Despite the low prices, the Savoy still shows the latest Hollywood releases and even host special events such as live National Theatre and Royal Opera House broadcasts.
CINEWORLD
SAVOY CINEMA
Matt Davies
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Got a tender spot for tear-jerking tragedies? Or
perhaps you’re after an adrenaline rush from a hard edged thriller? Whatever your theatrical craving – Nottingham’s Playhouse Theatre has something for you. If you’re interested in original stage productions, the Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company has produced numerous and groundbreaking shows, including their adaption of 1984 (which can now be seen on London’s West End), and more recently Arcadia – a ‘serious comedy about science, sex and landscape gardening’, which is showing from October 31st –
November 15th. Historians will find delight in Propaganda Swing, a story of German jazz musicians and their journey through the Nazi era, accompanied by a live swing band on stage, showing from October 3rd - 18th. For the festive season, they have a production of Sleeping Beauty, playing from the end of November right through to mid January.
THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Nottingham’s gem for all things cultural
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CULTURE
THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Nottingham’s gem for all things cultural
If it’s comedy you crave, young and vibrant comedian Chris Ramsey (Mock the Week, Virtually Famous) makes his second visit to Nottingham Playhouse on November 16th. Something sharper? Have I Got News for You’s panellist Paul Merton talks to an audience about his eventful upbringing on October 22nd. For full details on everything exciting coming to the Playhouse, visit their website www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk , or find them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. For a hands on
experience, head over to their open day on September 27th, where you can follow backstage tours, watch live music, take part in workshops and listen to director talks. Their cafe and bar CAST offers a tempting range of food and drink in modern surroundings. The Playhouse is located at Wellington Circus, just up the hill from Market Square. The theatre even offers a student discount card, which can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
Ellis Whitehouse
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GAMING&TECH
THREE GAMES TO ENHANCE YOUR DEGREE // THREE APPS FOR WELCOME WEEK
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GAMING & TECH
THREE GAMES TO ENHANCE YOUR DEGREEWith a little abstract thought, you can justify all those hours spent in the dark playing games and ignoring that assignment due a week away, whatever your degree. Here is Charlotte Smith’s top pick of games you can play related to your course:
History: Total War SeriesCreative Assembly’s turn based strategy games cover a variety of eras and some of the greatest wars in human history. Got a paper on Romans? Rome: Total War will let you vent some steam and learn about battle strategies at the same time! Improve your tactics and your knowledge whilst you have your army obliterate all the known world!
Law: Ace Attorney SeriesWith news that the latest instalment of the series will be set in the UK, this game allows you to test your law knowledge in a fun and abstract way. Enjoy piecing together clues with some of the most eccentric characters in gaming history.
Science: MinecraftNo matter what field of science you’re studying, there’s something in the world famous block-based building game for you. Let the creativity flow as you design your own creations, build a farm, blow things up or join your friends to forget the real world for a while.
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App: Any.do
You’re going to be on the receiving end of a lot of information at the start of term and keeping track of it all will prove difficult. Enter Any.do. Simple to use and with daily reminders to plan your day ahead, you’ll find that with this app time-management is actually a lot easier than previously thought.
Free on Android, iOS, Chrome and Web
Starting university can be pretty overwhelming, so there’s no harm in getting a little tech-inspired help.
Here’s Lauren Rebecca Greaves’ top two apps (and a cheeky mobile game) to keep you focused, having fun and making the most of what Nottingham has to offer.
THREE APPS FOR WELCOME WEEK
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GAMING & TECH
App: Vouchercloud
With vouchers for anything from money off your Tesco shop to 10% off a haircut, this handy little app will help you save money whilst you’re exploring our wonderful city. Just pop in your new postcode and the app will show you your nearest deals. Constantly updated and boasting exclusive deals, it’s a student must-have.
Free on Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows
Game: Badland
Organising your time and saving money is all well and good upon starting your time at Trent, however, you still have to allow yourself a little fun. For that, Frogmind’s Badland is just the ticket. If not for the stunning visuals, the game is superb for its pick-up-and-play quality; perfect for those short gaps between lectures this Welcome Week.
Free on Android/GooglePlay, £2.50 on iOS, Blackberry, Windows
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PHOTOGRAPHY,ART & DESIGN
THE ART STUDENT’S GUIDE TO BONINGTON // THE NOTTS BUCKET LIST // SOCIETIES FOR ARTISTS
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PHOTOGRAPHY
sells just about anything you could need for your course and specific deliveries can be arranged, all at great prices! If you follow the corridor round to the back of the building you’ll come across Bonington Gallery, which will host a number of spectacular exhibitions throughout the year. You’ll also stumble across the atrium. This great, open space provides a multifunctional social and exhibition space used by all art and design students. Bonington is also home to the fashion and design studios, electronic garment/knitwear technology, the digital textile printing, the digital loom and embroidery equipment that Trent is known for, all found on the upper 3 floors. Don’t worry, there are maps if you get lost!
For those about to embark on your time at Trent as part of the Art
and Design faculty, then here is your guide to your new home and the maze we call the Bonington Building. Nottingham-born fashion designer Sir Paul Smith officially opened the building located on Shakespeare Street - just next to the new SU. It doesn’t look big outside, but stretching over 4 floors, it definitely feels bigger on the inside. On level 0 you have the photographic hub, which is home to photo studios, camera store, the darkrooms, Mac suites and the image/sound editing studios. This level also has the modern art and design studios, the ceramic and glass kilns and their workshops. The café and art shop are both easily found by the entrance on level 1. The shop
THE ART STUDENT’S GUIDE TO
BONINGTON Words and Image by Ellie Craven-Todd
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platform-online.netTHE NOTTS BUCKET LISTNottingham is a
maze. It takes time to understand it
and know it. It’s a place of quirkiness. An inspirational paradise. So get your pen ready and get your Nottingham Bucket list started for term one:
COCKTAILS ANYONE?Jam Cafe (right), Tilt, Boiler room (secret bar! Clue = boilers), Coco Tang, Revolution and many more. You will never go without a cocktail. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE (AND WE LOVE IT). Dogma is the place to start with 2-for-1 deals every weekday between 2pm-10pm. Get all dressed up and head to Coco Tang on a Wednesday and order a Haribo cocktail… you get a free packet of Haribos!
However, if your cocktail of preference is less a Singapore Sling and more a snakebite then you can’t go wrong with good old Quids In at our own SU where they’re only £1.50 every Thursday night!
MUSIC TO MY EARS With the likes of Saint Raymond, Jake Bugg and Amber run, you can’t go wrong with the music scene here. Bugg and the rest all started off by getting their butts on stage at open mic nights! From Jam Cafe on a Wednesday night (get there early, it gets busy. Also, order a chocolate brownie with your beer – delish!) to Pepper Rocks (crepes anyone?) on a Tuesday night. So get your arses out in the city and listen to the talent of Nottingham.
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Photo by Ellie Craven-Todd
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platform-online.netTWO WORDS: BREW. DOG.This famous chain was created by Martin and James back in 2007. It’s still a baby but it’s come a long way. It holds its very own branch in Nottingham, situated next to Broadway Cinema. It serves a variety of beers and ale, with one ale as strong as 18%. They also have the famous Tekken Playstation game, as well as board games. Play whilst you ale up. How could you say no.
ART, ART, ART!BackLit, Nottingham Contemporary and Surface Gallery. There are tons of galleries in the city. But be sure to check out the Backlit and Surface specifically, for not only do they hold amazing exhibitions throughout the
year but they also give students opportunities to get involved. From volunteering to even the use of their space to create amazing art pieces, it’s definitely worth a contact. Get out there and get noticed!
VINTAGE GALORENot just fashion but just good old bits and bobs! Vintage shops are great for students because they are cheap and they hold treasures. So get treasure hunting and go find some gems (and some inspiration whilst your there.) If you like your comics and graphic novels, head down to P45, they have an amazingly wide selection. Mimm is just cool. We’ve even got a Fopp as well. Get ticking off that bucket list. Amy Hamilton
SOCIETIES FOR ARTISTS
Freshers’ Week promises to be a week you won’t forget in a hurry, it’s a week packed with new and exciting opportunities so what better time to get more involved
and join in with NTU’s societies and all their socials. Whether you’re a sport enthusiast, musician in the making, or are inspired by the world of art and design there is something at NTU for you. If you are an aspiring artist then these societies may be right up your street: Brack Wildlife Photography provides a relaxed environment for those interested in the art of photography and spending time in a variety of environments and habitats. The Film Society have weekly viewings of a range of cinema from the must-see ‘classics’ to foreign and independent films. Fashion and Design plays a huge role at NTU with many talented and successful graduates. Both Design and Fashion welcome all students who share their passion and interest in the subject, they meet to share skills, experience and advice as well as enhancing their own practice. With Film-Making you have the chance to get involved in all areas of creativity, whether on or off screen, showcasing your own short videos or help and advice with projects. Every university needs a Knitting Society and Trent is no exception. From beginners to those who want to refine their skills, the Knitting Society accepts all. They meet weekly at pubs and cafés across Nottingham.
Ellie Craven-Todd
PHOTOGRAPHY
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PlatformCommittee2014-2015
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mel Brooks ([email protected])DEPUTY EDITOR Sayuri Standing ASSISTANT EDITOR Joe Harby
MARKETING MANAGER Lilly Brannan
NEWS Editor Ryan Johns
Deputy James Bavin &Jacob Van Kelly
CULTURE Editor Ellis Whitehouse
Deputy Matt Davies
LIFESTYLE Editor Kate ParkerDeputy Freya Shah
GAMING
Editor Lauren Greaves Deputy Charlotte Smith
FASHION Editor Nikki Brown
Deputy Shannon Lawless
SPORTS Editor Peter Adams Deputy Alex Clarke
MUSIC Editor Harry HammettDeputy Alex Copley
PHOTOGRAGHY, ART & DESIGN
Editor Ellie Craven-ToddDeputy Amy HamiltonA
GRAPHIC DESIGNFreya Shah
Aaron KelwickSayuri Standing
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