Leeds City College officially opens its University Centre

Leeds City College, one of the largest FE institutions in the country, has officially opened its University Centre.

Based at the former College House on Park Lane, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place in the presence of the West Yorkshire Lieutenancy’s Major Stan Hardy, the college’s principal Colin Booth OBE and the University Centre’s Dean of Higher Education, Janet Faulkner.

The first intake of higher education (HE) students at the newly refurbished building have been enjoying a relaxed, supportive and adult learning environment, away from the main body of college students.

Janet Faulkner said: “After months of planning and construction work, we’re thrilled to see the finished product and formally open its doors to the students.

“The University Centre will provide excellent tutor support, generous bursary schemes and lower tuition fees. Strong partnerships with employers and extensive work experience opportunities will also be available.”

Due to the increase in Leeds City College’s degree level provision, the University Centre was designed so that HE students can benefit from a university type experience. The Centre’s courses are flexible to suit individuals from a variety of backgrounds, providing options which can fit around existing work and life commitments.

The University Centre’s industry relevant qualifications have been written in consultation with employers, key industry partners and its validating body, The Open University. For more information, visit www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk/university-centre/

The post Leeds City College officially opens its University Centre appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Camping doesn’t have to mean eating cold baked beans out of a can. Here we provide you with tips and tricks on how to enjoy the great outdoors with our very own glamping guide.

Top 5 glamping hacks:

1. Bring a pocket shower

If your campsite doesn’t have the best facilities, don’t opt for a baby wipe wash. There are now pocket showers that can turn the camping experience from grimy to squeaky clean. These pockets can hold up to 10 litres of water. Simply hang yours on a tree branch and wash yourself under an attachable shower head.

2. Pancake breakfasts

Who says you can’t have an enjoyable hot breakfast in the great outdoors? Simply prepare your pancake mix and pour it into a zipper lock bag and freeze it. Carry it with you in a cooler bag. Once you are ready, make sure that the mix is defrosted, cut the corner of the plastic bag and put it into your multicooker. All that is left to do is to add your favourite topping and enjoy!

3. Plan your meals

Get a list of recipes together for the trip (check our favourite dishes below!) and then prepare your ingredients at home. Chop and measure them, and then place them in zipper bags with a label for the recipe it is to be used for. You can then enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of prepping the food.

4. Brighten your pitch

Bring solar-powered fairy lights to brighten your tent without the fear of batteries running out. It will be easier to find your tent in the dark if you are returning late and will add a touch of glamour!

5. Turn up the volume

Listening to music around a camp fire? Turn up the volume by placing your phone into a glass. Just make sure you aren’t disturbing any tent neighbours!

The post Beginners Guide to Glamping appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Top 10 things every new student should know

So the time has come. You’ve made your decision and you’re heading to Leeds for university in September. Adventures await you!

Before the nerves settle in, we thought we’d pre-empt any questions or worries you may have, by giving you a list of the top 10 things every student should know before they head off on their way to university.

1. Check your reading list early doors

Before you set off, your course tutor will have been in touch about the reading materials you’ll need, and have provided you with a module guide. Try and get to grips with what’s expected of you, and do any recommended reading before freshers’ week. It will help you to be prepared, and save you from studying in freshers’ week, when you should be having fun with your new friends.

2. Be you from day one

You only get one chance to make a good impression, and this is it. Smile, say hello to everyone, and most importantly, be yourself. A handy tip is when you get to your halls of residents or flat, keep the door open when you’re unpacking. This immediately welcomes others in, and starts you off on the right foot.

3. Give everyone a chance

Everyone dresses differently and behaves differently, but everyone at university has one common trait: they’re nervous, away from home and worried they won’t make friends. Get to know everyone who comes your way in the first few weeks, whether they’re someone you would’ve talked to at school or not. You could end up with a friend for life.

4. Learn to budget

Don’t let your first few months at university become a spending spree. If it’s the first time managing your own money, there’s no better time to learn how to budget. Work out what you have coming in – from your loan, parents and part time job – and what needs to come out. With what’s remaining, give yourself a weekly budget and stick to it.

5. Get a discount

Discounts go hand-in-hand with your budgeting. Be brave and ask about student discounts wherever you go. In Leeds, you can expect discounts from a range of different spots, including the Carriageworks Theatre, and 360 Champagne and Cocktails bar.

6. Take some time to get to know the area

In the first week or so, when your schedule will be a little more relaxed, take some time by yourself, or as a group, to get to know Leeds for yourself. Grab a student bus pass and head out exploring. There’s lots to see, including Roundhay Park, Kirkstall Abbey and Victoria Quarter. It’ll also help you find the best and most affordable pubs and restaurants.

7. Get a good handle on time management

With irregular studying hours, late nights and new people to have fun with, your routine can easily slip and you can end up having no balance to your day. Try and enforce a routine from the start, so you’re at lectures and studying during the day, and have the evenings to socialise, volunteer or get involved in societies.

8. Get work experience in your first year

It’s never too early to get work experience, and the sooner you add to your CV, the better. Your first year is a great time to get started on this, as it’s much less pressurised than your second and third years. Research companies and jobs you’re interested in, and send them a speculative email explaining your situation. Give every opportunity a try and see what you like or have a talent for.

9. Get involved in societies

University societies give you access to a group of people who have the same interests as you. There are weird and wonderful ones available, including film societies, baking, sports and wine! If there’s not a society you like the look of, you could always start your own.

10. Look after your health

When you’re away from home for the first time, you can end up not looking after yourself, in favour of late nights, partying and takeaways. Drink water, eat fresh fruit and vegetables and try and get a good night’s sleep once in a while, and you should be able to keep the dreaded fresher’s flu (which is a real thing) at bay.

The post 10 Things Every Student Must Know appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Why Study in Leeds?

So you’re a prospective  student looking for the perfect city? The main things to consider should be the nightlife, the activities, the events on offer and the accessibility of the city. With Leeds, you get a thriving city, offering everything you need and loads more. From student hubs to cultural hotspots, from easy-to-use transport services to huge nightclubs – Leeds is the city that you’re searching for.

Leeds City Centre

We understand that the nights out are an important part of student life and Leeds offers every type of night out. Headingley, the student capital of Leeds, boasts a fantastic selection of modern bars and pubs while the City Centre offers just about everything you could want for a big night out. With a range of lively nightclubs, fantastic drinking and dining destinations and just about everything in-between at budget prices. Aside from being a fantastic night out, Leeds City Centre is a world-class shopping destination with high street shops, such as Harvey Nichols, and glamorous shopping malls, such as the Trinity Leeds and The Merrion Centre to mention a few. It’s worth noting that most shops, bars and restaurants will offer suitable student discounts too!

The Student Lock in at Trinity Leeds!

Leeds is a passionate sporting city with popular football, cricket and rugby teams. As a result of this, there are chances to watch lots of sport! However, more importantly, there are opportunities to play sport! With hundreds of amateur football, cricket and rugby sides, a wide variety of surprisingly affordable gyms to join and several sport centres just waiting for you to use them, it is easy for you to stay active while at university. You can see other ways here.

Don’t worry, though. Leeds isn’t just a good night out, a bit of sport and a nice day shopping. It’s a fabulous city of culture with dozens of places to visit including museums, galleries and theatres  – plenty free of charge! The Leeds Art Gallery showcases stunning collections and constantly changing exhibitions while the Royal Armouries Museum is Britain’s national museum of arms and armour! You can see more cultural attractions here and you can see what’s on at the theatre through December here.

With this much going on in Leeds, you’d expect it to be hard to get to each of them. The truth couldn’t be any further away! With buses, trains and various taxi services available all year round, it is easy to get from A to B at affordable prices. Plus most of the action is in the City Centre which is only a ten minute walk from the main universities!

You can find much more about Leeds on this website.

Why Live in Leeds?

Leeds is also a great place for students to live as the city has some fantastic properties available for students.You can find more details on where to live on our property page.

Where to study in Leeds?

Leeds University –

Leeds University

Leeds University boasts a student population of 33,500 students and, as a member of the prestigious Russell Group Universities, is considered one of the best universities in the country. The University is located near the centre, right in the heart of the city centre and  You can see their prospectus here or check out their website here.

Leeds Beckett University –

Leeds Beckett University

Formerly Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Beckett University offers fantastic facilities  and teaching for all courses. It is ranked as one of the top universities for any sports-related course and came second in The Times’ University of the Year competition in 2006. With over 25,000 students, the university is popular all over the country. You can check out their website here.

Leeds Trinity –

Leeds Trinity has nearly 3000 students and specialises in specific subjects such as media, journalism, marketing and education. The university offer a professional, relevant work placement with every degree and due to this, 93% of all students are in further education or in employment within 6 months of graduating. Leeds Trinity is also famous for it’s fantastic postgraduates courses in journalism and teacher training. You can check out their website here.

For higher/further education, there are some fantastic colleges and sixth forms such as:

Notre Dam: They offer over 34 A Level Subjects to study and are ranked in the top 10% of sixth form colleges in the country. You can see their website here.

Leeds City College: Leeds City College cater to over 40,000 students and operate out of six main campuses and have dozens of provisions over the region. You can check out their website here.

Leeds College of Art

Leeds Art College: The College of Art offer a range of courses which range from BAs to smaller qualifications. It’s a great opportunity to study in a close-knit community with a creative possibility. See their website here.

Leeds Music College: Leeds Music College also offer a range of short courses and BAs. With an acclaimed music scene and a vibrant student population, it is a great place to be for any young musician. See their website here.

Leeds College of Building: The Leeds College Of Building offers something for everyone with a range of course awarding various different certificates on a variety of topics. See their website here.

The post Why Leeds is the Right Choice appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

We have all been guilty of going a bit “Wolf of Wall Street” when our student loan lands in our bank account, splurging on nights out and unnecessary luxuries. But when your rent comes out and the reality of having to eat value noodles for the rest of the term hits, becoming a recluse can seem like your only financial option.

However, if the prospect of living the life of a hermit doesn’t appeal, then don’t fear. With a bit of research and a lot of self-restraint, it is possible to have a social life even when you’re skint. To prove that Leeds can offer something to students on a budget, we set Louise the challenge of spending a week socialising on the cheap.

Monday: Monday could only mean one thing to me, free pool at Elbow Rooms. After a hell of a lot of trash talk thrown back and forth, me and my friend got down to the serious business of settling who was the pool champion. Unfortunately, it was soon clear that I was all talk and no action, losing an embarrassing 5-0. With a seriously deflated ego, I decided to call it a night after five games but still left with smile on my face and the promise of a rematch.

Expenses – 1 gin & cranberry juice

Tuesday: It turns out that skint socialisers like me are spoilt for choice on a Tuesday.  For me and my friend Laura, it was a toss-up between a free comedy night at Verve or Secret Cinema at Crowd of Favours.

In the end the promise of a film and popcorn all for free just edged it. The fact that they were showing Ghostbusters was also a deciding factor, who can resist such a childhood classic! With the showing starting at 7.30pm we enjoyed a few drinks at home before heading into town.

We may have literally been in the cheap seats but in normal circumstances I would have been willing to pay good money for a movie night in the cosy atmosphere and comfy sofas Crowd of Favours provides.

Expenses – 1 pint of coke

Wednesday: Instead of venturing out, I invited the girls around for a night in for what I thought would be a night of wine and gossip. However, after a couple of hours and the boys intruding, it soon descended into an action packed night of all-out war over a Mario cart tournament; much better than the civilised affair I had first imagined.

Expenses – 1 bottle of wine

Thursday: Having lived just around the corner from The West End pub for just over six months, it seemed silly that I had never paid a visit.  After walking past most days, I knew that Thursdays meant pub quiz night and the perfect excuse to try out my local boozer.

I invited along a group of friends to test out our IQ. But even with the combined brain power of four, it turned out our knowledge was mediocre at best. Consoling ourselves with the fact it is the taking part that counts, we decided that we would find somewhere with an easier quiz next time.

Expenses – 1 pint of coke & 1 pint of lager

Friday: This was the most difficult day of the challenge and I really struggled to decide what to do. In the end my activity was a little bit of a cop out as I decided to make the most of my prepaid gym membership. I am not a fan of working on the gym equipment, so chose to take part in a body combat class with my gym buddy instead.  The class consisted of an hour of different punching and kicking sequences, which made everyone look like a character from Tekken. After an hour of exercise I was exhausted but knew that my body, as well as my budget would thank me for it later.

Expenses – N/A

Saturday: By the weekend my itch to shop needed scratching, so me and my housemate Tess set off in search of hidden gems in the cities charity shops. With the high concentration of students in Leeds, charity shops in areas such as Headingley are great places to grab a bargain originally from high street brands.

We hit the charity shop jackpot in Chapel Allerton as sitting proudly in the window was a Louis Vuitton. After enquiring inside, the lovely shop assistant explained that they weren’t allowed to sell fakes and it was only due to some damage that it was a steal at £50.
Although amazingly cheap, it was still way out of my bargain budget but the bag was quickly snapped up by another shopper. I didn’t leave empty handed though, going home with a £3.50 staple white shirt to add to my wardrobe.

Expenses – 1 white shirt

Sunday: Making the most of the unusually hot weather, I went for a walk along the canal by Brewery Wharf. It was whilst walking along the bank that the brand new river taxi went speeding by. A total sucker for the novelty of a boat ride in Leeds, I was instantly excited and headed to the pick up point. The boat decorated in New York taxi colours took me and my equally excited friend on a 10 minute ride from Clarence Dock to Granary Wharf, a route which will now have this free service seven days a week.

To finish my challenge week in style I went along to Brudenell Social Club to enjoy the Texan tones of alternative rock group, Ringo Deathstarr. For me the Brudenell is one of the best live music venues in Leeds and I am always happy to search out new bands in its low key surroundings. It is also a great place to play pool and have a cheap drink through the week. Coincidentally this particular gig was free however, the ticket prices for gigs at this venue are always value for money.
Expenses – 2 pints of lager

After a week of socialising, I was impressed that I had only spent £23.55. If I said it had been easy then I would lying, it was hard to resist everyday temptations and restrict myself to a handful of drinks. However, if you are low on funds and can’t stand the thought of staying in, then Leeds can definitely help you keep your social butterfly status.

The post Quality Student Living On A Budget appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Today, it seems that so many of us experience crippling anxiety. For about 2 years I suffered with it on a daily basis, so I wanted to share 5 really useful tips that have helped me get to a point where I can live my life without the fear of anxiety holding me back.

Allow yourself to feel anxious:

Some people might ask, “If you have a roof over your head, food on the table, friends and family that love you, why do you feel so anxious?” This question basically implies that we shouldn’t feel the way we do, because we are actually quite fortunate compared to a lot of people. But this is the misconception that encourages people to deny their own anxious feelings. One of the reasons why anxiety and depression are on the rise is because we’re always trying to fight our negative experiences rather than learn from them. And we all know that when we start a fight, someone always ends up getting hurt. We need to embrace and accept our anxiety before we can even begin to deal with it. Give it permission to be there, you have every right to feel the way you do!

Make your life easier by gathering tools:

Whatever task we do we need tools to do it, so undertaking the task of gaining better mental health means collecting tools also. There is nothing shameful in needing someone to hold your hand whilst you go to the shop. There is nothing wrong with needing your iPod on the bus to relax you, or a book to distract you. There is nothing weird about choosing a bubble bath over a night out because you simply can’t handle the pressure of loud music and rowdy boozers. Stop being so hard on yourself and use these tools to your advantage!

Look for relief:

“What would bring me the most relief right now?” This is a question to ask yourself every time you feel anxiety arising. That feeling of relieving satisfaction you get when realising you have an extra hour in bed: this is the feeling that needs to be sought after. Overcoming anxiety really boils down to being gentler on ourselves and loving ourselves more, so just do what makes you happy!

Approach everyone as your brother and sister:

This tip might sound quite strange, but for people with social anxiety especially, it is so effective. when I used to get anxious with lots of people around I would just imagine that they were all my brothers and sisters, and we were just hanging out together, like you would with your family, sat around the TV watching your favourite episode of friends. It really did help. And actually, it’s not that hard to imagine because we are all like brothers and sisters in a way – we all share the same planet! The more you practice this technique, the less scary people and situations become.

Give yourself a foot massage:

At some point during the day, preferably when you first wake up, give your feet a massage, or if possible get a professional massage. Anxiety usually occurs when we get caught up in our thoughts, so physical touch really helps to ground us in the present moment. Not only does it care for your mind and soul, it cares for your body too.

The post Tops Tips to Relieve Anxiety appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Two gifted young people working in Leeds-based arts organisations have had their achievements recognised at the prestigious Creative & Cultural Skills Awards 2016.

At an awards ceremony in Essex on Wednesday 2 March, it was announced that April Skipp (23), Marketing & Development Intern at Yorkshire Dance, is this year’s winner of the 2016 Intern of the Year Award.

Emily Kitchen, Workshop Apprentice at West Yorkshire Playhouse, was also one of three young people shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year Award.

The awards celebrate paid interns and apprentices working in the creative and cultural industries who have shown exceptional commitment and ambition to learn new skills.

April, who graduated in ‘Art, Event, Performance’ in 2014 from Leeds Metropolitan University, and Emily, were the only Yorkshire-based young people among the six shortlisted for these Creative & Cultural Skills Awards 2016, which were judged by leading employers in the creative industries.

Antony Dunn, Marketing & Communications Manager at Yorkshire Dance, says, “April is one of four paid interns we’ve employed, alongside two paid apprentices, through the Creative Employment programme supported by Arts Council England, and we’re very proud indeed of her achievement, only half-way through her year-long internship.

“We’re passionately committed to employing paid interns and apprentices. It allows us to contribute to the workforce development of the arts sector, and offer valuable professional development opportunities to gifted young people at a stage in their lives when they most need some help onto the career ladder. When April leaves us, she’ll be a very well-qualified arts professional, with a fantastic career ahead of her.”

April herself says, “Over the last six months Yorkshire Dance has provided me with a wealth of training, whilst at the same time giving me the freedom to develop my own ideas and make an impact. I owe a huge thank you to Antony Dunn and the rest of the team who have given me excellent guidance and support throughout my internship. I am delighted to have won and excited to see what the future holds!”

The post Interns Awarded at Yorkshire Dance appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

thrifty  [thrif-tee] – adjective, thrift·i·er, thrift·i·est.
1. practicing thrift  or economical management; frugal: a thrifty shopper.
2. thriving, prosperous, or successful.

Here at Student Dweller, we’ve assembled some money saving tips for students to help you make the most of your money and make that Student loan go that bit further. No doubt you’re parents have given you some advice, but there may be some hidden gems that have been overlooked….

• TRAVEL •

No doubt you’ll be hopping all over the place from City to City, whether it’s to visit you’re friends around the country or to go home and get your mum to do your washing! If you’re travelling frequently then it’s worth investing in a young persons railcard, which will save you a third on Rail Fares. If you book tickets well in advance you’ll also save loads as opposed to buying on the day. See 16-25railcard.co.uk for more info.

• DEALS •

Make sure you make the most of deals that bars and clubs have on. Making a note of what offers are on when will save you no end. Keep an eye out for happy hours and 2-4-1 deals. We’ve assembled some of our picks below in the Offers section of Thrifty Dweller.

• COOK TOGETHER! •

Instead of paying for each meal separately, if you’ve got a willing flat mate you’d be much better off cooking together and sharing the bill. You’ll save a bomb and it’ll make cooking more enjoyable and sociable! The more the better, if you cook with a few you can do a Sunday roast for a few quid each! Another thing, always look out for the reduced sections in supermarkets! If you live nearby, wander over late at night, just before closing, and you can pick up some bargains to freeze for the week!

• ASK! •

A seemingly obvious point, but you’d be surprised how many people just keep quiet! Ask if the store does a student discount before you pay – no harm in trying if they don’t!

The post Thrifty Dweller: Money Saving Tips for Students appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Leeds Graduates: How to survive living on your own for first time

Graduation can be scary. This is true for many because it may well be their first time living on their own after many years with their parents and/or with flatmates.

But if you don’t want to move back home after uni and don’t want to put up with the politics of washing up and cleaning that often causes rows with flatmates; living alone may be for you. Here are our tips to help you survive living on your own for the first time:

Budget!

Assuming you’ve already got yourself a job, you need to be aware that living on your own is generally more expensive than it is when you live in a shared student house.

Not only will the rent be higher, but you’ll have to pay all the bills on your own as well. This includes council tax, from which you were exempt as a student. Yet living on your own also means you’ll be able to take advantage of the Single Person Discount.

When you get paid, set aside the money that you expect to spend on food for the week, as well as gas and electricity bills, TV/internet bills, student loans and fun.

Living on your own may mean you have to seriously reduce your fun budget. Don’t rule it out having a good time completely. As no matter how sky high your rent, you’ll no doubt want to spend time with your friends and go out once in a while. Whatever’s left over from your budget is yours to spend however you wish.

Find a reputable letting agent

A good letting agent will have lots of experience dealing with professional tenants and will have knowledge of all the different issues that can occur. Make sure you do some research and check out that they have the proper accreditation before you sign any contracts. First-time professional renters can sometimes get stung by hidden cost and some agents may only offer accommodation in specific areas.

If you’re looking to stay in Leeds, look for an agent with a high street presence and one that offers a broad portfolio of housing options. In areas like Headingley and the City Centre, Parklane have been operating for over 40 years and our renowned for dealing with professionals. Alternatively, www.rightmove.co.uk should help you find properties in other suburbs.

Most importantly, whoever you decide to sign with, look for testimonials and seek advice from family and friends.

Learn how to cook

As easy as it may be to log on to the website of your favourite takeaway and tick off boxes on the menu, learning to cook will save you a lot of money. To start learning, ask friends to cook with you; it can be a lot of fun learning in groups. Before you start, find some easy recipes online and print them out.

If you get stuck, you can always ring your mum or dad for tips on how to rescue your meals so that any mistakes you make won’t wreck your food budget.

Look out for useful hand-me-downs

Your auntie’s old velvet chairs and your nan’s old sofa may not be the in thing at the moment. Yet they are a lot more comfortable than a hard floor. Besides, when your budget is this small, you just have to take what you can get (for free).

The post Leeds Graduates: How to survive living on your own for first time appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.

Scores of new university students in Leeds have taken the chance to learn more about drugs and alcohol misuse at Freshers’ events in the city.

The 18 and 19 year olds, many of whom are away from home for the first time, were keen to learn more about keeping safe during their university careers.

Jane Doyle, of drug and alcohol recovery service Forward Leeds, which is supported by Leeds City Council said: “We’re at Leeds University, Beckett and Trinity during the Freshers’ season to raise drug and alcohol awareness. We’d like to get students thinking about the risk factors around drinking and drug taking. We want them to stay safe.”

Forward Leeds, which launched in July, is now the single point of contact in the city for people with drug and alcohol problems. The service had stalls across Leeds, providing support and advice for everyone who wanted it.

Ms Doyle, Early Intervention and Prevention Lead Practitioner for Forward Leeds, said: “Our Freshers campaign has been really well received – all the stalls have been been bustling with students interested in the information, leaflets and support packs that were on offer.

“Students took part in engaging activities such as ‘Beer goggle darts’ and drank the refreshing fruity water provided by stall buddies Wonder Water, while discussing the importance of choosing not misuse alcohol and drugs.”

Ruth Bradford, Alcohol Harm Reduction Project Coordinator at Leeds University Union, said: “The stall partnership proved to be hugely successful at initiatively drawing students over to try some fruit infused water, where staff from Forward Leeds and Wonder Water could then interact with them.”

Of the 60,000 students who come to Leeds for the Autumn term, 10,000 are new students – who are known as freshers.

Simple advice includes understanding the effects of different drugs and alcohol and if they are taken, to do so in a safe environment with people they trust.

The post DRUGS & ALCOHOL SCHEME TO KEEP FRESHERS SAFE appeared first on Leeds Student Magazine.