Author Archives: stephrowe

The Clinic: Midterm Blues

Posted in Blog by stephrowe on November 7, 2018

This week on The Clinic, Michael and Steph talked about their experiences with midterm blues and how to navigate the swamp of deadlines, letting agents, student finance issues, freshers flu and housemates from hell!

Here are 10 top tips on getting past this hump in the term and making it through to Christmas!

1. Stay organised! Plan to have your work done a week before the deadlines, or failing that keep a dairy so at least you know when your deadlines are coming up.

2. Get plenty of sleep! Make time for sleep, even if you’re super busy! It will be your strongest weapon to fight off freshers flu, and keep your brain energised.

3. DonÔÇÖt rush into a new house, look at all your housing options thoroughly, talk to your parents about what your budget for a house is and work out how you will manage bills.

4. Get to know your future housemates well before agreeing to live with them: As easy as it is to decide to live with your first year flat mates, explore your options and decide if their annoying habits are something you can live with for another year!

5. Budget yourself. This time of year, everyone’s student finance begins to run a little low! There are plenty of apps out there to help you manage your spending, or just writing down what your spending in a diary will help you keep track on where your money is going.

6. When looking around houses, make sure you get a good look. Things like phone signal, how cold the house is, whether boiler is making funny or if the shower is clean are important to look at when investigating which house is for you.

7. Ask around about letting agents. Look at reviews online and on Facebook about different letting agents. There are plenty around in Cardiff so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Students are usually which letting agents ripped them off, so don’t be afraid to ask! Also when looking around houses, if you can, ask the people currently living there what they think of the house and the landlord.

8. DRINK WATER! Not only will this help your hangovers, but it is also great brain food and keeps you awake! It helps concentration, and boosts your immune system so will help tackle that pesky freshers flu.

9. Make meetings with your personal tutor. If you are having any issues with your course or even are just struggling to keep on top of your deadlines, don’t be afraid to talk to them! They are there to help you with anything you are finding hard at uni.

10. Look out for your friends. If you think someone may be struggling, be that with homesickness, workload, mental health or anything there is a lot you can help!! Just being a good friend, cooking them the occasional meal when they are busy or making yourself available when they need a talk. There is a lot we can do to help each other when away from our families.

“Ladies, We Need To Talk”

Gemma and Steph talked about the pressures girls face on nights out at Uni.

Freshers is often the first time that many girls go clubbing, and the first time they experience men giving them unwanted sexual attention. Our advice is to be there for each other – if you see a girl who is in a situation she doesn’t want to be in, go up and talk to her. If she needs to be removed from the situation, you can suggest going to the toilet together or maybe going to get a drink. When away from the guy, you can then ask her if she is okay and what she wants to do next.

The girls also talked about the pressures girls face to lose their virginity in first year, and how many girls feel they need to in order to fit in with their housemates. Don’t rush into anything you feel uncomfortable about, or think you will regret in the future! If your housemates are your true friends, they will accept you for who you are and include you in things whether you like to get with guys on nights out or not!

Read Gemma’s blog here:
Ladies, We Need To Talk

Chill Tune of the Week:

Atlas Hands – Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Check out the rest of the playlist.
We heard from George about his experience as a homesick Master’s student.

Listen to some of his advice here!

Catch The Clinic every Friday 2-4pm on Xpress Radio.

Game Week 11- Premier League Recap

Posted in News by stephrowe on

By Pranav Kanade

With a victory away from home to Spurs, Manchester City joined Liverpool at the top of the league
with 26 points after week 10. Chelsea sat on 3 rd with 24 points, followed closely behind by Arsenal
and Tottenham on 22 and 21 points respectively. At the bottom of the table, Newcastle and
Huddersfield were on 3 points and were yet to win a game in the league this season, but how does
the table look after week 11?

The first game of week 11 involved 8 th place Manchester United travelling to 6 th place Bournemouth,
with both teams unbeaten in their last three games. Eddie HoweÔÇÖs men got off to a dream start with
Callum Wilson netting from close range, but a Martial equalizer before halftime and a 92 nd minute
winner courtesy of Marcus Rashford meant the Red Devils left with all three points and leapfrogged
Watford into seventh.

Having walked over Huddersfield Town in week 10, Watford travelled to St JamesÔÇÖ Park to play a
struggling Newcastle, with experts predicting a comfortable Watford win. The game started as
expected with Watford having more of the ball, but Newcastle were the one to break the deadlock
with Ayoze Perez getting in front of his marker to flick it home and upset the odds, giving the
Magpies their first win of the season.

Following the tragic loss of their chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a freak helicopter crash,
Leicester City travelled to relegation favourites Cardiff, where the only goal of the match was by
LeicesterÔÇÖs Demarai Gray, a goal which sparked emotional celebrations when he removed his shirt to
display a message saying ÔÇÿFor Khun VichaiÔÇÖ. Spurs travelled to Molineux to play Wolverhampton
Wolves and got off to an excellent start with a trio of goals coming before half time. However, a
flurry of back to back second half penalties meant Wolves clawed back to only one behind and
looked set for an equaliser but Spurs just about managed to keep out the Wanderers and win 3-2. In
East London, a brace by Felipe Anderson took West Ham to victory as they defeated Burnley 4-2. The
victory took the Hammers to 13 th and could be the victory that signals the start of a winning run.
Meanwhile in Merseyside, a Richarlison brace and a stunner from Seamus Coleman led Everton to a
3-1 victory over Brighton.

The sixth game of the day was the marquee matchup of the weekend, with unbeaten Liverpool
taking on an Arsenal side with 7 wins in their last 8 games. Arsenal used their home crowd to their
advantage as they had chance after chance in the first half, but also had to ride their luck with
Liverpool having a goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Jurgen KloppÔÇÖs players improved in the
second half with James Milner finding the bottom corner with a strike from the edge of the box, but
Alexandre Lacazette rescued a point for the Gunners with a curled finish beating the outstretched
Alisson in the Liverpool net.

Sunday began with Manchester City ruthlessly dispatching a poor Southampton side 6-1 thanks to a
Man of the Match display by Raheem Sterling, grabbing two goals and two assists. Chelsea
welcomed Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge and took an early lead thanks to Alvaro Morata but a
53 rd minute goal by Townsend drew the Eagles level. Sarri brought on Eden Hazard shortly after, and
only a minute after he was introduced, the Belgian set up Morata up for his second of the game.
Despite Palace attacking in the latter stages of the game, Chelsea were able to hang on and Pedro
fired home late in the game to seal the victory for the Blues.

Following NewcastleÔÇÖs victory over Watford on Saturday, Fulham joined relegation rivals
Huddersfield in the drop zone shaping the game between the two into a crunch six pointer. Experts
forecasted an unenjoyable game for the neutral, with Huddersfield having only scored four goals in
the league and Fulham yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and the experts were proven right.
With a total of only three shots on target, the game was far from extraordinary, but Huddersfield
finally scored their very first goal at home this season when SchindlerÔÇÖs shot unluckily deflected off
FulhamÔÇÖs defender Fosu Mensah and into the back of the net. David WagnerÔÇÖs men managed to hold
on and win 1-0, taking them off the bottom of the table and up into 18 th but meant Fulham were
forced down into 20 th place.

The results of gameweek 11 saw 33 goals and meant 13 teams moved places in the table, more
noticeably with Chelsea overtaking Liverpool to 2 nd , Spurs passing Arsenal to claim 4 th , Newcastle
escaping the drop zone for the first time this season and Cardiff City replacing them in 19 th place.
Manchester City now have a two-point lead at the top, the largest gap they have managed this
season, cementing their place in the title race and proving once again that they are the team to beat.

Bad Sounds Review

Posted in Live Music by stephrowe on November 6, 2018

Review by Andrew Locke Scobie

With a distinct sound, crowd engagement like no other and theatrics that create a feel much like that of Bowie or other cult musicians, Bad Sounds are beginning to cement themselves as a firm jewel in the crown of up and coming UK Indie Music. Recently they performed in their home town of Bristol and Benny Wu and I were lucky enough to experience this instalment of their ÔÇÿGet Better MovementÔÇÖ.

The stage opened with two very talented warm up acts: Dylan Cartlidge and Indoor Pets and once both of their sets had finished, we were left eagerly awaiting the main show. Bad Sounds set opened with a very minimalist sketch of a lone light bulb flashing on stage accompanied by a voice booming through the speakers explaining how we would leave the gig as ÔÇÿgood peopleÔÇÖ and it was their aim to help us ÔÇÿget betterÔÇÖ. This was very in keeping with the general essence and charm of their debut album ÔÇ£Get BetterÔÇÖ and so the show started.

Opening with such a well-loved song like ÔÇÿWagesÔÇÖ was the perfect choice as the crowd cheered and danced throughout, when it comes to this band, the audience atmosphere seems just as important as the set they are playing. Dressed in their classic ÔÇÿGet BetterÔÇÖ overalls the band continued reeling off hit after hit from their album with songs such as ÔÇÿEvil PowersÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿCouldnÔÇÖt Give It AwayÔÇÖ among others. We were then treated with a short interval with another get better speech as well as a costume change for the band, this time losing the overalls and donning clothes from an array of their music videos.

The fans screamed as Bad Sounds treated the second half playing one of their older hits ÔÇÿMeat on My BonesÔÇÖ. They continued with an incredible set eventually ending with the perfect final song ÔÇÿNo LuckÔÇÖ and, as the front runner brothers Ewan and Callum wrestled around on-stage, confetti and balloons covered the crowd and the show came to a triumphant close. This might have been the best gig IÔÇÖve ever been to and anyone that cares at all about this band would be greatly missing out if they did not see them live.

Acts Of Fear And Love- Slaves Album Review

Posted in music by stephrowe on October 31, 2018

The bastions of middle class youth disillusionment return for a shorter, more consolidated and more heartfelt third outing, delivering what is without question their best record to date. AOFAL drops the Speakers Corner-shoutiness of their previous work in favour of something far more personal and emapthisable, dealing with themes of social media, self image, boredom, hate and good old fashioned break-ups too. Suddenly you’re not just screaming along with them, you’re in the same boat as them thematically too.

AOFAL also sees a welcome change in direction in sound. It’s more post-punky and original, though they haven’t lost their rough edge, which pokes its way through the album at all the right moments. The big punches come, however, when Slaves go off kilter and go quieter; ‘Daddy’ stands out in this regard. Though ‘Photo Opportunity’ kills it with the Weezer-esque structure and is anthemic chorus, which so effortlessly sums up life in the south east of England. Slaves arenÔÇÖt just moving on; moreover, theyÔÇÖre becoming cleverer with their sound, and wielding it with the same ferocity and dexterity as their lyrics.

A prominent online reviewer – whose opinion I’ve always respected but on this occasion I thoroughly disagree with – said that Slaves are a band who “just use punk as a fashionable veneer to make somewhat edgy, substance-free pop rock”. I’ll give him pop rock in regards to AOFAL given that it’s got plenty of singles potential and is far less abrasive sound-wise than previous Slaves records (just listen to ‘Cut And Run)’, but to call them “substance free” is an insult to the fact that Slaves have cornered a niche of the UK music scene and turned it into some of the best records of the last 5 years.

When you’ve grown up in the same sort of placer as Slaves have, Acts Of Fear And Love comes across as a record that just speaks your language. It’s personal not just in terms of its tone, but because it knows exactly what you’re going from. Oh, and it absolutely rocks at some points.

A brief summary of the Premier League so far

Posted in News by stephrowe on

WeÔÇÖve seen some blockbuster games in the English Premier League (EPL) including Liverpool versus Manchester City, Chelsea versus Liverpool and Tottenham versus Manchester United. WeÔÇÖve also seen upsets with West Ham beating Manchester United, Brighton defeating Manchester United and Watford overcoming Spurs. But as we head into the second last international break of the calendar year, which team sits on top of the EPL?

Manchester United kicked off on a bright note with a home win over Leicester but a loss away to Brighton and a defeat at home to Spurs highlighted frailties in the heart of the back four. A draw at home to Wolves, an exit from the EFL cup at the hands of Derby County and a 3-1 loss to struggling West Ham made it UnitedÔÇÖs joint worst start to a season since the start of David MoyesÔÇÖ reign in 2013/2014. Pressure for Mourinho to step down as manager reached an unprecedented high but a victorious comeback from two goals down against Newcastle last week could signal the start of a turnaround in the clubÔÇÖs form.

With a summer spending of just over £170 million and having reached the Champions League final last year, Liverpool were the team tipped to challenge reigning champions Manchester City for the Premier League title. Despite playing Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs in their first 8 games of the EPL, Liverpool are not only unbeaten but have also kept the joint most clean sheets and conceded the joint least number of goals, proving they have shored up their defence, an area that has been their kryptonite in recent years. This major improvement means Liverpool are on track to be title contenders this year.

A few months after being the first team in the history of the EPL to finish a season with 100 points and having paid the clubÔÇÖs record fee for winger Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City started the season as everyone expected. A comfortable away win to the expense of Arsenal and a 6-1 battering of Huddersfield Town showed that Pep GuardiolaÔÇÖs players would pick up where they left off. However, a draw away from home to Wolverhampton Wanderers meant Manchester City dropped their first points in just the third week of the season, casting doubts on whether they could replicate the domination and success of last season, but normal order was restored with four convincing victories in a row.

Having constructed a title challenge with Napoli in the Italian league, Maurizio Sarri took over from Antonio Conte as Chelsea Manager. By opening the season with five wins on the trot, Sarri joined an elite group of only four managers ever to win their first five games in their debut EPL season. Knocking Liverpool out of the EFL Cup and achieving back to back wins in the Europa League means Chelsea are the only team in the EPL yet to lose a match in all competitions, making them real contenders to win the Premier League.

After an emotional end to twenty years in charge of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger made way for Unai Emery, a man whoÔÇÖs won four trophies in two years with Paris Saint-Germain. Losses to Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two games meant that Arsenal sat joint bottom of the table with zero points, but EmeryÔÇÖs players were quick to find form with an unbroken win streak extending to nine matches across all their domestic and European ties.

Despite being the first club ever since the introduction of the transfer window in 2003 not to sign a single player in a summer transfer window, SpursÔÇÖ started the season with three wins on the bounce including the thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, injuries to key players such as Lloris and Eriksen and defeats to Watford and Liverpool highlighted the need for more squad depth. Losses to Inter Milan and Barcelona means PochettinoÔÇÖs side sits at the bottom of their ChampionsÔÇÖ League group but a trio of consecutive victories in the EPL could indicate a comeback with 30 games still to play.

Eight games into the season and Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are on top of the league with 20 points out of a possible 24. Liverpool, who have had the tougher run of games, will be the happier of the bunch, with Chelsea and Manchester City still having to play more of the ÔÇÿtop 6ÔÇÖ in the coming months. With the tableÔÇÖs top three or four teams only a few points apart, it promises to be a long, close and tense title race.

Xpress’ Top Ten Freshers Tips!

Posted in Blog by stephrowe on October 1, 2018

Welcome to Cardiff, Freshers!! All of us at Xpress hope you have a brilliant first year, and want to offer some words of wisdom that we wish we had known in order to help us survive!

– Unpack ASAP! If you leave it too late it is almost guaranteed that youÔÇÖll spend the entirety of first year living out of your suitcase. A well decorated room also creates a much more homely atmosphere for you.

РMake a budget for each week! So many people spend all of their money early on in the year and then rely on cheap pasta and beans for the rest of the term Also NO, you dont need to do another random amazon order.

– Embrace Lidl, itÔÇÖs the cheapest place to buy food and youÔÇÖll save yourself a fortune.

– Attend the fresherÔÇÖs fairs and other fresherÔÇÖs events. YouÔÇÖll be more informed with what the university has to other and you can also get free stuff!

– Your degree isnÔÇÖt isolated to just your daily lectures and seminars. Step out of your comfort zone and join a society (preferably Xpress). YouÔÇÖll meet some incredible people and youÔÇÖll find extra-curricular opportunities that will help you in the future after university.

РStay organised and dont leave your work until the last minute! Although an all-nighter with your housemates in the ASSL is quite fun your body will be a lot better if you avoid this!

– Spend some time trying to find a way of taking notes that works for you. It might seem like a bore right now but youÔÇÖll love yourself when it comes to exam season!

РExplore the city! Theres so much to do in Cardiff. Parks, museums, live music venues (Womanby Street), clubs, pubs, shopping, cinemas the list goes on!

– DonÔÇÖt be afraid to ADULT! Sign up to the doctorÔÇÖs surgery and make an appointment when youÔÇÖre not feeling well. Everyone hates talking on the phone but your guardian/s canÔÇÖt do it for you now and fresherÔÇÖs flu will find you at some point!

– DonÔÇÖt be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Whether you need academic or emotional support, the university provides a huge amount of assistance through the personal tutor system, student mentors and Student Advice.

Have a great year!!