May 2010/Issue01/ FREEServing the Chester Campus

REvIsIon GuideA z

LSS and fusion's

Fusion

socialPlan the perfect night out

Dechlan Jarrett

Man of the moment...

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Contentsfus ion

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4.

6.

social 9.

Check out our social guide for those of you who need a break from exams

3. Welcome

Learning support services & fusion’s

Revision and Exam Tips

Dechlan JarrettCSU Profile

September Issue

Freshers Guide to playing safe clubs and Societies Guide

sneak peak

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Eeeek it’s

Ross

Guess what? It is that time of year again when assignments

are nearly finished and exams are the only thing that are stopping you from enjoying sunny days out on the University field with large quantities of sU tipples. But the importance of exams cannot be highlighted enough. For you second years out there the exam period will be coming to an end and Work Based Learning will be the next thing on your mind while it is just beginning for you first and final years. Either way it is important to highlight the significance of exams as they could mean the between a degree mark or you progressing to the next

Exam time,

level. That is why in this edition of fusion you will find top exam tips from the Lss and do not forget to check out our social guide for the best places to visit on those nights off.

Good Luck!

fusion May 2010 4

>> FEELInG sick, got butterflies, keep double checking that you have at least three working pens? Then you are probably in a queue waiting for an exam to start after all it is that time of year again. Don’t panic though! fusion has teamed up with Jeanette Rowley, study skills advisor, from Learning support services (Lss) to bring you an A to Z guide to tackling those all important tests.

A-ZRevision and Exam Tips >>

Fusion

Appreciate. The limited capacity of the

short term memory, so plan revision time to

refresh your long term memory.

Breaks. For every hour of revision take

a 15 minute rest to rehydrate the mind.

Create. A dedicated study space that

makes you feel relaxed. A place where you

can concentrate for a period of time.

Deconstruct. Break your exam question

down. What are you being asked? Underline

the key words.

Eat. Don’t put off meals because this

means that your body is not getting the

right nutrients resulting in a lack of

concentration. Porridge in the morning

enusures that you last until lunchtime

thanks to its slow releasing properties.

Forget the myth that students do not mind exams. It is more likely that they share the same doubts you do.

Good study plan. A thought out study plan will go along way to ensuring that you revise the right information at the right time. A well divised study plan will also ease nerves.

Highlight the key information while revising and in the exam. It helps you to refer back to that piece of information in a quick and efficient manner.

Index cards are very useful when summarising large amounts of notes. on one side write a key word while on the other write key bullet points. This way you are constantly reinforcing existing information in your head.

Juggle your workload. Ensure that you prioritise your differing topics in order of how much time you think you should spend on them.

With help from,

Learning support services

fusionMay 2010 5

Queries. Any questions or queries

be sure to ask your tutors?

Repetition. Repeating information

out loud can reinforce the information

in your mind.

Social. Everyone needs some time

off after some intense revision. Do not

go out a night before an exam but a

night out will help to release any

tension you may be feeling.

>> FEELInG sick, got butterflies, keep double checking that you have at least three working pens? Then you are probably in a queue waiting for an exam to start after all it is that time of year again. Don’t panic though! fusion has teamed up with Jeanette Rowley, study skills advisor, from Learning support services (Lss) to bring you an A to Z guide to tackling those all important tests.

A-ZRevision and Exam Tips >>

Fusion

Appreciate. The limited capacity of the

short term memory, so plan revision time to

refresh your long term memory.

Breaks. For every hour of revision take

a 15 minute rest to rehydrate the mind.

Create. A dedicated study space that

makes you feel relaxed. A place where you

can concentrate for a period of time.

Deconstruct. Break your exam question

down. What are you being asked? Underline

the key words.

Eat. Don’t put off meals because this

means that your body is not getting the

right nutrients resulting in a lack of

concentration. Porridge in the morning

enusures that you last until lunchtime

thanks to its slow releasing properties.

Forget the myth that students do not mind exams. It is more likely that they share the same doubts you do.

Good study plan. A thought out study plan will go along way to ensuring that you revise the right information at the right time. A well divised study plan will also ease nerves.

Highlight the key information while revising and in the exam. It helps you to refer back to that piece of information in a quick and efficient manner.

Index cards are very useful when summarising large amounts of notes. on one side write a key word while on the other write key bullet points. This way you are constantly reinforcing existing information in your head.

Juggle your workload. Ensure that you prioritise your differing topics in order of how much time you think you should spend on them.

Turn up. It sounds unthinkable but students do sometimes forget to turn up.

Use the Learning support services if you are getting overwhelmed and stressed. They offer great advice and can really ease nerves.

V isual aids. Using colour and images can help you remember the information.

Workout. It is true what they say, a healthy body means a healthy mind. excercise means that your mind stays fresh.

XCross out the irrelevant information while revising. It means that you can quickly focus on the key information.

Yes you can do it! If you believe that you can succeed you most likely will. A positive attiutde is the key.

Zzzz. Finally one of the most important things you can do before an exam is get a good nights sleep so that your are refreshed for the day ahead tomorrow.

Know your exam format. How many questions? How much time for each question? How are the questions weighted?

Listening to music has been proven to help students relax and block out other noises such as traffic and noisy housemates. Remember though music that is slow paced and preferably with no lyrics is better than heavy rock.

Mnemonics. or simply put Memory Aids. studies have shown that putting key words into a story format can help jog your memory.

Notes. This may sound simple but you will be surprised how many students do not take notes while revising. note taking is an active process and reinforces information already contained in long term memory.

Organise. This category can fit into a number of categories mentioned previously . organise your time, your workload, your social life.

Practice past papers. Learn the broad topics but practice specific questions.

fusion May 2010 06

the new president and boy he has plans.From the shropshire town of Telford, Dechlan is coming to the end of his final year studying sports and excercise science.

ARe you A biG SpoRtS FAn then?“I am a massive sports person, I like allsorts of sports. It is about keeping fit and healthy. My main sport though has got to be football.”

WhAt FootbALL teAM do you SuppoRt then?“Well I kind of follow three teams. I support Manchester

newly elected and raring to go.

Ross Mushet finds out what Dechlan Jarrett

has planned for the CsU and whyhe

advocates “freedom” and

peoples right to choose.

CSU Profile

Dechlan Jarrett

“I wIll work very hard to provIde UnIversIty of Chester stUdents wIth

the best experIenCes possIble”

This year’s election for the new student’s Unionpresident was shrouded in

controversy after it was found that the online voting system could be rigged. voters who knew the student numbers and passwords of others could log in and vote more than once. The uproar meant that the hundreds of votes cast were scrapped and voters had to turn out in person to cast their decision once again.Thanks to hard work from the current CsU team and a massive 1,091 votes later Dechlan Jarrett was crowned

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United but I also follow Tottenham because of my Dad then there is Wolverhampton Wanders because of the locality to where I live.

So not MAny then?[Laughs] “I used to play football semi-professionally but then I came to Uni. I still play for the Uni 1st team and have done for the past three years.”

onto SeRiouS MAtteRS, Who encouRAGed you to StAnd FoR pReSident?“The very first person to mention it first was my best friend from home, Dominik Wakelin. Although, I am sure he just wants to me to stay in Chester so he has somewhere to stay after a night out. The first person who thought it beneficial to the Uni was Pete Last. He has been wicked throughout. He was backed up by another good friend, Diva.”

Dechlan, Diva and Pete before a night out. WAS She not on thAt chAnneL 4 pRoGRAM ShipWRecked?[Laughs] Yes, she was!

“If anything, stability would be the issue. We had problems this year such has who was running the official student night. i will always advocate freedom and that everyone has a choice, but we first need to know what those choices are. Personally, I feel that the University is terrically balanced. The place is not too big and not too small and it is close to the town centre. Though I am a real-ist and nothing is perfect. We need to address security around student houses, Kingsway problems and campus parking. Finally, I would like to see some more cohesion between the Chester campus and Warrington.”

So StudentS cAn expect LotS FRoM you?[smiles] “Yes! There will be alot of interaction from myself whether it be through social networking or through the Uni channels. i know the team will work very hard to provided univeristy of chester students with the best experiences possible whether it be on the social or academic circuit. I am an easily-approachable guy so hopefully the students will feel they have an readily available output for any issues the may have.”

bAck to the tRiviAL StuFF, WhAtS youR FAouRite coLouR? “ooo tough one! I haven’t got one really. Most of my clothes are either black or grey. noneof which is a colour.”

hoW do you think the eLection cAMpAiGn Went?“Apart from the chaos surrounding the voting system the campaign went extremely well. The support I received was mind blowing. People obviously agreed with what I had to say.

Dech’s campaign poster was probably the best one!

WhAt do you think the univeRSity iS in deSpeRAte need oF?“In total honesty, aside from the Warrington bar staying open, there is not a need for anything as such. Those who are here, to study for their degree, can enjoy a vast amount of sports and societies during the day and good nights out. But, we all have to remember students are here to get a degree.”

but WhAt WouLd you SAy needS AddReSSinG?

CSU Profile

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www.drinkaware.co.uk

WhAt’S you FAvouRite tippLe on A niGht out?“Erm, well my favourite drink is Southern Comfort with a hint of lemonade. But I need a pint of lager to start me off!”

cSu SuMMeR bALL, ARe you GoinG to it?“I am going yes, have my ticket. I have never been before so I am really excited for it.”

WhAt WouLd you SAy to thoSe unSuRe About WhetheR to Go?“To those who are unsure, if you are leaving this year especially, what better way is there of saying goodbye to your university experiencesand friends. Plus a DJ set from Pendulum what more could you want?”

CSU ProfileAny FinAL thouGhtS?“Go out enjoy yourself but remember the work. Get on your studies, get on the library, get on the gym! Get onnIT!”

thAnkS ALot dechLAn! “My pleasure!”

Come June 28 Dechlan will take up his new role permanently and start

preparation fpr the new

academic year in september. I am confident that the rightcandidate was picked. Honest, straight talking and as he admits, very approachable. The CsU could have been worse off but fortunately the students know what they want and clearly think Deccy J (as he is known) can deliver. Roll on september!Words: Ross MushetPhotos: Dechlan Jarrett and Ross Mushet.

Your New Chester

Students Union sabbatical officers.

President:Dechlan Jarrett

Vice-President:JasonMason

[Chester]

Vice-President:Sam

Wright[Warrington]

General Manager:Laura

Pearsons

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social

theRe is a preconception that all students do is drink and party

while the academic work is given second priority. now while this maybe true for a small minority themajority of us have our priorities sorted and as a result work hard in order to play hard. Exam time can be stressful so therefore we at fusion have come up with a quick social guide of all the best places to party the night away and where you can go for a foaming afternoon pint. Be sure to check out september’s edition of fusion for a full guide for all the freshers.

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The newest club in Chester , Cruise, plays host to Chester’s biggest student night,

Beans. Celebrating its tenth

anniversary Beans, which used to be held at RBs, takes place every Monday. Tickets are on sale on the day from mid-afternoon in the sU bar. Mike Hannigan, director of Beans, said: “This night is always jam packed regardless of the occasion. With an indie, dance and cheesy pop floor there is something for every-one.” Cruise offers three floors all tastefully dec-orated and with good drinks prices it is always a hit. other nights at Cruise include Pure on a Thursday and the weekend is always booked with entertainment with past acts ranging from ollie Murs to Miniviva. Be aware however at the weekend prices are quite steep for a student budget and it is over 21s only.

one of the oldest clubs in Chester, Rbs or Rosie’s as it is lovingly known by the locals

provides three floors of Cheese, Dance and RnB. There are three key nights aimed at students. The first being on a Wednesday for your official CSU night out with Team Story. Tickets cost £3 from the students Union with £2 going back into the su. Drinks are also cheap at just £1 on selected beverages. The other big nights include Thursdays for Three in a Bed. Head to your first venue of the Red Lion purchase a drink and do not forget to ask for your pass! Then head over to Lakota where you will find a second pass waiting. Finally

Rbs the third and final destination is Rbs where you can dance into the early hours of the morning providing you do not have an exam the next day. Be sure to head out early because Thurs-day nights are probably the busiest as the local students head out too. Be sure to check out the latest acts performing at Rbs with big names such as Tinie Tempah on the way.

Cruise

www.drinkaware.co.uk

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Destiny & Elite

The new kids on the block, Destiny & Elite, have really come out of the blocks

firing on all cylinders. Based at Cheshire oaks, Ellesmere Port, the enormous club puts on a student-only night on Wednesday’s called sLick. For just £5 they provide a fun bus there and back as well as your club entry fee. The drink prices are nearly illegal at just 99p a go. It is not a night to be missed. Team slick’s slogan as Pete Last, manager of Team slick, stated: “Get onnit!” The venue itself is actually two clubs and it is open at

www.drinkaware.co.uk

weekends to locals but has been known to recieve bad press. The student night however is one you should not miss. Remember to take your student ID!

Telford’s Warehouse

For those who are looking for an alternative to clubbing Telford’s may just be what

your looking for. set beside the shropshire canal, close to the University, this picturesque pub, music venue, and restaurant offers great entertainment all year round. Plus with the summer beaming down upon us it is a great place to sit outside and

watch canal boats go by while sampling fine ales.Live music from unsigned acts is what Telford’s specilises in with past performers including nizlopi who sang the JCB song. Telford’s also offers a variety of activities whether it be art classes to salsa classes you can be sure there is something to cater for everyone. The restaurant section also impresses. Although not cheap the food is top quality and the portions are very very generous. Upcoming actsperforming at Telford’s includeTrevor Roots and the Collaborators and Rose Elinor Dougall. other events include Doodleplanet and Mancuban Latin night. Be sure to check them out at; www.telford-swarhousechester.com.www.drinkaware.co.uk

Words: R

oss Mushet Photos: R

oss Mushet

fusion May 2010 12

May FestivalWed 5th - Fri 7th

ChesterRacecourse

call: 01244 304600 Photograph: Ross Mushet