Cheapest Ways to Re-Invent Yourself

University is when you find out who you really are. You're on your own for the very first time, and can really hone in on your interests, physicality and appearances. Want a change? You can make it very easily! Create the you that you want to be!

1. Societies
University is the perfect chance to try something new, whether it be joining a new sport or even starting your own society, its the best way to meet like-minded students like yourself!

2. Fitness
Along with all the sports teams available to you, gyms offer fantastic student deals and classes: most with gyms, pools and classes you can partake in for a monthly fee. Tone up, bulk up, or just get that little bit fitter.

3. Hair
I am a massive fan of hair dye - 3 years guilty now and almost every color under the sun! I seem to have settle on a dark red - but experiment! My personal favorite was blue as it highlighted the green in my hazel colored eyes. A drastic haircut can also help your reinvent yourself. If you're scared for a drastic change, do a charity event and raise money for various causes! I raised money for Parkinson's UK, and fellow CCCU student Marcus Wohlgemuth for Cancer Research UK. Marcus is currently organizing a new charity event to wax his body hair, also for Cancer Research UK. Please donate to the following link! :D

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/thatvideobloke

Jules Warnes:
Twitter: @PikaJules
Instgram: @RaiJules


Marcus Wohlgemuth:
Twitter: @thatvideobloke
Youtube- /thatvideobloke



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4. Piercings
Piercings aren't for everyone, especially those with a fear of needles! But they can instantly change you image. Even just a lobe piercing can change your clubbing outfit with a new pair of earrings. Students often get deals in their local piercings joint, so check out what they have on offer and transform your face!

5. Tattoos
These fall under the same category as piercings - not for everyone and can sometimes be rather painful. But they can also be a great way to immortalize a memory forever. Just remember - its there forever, so chose your design wisely!

6. New Skills
You may tell your parents you work every day and attend every lecture, but we all know the truth! Students have a fair bit of free time, so why not use that time to gain a skill! Learning an instrument, new language, knitting, making youtube videos or even photography - go for what you want! 

- Jules x

Twitter: @PikaJules
Instagram: @RaiJules
Google +: +juuuules592 

Bath: +Greg Henley 
Manchester: +David J. Heffer 

 

CCCU Freshers Fayre

Spread across 3 locations in the city centre, CCCU Fresher's Fayre caused a swarm of students to blanket the city armed with bags of freebies, snacks and discounts. This blog will focus on the various societies and companies that featured in the biggests freshers fayre cccu has ever had!

Christ Church Student Union

CCSU we're offering student support, pens and CCCU hoodies for £20 in a variety of colors. These hoodies are other CCCU merchandise can be found at the university bookshop 

Sports

CCCU is renowned for the variety of sports societies on offer, and I would take me forever to write about each one individually - but there is definitely something for everyone! Football, hockey, netball, swimming, trampolining, pole dancing, ice hockey and cheerleading - along with the trysport activities such as horse riding and Zumba - means there is always a sport to suit everyone.

Drama

The drama society puts on a number or productions every year, from Classic Shakespeare to plays written by CCCU students. But don't worry if you don't enjoy acting - there are plenty of role backstage, including sound, lighting, costumes and set design. Musical theatre society is also available.

CSR 

This so the radio station shared by CCCU and UKC students and based on both campuses. The station takes on students to run presenting, shows, research, events and marketing, along with a plethora of other departments. Gaining work experience whilst at university is vital to increase employability after graduation- so CSR is the perfect thing to join for business, music, media and journalism students.

Religion, Politics & Personality

Despite what the name suggests, Canterbury Christ Church University is not a Christian university. There are societies focusing on various faiths, including Christianity and Islam. Politics are also featured with active discussions and debates. LGBT are also represented, along with Video gaming, anime and various ethnicity societies. These societies are the perfect way to meet like-minded people, and a sure fire way to make new friends at university.

Food & Drink

With a multitude of restaurants across canterbury, many we're providing deals for CCCU students. Wetherspoons we're offering hundreds of money off vouchers, whilst Nandos gave you the chance to win free food. Dominoes Pizza were giving away free slices of pizza with vouchers, and Tacos Locos has set up a photo booth and sombreros along with their takeaway menu. The penny theatre were also around, offering free entry to quids along with bags of sweets.

Clubs

University will provide you with some of the best nights out you will never remember. Along side The Penny Theatre, Club Chemistry were handing out green frisbees and flashlights (perfect for those dark walks home!). Chill used the location as their marketng, hosting a section of the freshers fayre with a DJ and photo opportunities with Diagz from TOWIE. 

Longleys

Longelys taxis had a stall, giving away key rings and lollipops. Students were also introduced to Pickles, the monkey who pays for your taxi if you find him in your taxi! Longleys are the student choice in taxi after a night out, as there is no after midnight charge or extra charge for weekends. Their prices are based on mileage rather than time, so you don't end up paying extra if you're stuck in traffic. They were very kind to give me one of their posters too! :D

Accomodation for Students

Some of you may have seen you during your traverse of the freshers fayre handing out business cards in my gorgeous white AFS hoodie! Keep your card safe and use it when you come to looking for next years accommodation. In the mean time, use Glide to accommodate all your household bills into one simple monthly payment. More cards will be distrubuted throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled!

- Jules x

Twitter: @PikaJules

Instagram: @RaiJules

Google+: +juuuules592 

+Greg Henley 

+David J. Heffer 

20 Life Hacks for Students

Life Hacks are those golden nuggets life throws our way to make every day that little bit easier! Here are my favorite ones from the depths of the inter-webs!

1. Keep those wires under control!

2. Too many clothes, not enough space?

Ring Pulls from old cans double your space instantly!

 

 

3. Hot Dinners!

4. A hairgrip on your toothpaste gets it all out!

 

5. Clear Nail Polish not only fixes holes in tights, but can stop buttons falling off!

6. Open blister packs

 

7. Delicious pizza!

 

8. Microwave cake in a mug!

 

9. Tie-Dye-iPhone!

 

10. Save on dishes by using a tortilla as a plate

 

 

11. Broken zip? Not any more! 

12. Wine Chiller

  

 

13. No money to buy a dustpan?

 

14. Short cables?

 

15. Save money on electricity!

 

16. Cheapest iPod speaker you can get!

 

17. Cut a slit in a tennis ball for a cheap hanger

 

18. Cupcake cases can double as drip trays in summer!

 

 19. Draw full of dead and live batteries?

   

19. No more smelly bin!

20. More for less effort! 

 

 
  

- Jules x

Twitter: @PikaJules
Instagram: @RaiJules
Google+: +juuuules592 


Check out more Accommodationf or Students Blogs!
+Greg Henley (Bath)
+David J. Heffer (Manchester)

Homeward Bound: 10 tips for staying safe at night

As much fun as freshers is, going out and getting drunk with your new friends can turn sour in a heartbeat. Some cities are safer than others, but no city is free of crime. You've got to make sure that you and your friends don't cut the fun short by getting into trouble. Here are 10 simple tips that will help you avoid trouble during some of the best nights of your life.

 

Exchange numbers and charge your phone before leaving
Get the mobile numbers of the people you are out with, so if you get separated you are only a phone call or text away from locating each other. Ensuring everyone has a full charge also means you won't get caught out with a dead phone and no way of contacting each other.
 


Know where you are going
Its best to know which is the best way home from where you are, or even how to get there. If you are meeting friends at a pub, don;t wander aimlessly around hoping to stumble across it. The quicker and safer you get there, the more time you have to have fun with your new found friends.


Travel in groups or pairs
Traveling on your own highlights your vulnerability. Even if you are a black-belt ninja assassin, an attacker will take advantage of the fact there are no witnesses around. A friend is not only a deterrent, but a comfort for both of you - and a brilliant time for some bonding :)
  

Stay in well lit areas
It may be quicker to cut down that dark alley way or walk through that field, but sticking to main roads and well lit streets means you can easily see everyone around you, and won't fall over those pesky cobbles!
 

Keep your belongings safe
A bag with a zip and and an over the shoulder strap is the surest way to make sure you wont forget your bag at the bar. Keeping your phone and your money in your bra also works for keeping your belongings close. Don't flash your cash at the bar or wave your expensive phone or camera around during the night - you essentially turn into a walking advert.
 


Have a copy of emergency contacts 
A note card with your house number, your flatmates mobile and a local taxi service comes in very handy when you've got separated or your phone is out of charge/credit.
 

Keep an eye on your drink 
We've all heard stories of people getting their drink spiked in clubs, and we all listen and nod and say "that will never happen to me!". The truth is it can happen to you - all it takes is one second taking your eye off the ball and you're in trouble. Keep your drink in your hand and, if drinking from a bottle, holding your thumb over the top will ensure nobody spoils your night.
 

Walk confidently and quickly
Having a change of flats in your bag not only feels great after a long night in high heels, but also helps you walk faster and straighter. You don't want to be hanging around any longer than you need to be, and stumbling over just highlights your vulnerability.
 


Shout "Fire!" instead of "Help!" 
I learnt this handy tip from Duke of Edinburgh. If you shout "Help!", people may not come to help as they worry they may not be able to handle the situation. Shouting "Fire!" gets a quicker and larger response. Everyone has had some degree of fire safety training, and are more likely to come to your help.
 

Get a good look at them
If, God forbid, you are being victimized by an attacker, get a good look at them. The details you remember will help should the matter need police attention. Features such as height, weight, hair color, eye color, tattoos, clothing and accents will all help build a profile to investigate.

Down it Fresher!!

 Its not a party without a drinking game! Grab a beverage and let's play!

But please remember to drink responsibly, stay safe, and only play if you are 18+.

 

International Drinking Rules 

1. No saying the word "drink" 

2. No saying any other player's name, or whatever they are usually known as 

3. No swearing 

4. No pointing with the finger or thumb 

5. Players must drink with their left hand (or right hand if they are left-handed). 

6. An empty glass cannot be put down, it must be refilled first. 

7. Whoever makes a spillage, cleans it up by lickage.

8. Any player who fails to comply to these rules must CONSUME THEIR BEVERAGE!

 

Beer Pong
The most iconic drinking game of all time!

What you need:
- Cups
- Table (although the floor works too- but remember: spillage is lickage!)
- Ping pong ball

1. Split your group into 2 teams at opposite ends of the table, and arrange your cups into a triangle. Size depends on how adventurous you are! 
2. Half fill the cups with whatever beverages you like.
Each team takes it in turns to throw the ball and try to land it into the other teams cup. 
3. If you succeed, a player from the rival team must consume that beverage!
4. The first team to finish all their drinks loses, and must finish all the winnings team drinks as punishment.

 

 

Fuzzy Duck
Best played while already slightly intoxicated. Don't be fooled by how seemingly easy this game is!

1. Everyone sits in a circle, with a beverage of their choice.
2. The first player to go starts by saying "Fuzzy Duck" to the person on their left.
3. The phrase continues to the left, until someone responds to "Fuzzy Duck" with "Does He?" to the person on their right. The game has now changed direction.
4. When the direction changes, the phrase also changes to "Ducky Fuzz" - continuing in a right hand direction, until once again the phrase and direction is changed by someone responding "Does He?"
5. Messed up? DRINK!

 

I Have Never
Everyone knows it - everyone hates it! And normally with good reason and some dirty secrets...
1. Going round in a circle, someone states the phrase "I have never...." followed by something they have not done
2. Anyone else in the room who has done what has been stated, DRINK!

Warning: You might learn a little too much about your uni friends playing this!

 


Boat Race
Very much like the iconic Oxford/Cambridge boat race - just a lot more interesting!

1. Split into 2 teams of no less than 4 and sit in a line with a pint of you chosen beverage.
2. On the shout of 'Go!' the first person in line must down their drink as fast a possible and stand the empty glass on their head.
3. Once they have put the glass on their head, the second person can start drinking. So on and so forth until you reach the end of the line. The winner is the first team to finish

 

I'm Ron Burgundy? 
Best played with scotch, or milk - providing its not too hot, that would be a bad choice!

What you'll need:
- A copy of Anchorman
- Shot glassess
- Alcohol

1. Watch Anchorman, and follow these simple rules

1 drink when:
- Someone drinks
- Someone smokes
- Someone talks directly to the camera
- Someone makes a pass at Veronica Corningstone

2 drinks when you see:
- A cameo
- An ashtray
- A teleprompter
- A Wide-shot of the San Diego skyline

3 drinks when someone says:
- "Panda"
- "Burgundy"
- A burgundyism
- Any quotable line

Down your drink when:
- Someone is playing Jazz Flute
- You reach Pleasure Town

21
Think it's easy to count to 21? Think again.

1. In a clockwise direction, the first player starts off with "1".
2. players then continue to count. I if someone says two numbers, the game changes direction.
3. If three numbers are said, it skips the next player and continues in the same direction.
4. Mistakes are punishable by drinking.

5. The lucky player who shouts "21" drinks and makes a new rule. Personal favourites include swapping numbers (4 is now 8 and vice versa) and speaking in accents.

 

Roxanne
You'll never listen to this song in the same way again!

1. Divide into two teams and put on 'Roxanne', link here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXzFCS72QIA
2. One team drinks everytime 'Roxanne' is said
3. The other team for 'Put on Your Red Light'
 4. Repeat as necessary

 

Ring of Fire
Everyone knows this game! But the list wouldn't be complete without it :3

What you'll need:
- A large glass
- A pack of cards

1. Arrange the pack of cards face down in a circle around the large empty glass. 
2. Agree on what each card means. Everyone has different rules, so experiment!

Ace - Waterfall
Everyone fills their drinks and starts drinking at the same time. The person who picked the ace drinks for as long or as little as they like, but the second person cannot stop drinking until the first person has. When the first person stops, power is handed to the second player. They now drink for as long or as little as they like, and the third player has to wait until the second player stops until they stop. Play continues in this manner until everyone has finished.

2 - You
Pick someone to drink

3 - Me
You take a drink

4 - Whores
girls drink

5 - Dive
Hit the deck! last to lie down on the floor drinks/

6 - Dicks
Guys drink

7 - Heaven
Hands in the air! (Like you just don't care!) Last hand in the air drinks.

8 - Mate
Pick a drinking buddy. Every time you drink, your mate has to drink too!

9 - Busta Rhyme
The player who picked the card chooses a word (don't try and be smart and pick a word with no rhymes, everyone hates that guy!). the players then go round he circle saying words that rhyme. for example, Cat, Hat, Mat, Splat..... If a word is repeated, hesitated or made up, the failure drinks!

10 - Thumb Master
The player who picked the card can place their thumb on the floor at any point during the game. The rest of the players must repeat this action once it is spotted - last to do so drinks

Jack - Make a Rule
Exactly what it says on the tin!

Queen - Question Master
The player with this card becomes the question master. Their job is to trick other players into drinking. If the question master asks you a question, you must reply with another question - loser drinks. For example:

QM: What's the time?
Player 2: 10:30
PLAYER 2 DRINKS

QM: What's the time?
Player 2: Why don't you look at your watch?
QM DRINKS

King -  Contribute
Add your drink to the central class until it is filled 1/4. Once all 4 kings have been overturned and the glass is full, the player who got the final king has to down the dirty pint :/

Twitter: @PikaJules
Instagram: @RaiJules
Google+: +juuuules592 

A Canterbury student walks into a bar....

....But which Bar?! Everyone knows most students love gathering at their local pubs to socialize and have a great time - but with so many pubs in Canterbury, which one do you chose? Luckily with lots of choice, there's something for everyone! :D Not all pubs in the city are mentioned in this blog, but if you make a discovery you feel is noteworthy, drop me a message! (details below)


 The Thomas Ingoldsby 
 Everyone enjoys a JD Wetherspoons, and Canterbury is blessed with TWO! Although both brilliant for quality of service and an extensive food and drinks menu, the Thomas Ingoldsby is the student choice. Its central location at the end of the high street means you are only a short walk (or stumble!) away from your next pub, nightclub or house party!

 

 The Penny Theatre
The Penny Theatre is the place to be, especially on a Thursday night. With regular viewings of football and rugby games, a pool table and spacious beer garden, it has everything you need out of a good pub. And the cherry on top? - drinks from £1 on thursdays! 'Quids' is renowned throughout the student community of Canterbury! So get yourself down to The Penny, purchase a Yellow Card to get discounts on food and drink throughout the year, and enjoy everything this magnificent place has to offer :)

 

Bramleys 

It took nearly 3 years to find this place, but it is well worth a visit. Bramley's has a completely different atmosphere from other pubs - its wooden vintage decor and live music nights of local bands and musicians give it that bohemian feel that adds to your night. Specialty cocktails are served throughout the week, with special student discounts to take full advantage of.

 

 

The Cherry Tree
The Cherry Tree is another local legend, notorious for one drink served nowhere else in the city. Located just off the high street, The Cherry Tree offers the best value for money alcoholic drink i have ever come across: The Pig F***er. The bar staff refuse to tell patrons what exactly makes up this concoction - but the fruity flavors will entice you to thinking you can take on more than one. You probably can't. But that doesn't mean it's not worth a go at your own risk.\

Lady Luck
This pub is one of my personal favorites in Canterbury. Its theme is more catered to patrons interested in art, tattoos and rock music. Located on the high street, this central location means you get a huge diversity in atmospheres and fellow patrons. The friendly staff and like-minded patrons means you'll always hear something new at the Lady Luck.

 

The Jolly Sailor
On a sports team? Friends with the sports societies? Or even just a big fan of pirates and rum? Then look no further than the Jolly Sailor! The hotbed of sports societies and socials, Wednesdays nights are guaranteed at the Jolly! Great variety of drinks available, and a favorite location during Freshers week too!

 

Twitter: @PikaJules

Instagram: @RaiJules

Google+: +juuuulia592

From college caterpillar to social butterfly - it's social time!

As university's across the country brace themselves for the flood of students - it's time for you to brace yourselves too! You're going to be meeting hundreds of new people. But don't be scared! These people will become your home away from home, your best friends, or even your future husbands or wives! Here are some tips to expand your social network!

1. Just say HI!!

Nobody wants to make the first move - but someone has to! Just saying that one small word with a smile and a wave breaks the first wall of social interaction: now you've got it! The rest comes naturally, soon you'll be discussing hometowns, hobbies and drunken stupors!

2. Get out there!

Don't sit in your room all day waiting for people to come to you, nobody wants to be friends with the guy who never makes an effort. Something as simple as leaving your bedroom door open shows you care about your new housemates and actually want to interact with them. 

Attending events is another way to meet everyone! Friends of friends will comes, as will THEIR friends, and soon they'll be your friends too! (My best friends this year I met through people on my course!) Even if clubbing and pub crawls aren't your idea of fun, societies offer groups of all hobbies and skills - attend your university's freshers fair and sign up!

3. The power of the Internet

The Internet is our friend, it gave us Lolcats and Gangnam Style! So use it to your advantage! Learnt someone's name on your course? Add them on Facebook! Seen a photo of yourself taken by a club photographer? Tag yourself in it! Get everyone at your uni on your friends list and regularly connect with them! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Pintrest, Tumblr.... It's all at our disposal for this very reason!

Following local clubs pubs and your student union is also a great way of finding out about events and activities in and around your city - be that guy in halls who knows where the biggest and best parties are at!

4. Be inviting

Going shopping? Ask housemates if they want to join! If you do sports, try and organise a group workout session. Life is more fun when you enjoy it with somebody :)

5. Just enjoy it!

Remember, universities are filled with people just like you! They are all nervous about fitting in. But that's the beauty of uni - everyone is different! It's what makes socialising so much fun! As long as you are open to new ideas, cultures and lifestyles - you'll have no problem :)