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Day: 5 October 2017

Language badges introduced to welcome international students

Written by Tristan Parsons on . Posted in News.

Manchester Students’ Union’s Diversity Officer, Riddi Viswanathan has introduced the “I Speak Other Languages Too” badge in an attempt to “make the University more welcoming for international students, especially for students facing language barriers.”

The badge is to be worn by staff and students ASK ME ambassadors who speak a language other than English. They have been available since the start of the 2017 autumn term.

“As well as addressing language barriers, these badges also to help students and staff break the ice,” Ms Viswanathan said. Feedback has been positive so far; one University staff member said: “I’m sure lots of international students will really appreciate this!”

She added: “I am super glad that students from different countries are feeling warm and welcomed already. Even home students are asking them if they could teach them their language and I couldn’t be happier to see these students gel so well.”

Thaikun, Spinningfields

Written by Samuel Pigott on . Posted in Food & Drink, Uncategorised.

I never had a gap year, nor have I been to Thailand to find myself. I can still confidently say, however, that if you want to find great Thai food, Thaikun may not be the place for you. Located in the heart of Spinningfields, it has to be said that the décor does its best to transport you to Thailand.

You’ll find yourself sitting amongst tuk-tuks and mandalas, and much of the food comes in very authentic serving dishes. There are, however, many gimmicky touches that will not please those looking for a genuinely authentic experience. Some of the cocktails, for example, are served in the fishbowls one may expect to find on a beach in Koh Phangan.

The starters, it has to be said, were very good. The chicken satay was rich and had a much more fragrant flavour than many satay sauces. The tempura prawns were perfectly cooked, with a light and yet crispy batter. The prawn crackers were still warm and came with a delightfully tangy sweet chilli, and the spring rolls had a fantastic filling.

Unfortunately, this is where most of the compliments begin to run out.

The mains — in this case, a pork belly red curry and sukiyaki chicken — left an awful lot to be desired. I also feel it worth mentioning that it was not possible to order beer on draught, or to order an authentic Thai beer; perhaps not the end of the world but disappointing nonetheless.

The pork belly in the red curry was somehow dry and yet still very fatty, while the curry itself was bland at best. Completely lacking in the beautiful flavours that one would expect from a Thai red curry, it was weak and watery.

Gone were the fantastic flavours of ginger, garlic, chilli, and kaffir lime leaves, the richness of coconut milk and the beautiful soft meat that pork belly ought to be. The sukiyaki chicken was somewhat better, but one would still only go as far as to describe it as fine.

Overall, although the starters were very good, and the experience of dining in a busy city-centre restaurant was enjoyable, Thaikun is not the place for anyone looking for fantastic, or authentic Thai food.

 

Sexpression pub quiz this Friday at Squirrel’s bar

Written by Cameron Broome on . Posted in News.

On Friday the 6th of October, student-led charity Sexpression will be hosting a ‘Sexy Pub Quiz‘ at Squirrel’s Bar, Owens Park Campus starting at 19:00.

The aim of the quiz is to engage students in various aspects of sex and relationships without the clinical aspect of a sex-ed lesson. The organisation also hope to raise awareness of Sexpression’s goals as a national charity.

Entry costs £1 and money from the quiz will go towards training volunteers on the 14th of October 2017, with the first prize including one free platter at Nando’s. Co-chair of Sexpression, Rosa Simonet said: “with rounds on music, general knowledge, innuendos and fetishes and kinks, the quiz will make towards a great Friday night.”

Sexpression is a charity that aims to empower young people when it comes to sex and relationships. The committee welcomes all to the event on Friday, to help Sexpression achieve their goals.

Daisy Manning, training officer for the Manchester branch, stated: “Irrespective of personal morals or opinions on sex and relationships, young people being educated and empowered to make their own informed decisions around sex and relationships is extremely powerful in their own personal development. Young people having the knowledge to choose the right contraceptive for them (if any) or what they want or don’t want from a relationship is extremely empowering in solidifying a young person’s autonomy. This is why Sexpression Manchester’s work is so important.”

Engaging with students on campus, the organisation runs free STI testing stalls, provides free contraception and hosts events in the hope of starting conversations about different aspects of sex, relationships and gender identity.

Sex Week officer, Letitia Budu, said: “I love being a part of a society that acknowledges and actively engages with so many different marginalised groups.”

Further, Co-chair Stuart Hall added: “Sexpression has an amazing team, inspired from one year to the next. The team aim to spread some joy by running exciting socials like ‘Sexy Quiz’ and have their own mascot (Miss Penis) who is sure to turn any frown upside down.”

This year Sexpression will be organising several campaigns. Firstly, the charity will campaign for students in Manchester to have access to a ‘c-card’, allowing students to gain free or discounted contraception from their local pharmacy.

Secondly, with the help of academics and sex worker rights activists, Sexpression will campaign for the student union to incorporate a policy to protect student sex workers. According to a survey conducted by the National Student Survey, 35 per cent of respondents said their involvement in sex work is to pay for their university fees.

Any students who would like to get involved in the society can to talk to volunteers at the quiz on Friday, or can email at [email protected].