Issue 151

Uni Roundup: Issue 151

29th January 2007

A round up of news from universities across the world. In this issue, a 23-year-old student auctions herself off on eBay, students relax to a picture of Morgan Freeman and free hugs for passers-by.

United States

A fifth year student has been wearing just summer clothes for the past seven years, whether a heat wave or a freezing blizzard invades his town. It all started as a bet when he was in high school between him and a team mate on the football team. He says his fashion choice has made a great conversation starter with strangers and friends, but his mother thinks he is absolutely crazy.

Bournemouth

A 23-year-old student has been using eBay to auction herself for dates so she could use the profits to pay off her university debts. It was recently removed from the website as it was thought "indecent." The student assured everyone that no sex would have been involved and that she only meant the auction to be a harmless date, with maybe a drink or two. The final maximum bid reached £10,000.

United States

A sophomore business student created a Facebook group called, "Finals featuring Morgan Freeman." A junior biological sciences student first found a picture of the renowned actor online and saved it as his desktop. When his studies became stressful he glanced over at the picture of Freeman and found it to be a "very calm picture." The Facebook group was first created to mock this student, but now the group promotes placing a picture of Morgan Freeman as their desktop to relieve stress and increase concentration, especially during their exams. It has so far, helped many university students relax, study, and feel confident.

Canada

Inspired by Australian 'Juan Mann', who started the Free Hugs Campaign two years ago, a small group of students conducted their own Free Hugs operation in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The students were amazed by the positive feedback they received, with passers-by and even drivers in cars and trucks stopping to participate in this affectionate campaign. In the end, the group was pleased, as its goal was to make people smile and feel happy.

Waterfront Online