Five things to do this week

1. Liven up a dreary Monday evening with a cinema trip

Art History Society is taking its members on a trip to the New Picture House to see ‘Mr Turner’, a critically acclaimed film directed by Mike Leigh about the last twenty-five years of British painter, J. M. W. Tuner’s life. Timothy Spall even learnt to paint for his role as Turner, Leigh thinking it important that his leading actor be acquainted with the painter’s talent. Tickets have been set aside for members (you’ll also receive a 50p discount!), but I’m sure non-members are welcome to join the group.

2. Help choose TEDx’s student speaker

This year TEDx University of St Andrews is giving you the opportunity to vote for the student speaker you’d like to hear talk at TEDx next semester. Go along to the R bar at 19:30 on Tuesday to take part in the voting and be inspired by a group of students talking about subjects they’re passionate about. You have one last chance to buy a ticket today between 11:00 and 16:00 outside the library for £6, a decent price for an intellectually stimulating evening and glass of wine.

3. Support St Andrews’ sporty nudists

This Wednesday the [SPORTS] STRIPPED calendar launch party is taking place at the Union from 22:00 until closing. We’ve been told to wear sports kit, but as little of it as possible to help promote the calendar’s nudist theme, so dig out that skimpy crop top and tiny pair of shorts you’d normally only dare to wear to the gym at the height of summer. Tickets can be bought through your sports club or on the Union website.

4. Listen to a world-class journalist

This Friday journalist Christiane Amanpour is giving a talk to International Politics Association about the 24/7 news networks and their implications on society at large in the Buchanan between 12:45 and 14:00. Tickets will be on sale on Wednesday and Thursday between 12:00 and 16:00, free for members and £6 for non-members. Amanpour has over thirty years of experience in journalism and has interviewed most of the world’s top leaders, making this an important event for anyone remotely interested in pursuing a career in journalism or politics.

5. Clean your wellington boots

It’s finally time to get excited about Welly Ball! Be prepared for an evening of glamour, comfortable footwear and an incessant flow of wine this Saturday at our favourite farm, Kinkell Byre. Whether you’re attending the dinner or after party, I’d advise you to start scrubbing your wellies until they gleam, trying them on with that gorgeous velvet playsuit, and maybe even fake tanning to make sure you achieve an acceptably golden colour by the weekend.

Images courtesy of Emma Raventos and [SPORTS] STRIPPED