USI'S own magazine, the Student Voice, has been re-launched for the Millennium academic year. With a potential readership of more than 250,000, the Student Voice will be published monthly.
As well as worthy sections describing what USI has been doing with itself over the summer and survival tips for the night out, the magazine's first issue has competent reviews of CDs and films. Unfortunately, the Voice seems to still be breaking as interviews with acts such as the Frames are unlikely to set the student world on fire.
Even less impressive for a publication with an October publishing date are the concerts reviewed: Slane '99, which took place at the very end of August, and - of all the gigs in all the land - Aslan at Vicar Street.
On the plus side, showing potential in the entertainment pages, are an embryonic listings page and a good article on clubbing in the capital.
USI president Phil Madden admits there may be some shortcomings in the first issue but says USI hopes to build on the magazine - and turn a profit. "It is aimed at the key 18-to-24-year-old market and if it is of decent quality and being read then advertising should follow."
