5 minutes with...JULIE COCKRAM
The beautiful Julie Cockram is representing UWIC, and therefore the 'diff, in the 2007/08 Miss Student Competition and ilovecf.com was lucky enough to spend a few minutes in her company before she jetted off on holiday.
So Julie, what's on your mind today?
Getting a tan! I'm off to Dubai on holiday for a few days with my boyfriend to relax now that he has come home from the World Cup (Julie's lucky fella is Rugby hardman Sonny Parker, sorry lads!). It's going to be so hot out there and the hotel looks lush - I can't wait to go shopping one night also.
How did you get involved with the Miss Student competition? Were you encouraged to enter, was it something that you always wanted to do or somewhere in between?
I was a bit of an ugly duckling growing up, and then I discovered hair and make-up! I've just been asked to join Vibe models in Cardiff after helping out at a WAGs boutique charity event. So when I saw the competition I thought what the hell - I feel like I've finally grown into a nice young woman and thought it was worth giving it a shot as it's such an amazing prize!!
What are your expectations?
Well, I'm extremely competitive and I don't like losing anything, so of course I'm hoping to win. My immediate goals though are to just get as many votes and comments written on my Miss Student profile Page to get me through to the final.
You seem to be getting a great response on your profile page with people commenting that you are 'fit', 'stunning', "gorgeous" as well as saying that you have a "heart of gold" and "would do anything for anyone". It sounds like you've got the whole package, looks and personality, but what do you think a successful Miss Student would need to be?
I think I am a great representative of the student body. Although I may be a few years older than some of the other girls, I feel that the years I spent working and travelling the world before going to university have really helped me to be focused and driven towards getting my degree and being awarded a first.
In my first year I was elected student representative, although I'd like to point out that I'm not just a geek, I love to party. I'm always organising for big groups of friends to go into town to dance all night.
Being a WAG yourself, what do you think of the public's fascination with WAGs?
Rugby WAGs or 'Scrummies', as we prefer to be known, are completely different to the football WAGs. Most, if not all, of the girls are either studying hard in university, have a job or are a full time mum and housewife. Like all girls we love to get dressed up, look nice and love fashion and make-up, but who doesn't? We never get special treatment and I like it that way, I don't think I could cope with Sonny being as famous as someone like David Beckham. It would be impossible to have a personal life. At the moment we can go shopping, for nights out or on holiday and be left alone, which is just the way I like it.
Were you a rugby fan before you met Sonny, and what are three things for and against dating a rugby player?
Oh my gosh no! I hated rugby before I met Sonny. Growing up, my family would watch it on television screaming at the top of their lungs. I used to go and hide in my bedroom. When I met Sonny I was only back in the UK for a short while after travelling for two years and I didn't have a clue who he was.
What are the 3 best things about dating a rugby player?
1. It's an amazing feeling to be so proud watching your boyfriend representing their team or country - I get butterflies every time he runs out onto the pitch.
2. They are fit! They have big muscles and look amazing in their kit - especially the new tight Welsh jerseys.
3. You get to have good seats at the games and enjoy a day out with the girlies.
What are the 3 worst things about dating a rugby player?
1. You hardly ever get weekends together as they always have games.
2. They are always too tired or sore to do anything or go anywhere.
3. Sometimes when you are out girls try it on with them even if they know they have a girlfriend.
Do you socialise with the other WAGs?
We always see each other at the games and everyone gets on really well. It's very much a family atmosphere, both at regional and national level. I often see some of the other girls and we'll go out for some food or hit the town at weekends - they definitely know how to party!
You're representing Cardiff in Miss Student, what do you like most about the place?
Cardiff has grown so much over the last ten years and it's set to become one of the best cities in Europe. The shopping and nightlife are amazing but it still has culture. I love how there are so many attractions right in the city centre, from the Millennium stadium to the Castle.
What is your favourite restaurant?
Pizza Express, both down the Bay and on St Mary St, without a doubt. I go out for lunch with the girls quite often, I just love Italian food and Pizza Express do really nice meals, without being overly expensive.
What is your favourite bar?
In the city centre I like Fat Cat and Laguna - they are both really chilled out, have great lounge music and are a bit more sophisticated. You can get fab shots and cocktails whilst chilling out in the big leather booths.
What is your favourite club?
Walkabout has an amazing atmosphere for watching a rugby match but, on weekends, Oceana is my favourite at the moment. It's huge so there's a lot of variety with the rooms and in the music they play. For a really, really late night, and something a bit less mainstream, I love No.10 and Soda Bar.
Where would you take someone, on their first visit here, to show them what best sums up Cardiff?
There are four major things to do in Cardiff: eat, drink, shop and sightsee.
I would start the day out with a visit to Cardiff Castle followed by a tour of the Millennium Stadium and then take them down Queen Street to go shopping for an outfit for the evening. Lunch would definitely have to be on a terrace down the bay followed by a night out on the tiles, ending in chippy lane.
Vote for Julie in the Miss Student Competition by going to her Miss Student Profile Page or text your vote (text STUDENT 1953 to 63333).