Issue 1462

Happy New Year!

Welcome back to a cold and wintery campus! It is absolutely lovely to have everyone back on campus - there really is a buzz that is missing when term is over.

I hope you made the most of the winter break, and are feeling relaxed and rejuvenated however you spent the holidays. Here at The Courier, we prepared a newspaper to pass around on your return.

You may have noticed our Festive photoshoot, which is plastered front and centre on the front page (as it should!), and we have the centre of the paper dedicated to the amazing photos taken. I want to thank our

brilliant Heads of Life and Style for organising something so wonderful, and our photographers Noe & Jess. The result was a perfect evening that escalated into Cosy Joe's.... perhaps not as classy as we initially intended but certainly a rite of passage. Recovering from the Festive Photoshoot was a difficult task sat at my desk all day, but it was also definitely the sign of a brilliant evening.

Last term was extremely busy, and went quicker than any of us Sabbs could have expected. It feels as though we have blinked and are already halfway through the year! But it was an extremely successful term for Student Media - we had loads of enthusiastic writers talking about topics that are most important to the students, many

Article Highlights: January 2025

Current Affairs | Campus Comment

The S**t: Best toilets on campus

Exploring Newcastle students' favourite toilets around campus... | Page 6

Life & Style | Relationships

My relationship with academic validation Mend your relationship with academia by reading this article | Page 14

Life & Style | Food and Drink

Recipes to cure your January blues

Blow away the cobwebs with some hearty meals | Page 24

Culture | Gaming

The Courier's favourite games of 2024

A few of our writers share their favourite games of the year! | Page 36

Courier Wrapped!

Check out stats from a whole year of publishing The Courier

The highs, the lows, and the post-paper pints | Page 29

Puzzles! |

Pick your brain with our maze | Page 40

Sports |

Gunther Steiner on F1 management

In conversation with the founding Team

Principle of Haas F1 | Page 42

Want to get involved?

radio shows discussing every topic under the sun, and the successful livestream of Fight Night.

All of these things have made me really proud to be the Editor and SMO this year, every single student who has contributed is so passionate and we have a wonderful team.

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all.

So, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and are ready to set resolutions that will inevitably be broken. This term, make sure that you spend just as much time studying as you do exploring Newcastle - whether that be in the dingy walls of Dog and Parrot, or the lovely landscapes of Tynemouth beach. See you around!

Freshers’ week is a time to get to know more about Newcastle

Our Next SMA: 29th January 1.30pm Bambugh Room, NUSU

If you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)!

You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer.

Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out!

THE COURIER SECTIONS

Editor

Lucy Bower

MediaOfficer.Union@newcastle.ac.uk

Current Affairs

Senior editors: Grace Boyle

G.Boyle3@newcastle.ac.uk

Anna Nix

A.Nix2@newcastle.ac.uk

News

Marcus Williamson

Oscar Jenkins

Safia Adia

Campus

Comment

Amala Parry

Jess Mooney

Scarlet Davies

Opinion

Addie Dodson

Amelie Baker

Margaux Martinez

Science

Charlotte Atkinson

Matthew Barratt

Sport

Senior editor: Adam Tibke

A.S.Tibke2@newcastle.ac.uk

Adam Symes

Dylan Seymour

Megan Grimston

Noelia Fernandez Perez

Deputy Editor

Libby Griffiths

L.Griffiths9@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Poppy Bedford

P.Bedford2@newcastle.ac.uk

Life & Style

Senior editors: Marina Snyder

M.Snyder2@newcastle.ac.uk

Charlotte Burley-Hnat

C.Burley-Hnat2@newcastle.ac.uk

Relationships

Jess Hughes

Rosie McKenna

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Abi Ogden

Lifestyle

Ruby Tiplay

Emma Hunter

Fashion & Beauty

Agnes Karbo

Trinity Eadie

Travel

Ellen Pinch

Sophie Jarvis

Food & Drink

Barbora Pacherova

Esther Arnold

Culture

Senior editors: Sarah Tunstall

S.Tunstall2@newcastle.ac.uk

Adam Lovegrove

A.Lovegrove2@newcastle.ac.uk

Music

Bertie Kirkwood

Oli Free

TV

Cory Gourley

Kirsty Dow

Film

Alex Paine

Charlotte Thompson

Gaming

Amy Mescus

Milly Thompson

Arts

Keira Gratton

Phoebe Clark

Puzzles

Poppy Bedford

Photos by Grace Boyle

Image Credit: Lucy Bower

Uni students raise over £40,000 for Movember

Oscar Jenkins - News Sub-Editor

Ambassador Sam Horton speaks on fundraising efforts, both individual and university-wide.

All figures used are correct as of December 1st 2024

Newcastle University surpassed the £30,000 fundraising target set at the start of November, with donations exceeding £41,000. All money raised during the month goes towards the Movember Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of Men’s Health issues. This includes prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

In an interview with The Courier, Movember ambassador Sam Horton spoke of his inspirations, lessons, and overall experience from taking a leading-role in a month-long fundraising campaign.

Individually, Sam Horton is one of the single-largest Movember fundraisers from Newcastle University. Donations received amounting to over £1,350 have comfortably exceeded his original target of £1,000. During November he

pledged to complete 6,000 push-ups, working out to 200 per day.

“Sam individually raised over £1,350”

“That is really special to me", said Horton, “there have been times where I have been less motivated and still got them done - I am really proud of that”.

“There’s a lot of men in my family who have struggled with mental health issues, even the ones who haven’t spoken outwardly about it”. Inspired by family and friends, Horton stated that, “reducing some of the stigmas associated with men’s mental health” was his main ambition towards becoming a Movember ambassador. Societies across Newcastle University came together to help the fundraising campaign. 49 teams signed up to raise money, with Mech Eng Football Club topping the Movember leaderboardraising over £7,500.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive”

“The response was overwhelmingly positive”, societies took part in many activities in order to raise as much money as possible. Horton highlighted,

“football tournaments, 24-hour walks, 48-hour runs” as some of his favourite moments. In total, the distance travelled for fundraising efforts stands at over 10,000 kilometres.

Research launched by the Movember Foundation revealed, ‘Almost half (47%) of men do not talk openly with friends about their problems’. Horton hopes that his involvement in the cause means his friends can now see him as someone they can talk to; “hopefully if they were struggling, they know that I would understand”.

Growing a moustache has become synonymous with the campaign towards men’s mental health. The Movember Foundation describes it as, ‘our symbol for better men’s health’. ‘It also grabs attention and starts important conversations’.

“I will never have a better moustache than my Dad”

Many students took part and grew out their moustaches during the month of November to show solidarity with the campaign. Horton stated, “I will never have a better moustache than my Dad, but personally I am happy with mine”. The Movember Foundation accepts donations at any time of the year and front their campaign with the following message: ‘Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent’.

Universities Challenged:

UEA Cuts 170 jobs

Alicia McEvoy - Station Manager of NUTV

The University of East Anglia is set to cut 170 jobs due to financial difficulties.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has recently announced that, due to financial issues, 170 full-time roles will be cut to save £11 million

The University in Norwich, along with many other universities across the country, are facing financial issues as a result of a decrease in international students wanting to attend their establishment.

The job cuts will be felt across all main faculties, but the university is 'committed to student education and experience'. However, there is a 'historic mismanagement of the institution', as suggested by students.

The University and College Union (UCU) said the cuts 'jeopardise not only the careers of our colleagues, but the reputation and future success of the university'. The UCU co-chair, Nadine Subair, has also stated that she is 'absolutely shocked' by the release of this information, as it isn’t the first time that the university has cut jobs.

Sheffield VC claims £16k

Grace Boyle - Head of Current Affairs Sheffield's VC criticised after claiming £16k on flight expenses

Sheffield University's ViceChancellor faces backlash after claiming more than £16,000 in travel expenses despite calling for compulsory climate change education.

VC Koen Lamberts, who wanted climate change lessons to become part of the university curriculum on every course, has been criticised for his expenses whilst his institution faces a £50 million shortfall.

Professor Lamberts has been the Vice Chancellor and president of the University of Sheffield since November 2018 and announced students would undertake compulsory lessons on climate change to address the ‘emergency’ facing the planet.

A University of Sheffield spokesperson told the Sheffield Tab that the University is ‘committed to responsible financial management and these expenses are reviewed regularly and are detailed transparently on [their] website’

The Spokesperson went on to say it is an important part of the Vicechancellor’s role to represent the University at international events, partnerships and donors to secure funding and opportunities for staff, students and research.

Newcastle University Student wellbeing offer 24/7 support to students in need: Papyrus Hopeline247: 0800 068 414 Samaritans: 116 123

Warwick Union respond to criticism

Marcus Williamson - News Sub-Editor

Warwick University's SU responds to criticism of the Conservative soc society.

In late November, Warwick University Student’s Union released a statement addressing accusations of a ‘broken’ allstudent voting system.

This came after a vote aiming to ‘sanction’ the University’s Conservative Association was denied after footage was released of individuals singing along to the Nazi marching song, Erika, at a University of Warwick Conservative Association (UWCA) event.

The Union’s statement described the measures that had been taken against the Association which included training for all members on Antisemitism and Islamophobia for the next three years

It also stated that an independent investigation into the matter concluded that ‘the actions of individual(s), rather than a cultural issue with the wider group, were the cause of the incident’.

Based on this conclusion the statement later reads ‘We are unable to support use of the Union’s democratic processes to impose sanctions or other detriments on a group which has not been found to be culpable in an investigation we supported , as to do so would undermine the investigation and disciplinary process.’

Donor changes to save lives globally

Adelaide Dodson - Opinion Sub-Editor

A global change to donor polices could save lives, researcher discovers.

Astudy published in JAMA Network Open revealed that thousands of kidney disease patient’s lives could be saved each year if countries adopted the UK's rules on organ donation.

Samuel Tingle, Clinical Research Fellow at Newcastle University, and Lead Researcher of the study has said that this, 'could have a huge impact on transplant waiting lists, saving many more lives.

In the United Kingdom, kidneys can be donated if a patient dies within three-hours of being removed from life sustaining treatment. In most countries however this rule only extends to one-hour. This means that there is a much shorter window in which these organs remain viable. As a result, many kidneys that could have been used under the UK’s rules, are not being utilised in other countries.

The study was led by Newcastle University and also involved Cambridge University, University of Wisconsin, Guy’s Hospital and NHS Blood and Transplant. It was supported by funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Medical Research Council, and The Wellcome Trust.

Findings were based on a statistical analysis of data from the UK Transplant Registry. Data included 7,183 kidney transplant recipients that took place between 2013 and 2021.

“More lives can be saved through the gift of organ donation”

Tingle’s research has debunked beliefs that waiting these extra few hours is detrimental to organ health. Based on this finding, if a new rule was implemented internationally it would save lives.

Casting this data on the United States reveals that over 1,000 more kidney transplants could take place per annum. Dr Dale Gardiner, National Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, states the United Kingdom has been, “a worldleader in this type of organ donation for over a decade.” He continues saying, "It is a privilege to share this expertise with the world so that more lives can be saved through the gift of organ donation".

An increase in the number of kidney donations would reduce the amount of patients on dialysis and ensure donors are able to help someone in need. Further research will be conducted in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant to see if the three-hour wait time can be extended further.

Image Credit: Sam Horton

Bills Set to Rise

Rosie McKenna

Bills are set to rise in January on top of the 10% rise seen in October.

On the 18th of November 2024, The Guardian reported that households can expect to see a rise in their energy bills from the beginning of the New Year. This information followed a forecast from esteemed experts, Cornwall Insight, who have estimated a 1% increase on the current price cap (£1,717). This is on top of the 10% increase Britons saw in October.

Since this report, Ofgem, the energy regulator, confirmed on November 22nd, 2024, that the price cap is set to rise 1.2% for Q1 January – March. This equates to £1,738, an average rise of £21 a year or £1.25 a month. Ofgem continued their press release by stating this is 10% cheaper than Q1 2024 (£1,928), and 57% less than Q1 2023 (£2,321). Although the BBC pointed out that bills are now 50% higher than pre-Covid levels.

“Ofgem, the energy regulator, confirmed on November 22nd, 2024, that the price cap is set to rise 1.2% for Q1 January –March”

The energy regulator advises customers to ‘shop around’ and evaluate all the options available. They are ‘urging customers to take advantage of the rising choice in the market and look for the best deal to help keep their household bills down’, as customers could save up to £140. The director general of markets, Tim Jarvis, said Ofgem ‘understands’ that energy costs remain a 'challenge’. Jarvis referred to external factors, including ‘events’ in Russia and the Middle East, to explain the fluctuation in energy prices.

“Some cheaper fixed tariffs are currently around 5% LESS than the current price cap”

Despite initial hope that prices will decrease, and the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis will alleviate, households are now preparing to strap their belts even further. Alex Belsham-Harris, Head of Energy Policy at Citizen Advice, released a statement which called the government to introduce energy bill support, and stated that without this ‘millions are at risk of being left in the cold this winter and beyond’.

Following the announcement, money saving expert, Martin Lewis, explained that some cheaper fixed tariffs are currently ‘around 5% LESS than the current price cap’. He advises households to ‘lock into a fix now to save money and guarantee no future hikes.’

Wingstop and Wendy's now open in Newcastle

Noelia Fernandez Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor

Newcastle is the latest UK city to welcome two American fastfood giants: Wendy’s and Wingstop. The openings are part of a broader trend of U.S. fast-food brands expanding into the UK market, offering a new array of dining options for both local residents and visitors.

Wendy’s: A Classic American Favourite.

The iconic American burger chain, known for its fresh, never-frozen beef patties, officially opened its doors in Newcastle on November 28. This marks Wendy’s first opening into the city, following its triumphant return to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year hiatus.

The Newcastle location offers the full range of the brand’s signature burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and their famous square-shaped patties.

Known for its quality ingredients, Wendy’s prides itself on offering a more premium fast food experience compared to its competitors.

Newcastle residents can now enjoy classics like the Baconator and the Frosty.

Wingstop: A Hot New Addition. Not far behind in the race for fast-food dominance, Wingstop will also open a new location in Newcastle City Centre, making this the second location in the city. Famous for its wide variety of chicken wings, it brings a unique American style to the city’s dining scene.

Offering wings in a variety of flavours from Lemon Pepper to Mango Habanero, Wingstop’s menu is designed for those who crave bold, spicy favours.

The store's arrival in the city centre is much anticipated, given the growing demand in the other location in Metrocentre. Newcastle foodies can now enjoy traditional and boneless wings, along with delicious sides like seasoned fries and ranch dipping sauces.

The opening of Wendy’s and Wingstop in Newcastle is an exciting development for the city’s culinary scene, offering a taste of American fast food that’s sure to delight both locals and tourists. With a growing appetite for global dining experiences, these brands are set to become popular spots for Newcastle’s fast-food lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger or spicy wings, these American chains will surely become a staple in the city’s food culture.

Cartoon of the Issue

COP29: Climate discussions on the world stage

Tiahna Fox

Long-term climate goals agreed upon at COP29, with targets set for 2035.

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) took place in Baku, Azerbaijan between November 11 and November 22.

World leaders convened to discuss global warming and its effects, as well as how to take action against climate change.

The central concern this year was how to finance climate action. After negotiations, a new global target for developed countries to raise at least $300bn (£240bn) a year for developing countries by 2035 was decided. This replaces the previous goal of $100bn (£80bn) per year. A long-term goal to increase climate finance flows to $1.3tn (£1.04tn) by 2035 was also set.

Where this money comes from remains unclear, as there is not a decisive obligation for developed nations to provide money. Instead, they can mobilise it from Multilateral Development Banks and other private sources - this has the potential to lead to manipulation and inaction.

This resulted in a walk out by representatives of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) who felt that developed nations were not doing enough. Pressure was also heightened by last-minute objections by India and a number of other countries who were against the new goals. Although criticised, the new financial goal will

allow voluntary inputs from developing nations, such as China, who have not previously provided climate finance. This reflects China's growing presence on the global stage.

“COP29 saw an absence of many major world leaders”

COP29 saw an absence of many major world leaders with only 80 Heads of State attending. This compares to 154 that attended COP28. UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer launched the UK's Nationally Determined Contributions.

This aims to cut UK emission to 81% below 1990 levels by 2035.

The UK also became a new member of a coalition of international governments who are aiming to phase out fossil-fuel subsidies.

A key take-away from COP29 was the agreement on carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, nearly a decade after it was first signed. The now-completed article will ensure mandatory sustainable development tools. These will safeguard environmental and human rights, ensure transparency on information from countries reporting on their activities, and further checks and balances placed on the carbon

market.

“A key take-away from COP29 was the agreement on carbon trading”

COP29 involved negotiation, conflict, and division over how to best approach climate goals. Many developing nations remained feeling left behind and ignored. Despite these challenges a new goal was agreed upon - the international community agreed upon long-term goals that protect climate action against governments that threaten to overrule it.

Slice of bread Wine

Steak Crap Beer

Image credit: Jess Waterworth, @artwork_j.w

Campus Comment

The S**t: Best toilets on campus

James Kobasa, Amelie Baker, Amy Mescus, Grace Boyle

Several writers discuss the best toilet spots on campus.

James Kobasa

Out of the way and unknown to many, The Fredrick Douglass Centre is the place to be for all your shitting needs. Business students will know well the sixteen gender-neutral cubicles on the ground floor, which are so big you could walk laps around them. Many more similar bathrooms on the next floors await those needing some much desired privacy. Never any time to wait and constantly immaculate, it's a shame for many students who will never experience this- and to top it off there are showers as well for those who are into that.....

Amelie Baker

Of my three years at Newcastle University, only one toilet has consistently stood out to me as a truly great loo. On Level 9 of the Henry Daysh building, there they sit: always clean, always warm, and always welcoming in times of need. And as toilets go, they are fairly progressive. The gender labels have been removed from the doors - as, after all, why should toilets be gendered when we all need to go? Every toilet also has a cute tote bag hanging on the back of the door, tastefully decorated with Newcastle's buildings and helpfully filled with sanitary products. This toilet fits all needs perfectly: what more could you ask for?

Amy Mescus

In my personal opinion, the toilets in the Henry Daysh building are unbeatable. The Henry Daysh has an ample amount of floors, with multiple toilet locations on each of them, so you'll never catch yourself frantically hiking to a different floor or the opposite side of the building to take your number two. There's no silly cubicle business here. No waiting for the person in the loo next to you to leave so that you can poo, but they're also waiting for you to leave so they can poo, and now you're both waiting for each other to leave but nobody's leaving and you get my point. It's for that reason alone that, for me, the Henry Daysh toilets take home the crown for the best place to poop on campus. As well as this, they're gender inclusive!

Grace Boyle Armstrong Building third floor has by far the best toilets! The stalls, the huge mirror with the shelf for my bag?! Women designing toilets for women and I stand by that!

2024 Wrapped: Reflecting on Newcastle University's eventful year

Taking a look back on the changes and biggest events of 2024

From the demolition of Castle Leazes to the Newcastle apartheid off campus encampment, this article will discuss the eventful 2024

Newcastle University had.

The most prominent event throughout 2024 was the Newcastle apartheid off campus encampment. In May 2024, a large group of student activists joined a worldwide encampment movement, setting up outside of Kings Gate to display their solidarity with Gaza.

Newcastle apartheid off campus urged the University to divest in defence and security firms, cease all relations with Israeli universities, help fund the rebuilding

Gazan universities, disclose all investments with BDS (Boycott, divestment and sanctions) companies and call for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

“Newcastleaoc urged the university to divest in defence firms"

2024 will also be remembered for the demolition of Castle Leazes. Castle Leazes was a staple of student life at Newcastle university for 56 years, first opening in 1968. Castle Leazes holds a special place in the heart of many graduates, including daughter of Prince Andrew, princess Eugenie.

Whilst quite necessary, the closure of Castle Leazes will certainly be disheartening for students who wanted to live like a princess.

“2024 saw a disastrous deficit which increased costs and left students without support... "

More recently, 2024 saw the University face a budget deficit which caused

New

Year, Same Stress: prepping for exams

Juliet Orton

How to effectively prepare for impeding exam seasonn...

It’s the new year, new you! But hold on, those resolutions have to wait...it's exam time.

As a third-year biochemistry student, exam season is old news to me. I've had them every summer since I was what – 14? and since starting university, every January on top of that. I have some tricks that have gotten me thus far...

Know yourself before you wreck yourself:

Whether it's cramming the entire module the day before an exam or writing a 1000+ word essay in one night- I could never do it. Some people can, and although I envy them, I’ve given up trying to achieve it. No last-minute rushing for me anymore.

Structure, plans, setting goals and time management work for me.

Routine Routine

Routine:

Picture the scene, it’s May 2022 and I have 9 exams in less than 4 weeks. Every day I would wake at 7 am, start revising at 8 am, have a fried egg on toast at 10 am, work until dinner at 2 pm, work with short ten-

anxiety across the student population. This was due to a loss of around 1000 international students, causing around a £35m budget deficit. The impact of this

A loss of around 1000 international students caused a £35 million budget deficit.

budget will reverberate throughout 2025 and further.

“a loss of around 1000 international students caused a £35 million budget deficit."

minute breaks until tea, and then work until 9 pm. Until my very last exam, that’s what I did every weekday. The routine kept me sane!

Every little helps:

Rewatching friends (and speaking to real ones), playing cards with my granny after an exam, cold custard, hundreds of cups of tea, and lots of chocolate. Treats get you through it, and it’s important to have a life outside of the deadlines and exams.

At the end of the day, everyone’s different. Are you a longer but less often kind of break person, or short but much more often? Are you a snacker or do you prefer big meals? Do you like walks or yoga? Learn what works for you, but more importantly, learn to look after yourself. The grade is irrelevant if you are a broken person at the end.

How can students help thecommunity?

Adelaide Dodson - Opinion Sub-Editor

Here are a few ideas of how you could help benefit the local community this year...

It seems to be pretty easy to get stuck in a bubble- there’s student life and then there’s the life of a local. At times, it seems a bit difficult to enmesh the two. Even though our campus is in the city, it’s still a campus; most if not all social events you go to will be university based. A big question I find myself asking is how I can help the local community as a student?

The thing that most people will probably think of themselves is to volunteer. It can be anywhere. For example a kitchen, like the People’s Kitchen on Bath Lane, in an old person’s home, a library or a museum. Or if you’re looking for something in a charity shop, many non-profits are always looking for volunteers.

If you don’t have the time to spare on volunteering then you could do something as simple as donate some clothes, shoes, or books that you don’t use or need. As well as this, you could get into the habit of buying something small in your food shop to drop into the food collection bin as you leave the supermarket, or simply donate long-life goods

that have been sat in your cupboard unused.

Going to give blood is a pretty easy thing to do to help. It will help not only your local community, but perhaps someone who wouldn’t have made it without your donation.

Another option that’s even more lowkey to help is simply to shop locally. For example, getting your veggies from Grainger Market instead of Tesco or ASDA- there’s always a good selection in there and the produce is fresh and delicious. Or instead of studying on campus, or drinking at your closest Weatherspoon’s, you could go to a café or a local pub to give a little money back to the community. Maybe you’ll even become a ‘regular’ and then you’re basically a local yourself.

All in all, it’s not too difficult to get more involved, whether that’s through volunteering, donating or visiting local establishments. Every option gives a little back to Newcastle which is always a heart-warming thing and a good way to pop the bubble we get stuck in.

Joseph Morris

Image Source: Unsplash. Geograph, Noelia Fernandez-Perez Scount.psd Creazilla

Image: Source VetorIm

Image: Source AIEmojiGenerator. unsplash

Image: Source: Creazilla. wikimedia commons

Third year's campus resolutions for 2025...

Alicia McEvoy & Amala Parry

- NUTV Station Manager & Campus

Comment Sub-Editor

What do we want to achieve before graduation?

Two writers in their final year of university, give their campus resolutions and goals for the new year...

Alicia McEvoy:

For me, next semester is my final semester. I feel like there’s a lot more pressure on meeting deadlines. Of course, I want to do this, but I also want to soak up what could potentially be my final year in this city by exploring what’s around more or going for coffee with classmates.

Amala Parry:

As a third year heading into my final term of university, I set many goals to try and achieve the best possible grade for my degree. In semester one, I struggled to find the motivation to attend all of my scheduled seminars and lectures, but in 2025 I intend to make a change!

I'm more excited about my secondsemester modules and I know that I have to apply myself if I want a good grade for my dissertation. I want to make more of an effort to attend my lectures, even if I only have one hour a day, so I can use the rest of my time on campus to focus on my assignments and dissertation.

My main ‘Campus Resolution’ is to just show up, even for the classes where I haven’t done all of the pre-session work. It would probably be beneficial to be present in the class and listen to everyone’s discussions rather than hiding at home and trying to catch up.

Another goal I want to work towards this year is to find a graduate job. The prospect of leaving Uni and starting a real, full-time job is both daunting and exciting. I want to ease the stress of job-hunting a little by applying for some graduate jobs and hopefully getting some interviews (or at least some interview practice). Most importantly, this year I want to look after myself and not get too burnt out with Uni work and the stress of trying to find a job- it's more important that I enjoy my final semester in Newcastle!

Campus Comment

Student success stories: Mr. Bean

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

One sub-editor writes about Newcastle University's most famous alumni...

Rowan Atkinson, better known as Mr. Bean, is the most iconic Newcastle University alumni, in my opinion. Especially considering the fact he did a degree that couldn't be further from what he does now.

Rowan Atkinson graduated from Newcastle University in 1975 with a BSc in Electrical and Electric

1978. So if you need some rewiring done in your student house, maybe Mr. Bean is the guy for the job.

However, since escaping the life of education, Rowan Atkinson has gone on to do very different, but no less incredible, things.

He briefly attended the Queen's College, Oxford to study a PhD, following in his father's footsteps. But this didn't last long, and he dropped out to devote his life to acting. And, not going to lie, thank God he did.

Rowan Atkinson's acting career first took off in 1983 when he played a supporting role in James Bond: Never Say Never Again and a lead role in Dead on Time.

But of course, what everyone knows and loves Rowan Atkinson for the most: his role as Mr. Bean. The show first aired on January 1st, 1990 and ended in 1995. There were only 14 episodes but perhaps that proves how well Rowan Atkinson made his mark because, 7 years since the original show ended, the people still want more. The animated version of Mr. Bean first aired on January 5th 2002 and ended on June 2nd 2004, consisting of three seasons. Over a decade later, the show rebooted in 2015 for another three seasons until it concluded again in 2019.

The lure of Luther’s: is it the real Student Union experience?

Ruby Tiplady - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

How has the conversion of the SU bar into a spoons impacted the student experience?

The Student’s Union, at any university, is a hub of student life. They house the Union itself, but are also a physical space for shops, studying, support, and bars. Warwick University’s SU even has a nightclub, as well as a bar and pub; UEA have a dedicated LGBTQ+ bar; and Newcastle has, well, a Spoons. It begs the question: why does our SU feel as though it falls flat, when Spoons is so convenient?

In 2022, Wetherspoon took over Hull University’s Sanctuary bar. Having a taste of the student market, Wetherspoons partnered with Newcastle to take over operations at Luther’s last September, creating around 40 jobs, promising value and introducing catering to the bar.

"Wetherspoons partnered with Newcastle, creating around 40 jobs"

So, what’s the problem? Most obviously, there are people who take issue with the bar becoming a chain, least of all a Spoons; whether it’s Tim Martin, or the oversaturation of his pubs in the city centre, it’s inarguable that the brand itself is controversialthe low prices really are too good to be true.

Having the Five Swans a five minute walk away does make the whole premise of a campus Spoons feel unnecessary, but there are also plenty of other pubs nearby that students will take their business to, like the Hancock and Trent House, rather than going to a Wetherspoons. There are also plenty of non-students who stumble upon Luther’s because it’s a Spoons, and on maps, it doesn’t look anything like an SU bar.

“Perhaps if the bar on campus felt more distinctive, students would feel at home there."

Perhaps if the bar on campus felt more distinctive and personal, students would feel at home there. One Google Review states that Luther’s “lacked any atmosphere” during his visit: “if you want a proper Spoons hit any of them in city centre”. This is self-evident - even when busy, Luther’s seems, somehow, dead. Back before Luther’s was a Spoons (even when it was Mensbar), it had dart boards, and a “relaxed”,

“cozy atmosphere” according to other reviewers.

There is also a noticeable lack of other provisions in the SU, however, and it’s great to have Luther’s on campus during the day. A lot of students eat there between lectures, getting a cheap. hot meal, and the benefit of Spoons is certainly felt then. On the other hand, on an evening, the only option on campus being a Spoons feels like a letdown. When our SU is comprised of a Domino’s that’s closed by 6, lunchtime hours only restaurants, and a Co-Op, it’s hardly a hotspot for nightlife. Newcastle students seem to miss out on not only the SU bar experience, but the entire experience of the SU as a social hub. Ultimately, whether you love or hate Spoons, there are benefits to having one on campus. However, since it’s students’

“It's a nice reminder that nobody has to go into a career related to their degree."

The British public understandably can't get enough of Rowan Atkinson's legendary slapstick humour, and I feel very proud to be a student at the University he attended, even though I am a journalism student, and our courses have no correlation whatsoever. I think it's also a nice reminder that nobody has to go into a career related to their degree. For all you creatives that are feeling stuck in a STEM course - it's not over.

Home or Uni: which option is right for you?

Emily Martin-Taylor

How much of the 'classic' university experience is dependent on living on campus?

Choosing whether to live at home or on campus during university is a decision that can shape your academic and personal journey. Having experienced both, I’ve found that living on campus offers a more enriching experience, despite its challenges.

Living at home provides clear financial benefits. Without the burden of rent, utilities, or food expenses, it’s easier to manage a budget and focus on studies. The comfort and support of family can also be invaluable during stressful times. However, I found the daily commute both time-consuming and draining. It often left me feeling disconnected from campus life, as I missed out on social events and the spontaneous interactions that make university so vibrant.

Living on campus, by contrast, immerses you in the university experience. Proximity to lectures, libraries, and social spaces makes it easier to stay engaged academically and socially.

“Living on campus immerses you in the university experience."

Living independently also fosters personal growth, as you learn to manage responsibilities like cooking and budgeting. While the costs are higher and the adjustment can be challenging, I found the rewards—new friendships, convenience, and a greater sense of belonging—far outweighed these downsides. Ultimately, the

Image Source: Creazilla

Image Source: GOODFON, Apkpac

Notre-Nah?

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sports sub-editor

One of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral has long stood as a symbol of French history, art, and resilience. After a devastating fire in April 2019 caused severe damage to the centuries-old structure, the question on everyone’s lips was: What will Notre Dame's future look

or many, the restoration of iconic landmark was a of national pride and an opportunity to preserve a masterpiece that had withstood centuries of change. But after seeing the final product of its restoration, I can’t help but feel that the new look of Notre-Dame is more of a disappointing misstep than a triumph of craftmanship.

The most obvious issue is the decision to replicate the 19th-century spire designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Although his work was undeniably a masterpiece in its own right, the idea of recreating it exactly, rather than returning the spire to its medieval origins, seems misguided.

The gothic cathedral’s original design, with its sweeping lines and intricate details, no longer feels cohesive with

the modern, almost sterile finish of the new spire, which is constructed from materials like stainless steel. The sleekness of the new spire’s design clashes with the centuries-old stonework of the cathedral, creating an uncomfortable visual discord. And then there’s the matter of the cathedral’s overall restoration. While the structural integrity of the building has been preserved, much of the craftmanship feels more like a glossedover attempt to ‘update’ the building than to faithfully restore it. Instead of a building that has withstood the test of time, we’re left with a shiny, almost clinical version of what was once a majestic, awe-inspiring site.

Notre-Dame has always been a monument to human history, not to the idea of perfection. In trying so hard to restore the cathedral to an idealised vision, the restoration feels more like an artificial facelift than a respectful tribute to its legacy. For a building that represents centuries of struggle, faith, and resilience, the new look seems out of place-too polished, too sanitised, and lacking the soul that made Notre-Dame so unforgettable in the first place.

The Royals - an asset or a burden?

Georgia Mulligan

This writer asks if the royals are worth it.

Astaggering £72 million of taxpayer money funded the pomp and ceremony that was King Charles III’s Royal Coronation – a mind-boggling sum that is more than a slap in the face to the millions of Brits suffering through the cost-ofliving crisis.

such as that of Spain and Belgium. However, having been pining after the throne for decades, he appears to be well and truly relishing the pageantry of kingly life, the coronation being no exception, begging the question, were these merely empty promises in order to appease to the public eye?

It's fair to say the Royals have endured serious blows to their public image in recent years, being hit with scandal after scandal in the last decade. Among the many, are some particularly notable

In the end, the question must be asked: did we preserve the spirit of Notre-Dame, or did we simply make it look pretty? As much as we may want to celebrate the rebuilding of this national treasure, the final result leaves me wondering if the cathedral’s original character hasn’t been lost forever.

Image credit: Pexels_DanielLaRosaMessina & Pexels_MaxAvanns

On the 6th of May 2023, Charles was crowned King in Westminster Abbey, a historic event no doubt, but in the current economic climate is it really the time for such an obscene display of wealth? As reported by the Independent, the total taxpayer contribution to the Sovereign Grant was £89.1 million in 2023/24 and in a moment where young, earning people in the UK are still unable to move out of their parents’ house and national services such as the NHS are woefully underfunded, this figure is nothing short of insulting.

Prior to his ascension to the Throne, Charles has, for a long time, voiced his desire to modernise and somewhat “slim down” the British monarchy, similar to many European Royals

Passports and inequality

Logan Best

This writer explores the place of passports in our globalised world, and their contemporary alternatives.

Are passports outdated in our globalised world, or are they a symbol of its inequalities? Whilst the general concept of travel documentation has existed in various forms, its modern manifestation did not arrive until the First World War when European governments were especially concerned with securing their borders and the mediation of who was crossing into their territories. This wartime measure was quickly internationalised in the 1920s, and later standardised by the United Nations in 1980. In the 21st century, they are an essential form of identification for those wishing to travel beyond their borders, and the key to unlocking various visas and migration forms.

been proposals to abolish passports in favour of written permission letters or entry applications, all of which would likely fail to address the role that passports play in reinforcing the global hierarchy of nations.

Recently the European Union has begun exploring the possibility of digitalising passports to modernise the practice. Whilst there is something to be said for the greater accessibility that this may grant, particularly when passports can be so expensive to acquire or replace, this proposal does not address the inequalities inherent to our global passport system. There have also

Look no further than the Passport Index, a yearly ranking of the world's “strongest” passports, based around how many countries you are afforded visa-free access to. Unsurprisingly, the top ranks are dominated by the Global North, whilst the majority of Africa and West Asia make up the lowest ranks.

“To dismiss the inequalities of our international system of passports [...] is to excuse its inherent discrimination.”

The difference in global accessibility between that of the United Arab Emirates, the expat haven and highest ranked passport that allows for visafree access to 133 countries, with that of Syria, whose passport only provides visa-free access to 9 countries, is startling.

To dismiss the inequalities of our international system of passports and visas as a matter of “practicality” or “necessity” is to excuse its inherent discrimination. Rather, this controversial war measure has transformed citizenship, a European initiative that has been exported globally to

entrench the advantages of the Global North in business, travel, and migration, where citizens with “powerful” passports like that of Spain, Japan, or the United States have greater access to the attractions and opportunities of the world. Meanwhile, citizens from the Global South with “weak” passports like that of Syria, Algeria, or Pakistan, are far more limited in the places they have access to.

This inequality of citizenship goes against the principles of the United Nations and its promotion of “global citizenship” and the role it plays should be critically considered as a feature of our globalised world. Passports and their associated visa requirements should be viewed as tools that have been used to maintain the international hierarchy of Global North and South countries, and tools that are responsible for the enormous inequality of access to our rights to movement.

recent YouGov poll shows that after 2 years on the throne, Charles boasts a popularity rating of an impressive 68% , perhaps indicating that the ability to put on such a display of wealth and grandeur in such a time ironically has the power to render more patriotism than criticism among the British public. However, Charles notably lacks this popularity among the younger people of the nation with only 25% of 18–24-year-old Britons holding him in positive opinion, potentially showing signs for a shifting public attitude towards the Royal Family

The coronation is simply the latest in a line of plunders that have again reiterated that the British Monarchy is an outdated, imperial and wasteful institution.

Is the UN fit for purpose?

Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

US blocks Gaza ceasefire resolution

Having already devoted its entire foreign policy towards running cover for Israel's genocide in Palestine and Lebanon, the United States has yet again used its veto in the UN Security council to block a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The move marks yet another act of complicity by the world's largest economy in the greatest crime of our generation. With the death toll in Palestine now as high as 180,000, is the UN fit to protect the world?

through ally Israel.

The actions of the US, and the UK in recent months are no different from when Russia blocks a UN resolution on Ukraine.

Therefore, it may come as a surprise that the UK criticised Russia for blocking a resolution on South Sudan, yet were silent when USA continues to facilitate an ongoing genocide - until you realise the this criticism came from a professional blobfish impersonator and foreign secretary David Lammy. Action on South Sudan is, of course, vitally important. Millions have been displaced, thousands more are dead, but Lammy's statement seems to emerge more from a desire to be antiRussia, rather than genuine care for those affected. After all, he argued in November 2023 that Israel's bombing of a refugee camp could be "legally justifiable".

Although the USA should be commended on the remarkable feat of being more spineless than Kier Starmer and Labour, there is very little else to celebrate. The Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7th are no doubt a spectre on life in Israel, but as close to 10% of Gaza's population now lies dead, the USA and IDF's excuses for its actions have run more than thin. With entire towns in Gaza now flattened, diplomatic jargon about 'protecting the hostages' is nothing more than a cover story for Israel's real aim - the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. Indeed, if the IDF truly cared for those kidnapped in 2023, I'd advise a better strategy than shooting three of them dead themselves. Britain and the USA hold disproportionate power in the UN due to their security council veto powers, echoing the archaic 1945 power structures that the global body was founded under. While the empires of old may be gone, they still exert their power on the Middle East

As such, while the neo-imperialist interests of the US continue to hold dominance over UN proceedings, it simply cannot function as a global peacekeeping body.

The UN's abject failure to act would be reminiscent of its predecessor'sthe league of nations' - negligence as Imperial Japanese troops raped and murdered their way through China in 1937, were it not for the USA and UK being the primary cause for Israel's continued impunity on the international stage.

Successive governments in the UK have allowed bloodshed to continue unimpeded. Sure, Starmer may talk a tougher game than Sunak - arms sales have been reduced, ICC arrest warrants acknowledged and a ceasefire voted for in the UN - but when F-35 fighter jets, built using British components sold under a Labour government, are still raining hell on Palestine, what does it matter?

Shoukat, Siirski

The Edinburgh Tab: As the English upper-class intended

Isla Cordes

Isla Cordes looks into the recent controversy with the Edinburgh Tab, and the deeper issues it encompasses.

The Edinburgh Tab is under hot press as social media rallies together to criticise the so-called-inclusive Student paper. The paper is supposedly meant to represent the four universities in Edinburgh: The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Heriot-Watt, and Queen Margaret, yet it seems to dismiss all but the Russel Group, similarly to how they dismiss their own Scottish students, and brutally so at that.

In a recent TikTok post by The Tab, one user commented how there were no Scottish people in sight to which The Tab replied with ‘As god intended’. The comment has sparked outrage with many people calling this out for what it really is: classism. This isn’t the only piece of evidence to indicate the deeprooted classism in Edinburgh. One video saw a Scottish girl go up to be

interviewed and once the interviewer found out she was Scottish she said ‘Oh sorry never mind actually’. Whether or not this is funny to the people running The Tab is irrelevant, as Scottish students are not finding the humour within this. What they are finding is the continuation of deep-rooted classism within Edinburgh which is making Scottish people feel like outsiders and aliens in their own homes.

“The comment has sparked outrage with many people calling this out for what it really is: classism.”

The degrading of Scottish students at a Scottish university is straining the cultural relationship students should have with their university city, especially for those coming from working-class backgrounds who may already feel unwelcome at such a prestigious university. The University claims to be inclusive but when you see TikTok’s being made featuring pretty much no Scottish students and primarily southern English students it starts to create a little angst. The lack of

diversity, representation, and depiction of Scottish students in media coverage in general is just merely highlighting the underlying struggle that Scottish students are facing, with many further claiming that English fee-paying students are being prioritised as a way

also the BBC who made the same mistake of not interviewing Scottish students, ironically, on this very issue. Not one single Scottish accent was heard in that video yet later it was revealed that one Scottish Edinburgh University student had been a part of the video explaining her take on elitism at the university and yet, low and behold, she was cut from the

THE TAB

Courier Column

Keir Starmer’s plummeting approval ratings, a petition calling for a general election, and recent protests in central London make for poor reading for Labour’s first five months in government, but to what extent is the discontent justified?

COP29 continues to ignore what is owed to the Global South

Tiahna Fox

Tthe 2024 UN Climate Change conference, better known as COP29, was disastrous from its inception.

This year the conference was hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan – a country which pumps less than 1% of the worlds oil and gas, they economically rely on fuel production and their president Ilham Aliyev hailed oil and gas a ‘gift from God’. Azerbaijan is the third authoritarian state in a

(AOSIS) demonstrated a walk out when protesting the suggested goal of $250bn per year which was viewed as too little too late, a sentiment shared by over 100 nations which make up the Global South. The failure of the Global North to take responsibility for their role in climate finance and action reflects their broader negligence regarding colonial and imperial histories.

As if the atrocities committed by the Global North during colonial rule were not enough, they continue to greedily line their pockets and count their profits as the world burns. The Global South continue to be exploited through neocolonialism and the monopolisation of climate change.

In 2020, a report from The Lancet

South are the first to suffer the consequences of climate change at the hands of other’s actions.

The Global North export their climate footprints by building factories abroad and deforesting anyone’s land but their own. Then they initiate ‘carbon offset projects’, and through the guise of reforestation of land (which they themselves destroyed) they continue to exploit the Global South by forcibly displacing indigenous communities.

“COP29 is a pathetic, hypocritical façade”

indigenous land and cannot even support those they have historically failed.

It is no wonder there were walk outs, protests, and discontent at COP29 when this conference is an illusion. The rich commit to empty promises and steal precious time ‘negotiating’ goals for ten years in the future when it is already too late for the Global South.

It is impossible to quantify the financial and emotional reparations that should be owed to the Global South for hundreds of years of oppression, exploitation, and injustice committed during colonialism and its continuation today.

Since his landslide victory over the Conservatives in July, the Prime Minister has endured the largest post-election drop in approval ratings of any modern British prime minister. This is symptomatic of a more volatile electorate, less willing to wait for results and an even more impatient media who choose to slam the government at any opportunity. It seems as though the previous fourteen years have been completely forgotten by most broadcasters, who made Starmer’s £16,000 worth of clothes donations from a Labour peer appear to be evidence of mass corruption, while the Conservatives had handed out £8.4 billion in contracts to party donors since 2016. As well as exaggerating the significance of these Labour ‘scandals’, the media has also failed to highlight legislation and policies that the government has brought in since coming to power, leading to the image that both parties are equally as bad and do not have the interest of the people at heart. Much of the sense that nothing is being done is vindicated to the public by the fact that nothing, materially, has changed. This is because the policies have not been in force long enough to have had an impact, or have not yet passed into law. Fourteen years cannot be undone in just five months.

Just in the last week, the rollout of the first free primary school breakfast clubs began, the Finance Bill passed to the next stage of the House of Commons which will create 40,000 extra NHS appointments a week and employ 6,500 new teachers, and it was announced that young people will now have guaranteed access to apprenticeships and training. More relevant to students, the government has increased the minimum wage for all age brackets, increased the apprentice rate, and increased maintenance loans.

All of these policies will take their time to bear fruit given the way legislation is passed through government, however, with a little more patience, we may start to see the benefits as we head into the new year.

Daniel Finlay Labour Wrapped

COP29; fair or foul?

Image: Wikimedia Commons, Chris McAndrew; Spotify

Image: Wikimedia Commons, Jorge Fran-ganillo, Cayetano, Twitter. Pexels, Neil

Image: Pixabay, Pexels; Flickr, IAEA Imagebank

What happens when you donate your body to science?

Sapphire Ling

Donate your eyes to this article...

Body donation is an option that many people consider as part of their end-of-life arrangements, offering an avenue to contribute to medical education and research. While the decision is deeply personal, understanding what happens after someone donates their body can demystify the process and highlight its importance in healthcare. This article explores the steps involved in body donation and how such donations are used in scientific and medical contexts; specifically in the UK.

In the UK, body donation is regulated by the Human Tissue Act 2004, which establishes strict guidelines to ensure the process is ethical and respectful. Under the Act, individuals must provide written and witnessed consent during their lifetime for their body to be accepted for donation.

This consent legally declares your wishes, ensuring they are honoured after death. The Act also mandates that donations are handled with dignity and used only for medical

education, training, or research purposes.

Upon death, a doctor or coroner must formally certify the body before it can be considered for donation. The acceptance of a body is determined based on factors such as infectious diseases, recent major surgeries, or significant trauma.

“Institutions may also hold memorial services to recognise and honour the contributions”

Medical institutions may decline donations if they have sufficient bodies for their educational or research needs at the time. The body is transported to a medical school or research institution if the donation is accepted. It may be used for various purposes, including one to three years.

After the body has been used for educational or research purposes, the remains are handled with care. Most medical institutions cover the cost of cremation, and give families the option to receive the ashes or have them interred.

In some cases, institutions may also hold memorial services to recognise and honour the contributions of donors to medical science and education.

Fluoride fiasco: public health hero to villain?

Ella Saint

From communist plots to bad teeth, our writer covers the history of water fluoridation

Athe 20th century. So, why was it so

Water fluoridation, for some, came to symbolize a communist threat in the 1950s as a plot to undermine American public health. This conspiracy theory has since been undermined and over-ruled.

Body donation plays a vital role in advancing healthcare, providing medical students with essential handson experience, aiding researchers in the development of new treatments, and helping surgeons refine their skills.

“Body donation plays a vital role in advancing healthcare”

For those considering body donation, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) offers guidance and a list of approved programs. While the decision requires thoughtful consideration, it presents an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the fields of medicine and science.

How kitchen utensils might be poisonous

Adam

Lovegrove

- Head of Culture

Our Head of Culture looks at how spatula may be preying on our downfall

Those innocent little plastic appliances in your drawers could potentially be out to kill you. Just like how Laertes dipped the tip of his sword in poison to take the life of Hamlet, recent research suggests that the materials homeware companies use in certain kitchen utensils could be poisoning us as we prepare food.

The study, appearing in issue 365 of Chemopshere, suggests that flame-resistant cooking materials such as the ones used in black plastic spatulas, spoons and ladles could be releasing harmful chemicals into our food, while the nonflammable components of the appliances fight off the fire.

203 products were screened for bromine, with any containing more than 50ppm bromine having to be further analysed for brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and

organophosphate flame retardants (OFRs). 85% of the analysed products contained these in some capacity, reaching concentration levels as high as 22,800mg/kg.

This included the detection of decaBDE (also referred to as BDE209), an FR which had previously been used in electronic casings. The FR was banned by the EU from electronic products back in 2006 due to its potentially hazardous effects. But the plastics used in them have been recycled and incorporated into these kitchen utensils.

The estimated intake of BDE-209 from plastic utensils is believed to be higher than that of daily dust and dietary intakes. This suggests that the current recycling process is far from effective in ensuring consumer safety, as it is resulting in dangerous chemicals making their way into our utensils. This is far from the first study to suggest the kitchenware we use poses a threat to our health. Toxic levels of bisphenol A (BPA) have been found in plastic food containers, which is confirmed to be harmful to our immune systems. Tricolsan has also been used in plastic chopping boards, which can have potentially detrimental effects on human reproductive health and organ function.

Is a lack of ethics the cause of rising scientific illiteracy?

Safia

Adia -

News Sub-Editor

improve dental health. However, this practice has also sparked significant controversy with debates that blend science, politics, and public trust.

Fluoride is a natural mineral often found in rocks and soil. It helps reverse early tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel.

“Water fluoridation came to symbolize a communist threat in the 1950s”

According to the National lived with lower fluoride levels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) argues that water fluoridation was one of the biggest triumphs in public health in

"The only genuine concern associated with water fluoridation is that it may cause fluorosis of the

Today, the significant allegations aimed at water fluoridation are that it increases the risk of bone fracture and bone cancer and may interfere with thyroid function. However, only tenuous evidence suggests a link

The only genuine concern associated with water fluoridation is that it may cause fluorosis of the teeth. But, as the UK Parliament website states, the cosmetic appearance of dental fluorosis is easily treated. Dental fluorosis can be treated by tooth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or crowns and veneers depending on the severity.

One of our News Sub-Editors looks at this concerning new problem...

Whether it’s disbelief in vaccines, climate change or reproductive biology, it seems that there has been an exponential increase in people skeptical or mistrustful of science. Is this mistrust warranted? Or is it a symptom of a greater issue? Scientists are human and therefore prone to human fallibility. Sometimes it is just human error. Other times it can be more problematic. In 2010 a paper in the Lancet linking the MMR vaccine to autism was retracted. Andrew Wakefield was found guilty by the General Medical Council of knowingly including misinformation in his paper. The paper caused irreversible damage. Despite the retraction of the paper, some still believe the MMR vaccine and vaccines, in general, are dangerous to the health of their children. In 2024 a landmark paper in Alzheimer’s research was retracted for falsifying results. This paper has been cited 2500 times, and millions have been invested in researching this finding further. Although these situations are rare, it is easy to understand why people would fall a rabbit hole of disbelief. Social media further aggravate all of this. When was the last time you drank some green juice? Do you need to

detox? Or do you need to boost your immune system? If, like me, you spend an inordinate amount of time on tiktok, you might have been exposed to the ‘wellness’ side of the algorithm. These videos claim they have just the thing to cure your cold, infection, or chronic illness, something every medical professional has never considered, all for the low price of 9.99. These videos manipulate someone’s mistrust of medicine to sell them the modern equivalent of quackery. But why are people so susceptible to scientific misinformation online?

“These videos manipulate someone's mistrust of medicine to sell them the modern equivalent of quackery”

Some people who argue against science claim that since it is always changing, then it must be false. Though this is not completely wrong, it is a fundamental misunderstanding of what science constitutes. Our understanding of the world can never be perfect.

“Science constantly evolves, but that does not mean its claims are unfounded”

Science constantly evolves, but that does not mean its claims are unfounded. When Jenner discovered that he could

prevent smallpox by inoculating patients with cowpox scabs, he did not understand the immune system perfectly.

“In the UK and the US it is estimated that one in every five adults are functionally illiterate”

All that mattered was that it worked, and eventually, in 1979, smallpox was eradicated. The same could be said of medicine today. In a hundred years' time, people will look back and see how far they have come. Other diseases may be eradicated, and people may live even longer and have a greater quality of life. The ever-changing nature of science is not a failure; it means that everything is open to improvement. This integral misunderstanding of science is a symptom of a more significant education failure. The fact that the education system is in crisis is news to no one. In the UK and the US it is estimated that one in every five adults are functionally illiterate. With education systems underfunded, not only are people unable to understand science, but they are also unable to comprehend and critically think about what they are reading online. Is it any wonder then, that science which requires so much understanding is so often misunderstood?

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Creazilla

2

New Year predictions

Aquarius Aries Taurus

January 20th - February 18th

025 will have Saturn forcing you to quit addictions. This will be a good year for your bank account and hopefully your lungs!

FGemini

or Gemini, 2025 will be a year of experimentation for you. Unless you do biology, this most likely won't be the type of experimenting you do in a lab. Rather, you may be trying out new things...perhaps in the bedroom?

This year, venus will be facilitating intimacy, and you'll be introduced to new relationships! It's time to quit those toxic situationships and say hello to some stability.

What

Cancer, this year you may be faced with some stressful situations. But you'll power through. Try not to take the stress out through a niccotine addiction as there's only so much a pack of snus can do for you.

Now that mercury retrogade has ended, communication should come more easily for you. Feel free to communicate your want to go to the pub more, your friends will understand.

does 2025 have in store for you?

Leo, this year will be all about love! Your love life will take centre stage and will flourish. Say bye to bad hinge prompts and getting the ick.

Libra predictions this year include the need for travel. You will most likely face some changes and be moving at some point this year...this may be moving awkwardly on the club dance floor or moving accross the country. TBD.

2025 for scorpios will be a bit of a mixed bag. Throughout the year you will face a lot of ups but also a lot of downs. Nothing new for you guys then.

You could really benefit from travelling and going on some trips. 2025 will need you to get out your comfort zone and explore. And no, a metro trip to Tynemouth won't cut it.

Taurus, the stars are in your favor as now is a good time to make some investments in 2025...I mean financial, not emotional!

According to your 2025 predictions, you're in luck...literally! This year will be a good one for virgos financially and socially. The rest of us, who will be struggling with our pot noodles, are very jealous.

This will be a big year for decision making. It will be time to choose. Philip Rob or Marj Rob? Tesco or Coop meal deal? Academic weapon or sleep in? (like that was ever a difficult choice to make). Looks like you've got some serious thinking to do.

Rate the Date

What were your first impressions of Evie? She was really open.

Rate the Date

What were your first impressions of Owen? He was nice, chatty.

What sort of things did you talk about? Did you have anything in common? Tv, food, history, riddles. We had history and some tv shows in common.

Did you like Jam Jar?

Yes, it was a nice place to have a drink - good atmosphere.

If Owen was a brunch dish, what would he be? Bacon sarnie.

Do you think you will see each other again? Probably not.

What sort of things did you talk about? Did you have anything in common? Hobbies, classes, where she came from, her likes and dislikes. We only had the love of history in common.

Did you like Jam Jar? Not really.

If Evie was a brunch dish, what would she be? Blackberry baked oats (a sweet complex taste).

Do you think you will see each other again? I don't think so to be honest.

Owen, 18, Electronic engineering

Your dilemma of the week

Whether you're stressed about assignments or not getting along with your flatmates, Agony Aunt is here to help!

ear Agony Aunt, I'm a fresher and I feel lost at uni. I've got friends but not a solid group who I feel like I can talk to, laugh with and just enjoy my time here with From: A Reader

Dear Reader,

Starting university can be really overwhelming in itself, then becomes even more so due to the pressure of finding a picture-perfect friendship group. Here are some ways to open your friendship horizons or expand on the connections you've already made. Firstly, it's important for me to start by saying that I promise you there are so many freshers feeling the exact same way as you. It is completely normal to feel lost because you've gone through such a big change and it's easy to compare new friendships to old ones that had been built up over years in school. If you haven't already, I would recommend joining clubs and societies to meet like-minded people. This way, you're certain to find people who have things in common with you, and you'll be meeting in a group setting which will help you feel included. Societies and clubs are friendly spaces and it's very likely that you'll find your kind of people within them. Reach out to people, even if this pushes you out of your comfort zone!

After Christmas, your lectures and seminars will change so use this as an oppertunity to meet new people on your course. Push yourself to start con versations during your classes, then once it has finished you can ask if they want to get a coffee or meet up some time. I know this is an introvert's worst nightmare, but there's no harm in asking. I promise it won't make you look silly! You should value and build on the friendships you already have. Sometimes uni friendships work best as seperate people that you've met through different things, rather than one big group. Individual friendships are just as special! Once again, remember, you've only been at university for three months, be patient with yourself! Some friendships take time to form. Fresher's often attach themselves to the first people they meet yet when they realise they're completely different to these friends, they'll seek out people they actu ally click with. Don't loose hope, lots of friend ships are formed in the second semester!

From: Your Agony Aunt

Abi Ogden - Blind Date and Agony Aunt Co-ordinator

Hosted by Jam Jar

Evie, 18, Combined Honours

Sub-editors: Jess Hughes and Rosie McKenna

Relationships

21st Century Witch-Hunts: why do we hate the women of Hollywood?

Jess Mooney - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

A deep dive into double standards across glamourous Hollywood..

Gender inequality in Hollywood is a long-established issue. The expectations we hold for men and women in Hollywood are very different and the reasons we hate them even more so.

Whether it’s Miley and her controversial AMA performance, Taylor’s love and anti-love songs, or Kim Kardashian’s body modifications, all of them have broken the rules of how we think a woman should act. Women are not expected to act provocatively, play on their sexuality or benefit from their natural or enhanced beauty. Using sex as a measure to gain fame and success is reduced to being superficial and easy but it begs the question, why are women shamed when they benefit from a system which expects them to be sexual and conform to our desires?

Chris Brown (domestic abuser and accused rapist) and Alec Baldwin (sexist and racist remarks) the reasonings between our hatred of men are women differ dramatically.

"Women are expected to cherish and be ever grateful for any and all opportunities they're

awarded..."

Earlier this year, Rachel Zeglar took over headlines for her criticisms of the original Snow-White fairy tale.

“It’s no longer 1937. She’s not gonna be saved by the prince. She’s not dreaming of true love; she’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be”.

Comparatively, when we consider Hollywood's most hated men: Kanye West, (far-right political views, anti-Semitic remarks and his behaviour surrounding his divorce),

Because of this, she has faced months of persecution, being subject to derogatory insults, name calling and death threats for repeating a line she was most likely fed by a marketing team. Perhaps she phrased it poorly, but the backlash fundamentally comes from the antiwoke movement, who resent the abandonment of traditional values and the hyper-fixation on being

My relationship with academic validation

How to alleviate academic pressure and mend your relationship with validation...

The pursuit of academic validation is complex. From an early stage, we learn to associate our worth with letter grades, test scores and academic achievements that define our potential.

I remember during A levels, where I received an A* for a media essay for the first time and it made me feel so proud. Especially with the approval from my teacher and the subtle jealousy from other classmates. As A levels continued, receiving As was becoming a regular occurrence during mocks, where this became a template for how I measured success, shaping years of my academic journey.

Getting a B was acceptable, but it wasn’t as good as an A, especially when I knew I was capable of achieving higher. My relationship with academic validation started to turn toxic, when I would be achieving high in Media and Psychology but really low in Biology, eventually receiving a D on results day (still haunting me to this day). But this relationship with academic validation isn’t simply about collecting accolades, it is a double edged sword that cuts deep into our self-perception, even more so at university. The same system that rewards success breeds anxiety and unhealthy perfectionism that extends far beyond the lecture theatre.

Comparing myself to others is something that I find myself doing a lot at university. I look around and think how are all these people achieving so high, what am I doing wrong?

Especially since I was a high achiever during A levels, I sometimes feel like I am no longer the academic weapon I was 3 years ago. But then I remind myself, I am at university and things

are a lot harder than they were at school, so I cut myself some slack.

The metrics of academic success are narrow and fail to capture the breadth of human potential. They don’t measure creativity, emotional intelligence or even the dedication of spending extraordinary amounts of time in the PhilRob. Yet, so many of us chase these markers of achievement, sometimes at the expense of genuine learning and personal growth.

politically correct. Even those who resonated with her original sentiment have perceived her as ungrateful for an opportunity millions would have killed for. This is because women are expected to cherish and be ever grateful for any and all opportunities they're awarded whilst men are allowed to regularly expect them.

This is because women are expected to cherish and be ever grateful for any and all opportunities they're awarded whilst men are allowed to regularly expect them.

In a similar vein, throughout her career, Taylor Swift has been repeatedly punished for her success and subjected to misogynistic smear campaigns that subject her to unfair scrutiny solely based on her gender. Fans across the world have suppressed their love for the singer, embarrassed of appearing too outwardly feminine. According to Christina Lane, "She embodies her outrageous success in a way that just isn’t culturally acceptable for a

woman to do. She knows she’s ‘the man’ and she absolutely delights in it.” It is true that Taylor Swift is hated simply for the pride she has about her success. When famous men are labelled as 'fearless leaders', 'ballers' or 'alphas', her success is reduced to her sexual appeal rather than her extensive skills and is therefore demonised as it 'utilises' the system that was created to act as a weapon against her.

Women in Hollywood have historically been persecuted and held to significantly different standards than their male counterparts when it comes to giving out our admiration and praise. We threaten, belittle, and despise women in Hollywood, for the same reasons that we praise their male counterparts.

We threaten, belittle, and despise women in Hollywood, for the same reasons that we praise their male counterparts.

Signs that your romantic relationship is expiring

Here are some tell signs it might be over...

Romantic relationships are complex, dynamic, and, at times, ephemeral.

"I am no longer the academic weapon I

was

three years ago"

Breaking free from this dependency on external validation requires a shift in perspective. We all made it to university, that is an achievement in itself. We need to recognise that although grades are important, education’s true value lies not in the grades we achieve, but in the knowledge we have gained, the skills we have developed and the journey we have had along the way. We shouldn’t let our academic achievements become the sole definition of our worth. Of course, graduating with a first-class degree is desirable, but I know I have tried extremely hard on every assignment, and if I don’t achieve a first, that is ok. I still made it to a Russell group university even with a D, so whatever my degree outcome is, I will be proud of myself. The relationship with academic validation doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Like any relationship, it can evolve and find its place in our livesimportant but not consuming.

Just as they require effort to build and sustain, they can also reach a natural conclusion when growth halts or love fades. It’s not always easy to recognize when a relationship has run its course, especially when emotions and shared memories are involved. But understanding the signs can help you approach the situation with clarity and care.

1. Communication breaks down Healthy relationships thrive on open and honest communication. When discussions turn into constant arguments, or meaningful conversations are replaced by silence, that can signal deeper issues. If you're walking on eggshells or avoiding difficult topics entirely, it’s worth asking why.

2. You’re no longer growing together

In a thriving relationship, both partners support each other's growth and goals. If you feel stuck or notice that your dreams and values no longer align, it could be a sign the relationship isn’t evolving with you. Relationships should add value to your life, not stall it.

3. Physical and emotional intimacy fades

While every relationship goes through phases, a persistent lack of physical or emotional connection may indicate trouble. If affection feels forced, or you’re emotionally distancing yourself from your partner, it might be time to evaluate your bond.

4.Resentment takes over

Holding onto past grievances without resolution can poison a relationship. Resentment builds barriers, making it difficult to experience joy or connection with your partner. If efforts to address the root causes fail, the relationship may be at its breaking point.

5. The future feels uncertain or uninviting

When you picture your future, does your partner still feel like a natural part of it? If the

idea of moving forward together feels heavy or undesirable, it might reflect your true feelings. It’s okay to admit that your paths are diverging. 6. You’re staying for the wrong reasons Fear of being alone, financial dependence, or a sense of obligation can trap people in relationships past their expiration date. Ask yourself: are you staying because you genuinely want to, or because it feels easier than leaving? Navigating the end with respect If you recognize these signs, it’s important to handle the situation with empathy—for yourself and your partner. Ending a relationship doesn’t mean it was a failure; it simply means it’s no longer serving either of you in a healthy way. Consider having an open and honest conversation with your partner about how you’re feeling. A mutual understanding can pave the way for a graceful and respectful transition, allowing both of you to move forward with peace. Finding peace in change Breaking up can feel daunting, especially if you’ve built a life together. But it’s also an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Trust your instincts and remember: it’s okay to prioritize your happiness and well-being.

Chantelle Badhan

Abigail Johnston-Blyth

Image credit: Google PickPick, Pixabay @Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Image credits: Pixabay, MohamedHassan

Sub-Editors: Jess Hughes and Rosie McKenna

Relationships

Exploring non-monogamy; an interview with sex and relationship therapist, Beck Harrison

Two of our writers sit down with a sex and relationship therapist and explore nonmonogamy...

Do you find there’s a sense of shame or stigma around non monogamous relationships and if so, what are they?

Yes, I think there is. Whenever you have a dominant social narrative (such as monogamy) and your identity or experience falls outside of that narrative, it can leave people feeling that they’re doing something wrong; and at that point shame enters. Shame is a social emotion, it’s designed to keep us from doing something that is counter cultural, that could exclude us from our communities. However, in modern day the dominant narratives centre a cisgender, heteronormative, white patriarchal experience, and the result is that anyone who doesn’t fit into those ideals is vulnerable to shame. When multiple aspects of your identity or experience are marginalised, that shame can increase.  Monogamy has its roots in colonialism. When colonisers saw that black and indigenous people were doing relationships, sex and family differently, it was important for these white colonisers that the behaviour was ‘other’ed’ so that the people could be ‘other’ed’. And part of that process was labelling

those kinds of families, relationships and sexual practices ‘uncivilised’ and ‘immoral’. These ideas persist today.

"This idea of the escalator is that once you get on, you move up at a steady pace and you can't really get off."

One of the things I talk about in therapy is a concept called the “relationship escalator”, which is the chronology of life. So, you grow up, maybe you go to university and then maybe you meet someone, you have sex, you date for a bit, you move in together and then you get married and have children, then you die. And that’s it. This idea of the escalator it that once you get on, you move up at a steady pace and you can’t really get off –you're expected to move to the next thing, and the next, and the next.

For some people, that escalator is great; it accurately captures everything that they want for their lives. For other people, when they’re looking at the way that they are expected to ‘do’ life and relationships, and the way relationships have been structured in their culture or society, it doesn't fit for them...

How do you feel about non monogamy not being recognised as a legal status in the UK? And

The rise of 4B in the wake of the Donald Trump re-election

How is the US election inspiring conversations around 4B?

Hey reader! Let’s address a significant issue: the most powerful country in the world has elected a misogynist racist and 34-time convicted felon as its president. Donald Trump has made it evident that he intends to roll back women's rights, highlighted by his role in overturning Roe V Wade—an action that affects millions of women across the nation. He explicitly stated, "There has to be some sort of punishment for the women," and expressed his pride in the overturning of Roe V Wade, saying, "I was so honoured to have done that." In response, women are rising up and reclaiming their autonomy through the 4B movement. This powerful movement, which began in South Korea, empowers women to decide not to date, have sex, give birth, or marry men. It’s a definitive statement of independence—women are choosing to live for themselves, free from the expectations placed upon them by society.

It’s a definitive statement of independence— women are choosing to live for themselves, free from the expectations placed upon them by society. This vote has only further demonstrated that a majority of men view women as objects, especially with the rise of the MAGA statement 'Your body, my choice' circulating across various social media platforms. It wasn't until recently that women gained fundamental rights like voting and owning their own bank account.

"Movements such as this don’t go by without facing a multitude of criticisms"

We can draw inspiration from past movements, like the suffragette movement, which teach us that real change requires speaking out and taking decisive action. Movements such as this don’t go by without facing a multitude of criticisms, such as reinforcement of division or women’s views on childbirth through this time the movement will stay strong and carry on fighting.

While the future of this movement is still being defined, its potential to create real change is undeniable. It's gaining traction and going mainstream through digital influence. I urge you to reflect on your views about gender roles and individual empowerment. Our collective action and unity are essential for building a world where everyone is treated equally and with respect. The time for change is now.

what effects do you think this has on those who are in such relationships?

It’s incredibly difficult, because it means that those who are non-monogamous have little social recognition and no legal protections. It’s also not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, which makes everything a lot trickier. We’re starting to see some non-monogamous relationships get legal recognition in other countries, which is great, but in the UK, we have a long way to go. Similarly, I’m agender, and this isn’t a legally recognised gender – you can be male, or you can be female. There is no way to register as nonbinary with services like the NHS, even though there’s a long history of people identifying as something other than male or female across multiple countries and cultures. It can leave you feeling invalidated. And, for non-monogamous relationships it's the same.

"Whether you’re monogamous or monogamish, or nonmonogamous, your orientation and desire is valid."

How do you navigate a situation where one partner is monogamous and the other is non monogamous?

Yeah, very tricky. It comes up a lot in the work

that I do. First, it’s important to note that whether you’re monogamous or monogamish, or nonmonogamous, your orientation and desire is valid. Non-monogamy isn’t ‘better’ than monogamy, it’s just different.

The other thing I want to mention is that the language we’re using when we’re talking about non monogamy and monogamy implies that it’s a binary. But, even in monogamous relationships, nobody is doing relationships in the exact same way, and so nobody is monogamous in the same way.

There can be this assumption when you get into a relationship that both of you have the same ideas and values, and relationships continue with that assumption until someone crosses their partner’s value. For example, something like flirting with people that aren’t your partner, or using pornography; for some, these are perfectly acceptable when you’re in a relationship, for others, it's inexcusable.

So, even though we have this idea that monogamy is one thing, it isn’t, and loads of people are doing relationships differently. I want to introduce this idea of a spectrum, where we have monogamy and non-monogamy and a whole bunch of different experiences and boundaries and orientations in between. And, even when you have shared boundaries and experiences and aspects of identity, no two relationships are the same.

When I’m working with mixed relationship orientations, the goal is to get into that complexity and figure out what each person's relationship values are...

The obsession with being ‘not like other girls'

Ruby Tinkler

Why is 'not like other girls' a manifestation of misogyny?

One of the hallmarks of misogyny is a dismissal and contempt of things that are considered as girly or that women enjoy. Certain aspects of pop culture, whether that be pop music or romcom films, which have been labelled as such are seen as inferior and frivolous. However, this view is not only held by hardcore misogynists, instead it forms a significant part of the internalised misogyny which the patriarchy relies on. A clear manifestation of this is the fixation, particularly seen on social media, on being ‘not like other girls.’ The phrase expresses a desire to be seen as an individual and to escape from the stereotypes of femininity imposed on women by society and the media. In a society increasingly celebratory of individualism and uniqueness, almost to an extreme extent, it is easy to understand the inclination to distance ourselves from these frustratingly reductive stereotypes.   However, subtext of the phrase is that being ‘like other girls’ is in some way wrong, when, in reality, the only thing wrong is the patriarchal obsession with lumping all women in the same category. Although the ‘not like other girls’ movement has become more potent on social media over the past few years, it is nothing new. Examples of this ideology can be

seen all through pop culture, particularly from the 2000s. Perhaps most notably in the lyrics of Taylor Swift’s song ‘You Belong with Me:’ ‘She wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts, She’s cheer captain, and I’m on the bleachers.’ Obviously, the point of this conversation is not to compete for a certain guy, and both ‘short skirts’ and ‘t-shirts’ are valid choices of clothing, but the context of the song clearly favours the girl wearing ‘t-shirts.’ Equally, women who take this message too far are also hated, known as ‘pick-me girls’ characterised by wanting to be ‘one of the guys.’

"This creates a situation in which women cannot win; we are either too feminine ... or not feminine enough"

Like many manifestations of misogyny, this creates a situation in which women cannot win; we are either too feminine, making us superficial and uninteresting, or not feminine enough and trying too hard to escape it. The problem lies in the continual comparison between women, and so, instead, we should celebrate the fact that we all have an individual set of interests and traits regardless of how others may perceive them.

Charlotte Baker and Kyla Leigh Williams

Tia Leoni Channon

Lifestyle

New year, but not a new me

Chantelle Badhan & Tia Leoni Channon

Time for a resolution revolution...

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year, dreaming of the possibilities to come in the next. Now is usually the time where people make ambitious resolutions to create a ‘new me’ that often lasts until mid-January. What if, instead of setting yourself unrealistic expectations, we focused on attainable resolutions that foster personal growth and improvement?

The pressure to make ourselves better is overwhelming, especially when we live in a period where social media is flooded with images of ‘perfect’ transformations and inspiring success stories. The ‘new year new me’ mentality can actually be harming, leading to disappointment when our goals are not met.

Focusing on small, attainable resolutions can lead to significant changes over time. We give you some examples that promote personal growth.

"The ‘new year new me’ mentality can actually be harming, leading to disappointment when our goals are not met"

1. Practice mindfulness

Dedicate some time each day to practice mindfulness. This can include personally reflecting through journaling, meditating, and paying attention to what is going on inside and outside of our bodies.

2. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill can be a good way to spend your time, especially if you don't have any hobbies. Try learning a language using duolingo, take interest in learning to play an instrument, relax with some arts and crafts. You never know what you can excel at if you don’t try!

3. Volunteer and give back

Be selfless by volunteering some of your time to a charity organisation, to someone who has asked for some help, help the homeless, work with animals, volunteer in hospitals, the options are endless. Giving back can help you be a part of a community.

4. Limit screen time

Put your phone down in social situations, take in the world around you, be present in the moment. There is nothing worse than someone constantly on their phones, you only live one life, why live it behind a screen?

5. Network and make connections

Attend career events that can help you kickstart your dream career. Create a LinkedIn and start growing your connections - you never know, you may connect with someone who leads you through a door to an opportunity you didn’t know existed.

6. Cultivate healthy habits

You don't need to be in the gym seven days a week to be healthy. Start small. Get eight hours of sleep a night. Eat your five a day. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Stretch in the mornings and evenings, maybe even do some yoga!

This new year, instead of striving for a complete transformation, embrace the idea of ‘new year but not new me’. Promote gradual growth and celebrate small victories. Let’s grow together!

Micro-individuality and microtrends: the two extremes of the internet

Isabelle Murphy

Always trying to fit into a certain aesthetic? Time to buck the trend...

Social media has undoubtedly changed the way we see and shape our identities and engage with culture, especially through what is trending online, reshaping how we express ourselves and connect with other people. The online world has led to two extreme sociocultural phenomena: micro-individuality and microtrends, each reflecting the unique ways the internet influences people’s identities and culture. Micro-individuality has become a defining feature of social media culture, allowing individuals to construct their identities following and using different hyper-specific aesthetics, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Users create and share content showing off their unique fashion choices, home decor, or daily routines, all tagged with a dizzying array of hashtags: #cottagecore, #vintagecore, #darkacademia, #cleangirlaesthetic, and countless other ‘cores’ so distinctive you’ve probably never even heard of them.

On the positive side, this fosters creativity and self-expression, encouraging people to

embrace their quirks and form identities that feel authentic to them. It also helps users find likeminded individuals, forming niche communities that transcend the geographic boundaries that once made this impossible, providing a strong sense of belonging. However, there’s a downside to filtering identity

"Social media’s algorithms promote trends over substance"

into such narrow and specialised groups. For one, it can feel limiting; the pressure to conform perfectly to the ‘rules' of an aesthetic can turn selfexpression into a performance, with people so desperately focused on how they will be perceived that their 'identity' turns into a surface-level depiction rather than an authentic personality. As these trends of hyper-personalisation grow more popular, countless more people begin to create this type of content, which further reduces these identities into mere visual images and buzzwords.

Social media’s algorithms perpetuate this by rapidly promoting trends over substance, rewarding those who conform to aesthetic expectations while leaving others feeling excluded or unseen. The internet’s fast-pace also fuels this, pushing individuals to constantly reinvent themselves to match fleeting trends. So whilst the internet offers endless opportunities for selfexpression and a connection, it

comes at the cost of depth and nuance, with authenticity taking the backseat as the pressure to stay relevant prioritises performative identity over genuine selfexpression.

Similarly, microtrends thrive on the whirlwind pace of the internet. Microtrends short lived cultural trends which develop through instant gratification – grow through influencers and viral content, often involving memes or focusing on niche aesthetics and behaviour. However, their rapid rise and fall contribute to a sense of disposability, eroding cultural engagement and leaving behind a fragmented digital landscape. Influencers are forever chasing these ‘microtrends’ and ‘microindividualities’ to keep their content relevant and unique.

The fast-paced nature of the internet only accelerates this cycle. Trends and niche aesthetics rapidly gain traction only to be quickly left behind and forgotten, this relentless churn fosters a culture of superficiality, where depth and meaningful connection are often sacrificed for the sake of staying ahead of trends, leaving creators and audiences drained by the constant need for reinvention. So embrace the freedom to express yourself online, but don’t let the chase for trends define you.

Exercise: changes to the body and mind

Lucy Langdon

Get fit and healthy in more ways than one...

Do you ever feel in need of a complete reset? Something that your normal Sunday reset can’t quite fix? Well look no further than getting out and about doing anything from the most simple exercises to the most complicated.

Just getting out for a walk during the day can completely change the way you feel and reset your outlook on life.

Of course, something like walking may not show you an immediate change in the body too quickly, although this isn’t to say you won’t be able to see a change if you begin walking over a long period of time. However the best and quickest way to see a change in your body would be to do exercises such as weightlifting or Pilates, depending on the kind of change you want to see.

tighter and your muscles to be more defined. Pilates will also help with mobility and joint pain which can make everyday life a lot easier. Any of

"...helping with mobility and joint pain which can make everyday life a lot easier."

these options can help to change your mindset as just getting out and about can make you feel a lot better.

Changing your body is not the be all and end all of life and should not be your ultimate goal. It should be to make yourself feel well and healthy and not cater to anyone else’s opinion. Also remember that if your goal is to change the way your body looks then you should begin by doing it slowly and carefully and preferably with the help of a professional who can help you to understand what is and isn’t achievable for your

Dealing with stress this exam period

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor

Exam stress doesn't help the January blues...

The January exam season can feel overwhelming for students, with extended hours of studying, looming deadlines, and the pressure to perform well. However, with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to manage stress effectively and approach exams with a clear, focused mind.

Plan ahead and stay organised

One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is by having a clear study plan. Break your revision into manageable chunks, setting specific goals for each session. Use a calendar - this way, you avoid last-minute cramming, which only increases anxiety.

Take regular breaks

Studying for hours without a break can lead to burnout. The Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break— is a popular method. This helps refresh your mind and can improve concentration.

Get enough sleep

Skimping on sleep may seem like a good way to gain extra study time, but it can hinder your ability to retain information and stay alert during exams.

"Just getting out for a walk during the day can completely change the way you feel."

Weightlifting will cause you to gain muscle and strength which is really great if you want to be able to be a lot stronger and to see a difference in your ability in everyday life. However Pilates will tone up your body, causing your skin to be

Practice relaxation techniques

Mindfulness, deep breathing, or medication can significantly reduce stress levels. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing can help lower anxiety and clear your mind.

Stay active and eat well

Exercise is a great stress reliever., and eating balanced meals high in vitamins, minerals, and protein will help keep your energy up and your brain sharp.

By staying organised, you can reduce stress and perform your best during the January exam season.

Image credits: Pixabay: VictorianLady & ScarletCat, Unsplash: Bennie Bates

Image credit: John Arano, Unsplash

Keeping in touch with home friends at uni

Lucy Langdon

Home friendships often fall by the wayside when uni starts. But this is in no way inevitable...

Going to university for most people means a new city, new friends and a new busy schedule. Ultimately, texting and starting conversations with friends from home does not become your first priority. This often isn’t a problem if your friends are also in the same boat as you and are starting a new life at their university, however for those who aren’t as busy they may feel left behind and forgotten. It’s important to not neglect these friendships in favour of the new exciting friend groups you may find at uni.

I find that it can be hard to always remember to reply to a text, especially if it’s something as simple as a “how are you?”, so one way to keep in contact and stay updated with your friends lives is to schedule a weekly phone call. It doesn’t have to be for very long or the same time every week but it’s nice to know you are both making the effort to catch up and keep in touch with each other. One thing that me and my friend do is – because she knows I’m such a bad replier (always have been, always will be) – that she sends me voice notes updating me on what’s going on in her life and what country she’s ended up in next! She knows what I’m like and so she doesn’t expect me to reply straight away but if something new happens that

she wants to tell me about then she’ll just send another voice note without waiting for me to reply. This is a nice way to stay updated without the pressure of having to reply quickly then getting stuck in a text conversation at the wrong time.

"It’s

nice to know you are both making the effort to catch up and keep in touch."

Something else nice to do is to invite your friends to your new city so you can become a tour guide in your new place. This can also help to put a name to the faces and places when you tell them your stories. Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone will be going through this transitionary period where they are trying for themselves process you that you lose but also gain to be kind to and your at this time, because you can always get back in contact once life has settled down and become less hectic for all of you.

Women in male fields: a trending discourse

Jess Mooney - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Men who enter femaledominated spaces like makeup, fashion and progressive politics are welcomed, adored, and celebrated, yet women who enter maledominated spaces like the military, gaming, football, and conservative politics are sexually degraded and verbally abused to the point of abandoning the activity or interest altogether.

This continues into professional spaces, where just 8% of working women in Europe are in male-dominated industries, dropping as low as 6.5% in the United States.

"Men do not face the same elaborate acceptance processes"

Globally, women’s share of leadership and management roles has been steadily increasing. However, this has largely been in industries dominated by women, where they are already accepted, and rarely transcends into those dominated by men. When women are rewarded with success in male fields, they face increased harassment and discrimination. Additionally, maledominated industries and occupations often reinforce harmful stereotypes and create unfavourable environments which facilitate inappropriate sexual behaviour and make it even more difficult for women to excel.

Women also face stereotypes and societal expectations that question their leadership and managerial abilities, along with a lack of mentoring

Unpacking "I'm just a girl"

Lila Cooksley

One of our writers delves into the internet's favourite phrase - is it feminist?

You’ve heard this saying before, whether it’s blasting No Doubt’s song, watching Julia Roberts’ Notting Hill character declare her love, or scrolling through TikTok and seeing the viral trend on your FYP. But here’s the big question: is it feminist?

It all starting when Gwen Stefani gave us the ultimate anthem to dig at patriarchal nonsense in 1995. The tongue-in-cheek delivery and lyrics like “I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite, so don’t let me have any rights,” aren’t exactly affirming societal constraints on women. Instead, she was flipping the script. The irony of the phrase is her way of calling out the patriarchy and how society perpetuates the idea of women being less capable, as well as boxing women into stereotypes. Feminist? Absolutely. How can you not feel empowered when belting this song?

"It reflects the complexities of being a woman in a world full of expectations"

Along came Julia Roberts with all the emotional vulnerability of a rom-com queen: “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” There’s nothing ironic or defiant about this line

- instead, it's romantic and heartfelt. Feminist? Hmm, debatable. But it showed a different kind of power: being open about your feelings and embracing vulnerability. While it didn’t scream “down with the patriarchy,” feminism values diverse perspectives, including getting in your feels.

On the other hand, it can be seen as diminutive. It does have a way of shrinking the subject down to size and wrapping her up into a neat little package of clichés. Instead of recognizing the complexity, ambition, and individuality that comes with being a girl, it feels like the verbal equivalent of a shrug, a way of brushing aside potential or power by tying it to old fashioned ideas about fragility or simplicity.

Here’s the thing: “I’m just a girl” can wear many hats. In Gwen’s hands, it’s a feminist anthem, calling out societal double standards. In Julia’s, it’s vulnerable and romantic. Its adaptability mirrors how feminism isn’t onesize-fits-all, and neither is this phrase. Whether it’s sarcastic, romantic, or even self-deprecating, it can reflect the complexities of being a woman in today’s society - a world full of expectations. So, is it feminist? We’ll call it a “feminist chameleon.” It is neither inherently feminist nor anti-feminist, and in fact, it has everything to do with the context. If it challenges stereotypes or reclaims agency, it earns its feminist badge. If it reinforces limitations or stereotypes, not so much. Ultimately, it’s the delivery and intent that matter. So, use it however you like - just make sure you own it.

"I’m just a girl” is whatever you make it. Take pride in being “just a girl.”

and career development opportunities that lead to their experiencing of "imposter syndrome".

Contrary to this, men are often reluctant to enter female-dominated fields due to stereotyped societal norms, gender identity and concerns about earnings and success. Many worry that entering traditionally female fields is emasculating. Despite this, two-thirds of all female-dominated occupations have gender pay gaps in favour of men with just 31% being in favour of women.

"Many worry that entering traditionally female fields is emasculating."

This pattern is not limited to professional workplaces. When women display interest in stereotypically male hobbies such as sports, they are sexually degraded and ridiculed. This has been exemplified in the increasing female interest in Formula One, which is pinned down to a female obsession with drama and superficial attraction to the male drivers. Because of this, they face interrogations about arbitrary facts and statistics as a way to 'prove' themselves as genuine fans, not that they are ever accepted as such.  Comparatively, men do not face the same elaborate acceptance process. In recent years, there has been increasing numbers of men joining the online beauty and makeup space and they have been welcomed with open arms, often rewarded with more success than their female counterparts. James Charles and Jeffery Star, to name but a few, have skyrocketed to the top of their industry and have profited millions from the acceptance of women, despite often being surrounded by external controversy.  Studies of gender behaviour suggest that matriarchal spaces are so accepting because, historically, women have been subjected to far more marginalisation and exclusion from societal opportunities than men and are therefore reluctant to subject men to the same thing.

Hobby Hub: Record Collecting

A hobby to spin you right round....

When I was fourteen I decided on an impulse that I wanted a record player for my birthday. To this day I’m not quite sure what prompted this decision, but sure enough on my 14th birthday there was a Crosley briefcase record player waiting on the kitchen table. I had been excitedly telling everyone at school that I was getting one, and when I went in later that day my friend handed me my first ever vinyl. It was the album Lungs by Florence + the Machine, one of my absolute favourite albums. I slid it out of the sleeve, and from that moment on I was utterly obsessed. While it is

admittedly a very expensive hobby, it does bring me great joy. I am a hoarder to my core, but I truly believe the art of collecting is incredibly important. One gloomy Sunday, I found a 1972 original pressing of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars at Tynemouth Market. It was very battered; the sleeve was falling apart and it had a few scratches. It also had someone’s name written in tiny print across the centre label. Seeing that - realising that this had belonged to many people before me – I felt connected to a past that I had not been present for, but that I could still enjoy the fruits of...

"I felt connnected to a past I had not been present for.”

Record collecting has also bonded me to many of the most important people in my life. It’s one of mine and my partner's favourite activities to do together. My parents are also avid record collectors and have amassed quite the catalogue, with some absolutely beautiful special editions. Dad explaining that Revolver didn’t quite sound right without the scratches that were on his record really changed my perspective on the way music is consumed. I definitely owe this hobby to them - and therefore also the gaping black hole in my bank account.

Charlotte Atkinson - Science Sub-Editor

Image credit: UnSplash @ Josh Withers

Image credit: Mina Rad, Unsplash

Sub-Editors: Agnes Kargbo and Trinity Eadie

Fashion & Beauty

Can you be a feminist and have plastic surgery?

Erin Neal

*In this discussion, I am specifically referring to cosmetic surgery, not medical procedures or gender-affirming surgery.*

Choice feminism often promotes plastic surgery as an empowering act for women to take charge of their bodies.

However, this point of view fails to recognise the primary issues within plastic surgery being the male gaze, eurocentrism and class distinctions. Plastic surgery is a product of the patriarchal system of society which upholds women to unattainable standards of unnatural bodies. At its core, the concept of plastic surgery is not feminist.

This emphasis on personal choice ignores how external factors, especially the male gaze, often dictate beauty standards. Certain

physical characteristics, like youth, thinness, and symmetry, are frequently valued by society based on traits deemed desirable by a heterosexual male audience as indicators of worth and attractiveness

This perpetuates the negative belief that a woman's value is determined by her appearance.

“If you lived on a deserted island with no preconceived notions of beauty standards,

would you still feel the need to change your natural body?”

Additionally, these beauty ideals are rooted in Eurocentrism, which favours white, Western features and marginalises women who don't match this specific mould. For instance, women of colour

could experience pressure to get plastic surgery to meet standards of beauty that don't reflect their natural features or cultural heritage.

Also, access to aesthetic procedures is influenced by wealth, with richer individuals having more opportunities to afford cosmetic enhancements. This financial advantage reinforces societal ideas of status and desirability.

It creates a harmful cycle where beauty becomes linked to economic privilege. The beauty industry profits by creating a problem, and then selling us the "solution."

Yes, you may believe you’d feel more confident with a button nose or larger breasts, but this desire is caused by socially constructed ideas which were formed by white men in history. Ask yourself: If you lived on a deserted island with no preconceived notions of beauty standards, would you still feel the need to change your natural body?

That being said, there shouldn’t be a set of rules women must follow in order to be a “good feminist.”

The behindhistory the pixie cut A hybrid beauty: makeup and skincare for the price of one

A redefinition of femininity can be found in the form of the pixie cut...

Throughout history, the bold pixie cut has been seen as a sign of women’s liberation and selfexpression. The 1920s were the time of rebellious bobs, known as “flapper bobs”, where pixie cuts first made their breakthrough.

This was the time when short hair was seen as an act of defiance, not as a fashion decision. Short hair acted as a heresy to the long hair that symbolised femininity in the period. Therefore, it acted as a symbol of independence and confidence.

The pixie cut symbolises non-conformity. In 1927, the magazine Pictorial Review published how Mary Garden’s decision to cut her hair was not only to style her head but also to get rid of the shackles that came in the form of long hair. The chains had blocked women’s road to freedom.

However, it was the iconic Audrey Hepburn pixie cut in the Roman Holiday (1953) that inspired pixie cuts today. This cut was seen as revolutionary, feminine, and daring. It redefined femininity, showing a feminine and beautiful side of women without long, flowing hair.

To continue reading this article head to The Courier Online...

Hannah Sexton

Take out two birds with one stone by using hybrid cosmetics...

The beauty community has seen an incredible rise this year in the trend of ‘no-makeup makeup’ or ‘cleangirl makeup’, with a much higher emphasis on curating a flawless skincare base in order to attain a ‘less-is-more’ approach in regards to makeup product use. But can you combine the two? We’re looking at the wave of new products that fuse both realms into one to ensure your makeup routine also benefits your skin.

A brand that especially focuses their branding on covering both skin benefits and makeup coverage is Kosas. Founded by Sheena ZadehDaly in 2015, Kosas has been up and coming for a long time, and more recently, excelled into professional reputation for its use by celebrities like Hailey Bieber who promote this ‘clean beauty’ aesthetic. Zaleh-Daly shared her sentiments on makeup in an interview with Vogue, stating, “Great makeup needs to give you the look that it promises … so that it doesn’t distract you and you can focus on living your life” – a proclamation that encapsulates everything we want from makeup brands these days. So how do brands like Kosas formulate products to do this? Well, take Kosas’s Revealer Concealer – as mentioned, it’s a favourite of Hailey Bieber’s. It works as a regular concealer, but also contains ingredients such as caffeine and hyaluronic acid in order to plump and revitalise your skin for that dewy, youthful look at the same time. What more could you want?!

A similar product that lets you add a bit of colour into that makeup-skincare hybrid is the Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm. It can be used both as a lighter lip pigment but also on the cheeks for a blushing, glowy look, and includes protocatechuic acid with antioxidant properties that again, plump and soothe skin to

keep your base looking fresh and smooth. Why not combine the Kosas concealer and this for the ultimate flawless routine? Or try out the Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour – giving you the same benefits, using squalane, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid for ultimate skin hydration.

Another huge skincare-makeup trend that’s so important these days is the rise of products like foundations and primers that contain SPF. Although we’d always recommend using a traditional, straight SPF for maximum coverage,

“A layer of coverage, whilst targeting those spots and redness for a flawless, hydrated base"

these products can be a good quick alternative for trips out and about in the sun to give your skin that extra bit of protection. Examples include the Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation which has an SPF of 40, or the Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation, with an SPF of 45.

Lastly, for anyone who has more of a problem skin type, that is prone to a couple of spots or even heavier acne, a couple of products on the market contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, a known fighter of blemishes. One such product is the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup, a lighter skin tint that still gives you a layer of coverage, whilst targeting those spots and redness for a flawless, hydrated base. Or, if you also want to target oilier, shiny skin, the BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Salicylic Acid Loose Powder Foundation is a great powder option that will reduce any oiliness whilst other ingredients such as zinc and sulfur fight any stubborn acne.

So if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of products you’re using, whilst still keeping your skin in the best condition, it might be worth giving some of these products a go and seeing how you fare – they’re always worth a try!

Women who do get plastic surgery should not be condemned for their actions, and labeled as non-feminist, as they have been conditioned to believe they require change through this means by society.

Nonetheless, the concept of plastic surgery is not feminist and requires deeper scrutiny. We must examine its influences as it is detrimental to society and promotes toxic standards for women.

Why fix broken?

Adam

- Head of Culture

Honouring a visionary who redefined fashion, art, and culture...

Three years on from his passing, Virgil Abloh’s influence on the fashion industry can still be felt. Few designers have had as much of an impact on the landscape of streetwear, transforming the world’s perspective on it.

Abloh’s big break came while working at Fendi in 2009, where he crossed paths with Kanye West for the first time. Just one year later, West asked Abloh to become the director of his creative content company, Donda.

“Changing the way people view streetwear”

In his time at the company, Abloh worked on music videos, stage designs for concerts, and most importantly covers for music releases. Donda produced some of the most iconic album art in hip-hop history, including  Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint and Kanye’s own Yeezus.

His first fashion brand, Off-White, was formed in 2013, and it stands as his most successful to this day. The label prides itself on riding the line between streetwear and luxury clothing, changing the way people view streetwear. Off-White collaborated with a variety of huge brands including Nike, Dr. Martens, Moncler and even IKEA. The brand appealed to teens and young adults, forming a mass following built on self-expression and empowerment.  Even after Abloh’s tragic passing, Off-White has continued to push the boundaries of fashion in his memory. The team are committed to upholding Virgil’s core values, and only partner with brands that they believe Abloh would have aligned creatively with.

Virgil Abloh’s creative influence still affects fashion to this day, and it will certainly continue to for a very, very long time.

Lovegrave

Image credit: flickr, Terence Faircloth

Sanya Tayal

The commodification of personal style: fashion in the age of capitalism

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

When personal style becomes a product, what happens to authenticity?

Fashion is often seen as an important form of expression, and our 'personal style' as an integral part of our being. But in this technological age, with fashion being commodifiable and used for capitalistic purposes, are we losing our sense of self?

For hundreds of years, fashion was a statement of class and wealth; the highest in society adorned themselves with expensive jewels and materials, while the lower class wore cheap and practical clothes. Only since the rise of 'fashion culture' in the 20th century have we noticed a shift in the individuality and autonomy of personal style.

The Golden Age of Hollywood saw the birth of the first 'fashion

icons', with Audrey Hepburn, Sophie Loren and Marilyn Monroe becoming renowned for their personal styles. Counterculture movements in the '70s and '80s, such as the introduction of hippies, punks and goths opened up fashion spaces for anyone- everyone belonged somewhere!

“Our

personal styles are constantly evolving to fit with the latest commodified trend.”

Today, with our vast technological landscapes, aesthetics are the new rage. From cottagecore to the clean-girl aesthetic, our personal styles are constantly evolving to fit with the latest commodified trend. It feels like we aren't as authentic as we used to be, using fashion as a means of 'fitting in' with the rest of society instead of seeing it as a form of expression.

The rise of influencer brands, such as Kim Kardashian's SKIMS, demonstrates the commodification of personal style for entirely capitalistic reasons. Products are marketed to millions so that fans of the Kardashians can wear the same

Fashion in film: Wicked

Emma Stephenson

We're all holding space with the fashion from 2024's most anticipated release...

From the original Broadway musical in 2003, Wicked has been brought back to life through film, reigniting passion in theatre kids and bringing along some new and exciting fashion choices.

Audiences are beaming with excitement for the new Wicked film, especially with its iconic press tour (where we all held space) and the exceptionally strategic PR for the movie that has definitely been reflected in its box office numbers.

The fashion has been adapted and modernised from the Broadway show’s legacy of fantasy, and the costumes serve as a story-telling device for each and every character. From the merchandise to the costumes in the show, the fashion from the Wicked film is engaging its own legacy.

Diving into the well-thought-out costumes for Elphaba, the costume changes the she her her become dramatic, proudly the iconic witch hat.

Elphaba’s costumes are intrinsically linked to nature, with materials utilised to create mushroom and fungi patterns that convey the character's attachment to nature in the story.

On the other hand, Glinda’s outfits accentuate a more playful, feminine and elegant look with soft and warm shades of pink that pay homage to The Wizard of Oz

An audience favourite was Glinda’s ball dress, with rose and that

Throughout the film, the Fibonacci spiral can be seen in the settings as well as the costumes, including most of Glinda's wardrobe, giving a subtle nod to the infamous tornado scene.

“It is beautiful to see such emblematic fashion really tie the film together.”

Even during the press tour, Grande and Erivo matched the colours of their characters in highfashion gowns on the carpet, even when stating it was unintentional. Either they are really good at acting or they truly embodied their roles in real life and fashioned it into their wardrobe. Across the globe, the film's merchandise has become wildly popular, giving fans the choice between Glinda or Elphaba to connect with the movie. It is beautiful to see such emblematic fashion really tie the film together and bring so much impact to those watching it.

clothes as their icons, stripping away any ounce of personality or authenticity. This is a common theme amongst celebrities with specific personal styles, disseminating their aesthetic across the internet and influencing their impressionable young fans. Similarly, fast fashion brands contribute to the commodification of the fashion industry by rapidly producing the same pieces of clothing, using lowquality materials and cheap manual labour.

“We have control over the things we consume and the aesthetics that we engage with.”

However, it's not a helpless cause, as we have control over the things we consume and the aesthetics that we engage with. We can reclaim fashion from the hands of capitalism and commodification by not falling into the hands of social media influencers, celebrities and fast fashion brands. Searching for cute, unique pieces of clothing on Vinted or in the local charity shop can be the first step towards building your style, contributing to a more positive and rewarding system which isn't entirely built on capitalism and commercial gain.

Winter fashion in Newcastle

Hannah Sexton

Newcastle students know how to do winter in style (if I do say so myself)...

EHoliday sales: still worth it?

Melissa O'Reilly

The best time to spend your money after pay day...

At the height of the Black Friday, Boxing Day, and January sales in 2024, we saw the participation of almost all major brands across the west, with sales largely averaging around 30% off the usual sale price. The question on everyone’s minds is whether these highly anticipated holiday sales are still worth the money consumers spend – or do brands deceive their buyers by exaggerating the discounts? People often use the Black Friday sales as an opportunity to buy presents, decorations, or even to simply treat yourselves. Dated at the end of November, the occasion began as a US tradition, eventually spreading worldwide for brand profit. Whilst at first glance it seems like an excellent way to save money for the holidays, one ‘Which?’ study found that only 2% of products sold in the 2022 Black Friday sales were actually cheaper than at other times of the year. With sales now occurring every few months, this is unsurprising. Although holiday sales do not necessarily promote higher discounts, it is an easy way to get all the products you want at once before they fly out of stock.

“Holiday sales are often criticised as a way to earn more profit.”

Financial journalist Martin Lewis analysed a range of products and sales across the holiday season, finding that 70% of products were cheaper on Black Friday in comparison to the discounts available in December and January. Whilst holiday sales are often criticised as a way for brands to only earn more profit, Lewis states that this is actually “not backed up by the data,” despite common cynicism.

To continue reading this article, head to www.thecourieronline.co.uk

ven when the months get colder and it becomes harder to choose between comfort and style, Newcastle University students always manage to find the perfect balance – so let’s take a look at some of the things we’ve all brought out of our closets for this year's winter fashion round-up. There’s been no shortage of gorgeous long coats this season, with hundreds of students rocking the trench coat trend or ‘shuck-on’ wool overcoats. They’re the perfect staple for keeping your whole body just that little bit warmer, and can also act as a great layer if you still want to keep wearing skirts and tights for a while longer. I’ve seen so many amazing outfits pairing a long coat with a little black skirt and long black boots – it’s giving office core in the best way. Fur coats are back too – something I’ve bought into this year, and I can honestly say I’ve never been as warm whilst still feeling put together this season.

“I've never been as warm whilst still feeling put together this season.”

Hats have made a big comeback too, with so many boys embracing the halfbeanie – still on trend but keeping your head protected. Even though it’s more of a ‘skater-boy’ fashion, you can pair them with pretty much any outfit and it’ll add a little something extra to your style. Many girls have also been leaning into the fluffy hat resurgence, and every time I see someone wearing one, I’m so jealous that I don’t have one! Definitely a piece to invest in at some point, I think.

“The

'skinny scarf' trend seems to divide most students.”

Speaking of headgear, the fluffy hood trend that was so big last winter has still been popping up in and around the Newcastle circles. Although it might not be for everyone, if it’s just not cold enough one day for you to want to throw on a hoodie and a hooded puffer, a hood can be a great thing to have in your bag ready to throw on for the walk home from the library

The same goes for a little scarf – although the ‘skinny scarf’ trend seems to divide most students, it’s always good to have one nestled in your bag, just in case you catch a chill when heading around campus. So keep rocking those winter looks, everyone, and keep up Newcastle’s reputation for having some of the best-dressed students around!

Image credits: Pixabay, OpenClipart-Vectors, janjf93

Sub-Editors: Barbora Pacherova and Esther Arnold

Breaking the buzz: the hidden dangers of caffeine addiction Foody Focus: The Small Canteen

Amy Marsh

Time to swap out that daily iced latte...

Have you ever experienced caffeine headaches after a few days of having a coffee every day? Experiencing headaches and fatigue that are only relieved by more coffee is your body’s reaction to caffeine withdrawal – you have become so used to having caffeine in your system that your brain doesn’t know how to function without it.

Caffeine disrupts your 24-hour sleepwake cycle by changing adenosine activity. Adenosine could be described as the “tiredness chemical”: towards the end of the day it binds to receptors all over the brain and prevents neurons from firing, making us feel groggy and tired. Caffeine disrupts this natural regulation of tiredness.

"When adenosine wins the race, it makes us sleepy."

Next time you are sipping a cappuccino, picture the caffeine molecules racing against

the ”tiredness chemical” in your brain, competing for a spot on your adenosine receptors. When adenosine wins the race, it makes us sleepy. When caffeine wins, it takes up the place of adenosine so that it can’t make us sleepy.

"The more coffee you drink, the harder it is to stop"

The more coffee you drink, the harder it is to stop. When you start having coffee frequently, the brain compensates for higher levels of caffeine by releasing more of the “tiredness chemical” than it did before. This makes us feel extreme fatigue without coffee, so that eventually you need that first coffee in the morning to wake you up for the day. This is the scary progression from drinking coffee occasionally because you like the taste, to needing it to be able to function!

However, coffee’s hidden addictive properties are something to be aware of, because drinking coffee frequently can lead to delayed sleep onset, poorer sleep quality and even symptoms of insomnia!

Esther Arnold - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

Sometimes big flavours come in small packages...

Aquaint little bistro run by experienced chef Sam Betts; The Small Canteen is nestled amongst the various other restaurants of Starbeck Avenue in Sandyford. Being included in the Good Food Guide’s 100 best local restaurant in Britain, this place is a force to be reckoned with.

This article is not to scare you away from drinking coffee – in fact, I have been sat in a café with a cappuccino as I’ve written it. Coffee can enhance memory processes by increasing the availability of acetylcholine in the hippocampus, so it is unsurprising that so many students become reliant on it during exam season.

Recipes for curing your January blues

Post-Christmas recipes to blow the cobwebs away...

It’s the time of year we crave comfort food that is warm, rich and delicious so here are some of the best recipes to cure the January blues.

Ramen is a budget friendly, cozy meal that can be customised easily based on dietary requirements and preferences. There are so many amazing instant ramen brands, some of my favourites being Shin Ramyun, Mama Ramen and Indomie, all of which are available at supermarkets and Asian markets.

"Consider switching meat for marinated tofu and adding a softboiled egg and your favourite veggies."

I like to level up my instant ramen by mixing the sauce packet with an egg yolk, kewpie mayo, soy sauce, garlic and sesame oil before combining with the cooked noodles. However, with just some essential ingredients you probably have in your kitchen like garlic, soy sauce and a stock cube, you can make a homemade broth, and from there you can accessorise with your favourite toppings. Also consider switching meat for marinated tofu and adding a soft-boiled

egg and your favourite veggies. There are several Asian markets scattered around Newcastle, one being ‘A Mart’ right by Haymarket, which sells a vast range of ingredients you can pick up on your way home.

A simple, quick, and hearty recipe is homemade baked beans. By roasting red onion, garlic, cannellini beans, fresh or canned tomatoes, and some chilli flakes, you have a tasty meal. For added protein and flavour, you can add some crispy bacon or halloumi. Served with some crusty bread and parmesan grated on top, this makes for a comforting and filling meal.

A red lentil dahl is a nutrientrich dish, which is perfect for meal prepping and remains fresh and delicious for four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. ‘Nora Cooks’ has an easy dahl recipe on her website which is flavoursome, nourishing, and best served with naan and basmati rice. The recipe solely requires easily accessible and cheap ingredients such as: garlic, lentils, tinned tomatoes, canned coconut milk, veggie stock and some Indian spices. To step up the flavour of your dahl, homemade garam

The Small Canteen brings both elegance and comfort. The chalk board detailing three simplistically described options per course caters for vegetarians and pescatarians alike, with the dishes varying depending on the produce available. A foodie’s paradise? Definitely. If you’re looking for a more unique eatery on these cold evenings, The Small Canteen is for you. With starters and desserts coming in at £8, it’s not the cheapest, but the quality of cuisine provided makes up for that.

A quick word of warning for the claustrophobes out there. The cosy atmosphere I speak of comes at a price. Though the sacrifice of personal space can be a biggy for some, sharing one l-shaped table with other diners was another way to amp up the intimacy, with all 15 sittings filled. There are bar stools for those who aren’t up for the full experience, but beware, if you need to venture to the bathroom, you will be taking a quick trip out of the restaurant into the cold. The space issues were the only real negatives I picked up on from others, but to me was an exciting new dining experience I was dying to try.

"The Small Canteen brings both elegance and comfort"

Taking my mum along with me, an avid food-lover herself, we were greeted with a snug ambiance and friendly waitress. Waiting for us was a gorgeous bread basket and a choice of three spreads, a sort of creamy red pepper relish, richly garlicky pesto and buttery aioli. A big win in my eyes. To start, we chose to share the duck croquettes with pickled quince as well as the leek and cheddar tart. The Small Canteen is a perfect example of ‘simple but effective.’ I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, however. The flavours of these starters were at the same level I have had at more snazzy establishments. The sweetly pickled quince paired with the rich, soft croquettes was a match made in heaven that never crossed my mind. The luxurious abundance of cheesiness within the tart was perfection and the sweet and sticky mystery additions on the plate, perhaps figs or prunes, left me deeply impressed. Both starters were dressed with micro-greens bringing it together as a great start to our meal.

Opting for the braised mutton, accompanied by butternut squash and tender stem, I thought I would push the boat out as someone who’s not a massive lamb fan. Boy, was that a good decision. The mutton was falling apart and the full-bodied jus was delicious. The al dente tender stem and butternut squash were welcome additions, despite needing slightly more seasoning, cutting through the savouriness of the mutton. Being blessed with substantial portions, we had to politely decline a third course, though I will most certainly be back to try their puds, with the pear and polenta cake, served with honey and pistachio ice cream looking particularly delightful. Overall, though one of the smallest restaurants I have ever visited, the flavours are immense

Elin Auld

Image credit: Pixabay @LinetteSimoes Pixabay @OpenClipart-Vectors

Image credit: Pixabay @b0red Pixabay @Bucarama-TLM

Image credit: @Esther Arnold

Food & Drink

New Year, New Me: food and cooking habits I want to stick to in 2025

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Eating habits to start the new year off right...

New year is a chance to turn a new page and start fresh- to develop new skills and better habits! In terms of food and eating habits, there are a few goals that I am setting myself for the new year...

1) Try a new recipe each week - my first food goal of the new year is to get more creative in the kitchen and try new recipes on a weekly basis. I mostly enjoy cooking, but find myself churning out the same 4-5 meals on repeat week after week, and it's time for a change! This year I want to try different recipes, that I see online or in recipe books, to freshen up my weekly mealplan.

2) Stick to a 4:3 day veggie ratio - since starting university I've been very good at eating more vegetarian meals. Considering I come from a family of meat-lovers, vegetarian meals are few and far between when I'm at home, but being at University allows me to eat more plant-based dishes. I already have a good ratio of veggie to meat meals, often having about

4 vegetarian meals a week, and I want this to continue into 2025...

3) Try new foods/cuisines - 2025 will be all about trying new things and going outside of my comfort zone. I want to try and eat more foods that I may have been avoiding (mashed potatoes) and try new cuisines from around the world. Luckily, I already have two holidays planned for the summer, which should give me the perfect opportunity to try out their national dishes and learn about their food culture.

"New year is a chance to turn a new page and start fresh"

4) Drink lots of (loose) tea of the biggest introductions in my life in 2024- it's amazing! Although it's a little pricier than your classic Yorkshire Tea, loose tea can have endless flavours and several health benefits. It's a new guilty pleasure of mine to go to Sostrene Greene in Eldon Square and fill little bags full of gorgeous dried tea. In the new year, I'd love to try more different kinds of tea and even attempt to make my own, by drying out and grinding my own ingredients.

last food goal for the new year is to try more of the local cuisine in and around Newcastle. Eating out is not exactly within the student budget, but whenever I get the opportunity I'd love to trail some local restaurants the ones I walk past everyday in Heaton).

Does a meat-free diet entail more ultra-processed food?

Ruby

Tiplady - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Is being veggie and vegan actually better for your health?

While ‘ultra-processed’ has become something of a buzzword, it has roots in a genuine desire to aid understanding of diet and health.

Carlos Augusto Monteiro was born into a family on the precipice of escaping poverty in Brazil, and after becoming the first in his family to attend university, he researched malnutrition. However, in the 1990s, he noticed an uptick in obesity among people living in poverty, and sought an explanation - his answer was that highly processed products had become more widely available than single-ingredient products that made up traditional Brazilian cuisine.

"Food processing is, unarguably, necessary "

He categorised processing of foods into four tiers: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed ingredients, processed foods, and ultraprocessed foods. The first three categories refer to things you’d find in your kitchen, ranging from eggs to fresh meat to vegetables to dried herbs to cheese. Food processing is, unarguably, necessary. Canning, pasteurisation, baking, and boiling are all forms of food processing. The last category, however, is subject to much more debate, as it refers to foods produced industrially, that you would not be able to replicate at home. Think of moulded sweets with high-fructose corn syrup, protein powder, and fizzy drinks. This is where vegetarianism has come into the conversation; while a beef steak from the butchers is

minimally processed, a Quorn steak contains ultra-processed ingredients such as mycoprotein, rehydrated egg white, firming agents, and gluten free roasted barley extract. While this does not, at all, mean that Quorn steak is “dangerous”, it does highlight a troubling trend - that vegetarian (and vegan) substitutes, as they try to replicate single-ingredient animal products, contain many, many ingredients and involve a lot

For plant-based people who are accustomed to cooking with processed tofu, tempeh, or seitan, this might not raise any concern. Other vegetarian protein sources could come from eggs, yogurt, and edamame, all minimally processed. On the other hand, for

considering switching out even a few meals a week, meat or dairy substitutes might seem like the way forward, but the label itself could put potential converts off. It takes creativity to eat protein as a vegetarian, with the Quorn steak from before containing less than half the protein

For students, cost may become a concern; depending on the supermarket, tofu can come in tiny packets or be astronomically expensive, while an ultra-processed sausage or chicken alternative can be not just cheaper per portion, but much more convenient. On the flip side, though, university life doesn’t entail high-quality, minimally processed meats very often, and many students turn to cheaper meat sources such as pork sausages, bacon, and beef burgers that are

"Ultimately, ultra-processed foods are a fact of life "

While there are studies that suggest that vegetarian and vegan diets inherently contain more ultra-processed foods, these studies included foods that are "vegan by default" or naturally vegan, such as bread and condiments. Among the vegetarian and vegan participants, meat alternatives made up just 0.2% of their caloric intake. There was also just 4% difference between the ultra-processed foods energy intake for vegetarians and that for meat eaters.

Scrambled tofu

Ultimately, ultra-processed foods are a fact of life. There is no hope of avoiding them, and nor is that necessary. Moderation, balance, and a healthy relationship with food should always be the priority, and making meals from scratch with whole ingredients

crambled eggs are fine - just fine. At their poshest they can be a brilliant start to your morning, but at

Simple to make, cheap if you know where to look, delicious, and above all: vegan. Scrambled tofu has it all. Just

Dylan Seymour - Sport Sub-Editor

Image credit: Pixabay @Mohamed_hassan; Pixabay @Cindyhiart

Who was your Secret Santa? On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave The Courier Senior Team 2024-2025

Image credits: Noelia Fernández Pérez, Jess Mooney, and Pixabay

Current Affairs

Image credits: Noelia Fernández Pérez, Jess Mooney, and Pixabay

The Courier Wrapped 2024

This year, The Courier...

• Produced 10 issues of the paper

• Had 305 new writers join the team

• Increased the paper from 32 to 44 pages

• Drank (on average) one million postediting pints at Luthers

• Was produced by a team of 46 editors

And one article stood above the rest...

A note from the Life & Style senior editors

Charlotte Burley-Hnat and Marina Snyder - Life & Style Editors

We're looking back at The Courier's 2024...

Happy New Year from The Courier and welcome back!

2024 was a busy but exciting year for us as a student newspaper. From getting nominated for national awards, to getting a new Student Media Officer and editorial team, it's been amazing to watch all of these changes happen.

editors who have kindly dedicated a lot of their time to making each spread exceptional - with Relationships even winning section of the week.

Here in Life and Style, 2024 has brought us a whole new team of brilliant sub-

This year, we introduced some new elements to Life and Style, including a Horoscopes page which recieved a warm welcome from both editors and readers, and has proved to be a lot of fun to write. Lifestyle has also introduced their new 'Hobby Hub' column to The Courier, aiming to introduce readers to different hobbies and activities that they may fancy giving a go, and Food & Drink's new 'Foody Focus' column has given more writers than ever the chance to review resturants across Newcastle.

Additionally, this year The Courier raised over £100 for Violence Against Women and Girls through a bake sale organised by the Relationships sub-editors, aswell as raising £125 for Movember.

Our hardworking subeditors have done so well that each section has moved from a single to a double-page spread; meaning that we're now able to include even more of your articles in print.

but modern, fun, and no-one (we hope) got betrayed. As opposed to previous festive photoshoots, we were able to turn it into a festive social for the whole team to enjoy. It was a really fun night involving Secret Santa, cheese boards and the consumption of way too much prosecco. We'd also like to take the time to thank everyone who helped set up for the night. Everyone in the editorial team kindly brought something along with them, which allowed us to have the feast that we did, involving homemade pasteries, nachos, cakes, and much more.

In December, we had the chance to celebrate The Courier with Life and Style's annual festive photoshoot, and this year we went with a dinner party theme. Think 'the last supper'

Thank you to our sub-editors, Noelia Fernández Pérez and Jess Mooney, who were our photographers for the night. As you can all see, they did an absolutely fabulous job bringing our vision to life. Finally, we'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has written for The Courier this year. Our Student Media Afternoons and socials have seen an amazing turn out, meaning that we've had the chance to meet so many new faces. We cannot wait to speak to even more of you in the new year, and we're so excited to see what 2025 brings for The Courier.

'Live Blog: Palestine solidarity protestors achieve emergency meeting tonight' by Arthur Ferridge and Sam Norman reached over 6,936 views.

Image credits: Noelia Fernández Pérez, Jess Mooney, and Pixabay

My Travel Wrapped 2024 Beamish Living Museum: the Disneyworld of the North East

Olivia Guy

MA subeditor spotlight: the infamous Beamish Living Museum and why we love it... not sponsored!

consisting of six mini villages, the venue transports you away from the 21st century and immerses you into the past, through 1800s farms, 1900s town centres, and 1950s villages. Not only can you walk through old mines or sit at the school desk of a 19th century primary school, but you can watch a film at a 1950s cinema and buy some sweet treats from the 1900s Town Sweet Shop - all while interacting with period staff to ask any questions and converse with the characters that bring the past to life.

Beamish establishes a time capsule of Tyneside's roots and brings together a local connection of our ancestors to remind us of the influence that our region had in crafting the modern world.

Beamish Living Museum opened its doors to all the North Eastern history buffs in 1972, and Walt Disney has been silent ever since. Some may say it is due to him passing 6 years earlier, but we say it is due to intimidation.

ove aside, Spotify Wrapped. Nothing quite compares to the highlights of my year spent hopping between countries (and yes, occasionally crying over my empty bank account), from Thailand’s beaches to Milan’s lakeside views. This year was packed with adventures that were equal parts unforgettable and totally unplanned, and despite missing being on a beach as opposed to in a seminar, a new year means new space for even better travel stories. But let's not skip ahead... here is my Travel Wrapped 2024.

Thailand:

The typical gap year destination – and it’s amazing! Although I only went to the southwest coast (Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi), it was amazing – cheap meals, cheap nights out, cheap hotels. The main issue with Thailand is getting there, the flights are so expensive, but the destination is cheap and so worth it. Warm sun, stunning beaches, and amazing excursions where you can swim with turtles and indulge in the culture.

Paris:

The city of love! This city is expensive – but gorgeous. I went to the infamous Rock en Seine festival whilst I was there, immersing in French festival culture and seeing some of my favourite artists. The day trips were good as well, as the French train system is infinitely better than the UK’s. The palace of Versailles is a must-see and the Louvre hosts stunning artworks for all. I also visited the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, where many icons are buried. Paris, however, is a very expensive city. I stayed in an Airbnb to cut down on costs as I could make my own food and have pres for a night out with my friends in a nice living room. In addition to this, public transport in Paris is…. weird. You cannot transfer between the tram system and the metro system on one ticket, so if you’re staying in the suburbs, the cost can really add up. If there is a large group of you, it's definitely cheaper to Uber everywhere!

Milan:

Nestled in the lush County Durham countryside, an hour-long direct bus from Haymarket Bus Station, the Beamish Living Museum was the first to open plot

The charm of Beamish is that it's not just a

Through Beamish's seasonal events and tireless additions to the time-capsule site, the Museum continues to preserve history for generations to ensure that people of all ages are able to experience the times that came before them; children can have rides on the old carousels at the Edwardian theme park, and adults can have vintage-style portraits taken of them in periodic clothing.

Beamish Living Museum is a truly a treasure of Tyneside, and critical in strengthening Geordie communities and education- something that people from far and wide can enjoy. Take that,

Methanol spiking: staying safe drinking whilst you travel

Rosie McKenna - Relationships Sub-Editor

After the recent spiking of tourists in Laos, staying drinksafe has never been more important...

Ras part of the package. Does anyone watch these shots been poured? Does anyone ask what liquid they’re giving us?

"It is easy to get swept up in the moment when you're travelling..."

from a stranger. Whilst their intentions may seem generous, it is not worth the risk to your health if the drink is spiked. You should always watch your drink been made and where you can, buy bottled drinks which have been unopened. Methanol is tasteless, odourless and its effects are serious, with serious cases leading to blindness, brain damage and death.

Milan is a great destination and a great base. I stayed in the Central Station area, meaning travel outside of Milan was easy. The city is great for nightlife, but it is a very ‘landmark’ heavy place and can be seen within a couple of days- as this was my second time visiting, I travelled outside the city to Bellano and to Lake Como for a dip in the lake. We spent another day visiting the old town of Bergamo (definitely visit here if you’re staying in Milan). I also spent one day visiting Crema, a small Italian town where Call Me

By Your Name was filmed; we did a private tour and then stayed in the town for dinner. Milan and its surrounding towns are a great place to visit!

ecent events in Vang Vieng, Laos, have rocked the travelling community. A popular destination for backpackers who are seeking a lively nightlight and sports focused fun, the small town will now also be remembered for a harrowing tragedy: the death of six people to suspected methanol poising.

Before considering how we, as travellers, can stay safe when dipping in and out of different cultures, I feel we need to take a moment to remember the victims: Holly Bowles (19), Bianca Jones (19), Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman (20), Freja Vennervald Sorensen (21), Simone White (28) and James Louis Hutson (57).

White’s mother, Sue, reported her devastation to The Sunday Times and warned travellers, “Please be careful when it comes to drinks.

Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody.”

When I became aware of what happened and began reading about it, I was shocked and upset, but I also understood what Sue was saying – it really can happen to anyone. I began to reflect my own experiences, the bar crawls I went on in Berlin and Bratislava in particular, and how common it was to receive a free shot at each bar

It is so easy to get swept up in the moment when you’re travelling, especially when you’re going out to party with friends. However, we must pay more attention to how we drink and what we drink. A free shot may sound great in the moment, but it could cost you your life.

Given the seriousness of this, it is essential that the advice you consume on protecting yourself when travelling is from a reliable source. The UK Foreign Office have recently updated their travel advice on their website, advising British nationals should ‘take care’ if buying or offered free spiritbased drinks. They have provided a list of how to protect yourself which advises travellers to:

• Buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores

• Buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels

• Avoid home-made alcoholic drinks

• Check bottle seals are intact

Travelling is incredibly fun, but there are things you need to be aware of in order to do it safely. So, skip the spirits and be careful with what you consume, you may just end up saving your own life.

• Check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling

I would also like to add to this list and point out that you should never accept a drink

Sophie Jarvis and Ellen Pinch - Travel Sub-Editors

All image credits: Olivia Guy

Image credit: Sophie Jarvis and Wikimedia Commons

Image credits: Pixabay and Wikimedia Commons

Travel gifts

Maddy Kendall

The uni budget doesn't quite cover an all-inclusive... so what are some budgetfriendly gift ideas?

As uni students, it’s impossible to be able to afford a plane ticket or some classy hotel, even for yourself... and so having travelcrazy friends around the holiday season can feel a bit daunting. Instead, I’ve compiled some gift ideas that have some more sentimentality (and less holes in your pocket).

One idea is a map pin board, one which you place a pin in every place you have gone to. This is a gift they can have for life and use to plan where they go next- especially if one continent is looking particularly sparse. You can get them for around £30 for the cheaper side of them, which you could split with some other friends.

Another idea is a scrapbook and some basic supplies, you could maybe even do the first page if you’ve been on holiday together. This can be cheap with the supplies only going to max £10 with the bookjust go to any basic pound shop. This can be something you could do together if your friend is also your main travel buddy or something to help them keep the memories of their travels.

The next few are more practical gifts, gifts with less excitement but things they could use on their travels. A travel wallet, a simple and sleek (so easy to store in a pocket or handheld luggage) wallet which ID, passport so you don’t hold up time in the airport. These run for about £13 for a basic one.

A clear toiletries bag. we all have that friend who forgets to put their toiletries in a clear and then end up with too many, help them out with a clear bag (in the right size), these are also very cheap (£5) and you can fill it with their favourite sweets when gifting it. No matter what you gift your friend, anything sentimental if it comes from a good place- even on a budget. The point is that a good gift can be practical or something more “abstract”, a good friend will just love the fact you got them something to do with their interest over how much you spent.

Globetrot trends to leave behind in 2025

What have we seen enough of in the travel industry?

As the Christmas cards start to be written, the presents begin to be wrapped, and the minced pies start appearing on the shelves, 2024 is comes to a close. So, let’s

have been purchasing for shows in other cities. Of course, this, however, brings into focus the ever-growing concern of emissions and climate change. By the end of her Eras Tour in early December, Swift herself will have flown an estimated 43,688 miles, cumulating roughly a whopping 510,000 kg in C02 emissions. Bear in mind that also millions of fans have been flocking to see her and other concerts from across the world, adding to this air traffic.

Some recommendations from your travelcrazy sub-editors... - Disposable camera

- Packing cubes

- Personalised passport cover/luggage tag!

- An airline gift voucher- any extra pennies off of flight will always be a huge win...

- A backpack/carry-on bag that adheres to airline measurements

My 2025 travel plans

Amy Marsh

So, in this coming year, it is important that we are mindful of our own consumption and are committed to sustainable practices. For example, instead of travelling to far-flung corners of the world on bucket list-style trips, why not follow the trend of destination dupes? Many are considering trips to the likes of Albania, dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’.

As Jorge Luis Borges said, “I am not sure I exist, actually. I am all writers that I have read, the people that I have met, all the women that I have loved; all the cities I

The bottom line is that we must keep travelling but remember that we are stewards of the world! It is a fantastic way to combat the increasingly individualistic and fragmented world we live in today. It erodes our prejudices, broadens our perspectives and gives us a well needed top up of our tans and

Souvenir Stash: I Heart T-Shirts

Charlotte Burley-Hnat - Head of Life and Style

Yes, today we're talking about the infamous, classic, never-not-fashionable "I Heart" t-shirt...

Ah, oui. So you've found yourself at a crossroads trying to choose between an overpriced snow globe and a shot glass. Well, today I offer you something entirely different to throw into the mix.

Yes, today we're talking about the infamous, classic, never-not-fashionable "I Heart" t-shirt. If anyone has blocked out 2018, let me refresh your memory. As far as I remember, 1980s fashion was IN and minimalism was OUT. Think neon windbreakers, mum jeans, and oversized t-shirts. Well, around this time is when I first found my mum's extensive collection of 1980s sweatshirts and t-shirts from her globetrotting (yes, she is cooler than us all).

From Planet Hollywood t-shirts to patchwork sweatshirts that just happen to be from a ski resort, in god knows

where, but somewhere that I cannot afford to visit - I was set for life (or until the 1980s fashion trend died off two months later).

Either way, my souvenir collection would never be the same, as I was inspired to follow in her footsteps and start my own collection of wearable souvenirs. After grappling with the devastating truth that truly cool sweatshirts don't exist in the souvenir world anymore, I stumbled across something possibly... just maybe... even better. And that, my friends, is the "I Heart" t-shirt. So far, my collection consists of t-shirts from Scotland, London, Paris, Malta, and New York (although I technically have never been to New York and instead found this addition at a car boot sale). At first, I was hesitant to wear them to the local watering hole for fear of middle-aged Northern men not understanding the ironic unironicness of wearing such a thing. But gradually I overcame my fears and they became a staple in my everyday wardrobe. If you see someone walking around campus wearing an "I Heart Scarborough" t-shirt sometime soon, that is probably me, and I am definitely wearing it unironically. Next time you're travelling, rather than getting another shot glass to add to your collection (which, let's be honest, will sit in the back of your cupboard collecting dust), why not opt for a souvenir that is not only timeless but wearable (and chic).

Making the most of the final year of university... and that last student loan...

Anew year (and a new student loan) provide the perfect opportunity to make some exciting travel

Having recently taken advantage of my friend who lives in Madrid for free accommodation and a cheeky weekend away, I see no reason not to do the same thing in 2025 with a different friend who is currently studying abroad in The Netherlands. The Easter holidays may be the perfect time to go, coinciding with the blossoming of colourful tulip fields and the celebration of King’s Day, a Dutch national holiday promising lots of music, dancing and flea markets, as long as you are dressed in their national colour of orange. This is bound to make for an entertaining weekend trip, although I should probably let my friend know the details of this elaborate holiday I am expecting her to put on for me...

“I should probably let my friend know the details of this elaborate holiday I'm expecting...”

Later in the year, I feel a post-graduation celebration holiday could be in order for my housemates and I. Current destinations in conversation are Porto, Barcelona or various cities across Croatia. I would love to say that we will make our decision based on anything but price, but in reality we will probably choose wherever has the cheapest Ryanair flights on Skyscanner. Regardless of where we end up, all three options promise a relaxing city break with nice weather, beautiful architecture and plenty of charming historic districts to wander around. Less further afield, I am excited to plan trips to see my friends in different universities across the UK. With it being the final year of university for most of my social circle, it makes sense to take the opportunity to experience a snippet of the student lifestyle in different cities across the country. I am planning on visiting my friends in Bristol, where I am excited to explore the bustling area of Clifton, and in Leeds, where I look forward to finally completing an Otley run!

Tom Tarlton

Image credit: Charlotte Burley-Hnat and Creazilla, Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: AI Emojis, Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay

Image credits: Pixabay

Image credit: Free Malaysia Today and Flickr

Headlines of 2024

Activism on campus

Students rally on campus against Leonardo Newcastle Apartheid of Campus encampment crosses ten day

mark

Freedom of Information request reveals Uni response to encampment

Plant-based campaign heading to student council at NUSU

Protest at Hatton Gallery

Toon United: Anti-racism rallies confront far-right riots in Newcastle

Using your vote in the North East Mayoral elections

Results are in: NUSU elects it’s 24/25 officer team Labour defections cost party its majorityinNewcastlecitycouncil

Kamala Harris: Democrat or Demo(b)rat?

2024 US presidential election: what happened on the night?

Celebrating success awards: how it feels to be shortlisted

The Courier shortlisted in five categories in national Student Publication Awards

PhD student receives global thesis award

Student accomodation raises £85k for charity

Uni students raise over 40K for Movember.

The Courier festive photoshoot!

Adult learners express outrage following £1.3M funding loss University faces £34M deficit from decline in international students 75%ofUKuniversitiesareexpected to be in the red financially next year

Sport membership cost increases causing concern on student mental health

The end of £1 soup on campus Newcastle City Council braces for £60m of budget cuts

Image credit: Pixabay, PBU Newcastle. Grace Boyle

Image credit: Noe FP, Sam Horton, SPANC24

Image Credit: Pixabay, Flickr, Creazilla, NUSU

Credit: NoeW FP, wikicommons, unsplash

Moana 2: a sequel that delivers adventure, heart and empowerment

Noelia Fernandez Perez - Sports Sub-Editor

A review of Moana 2? What can we say except you're welcome!..

Moana 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Disney's 2016 hit Moana, does not disappoint. While it may not capture the same magical novelty of the first film, it succeeds in expanding the story of its beloved heroine with an exciting adventure that stays true to the spirit of its predecessor.

Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., the film brings back the vibrant island world of Motunui but with new challenges, deeper character development, and a storyline that amplifies the themes of selfdiscovery and environmental stewardship.

“The animation in Moana 2 is stunning with lush landscapes, sparkling waters, and dazzling action sequences”

The sequel picks up a few years after the first movie's events. Moana is now a navigator,

having taken on a leadership role in her village. However, her journey is far from over. When a new environmental threat emerges, endangering the islands and their resources, Moana is called to embark on a dangerous quest with her trusty demigod companion Maui.

The film introduces a new set of characters, including a mysterious sea spirit and a band of rebellious explorers, all of whom help Moana discover her true purpose as a protector of the ocean and the islands.

One of the things I would like to point out is Moana's deepening character. In the original movie, she was a brave, adventurous teenager seeking her path. In Moana 2 a young woman balancing leadership, responsibility, and the weight of her heritage. This evolution is portrayed beautifully. Maui too undergoes growth, moving beyond his self-centred bravado to embrace his role as Moana’s ally in more meaningful ways.

The animation in Moana 2 is stunning with lush landscapes, sparkling waters, and dazzling action sequences. The underwater scenes in particular are

“an engaging, heartwarming sequel that successfully builds on the original’s legacy.”

breathtaking, showcasing the franchise's mastery of visual storytelling. Once again, Lin-Manuel Miranda composed the music, which is vibrant and full of energy. Standout songs like "Rise with the Tide" and "Ocean’s Call" became instant earworms. does rely on some familiar tropes—hero’s journey, epic battles, and the classic Disney formula—the film adds a new of depth by focusing on ecological themes. The stakes feel higher, not just in terms of adventure but also in Moana’s mission to preserve the environment for future generations. is an engaging, heartwarming sequel that successfully builds on the original’s legacy. With its stunning visuals, strong performances, and timely message of environmental responsibility, it’s a film that both young audiences and adults can enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of the first movie or new to the world of Motunui, Moana 2 is a beautiful, empowering journey that reminds us of the importance of listening to the call of the ocean—and our hearts.

Lights, Camera, Actor!: with Willem Dafoe

Charlotte Atkinson - Science Sub-Editor

One of our writers takes a look at one of the most versatile, talented actors of his generation, Willem Dafoe..

On screen, he delivers masterclasses in the art of acting. In real life, he’s a slightly absurd but incredibly loveable old man, striking weird poses for magazines. He’s had one of the most stellar careers in all of Hollywood, and he’s playing Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz in Robert Eggers upcoming Nosferatu film. This week, we’re looking back at the career of Willem Dafoe.

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, William James Dafoe was the son of a surgeon and a nurse and the seventh of eight children. The name Willem was given as a nickname in high school, which he then adopted full time. Initially studying drama at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, he then dropped out to join the experimental theatre company Theatre X. Dafoe would stay on the experimental theatre scene well into his Hollywood career and is credited as the co-founder of the company The Wooster Group.

His debut film role came in 1980 with an uncredited role in Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate.

1982 saw the actor

in his first leading role as the leader of an outlaw motorcycle gang in Kathryn Bigelow and Monty Montgomery’s The Loveless. His breakthrough came in 1986 with the Vietnam War film Platoon, which earned him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The rest of the 80s saw Dafoe go from strength to strength – from portraying Jesus in Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ to an FBI agent in Mississippi Burning.

The early 2000s saw Dafoe star in some of his most beloved roles yet. A supporting role as a private detective in American Psycho, before moving on to Shadow of the Vampire, earning him his second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 2002, he starred as the villainous Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, and terrified children (including myself) everywhere.

“Dafoe has continued to showcase his incredible range and talent over recent years”

Having achieved status as one of the most respected actors in the industry, Dafoe has continued to showcase his incredible range and talent over recent years, with films such as The Florida Project, The Lighthouse and his work with Wes Anderson bringing him both critical acclaim and the adoration of fans (I am very much amongst that number). Dafoe is staying booked and busy; along with the upcoming release of Nosferatu, he will be starring in A24’s The Legend of Ochi and Wes Anderson’s new project The Phoenician Scheme. And of course, he will continue his crazy magazine poses.

What are we watching?

This week's recommendations from our sub-editors...

Alex:

The Blues Brothers (1980)

We all need a good comedy to shake off the January blues right? Well The Blues Brothers is a perfect two hours of fun and a New Year's staple in our house. Get ready for fantastic musical numbers, hilarious chase scenes and endlessly quotable lines. Hit it!

Charlotte:

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Speaking of comedy...Taika Waititi's 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is the perfect feel-good film to make you laugh! Julian Dennison is the loveable runaway: Ricky Baker, accompanied by one of my favourite acctresses, Rachel House who is downright 'majestical'! Probably the most quotable movie out there, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is Waititi's magnum opus, it deals with heavy topics yet leaves you feeling light and warm inside!

Is January just a dumping ground for film releases?

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

Here's our Film sub-ed testing the myth: is January really that bad for movies?..

I’m sure you’ve noticed that January never sees the release of a big blockbuster. There’s no Marvel films, no highly anticipated sequels and no huge animated films. Instead, there’s normally some lesser-known and lower-budget genre films - dramas, horrors, and comedies.

January is also seen as a month where all the bad films drop. Films that have already been deemed as flops by the studios are given a release at the start of the year so that they’ll quickly be forgotten by the year’s end.

So why is it that January sees no major releases, and is January really a dumping ground for all of Hollywood’s waste?

Well, the summer is normally the time for big-budget superhero fare, and animated family films that bring in loads of visitors and rake in the money, and Christmas sees lots of festive offerings. These serve as major attractions for families during the school holidays.

But in January, everyone’s back to work and school again. Money’s tight since it was all blown on Christmas presents, it’s still bloody cold and you’re not sure whether you want to trek to the cinema to waste your money on something that might not be good.

It’s also the awards season soon and typically by this point it’s too late to have met the eligibility requirements, so studios think it’s OK to release their second-rate movies that they knew would never walk away with a participation trophy, never mind an Oscar. A lot of the big December releases will also be holding on strong (in 2024 Wonka was still high in the box-office charts), so studios won’t want to harm their gross by releasing anything else.

So that’s the why. Is it true that everything released in January is weak? No. Far from it. Here in the UK, we find ourselves getting the films that are Oscar contenders in January. For instance in January 2024 we got Poor Things, Priscilla and The Holdovers despite America getting them in 2023. This wasn’t just last year though - previous Januarys have given us Whiplash, Moonlight, Parasite and many more. For a film buff, January can be heaven for seeing all these films by auteur directors. It can also be a month of hidden gems - for instance, I didn’t expect much from The End We Start From with Jodie Comer and I ended up loving it. Is there some truth to the theory? Admittedly, yes. For the horror genre, January is usually pretty dismal with 2024 offering us the mediocre Baghead and the laughable Night Swim. And yes it’s true that there’s no new $250 million superhero film to gawk at. But when the nights are still dark and the cinemas still quiet, I find myself popping down to Tyneside Cinema and seeing some truly strange January releases. And who knows? With Robert Eggers’s Nosferatu coming on New Year’s Day, even the horror films this time round might be pretty good.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FILM! <3

Image credit: IMDb and Pixabay

The Courier Grammy Awards: Charli xcx defeats Fontaines

D.C. to Album of the Year

Bertie Kirkwood - Music Sub-Editor

Chappell Roan also came out top in poll of Courier contributors.

Ahead of February’s Grammy Awards, a poll of 97 Courier contributors has found Charli xcx’s blockbuster pop album BRAT to be the paper’s favourite album of 2024, beating Romance by Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. by just one vote.

BRAT and Romance won 36% and 35% of votes respectively from writers, who voted from a list of 10 nominees chosen by the Courier’s music subeditors. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet (7%), the Last Dinner Party’s Prelude to Ecstasy (6%) and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft (6%) were the best of the rest.

Fontaines D.C. won’t get the chance to seek revenge at this year’s real Grammys after missing out on an Album of the Year nod, but they are in the running for Rock Album of the Year alongside Idles and Green Day. Their hit record Romance was

beloved for its introspective lyricism and innovative songwriting, with lead single ‘Starburster’ charting in six countries.

Charli xcx’s BRAT – a boundary-pushing electropop record and global cultural phenomenon – is amongst the favourites to win big at the Grammys next month, including Album of the Year. The Cambridge-born singer has been nominated in a total of six categories, including Record of the Year for her song ‘360’.

Courier writers were more decisive when it came to Song of the Year, with 43% of voters picking Chappell Roan’s hit single ‘Good Luck, Babe’ as their winner. Fontaines D.C. were runners up once again with their emotionally charged ballad ‘Favourite’ winning 32% of the vote. Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ (8%), Charli xcx’s ‘Guess’ remix with Billie Eilish (7%) and Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Noid’ (3%) rounded out the top five.

When it came to Music Video of the Year, however, Grian Chatten and co were clear favourites, and their video for their song ‘Bug’ triumphed with 44% of the vote. The video, which stars Barry Keoghan, features scenes from Andrea Arnold’s film ‘Bird’ and was filmed in the Kent town of Gravesend. The Last Dinner Party’s ‘The Feminine Urge’ (16%) and Charli xcx’s ‘360’ (13%) were also among our writers’ favourite music videos this year.

Local heroes Little Comets:

"Every song we release has to make you feel something"

Tom Wood

The renowned indie band have an album in the works - their first since 2017 - and plans for a big 2025.

Tyneside-based Little Comets are a household name in the North East music scene. Fresh off the back of sold out gigs in London and Newcastle, frontman Rob Coles caught up with The Courier to reflect, and to reveal that album number five is brewing in a Midlands garage, seven years on from the release of 'Worhead'.

“It’s been a contrast of emotions. We’ve been up early in the morning then going to bed late. London to Newcastle is quite a journey and took a lot out of us. But it’s been quite emotional as well. It’s like stepping back in time for us, but also for audiences as well.”

September 2023 saw Little Comets return from a two-year hiatus as headliners for Generator Live Festival, hosted by Boiler Shop. Since then, they have played across the country, most recently selling out two double headers in London and Newcastle.

“We’ve been playing the first and second albums in full, which takes you back twelve, thirteen, fourteen years.”

Halloween saw the Jarrow- and Washingtonborn outfit return to the Cluny, a grassroots music institution, where Rob and Micky (Rob’s brother and the band’s lead guitarist) played their first gig as a couple of mid-teens.

“It was lovely to play the Cluny again. It hasn’t changed. You can’t help but think about all the other rooms we’ve played in Newcastle, because it’s where we’ve played the most. It brings it

all back, the journey we’ve been on.” And what a journey it has been.

From ‘ambush gigs’ at the back of the lecture theatres, shops, and metro carriages in the noughties, to tours of Europe and the US, Little Comets have released four albums and many more singles in the process. In that time, the local lads have paved the way for some of indie’s biggest names, offering support slots to the likes of The 1975 and Catfish and the Bottlemen early on in their respective careers.

"You see people in the crowd who have been twenty times, especially in the North East."

An ever-present has been the Little Comets faithful. “You see people in the crowd who have been twenty times, especially in the North East, who would have been there when we were playing gigs at the ages of sixteen, seventeen.”

“It’s nice to catch up with people. There was one mother there who makes a point of seeing us twice a year with her daughter who fortunately happened to be home from New Zealand when we were playing. It’s little things like that - the human interaction. It’s a lovely feeling.”

The indie veterans are now warming up for a big 2025 as their attention turns once again to creation, an untitled fifth album in the works. “We want to get in the habit of releasing new music again. For the new album, we have four or five songs done so far out of eleven or twelve total.”

Speaking of the band’s current creative approach, Rob reveals an unwritten rule: “Every song we release has to make you feel something. It’s not a specific statement, lyrical issue, or sound. But the songs we choose to record now have that slightly deeper emotional connection - a bit more personal.

Five bargain concerts to kick-start your classical era

Christine Soloch

The Glasshouse's £10 tickets open up a new world of excellent music for young people in the North East.

The Glasshouse is a fantastic venue, with spectacular views of Newcastle’s Quayside and live music for everyone’s tastes. What makes it even better? They’re offering an unbeatable deal for anyone aged 18 to 30: a full night out for any of these ages for only £10, available for selected concerts, which includes free metro travel and a complimentary drink. It's a brilliant deal for any student. Even if you’re not a classical music buff, why not try something new this year? Here is a curated selection for a sophisticated evening that’s a little different from your usual night out in Newcastle.

Víkingur Ólafsson plays Brahms - 6 February

The Icelandic piano virtuoso is collaborating with the Royal Northern Sinfonia to play a selection of Saariaho, Bartók and finally, Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto - one of the longest concertos out there. You may be able to recognise Bartók’s piece from the classic horror film ‘The Shining’.

Fauré’s 'Requiem' - 16 February

This evening sounds like a promising one, offering an emotionally varied exploration of Fauré’s work. It will be a perfect introduction to new listeners, moving from the graceful ‘Pavane’ and then all the way to the ethereal ‘Requiem’, often referred to as the lullaby of death.

A lot of them have the theme of healing and reconciling, so maybe feel a little softer.”

"The songs we choose to record now have that slightly deeper emotional connection"

Seven years since their last album, Rob spoke of new challenges. “Life is more complicated now. We’re all dads, I lecture in Music Business, and Micky coaches tennis, so fitting everything in can be a challenge. That has been the biggest barrier this time round.”

But challenge breeds creativity, and for those familiar with Rob’s unique vocals taking centrestage, the new album may include one surprise borne from the days of social distancing.

“During COVID, when we couldn’t get in the studio, Micky started writing songs on his own that he now has fully formed with his vocals as well, which I think work really well with his voice. They’re quite mellow, but also really raw emotionally. So I’d like to have a couple of those songs where it’s Micky singing, but that’s a work in progress, convincing him to do that!”

Fans will first be able to experience Little Comets’ new music live when the band visit familiar stomping ground Pop Recs in Sunderland in early spring 2025, with the new album’s release - and a grand return to Newcastle - slated for autumn 2025.

"Even if you're not a classical music buff, why not try something new this year?

Ravel’s 'Tzigane' - 19 April

Through the music of Ravel and Debussy, harpist Oliver Wass and the Royal Northern Sinfonia will transport you to 1920s Paris. With these impressionistic works and dreamy harmonies, you’ll be set for an evening of musical storytelling and nostalgia.

Piano Greats: Jeneba Kanneh-Mason plays Bach, Chopin, and Debussy – 25 May

This piano recital will not just be a journey through different musical periods, but Jeneba Kanneh-Mason is definitely someone to look out for. With her technical brilliance and debut recital album set for release in spring this year, you’ll be able to witness a major rising talent in the classical world.

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 – 8 June

This concert will bring together three lush pieces by Schubert, Berlioz and Mozart. Even if you have never given classical music a try, you will likely have heard of at least one of these guys. Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 is one of his most iconic works and a cornerstone of classical music. You can expect an evening of rich and expressive orchestrations, promising to captivate anyone.

Figures: Bertie Kirkwood

New Year, New Groove: Why you should expand your music taste this January

The new year is the best time to challenge your music tastes and discover the next big thing in music.

AAs 2024 has drawn to a close, many of us reflect on the habits we've picked up along the way. You might have noticed a shift in your music taste, especially.

So you've received your Spotify Wrapped. Maybe pop music crept up as your top genre, thanks to overplaying  BRAT album all summer. Perhaps it turns out you're not as quirky as you had imagined. So, why not make a New Year’s resolution to change that? In 2025, you should listen to a new music genre!

"These genres are rich with history and cultural significance... "

New Year's resolutions are about growth, change, and trying new things and what better way to

refresh your music taste than to dive into unknown territory?

If you've been stuck in a music rut, it's time to broaden your horizons. Ever considered the genre 'riot grrrl', the raw and rebellious sound of the 90s feminist movement? Or maybe the funky beats of new wave from the 80s are calling to you?

These genres are rich with history and cultural significance, they are not just incredible songs but also tell a story of the social and artistic movements of time.

"Want t0 be ahead of the curve for 2025? You should check out your Spotify Weekly and upcoming artist recommendations."

Want to be ahead of the curve for 2025? You should check out your Spotify Weekly and upcoming artist recommendations. There's a whole world of rising stars you can catch before they blow up. Imagine being able to say you saw the next Chappell Roan perform at The Cluny in Ouseburn to just 20 people.

Take your music exploration beyond your

playlists and experience the real deal. Try attending more gigs at local venues. Not only does it introduce you to new talent, but it’s also supporting your local music scene.

To truly immerse yourself in a new artist, consider watching music documentaries and films. Find out the back story of an artist you haven’t heard to understand their journey. Try Joy Division’s 'Control' (2007), The Four Seasons' 'Jersey Boys' (2014) or Blur’s 'To The End' (2024). You’ll gain new perspectives that deepen your connections with artists and turn a smash hit into a thoughtful reflection of the creative process and times they have lived through.

As we begin the new year, it is the perfect opportunity to try out and embrace new music tastes. Whether it’s exploring new genres, supporting local talent, or diving deeper into an artist’s journey through documentaries, there’s a world of music waiting to be discovered.

After all, new year, new music, right?

Girls Don't Sync live at NX review: unrivalled energy

Agnes Kargbo - Fashion & Beauty sub-editor

Performing an eclectic set at Newcastle's notorious venue, Girls Don't Sync are ones to look out for.

GDS take on Newcastle for the first time ever, and I had the pleasure of witnessing it (front row might I add)! Their 3rd show of the ‘Fourmation’ tour did not disappoint, as the girls delivered another set of amazing music with unrivalled energy.

Djs Diffrent, Lewis Taylor and Vnee opened for the act. They were all incredible DJs in their own right and were given a chance to shine. This not only helped build anticipation but also allowed for the audience to enjoy a range of genres and styles first. This exemplified the ethos that the girls pride themselves on –bringing community together and embracing their differences. This is truly what sets Girls Don’t Sync apart. It is such a varied and engaging kind of show and this was shown in every aspect of their set; even in the way that we, as the audience, are meant to interact with them.

At the beginning of their set, they urged the crowds to put the phones down, really feel the music and be present with them. While naturally reluctant, giving this a try made the performance so much better. In such a digital

age it felt unnatural to put away the phones. However, with this slight change alone you saw the girls reaching out to people and people responding back – it was immersive and infectious.

"They urged the crowds to put the phones down, really feel the music and be present with them"

The girls have said before in their own podcast, that despite understanding why people have their

3 artists to look out for in 2025

Olivia Fee, Dylan Seymour, Poppy Bedford - Music sub-editor, Sports sub-editor, Head of Social Media

Here are three artists to add to your new year playlists.

Park View - chosen by Poppy Bedford With 2025 already upon us, the band I’m telling everyone to look out for this year, especially those of us here in Newcastle, is Park View. Having just done their first headline show at the Cluny 2 and having released banger after banger over the last year, I really believe Park View can make 2025 their year; nice for us who live in Newcastle and don’t have to travel far. My personal favourite song is 'sleeping on your feet' with its mellow sound and nice references to the metro and other Newcastle staples, but I know my flatmates could, quite rightly, give you a number of great hits from the up and coming band.

"With 2025 already upon us, the band I'm telling everyone to look out for this year is... "

phones out, it is easier to do their part when they can physically see the feedback that they’re receiving from the crowds. Referring to the phones as a “block between us and the audience”, and how no phones encourages the audience to be “present”.

In addition to this, the NX venue allowed for fans to be physically on stage with the girls too. Watching them curate and craft the music was amazing to see. On this mini stage the girls would also again reach out to fans, dancing with them and enjoying their own music too. It was incredible to witness and be a part of.

The collective consists of members Gaia Ahuja, Matty Chiabi, Hannah Lynch and Sophia Violet. All members have different backgrounds which creates their unique sound, as they take turns performing music or collaborating.

It was incredible to see the process behind what I was hearing – especially as they jumped and blended seamlessly form genre to genre. For example, dancehall one second, transitioning smoothly into house the next.

"It was beautiful to watch their distinct styles work in harmony"

Overall, Girls Don’t Sync were amazing. The music was expertly selected and blended together, it was beautiful to watch their distinct styles work in harmony but also in juxtaposition as they established their own feel. GDS can truly be deemed as trailblazers in their field - talented women infiltrating such a heavily male dominated space and doing it with ease and flare.

Kneecap - chosen by Dylan Seymour Gaelige, the Irish Language, was gradually eliminated much of Ireland by centuries of British occupation. Once the island's principal language, it is now often just a second tongue for many, or not spoken at all. One of the bands leading a Gaelige revival is Belfast's Kneecap - a republican hip-hop trio for whom 2024 saw massive growth. With 400k Spotify monthly listeners, a Glastonbury performance, and a remarkable feature film under their belt, there is a brilliant enthusiasm growing for the Irish Language group. I can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for Mo Chara, DJ Provai and Moglai Bap. Go n-éiri leat, lads.

"...deeply ethereal vocals on top of an expansive blend of unique sound. "

Ethel Cain - chosen by Olivia Fee

Following the long-awaited announcement of her sophomore album, Perverts, coming out in January, fans of Ethel Cain are on their knees praying her new release to come as quickly as possible. After the emotional rollercoaster and enigmatic storytelling of Preacher’s Daughter in 2022, listeners can be hopeful for more dark and twisted stories sang with deeply ethereal vocals on top of an expansive blend of unique sound. We know well enough to expect some form of sonic excellence from the cinematically alternative singer.

Erin Neal

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons and Steve Ford Elliot

Image credit: Agnes Kargbo

Image credit: Flickr

TV 34

Zoe Lett

One of our writers explore product placement on TV.

Product placement has existed since the dawn of television; it is a marketing technique involving brands paying producers to feature their products prominently on screen.

“I Love Lucy” (1951-1957), is an early example, where the show’s characters would casually reference or use real-life products, such as CocaCola, in their everyday lives. In the digital modern age, brands are increasingly relying on product placement in TV and films to reach a more engaged audience.

Product placement when done well feels organic, even adding to the realism and relatability of the show. A well-executed product placement should feel natural within the story and should align with a character’s personality and the world they inhabit. This can be seen in Stranger Things, where characters can be seen eating “Eggos”, which fits with the show’s 1980s setting.

The brand becomes a part of the world, enhancing the nostalgia without feeling forced. Sometimes product placement can even contribute

Product Placement on TV: Is it just a Cash Grab? Actor Spotlight

to character development. For example, using product placement of a luxury car may deepens audience’s understanding of a character, rather than just serve as an advertising vehicle. However, not all product placements are so organically done and can be viewed as just another cash grab. When a product is shoved into a scene in a way that feels unnatural and awkward, for example, when a character pauses an action to make an exaggerated point about how much they love a particular product, it can break the immersion and come off as a blatant sales pitch. When a product is shoved into a scene in a way

“Sometimes product placement can even contribute to character development.”

that feels unnatural and awkward.

An example of a failed product placement is in "The Walking Dead" with its product placement of “New Coke”, a limitededition rebranded Coca-Cola from the 1980s. In the show’s survivalist and bleak setting, this felt forced and out of place and broke the immersion of the dystopian world.

Newcastle in Telly Land

One would think that the city, with its iconic bridges, Geordie character and working-class roots is full of stories just waiting to be told. Yet, it remains surprisingly underrepresented in the world of film and television. Ofcom reports have shown that, where location was identifiable, more than a half of TV contributions were set in London and the South East.

Newcastle’s contributions, although few, stand out for their authenticity and heart. Some of the most beloved series set in the toon are Byker Grove, introducing the world to Ant and Dec, Vera and, on a different note, Geordie Shore, the reality series that showcased Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife. However, these are just a few iconic examples and there’s many more that prove how Newcastle can resonate with audiences nationwide and even globally.

Nevertheless, it seems these successful series are the exception, rather than the rule. The region’s stunning architecture, industrial heritage and rugged landscapes largely remain overlooked.

One of the main reasons for this is the centralization of the UK’s media industry. With the majority of production companies based in London, the further cities are from this power hub, the more they miss out on the necessary investments and funding.

Britain’s creative industries are thriving, contributing heavily to the

Product placement on TV doesn’t have to be a "cash grab." When done thoughtfully, it can enhance a show and contribute to character development and feel like a natural part of the world-building process. But when done poorly, it risks coming off as a commercial disguised as entertainment.

economy and the job market. As one of the world leaders in screen productions, it’s about time the North East gets its fair share of representation.

It serves as an ideal setting for a number of genres—character-driven comedies, period dramas set in the city’s industrial past, or thrillers with dark backdrops of castle ruins and rough coastlines. There is so much potential here.

With growing calls for more regional representation in British telly land, Newcastle could play a significant role in shaping this movement. Increased investments in local film and TV productions, as well as more support for local talents, could turn this region into a creative hub that goes beyond being an occasional backdrop to central players.

To ensure that British media reflects the diversity of its people and places,

This week we shine the spotlight on Friday Night Dinner star Tamsin Greig.

Aphenomenal comedic actress, there hasn’t been a performance of hers that I’ve seen that I haven’t enjoyed. Black books, Friday Night Dinner and Episodes are shows that I have seen in their entireties (with the latter two being multiple times) and her performances are absolutely amazing.

frustrations all the aspects that working in Hollywood has to offer, along with how the move affects her personal life. Greig portrays a funny, very likeable person that you can easily root for.

My favourite show of hers, though, has to be ‘Friday Night Dinner’. She is the matriarch of the Goodman family, where every Shabbat dinner, chaos ensues. She ranges from a proud, doting mother, a loving, caring wife and a

In Black books, she is the female lead, Fran, a friend and neighbouring store-owner to Bernard Black and Manny Bianco. She’s a good friend, charming and bounces off comedically very well to her co-stars Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran. Witty, strong, fearless and clever are just a few of the words to describe her performance as Beverly Lincoln, one half of the awardwinning screen writing duo in ‘Episodes’. She perfectly captures, alongside the likes of Stephan Mangan and Matt leBlanc, the highs, lows and

Iris Rushton

Christine Soloch

Image credit: IMDb, Flickr- Howard Lake & Willis Lam

Image credit: IMDb and Pixabay

Easy on the Eye Aesthetic TV Shows

Aarya Shenoy

From Gilmore Girls to The Crown what telly has the best aesthetic?

In a world where we tend to primarily focus on actors and storylines, it’s usually the backgrounds and settings that satisfy our brains and engage us enough to keep watching. Different TV shows use colour palettes and unique set designs to form an aesthetic that contributes to their imagination of the fictional world behind the screen.

In no particular order, here are my top 7 aesthetically pleasing TV shows, chosen for many different reasons;

1. Bridgerton

Dear gentle reader, I fear this one needs very little explanation. Bringing Julia Quinn’s romance books to life, the show is based upon England in the early 19th century and it is communicated so well through the bright wash,

ivy covered buildings and ball gowns. The whole show is dripping in soft tones and wide, classic shots, bringing to life an idealised version of high society in the 1810’s.

2. House

In a dramatic twist, we turn to an iconic medical drama, featuring a genius drug-addict doctor and his diagnostic team. The show is shot very clear cut, mirroring the sterile environments of the hospital. Along this vein, the show favours greys and blues, the cooler tones complimenting the seriousness of the ambience and keeping the medical aesthetic a frontal presence.

3. Sherlock

We are, of course, talking about the BBC series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Andrew Scott, who bring their iconic characters to life perfectly. Dark academia is the only correct way to describe the set, with books scattered everywhere, and random skulls and research living in the fridge. The colour palette leans heavily to the dark side, perfectly in line with the slightly morbid storylines.

Top TV Villains

One of our writers explore the most complex TV Villains.

From evil kings to flesh-eating serial killers; what would television without its leading villains creating chaos and plain old misery?

Arguably the most important characters in television are villains, they provide some of the most memorable lines and moments in cinematic history not to mention the backstory that every villain should have… Starting of strong with Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal Lecter, one of the most notorious villains to somewhat grace our screens. His truly despicable yet enthralling character creates one of the sickest and most twisted evil minds out there, all thanks to his cannibalistic ways… yep that’s right this villain murders his victims, cooks their dead flesh, and to really

“Arguably the most important characters in television are villains.”

top of his tormented ways feeds it to his unsuspecting guests. Nasty stuff. Once again coming in with a truly nasty villain Joffrey Baratheon, from one of the most popular TV shows to exist in the world, Game of Thrones. This character, fortunately, meets a painful yet well-deserved death after he is secretly poisoned by Olenna Tyrell (she really was doing God's work here). Still, I mean that is what happens Joffrey when you torture, assault,

4. The Crown Spanning a range of decades, the show follows the life of the late Queen, and every season matches the ever-changing aesthetics of the time period. The wide shots of palaces and countrysides convey a sense of grandeur; fitting for royals. The cinematography is beautiful, and paired with the subtleties of the lighting and the camerawork, we are presented with a show that perfectly portrays regality whilst remaining somewhat intimate.

5. Gilmore Girls

A classic if you’ve ever seen one, and a recurring inspiration for fashion. The aesthetic of small-town living, and autumnal feeling presented through both Lorelei and Rory’s outfits, alongside the liberal use of orange and brown hues creates a perfectly warm feeling fictional world. It’s a general consensus that come October, Gilmore Girls season has begun – an idea also presented through the title screen, which encapsulates the autumnal feeling perfectly.

and kill off a fan favourite I’m afraid. With that being said however his character remains to be a fan favourite, something about those truly nasty ones that you gotta love!

But of course, it would be rude not to mention the ultimate vampire Dracula. This guy is just pure evil really, especially in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss's screen adaptation. He psychologically tortures his own servant, turns whoever he fancies into a vampire with his poisonous vampiric blood and to really top of his list of accomplishments he kidnaps a baby and feeds it to his vampire birds to eat and when the mother wants her baby back he just has her killed too - how dare she demand her own child back!

Killing Eve's Villanelle played by the incredible scouse gem, Jodie Comer, is also a villain to remember. Psychotic, unhinged and deeply complex. Vilanelle is a character we all love to hate, a character that has become embedded in contemporary pop culture with her wittty one lines, fabulous fashion sense and cruel killing sprres. Ps. Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote her the

And to top it off with a classic Disney villain, Cruella De Vil. The clues in the name really –cruel and evil- this woman has got to be up there with the most horrible and wicked villains of all time; a fashion-obsessed heiress this woman schemes to use the fur of 101 Dalmatians for her spotted fur coat. I think we can all agree that when it comes to harming animals there is no going back thus making Cruella De Vil a top villain and most definitely a hated

2024 Wrapped!

Amala Parry ~ Campus Comment Sub-Editor

The past year has been fabulous for TV, with a diverse range of original shows and series hitting our screens. From stalker dramas and dragons to drug dealers and unrequited desire, here's a list of my top TV shows from this year...

1) Baby Reindeer- Undoubtedly, one of the best and most original TV series of the year was Richard Gadd's Baby Reindeer. Released on Netflix in April, it quickly becoming one of the most watched shows, gaining a rating of 99% on rotten tomatoes. I was a bit late to watch Baby Reindeer, but it didn't disappoint; the beautifully written, well-acted and incredibly raw and honest story deserved the incredible reaction it received.

2) The Traitors (Series 2)January of this year, the longawaited second series of The Traitors was released on BBC one. This series saw a fresh (and frankly, more likeable) cast, taking on the hidden Traitors for a chance to win the cash prize. With Claudia Winkleman's wonderful hosting, the many twist and turns and intensely close final, this year's series of

The Traitors had me on the edge of my seat. I'm very excited for the show's return in January...

3) One Day- If there was an award for most heart-breaking show of the year, Netflix's One Day, takes the prize. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, One Day takes us on a 14-year journey, showing the best and worst of the two main characters, Emma and Dexter, as they explore their ever-evolving relationship. It made me laugh, feel hopeful, and ugly cry- the sign of a great TV show!

4) Bridgerton (Season 3)- The long-awaiting third season of Bridgerton was an instant hit. Though I agree that the third season wasn't as good as the second season (it would have been hard to beat), I was still enthralled by the Bridgerton universe and was excited to see Nicola Coughlan have her moment in the spotlight.

5) House of the Dragon (Season 2)- The last show on this list is the second series of HBO's House of the Dragon. Season 2, released in June,

Isla Cordes

Image credit: IMDb

Arts

New Year, New you, New Tattoo?

Taylor Roth

Is the new year the best time to get a tattoo? One of our writers discusses...

Another year has passed and maybe you’re thinking: will this finally be the year I get a tattoo? For most people, the hardest tattoo to get is your first one, and then it’s a matter of stopping yourself from getting more and more (I 100% support getting more, but the bank account doesn’t always think the same sadly). If getting a tattoo has been an idea floating around in your mind, maybe this is the time for you.

Let’s start with practical purposes: it’s cold and it will be covered. This allows your tattoo to avoid sun damage and any lurking germs outside. You also don’t have to feel left out or concerned during outdoor activities, such as swimming, which can be a problem if it is the summer. Of course, give your tattoo time to breathe, but it’s still a plus that it will often be protected due to the weather. This also gives you time to hide it in case you don’t like it. Whoops.

You might be considering a tattoo this time of year because you’re thinking about resolutions and rebranding yourself and I say go for it if you have thoroughly reflected on it. The new year is a time when we reflect on who we are and who we want to be and if who you want to be has a tattoo that makes you happy then great! Additionally, the new year is often a time when people stick to schedules to achieve resolutions, which is super important when keeping up with cleaning and moisturizing your tattoo (always follow your artist’s instructions, what I’m saying very general).

Artists as place makers: who has the power to create identity for a place?

One of our writers discusses the authority artworks and architecture have over creating a place's identity...

If this is making you consider getting a tattoo more I must recommend you do your research! Find an artist who specializes in the style you’re interested in and investigate artists that your tattooed friends recommend. Think about if you will be happy with the design years down the line, and if not maybe consider another idea or possibly postpone your tattoo dreams. It is permanent and expensive, so take a bit of time to stew on it. Personally, if the design feels right for me at the moment, I think it still represents an important piece of myself and I don’t feel that I would regret my decision to get the design. So, I hope you live out your tattoo dreams (soon) if that is part of your current journey!

“Permanent and expensive, take a bit of time to stew on it” Image

NUTS Newcomer cast : Albion review

One of our writers reviews the student play 'Albion'... a delight to watch!

It was a pleasure to witness amateur NUTS production Albion, a dramatic rebirth of Mike Bartlett's classic. Director Conrad Klappholz shines through this masterful performance featuring an incredibly talented all newcomers cast that feels more akin to a seasoned group of professionals. Filled with complex relatonships, deep characters, and relentless drama, Albion was in no uncertain terms a delight to watch. Here are my thoughts on this brand-new production - spoilers!

The play, boasting a run time of around 3 hours interval included, follows mother Audrey, husband Paul, and daughter Zara as they move from the bustling streets of London to the quaint rural town in which Audrey grew up. Navigating the loss of Audrey’s son James alongside the culture shock of their move, conflict breeds as old friends resurface, bombshells are dropped, and fresh faces wonder whether they will become allies or enemies of the formidable family. Seeded with themes of love, loss, and class divides, Albion packs the turbulent dichotomy between preservation of the past and blossoming of the future into the crumbling country grounds of an historical English home. The stage is set with an array of hand-made props which contextualise the performance without drawing from it, each actor bringing their own spark of life to the garden of Albion which dwindles as relationships decay and dreams are grounded in reality.

Central figure Audrey, a strong-willed and tightly-wound businesswoman, is expertly embodied by Ruby Chick. Audrey’s grapples

with the preservation of her past and the traditions of the town she has recently re-inhabited are encompassed so powerfully in Chick’s commanding performance that we instantly empathise both with her and the characters she ultimately alienates. Another polished performance, Emma Hotchkin’s mysterious and complex author Katherine draws the eye simply by sauntering across the stage, her intelligent mystique transfixing audience members and characters alike. Both actresses have incredible stage presence and the rising tension between the two is electric.

'No performance is weak in this powerful piece'

No performance is weak in this powerful piece, each character feeling whole and complete, believable in their stories, experiences, and developing identities. Whether it be through impressively delivered monologues or perfectly timed comedic quips, the tale of Albion has more than come to life through this newcomer cast, supported by an equally skilful and dedicated crew. Rounded off with a satisfyingly unresolved ending and peppered with tantalising cliffhangers, the play never ceases to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats. Whatever the cast and crew of Albion choose to create throughout the blossoming of their undoubtedly bright careers, I’m sure you’ll be truly riveted - I know I am.

The large church in my hometown has stood in the same place since the 14th century, looking out onto the town and the people, both of which have vastly changed over time. I have walked past it many times, never really considering it as anything but a church.

When walking past this building for probably the hundredth time, I begin to realise that it is not just a church, but a definition of the place I grew up in. It stands there, tall and still, carrying with it my memories, my home friends, those endless nights of binge-drinking and secret girly giggling in the town square. Each of these memories, looking upon this very church. I can’t help but think that if it hadn’t been there, if I had grown up with a different piece of art in my hometown, would things be different?

The architect of this church, which is nothing special to anyone who didn’t grow up in my tiny hometown, seems to be lost to history. I can’t help but think that every other place is similarly defined by pieces of art and the artists who make them. New York holds the hand of Lady Liberty,

sculpted by Bartholdi, Barcelona is cradled in the embrace of la Sagrada Familia, a work of mastery by Gaudi. Just like I am indebted to my humble hometown church, these places owe their identities to their art and their artists, it is entirely possible that they would all be forgotten without it. It is with these placemaking artworks that a question must be posed: who has the power to create a place’s identity.

Artists around the world enforce a globalscale definition of place, all while running the risk of being forgotten themselves. While writing this, I find myself completely unable to name the architect of the pyramids, or the creator of the Berlin Wall, even though the works are the first things springing to mind when I think of Egypt or Berlin. It could be my mere arrogance, or lack of geographical knowledge, but I can’t help thinking of these artists’ lives as sacrificial ones, we have the privilege of attaching art to a whole culture, a staple piece of the lives passing through. That is to say, the defining nature of art is complimentary, these artists are able to live on through their work, and attach themselves directly to their culture, and their history.

North East wrapped: Standout Creatives Of 2024

Cory Gourley -TV Sub-Editor

2024 wasn’t just the year of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Drew Starkey and Sarah J. Maas.

Here in the North East we have had a huge breakout of artistic talent over the last 12 months. With many new creatives breaking the mould as always here in the River Tyne City and its surrounding areas. These are my top picks from the past year.

First up is poet Amelia Loulli. Amelia is a PHD candidate at Newcastle University and is based in Cumbria. Her debut poetry collection ‘Slip’ is an absolute must-read! Released in Spring of 2024, ‘Slip’ is a powerful and brave insight into the life of a 21st century woman. Nothing is off bounds with Loulli's collection and as a result is takes reader’s on a necessary, groundbreaking and at times tragic journey through motherhood.

Someone else who should absolutely be on your radar after this year is actor and writer Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock. This year, Rebecca, originally from West Yorkshire, took leading roles at Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre’s ‘hope is a four letter word’ and ‘My Name is Rachel Corrie’ with her stealing the show in both productions. Rebecca also won the Channel 4 Writing for TV Award 2024, so watch this space (and stage) is all I can say!

Next up is Newcastle based author Eliza Clark. Now I have been a staunch supporter of Clark since the release of her debut novel ‘Boy Parts’ in 2020. The novel was a sort of cult phenomenon at first but 2024 and beyond has been and will continue to be her time to shine. Clark’s short story collection ‘She’s Always Hungry’ is full of stunningly dark delights and have seen her go national with ‘The Telegraph’ and ‘The Guardian Bookshop’ promoting her work.  Teesside’s answer to the Arctic Monkeys and Scouting for Girls, Provenance, are also part of my top picks from the past year. The band,

made up of members Theo Formby-Jackson, Joe Bradford, Harry Blythe and Jack Obern are going from strength to strength, with them becoming regulars on the Teesside music scene. Glasto and Leeds 2025, Provenance have to be on the bill, surely!

Newcastle-based playwright Tamsin Rees, originally from County Durham, is still smashing the local theatre scene with their work in contemporary and naturalistic theatre. One of their latest piece is a response to Alphabetti’s ‘Fixing’, called ‘Table Salt’ which I have to say is a stand alone superb piece of theatre. Moreover, Tamsin’s play ‘Stupid Girls’ was long listed for Verity Bargate award 2024.

Finally, Newcastle Fine Art student Charlotte Brecken, whose fantastically intricate piece ‘Metro Ticket’ was part of the Northern Summer Exhibition 2024 at Newcastle Arts Centre is another absolute standout of the year with her piece was also being exhibited at the Baltic Centre in Gateshead. She also created 'Rubber Duck Factory' with fellow Fine Art student Issy Everton.

My Full List of Standout Artists 2024 from here in the North East can be found below:

• Amelia Loulli Poet

• Provenance- Indie/Rock Band

• Eliza Clark Author

• Tamsin Rees Playwright

• Rebecca GlendenningLaycock- Actor & Writer

• Charlotte Brecken- Painter/Artist

• Jessica Andrews- Author

• Gary Evans- Screenwriter

• Rachael Cutmore- Painter/Artist

• India Arkin- Singer/Songwriter

Aerin Harrison

Talia Pope

credit: DeviantArt.com

Cheap or cheerful: When are crafted Christmas gifts okay?

you’ve really thought about the recipient, and can mean a lot more to someone than something off the rack.

A tribute to late Frank Auerbach

Adam Lovegrove - Head of Culture

was perfect, with the artist stating that over 95% of his work would get thrown out in the process of painting.

Oh to be gifted an annotated book...

The age-old question: how much money is acceptable to spend on a Christmas present? Living in such a consumerist society, where perfumes and Birkin bags are advertised everywhere you cast your eyes, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing that every gift has to halve your bank account. But I believe that homemade gifts can be just as - if not more - thoughtful than buying something expensive.

Being a student, on a limited loan that has to sort out food, rent, and basic necessities, it can be difficult to try and find the money for gifts. But some of my favourite Christmas gifts have been homemade: one year, my friend crocheted me a bag from scratch - she even made the pattern. This year I’ve been knitting a blanket for my girlfriend; it’s taken me two months to finish it completely, and I have put a lot more thought and effort into it than if I’d just bought something online. It adds a personal touch to Christmas gifts, which shows that

The popularity of homemade gifts has risen significantly in recent years, especially as more attention has been brought to the waste that Christmas brings: brand new, unwanted gifts thrown out, misusing valuable material. Along with more people recycling Christmas wrapping paper, another suggestion has been homemade gifts. And, there’s so many ways to do this: knitting, crocheting or sewing is a favourite, along with making scrapbooks, writing letters, painting mugs or annotating books. Not only are you saving money, but you’re saving the environment too. What’s not to love?

Of course, not everyone is happy with crafted gifts. If someone is adamant about wanting something in particular, it might be worth it to save up and avoid checking your bank account for the whole of January. But in case one of your loved ones hasn’t mentioned anything in particular and you’re beginning to get worried about what to buy them, why not get creative?

Despite the bias against homemade gifts, it’s far better to make them something crafted that they’ll keep forever than gamble on something that they’ll leave in a drawer, and forget about by next year.

A look back at the Painter's lasting impact

It was announced on the 12th November 2024 that GermanBritish painter Frank Auerbach had died at age 93, passing away peacefully on Monday morning the day before. Auerbach was considered one of the greats of 20th century painters, having an indescribable influence on the art form.

Born into a Jewish family in Berlin, Germany, Frank's parents sent him to Britain in an organised rescue scheme during the Second World War. Auerbach's interest in art was noticed from a young age, with him eventually going on to study at art schools in London.

Auerbach's most acclaimed works were figuartive works made up largely of portraits and urban landscapes, depicted in his signature style. Auerbach's work consisted of constantly adding, removing and layering over his own work until it

His paintings became instantly recognisable for their harsh, thick lines that make incredibly striking images of both the people and locations he depicts in his artwork. The impasto impressions he created on his canvas gave his works a distinct texture, so much so that the heavy paint made many of his works hard to hang up.

“His works have been showcased all across the world”

Auerbach's work had a huge influence on the world of contemporary art. His works have been showcased all across the world, appearing in exhibitions from the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge to London's Tate Modern. His rigorous work ethic and approach have inspired many other artists to focus on the relation between artist and subject, working towards a final product that feels perfect. Auerbach will be remembered for years to come, and his influence on art will last even longer.

The Little Mermaid panto makes a splash at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Phoebe Clarke - Arts Sub-Editor Foam, bubbles and tongue twisters, this year's pantomime is not one to be missed...

Kicking the festive season off with sequins, foam, and laughter, The Theatre Royal’s annual pantomime The Little Mermaid brought tears of laughter to everyone in the room, whilst maintaining a West End production value.

“Could have been the opening to a West End production”

The show started with a stunning musical number that could have easily been the opening to a West End production, with a sinking ship, bubbles blown across the audience and powerful vocals from the whole cast. The set design was impressively fun throughout, with a man-eating shark looming across the stage and a chariot flying over the audience’s heads, which made the show feel spectacular. Even more exciting than the set design was the costumes. Notably Chris Hayward playing Ursula had drama and sparkles to no end. At one point, Ursula’s dress, which looked like a chic draped fabric, transformed into a prickly sea urchin with sixfoot pointy spikes by being blown up - I was in awe. Every time she walked on stage, the outfits got even more elaborate and decadent with each architectural silhouette. There were plenty of other gorgeous costumes that stood

up to the Dame, but some fell short in comparison.

“Newcastle

panto royalty Danny Adams and Clive Webb”

comedy to an overabundance of phallic innuendos, they had everyone on side, even if some of the kids were left a bit confused. Joe McElderry and

drowned out by the band, but they’re not the reason anyone has come to the pantomime. Some of the most entertaining parts of the show were of course the parts with no addition to the plot and hardly any relevance!

“I don't

think I have ever truly laughed that much at any pantomime”

The on-stage foam show, with the addition of involuntary audience participation, children singing a silly tongue twister with Danny Adams to win a goody bag, and the most chaotic rendition of The Twelve Days Of Christmas I have ever witnessed. I don’t think ever truly laughed that much at any pantomime and especially not at such, some might say, childish humour, but their experience showed because it didn’t feel stilted or rehearsed, just pure fun.

“Without

a doubt one

of

the best pantomines I have ever seen”

The Little Mermaid at the Theatre Royal is without a doubt one of the best pantomimes I have ever seen, with a small town, almost community feel, perfectly blended with West End quality production. It is the perfect feel-good family evening to get into the festive mood, and even runs until the 12th

Image credit: Paul Coltas

Image credit: regencygirl123, Pixabay

Image credit: Martin Beek, Flickr

Scarlet Davies - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Sub-Editors:

The Courier's Favourite Games of 2024!

Fortnite: Battle Royale

Multiple Writers

A roundup of The Courier's favourite games of the year...

Plenty of amazing games release every year, and whilst 2024 brought some incredible new games that have been mentioned, we also wanted to reflect on some old treasures that never fail to keep us smiling.

Jet Set Radio

Jet Set Radio (2000) is a simple game about skating around on rollerblades whilst painting the town in graffiti to cement your gang of colourful teenage rebels, The GG's, as one group not to mess with. From start to finish, you are immersed in a cartoonish world oozing with vibrance, style, and a lightning-in-a-bottle zeitgeist of late 90s Tokyo culture that still feels fresh all these years laterThe game is carefully crafted to feel like an arcade experience turned into a work of art, something to really be experienced. As you skate around avoiding vengeful authorities and rival gangs aiming to curbstomp your spraypainting career, you are accompanied with an absolutely iconic soundtrack produced mostly by acclaimed DJ/Composer Hideki Naganuma, that, along with the timeless cel-shaded art style of which it pioneered, arguably acts as the heart and soul of the game that has forever left a niche but undeniably influential mark on gaming history. Whilst this game was released in 2000, that does not stop this masterpiece from being my personal favourite game of 2024.

-Raven Orteza

Surprisingly, one of my favourite games this year was Fortnite. Specifically, while playing it with my friends on the call. Even though in recent years been dismissed as a ‘kids’ game or not serious enough, my friends and I spent countless hours throughout the year trying to dumb tactics to win the game or just simply having a laugh. This is because it’s a game you don’t need to take seriously unlike other coop shooters such as Overwatch Call of Duty addition to the ease Fortnite offers, the collaborations this year made the game so appealing such as Avatar: the Last Airbender scrolls (allowing the player to master the four elements in game). The Marvel: Doomsday event also added iconic skins and weapons from the Marvel franchise making the game feel fresh and exciting. These factors cemented Fortnite as one of my favourite games this year.

-Keyon Snoek

Grand Theft Auto sexualisation?

Amelie Baker

- Opinion Sub-Editor

Exploring the role of women in GTA

GTA has had great success, its notoriety for violence and over-sexualised women has transcended the boundaries of the gaming community - but shouldn’t this be a point of concern instead of a point of interest?

Whilst of course there are positives to GTA like its non-linear approach and open explorability along with a great variety of NPCs, unfortunately that variety is not reflected in the female representation. Any female characters are limited to side-line roles wherein they are passive accessories to the male main characters. Female relatives are annoying and bothersome, whilst female NPCs often occupy hypersexualised positions like strippers or hookers.

When this is compared with the flawed yet well developed main and playable characters of Micheal, Trevor, and Franklin, the difference in how the game makers have treated the representation of gender is clear. Whilst massmurderers are able to experience character development, women are sidelined and imprisoned within stereotypes that have harmed and debilitated them for years.

Now many of the fans would argue that not everything is about gender, that these were games from the 2000s and 2010s, that it’s not that deep, but actually when the impact of this style of feminine representation is analysed, yeah - it is that deep. The GTA fan base, despite it being a game marketed and supposedly aimed at adults, is mostly made up of teenagers, and teenage boys at that. Being constantly exposed to such an unrealistic representation of women is highly damaging especially at such a young age as it will only build an expectation and view of women as sexualised airheads that exist to accessorise male desire.

Of course GTA is not exactly a moral compass and nor should we judge it as such, but for god's sake catch up. The gaming industry is evolving and slowly inclusivity is improving, but games like this that pander to a hyper-masculine gaze need to change with the times if they are to avoid perpetuating the negative stereotype of the gaming community. The prevalence of such damaging stereotypes in a game which does have fantastic world building among many other positives really highlights the systemic issue of gender representation in the gaming world. And the fact that this has become such a big selling point for the GTA franchise itself further symbolises how, regardless of progress made, sex will always sell.

Whilst it does appear that Rockstar Games are trying to change with the times as they are introducing their first female protagonist in GTA 6, the question remains whether or not they will truly be able to divorce themselves from the oversexualisation of women that has contributed to the success of their games so far. With the GTA 6 release date on the horizon at last, we will just have to wait and see whether women will be liberated in the GTA universe or not.

Stardew Valley A game which impacted me this year is Stardew . My boyfriend works a lot and we have both been busy - but as soon as we get home we switch on the Xbox to our favourite game. It's cosy, light-hearted and full of surprises! I love our time spent together progressing our farm.

is a wonderfully sadistic

highlights the harrowing responsibility. "I hope and "Take Responsibility" being the two slogans best representative of the game, the player is left to pick up the pieces. When the crew of the crashed spaceship Tulpar are left abandoned in space, an onslaught of nightmares begin to acrew, perfectly crafting the feeling of drowning in an ocean of mouth-wash. The game represents the true terrors of confinement and responsibility, all at a fiction-based distance, a perfect recipe for beautiful disaster. It's no question that Mouthwashing is one of the best game releases in 2024.

-Megan Grimston, Sports sub-editor Fallout: New Vegas

The Fallout series is back on the rise again. After mixed reviews for

nuclear disaster that was the launch of Fallout 76, Prime's TV series has re-invigorated enthusiasm for the franchise. The next wave of Bethesda projects may even be in the works, but I will always find myself coming back to Fallout: New Vegas The benchmark for good Role Playing Games, your character in New Vegas is a blank slate. You choose how to play, and as such choose your character's destiny. Each play-through is unique, and staggeringly brilliant - what a game.

-Dylan Seymour, Sports sub-editor Hogwarts Legacy

As a gaming sub-editor, I probably shouldn't be bragging about how late I am to this one - but my game of 2024 . I absolutely loved the gameplay, the 1800s feel and the never - ending quests. I'm ashamed to mention I played on my Nintendo Switch, which I know is unanimously agreed as the worst console to play the game on... I'm very sorry, please don't fire me! I can't wait to hear more news on the sequel next year...

-Milly Thompson, Gaming sub-editor

Are Seasonal DLCs a big cash grab?

Adam Lovegrove - Head of Culture

With the Christmas period just passed, online multiplayer games like Overwatch, Fortnite and Apex Legends have just had their winter events end. These have become widespread recently in gaming, with developers adding new game modes, new loot and a festive coat of paint to their game for the month. Many of them are incredibly cute, charming and cozy, but have they become an excuse for developers to push players to pay for seasonal loot through microtransactions?

Seasonal updates aren’t just limited to online shooters though, as the concept has made its way into almost every genre. The Animal Crossing games have a variety of special events that take place throughout the year, such as ‘Bunny Day’ for Easter and ‘Toy Day’ for Christmas. Among Us decks The Skeld with decorations for December. And even mobile games like Clash of Clans release new festive-themed troops and clan wars in the winter.

“Have they become an excuse for developers to push players to pay for sesasonal loot through microtransactions”

Some of these updates do feel genuinely sincere – a thank you to the fans from the developers and a chance to celebrate the holidays together. But at the same time there’s been such a rise in seasonal updates that just feel desperate to make some money off the players. Valorant is a clear-cut example of this, adding on a tacky snowball fight mode to

cover up the fact that they only want you to buy the new set of Christmas skins.

This is undeniably a result of the damage microtransactions have done to the gaming industry. Games are no longer a ‘one-and-done’ purchase, with DLC, cosmetics and sometimes even unlockables that improve your gameplay hidden behind a paywall. And even for games that are free, many players will end up spending more on them than they did on a £60 purchase thanks to the constant slew of cosmetics the main menu shoves in your face.

“Games are no longer a 'oneand-done' purchase...”

My first memory of playing a seasonal update in a videogame was during Overwatch’s “Winter Wonderland” event in December 2016. Me and my friends laughed and played Mei’s Snowball Fight for hours. The festive map updates were all really cool to see, and the excitement of getting a legendary Christmas skin from a loot box was unmatched. But with the 2023 event, there hasn’t been an original game mode idea since 2020. And loot boxes are gone now, replaced by a new ticket system that limits players to only unlocking one, non-legendary skin (unless they’re willing to pay, of course).

Unfortunately, most seasonal updates have been ruined by greedy developers. It makes me sad that kids nowadays won’t get to have the same experiences I had – whether it be wrapping up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate to play a Christmas event, or turning off the lights and immersing myself in a spooky Halloween update. Publishers are never going to stop with micro transactions, but it’s a shame to see they value the extra cash over the happiness of their player base.

Image credits: IMDB

PlayStation Portable: 20th Anniversary

A lookback on the underrated console from '05...

In 2005, Xbox released the Xbox 360, which started the new generation of consoles. However, before releasing the PlayStation 3, Sony decided to release the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The PlayStation Portable was originally released in December 2004 and then worldwide throughout 2005, this was to combat the Nintendo DS released in 2004. The handheld consoles were revolutionary as they managed to play 3-D-style games on the go. Undoubtedly the DS was much more popular however, the PSP was arguably much more powerful (which tends to be the case with Sony consoles compared to Nintendo ones). This is clear from the fact that the DS could run some Nintendo 64 games whereas the PSP had the power to play PlayStation 2 remakes which was incredibly impressive for the time.

The PSP had an extensive library of games, including GTA: Vice City, Little Big Planet, and multiple God of War games. These games were much more in-depth and mature than the games released on the DS, making it more appealing to older gamers but not to children, causing the DS to be much more popular than the PSP. Furthermore, in recent years people have been buying PSPs online and repurposing them so that they can play all the games available for free. This is because the PSP had amazing online capabilities and people still wanted to relive this nostalgia. But, due to the console being released almost two decades ago now fans of the console were struggling to obtain physical copies of the games. But, this sudden interest in the PSP caused prices of the console to surge online making them more valuable whilst also reigniting the desire for this 20-year-old console.

In summary, the PSP was heavily underappreciated upon release due to the competition with Nintendo’s DS even though the PSP was undoubtedly more impressive. But it’s legacy still lives on with this newly founded community repurposing the console.

Memory Card: Castle Crashers

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

The cutest combat game ever?

Ifirst played Castle Crashers on the Playstation 3 that I begrudgingly had to share with my older brother. I was no older than eight, and my gaming experience extended to only LittleBigPlanet, Mario Kart on the Wii, and random games on my Nintendo DS.

I was always weirdly terrified of conflict in video games for some strange reason; boss battles or regular fighting scenes were always left to my big bro. But with Castle Crashers, I only have fond memories (it probably seemed easy because my brother was carrying me through every level).

Castle Crashers is a side-scrolling, 'beat 'em up' or 'brawler' style video game that first released on Xbox in 2008, and later made its way to Playstation in 2010. It's set in a medieval-esque universe where you can play as one of five different knights. Each knight is a different colour (blue, red, yellow, green, and a later added pink), and each have their own unique abilities.

“With the ability to shoot penguins out of their hands, Pink Knight quickly became my favourite character.”

The Blue, Red, Yellow, and Green Knights are

the original playable characters in the game and the Pink Knight followed as a DLC for a good cause. The developers, The stated that proceeds that came from players purchasing the DLC were to be donated to charities devoted to Breast Cancer Research. Armed with a comicallylarge lollipop as a sword, and the ability to shoot penguins out of their hands, Pink Knight quickly became childhood favourite character. Another cool fact about Pink Knight is that Dan Paladin, who created The Behemoth, has previously said that Pink Knight's gender is up for interpretation!

So what is your actual goal in Castle Crashers? Defeat the Evil Wizard who stole the kingdom's beloved four princess and precious gems. As you traverse through the different stages of the game, accompanied by the game's iconic soundtrack, you will come across different foes whom you must defeat. These enemies range from Barbarians, to Aliens, to Fish Men, followed by intense boss battles against creatures such as a Giant Troll, who looks like a Studio Ghibli Soot Sprite gone wrong. Castle Crashers will forever hold a special place in my heart. For giving me the courage so engage in video game fight scenes, and giving me a lifetime of memories with my older brother.

Rocket League: What went wrong?

Daniel Atkinson

One of our writers discusses when Rocket League went downhill...

From being one of the biggest Esports in the world to the recent announcement that G2, the longest participating organisation in the history of the competitive scene, would not be submitting a team for RLCS this year. Has it all started to go wrong for the supersonic, acrobatic, rocket-powered battle cars?

When Epic Games re-released the already smash hit Rocket League as a free to play game in September of 2020 after acquiring developer Psyonix, player counts and hype were at an all time high; this was the ultimate way to revive a declining player base, as old fans took it as an opportunity to revisit the game and new fans were now more likely to give it a go since the barrier to entry was demolished. This all sounds fairly positive, but was Epic the right company for the job?

Epic Games have essentially turned Rocket League into a Fornite: Battle Royale clone in terms of what made that game so successful and profitable for the developer. The keys and crates system was how Psyonix allowed players to purchase and play for cosmetics in the game, similar to that of Counter Strike. Along with the cosmetics system, came a vibrant and dedicated trading community created through the game's feature which allowed player to player trading. Certain items could sell for hundreds of real world pounds and people genuinely used this as a way to earn extra cash for themselves by getting lucky with crate openings and other ingame rewards.

In December 2019, Epic decided that Psyonix

would replace the keys and crates with a credits and blueprints system, where players could choose to spend their money on the items they wanted, without any ambiguity or randomisation. The problem that arose from this was that some items cost upward of £20 equivalent in credits, to acquire through blueprints. Many fans were upset by this, as what was presented as a way for players to be sure of acquiring the items they wanted, felt like a cash grab from Epic in reality, and also dampened the hype around certain cosmetics in the trading community. At the same time, Psyonix also replaced the DLC showroom with a Fortnite style item shop, which rotated items through daily and weekly, at prices similar to that of the blueprints, further emphasizing their attempts to increase the games revenue in preparation for the free to play re-release.

“This was the first competitve online game in years where I was actually enjoying every second...”

Although Epic had clearly hit a grassy road bump in their Octane back there, free-to-play was a massive success and saw the game have more players than ever before. The first season's Rocket Pass was all around a decent success, with interesting cosmetics and other items available if players were willing to purchase its premium tier. This is when I first stepped foot into the game, encouraged by some veteran friends, and I have to say I had an absolute blast. This was the first competitive online game in years where I was actually enjoying every second, with the combination of learning the games mechanics with its ultra high skill ceiling and the opportunity to earn items as I played, I was hooked.

Not long after this, it seemed as if Epic and Psyonix felt more obliged than actually excited to be

releasing new content for the game. Season after season, the format was the same; new arena and Rocket Pass and practically nothing else, with the quality of most Rocket Passes to follow decreasing significantly. The final nail in the crate-shaped coffin was the removal of player to player trading in December 2023, killing a whole portion of the community with one swift strike and providing no real replacement or updated quality of life. This change was most likely another way for Epic to force players into the item shop to grab their favourite cosmetics at ludicrous prices. Many players and content creators quit the game all together because of this, most notably YouTuber JonSandman, known for his crate opening and trading videos, citing it as a huge blow to the casual side of the community and announcing that it was no longer a viable game for him to make regular content on.

This didn't deter fans of the E-sports scene and players of the game to continue to take an interest however, as player counts as of December 2024 on Steam alone hover around 20,000 daily logins.

With G2 announcing their withdrawal from RLCS for the 2025 season and the 2024 world champs team BDS yet to submit a roster, a discus sion was sparked as to whether the game does enough to sup port the E-sports organisations who compete in RLCS. G2's main reason for not submitting a roster being that it wasn't financial ly viable, with Epic only covering around 20% of team's costs, whilst

having an extremely strict policy on which types of sponsors teams are allowed to have on their shirts and cars. Epic has been called out as hypocritical for this as they have recently released licensed player anthems in the game which are songs of explicit nature, whilst doubling down and not allowing gambling sponsors due to the game's ESRB rating. All we can do is keep an eye on the future of

“...countless decisions with a lack of the player base in mind continue to degrade the Rocket League experience.”

the game and hope that more is done to support the community and the E-sports organisations who bring so much interest and revenue in for the developers, as countless decisions with a lack of the player base in mind continue Rocket League experience.

Keyon Snoek

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons, YouTube (Ayee)

Image credit: YouTube (MonksCC)

Moon Sudoku

Sub-editors: Adam Symes, Dylan Seymour, Megan Grimston, and Noelia Fernandez Perez

Guenther Steiner on F1 management, Niki Lauda, and the mental game

Megan Grimston Sports Sub-Editor

Guenther Steiner was the founding Team Principle of Haas F1 and up until the end of the 2023 season, he continued to run the team all across the globe. Since his departure from the team he has gone on to travel across the globe for his “An Evening with Guenther Steiner” tour in which he discusses all things motorsport. During this tour I had the opportunity to sit down and interview Steiner about his twenty-two years in Formula One.

Trying to describe Steiner’s role in Formula One is a complicated task. Put simply, the Team Principal role is one that combines leadership, safety, and legality all into one management role. A background in motorsport is almost a necessity when stepping into such a role, and for Steiner this was not a lacking department. His history (starting in the 80s), made him a perfect candidate for the journey into Formula One.

“You grow with it, with the job” opened Steiner when reflecting on the impact his time in Formula One had on his current life. Everyday was a new opportunity to tackle his thought process, never once considering his time in the sport as a negative thing. While motorsport is a game of fine mechanics, for people like Steiner who take on the Team Principal role, the

sport is a mental game at the highest stakes. “It’s high stakes, if you cannot do it, you won’t get in” explained Steiner when discussing his journey into Formula One. With such an intense environment, with everyone around a competitor, it goes without saying that those at the top like Steiner, build up a long term philosophy to live by. For the Haas founder, it was “what makes you suffer, makes you tougher”. Despite the conditions, Steiner made it unprecedentedly clear that this philosophy never escaped him, “you just have tough days” he joked. Even after his time in Haas ended, Steiner reflected positively on the end; implying he was happy it was over saying “I tried, maybe I wasn’t good enough but I tried”.

With the constant activity within Formula One, it’s no secret that results are everything, so the pressure to perform well is everything. However, with such a high prestige sport, there are a plethora of constraints that sometimes make this feel near impossible; especially for ‘budget teams’ like Haas. Though, this didn’t seem to phase Steiner saying; “I’ve been doing this a long time, I know what is and is not possible”. Although its founder, Steiner was not the man at the top; Gene Haas provided the team's title sponsor and therefore provided the team its money. The results mattered the most to him. Though, this didn’t have an impact

on Steiner during his time at the team, explaining “it’s him not me, he can ask what he wants”. Since 2020, the team had slowly been struggling to match its success from the two years prior, and while this began to weigh down its members, Steiner didn’t lose his drive. Claiming that the experience had a good impact on him, he explained “I didn’t care, I learnt not to care.”

How periods impact sports performances

Amy Marsh

One of our writers discusses the impact of periods during sport performances.

Constantly fluctuating hormone levels mean that people who menstruate may have worse sport performance at certain points in the month than others. In contrast, cisgender men have a 24-hour testosterone cycle that resets daily, so their performance is more consistent.

Despite these differences, research on optimising sports performance has been conducted on cisgender men and inappropriately applied to female athletes. This leaves many female athletes frustrated as their training plans don’t cater to their different needs during each menstrual phase.

Studies have consistently reported that female athletes perceive their sport performance as worse during pre-menstruation and menstruation than other phases. Physical menstruation symptoms, like abdominal cramps and bloating, can impair sport performance as female athletes have to deal with high levels of pain when they train. Not only this, but mood swings and depression are commonly experienced in the week before menstruation. Such negative moods can cause muscle tension, making you feel low on energy much sooner into

exercising during pre-menstruation than in other phases. Not only this, but these psychological symptoms can manifest as negative thoughts about your own abilities, making you feel less capable and confident.

No matter what sport you do, if you have a period and feel like you sometimes perform badly for “no reason”, it’s worth considering the menstrual phase you are in. It can be very validating to realise the reason why you are having an off day. Once you have recognised this, you can exercise according to your body’s needs.

“Figuring out what works for you can make you feel your best”

Early in your period, gentle exercise may be best to match lower energy levels, help to boost mood and alleviate cramps. Estrogen is involved in gaining muscle mass, so as estrogen levels rise towards the end of your period, you may feel strong in cardio and weight training. In the days surrounding ovulation, energy levels are high so you may have higher stamina than at other points in the month.

Finally, in the week before your period exercise tolerance is likely to decline, whether this is due to abdominal cramps or low mood. In this phase, incorporating less intense exercise like walking, stretching and yoga can support your body without overloading it. Figuring out what works for you can make you feel your best no matter what menstrual phase you’re in– period!

These weren’t the only factors that Steiner had to deal with however, almost synonymous with the Team Principle is Formula One’s Netflix show ‘Drive to Surive’. Steiner made it clear that he had no interest in watching the show out of worry that it would alter the way he behaved. “It’s a blessing” he said, describing the feeling he relates to the decision, “I just keep doing what I’m doing.”

The show brought in swarms of new fans to the sport and reignited excitement in pre-existing ones, groups of whom would spend their time waiting for photographs and signatures of the show's star. This didn’t impact Steiner though, with an arsenal of experience under his belt, this was nothing out of the ordinary. Being in the motorsport world for as long as Steiner

has, faces begin to repeatedly show up. To Steiner, Niki Lauda was one of the nearest and dearest of those faces. After his passing in 2019, Steiner continued to lead the team during a time of grief - “all things come to an end” and “nothing lasts forever”. The belief that Lauda was always going to be a part of Steiner was evident, with Lauda’s philosophy taking great influence on the way Steiner approached Formula One. With being such a significant part of the sport, there was a lot to learn from Niki Lauda. “If this doesn’t work, something else will” was Niki’s philosophy, and is what drives Steiner today. Simply, don’t worry because everything will be okay.

Geunther Steiner is an icon in Formula One culture. With his experience in team management, his ode to Niki Lauda, and ability to tackle the mental game; Steiner comes across fearlessly.

“If this doesn't work maybe something else will."

Clearly, complicated characters appear within such a complicated sport, but to summarise simply Steiner says “If you want to achieve something and somebody tells you no, keep going.”

A m e r i c a n

investment in football

selling what should be a more valuable asset later down the line for a profit.

Since the inaugural premier league season in 1992, the popularity and size of the game have continuously grown every year. The average premier league club is now valued at £1.5 billion, bringing the value of the whole 20 teams to £30 billion. This year’s broadcast rights for the premier league are costing TNT and SKY £1.3 billion between them as more eyes are paying to watch the best players in the world play each weekend.

The popularity of the premier league and the rest of the football pyramid has drawn more than just eyes, it has started to entice some of the richest investors from around the world. Nation states, sports conglomerates, Russian billionaires, and private equity firms have all bought up their piece of the pie, looking for some juicy profit on their investments.

“They have all bought up their piece of the pie.”

The Yanks are starting to take over a lot of the English game now, with Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal all being owned by US investors. Manchester United was bought for £790 billion in 2005 by the Glazer family, who most recently sold 25% ownership of the club for $1.6 billion to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS. In 2022, Chelsea FC was forcibly placed in the shop window and was quickly snapped up by Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and US private equity firm Clearlake Capital. The private equity firm is the real muscle in the room, taking control of 61% of the club for £2.55 billion. The company operates by buying public and private investments, injecting capital to improve the operation of the investments, and then ultimately

As many will know, Wrexham AFC was purchased by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021. The pair bought the club for £2 million and since then, the team has been promoted twice and looks to enter the championship next season with a third successive promotion. The club, now reportedly worth £9 million, has been the subject of a lot of media attention, spawning a documentary and a vast social media following. Therefore, one must ask, do others want their own Wrexham story? Some big names have entered minority positions at various clubs across the 92, including Tom Brady at Birmingham City, JJ Watt at Burnley, and Russell Westbrook at Leeds.

The part of football that separates it from any American sport is the possibility of relegation and promotion. The idea of a team in the lower league gaining multiple promotions and eventually competing against some of the best in the world is unheard of in the States, yet we see it almost every year in the premier league. Teams such as Bournemouth, Ipswich, and Brentford have all competed in the 4th tier of English football in the last 20 years, yet each of them now competes against the largest teams in England in the premier league.

Serious money is now entering the sport, and it seems that everyone is looking to get in on the party. The premier league is watched by over 3 billion people each year, and this number is only growing. The prospect of increased revenues and profits is drawing the attention of the world’s richest and that includes a lot of Americans. A nation that has notoriously been opposed to ‘soccer’ is now wanting in on the world's game and they are ready to pay whatever the price is for entry.

Cavan Smith

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons and Creazilla

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Movember Round-Up Sport

Surf's up for Movember

Adam Tibke - Head of Sport

One club that never shies away from a challenge, Newcastle’s Surf Club always throw themselves headfirst into Movember. Whether that’s growing moustaches, taking part in 5-a-side tournaments, or as was the case this year, hosting the first ever North East Surf Competition.

Held at Longsands beach on Saturday, 30th November. The event saw over 80 students from Newcastle, Northumbria, and Durham compete in an event which “ran from dawn to tusk,” according to club president Will Darling.

“The

competition eventually ended in complete Durham domination”

Taking over six hours to whittle the 80 surfers down to two winners, the competition eventually ended in complete Durham domination.

Layla Ashby won the Women’s Performance category while Cayden Gill took the crown in the Men’s Performance category. President Will was eager to give honourable mentions to Sally Brandon, Ed Ingram, and Chloe Bright for representing NUSC in their respective finals.

Organised by NUSC Captains Sam Cumberland and Rosie Pegna, everyone made the most of the day, despite the small surf. Prizes for the competition were given out by Tynemouth-based surf brand ‘Beyond the Blue’ and ‘the Good Fin Company.’ The event was “a great day […] with some great people” and raised over £400 for a good cause. With another competition promised for semester 2, you can rest assured the Surf

Club will go out of their way to make sure it’s even bigger and better the second time around. The Newcastle University Surf Club are always proud to support Movember, a movement committed to tackling men’s welfare issues, from mental health to prostate and testicular cancer. Every moustache grown and all money

MechEng's matches

for

men's mental health: The Qin / Han Dynasty take it!

Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

Rounding up intramural football's November...

Fifteen teams, 150 players, 65 games and £900 raised for men's health - Mech Eng's 6-a-side tournament was nothing short of a spectacle.

After a brilliant effort by all involved, it was the Qin/Han, a team very close to the hearts of all at The Courier, that came out on top. I spoke to club president Isaac about his team, intramural football, and the importance of Movember.

"Obviously I'm proud of the boys for the win", 'El Presidente' told me when asked how lifting the final trophy felt, "but really I'm more proud that we've raised £1,500 for charity - the Mech Eng lads have raised near ten grand". For all teams involved, November was about helping their fellow men.

Friendship and chemistry was at the heart of the Qin/Han's victory. Having played a spectacular 30 minutes for the side myself, I can only agree with the skipper's testament that "you want to fight for each other, play for each other". The Bury native praised intramural football at university - "It improves your time here tenfold".

“£900 for charity from the tournament alone”

Mech Eng FC, who won last year's Wednesday 11-a-side cup, raised £900 for charity from the tournament alone and a staggering £7,856 overall.

"The money raised is incredibly impressive (…) they've absolutely smashed it". Isaac then praised his own team's efforts to raise £1,752, saying "we've always pushed Movember but we've never done it as big as this".

To quote the Qin/Han skipper, the money raised was "incredible". Less incredible, however, were some of the 'staches on display. "I definitely don't suit [a moustache], (…) some of the boys did suit it, others just looked a bit silly, including myself". When you've raised over £1,700 though, nobody minds some fluff under your nose.

Mech Eng's tournament, and Movember as a whole, represents the best of what sport at Newcastle can offer. It's not just a night at Soho Wednesdays dressed as a horse (that one's a personal anecdote, to tell the truth), it means so much more to everyone, and the money raised is just the tip of the iceberg.

NUBS Movember tournament

Amelia Thompson - Gaming Sub-Editor cause.

On Saturday 23rd November, NUBS (Newcastle University Business Netball) held an intramural tournament to raise money for Movember in the "netball equivalent to the Premier League."

Involving eight teams, only four of which were netball, the student organised event raised

NUBS, Armstrong Netball (history), Medics Netball, and MUNTers Netball (media) played Mech Eng FC, Medics Rugby, Engines Rugby and Jesmond TuTu FC in the first round of the tournament. Despite the boys best efforts and their surprising knowledge of the rules, all four netball teams made it through to the next round; the semi finals. It was MUNTers and Armstrong who reached the final; but there could ultimately only be one winner; and this of course went to the Thursday leagues current top of the table; Armstrong Netball. Sofia Kuti was announced as Armstrong's 'Woman of the Tournament', and NUBS hosted an award ceremony in Bar Blanc for a well needed rest after four hours of netball.

Congratulations to all the teams who took part, as well as the spectators supporting their teams and raising money for such an important cause; but a special congratulations to NUBS for the time and effort they took to organise this event.

Intramural sports: the gem of campus life

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

A brief overview of intramural sports at Newcastle University

Are you struggling to find the right club or society for you? Do you want to keep active alongside your studies? Intramural sports on campus might be the perfect thing for you...

What is Intramural Sport you might ask? Well, it encompasses nearly every main sport offered within the University, with 'Intramural' literally meaning 'Inside the University.' The Newcastle University Intramural Sports programme is open to all students, no matter their ability or pre-existing knowledge of the sport, with sessions held every week, as well as multiple leagues, cups and tournaments hosted throughout the year.

With eight different sports to choose from (Football, Netball, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis, Futsal, Basketball and Rugby), the Intramural Sports programme allows you to practice a sport you already love, or to try out something new if you're feeling adventurous. You can attend sports sessions that are specific to your course, such as MUNTers (Media United Netball Team), and compete against students from other degree programmes. According to the Newcastle University Sport website, over 3200 students participate in Intramural sports each year, whether they join with their coursemates/flatmates or attend alone and make friends along the way. Through intramural sports, you will get the opportunity to compete with other teams within the University, both students and staff, meeting new people with similar passions and interests. Any indoor sports take place in the Sport and Fitness Centre on Campus, with outdoor sports taking place in various outdoor locations around Newcastle.

“Over 3200 students participate in Intramural sports each year at Newcastle University”

Speaking to Nicola, the president of NUBS, she said “Organising the NUBS X Movember tournament was a large task but such a rewarding experience! Bringing together 8 teams from across the male and female Newcastle University IMS leagues to raise money for such an important cause was amazing. Seeing so many players come together with such enthusiasm and team spirit made all the effort worthwhile, not to mention surpassing our target donation amount of £500 by £156! The day was full of laughs, friendly competition, and a shared commitment to supporting a great cause."

There are also many unique opportunities through Intramural Sports, including graduate schemes and refereeing programmes. If you're looking to become a Football Ref, The Referee Hub, which is part of Newcastle's Intramural football leagues is a great place to start. The Referee Hub is a joint programme with Newcastle University Sports Centre, Northumberland FA and BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport). If you're interested in this opportunity there is more information about who to contact here.

“The day was full of laughs, friendly competition, and supporting a

great cause”

And of course; a massive congratulations to Armstrong Netball!

Intramural Sports might just be the hidden gem of university life, enabling you to practice sports and keep active while competing against rival teams from different degree programmes or areas of the University. It's the perfect way to make new friends and find individuals from different walks of life, and can be a great thing to add to your CV when it comes to looking for graduate jobs (teamwork and determination are often desirable traits for employers!) Join Intramural Sports today.

Image credit: MechEng, NCLSport

Image Credit: Nicola Denny

Image Credit: Jake Seymour, @jakeseymour_photography

Emphatic acrobatics see gymnastic club triumph

Noelia Fernandez Perez

- Sports Sub-Editor

Amy Mathews

Newcastle University Gymnastics Club attended the UGC North Manchester tournament on 24 November. This marked the season’s first competition, and all 11 participants have been looking forward to this date since the start of the academic year.

The team’s first competition was quite successful, as they came home with seven medals. Even though a few gymnasts fell off the beam, Ellie Prentice managed to steal first place in the Balance Beam category and crown herself as the winner of this edition.

This was not NUGC’s only outstanding performance. Daisy Reay, an Intermediate gymnast, climbed to third place after receiving the fewest execution deductions in the category. With these excellent performances, the Intermediate team, formed by Ellie Prentice, Erin Cook,

Daisy Reay and Sophie Topping, placed second overall.

Sophie Topping, a member of the Intermediate team, said to The Courier that she “felt really good and that it was fun to take part and win second place.”

“NUGC is very proud of all who competed, especially those who have never competed with us before”

Amy Mathews, the club’s president, states, “NUGC is very proud of all who

competed, especially those who have never competed with us before.”

She also mentioned Megan Turner, who competed in the Novice category and came second on Floor exercise and eighth overall, making this another incredible performance for the team.

Charlotte Moralee, who was in charge of the competition’s logistics, stepped up to judge the FIC and Advanced+ Women’s Vault categories, and Ruby Beard, who was in charge of judging the Intermediate Floor category. Even though it was their first time judging, they did a fantastic job, showing their dedication to the club.

Following these excellent results, NUGC also participated in York’s UGC

this past December 8. With teams in Women’s Adult Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Adult Gymnastics (MAG), they returned to Newcastle with 11 medals.

The NUGC Novice team won their category, while the Intermediate squad placed third. One highlight of the competition was seeing Kit Maguire compete in the Novice MAG category and win first place in the All-Around classification.

We could also see Advance WAG gymnast Alex Boland place second in the beam and third in the All-Around classification, making this one of NUGC’s most successful seasons.

Apart from coming home with many medals, five club members stepped up to judge different categories during the day, the first time judging for Erin Cook, Emma Shaw and Amy Mathews, president of the club.

The club has already started preparing their routines for BUCS Gymnastics, which will be hosted on the first weekend of February in Leicester. Could this be the year they return to Newcastle with a BUCS Championship on their backs?

Hockey for haematopoiesis

OMolly Marshall team kicked off the day, followed by the women’s 3rd and 2nd teams in the afternoon. As the evening approached, spectators were treated to a rare and exciting back-to-back performance by both the men’s and women’s 1st teams. Having both 1st teams play at home on the same day is a rarity, and it was a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional skill and commitment of our players—not just in the 1st teams but throughout the entire club.

n 16th November, Newcastle University Hockey Club brought together the men’s and women’s teams to host a fantastic Club Day filled with activities, camaraderie, and a shared purpose. It was a wonderful opportunity to unite members, supporters, and the wider community for a day of fun and fundraising. The day featured matches from five teams, showcasing the breadth of talent across both the men’s and women’s squads. The men’s 3rd

While Club Day was a celebration of our club’s sporting talent, it also had a deeper purpose: raising awareness and support for important causes.

NCL Marrow joined us for the day, setting up a stall

to encourage players and spectators to become stem cell donors. They successfully inspired many of our members to register as donors while also educating them about the life-changing importance of stem cell donation.

Additionally, we were proud to work closely with Newcastle Carers, a charity we’ve chosen to support throughout the year. Newcastle Carers provides practical services and holistic support to individuals caring for someone with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction issues. Representatives from the charity were present to share their work and connect with attendees, and it was incredibly moving to hear personal stories of how

their support has made a difference. No celebration is complete without great food, and we’re incredibly grateful to Great North Pizza Company for catering the event.

Their delicious pizzas added to the atmosphere and made the day even more special for everyone involved.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make Club Day a success—from the organisers and to our dedicated coaches, Craig and Chris, who worked tirelessly to support all the teams. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better!

View from the AU

Team Newcastle has delivered some incredible results and performances over the past few months! If you haven’t yet had the chance to spectate at the home fixtures across Newcastle, I highly recommend making it a priority in the new year. Wednesday afternoons are always full of enthusiasm and energy, and spectator support plays a vital role in the sporting experience—it’s truly integral to Team Newcastle’s success. On the BUCS front, we’re currently placed 6th in the BUCS leaderboard, which is an amazing achievement, considering we were in 8th just a few months ago. Let’s keep up the hard work and aim to maintain, or even improve, this position as we head into semester two! However, it’s not just the performances and results that make me proud of our clubs. This year, they’ve gone above and beyond, making a meaningful impact on the student community and beyond. Highlights include the Ladies’ and Men’s Hockey Club Day, where Newcastle Marrow volunteers encouraged players and spectators to join the stem cell register. The Badminton Club hosted a 24-hour event at the Tyneside Badminton Centre, raising money for the Newcastle Food Bank. This initiative plays a vital role in supporting the local community, particularly during the winter months, when families and individuals face food insecurity. As for me, I’ve been busy in my role as BUCS Student Director, which recently took me to Loughborough University for the BUCS Winter Summit and AGM. During the event, I hosted the Sabbatical Officer Network session, where I introduced the trustee board to students. We had meaningful discussions on student culture and behaviours, which I’m confident will lead to further positive changes. I was also part of the production and filming of a sexual violence awareness video with the university’s Student Health and Wellbeing Team. This powerful project involved five other incredible students, and I’m excited for the video’s upcoming release on the university’s platforms. It’s an important initiative that highlights the commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

Image Credit: Kaitlyn Brockley

Alex Duggan - Athletic Union Officer

Image credit: Jake Seymour,

Image Credit: Daisy Whitlie

Image Credit: Chris Bishop