Quench Magazine, Issue 194, October 2023

COMMUNITY Issue, no. 194, OCTOBER 2023

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Meet The Editors ...

Can you ever really find your own student community? When I joined Cardiff as a fresher I was very confident that this in fact was a myth.

Sure, everyone finds their own group of friends who share their own interests, but a whole student community? It felt quite hard to imagine, having just re-entered a world of socialisation after the COVID-19 pandemic. Those feelings very quickly changed by the end of September, after I began to find a group of mates who began to feel like a dysfunctional, energetic, yet empathetic family.

It’s cliche, but I like to think that cliches are built on truths. Potentially a bit cheesy and dramatised, but not untrue. When my Mum dropped me off in Cardiff and told me to enjoy the ‘real student experience’, it was only a week later I found myself dancing on bar tables, sharing cheesy chips with new friends and enjoying the obligatory cup of tea catch-up the morning after a night out. New experiences are fun, but they’re definitely not why I believe you can feel part of a student community.

Being at university isn’t (just) about nightlife and making bad decisions, it’s about figuring out who you are amongst a group of people who are trying to do the same thing. Finding your style, unearthing a new interest, exploring new environments, and having spontaneous adventures around Cardiff — these things that student communities help you discover.

Nobody ever finishes a year at university the same person they were in September, because we all belong to a community that pushes us to change.Carving your own identity

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S a y la n

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at university is a bold, vibrant, colourful and chaotic mess, which is exactly what our first issue of the new academic year represents. Maybe you’ve felt that you’ve not truly found your part in the Cardiff student community, or potentially this is your first year as a fresher, or you’re hoping to graduate this year with a bang; it’s the memories you make, people you meet and new life you’ve made for yourself that will stay with you.

Everyone’s community looks different, and that’s what Issue 194, COMMUNITY, is all about. You could be a committed member of a sports committee, an occasional participant in your course society, or someone who tries a new hobby each year; this issue is dedicated to you. You make Cardiff, and without each and every one of you, we would have no student community. Use this year as another opportunity to grow, learn and (hopefully) discover something new about yourself; I for one can’t wait to see us all take this year by storm!

3 Hello, I’m Billy, and I’m immensely proud to be a Deputy Editor this year of the excellent Quench Magazine. It seems hardly a day ago that I trepidatiously entered my halls of residence in a COVID-A-level university haze. The student union’s impressive media departments were a big draw personally, and I set about taking advantage of all the great opportunities on offer, which have only improved since. If you are new to the university, welcome, and I hope Quench Magazine is as much a personal salvation to you as it was to me in these tricky first few weeks for finding information, advice, and that all-important sense of community—a theme that you’ll find much to ponder about within these pages.

I can still remember the excitement of writing in those first issues of my first year—so much to do, see, and talk about—a world away from my mostly unhappening Essex. I reviewed some of the near-barrage of gigs, opera, and films Cardiff serves up each weekend, an often welcome departure from tough-as-boots studying.

Billy Edwards I am really encouraged to see such diversity represented in this magazine. I can recall being quite taken aback by the frankness and honesty of its lifestyle writers. They rather put me to shame with how much they had experienced and pondered in life—a section particularly rewarding to read.

Some more about me: I study English literature, media, and journalism; all those bases are quite nicely covered within this magazine, and so I urge you to get involved if you’re on the same course or similar to rack up that all-important experience! You can also find me presenting my rock show on the Xpress radio station most weeks, as well as being the president of the Vinyl and Music Appreciation Society.

Lucia Cubb Hey everyone and welcome to Issue 194 of Quench! I’m Lucia, and I just graduated in Journalism, Media and English Literature and I’m now studying MSc Marketing. Having written for Quench for the last three years and been a Section Editor last year, I’m thrilled to now be one of your Deputy Editors of this amazing magazine!

I can only describe this first theme – community – as perfectly fitting. As we begin the new academic year, and as some begin university for the first time, we are bound to find ourselves in new surroundings and environments that we need to learn to navigate. This ‘back to school’ season finds us meeting new people, moving to new cities and becoming part of a new community. But that’s the excitement of it all!

Moving to university/starting a new academic year can be incredibly daunting – I can remember the mix of emotions I felt on my first day, and every first day after that! But the community around me, not to mention the Quench community, only left me feeling that I had found my new

home. The media scene here in Cardiff is what led to my choosing of this university: from the diverse array of opportunities and the inspiring people in this city, I knew Cardiff was the place for me. And I think my choice to stay another year and continue my studies clearly reflects this!

I cannot wait to see the continued growth of this magazine over the next year – Quench is simply a creative, unique, diverse and incredible publication that brings different people together from across Cardiff University and beyond. I hope you enjoy this new edition and begin or continue to revel in the community of Quench.

Design By: Mia Wilson

Meet The Team

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MEET THE TEAM Editorial

Alanya Smith Editor-in-Chief

Design

Billy Edwards Deputy Editor

Angelina Mable Head of Social Media

Social Media

Lucia Cubb Deputy Editor

Mia Wilson Head of Design

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Meet The Team

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Ella Collis Features

Izzy Walsh Features

Polly Brewster Music

AJ Lumley Music

Katie Storrie Literature

Annie Tallis Literature

Laura Schjoett Spotlight

Freya Johns Spotlight

Olivia Griffin Fashion

Bethan Gwynne Fashion

Ashley Thieme TV & Film

Tom Nicholson TV & Film

Meet The Team

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Food & Drink

Ellisse Heller Food & Drink

Tegan Davies Copy Editor

Kayleigh Lloyd Copy Editor

Niamh Roberts Culture

Julia Bottoms Culture

Nicole Saroglou Travel

Jasmine Dodd Travel

Maddie Balcombe Column

Beca Dalis Williams

Beth Rocke Clebar

Imogen Edmonds

Sabine Wilson Patrick

Clebar

Instagram Manager

Meet The Team

Emily Williams Instagram Manager

Isla McCormack deputy head of design

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Eleanor Kay Twitter Manager

Kate Armstrong TikTok Manager

Millie Stacey TikTok Manager

Laura Nunez Photographer

Adam Breen Photographer

Jiacheng Liu Photographer

Mia Coley Page Designer

Eszter Gurbicz Page Designer

Elinor Pyman Illustrator

Design By: Mia Wilson

Features

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From Small Towns To Big Crowds Words By: Courtney-Leigh Buchanan

Words By ; Alisha Ratcliffe

I always felt a sense of un-belonging being from a small town in the valleys of South Wales, and attending university felt like it was somebody else’s calling, not mine. I imagined people who went into academia as being male and middle-class (probably from reading too much historical fiction over the years), so university felt as if it were some escaping horizon I could never fully swim towards. Coming from this small town there is not a high chance of career development: the girls would typically go into hair and beauty, and the boys would pursue some sort of construction or mechanical work. My point is, is that university and academia still felt unattainable at this point; but there was still something that I know would have felt missing in my life if I never even tried to attend university. When I arrived, I had quite a culture shock through meeting different people from varying corners of the world. And in doing so, I found that the world grew smaller and my previous ideas of university as being distant had diffused. My advice to any of the freshers from small towns reading this would be that you deserve to be here just as much as someone who may have had a first-class education. You are here to build your own life, your own career, make new friends and have fun. So just be yourself, and you will find that you belong and are exactly where you are meant to be!

I come from a relatively small town. Not tiny, not a small village with only 20 people, but still small in comparison to a capital city like Cardiff. Before I moved to Cardiff, I was excited to live somewhere with a vibrant social life and so many diverse people to meet. It was such a thrilling prospect to me, a new beginning seemed refreshing and fun. But on moving day, everything changed. When I arrived after the four-hour-long drive into my brand-new home, I was suddenly faced with the reality of how intimidating it really was; I quickly became afraid. The thought of being alone, in a place far away from home and everybody I knew, surrounded by strangers made me very unnerved. My first night was rough, my head was filled with thoughts of negativity and I was constantly questioning if I had made the right decision. After the first night it was okay. I realised that yes, it might be quite unnatural compared to what I was used to and perhaps even a little overwhelming, but, at the same time, it was liberating. Meeting new people and trying out new things is always going to be a positive thing. I completely understand why new students may feel nervous and scared, and I sympathise. But, if there is one thing you can learn from my experience, it’s that it does get better. You will find your people. It might be new, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a daunting experience. Seize the opportunity of this newfound freedom and just have fun with it!

Design By: Mia Wilson

Features

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Studying Overseas:

The International Student Experience In Cardiff

Features

Do you miss home? It is my most frequently asked question as an international student after ‘Where are you from?’ When I tell people I am from Barbados, they tend to answer the next question for themselves. Of course I miss home, I must because I come from a holiday destination. Little do they know I hate the beach. I hate the heat. I’ve fielded these questions for years. I moved away from ‘paradise’ when I was 17, I am now 21. I went to boarding school in Northern Michigan, an impossibly stark contrast to my sun-bleached adolescence.

When people asked me if I missed home I immediately said yes. More than anything I missed the word. The undeniable right to call a place home. I knew how far away I was in miles (2664 miles). The kids from California were further from their front doors than I was but it was different. They were still in their country, they still inexplicably belonged. I wasn’t home.

I tried to be though. I hung a Barbados flag on my wall and declared my dorm room was on sovereign soil. When I was off campus and I said I was ‘going home’, I didn’t mean I was catching a plane and going back to where I came from.

And so, in some way, I was always telling a white lie. I didn’t actually belong there, and my VISA stated that fact very clearly.

I moved to Cardiff to escape the scarlet letter of my immigration paperwork. My mother was born in the Midlands, so a UK passport was as much my birthright as a sunburn.

I had no reason to believe Cardiff would be any different from the places I’d moved before. Each time I moved I was a vaguely different version of myself. In Michigan, I climbed snow banks and cried to Cavetown singles, in Vermont I got baked in Walmart parking lots and searched for wendigos in the vast darkness of the mountains. My philosophy as an international student was always doing what other people are doing and hoping I’d like some of it. And it always worked at the small, liberal arts spaces I existed in. But it wasn’t that way at Cardiff.

All throughout Freshers Week I watched girls pair off and meet in corners of their small worlds. OMG I’m from Birmingham too, what part? Wait, I think I met you at Reading Festival. Do you know…? Even though I was meant to be here (in the citizenship way at least) my tenuous connection to Staffordshire wasn’t enough to make conversation. I didn’t go to the club nights because the noise gave me anxiety, I missed out on pub quizzes because I wasn’t much into drinking. Suddenly, being an international student meant spending a lot of time on the phone with my scattered friends and really resenting being from a small country.

There are 73500 international students at Cardiff University, but only 1 other one from Barbados, and I’m pretty sure she

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graduated this year too. I’m jealous of the kids who can form communities that feel something like home. The ones who might not initially have those ‘it’s a small world’ moments, but they can experience them in societies and clubs. They get to bond over the food they grew up on, the expression of the seasons, their city stereotypes. Almost bitterly, I spend a lot of time in my own head, analysing what is making it so difficult to make friends. To form even some small communities.

I am the kind of come-from-afar that is hard to talk to. I think.

After the prescribing questions, I learn I have little in common with most of the people I speak to. If we even speak. I ask my mother why people don’t tell me hello and she tells me the UK can be very microaggressive. As if the physical land I stood on was quietly hateful. The girls I interact with in the course of the day seemingly pretend I’m not there, but I feel mad for thinking my skin has anything to do with it. I develop an ironclad definition of microaggression to make myself feel less mad.

Microaggression: a genuine and/or perceived slight based on my blackness perpetuated by racial ignorance in the form of a comment, or action. Example: is that your real hair?

I remind myself of this when I somehow hold the only empty row in a full lecture hall. Or the day a girl sat next to me in class, looked at me, and immediately moved her seat. Or when people I have met before have an entire conversation with my white mate right next to me, but do not even acknowledge that I said hello. They don’t say it back.

I’m mad for thinking my skin has anything to do with it, it’s perfectly normal for international students to have trouble making friends.

When people ask me if I miss home I tell them yes. I miss not feeling mad, wondering if I look unfriendly. Yes, I miss talking to people who don’t think I live in a hut on the beach.

Yes, I miss the act of coming home at the end of the day.

Yes, I miss not being an international student.

Words By: Sabine Wilson-Patrick Design By: Mia Coley

Column

Finding Your

For many of you joining us at Cardiff University this academic year, it may well be the first time that you have left the comfort of your home town and started fresh.

You’ll have to navigate a new city, learn how to balance all aspects of university life, and – perhaps most dauntingly – make new friends. Even if this is not your first rodeo, the thought of leaving everything that you know behind and entering a new place will almost always result in a blur of mixed emotions. Trust me, I am all too familiar with this feeling! However, as soon as you settle in and find your people, all of the anxieties that surround the start of uni life will soon become a distant memory.

When I moved to Cardiff in September 2020, I was a bundle of nerves. Before uni, I had lived in the same place, and been best friends with the same group of girls, for my entire life. It’s safe to say that I didn’t anticipate how hard leaving all of this behind would be. I moved into my flat and bonded well with my flatmates, but didn’t quite have the freshers experience that you typically picture.

This was partly because COVID still had us trapped in its shackles, and partly because I was not drinking during my first few semesters. So, when everyone was staying up until 5am, I was taking myself off to bed before the party was over. In these first few weeks I often wondered if I’d be able to stick this out, asking myself when the awkward small talk would turn into genuine friendships and meaningful bonds. Fast forward three years and I am well and truly settled into my new home, surrounded by an amazing group of friends for life.

Most of the time, the stereotypes that surround the idea of life at university turn out not to be true. You don’t have to drink every night, you don’t have to play a sport, you

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Community don’t even have to be particularly enthused in your course!

Because, the truth is, there is a community waiting for everyone if you know where to find it.

As I approach my fourth year of study at Cardiff Uni, here are three of my top tips on how to find your community at university:

Join a society One of the best ways to find your community at university is to join a society. Have a look on the SU website and be sure to visit the Freshers Fair to find out what’s on offer.

With society genres including political and ideology, and appreciation, cultural and international, course based, and sport based, to name a few, there really is something out there for everyone. Joining a society unites you with a group of people who all share your interests, instantly giving you a mutual ground to bond over. Whether it’s a wholesome games night, or a trip to YOLO; a sports class or a comic convention, society’s give you an opportunity to socialise, and experience things, with so many like-minded people.

Although the thought of attending an event alone may seem scary, I promise that you’ll have a whole host of new friends in no time.

Column Join group chats and stay connected I don’t need to tell you that everything today happens online!

So, make sure you join group chats and stay connected with the people on there. In the months before I started uni, I don’t think my phone had ever seen so many notifications.

I joined every group chat that I could get my hands on.

Accommodation chats, course groups, freshers pages, you name it, I was in it. However, virtually connecting with so many people before I’d even got my timetable paid off. I managed to find smaller groups of people within these bigger chats and got friendly with them. This meant that I had a host of friendly faces ready to meet when I arrived in Cardiff, and I’m still friends with most of them now!

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Be yourself When envisioning the life of a student, people often conjure up images of hungover teenagers missing all of their lectures and sleeping in until the late afternoon. But, in most cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. So, please don’t compromise who you are to fit in with who is around you. Don’t feel pressured to drink if you don’t want to, don’t feel like you always have to agree to everything, and don’t feel as though you have to reinvent yourself as soon as you set foot on campus. Who you are is enough, and if people can’t accept that then you shouldn’t waste your energy on them. Just stay true to you, and don’t put any pressure on yourself, because you will find your kindred spirits soon enough.

Your uni years will be over before you know it, so enjoy every minute! Good luck! words by: Maddie Balcombe design by: Alanya Smith illustration by: Elinor Pyman

Film & TV

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Film & TV This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who, a British Sci-Fi classic, loved by millions of fans across the world. David Tennant makes his return to the show as the 14th Doctor, along with his companion Donna Noble, played

by Catherine Tate. Tennant and Tate were originally cast as the 10th Doctor and his companion in series 4. Thanks to the love of fans for the characters, both will make their longawaited return as part of Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary specials. Showrunner, Russell T Davies, also returns and ignites celebration amongst die-hard Doctor Who fans who praise Davies’ previous episodes as “classics”.

Tennant previously reprised his role as the 10th Doctor a decade ago in the award-winning and record-breaking 50th Anniversary special, Day of The Doctor. This episode received enormous amounts of praise from the community of “Whovians”, potentially due to its confidence in making callbacks to previous episodes. However, with Tennant making his second return as The Doctor, how much can the series ride the wave of fan support for the return of Tennant before it grows tiresome? We know that in the Anniversary episodes Tennant becomes the 14th regeneration of The Doctor, but it has been a long time for The Doctor, so will he and Donna

have the same chemistry as they once did? Although Tennant has played the role before, this is essentially an entirely new character and so fans should be prepared to see changes from the 10th Doctor who is so adored.

The return of Tennant, Tate, and Davies raises questions surrounding whether showrunners should listen to fans when considering the return of much-loved characters and their potential plot lines. Listening to fans is incredibly important in ensuring the longevity of a series, meaning it’s almost essential for showrunners to consider fan opinions.

Some shows, such as Game of Thrones, have successfully incorporated highly anticipated fan requests without negatively affecting the plot. Game of Thrones showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, included a reunion of the Stark children in season six which had been almost demanded by fans for years, eventually forcing show creators to cave.

Fan involvement in shows has also become more common with the rise of social media which has allowed fans to create communities centred around their love for their favourite show, and also enables them to run campaigns to bring cancelled shows back from the dead. This was the case for Channel 4’s Top Boy: Summerhouse, a series picked up by Netflix after musician Drake took notice of a fan campaign online

15 to bring back the show nearly 6 years after its cancellation.

Although fan involvement in shows is important for ensuring longevity, there are some downsides. Fan involvement in shows such as Sherlock and Glee previously caused their respective TV networks to cancel the series due to a barrage of overly obsessed fans. Actors from BBC’s Sherlock spoke out against fans of the show as some were unable to separate the character from the actor, leading to characters being purposely written out of the show in order to prevent this. Fans of Glee were able to change the entire plot of the show’s Prom episode to include fan-favourites Kurt and Blaine as a result of a fan campaign. Initially, showrunners had planned to not have Kurt and Blaine attend the school’s prom together, however, fans of the show launched a social media campaign for the writers to change this. The episode is a favourite for long-time fans, not only because of their own influence on the plot, but because of its on-screen representation of LGBTQ+ relationships.

David Tennant’s return as the 14th Doctor is hugely anticipated by casual and die-hard fans of Doctor Who. Welsh fans in particular have been lucky enough to see parts of Tennant’s return being filmed across Cardiff in the

autumn of 2022. Doctor Who’s home has been in the heart of Wales since its return in 2005, being produced and filmed almost entirely in the Welsh capital. The 60th Anniversary specials have been filmed all over the city, with local fans being able to catch a glimpse of not only Tennant but also the new 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa in action.

Words by: Katie Brosnan Design by: Eszter Gurbicz

Film & TV

16 The love from the fandom for the first film and book eventually prompted original author Stephanie Meyer to pen Midnight Sun, published in 2020, which is a companion to the first novel that retells its story from the perspective of Edward.

Meyer had begun writing the book over a decade prior but halted as 12 chapters were leaked. Eventually released in 2020, the book sold one million copies in the first week of publication. Fan forums went wild with theories of what the book would focus on as they had waited for so long, and then came glowing reviews filled with excitement and understanding for Edward.

Call Me By Your Name Words by: Ella Dorman In early September I had the pleasure of visiting Crema, a small city in Italy, where Luca Guadagnino shot his feature film, ‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017). In the city, the imprint Call Me By Your Name was made visible. From movie quotes etched into walls and doors, to the shared smiles of fans who were identifiable by tote bags depicting iconic scenes of the movie, there was an immediate sense of knowing and belonging.

I took a train to the nearby town of Capralba and walked thirty minutes to Fontanile Quaratina, a nature reserve - achingly beautiful, with glistening ice-cold water and voluptuous foliage overhead - coined ‘Elio’s Spot’ by fans, inspired by a quote from the main character, Elio, “this is my spot, it’s all mine”. During my two hours at Elio’s Spot, around ten other fans came to visit. Wearing the same outfits as the characters from the movie, carrying a copy of the book the film is based on, or simply sharing that knowing smile, we all had the realisation that we were there for the same reason.

A movie about first love, change, heartbreak, sexuality, and coming of age had made a dent on us all. I revelled in the feeling of home I felt under the shade of Fontanile Quaratina.

Another visitor began playing the film’s soundtrack on a speaker. I have never welcomed loud music in a public place more. Although Elio claims the spot as his in the movie, I think in that moment we all felt it was ours, too.

Twilight Words by: Ashley Thieme ​​ From bookshelves to Twitter memes, The Twilight Saga has been totally unavoidable for the past decade, and so have its community of avid fans. Beginning as a book series, their success led to film adaptations that are much loved by fans, but the novels remain classic. The book’s covers, embossed with bold red flowers and apples, inspired the reimagining of covers of stories such as Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice in their attempt to latch on to the Twilight hype, to introduce a new generation of readers to the classics.

Love for the film series from fans has been truly infallible over the years. I remember walking through London with my parents at the time of the premier for the third film, Twilight: Eclipse, as fans gathered around the blood-red carpet.

There were banners in the crowds that read “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” as fans declared their dedication to the characters. Whether you are Team Edward or Team Jacob, there is a place in this community of fans for everyone.

Even a decade on there are still fans who continue the story on their own accord by writing fan fiction envisioning what Bella and Edward’s life would be like years on. Even so, the original story remains timeless and adored.

Gossip Girl Words by: Amber Treharne Not many shows have stood the test of time whilst holding a place in many people’s hearts. However, since its debut in 2007, Gossip Girl remains a television series that people will always turn to. Some rewatch time and time again (like myself), and thanks to streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, the series continuously gains new lovers all over the world.

As a viewer, you really do feel like you are a part of the lives of the characters as you join each of them on their tumultuous journey through their teenage years. As such, Gossip Girl securely developed a strong community of avid watchers who are constantly keen to share their opinions on everything from relationships within the show, to the number one question; Who is Gossip Girl?

Not only did an online community emerge to discuss these matters, but as the show is based in Manhattan, New York many fans would strive to visit the iconic locations that are referenced within the show. These include the familiar Grand Central Terminal where the show begins and we meet ‘itgirl’ Serena van der Woodsen for the first time, and The Met Steps which are infamous for being where Blair, Serena and their friends would sit whilst at school. I, myself, took the time to visit both these locations whilst in New York last year just to experience the surreal moment of standing somewhere that was a focal point of a show that I, and many other fans, have adored for many years.

Design by: Mia Coley

photography by: Laura Nunez

photography by: Mia Wilson

Music

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design by: Lucia Cubb

I Like Your Shirt: Fashion, Music And Friendship Music fan communities were a mental crutch for me as a teenager. I wasn’t incredibly social or outgoing, and often felt ‘stuck’ in mid-2010s English suburbia. Getting into music, specifically Arctic Monkeys, helped me to form friendships with people from other schools, both over the Internet and at local gigs. I found that people who shared my musical interests often had more things in common with me than I first anticipated – films, clothes, books and outlooks on life.

We would spend our weekends hunting for vinyl records and thrift-shopping. A few of my friends started their own bands and music projects, and I’m sure they would not have done this without the influence of fan communities. Music not only helped me emotionally to deal with the intense feelings that come with being an adolescent, but also to make longlasting friendships and loosely become part of a subculture, which gave me a sense of belonging and identity. words by: Abbie Harper Growing up as a hard-core fan of many different bands and musicians, as well as being a dedicated member of the emo clique, music brought me the majority (if not all) of the friends that I’ve made thus far. With 5 of my 7 tattoos being references to musicians I adore, and still donning the black-box-dyed-fringe at age 19, I am very evidently a more alternative person, and signal my fan status through my style, hobbies and skin. Birds of a feather flock together, and those of us in school who were labelled as the ‘weirdos’ for our interests grew close enough to form strong, lifelong

friendships and relationships. All it takes is a simple, “cool shirt!” when you see someone wearing Bring Me The Horizon merchandise, or “I love your tattoo!” as someone you pass in the street has The 1975’s box on their arm, to build a really special connection. Lyrics mean so much, so for two people to relate to and love the same things, you already know the potential to be the best of pals is already there. words by: Tegan Davies Music says a lot about the inside of a person, especially when it surprises you. Fan communities bring you closer to the people that have that connection to a song or artist, almost creating a deeper bond than you’d expect. Some friendships of mine are sustained entirely on a guilty pleasure of Midwest emo, while others are consummated by sharing what will make us cry on a Thursday evening. For me personally, cathartics are shared through Paolo Nutini, Fenne Lily and The National. They remind me closely of the people who got me into them, and Nutini especially is forever tainted by a man who keeps my faith in love intact. The fan community for these becomes oddly intimate, but matter massively as they are what makes music so successful. words by: Megan Jenkins

Music

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Making

in a Group I’ve never been a natural musician. When I was 6, I failed my grade one keyboard exam after my performance of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was deemed a flop. My parents then bought me a recorder to see if it was the instrument that was the problem, but it ended up gathering dust in a drawer when I decided I didn’t like practising. Then, when I was 11, my dad brought me along to my small town’s brass band rehearsal. An eccentric, older gentleman called Arthur welcomed me and immediately said “You’ll play the tenor horn”, handing me a heavy, old case that was sitting on the band room shelf.

Arthur and another gentleman, John, ran the learners’ band where, for £1 a week, they would lend you an instrument and teach you how to play in a small group of beginners.

Every week, we would clumsily blow through marches and hymns until we were good enough to join the main band.

When I was 13, I was beyond excited to be invited to my first gig - a local village fete. Dressed in a smart band jacket with sleeves too long for my arms, we played all the crowd-pleasers. The sound a brass band makes together is something quite special. It’s warm, nostalgic, British, energetic, optimistic. Every other note I played was wrong, but together, we sounded great.

“People who make music in any group can understand the bonds you make rehearsing and performing with others” In rehearsal, I learnt about my bandmates. The band was made up of bus drivers, nurses, retired farmers, and carpenters to name a few. Some of the players were celebrating their 70th anniversaries playing in the band. Two players had met in the learner band and have been married for 18 years. Once, when I got my mouthpiece stuck in my horn, Arthur decided whacking it with a wooden block was the best fix (which resulted in a trip to the repair shop). I enjoyed the rehearsals, gigging, busking, and laughing

along with all the corny jokes, but mostly I liked being part of a community.

With the help of John and Arthur, I passed all of my tenor horn exams up to grade 8. When I moved away to University, the first thing I looked for was the Brass Band Society, hoping to find the same sense of community away from home. And I found it.

At first, it was strange to be in a band that was only made up of young people. We rehearsed every week, played gigs, busked around Cardiff, and even competed against other Universities. Of course, (in true student fashion) we also went out every weekend. I made some of my best friends at Uni in the society.

In the summer after my first year, I got a message that Arthur was ill. He was unable to leave his bed, so the whole band came to the front of his house and played to his bedroom window. In his enduring humour, after ‘The Floral Dance’, he sent down feedback through his son: “Too fast”.

Arthur passed away 3 weeks later.

I will probably be in brass banding for the rest of my life.

People who make music in any group can understand the bonds you make rehearsing and performing with others, but I think the community you find in a brass band is quite unlike anywhere else. words by: Rachael Davies design by: Lucia Cubb

Music

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G irls P ushing B uttons: A Celebration of Music, Community And Womanhood Porter’s is a pretty small venue, all told, and the stage is even smaller. This doesn’t seem to matter to tonight’s artists though; almost as soon as Millie Bloom opens her first track, she’s back on the floor, and the line between audience and performer blurs as she jumps with her spectators, taking the time to engage with each person individually throughout her show. Her energy is infectious, and her vocals touched with joy and power in equal measure.

Next up is Femmebug, a Manchester-based artist. Her set seems like it’s going to be much more subdued, until half way through the first song, when a wall of bass suddenly shakes the room. Slick production, powerful vocals, and painfully relatable lyrics, by the end of the set you can’t help but be convinced she will make it big.

Finally, Honey B McKenna steps up. As the organiser of the showcase, she takes the time to explain what she’s trying to do here: “I shouldn’t feel so out of place at other gigs”, she says, and it’s true that what she has created tonight feels like one of the most welcoming and friendly gigs I’ve been to in a long time. You can’t help but feel empowered by her lyrics, many of which are deeply personal, and her evident pleasure in performing is totally infectious.

other artists quite an important thing for you?

Yeah, I think so. That’s the thing, all my music stuff is basically on my own, but in doing so, in shutting myself in my room over lockdown and stuff and being kind of self-taught, it was like, once you start putting it out into the world, you’re actually nothing unless you’ve got people who get you, and having friends who are involved in the music scene, like I’ve got lots of friends in, like, Bristol and Bath area, who do music stuff, Katie, Femmebug, is Manchester-based at the minute, and so its like – there is a Welsh scene, but there’s also a nice thing with Welshness, I think, where you take it with you as an identity, and anywhere else you go, if you know that someone else on a line-up’s Welsh, you might be like “oh, where are you from, have you played at such-andsuch?”!

words by: Polly Brewster An interview with Honey B McKenna: Talk to us about Girls Pushing Buttons; what were your ideas behind this, your intentions?

It’s just about showcasing the kind of music that we make, which is electronic pop, not necessarily instrumentalists but singer-producers, because I think there’s a bit of a misconception; if you turn up with a backing track, people might not realise the hours of work that go into making and producing your own music! I just wanted to showcase some original electropop music, and as well to focus it on women, and I’d like to open it up to other gender minorities, queer people, make it as diverse as possible. If you go to gigs, if you go to open mics, and you constantly feel like you’re the only person in the room who’s a woman, who’s a person of colour, who’s queer, you might just stop going, because you’re just not gonna feel like – not even that you’re being made to feel unwelcome, its just that you’re gonna start thinking , “I’m not like everyone else here, maybe I don’t belong”. And it’s a shame, because everyone makes music, everyone is capable of making great music. I’m hoping to do this gig again at some point soon, with different people, get some other Welsh names involved, I think that would be really nice.

So you’re quite community-oriented? Is collaboration with

I quite like that about this event, as well, you’ve all come and it feels very much like you’re supporting each other, musically.

I think that’s the community thing. I was kind of starting to isolate myself a bit, and I thought that’s not gonna serve me in any way, I need to put myself out there, I need to be vulnerable enough to put my music in front of people, and then also support other artists.

To read the full exclusive article, check out Quench’s website. photo by: AJ Lumley design by: Lucia Cubb

Literature

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How Libraries Benefit the Community and Bring People Together Through a variety of advantages and serving as a centre for social interaction, libraries play a crucial role in communities. They act as social, cultural, and educational hubs supporting a community’s growth and development.

The first recordings of libraries are dated all the way back to the 7th century B.C., the first library is believed to be ‘The Library of Ashurbanipal’. Located in modern-day Iraq, within the city walls of Mosul, the library was estimated to have a shocking 30,000 cuneiform tablets, clay tablets that contain an array of subject matters in various languages.

The vast majority of the cuneiforms were legislature, legal documents, and financial documents. However, omens and divinations to certain Gods were uncovered as well as the famous ‘Epic of Gilgamesh.’

Moving over to Britain, the first recorded libraries were believed to be around 1,500 years ago. However, public libraries did not come into the picture until the 19th century following the 1850’s Public Libraries Act brought forward by William Ewart. This gave town councils the power to set up free libraries and museums within their borough.

Since their origins in the 7th century, libraries have continuously encouraged lifelong learning and being the providers of information to their local communities. For people of all ages, they provide educational programs, workshops, and classes that promote skill development and personal growth. Libraries assist people in learning new skills and knowledge throughout their lives, from early literacy programs for kids to computer literacy classes for adults. They also help students and schools by offering supplementary materials and programs that enhance learning outcomes.

These institutions also promote social involvement and act as community gathering places. They plan a variety of events, including book clubs, author readings, lectures, and workshops, which unite individuals and provide chances for contact and conversation. Libraries frequently hold cultural activities and displays that honour the various cultures and abilities present in the neighbourhood.

Libraries in the 21st century are now facing many threats that pose challenges to their existence and operations. One of the significant dangers to libraries is budget cuts. These financial constraints make it difficult for libraries to meet the

Literature diverse needs of their communities effectively, for instance, the rise in users and digital media.

Libraries face yet another difficulty due to the exponential growth of digital media in the form of e-books and online publications. The need for physical book borrowing which was once a lifeline for learning within communities has dwindled as more individuals use digital platforms for reading and studying. To satisfy consumers’ shifting preferences, libraries must rapidly modify their offerings in both collections and services.

Lastly, it is important to recognise that information overload is a grave and significant issue in the digital era. Libraries must select from the large amount of material that is available online and make it useful and relevant for their patrons.

Libraries constantly face the problem of navigating the information sea and guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of their resources.

In order for libraries to survive these hardships, it is important for them to adapt and find creative solutions to remain relevant. Libraries may overcome these difficulties if they continue to embrace technology and if the public continues to utilise their services. The desire to promote the benefits of libraries is becoming stronger as more people are slowly beginning to realise the positive impacts it has on the community.

There are many libraries located across Cardiff which all have their own unique collections such as the Cochrane Archive and the Santander Collection of Hispanic Comics and Graphic Literature. As students, libraries play a crucial part in your learning experience: my friends and I spent many hours across Central Library and the University libraries during our undergraduate studies.

Below is a list of some of my favourite libraries in Cardiff, that I would recommend you check out across the next academic year: - Cardiff Central Library, The Hayes - Canton Library, Canton - Roath Library, Roath - Arts and Social Studies Library, Cathays - Atrium Library, Adam Street There are many ways you can help support your local libraries from volunteering to donations and advocating/ raising awareness about their importance. By showing our continuous support, we can make sure that libraries continue to flourish as important resources that facilitate community interaction, advance literacy, and provide access to information.

words by: Kath Witts photos by: Isla McCormack design by: Lucia Cubb

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Literature

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The Best Books With Fandoms design by: Lucia Cubb

Harry Potter

The Twilight Saga

It is unusual to see a literary series have a multi-generational fandom that continues to flourish and expand – yet the Harry Potter universe is timeless. Millions of fanatics continue to find solace in the warm embrace of Hogwarts and the reliability of its evolving community. The story itself is powerfully rooted in the hearts and minds of many, uniting individuals from across the globe. People of all ages come together to share their passion and love for all aspects of the plot, characters, and magic. The Potter community will continue to expand as forthcoming generations are welcomed into the world where so many feel at home.

Personally, I find that the camaraderie I have experienced through growing up surrounded by others with such an ardent love for the story is utterly unique and endless- one I know my future children will share.

Over the years the Twilight Saga has become a go-to read for me when I want a bout of nostalgia. Last year I started university and met friends who shared the same passion for vampire romances. We have since sent memes to each other about Edwards read flags, as well as discussing the homoerotic tension between himself and Jacob in Eclipse.

We are currently in the Twilight renaissance, thanks to the publishing of Midnight Sun. The fandom has been poking fun at the series and championing characters that were mistreated in the original works. Rosalie and Leah are fan favourites, with newly written fanfics giving them their deserved endings.

The renaissance has helped the LGBTQ+ find a greater space within the community. Characters like Alice and Bella have become highly influential. Readers can finally get their own t-shirts to wear whilst discussing the indecency of khaki skirts.

words by: Lily Portch

words by: Nyree McCann

Fashion

Barbie, the iconic doll known for her fashion-forward style, has been a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts globally. In addition, actress Margot Robbie has captivated audiences both on-screen and off-screen with her fabulous sense of style. This article aims to examine the fashion choices of both Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Margot Robbie during press tours; taking into account various elements such as trends, design, and overall impact.

Barbie’s influence on fashion cannot be underestimated.

Over the years, Mattel, the company responsible for Barbie’s creation, has collaborated with renowned designers to create exclusive collections. These collections have often reflected the current trends, incorporating innovative designs and attention to detail. Robbie’s press tour outfits, therefore, serve as a showcase for the latest fashion developments.

One notable aspect of Barbie’s outfits is the inherent playfulness and vibrancy they exude. With her numerous wardrobe changes, Barbie demonstrates her versatility, ranging from elegant gowns to casual-chic ensembles (the pink cowboy suit being the most memorable from the film!). These outfits in the movie successfully capture the spirit of fashion, appealing to both younger fans and adult fashion enthusiasts.

Margot Robbie (a fashion icon in her own right) consistently turned heads with her impeccable style choices during the Barbie press tours. Known for her daring fashion experiments and consistent work with Chanel, Robbie effortlessly blends elegance and nostalgia, creating a unique fashion statement that sets her apart. Her ability to take risks with fashion ensures that she always remains relevant and captivating.

Robbie’s press tour outfits often reflect

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her diverse range of roles. Each outfit seems tailored to the specific event or movie promotion, showcasing Robbie’s interpretation of the character she portrays. For example, the LA premier Schiaparelli black gown inspired by the doll’s ‘Solo in the Spotlight’ look from 1960. This attention to detail amplifies the impact of each outfit, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and the fashion industry.

Both Barbie’s outfits and Margot Robbie’s press tour looks share certain similarities. Their outfits are meticulously chosen to reflect their personalities and align with the purpose of the event. Additionally, both Barbie and Robbie embrace trends in their fashion choices, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

However, there are distinct differences between the two.

Barbie’s fashion revolves around fantasy and imagination, often embracing bright colours, exaggerated silhouettes, and whimsical accessories. In contrast, Margot Robbie’s style leans towards sophistication and modernity, with a focus on sleek lines, tailored cuts, and bold colour palettes. The differences in their fashion choices can be attributed to their respective branding and target demographics.

Barbie and Margot Robbie exemplify two different aspects of the fashion world.

Barbie, as a symbol of fantasy and creativity, showcasing an array of trendy and playful outfits. On the other hand, Margot Robbie, with her daring fashion choices, sets trends and consistently pushes the boundaries of style. Whether it’s Barbie’s vibrant aesthetic or Robbie’s sophisticated elegance, both fashion icons continue to captivate audiences with their impeccable sense of style.

Words by: Bethan Gwynne Illustration by: Mia Wilson Design by: Eszter Gurbicz

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Fashion

WANTED & LOVED Second-Hand Fashion And How It Has Created A Community For People Design by ISLA McCORMACK

Memorialised in coming-of-age media, the idea of the group shopping trip has become a mainstay of early teen culture which has continued to follow us for the rest of our lives. With the lexicon of these iconic quotes at our fingertips such as ‘get in loser, we’re going shopping’, ‘Cher’s main thrill in life is a makeover’, and ‘are you wearing the Ch..’ famously from Mean Girls (2004), Clueless (1995) and The Devils Wears Prada (2006).

Amidst a cost of living crisis for a generation who increasingly care about the sustainability of their clothing; McKinsey claims that an increasing 40% of Gen Z consider the environment when purchasing their clothes. Unlike fetch, the Wild Child-esque charity shop is here to stay.

The craving for camaraderie that comes alongside trawling up and down a charity shop was an unexpected benefit of establishing the Sustainable Fashion Society. Hoping to unite people together on the basis of a mutual care for the environment and a fascination for fashion, our first meetings made us realise all these values drew us together and it was the hunt for the charity shop grail mixed with suitable exchanges of gossip, frequent comedic or serious ‘this reminded me of you’ comments and doses of awe, shock, and curiosity of what unexpected find we stumbled across. Finalised with moments of joy as the ritualistic haul or fashion show denotes; we celebrate each other for our unique styles and expressions. These moments of a shared goal in a low-stake environment allow for the most vivacious conversations to form as we shared personal moments, and goals, challenged our own self-expression, and embrace others, allowing for us to form bonds that were sure to be reinforced by our next trip to the charity shops. Ultimately, although our values brought us together it’s the companionship, akin to that of Poppy Moore and her friends post-makeover in Wild Child (2008) whilst descending the stairs to prom, which kept us together. words by: Trystan Gwennap

Coming from a town with a high street filled with charity shops and little else, spending time sorting through clothes on the racks of the British Heart Foundation and Barnardo’s has become a comfort activity. A way to destress, be creative, and more recently (since coming to uni) a way of making friends.

Of course, second-hand shopping is good for the environment and giving money to a charity is better than to fast fashion companies, but it is also a great activity to help you get to know people. It gives you an insight into what styles and aesthetics your friends are drawn to, and which sections they gravitate towards. It’s the ideal icebreaker, with shops sometimes giving bizarre conversation starters, like stumbling across a seemingly new wedding dress in a shop on Albany Road.

In the first week of first year, a new friend and I discovered the charity shops in Penarth. We bonded over trying to navigate the unnecessarily steep hills and making our way from Marie Curie to Oxfam. You also end up hearing stories of previous charity shop ventures, watching as your friend’s face lights up as they describe how they found their favourite pair of perfectly fitting jeans “for only £5!”

I’ve spent many an afternoon pouring over the racks of clothes, catching up with childhood friends, with a cousin who you’ve not seen in a long time, or with a new friend you’re getting to know. It’s a useful tool, a safe space to get to know people when you’re feeling particularly socially awkward. And when you find that one-of-a-kind top or skirt that you love, it has so much more value when you remember who you were with and what you were talking about when you bought it. words by: Megan Phillip

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Fashion

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Thrifting has developed into somewhat of a phenomenon.

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photography by: Adam Breen

photography by: Isla McCormack

Travel

International Student Guide: How To Feel At Home When Studying Overseas

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Travel

Congratulations! You have officially been accepted to study abroad and whilst you’re full of excitement, the idea of moving and living alone in an entirely new country is starting to creep in. Even before you start packing, you begin to feel homesick. Although such a transition might evoke various emotions, it is important to understand that you can feel at home wherever you go with these 3 simple, but effective, steps.

Step 1: Decorating Whilst decorating might seem like a useless and unimportant factor to some, surrounding yourself with items that remind you of family and friends, can ease some homesickness and help you feel closer to home. A popular choice that not only international students are able to use are pictures! Printing some photographs of you with the people you love and sticking them on your walls can not only make you feel more at home, but it will also act as a reminder of the amazing support system you have. This is not limited to pictures and can include anything that brings you comfort and ease.

Step 2: Communication Living in a new country does not mean that you stop communicating with your friends and family back home. A call or text every few days (or everyday if you need) can really change and uplift your mood. Catching up with them is a great way to stay connected with your life back home, and this way you will always have someone that you can call and talk with, whether it is to seek advice or simply to hear their voice.

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Step 3: Find people within your culture You will discover that most universities have societies of every possible country and religion you might think of, as there are hundreds of students that are in the same boat as you. Putting yourself out there and joining societies is a great way to introduce yourself and find people that you can relate to. Once you meet someone, you will soon discover that making friends is not as difficult as you may first think, as students will always be welcoming towards other students, international or not, which will make your homesickness a little more bearable.

Nevertheless, although finding ways to feel at home when studying abroad is key to make this transition easier, I believe that it is equally important to embrace and explore the new cultures you encounter during your studies. However, the biggest tip to anyone moving anywhere really is to give it time, as nothing happens overnight. Along with the steps, finding a balance between patience and consistency, is how an international student can feel at home when studying abroad.

words by: Nicole Saroglou design by: Lucia Cubb

Travel

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Discovering Community While Travelling As you all know, travelling on its own can be extremely fun, but do you know what makes it more enjoyable? The people.

That’s what you remember most. I spent my gap year solo travelling, visiting France, Italy, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Germany and a load on top of that.

My first backpacking experience was going to Sri Lanka for two months, and living in a shared house with 40 other people. I went with a company which offered volunteering experience and they would house and feed you in exchange for you working on a project: mine was teaching English. I spent time in a Buddhist monastery teaching trainee monks aged 10-18 and also in a primary school. I think this is a great place to start if you want to travel but are apprehensive, because you meet so many people from so many different lives and you have an extra layer of safety from staying with a company. I still keep in touch with loads of the people I met out there and have plans to travel again with some of them.

Another great way to meet people is through hostels.

Hostelworld is an amazing website to find hostels but they also have a feature where you get added to a group chat with people staying in the hostel currently and when you’ll be there. I love this as a vibe check, but it has the added benefit of breaking the ice before you arrive which always seems less scary to me.

Having a community while travelling is invaluable, whether that’s because it’s the Six Nations at home or you need someone to go to the doctor with you after getting an infected mosquito bite. My main takeaway from backpacking is to not be scared. Other people get homesick, other people have never been 5,000 miles away from home before – generally, people want to be your friend, you just have to be brave in the first conversation and say yes to outings even if they aren’t your normal thing. words by: Poppy Adams When it comes to transformative experiences, you can’t find much better than going to a new place to explore an unfamiliar language and culture. Whether you go on a girls’ holiday to Portugal, a month-long backpacking stint around Central Europe or partake in a semester abroad during our studies, we can all agree that travel is one of the most challenging but impactful things you can do. On the other hand, longerterm travel can be tiring and lonesome, specifically if you’re

travelling solo or for an extended period of time. In spite of this, one of the best parts of travelling is the people you meet along the way, creating a community of individuals across a particular region of the world. I’ve managed to tap into these communities when making friends while solo travelling in Europe and the U.S. and came to the conclusion that it’s easy to make new friends whom you can share suggestions and recommendations with, or even draw you in a different direction altogether.

During the spring break in my second year at university, I planned a trip to Florida to visit a university friend who had moved back home. While I was in the US, I thought that it was worth reaching out to some backpacker friends who were studying in Virginia - I was so happy that I did. I was invited to stay in a sorority at the University of Virginia to experience the U.S. uni life for myself. This is how I have experienced community through travelling - by being given direction for my future travels and unbelievable experiences.

Another way in which community has helped me throughout my travels is the support from strangers and really feeling the process of how strangers become friends. Even on the worst, loneliest days, there is someone in your hostel to chat with or go and explore with. Alternatively, recently a friend has been setting up a life in a new city and people from her work have been bringing kitchenware from their own homes to stock her new kitchen. It’s these little acts of kindness from strangers that can totally shape someone’s time abroad, by providing small acts of support and uplifting encouragement.

Similarly, during a particularly challenging travel moment, I was stranded alone at Cologne airport, even a taxi back into the city cost 40 euros and I had no means of getting back to the UK. A stranger at the airport, about to go on holiday, offered me a room in his mothers’ annex and was willing to call her to pick me up. Apparently, he had once been in a similar situation and was very empathetic. Luckily I didn’t need to take him up on his offer, but this gesture has struck me with his act of kindness and empathy as someone who has been in a similar situation. This reminds me of how the community has helped me throughout my travels and how the kindness of strangers can impact my experience. words by: Jasmine Dodd design by: Lucia Cubb

Food & Drink

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Food That Takes You Home Words by: Poppy Adams Food has always been important to my family, Christmas dinner cooked by my Grandma, or my Uncle’s bolognese.

But these don’t remind me of home, chocolate cake does.

Mum extended her maternity-leave after I was born, running into the pregnancy of my twin brothers. With three under threes, returning to a consulting job in London with a husband working all hours didn’t seem all that easy, so the Kennet House Cake Company was born. This began the ritual of walking home from the bus hoping that today there was a cake being filled for a five-year-old and a plate of cake scraps waiting on the counter. Chocolate cake has stayed in my life for as long as I can remember, through the days of being bullied at school, the birthday parties, and the closing of the bakery. It will always take me back to waking up to mixers whirring, clouds of icing sugar, with the Cranberries playing.

Words by: Hannah Wild There is one meal that instantly transports me home: a hearty, home-cooked roast dinner. Sunday roasts were a weekly occurrence before I came to university; a time to enjoy a nourishing and comforting meal before the start of a new school week. Just the scent of roasting chicken and vegetables is enough to instantly evoke fond, heart-warming memories of the many dark, winter evenings spent completing my homework whilst the aroma of my mum’s cooking wafted up to my room. It was only after a flatmate in first year suggested we made a roast dinner one evening, I realised how strongly this meal reminded me of home. Although nothing will compare to my mum’s (now greatly appreciated) cooking, the burned roast potatoes and soggy carrots still managed to summon feelings of warmth and comfort, as if I was tucking into my mum’s speciality once more, surrounded by the comfort of my family.

Words by: Evie Lisk Being from Wales, there’s no meal more perfect to pick then a home cooked hearty Cawl. The traditional Cawl Cymreig is made up of meat (traditionally lamb) and an array of seasonal vegetables such as, potatoes, carrots, leeks, all slow- cooked and served in a meaty broth. Often paired with chunks of warm bread and crumbly cheese, the warm broth instils a strong sense of nostalgia in me. Although I still study in Wales it is not a typical meal I tend to consume whilst living away, so to come home in the colder months to a hearty meal is something that makes me incredibly happy.

Cawl hints to the memory of primary school where we would work together to make Cawl and learn about the history and the importance of Wales. So not only is Cawl nostalgic for me it also reminds me of my love of Wales and that I am proud to have such cultural dishes.

Design by: Eszter Gurbicz

Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

35

Words by: Ellisse Heller It is a common conception that within the university social climate people associate drinking and going out frequently.

From my own personal experience when speaking to relatives during the holidays like Christmas and Easter the phrases ‘getting drunk every night are you?’ and ‘do you even do uni work?’ springs to their mind. Whilst this lighthearted joke takes up most of the conversation, I am constantly annoyed with the cliché of blacked out, vodka and VK riddled students. Despite the idea of getting drunk and making stupid decisions seeming appealing to the majority of students I know... there are communities that prefer not to surround themselves in these types of environments.

To be truthful, I genuinely thought in those first few weeks that I’d never meet anybody like me. That there was no point introducing myself to anybody, and that the only people in my halls that I’d meet would be the people doing their laundry at the same time as me. Luckily, I realised how silly this seemed – I most definitely could not have been the only person in the thousands of us in first year who didn’t want to go out. I created snapchat groups and scoured social media for people feeling the same way as I did. And luckily, lo and behold, there are people who wanted to just chill in each other’s rooms, order McDonald’s, and exchange memes.

Thank Christ.

The purpose of this article is to ensure that you (if you identify as one of these people) are not alone. With many social spaces and communities throughout Cardiff University trying to promote non-alcoholic events that students can participate in so that they can spend quality time building friendships and having fun. The Committee Coffee Morning is a regular opportunity to drop in for a hot drink with Madison – the Vice President Societies and Volunteering. This will allow those who do not want to drink alcohol throughout their university experience to chat about potential events.

These will ultimately better students’ life in Cardiff outside of lectures and seminars. Coffee Mornings like this are just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the potential for nonalcoholic events throughout university and it has become a focus to include those who do not drink into the fun and wild uni lifestyle.

My biggest saviour this year was getting the best of both worlds by making friends through music. I love a concert, and venues such as the CIA, SU, Tramshed and Clwb Ifor Bach are regular haunts from which I’ve had some of the best experiences of my life. It’s a chance to get out, even at night, but not have to drink – no one cares if you’re sober when you’re all singing along to music you feel passionate about – in fact, a lot of people resent drunkenness at a gig!

Not in Wales, but just over the bridge in Bristol is a little gem called Bag of Nails – it is a pub filled with board games, vinyl music, and cats! When I visit my boyfriend we go almost every time – it is such a chill, comforting and welcoming environment, and the cats don’t care if you’re sipping a Diet Coke as long as you’re giving them attention!

Words by: Tegan Davies The cliché university experience is neon lights, chunder charts, pre-drinks at random flats and ringing ears. My first year consisted of quite the opposite – the itchy material of my sleep mask and the whirring of my bedroom fan, with the only contact I had with strangers being meeting the Uber Eats delivery driver at the gates of Talybont Court.

I don’t drink. The whole idea of it has just never appealed to me, not as a child and even less so now. The taste and smell of alcohol repulses me, and clubbing sounds like my worst nightmare as a socially awkward, neurodivergent bundle of nerves. My flatmates in first year were so lovely, always trying to invite me out and genuinely involving me in every plan, but I just couldn’t do it. We would joke how little they would see of me, as I was just the hermit in room 19 that they would occasionally spot out in the wild cooking garlic bread.

Fresher’s week was an experience I can only describe as lacklustre – I thought it would be a lot more than just going out every single night.

Design By: Mia Coley

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Cymdeithasau Cymraeg Caerdydd Mae dechrau prifysgol yn brofiad gyffrous, ond hefyd rhywbeth sy’n gallu codi pryder i’r mwyafrif. Mae’r bennod newydd yn codi llawer o gwestiynau, fel gyda phwy byddaf yn rhannu fflat? Pwy fydd ar fy nghwrs? Ble i fynd? Sut i wneud ffrindiau newydd? I mi, roedd e’n profiad wahanol.

Fel merch o Caerdydd sy’n astudio yn ei thref enedigol, penderfynais fyw adref yn lle symud mas i fyw yn hallsgyda myfyrywyr eraill. Roedd hyn yn rhywbeth oedd yn fy mhoeni oherwydd mai un o’r ffyrdd hawsaf o gwrdd â phobl ydy byw mewn neuaddau a chwrdd â mwy o bobl trwy ffrindiau ffrindiau. Fodd bynnag, cyn dechrau yn y brifysgol des i ar draws grwpiau Facebooklle roeddech chi’n ddod o hyd i bobl ar eich cwrs ac anfon neges atynt. Roedd hyn wedi fy helpu i ddod o hyd i lawer o bobl. Cefais fy synnu wrth imi ddarganfod llwyth o siaradwyr Cymraeg yno a gymaint roedd Prifysgol Caerdydd yn ei gynnig trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Dysgais yn gyflym bod y gallu i siarad Cymraeg yn y brifddinas yn fantais enfawr yn gymdeithasol a thrwy astudio. Mae’r GymGym yn cynnig llawer o gyfleuoedd i gallu cwrdd a chymdeithasu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Mae’r cymunedau fel hyn yn medru dod a phobl at ei gilydd i greu ffrindau newydd. Dros yr haf cefais gyfle i weithio yn Eisteddfod fel rhan o tim Llais y Maes sy’n cael ei drefnu gan JOMEC Cymraeg, lle wnes i gweithio fel newyddiadurwraig trwy greu cynnwys ar gyfer eu platfformau cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Trwy gwneud hyn, cefais gyfle i cwrdd â phobl newydd a chreu ffrindau drwy’r project, cyfle bysen i heb gael pe tawn i ddim â sgiliau iaith Cymraeg. words by: Millie Stacey

Wrth edrych yn ôl ar fy nghyfnod o fod yn ‘fresher’ llynedd, roedd ymuno â Chymdeithas Gymraeg y Brifysgol - Y Gym Gym yn un o’r penderfyniadau gorau wnes i. Fel aelod o’r Gymdeithas cefais y cyfle i gymdeithasu a chwrdd â phobl newydd o bob blwyddyn yn y Brifysgol oedd yn aelodau ohoni. Yn sicr, rhoddodd y Gym Gym gyfle i mi ymuno â chymuned Gymraeg y Brifysgol yn hawdd gan wneud i mi deimlo’n gyfforddus wrth setlo mewn yn yr wythosau cyntaf i fywyd Prifysgol. Gyda nifer o nosweithiau amrywiol yn cael eu trefnu gan y Gymdeithas, mae na wastad gyfleoedd i gymdeithasu ac i fwynhau yn drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Yn ogystal â’r Gym Gym, cefais nifer o brofiadau gwych fel aelod o Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal. Wrth fod yn aelod o Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal, sy’n cystadlu yn flynyddol yn yr Eisteddfod yr Urdd, roeddwn eto’n manteisio ar y cyfle i gymdeithasu yn y Gymraeg yn wythnosol mewn ymarferion ac mewn nosweithiau amrywiol oedd yn cael eu trefnu ar ein cyfer.

Yn bendant, wrth edrych yn ôl ar fy nghyfnod fel ‘fresher’ gallaf ddweud fy mod yn ddiolchgar i’r cymdeithasau Cymraeg sydd ar gael ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd am gynnig cymaint o gyfleoedd i mi allu cymdeithasu, cwrdd â phobl newydd a mwynhau drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Yn bendant, cymdeithasau o’r math yma wnaeth fy helpu i i setlo mewn a mwynhau bywyd Prifysgol. words by: Llyr Eirug

Clebar

37 Yn bendant, mae ‘na rywbeth at ddant pawb yma ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd – o’r ‘Dancing Queens’yn ein plith yng Nghymdeithas ABBA i’r ‘Swifties’yng Nghymdeithas Taylor Swift! Mae ystod eang o gymdeithasau hwyl a sbri ar gael i chi ymuno â hwy – cyfle gwych i gymdeithasu, creu ffrindiau newydd a derbyn amryw o gyfleoedd.

Dewis doeth yw bod yn rhan o Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd (UMCC), sy’n creu cysylltiad rhwng myfyrwyr iaith Gymraeg y Brifysgol trwy gynnig cymdeithasau a digwyddiadau amrywiol. Yn sicr, ymuno â Chymdeithas sydd o fewn UMCC sef ‘Y GymGym’ oedd y penderfyniad gorau i mi - cyfle i gymdeithasu a diota drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Trwy ymuno, dw i wedi creu ffrindiau arbennig, mynd ar daith i Ddulyn a Chaeredin, cystadlu a chymdeithasu yn yr Eisteddfod a’r Ddawns Rhyngol a phinacl ar y cyfan oedd cael fy ethol yn Llywydd y Gymdeithas y llynedd. Mae’r manteision yn ddi-ddiwedd (er, byddai’r banc a’r hangovers ar fore Iau yn anghytuno!), a dw i wir yn mwynhau pob eiliad o fod yn rhan o deulu mawr y GymGym.

Yn sicr mae yna gymuned Cyraeg hynod o gryf yng Nghaerdydd, mae’r GymGym (Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg) yn un o gymdeithasau mwyaf Prifysgol Caerdydd ond yn estyn croeso i unrhyw fyfyrwyr Cymraeg yng Nghaerdydd. Mae UMCC (Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd) yn gweithio ar gyfer myfyrwyr Cymraeg yn unig, ac o dan y rhain y mae cymdeithasau Cymraeg yn dod, Y GymGym, Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal a Chlwb y Mynydd Bychan (grŵp ar gyfer myfyrwyr meddygol Prifysgol Caerdydd).

Pan wnes i gychwyn ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd mi wnes i ymuno â’r GymGym yn syth, roedd yn gymuned croesawgar ac yn gwneud i’r ‘freshers’ deimlo’n saff ac yn hapus o fewn y gymuned. Mae llawer iawn o gyfleoedd i’w cael drwy’r GymGym, o’r ddawns a’r Eisteddfod Rhyngol, sydd yn gyfleoedd i gyfarfod myfywyr Cymraeg o Brifysgolion eraill Cymru, i’r trip blynyddol i weld Rygbi y Chwe Gwlad (eleni i Ddulyn!) a hefyd y timau chwaraeon sydd gan y gymdeithas!

Mae timau rygbi a phêl-droed i fechgyn ac mae tîm pêl-rwyd i ferched. Llynedd mi oeddwn i’n Is-lywydd ar gymdeithas y GymGym, roedd hwn yn brofiad arbennig iawn, achos mae’n gymuned sydd yn hynod o agos. Yn sicr, heb y gymeithas Gymraeg yng Nghaerdydd byddwn i heb ddod o hyd i rai o’n ffrindiau gorau, felly byddwn i’n sicr yn eich annog i ymuno ag unrhyw grwpiau Cymraeg yng Nghaerdydd oherwydd mi gewch chi andros o groeso! words by: Catrin Edith

Os ydych chi â awydd creu rhaglen radio neu â diddordeb yn y cyfryngau, beth am ymuno â Xpress Radio? Dw i wedi cael y cyfle i gyd-gyflwyno rhaglen radio ‘clEBran’ gyda fy ffrind, Beca a chael bod yn Gyd-bennaeth Cynhyrchu a Rhaglenni Iaith Gymraeg ar y pwyllgor. Trwy ein rhaglen radio, rydym yn cyfrannu’n bennaf at y diwylliant Cymreig ac yn sicrhau llais Cymraeg ar Xpress Radio, drwy hybu’r iaith yn gymdeithasol. Mae hyd yn oed cyfle i chi fynychu Gwobrau’r CSM yng Nghaerdydd a Gwobrau’r SRA’s yn Llundain drwy ymuno â’r Gymdeithas!

Ydych chi â diddordeb yn y Gymraeg yn y brifddinas?

Ymunwch felly â Chymdeithas Iolo – cymdeithasgan fyfyrwyr Ysgol y Gymraeg, neu i’r rheiny ohonoch sy’n dwli ar ganu, Eisteddfota a chystadlu, mae’n syniad i ymuno âChôr Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal sy’n cyfarfod yn wythnosol drwy glonc a chân!

Heb os, byddwn yn annog pob un ohonoch i gymryd y cyfle i ymuno â’r cymunedau arbennig yma. Digwyddiadau di-ri, cyfleoedd bythgofiadwy a ffrindiau oes. Beth gwell? Ewch amdani felly a manteisiwch ar y cyfle - yn sicr, chewch chi ddim eich siomi! words by: Elan Jones design by: Alanya Smith

Clebar

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Gad dy Glebar!

Beth yw dy enw?

Gwenan Jones Beth mae dy ffrindiau yn dy alw di?

Gwenz O ble wyt ti’n dod?

Caerfyrddin Tri gair i ddisgrifio dy hun?

Hapus, Cyfeillgar ac Onest Pa gwrs wyt ti’n ei hastudio ac ym mha flwyddyn wyt ti?

Saesneg Llên ac yn fy ail flwyddyn Ble byddwn ni’n debygol o ddod o hyd i ti ar nos Sadwrn?

Clwb Ifor Bach!!

Beth yw dy ‘hangover cure’?

Cysgu fe off Hoff off beth am ddinas Caerdydd?

Y siope, - sy’n mynd â arian fi gyd Beth yw dy ‘go to drink’ ar nosweth allan?

Vodka Lemon+Lime

Beth yw un cyfrinach sydd gennyt ti?

Dos dim, ma pawb yn gwbo popeth amdanai

Hoff beth am fod yn Gymro/Cymraes?

Rygbi a Steddfod Gen

Hoff gân?

Byw i’r funud gan Dyfrig Evans

Beth yw un arferiad gwael sydd gennyt ti?

Fi’n hwyr i bobman, ond chi mo ‘gwell hwyr na hyll’

Pwy sydd angen cau eu clebar erbyn tro nesaf?

Elain Owen

’Tip’ byddech chi’n rhoi i fyfywiwr blwyddyn gyntaf?

Joiwch e a cerwch mas lot

words by: Gwenan Jones design by: Alanya Smith.

Spotlight

39

UNIQUE TOGETHER Everyone around you is raving about the Student Union nights and free shots at the Live Lounge, whilst you struggle to build up the courage to get a drink from your shared kitchen. This sums up my experience as a first-year neurodivergent university student.

Moving to university was a challenge to say the least.

The concept of change was excruciating, and without my mum next door to console me, the best-case scenario was attending the university half an hour from the town I grew up in.

I’d just recovered from a burnout that lasted through the entire A-level exam season, so to say I was feeling underprepared would be an understatement.

I began juggling Uni deadlines, work, Welsh Youth Parliament, and the societies I had desperately joined yet never managed to attend. Nights were long, and early lectures impossible. Seminars were hell.

Everyone seemed to be holding it together, apart from me. And these were people who had arguably less time than me - going clubbing, socialising - I did none of it, and thus should have had all the time in the world to catch up. The mental block neurodivergence forces you into is like no other - what’s an English Literature student if they haven’t read a book in three years?

Throughout my life, I’ve felt so painfully disconnected from my peers, struggling to make friends even as a child. I felt doomed from the beginning - like the entire world was involved in some sick inside joke that I just couldn’t get in on. If I had any advice to give, it would be to search for the people like you who just get it.

There are always going to be people who feel the same way as you – university is a big old place after all! You may not have the typical experience – not the type you see in the movies, and if you’re like me, that won’t be outside of your own norm. University will be what you make it.

Words by: Tegan Davies The term neurodivergent is being thrown around left, right and centre in 2023, and I have never quite known whether I tick the box. As a longtime sufferer from OCD, I would hardly say my brain is wired normally. But then we can pose the question, is there such a thing as normal anyway?

Coming to university is intimidating for most people, but with the addition of neurodivergence or a mental health disorder, it can be even more anxietyinducing. I remember living in halls during my first year, and waiting most nights until the kitchen was empty before creeping in to check for hazards: open windows, hobs left on, etc. If I heard someone coming, I would either leave or attempt to cover up

this ritual by, for instance, filling up a glass of water.

I was like a criminal trying to avoid getting caught, fearful of judgement. Now, all my housemates are aware of my checking routines and, although I may be embarrassed to perform them when they are around, their awareness and support is a relief. We even laugh about them together, as we do about some of their neuroses too! There is something about making light of your struggles that helps them feel less intense.

My boyfriend, who I also met through university, once said to me about my compulsions, “my favourite one is when you put your hand in the oven to check that it’s off!”

For those new to Cardiff, you will likely find that eccentricities gradually become visible in most people that you meet. It is perhaps best, therefore, to be open about what makes you different. Doing this when you feel comfortable will probably take a weight off your shoulders and enable you to build closer, more authentic connections. Essentially, no one is really “normal”, so please don’t hide your quirks!

Lastly, if you are ever struggling, no matter to what degree, Cardiff University has free counselling and wellbeing appointments available through Student Connect. I have tried these myself and found them to be helpful and easily accessible.

Words by: Caitlin Wildgoose-Davis University Life is often described as one of the most memorable times in a student’s life. From the numerous adventurous night outs to the interactive lectures and seminars. However, while some students thrive at balancing both lives some students struggle.

University can be hard for students with ADHD, oftentimes students who struggle with ADHD often become overwhelmed and often those times can be hard to talk about.

The biggest struggle I faced when writing essays was the fact that I couldn’t get my point across. When writing essays it’s difficult to understand the contents presented to me. At times like these I felt like I was at my lowest point, often mentally becoming drained and tearing up at the struggles. Getting essays back and seeing that the point I was trying to make wasn’t coming across and often seeing that the content that I had written, portrayed as being off topic.

Making friends at university while dealing with ADHD was very hard. Oftentimes I found myself being able to struggle with staying engaged in conversations. There were times when I was making friends where I was often seen as weird because I found myself talking too much about the stuff I liked. What I would find funny I often saw my friends thinking I was weird or that there was something wrong with me.

Words by: Alex O’Shea Design and Illustrations by: Elinor Pyman

Spotlight

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love Is All Aro

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d

Have you ever found your Tinder match to really be looking for a third? Or rolled your eyes at your friend’s partner for requesting a threesome? While they chuckle, the prospect remains to them a lewd fantasy washed away only by your “stiffness” and the lack of one key element to non-monogamy – consent.

For young people, especially, online dating has stifled emotional intimacy; the ‘situationship’ offers an excuse for avoidance. The end goal is connection and experience, not necessarily a relationship. We made up the rules of love, and so we can break them too.

This freedom to explore yourself emotionally through your connection with others is an asset to this rulebreaking; however, it often encourages the misuse of the ‘open relationship’, breaking hearts and creating stigma.

The unnecessary stigma surrounding polyamory makes ‘open relationships’ perfect for those unwilling to commit. Only 7% of young people in the UK were said to be open to non-monogamy, yet it’s commonplace within ‘situationships’ where casually dating multiple people is almost expected. A form of non-monogamy, polyamory, is where people feel they can love more than one person at once. This differs from open relationships, which extend boundaries to have sex with other people, generally not developing deeper feelings with them. Polyamory is an identity, however the concept of an ‘open relationship’ is at times portrayed and treated as supplemental to where a monogamous relationship is lacking. Whether it’s to save the relationship, spice up your sex life or continue to avoid total commitment, an open relationship can make or break the trust, intimacy, and bond you have with your partner.

Non-monogamy can be liberating. Playing by your own rulebook allows us to make decisions based

on each other’s thoughts and feelings, and not the ‘should’ of a typical relationship. When done the way it is idealised, non-monogamy can develop stronger trust, knowing that your partner chooses you every day, even with the option and perusal of others.

But sometimes, the suggestion of opening up your relationship, as depicted in series such as Wanderlust, where a couple open up their marriage in the hopes of reconnecting, leads to complications when boundaries are crossed and what is ‘just sex’ inevitably leads to more. This series was a fair and realistic portrayal of non-monogamy, especially in the sense that eventually, they find in others the things missing from one another, forgetting the life they built together: asking the question of whether, after everything they have found, they will choose each other. It gets complicated.

Much like the many examples we see all around us, opening up the relationship to stay together, especially in your 20s, could be the disguise for wanting to keep a foot in the door of your relationship, but also wanting to leave. Not to repeat the cliché, but different people can bring out different parts of yourself, which is often a wonderful thing - in your 20s, you don’t have to commit yourself to the same person for life just yet.

Loving someone takes more than just the feeling, it takes strength and energy to fulfil a relationship. If non-monogamy is something you want to pursue, and that fulfils you, then all power to you. But polyamory or an open relationship is not a tool for improved monogamy.

Words by : Megan Jenkins Design by: Elinor Pyman

Spotlight

41

THE GIRLS BATHROOM Going on a night out anywhere can be a daunting experience as a female-identifying or presenting person; you constantly have to be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your drink, so it does not get spiked. This hyper awareness can take away from the whole point of a night out: to let loose and have fun with your friends.

The one place that has always felt like a safe haven to me and my girl friends when clubbing, is the girls bathroom. As soon as you step through the doorway, there’s an instant feeling of acceptance, friendliness, and positivity. Here, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or how you look – the girls bathroom is a sanctuary. It is a community hub, where strangers compliment you on your outfit or your hair. You can make new friends after just a few kind drunken interactions.

And yes, I think a factor that plays into this unprecedented kinship is the alcohol – it diminishes the social anxiety surrounding talking to new people. But it’s not just that, it’s the inherent and natural inclination of girls to hype each other up, boosting their own and everyone else’s confidence.

Women supporting women, plain and simple.

It’s a phenomenon that doesn’t really exist, to this level, anywhere else. It’s a unique and remarkable display of how female empowerment can present itself in the most surprising of scenarios. I have never felt encouragement quite like it, and it honestly makes my night whenever another woman compliments me on how I have done my hair or appreciates the outfit I meticulously planned that day. Unfortunately, there is so much pressure on women nowadays to uphold an unattainable standard of beauty, particularly when going on a night out. You have to wear the trendiest up to date clothes and make sure your appearance is appealing to the male eye. But here’s some news… we’re not doing it for the guys, we’re doing it for ourselves. The reason I get all dressed up and put my full glam on is for me; to feel good about myself.

And truthfully, it means more to be complimented by another female in the girls’ loos than by any man anywhere.

I think another reason the girls bathroom creates such a safe community is the physical barrier it puts up against the potential threat of men. The ominous linger of the male gaze that is in every corner of the dance floor, the bar, the smoking area is unable to reach the security of the girls bathroom.

These four walls are immune from such endangerment; a judgement-free zone where we can confide in strangers about our shared experiences with men, the atrocity of dating thewm and being a woman in a man’s world.

The freedom created by the atmosphere of the girls bathroom is untouchable. I don’t think anything can quite compare to it. However, it is a phenomenon not understood by everyone. I have had several men ask me the same question time and time again, “Why do girls always go to the bathroom together?” The answer to that question is in this article: because the girls bathroom is not just the girls bathroom; it’s a hairdressers, a makeup salon, and a fashion show, it’s an advice helpline, a gossip column and compliment central all rolled into one. It is a refuge for when we’ve had a few too many and our head is stuck over the toilet, for when we’re emotionally drunk crying over our ex. An oasis of female energy that lifts us up when we’re feeling down. It is so important that a space like this exists for us.

There is a general stereotype that ‘the girls bathroom’ is a place to gossip, have a girly chat and where loads of drama takes place. But it is so much more than that. It’s a communal space, fully dedicated to empowering us to be whoever we want to be.

Words By: Ella Collis Design and PhotographyBy: Mia Wilson Models: Bethan Rocke & Ellisse Heller

Culture

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Gendered Communities At University In the words of Simone de Beauvoir, ‘One is not born, but rather, becomes a woman’. The view that gender is a socially constructed identity that is influenced by culture and societal expectations supports the belief that gender itself is taught to individuals. How to tailor our behaviour to our chosen gender is subtly taught to us from the moment we’re born. It’s a constant in our lives that aims to influence our behaviour, and the roles that are deemed suitable for us to play. But gender itself is difficult to define. We’re living in a society where it’s now more acceptable to push gender boundaries, to form our own definitions of gender. Surely, the influence of traditional gender stereotypes on our choices and our lives is almost non-existent.

Unfortunately not.

Cultural expectations about gender performance are taught to us in the things we learn in school. For example, the absence of female scientists or engineers included on the curriculum discourages girls from feeling like STEM subjects are accessible to them. Stereotypes like girls being bad at maths and science weakens their selfconfidence and discourages them from pursuing a career in these fields. One study on ‘stereotype threat’ found that when women are made aware of the stereotype that they are bad at maths, they perform worse on a maths test (1999).

It’s no surprise that by the time it comes to A-levels, girls make up only 44% of STEM students, with this percentage being much less in computer science and physics (gov.uk data 2020-2021). At university this trend continues with only 20% of engineering and technology students and 37% of mathematical sciences students identifying as female (HESA 2020-2021).

On the other hand, only 18% of psychology students and 22% of education and teaching students identify as male.

Jobs in these fields are viewed as pink collar jobs as they are typically pursued by women as they involve caring for or serving others. Pink collar jobs are often lower paid and viewed as less prestigious than white collar jobs such as an engineer or a politician. This speaks to wider systemic issues such as the gender pay gap where women with masters or PhD level degrees make one-third less in their lifetimes than men with the same qualifications (according to The Guardian, 2019). It seems like stereotypical views on the roles of men and women in society are still influencing students when choosing their university degrees. It’s not even necessarily a conscious choice, but a symptom of societal expectations. From a young age, girls are socialised into conforming to the stereotypes that they should be nurturing and meeting the emotional needs of others whilst boys are socialised into being dominant and meeting the financial needs of others. It’s hardly surprising to see that these gender roles are still being adhered to when it comes to choosing university courses.

Girls who choose to study STEM subjects at university have their own set of problems to deal with. Gender biases means STEM subjects that have a greater number of women are more likely to be seen as studying a ‘soft’ science, whilst subjects dominated by men are seen as ‘hard’ sciences. One 2022 study found that soft sciences are seen as less rigorous and less worthy of funding.

The awareness of stereotypes that STEM subjects are more male dominated has led to the creation of memes about ‘women in STEM’. These range from bedazzling a computer science laptop in pink frog stickers to discussing the discrimination women face in STEM settings. Jokes like these acknowledge the existence of gender stereotypes held about women in this field whilst also making light of the situation.

Culture

Thanks to Ali Hazelwood novels and trailblazing scientists like Professor Sarah Green, the scientist who designed the Oxford Covid vaccine, visibility for women in STEM is increasing. As well as this, so is the diverse range of women choosing to study STEM subjects. Binary stereotypes still exist about the types of people you’d expect to find on certain university courses, but these stereotypes ignore the diversity of the people who take these subjects. High School Musical came out seventeen years ago and yet some people still find it hard to believe that you can both sing and play basketball. You can be good at maths and watch romcoms.

“It’s important to acknowledge gender stereotypes and understand

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get to know a wider range of individuals across all genders and courses. Meeting people who differ from ourselves can help us to learn new things, widen our worldviews, and gain new experiences.

Ultimately, our choice of university course should be up to us, but stereotypes and cultural expectations can influence this. The personal is political, but in comparison to wider structural issues, our individual choices to study subjects gender shouldn’t be influenced by society’s gender stereotypes. There shouldn’t be pressure for girls to take traditionally ‘feminine’ subjects or to take STEM subjects to increase the number of women in these courses. In the paraphrased words of Leslie Knope, one of the best things we can do in life is to ‘work hard at work worth doing’. So, no matter what influenced your choice of university course, make sure it’s a course you love.

that how much someone conforms to a stereotype, or whether they do at all, is not an adequate basis for us to judge someone on.”

Viewing communities at university as simply male or female excludes students who identify as other genders such as non-binary. Non-binary students make up less than 1% of the students in each subject; viewing courses as either masculine or feminine risks excluding students that don’t conform to traditional gender stereotypes. This is why we need to make a conscious effort to form communities outside of gender. These communities can help to quell widely held stereotypes as they will encourage people to

words by: Nyree McCann design by: Alanya Smith

Culture

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EXPLORING CARDIFF’S STUDENT COMMUNITY ONLINE ultivated by students, Instagram (Meta) has become an essential hub of interconnectivity in Cathays. The social-cultural posts circulating in the Cardiff University student community has allowed different perspectives to be distributed widely in what’s known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Cathays community online.

With 1,500 student houses it is hardly surprising that the area has become... interesting. The options are endless with the Salisbury Road Strip of takeaways and shops, and of course the nightlife with Misfits, Gassy’s, and many more. Despite the carnage of bin day, with the seagulls and rubbish in Cathays, we are transported to a whole new digital reality online with memes and #relatable content.

Oxymoronic, but has this glamorised our view of life in Cathays?

As a 3rd year, I have identified Instagram (Meta) as the prime platform for this digitised interconnectivity. Whether I am in the area or at home during summer, I have kept in contact with my university friends through various pages and accounts. I have noticed my feed becoming tailored to the ‘student lifestyle’ gradually. The tailoring can be explained through me allowing Instagram to keep track of my day-to-day content and location, (data sharing is a whole other matter), so essentially my activity! The feed has made specific interactions creating an algorithm that is personal and specific to me and my interests, allowing for further engagements.

The content I consume and share to my friends is the usual humorous meme, but that level of relevance attached to the post or story on the “MetaVerse”, has allowed me to stay in touch with university life and student culture, enjoying

it with my friends regardless of geographical restrictions.

These are shared widely in our digitised Cathays community through a variety of pages and are easily distributed and remixed by students on Instagram (Meta). Allow me to share one of my favourites.

Using Logan Paul vs Tommy Fury, Instagram can cleverly present a current sports event that students are avidly engaging with whilst making its content relatable. With my home life situated in England, the above definitely captured my eye; I have laughed, liked, and shared to my university friends via ‘dm’. This form of interaction is dependent on my daily likes as well as current trends.

The glocalisation of the Cathays community on Instagram is transcending into everyday interactions; the online hub has made its way into conversations and I’m sure we’ve all heard: “Have you seen this post?”

“No?” “Wait, I’ll send it to you on Instagram, hold on!”

I confess, I am guilty of the above statements on a regular #relatable basis. It is changing our in-person communication in relationships by engaging, sharing, and laughing at a meme. The use of multimedia #memes being digitised and remixed is clever and one that I can definitely say I appreciate; off I go to scroll... #interconnectivity #transgressions #algorithms #cathayscore words by: Camille Valere design by: Isla McCormack

Copy Editors

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Cardiff’s Community If you could describe Cardiff’s community in one word, what would it be?

Belle, Journalism, Media and English Literature, Y2 Involvement Katie, English Literature and Philosophy, Y2 - Vibrant Kayleigh, English Literature and History, Y2 - Supportive Poppy, Law, Y2 - Friendly What community has made a difference to your time at Cardiff?

Belle -The community of Gair Rhydd is one of the most positive I have encountered while attending Cardiff.

Everyone is bound together by a unique spirit for storytelling and facilitating new ideas into the community.

It thrives on collaboration, which makes it so vital to the development of a community on campus. They are so welcoming and supportive of new members which eradicates the idea that some communities are sometimes exclusive and elitist. Everyone is welcome to their thoughts and my community strives on getting them published. I’m very grateful to get the opportunity to be a member of that community.

Katie - Being surrounded by my flatmates, and friends from my course makes me feel part of the community. Last year I was able to attend and host many themed nights and I know I will continue to do so. Some of my favourite themed nights that I went to were Abba night, wine and cheese night and movie night! I also love exploring and visiting areas around Cardiff as it has such a community feel! Being able to try a new restaurant or visit a new market are some of my favourite things to do, especially when I am with my friends. Cardiff has a great community feel and you will always meet new people and find new things to do.

Kayleigh - I joined Act One at the start of university and it has been one of the best parts of my experience. Not only was I able to continue my involvement in theatre, but

I’ve made some of the best memories and friends within the group. Act One has always created fun rehearsal spaces and a community that is proud of what we do whilst being supportive of each other. The society is constantly improving, raising money for charity, hosting collaborative events and challenging its members with its chosen performances. Not to mention, our socials are always packed with music and dancing.

Outside of your society, has the university held any events that have increased your sense of community?

Belle - I believe the Taf Quiz heightens a sense of community in Cardiff’s University landscape. The atmosphere celebrates everyone’s success, even if you lose the quiz. It’s such a warm environment to take a break from academia and have a weekly catch up session and a drink with friends. Community is who you surround yourself with and if you have personal connections amongst a wider sense of unity, it makes university feel less lonely and isolating.

Katie -The events held by the Student Union are always good. One of my favourite events last year was Lover’s Fest, held by the Taylor Swift society on Valentine’s Day. As a huge fan this definitely increased my sense of community.

Poppy -YOLO and Bingo Lingo are so much fun because it gives everyone a night out which is university supported. This helps you to feel safe whilst you have fun because it’s close to everyone’s homes, and you always know where everyone will be.

So in conclusion? Cardiff’s community is undoubtedly shaped by the people in it. Whether you attend large scale events for societies, have a blind guess at general knowledge questions in the Taf or invite your friends over for themed dinners, the lively and friendly nature of our community is contagious. words by: Kayleigh Lloyd & Tegan Davies design by: Alanya Smith

photography by: Laura Nunez

photography by: Isla McCormack

photography by: Jiacheng Liu

Tan tro nesaf.