#276 by Impact Magazine

dear reader Winter is upon us, bringing with it the delightful juxtaposition of frosty evenings filled with icy winds and cosy nights filled with blankets and hot chocolate; not to mention, the deadlines and exams that I’m sure are at the back of every student’s mind, if not the forefront. With everything going on, winter can be an interesting time for everyone so in this issue of Impact, we hope to offer you some comfort within our packed pages. Throughout the process of creating this print, we had nostalgia and sentimentality in mind, made evident by the way our talented writers have filled these pages with reminiscent stories of home and childhood, discussions surrounding old and new and explorations of Christmas from markets to movies. Starting with our insightful features section, delve into some articles that look beneath the surface at politics, the university itself and fundraising on campus. Following that, the lifestyle section has plenty to offer combining thoughts of the future with memories of the past. Entertainment’s ‘Love Letters’ once again does an exquisite job of expressing the connections formed to the things we watch and the rest of the section beautifully explores family, nostalgia and the change from old to new. The reviews section welcomes the Christmas spirit with open arms and, of course, contains a wonderfully engaging selection of Christmas-related recommendations. This winter, Impact’s Investigation explores the cost of living crisis and its impact and influence on the way students at UoN are earning money with a focus on sex work and the way universities choose to handle such circumstances in the current economic and social climate. Flip to our sports section to see our featured photoshoot exploring the community and authentic fan culture in Nottingham, particularly at the universities, with people coming out in all weathers to support Nottingham’s teams. To accompany this shoot, some of our dedicated sports writers have written about their experiences as fans and the love they have for the sports that they follow. The sports section also discusses the way certain sports have gained popularity and the way they’re viewed. Special thanks to Jocey Neligwa, our artistic director, for going above and beyond with all the hours she’s put into this print. Our designers and illustrators have worked incredibly hard to give you pages of stunning illustration and photography to accompany the beautiful work of our writers including some featured photos showing some of the gorgeous looks at Fashion Society’s Autumn/ Winter show taken by our wonderful Editor-in-chief, Lottie Murray. To complement the span of engaging articles in this print, take a look at the fantastic creative writing on pages 47-48 exploring sentimentality through beautiful pieces of poetry and prose that display another approach to this concept. Print #276 has been a real labour of love for our amazing team so whichever part piques your interest, whether it be within the design and photography, writing or both, we hope flicking through the pages of this issue will bring you some companionship, comfort and the restful feeling that comes with another semester coming to a close. On that note, we hope you have a charming winter break and we will see you in the new year.

WARM WISHES, Your Print Editor, vivika sahajpal

Contents features Political Figures of Authority: Representation of Identity yet Conflicting Policy 5-6 Vivika Sahajpal Expanding Horizons: The International Campuses of the University of Nottingham 7-8 Manjot Kaur Spotlight on Karnival 9-10 Lottie Murray

Lifestyle Home Remedies: The recipes & household ingredients that keep us connected Charlotte Bowers, Charlotte Deville, Lauren Jimenez

11-12

The Fashion Industry’s Dirty Secret: Unveiling the truth behind Green Washing 13-14 Katie Sullivan Does Documenting while Travelling Take Away from the Experience? 15-16 Alex Tyndall Climate Change and Britain’s Threatened Species 17-18 Harriet Rothwell-Inch

Entertainment

Covers and Originals: Can You Beat the Classics? 21-22 Izzy Morris Love Letters 23 Jocey Neligwa & Eva Hughes-Sutton Sympathy for the Anti-Hero 24 Thomas Martin The Art of Winter 25-26 Natalie Howarth Nurturing Nostalgia: Celebrating Christmas Traditions and Togetherness 27-28 Harriet Rothwell-Inch

reviews

Critics Recommend Ellie-Mae Davies, Bethan Beddow, Rachael Proud, Hayley Lawson, 29-30 Aleksa Stirãne Christmas Markets: We’re Dreaming of a European City Getaway Jacob Edwards 31-32 The Superior Christmas Carol 33-34 Izzy Morris

Investigation

35-36

Investigations Team, Gareth Holmes, Arabella Mitchell, Alex Paszkowicz

sport Nottingham Malaysian Games: How to Elevate a Thriving Community in the Midst of Ignorance 37-38 Vinay Patel The Meteoric Growth of MMA 39 Raahim Khan What’s all the Fuss about? A Message from UoN Sport fanatics 40-42 Jack Perceval, Eda Onay & Tom Southgate

uon creative writing

47-48

Aldea Toth, Clara Wodny, Edward Farley, Logan Fairclough

Political Figures of Authority: Representation of Identity yet Conflicting Policy Naturally, this can be incredibly harmful, not only personally to the people in those communities but also to the representation of minorities in voting and other forms of political participation. Seeing individuals who share their characteristics in positions of political authority is one of the things that can contribute to undoing this harm and encouraging fair representation across our varied political systems.

Adding their identity into the mix adds a whole new level of political discourse, psychological investment and frankly, emotion, from the public, into the mix too. The question is: to what extent do we, and should we, let political representation of marginalised identities in power have an impact on the way we, as voters, feel about their politics and policies before and after elections?

“politicians are Another aspect to consider is the a complex positive implications for the overall population and system that come combination of to the surface when members of or minority group characteristics that aaremarginalised able to either be voted in or rise the ranks to a position of high cannot be reduced up power. Of course, in an ideal world, would not be a great feat or to their protected this achievement but in a society with our history, it absolutely is. This is ones.” made evident by the lack of fair

Political representation of previously, and currently, marginalised groups is undoubtedly important for more reasons than one, starting with marginalisation itself. If individuals in a society are pushed to the periphery, purely due to aspects of their identity, it can give those communities a negative perception regarding what the society they are a part of will allow them to achieve and where their society views them as belonging.

Secondly, speaking from my experiences as a woman of colour, the moment when Rishi Sunak, as a person of colour, was announced as Prime Minister was one of pride and hope. A feeling that changed as he began to act in his role but a feeling that was there initially, nonetheless. In a society and a system where there are often underlying feelings of discomfort due to identity, it can feel like a turning point when a member of one of these communities pioneers a new area; whether that should influence political opinion or not, its significance to members of that community is very much present.

Figures of political authority, however underlyingly, have influence over our lives and they are individuals that we inadvertently put our trust in to act in our interest and serve the population that put them in power. In turn, these figures of authority have the ability to act as role models and aspirational individuals, but whether they always do so is a different matter. Either way, their reach across the population is undeniable, including their impact on society’s view of marginalised communities. Impact’s Vivika Sahajpal reports.

representation we still have in political authorities making it an even greater achievement when it does happen.

“it can feel like a turning point when a member of one of these communities pioneers a new area”

Margaret Thatcher was an influential yet highly disputed figure throughout her time holding the position. As the first female Prime Minister, the step she took by becoming Prime Minister was a significant one; however, she resented the constant association made between her and her gender in the discourse surrounding her political prowess. She has also often been criticised for abandoning her early messages that promoted women ‘combining marriage and a career’ in favour of her message supposedly even discouraging women from following her lead in this area. Rishi Sunak had different circumstances for his appointment as Prime Minister. Amid the government crisis, he was elected unopposed following Truss’s resignation. Despite the unusual circumstances of his election, it is still to be noted that, as a person of colour, he climbed the political ladder and reached a point that meant he was in a position to be elected. However, his stances on a range of issues from refugees to strike action have had a wide range of reactions from the many demographics of our population, many of these being negative.

On the one hand, Thatcher supported bills to legalise abortion and to decriminalise male homosexuality yet on the other her polarising economics and controversial housing and industry-based policies caused outrage and hostility throughout the population with many of them actively being criticised for negatively impacting women. So where do her achievements as a woman fit into this and where do they fit into her legacy and the destructive marks she left on this country?

“the first female Prime Minister and first Prime Minister of colour are perfect examples to explore this”

“There is a nuanced balance to be struck”

Similarly, Sunak has been widely applauded for his hand in the Windsor Framework and the recent AI safety summit. However, he’s also been massively criticised for his dismissive and problematic attitude and actions surrounding a range of issues from climate change to transgender rights to his handling of immigration and refugee policy. The latter of these, naturally negatively affects people of colour amongst others. So how should we view Sunak’s identity in the context of the policies and bills he’s promoting when some conflict with the interests of the community that identifies with him and others conflict with the interests of other marginalised groups? Some might say it is a matter of ignoring protected characteristics altogether when it comes to political figures. Others might prioritise the importance of representation above all else. Perhaps, instead, it is a matter of attempting to separate the protected characteristics of a politician from their politics whilst still acknowledging both. There is a nuanced balance to be struck between firstly, appreciating and recognising when a member of a marginalised group has managed to achieve something that systems of oppression have often barred them from throughout history; and secondly, understanding that the role of political figures is rooted in their policy, not their identity and most importantly, not letting either cloud the clarity of the other.

features

written by Vivika Sahajpal photography by Vivika Sahajpal

The level of relatability that voters can feel to a politician due to shared protected characteristics can be dangerous if they allow it to balance out negative opinions they have of them or use it to ignore the potential issues with their political stances. Following in that stead, the first female Prime Minister and first Prime Minister of colour are perfect examples to explore this.

However, it’s a double-sided coin and the fact that a politician might be representing a marginalised group is not the entirety of that individual. It is important to acknowledge that similarly to any member of the public, politicians are a complex combination of characteristics that cannot be reduced to their protected ones.

Expanding Horizons:

Illustrations by Clara Wodny

by Manjot Kaur

The University of Nottingham, a distinguished institution with a well-established academic history in the UK, embodies the advancements in the globalisation of higher education through the establishment of a network of worldwide campuses. Extending to cities such as Ningbo, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside plans to expand further in the future. Impact’s Manjot Kaur explores the relationship between UoN’s three campuses and the impact these global extensions have had on the university’s reputation and learning opportunities.

Having completed an exchange year in Malaysia, it’s important to emphasise the role that these international campuses play in promoting global education and facilitating cross-cultural exchange, and the associated benefits for students.

The concept was that the university should not be constrained by national borders and should have a global impact.This vision was exemplified by Jesse Boot’s dedication to innovative thinking and development, he acknowledged that knowledge knows no bounds and that quality teaching functions as a driving force for progress not only in Nottingham but also on a global scale.

The 1996 Private Higher Education Institutions Act allowing foreign universities to establish degree-granting campuses in Malaysia is an important factor in understanding the establishment of the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) campus.

A move that was part of Malaysia’s broader strategy at the time, which was to expand its higher education sector, attract international students, and gain recognition as a regional education hub.

The international campuses here at the UoN directly demonstrate the connection between the history, the strategic locations, and connections to the university founders and the international reach of this institution.

This initial mission, stemming from the view that education and research can promote advancement in our society and the economy has led to the establishment of this global exchange, with a considerable focus on research and development. The clock marches on and we stride alongside. Whilst the founding aims of the University of Nottingham were focused on its local community, the founders’ goals have progressed with the times.

The institution began to understand the importance of forging worldwide links and providing students with an international perspective in the mid-twentieth century.

“The institution began to understand the importance of forging worldwide links and providing students with an international perspective in the mid-twentieth century.” This very dedication was demonstrated when the institution opened its first overseas campus in Malaysia.

“it’s important to emphasise the role that these international campuses play in promoting global education and facilitating cross-cultural exchange”

A partnership between Boustead Holdings Berhad, YTL Corporation Berhad, and the University of Nottingham ensued and the campus in Malaysia, previously located in Kuala Lumpur, opened its doors to students in September 2000. Providing courses in the following academic schools: Business and Management, Computer Science and Information Technology, and Engineering, it stood as a pioneering example as one of the earliest instances of a British university establishing a campus beyond the borders of the UK. Since then, the campus and its various schools have expanded. The Malaysia Campus relocated most of its teaching to its present location in Semenyih in September 2005. Modelled based on the University Park Campus in Nottingham, it even features a replica of the Trent building. Since first opening its doors in Kuala Lumpur in 2000 with just 90 students, the student body at UNMC has grown to a community of more than 5,000 students and around 700 staff members.

The University of Nottingham is also in a partnership with the Wanli Education Group (WEG), which led to the creation of The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) in the Zhejiang province of China. Officially opened in 2004, it was the very first Sino-foreign university to exist and was a result of new legislation approved by the Chinese government on educational establishments of this sort.

As the cost to study at these international campuses is roughly half of the UK international fee, and living costs in Malaysia and China are significantly lower than in the UK at present, the opportunity to study at these institutions has made receiving a University of Nottingham standard education accessible to those who aren’t able to study in the UK.

Similarly to the Malaysia campus, the campus replicates standout attributes of the University Park campus in the UK with its own Trent building and lake. The campus itself accommodates around 8,000 students and offers a range of courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

During my exchange year in Malaysia, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a multicultural learning environment and meet fellow students from across the globe. This experience helped to facilitate cultural exploration for students and staff alike.

“each campus is carefully positioned to maximise its individual location’s strengths and possibilities while also contributing to the university’s overall mission and repute”

With much of the world’s demographic living in Asia, establishing campuses in Asia, for example, has positioned the University of Nottingham in one of the world’s fastest-growing global regions. Additionally, It enables UoN to leverage the opportunities of Asian markets and economies and gain access to a global talent pool.

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Founded in 1881, the University of Nottingham was built on a set of key principles, one of these being accessibility, this laid the groundwork for the university’s gradual globalisation. Jesse Boot- 1st Baron Trent, founder of the well-known company Boots, and Lady Dorothy Boot, envisioned a university that is open to people from all backgrounds with a commitment to offering an education that can transform people’s lives.

The International Campuses of the University of Nottingham

These campuses often contribute to the development of the regions in which they are located. They often take part in projects and initiatives that encourage economic growth and innovation. Boot and fellow founding members aimed to create an “elite seat of learning” dedicated to increasing participation. The overseas campuses align perfectly with this aim as each campus is carefully positioned to maximise its individual location’s strengths and possibilities while also contributing to the university’s overall mission and repute. They have made remarkable achievements in terms of academic success, research, and partnerships whilst promoting quality higher education worldwide, further solidifying the university’s position in international rankings.

SPOTLIGHT ON

The Community Living Guide have described Karnival as a student organisation which “supports a range of local, national and international charities as well as campaigns like Movember. They put the fun in fundraising, running events throughout the year such as fashion shows, charity sports tournaments and society collaborations like Take You Out with NSTV”. One of the main goals of Karnvial this year, in particular, is to collaborate more with other student groups. There are so many fantastic fundraising events which take place throughout the academic year but there is always room for more…

It is often very difficult to know where to start with running a campaign, especially since students do not require detailed fundraising and volunteering training as part of their committee/membership positions. The current Karnival team is really dedicated to getting the word out there that they are here to offer advice to students. Anything from gaining a better understanding of charity law regulations to finding out where you can borrow a card machine from for an event - the team has got you covered!

ARNIVAL by Lottie Murray

6. Think about the best date to maximise your audience and book your location (the links for stall and room bookings are in the weekly student groups newsletter) 7. Gather your resources and your helpers. It’s worth contacting the charity you’re raising for to see if they can send you any resources. 8. Put out promo – use your society’s instagram, use ours, talk to other societies whose members may be interested. This is THE most important step.

1. Idea time: think EAST (easy, appealing, social, timely)

2. Make use of your networks – what will appeal to your society?

3. Now think logistics. What resources do you need to make this event happen? Can you get hold of them?

Lenton Litter pick, 6th Dec 1-3pm

Christmas Foodbank collection,

9. Run your event and have fun! Tag us in any pics or posts.

15th Dec 2-5pm

10. If you’ve borrowed a card reader, send an email to get the money transferred to the charity.

Take Me Out,

Karnival don’t solely offer advice though and what makes them such a valuable resource for individual society fundraising events is their proven ability to host their own brilliant events. In the 2014-2015 academic year, Karnival was the largest student-led fundraising organisation in Europe and raised £1,766,528 for 14 different charities. Josie shared some of her top tips for fundraising so if you have a brilliant idea but you’re unsure how to bring it to fruition then they have got you covered in this step by step guide (you’re welcome):

Karnvial have a list of things planned for the upcoming year so if want to help raise money by volunteering for some great causes whilst having fun with your friends, we definitely think you to check them out:

As well as fundraising events around Nottingham, Karnival, as a collective, also participates in various challenges throughout the academic year. This year, there will be five different challenges for students to participate in: Kilimanjaro Tre, Machu Picchu Trek, Morocco High Atlas Mountains Trek, UK 3 Peaks Trek, Budapest Marathon. So if you are up for getting the new year in full swing by embarking on a new adventure, this one is definitely for you! These challenges have been really impactful in the past with the organisation’s 2022/23 challenge total was an impressive £48,115 raised by 46 students.

Feb 14th 2024

Big Sleep Out TBC

Charity Football Tournament

features

If you are an avid Portland Building visitor you may well have stumbled across the little room located beside the Get Involved Zone: The Karnival Office. Housing some of the fundraising and volunteering wizards among the student body, Karnvial have had a fantastic influence on the success of various UoN campaigns, yet many students involved with the SU student groups find themselves unsure about who Karnvial *actually* are. We wanted to find out more about some of the great UoN fundraising campaigns which they are facilitating and a little bit more about the history of this organisation. Impact’s Lottie Murray chats with Bradley, Volunteering Director, and Josie, Publicity Officer, to hear about some of the highlights of their work, the plethora of upcoming events the team have planned, and their tips for running your own personal, or society-led, campaigns…

Illustrations by Edward Farley

TBC

For more information on Karnival and how to get involved in their upcoming events and volunteering initiatives, please check out @nottinghamkarnival on Instagram.

4. Put in an event form. If you’re uncertain how, go to the next step and ask us to help you!

5. Go to our instagram bio and click on “How can Karnival help you?”. Tell us what you’re doing, and we can discuss how to support you!

Home Remedies: Illustrations by Clara Wodny

by Charlotte Deville

Tea and Treats Another home comfort of mine is the concept of “Teas and Treats”. For me, the classic English Breakfast Tea with a couple of biscuit-tin favourites serves as the ultimate reminder of visiting a grandparent or family member at home. When visiting my Nan, I’m sure she usually asks whether I’d like tea and biscuits before I have even sat down. So, whilst away at university, this is a great “pick-me-up” to enjoy.

What is so powerful about teas though is that different infusions provide the comfort and care you may be lacking whilst living away from home.

For me, my mum’s recipe for Honey and Seeded Flapjacks (of course, using the aforementioned Grandad’s honey), or her Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies, which d with a box of For example, a “bedtime blend” of she ironically arrive g this, would writin of day the on help may chamomile and lavender bakes. go-to my be inly a certa whilst ems, probl with sleeping ginger and turmeric-spiced tea is your chosen tea the key to boosting immunity when Enjoyed together, treat makes for baked and on infusi er. weath you are feeling under the the perfect remedy to enjoy whilst away at university by carrying an essence of warmth and comfort reminiscent of home.

Tortilla de patatas When I moved to Barcelona for my year abroad, I had the same thing on my mind that I always do: food. It is impossible not to acknowledge this city as a foodie’s paradise, a central core of gastronomy where restaurants, bars and tavernas are found on every corner. It’s slightly odd, however, when the food I miss the most is something I could find in just about every tapas bar in all of Spain, let alone Barcelona. Tortilla de patatas. The quintessential Spanish dish that I never thought I’d have so much love for. There are as many recipes for this as there are chefs in Spain, with endless variations created with just three ingredients.

Obviously, my Abuelo’s recipe is the best; it’s the one he gave to my dad, who gave it to me. I find that by being away from home, the food I cook holds universality. It’s a dish that draws me closer to home while simultaneously pulling me to the culture here. But while I do love people-watching with friends at local tapas spots, sometimes I just cannot shake the feeling that I’m trying too hard to “live like a local” and get a slice of “authentic life”.

by Lauren Jimenez It’s grounding to know that my upbringing has always led me to this exact point; I hold the power to make this dish in my tiny, poky kitchen I’ve been taught something that many pay to experience. Ultimately, it’s more “authentic” than any taperia I’ll inhabit. And, as a new resident of Barcelona, I get the feeling my Madrileño Abuelo would be cursing me right now – the rivalry runs deep. Oddly, I can’t help but feel that it makes us closer than ever.

The healing powers of honey

My ultimate ‘home remedy’ would have to be my Grandad’s honey. Having kept bees throughout my entire childhood, I have grown up watching him dressed in his beekeeper suit, using an outhouse in our garden to make both runny and set honey. He sells jars of this alongside boxes of eggs from a stall outside our home. He has developed a popular local reputation as “Uncle Tony The Beekeeper” amongst the many people who regularly pull over outside to purchase a jar and post their coins through the letter box.

Honey also has the propensity to fight infections as an alternative to antibiotics, contribute to diabetes management, and protect us against long-term health issues by supporting a healthy gut and heart. Whilst at university, however, I incorporate this into my daily diet and routines in a variety of ways, with the jar and taste providing a comforting sense of home. In the colder Autumn Semester,

Honey possesses an array of medicinal benefits. It is an all-natural and rich source of a variety of minerals and antioxidants. Honey also has the propensity to fight infections as an alternative to antibiotics, contribute to diabetes management, and protect us against long-term health issues by supporting a healthy gut and heart.

I stir a spoonful of honey into hot lemon water as a health remedy to fight off colds. However, this could also be used as a natural sweetener, and therefore a sugar replacement in other teas, coffees, and smoothies. Similarly, I use honey in baking recipes such as flapjacks and protein bites. A drizzle of honey often provides the finishing touch, in terms of both aesthetics and taste, to my morning oats or yoghurt bowls. Lastly, I use honey as a key ingredient in the making of evening meals, for example, it pairs well with soy, ginger, and chilli in stir-frys. So, for its variety of uses and health benefits, but most importantly the rooted link to my childhood and home, I am very fond of honey as a remedy whilst living away.

Pancakes Growing up, whenever my sister and I spent a night at my grandparents’ house, it was always treated as a special occasion. My grandad believed that it was always a good excuse to eat pancakes for breakfast, which, of course, was never disapproved of by us. We indulged in pancakes with lemon and sugar, or strawberries and Nutella (my personal favourite), eating as many as possible until we were too full. Pancakes have become my go-to breakfast whenever I want a treat – I’ve even made it a tradition to have them for breakfast on my birthday for as long as I can remember.

by Charlotte Deville

Lifestyle

Regarding teas, I am a sucker for all the different flavours of herbal and fruit blends on offer, boxes and pouches which now take up most of the space in my cupboard.

In terms of treats, spending any spare time you have baking a recipe that reminds you of home can be doubly rewarding. This activity is a soothing opportunity to switch off from your workload and provides the edible reward of a sweet treat.

The recipes & household ingredients that keep us connected

by Charlotte Bowers I particularly love making pancakes for my friends after a night out, which brings everyone comfort and is a favourable breakfast to cure the dreaded hangover blues. It also reminds me of ski holidays with my family, where we would spend evenings walking through a snowy town with a pancake in hand which we watched being made from a local stall. Pancakes are the perfect treat whilst I am at university and craving a home comfort since they only require eggs, flour, and milk. They’re such an easy and affordable option for students. Pancakes can be topped with a variety of sweet and savoury foods, making this breakfast even easier to have at any time.

For these memories, I will always cherish this simple pleasure of mine, because not only are pancakes delicious, but they also remind me of home.

*disclaimer - please note these remedies are simply suggestions from our writers & not medical advicement

The Fashion Industry's Dirty Secret: Unveiling the Truth Behind Greenwashing Illustrations by Edward Farley

Greenpeace describes the concept of greenwashing as “a PR tactic used to make a company or product appear environmentally friendly, without meaningfully reducing its environmental impact.” This type of indoctrination is rapidly creeping onto our local high streets and advertisements in the media, making it impossible to get away from. But how exactly can we know what to look for? Sustainability sells. As soon as a label vaguely mentions that it is environmentally conscious, we find ourselves eagerly reaching into our pockets to join the movement for a greener planet, whilst being dressed up in a snazzy new jacket. But, how much of said jacket is truly sustainable? Nike, for example, is the highest industry user of recycled polyester. They divert more than one billion plastic bottles a year on average from landfills, according to their vice president of sustainable innovations.

“A large part of the population is not aware of the dirty secrets behind greenwashing in the fashion industry.” However, these recycled plastic fibres are simply weaved into the non-sustainable synthetic fibres we recognise as wool, linen, or silk – essentially just attempting to patch the damage the fully synthetic garments of the past have caused.

These strategies stretch beyond the individual products themselves. Brands, such as Zara and H&M, are increasingly using campaigns that make their products seem sustainable. This marketing tool is often used as a way to gaslight consumers into feeling guilty for the damage their demands are causing to our planet.

“This marketing tool is often used as a way to gaslight consumers into feeling guilty for the damage their demands are causing to our planet.” Zara has been plastering manifestos all over the media about “working towards sustainability”, causing consumers to encourage not only themselves but others around them, to buy these supposedly “greener” items. This only results in an even larger boost in fast-fashion sales. This is even prevalent within the in-store shopping experience. The aesthetic of a store itself can have a significant impact on the way a consumer views the garments on the shelves. The wooden-cabin-feel from floor to ceiling within Urban Outfitters, for example, accented by the seemingly upcycled scaffolding pipes for shelves and clothing rails, can convince the in-store shopper to feel that they are financially contributing to a “greener” alternative within the fashion industry.

It is evident that many students don’t shop within the couture section of the online shopping market very often, but there is something to be said about the under-representation of sustainability in high fashion. 2023 marks 10 years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh where over 1,100 people (predominantly women and children) were killed. Sustainability doesn’t just account for the impact on the environment, but also the people involved in manufacturing. The factory was a go-to sweatshop for global brands such as Walmart and Primark, but among the labels of bargain brands that you might expect to find originating from such conditions, were the luxuries of Prada and Versace. This is key to the concept of greenwashing because the reputation of these high-fashion brands is so pristine that they do not have to advertise their efforts to be sustainable when in actual fact, they are using the exact same low-quality manufacturers as the biggest culprits on our local high streets. How can issues like these be addressed in high-fashion? When interviewed by Vogue on the topic of “What is the future of fashion?”, designer and style icon Victoria Beckham was adamant that “everything has to change [...] not just for fashion, but for beauty as well”. In response to the same question, Sarah Burton, designer at Alexander McQueen, revealed how “early on in lockdown”, they only used fabrics that they “already had on hand”. She stated how it made her aware of “how much time things take to make” and the importance of “only making things she passionately believes in”.

Despite the fact that big names such as Alexander McQueen bombard the media, these discussions and policies go unnoticed in high fashion, meaning that a huge opportunity for the advocation of sustainable fashion is completely missed. Only in January of 2023 were the Global Reporting Initiative standards made compulsory in the fashion industry. These help organisations understand and communicate their impacts on issues such as climate change and sustainability. Prior to that, many brands had been publishing Sustainability Reports annually to their media outlets and websites, giving the impression that efforts were being made to make improvements.

“As soon as a label vaguely mentions that it is environmentally conscious, we find ourselves eagerly reaching into our pockets…” The details of these reports generally highlight the negatives of a brand. Prada’s latest report, for example, states that rather than moving towards using more sustainable materials, they are instead choosing to prioritise improving “raw materials traceability”, ignoring the fact that their products are still made of low-quality, non-sustainable materials.

Lifestyle

With the recent claims that the climate changes we’ve been experiencing could be limiting the life expectancy of our wonderful home, it should come as no surprise that our own simple habits could be contributing to its demise. Habits as simple as the clothes on our backs. Impact’s Katie Sullivan reports.

by Katie Sullivan

Combining this with the fact that most of what is on the shelves has an aged, attacked-by-a-wolf look to it, consumers feel as though they are doing right by the planet. But in actual fact, Urban Outfitters’ sustainability report openly states that only “10% of their direct raw materials are responsibly sourced”, contrasting the immersive ‘cabincore’ aesthetic of the store itself.

As the consumption of fashion is a necessity to survive on this planet, whether that be wearing pyjamas all day long or crafting new atelier-inspired looks for every occasion, there are simple things we can do to control the damage we cause individually. Awareness is key. A large part of the population is not aware of the dirty secrets behind greenwashing in the fashion industry. Don’t be fooled by vague claims, and ask more questions! Shop sustainably where you can on second-hand sites, apps, and stores where millions of people are selling, not only used but brandnew items every day. In stores, look for recycled polyesters, recycled nylon, and even reworked fabrics. Oh, and don’t join the green movement for a cleaner planet with a dirty outfit!

Does Documenting while Travelling Take Away From the Experience?

This is especially true when it comes to travelling – there’s so much in the world to see and do that it can be tempting to record every little bit of it. And it’s nice to share what we’re up to with others. It’s a great way to keep in touch, or just show off a bit when you’re proud that your hard work has come to fruition.

“…there’s so much in the world to see and do that it can be tempting to record every little bit of it”

However, do we get so caught up in trying to document our time away that we forget to live in the moment? Alternatively, do we spend too much time worrying about what other people think of what we post online that we end up not enjoying ourselves? Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic for a friend’s wedding. For two weeks, in 40-degree heat, we splashed about on whitesand beaches, played surprisingly intense matches of pool volleyball, and swam through coral reefs filled with tropical fish. As wonderful as it all was, I found myself taking surprisingly few photos. And those I did take were often brief, a one-and-done snapshot, immediately sent via private message to my parents back home to keep them updated. Perhaps it would be an image of the sea, a lizard lazing on a sign, or the lobster-red glow of my severely sunburnt back.

by Alex Tyndall Illustrations by Vivika Sahajpal If they wanted anything more than that, then they would have had to turn to my partner’s Instagram. She carefully and meticulously took photos each day whilst we were there, eagerly preserving our fondest moments. For her, Instagram is an immediately accessible virtual photo album. It’s a point of reference, a way for her and those who follow her, to see how she has grown as a person, and keep connected with her loved ones and their lives.

“..a lot of pressure has been put on us as individuals to only display the most perfect version of ourselves.” It’s true that if she had not taken charge of snapping pictures, I would have severely lamented the lack of digital proof I had of our trip. My memory is poor at the best of times; the images we take help me to ground myself and piece my life experiences together in clear chronological order. To this day we’ll look back through pictures and I’ll find one I’ve never seen before, from a day out I’d long since forgotten, not because it wasn’t special, but because so much else gets in the way. It’s a sobering thought, to realise how much of one’s life slips away unnoticed.

It can be tough. Even the most self-reliant of people aren’t immune to the fear of missing out, or ‘FOMO’, as it is often referred to. When we see millions of people online posting their most amazing moments one after the other, it’s easy to feel inadequate or, God forbid, boring. It’s not a healthy mindset. And, in certain cases, it’s reached the point where people will create fake scenarios to appear more interesting to their potential followers. Photoshop has allowed people to doctor and splice images, leading to some notable examples of content theft.

“It’s a sobering thought, to realise how much of one’s life slips away unnoticed.” Back in 2022, American singer Aubrey O’Day was allegedly found to have stolen photos from other users on Instagram and edited herself into them instead. Her defence appeared to be that she had, in fact, visited the multitude of countries (which included Indonesia, Thailand, and Greece) displayed in the background of these images, but the ones she decided to upload were designed to make her Instagram account look like “a museum of art”, rather than an authentic representation of her travels (not that I would consider this a justifiable argument for plagiarism). - NOTE: due to the accusational nature for interpretation, the use of allegedly should be reflected to negate libellous connotation.

In some cases, our public image on social media is the first thing people see of us, whether that is due to a person carefully curating their persona online, or if you happen to stumble across the page of someone you vaguely recognise from work or university. Either way, a lot of pressure has been put on us as individuals to only display the most perfect version of ourselves. We never want to show a fault – we want to do the amazing things we see our peers doing and only publish postcard-ready images that will leave others tinted green with envy. The obsession with capturing the perfect moment can lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment when the reality doesn’t align with the image curated in one’s mind. I’ve never been one to take 30 different pictures of the same scene, but I’ve certainly spent my fair share of time lining up grid references and racking my brain for anything I’ve learnt about photography’s “rule of thirds”. It can feel like a missed opportunity, which detracts from the real-world beauty of a place as we become caught up worrying about what people online will think.

This superficial validation is the true culprit. We shouldn’t feel bad about documenting our travels, but we shouldn’t let it consume our thoughts either. Striking a balance between immersing yourself in an environment and taking a few pictures as sentimental reminders is key for making the most of your travels. After all, we live in the real world – not the digital one.

Lifestyle

Memories are precious but fickle things, able to slip away as easily as they were created. Very few of us can remember every little detail of an event, journey, or experience, so we rely on pictures and videos to fill in the blanks. Fortunately, in an age of smartphones and social media, it’s easier than ever to capture and relive moments from our past. Not only that, but we can then share these memories with our friends, family, and online followers.Impact’s Alex Tyndell shares his experience with documenting his travels.

But this ignores a larger issue at hand. When it comes to posting online, the vast majority of people will only showcase the highlights and the triumphs. Whilst there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, there seems to be a culture of competition on social media which leads to a constant battle of people trying to one-up each other and show off how “perfect” their lives are.

“It can feel like a missed opportunity, which detracts from the real-world beauty of a place..”

Climate Change and Britain’s Threatened Species

by Harriet Rothwell-Inch

design by Alfie Johnson

Climate Change is the greatest global threat to the natural world and biodiversity today. The ever-increasing global temperature and subsequent effects on our ecosystems have led to an alarming number of species being classified as ‘endangered’. In the UK, 41% of our native flora and fauna have faced significant decline since the 1970s, with many facing the risk of disappearing from our shores altogether if serious action isn’t taken. Impact’s Harriet Rothwell-Inch reports. As the climate crisis worsens, Britain has seen a shift in meteorological patterns, experiencing increasingly frequent heat waves, storms and flooding, the effects of which are contributing to habitat loss and food scarcity for many already threatened species. For example, our beloved seabirds, the puffins.

Rising temperatures are also changing the life cycle and availability of fish, such as the sand eel, which is coming out of hibernation earlier in the year instead of during puffin breeding season, making it difficult for puffins and their chicks to get enough food and nutrition to survive. Rising sea temperatures also affect the population of Atlantic salmon in the UK. Atlantic salmon are a vital part of the UK’s freshwater environment, critical to keeping our river systems healthy, yet in 2022, only one-quarter of our rivers had healthy salmon populations – a record low. It’s likely that due to global warming, the streams and tributaries where these salmon lay their eggs are too warm for survival.

The extremities of these quickly adapting climates are affecting many species’ ability to synchronise important life-cycle events with essential survival factors, such as the emergence of food sources. This loss of synchronicity is putting some of our most beloved species, such as hedgehogs, at risk.

“One of the most visible impacts of climate change on threatened species in the UK is seasonal shifts caused by changing temperatures.” Since the 1950s, hedgehog numbers have declined by a shocking 95%, and it is evident that climate change is primarily to blame for this shocking statistic. Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter but are known to periodically awake and forage for short periods during warm winter spells. Our warmer winters are increasing the frequency of these winter waking periods. Due to food source scarcity during wintertime, these adorable creatures are unable to replenish the energy lost during their winter wakings, meaning they have a significantly decreased survival rate.

This has a devastating impact on native plants that are tricked by the warmer climate into coming out of dormancy early, growing and blooming prematurely in preparation for spring, only to become damaged and perish during a sudden cold snap. These effects are devastating for our local ecosystems, reducing natural habitats and shelter for local wildlife, and nectar and nutrient availability for our pollinators. The UK is home to 59 species of butterfly and over 270 different species of bees, more of which are joining the endangered species list every day. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of threatened species states that as many as 24% of Europe’s bumblebee species are now threatened with extinction. In addition to the threat to their natural habitat, climate change is putting stress on pollinators themselves, as they struggle to cope with weather extremes.

“These effects are devastating for our local ecosystems…” Heatwaves and subsequent droughts are impacting butterfly numbers because the plants that caterpillars need to feed on are withering and dying in extreme heat. Without this food, caterpillars are failing to thrive, leading to small numbers of butterflies. Also, rapid seasonal changes mean that bees and other pollinators are losing synchronicity with the flowering plants they forage on. In order to protect these species, we need to do more to protect and restore the habitats they rely on. Bees are vital to our food system, as they pollinate a wide array of crops, including apples, peas, courgettes, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, and raspberries.

If we lose them, not only is our food security at risk, but the biodiversity in British plant life will shrink dramatically, which in turn will put stress on the food supplies of other species that consume these plants. Interestingly, some species of insects, such as dragonflies and damselflies, are thriving despite climate changes. This is likely because they’re adapting far quicker to the changing climate than others. According to Dr David Roy, Head of the Biological Records Centre at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), “rising temperatures are detrimental for some species, but beneficial for others such as dragonflies and damselflies which are mainly tropical insects”. Thus, they are able to adjust to rising temperatures and moisture levels quicker than most. Records show that since 1995 we have gained eight new species of dragonflies!

“Interestingly, some species of insects, such as dragonflies and damselflies, are thriving despite climate changes.” This isn’t to say that UK dragonflies are completely untouched by the negative impacts of climate change; extreme weather events causing flooding can kill juvenile dragonflies, wiping out larvae before they’ve even hatched, and some species of damselflies have shown a steady decrease in numbers due to their preferred breeding grounds, shallow ponds and bogs, drying out as the climate warms.

Lifestyle

Puffin numbers are expected to plummet by up to 90% over the next 30 years because of changes to the marine environment. The increased frequency of violent storms is increasing the rate of coastal erosion in the UK, which is a direct threat to the puffins’ cliffside habitat and nesting sites.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change on threatened species in the UK is seasonal shifts caused by changing temperatures. All wildlife have seasonal biological events, such as migrations, breeding, flowering, and hibernations, all relying primarily on cues from changing temperatures yearly. Due to climate change, the seasons are shifting unpredictably. In Britain we are experiencing longer, hotter and drier summers as well as shorter, wetter, and warmer winters.

These seasonal shifts also cause an increasing phenomenon known as a ‘false spring’. This refers to times during late winter or early spring when temperatures become unusually warm before suddenly growing cold again.

It is clear that climate change is a greater threat to Britain’s native wildlife than ever before. Tackling the climate crisis must become our top priority if we are to prevent the extinction of so many beautiful species. Rewilding Britain states that “nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change”. We must do everything we can to protect it.

Covers and Originals: Can You Beat the Classics? by Izzy Morris

design by Alfie Johnson

“So much time is spent slamming covers that are perceived to be bad or not as good as the original”

Many indie boys in the bar at Bodega have shared with me an incredibly top-secret special fun fact… “Did you know that Valerie was originally made by The Zutons, and not Amy Winehouse?” And I imagine you’ve been told at some point in your life by a relative… “Bet you didn’t know that I Will Always Love You was actually written by Dolly Parton, and not Whitney Houston!” These covers have gone on to soar in popularity beyond their original, though still well-liked versions. Many of these incredibly popular covers also end up sparking vast pop culture debates on whether certain covers beat their originals or not. For example, there is a whole cohort of people that adore Michael Bublé’s cover of Feeling Good, originally performed by Cy Grant, and then popularised by Nina Simone – my personal faWho’s right and who’s wrong? There’s no right answer. So much time is spent slamming covers that are perceived to be bad or not as good as the original, but here are a few reinterpretations that I think are worth a listen. They fit across a few different categories of cover versions, as each cover brings something different to the party, from a different voice to different genres and influences.

Homage Covers Musicians aren’t always out to better their inspirations – there have been a number of occasions where artists have nodded towards their icons in the form of song. For example, Miley Cyrus recently covered Blondie’s Heart of Glass, which both showed her reverence for the inimitable Debbie Harry and also introduced a whole new generation to some incredible 80s pop rock. Looking at Spotify’s singles cover series, you can find some great examples of newer artists respecting their elders; some notable ones include The Japanese House’s version of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, Carly Rae Jepsen’s version of No Doubt’s Don’t Speak and Vance Joy’s version of Paul Simon’s You Can Call Me Al.

“introduced a whole new generation to some incredible 80s pop rock” Some of the most powerful covers are performed in memory of artists that have left us. Lady Gaga’s 2016 medley of David Bowie is magical, accompanied by Bowie-collaborator, Nile Rogers, as is Bruce Springsteen’s cover of the rock classic, Rebel Rebel. After the death of Olivia Newton-John in 2022, The Chicks honoured her musical memory with a live cover of Hopelessly Devoted to You, which she famously performed in the hit musical, Grease.

AKA the best kind (in my humble opinion). My favourite, and only, Christmas tradition is enjoying Alice Cooper’s interpretation of Santa Claus is Coming To Town, except Claus is now Claws. It strikes the balance of being heavy whilst still being allowed in the car on the way to visit relatives. Fall Out Boy’s version of Michael Jackson’s Beat It emo-fies the old pop hit, and Alien Ant Farm similarly transform Smooth Criminal into a cover version that many prefer to the original. Pendulum’s cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets gives the track a techno edge while poppunk band The Offspring added their own unique skater sound with their take on the track Barbie Girl by euro-pop duo Aqua. YouTube musicians, Postmodern Jukebox have made waves with their jazz, swing and blues covers of modern tracks. Their most popular covers on their channel have amassed over 100 million views; Creep by Radiohead and All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor.

Covers that Popularised Original Songs As previously mentioned, Valerie and I Will Always Love You both fall into this category. But there are others! Karaoke favourite, Torn by Natalie Imbruglia was originally written by Danish singer Lis Sørenson. Nirvana’s version of David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The World is now more popular than the original, as is Sinead O’Connor’s version of Nothing Compares 2 U, which was actually first performed by Prince. Even The Beatles have a track that not many realise is actually a cover; Twist and Shout was actually written by Phil Medley and Burt Russel and performed by The Isley Brothers. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

Unexpected worlds colliding Arctic Monkeys and Girls Aloud don’t exactly lead to each other in a game of musical Word Association. However, the Sheffield-indie icons have a stellar cover of the pop classic Love Machine, which so many Monkey’s fans love. Japanese hardcore band Crystal Lake blew fans away by covering nu-metal Limp Bizkit’s Rollin’ in an unexpected merging of worlds. Paramore’s version of Drake’s Passionfruit for the Radio 1 Live Lounge isn’t a crossover I would have ever had on my list of predictions, but the payoff is incredible, as is rapper Dave’s version of Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die.

breaking the internet Some covers get fanbases going wild with excitement. Perhaps the best example in recent years is Harry Styles’ version of Lizzo’s Juice, which was shared on Twitter, sorry X, by everyone and their Nan. Lizzo even reciprocated with her version of Adore You, uniting their fan bases with a mutual love of their music. K-Pop idols, BTS have also broken the internet with some of their covers a few times – Jimin and Jungkook’s cover of Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez’s We Don’t Talk Anymore is widely loved by fans, as is the group’s cover of Coldplay’s Fix You. TikTok has also allowed some covers to grow exponentially in popularity, with examples including Mitt Romney’s take on Corinne Bailey Rae’s Put Your Records On, and Måneskin’s version of The Four Seasons’ Beggin’.

Hearing an amazing cover can sometimes feel like you’re listening to the original all over again, and sometimes covers can introduce you to tracks that you’ve never even heard of before. There are still plenty of ways to inject originality and a new lease of life into an old favourite, and some of the songs we’ve explored are perfect examples of that. Sometimes, it’s not about trying to beat a classic, it’s about taking inspiration and following where it leads.

“TikTok has also allowed some covers to grow exponentially in popularity” Entertainment

Entertainment

There are so many excellent cover versions of songs, but should we, as listeners, be faithful to the originals? Impact’s Izzy Morris explores this idea and comments on cover songs that have gained more popularity than the originals, mentions some of her personal favourite covers and considers the inspired differences between ‘the cover’ versus ‘the original.’

Genre-bending covers

“Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery”

Love Letters by Jocey Neligwa & Eva Hughes-Sutton Illustrations by Jocey Neligwa

Dear the Chick Flick genre,

Why I love Ghosts

Your show feels like a great big hug, with each episode making me laugh harder than the last, or even bringing a tear to my eye, largely thanks to its cast, who were massively involved in writing the show. Over five seasons, it has perfectly formulated the “Found Family trope” that I love so deeply in films and media. Your show follows an unfortunate incident, with young Allison, who recently inherited the house with her husband Mike, dealing with her newfound gift, the ability to see ghosts: at least those residing in the house for their respective afterlives, bound by its borders. Though separated by generations and unlucky fatal circumstances, it is so lovely to watch the friendships between a Georgian Lady and WW2 Captain blossom or to watch an eighties politician play chess with a caveman. Though obvious differences may separate them, the familial love they share for each other brings a warmth that seeps through the screen and feels like a hug, especially when watching it on a rainy autumn day; a perfect escape from the stresses of life. This show dives into many topics; love, grief, friendships, family, and even vegan breakfasts, all bringing the characters closer, with flashbacks to the past and many mishaps and hijinks. Even when the show is over, the cast, who may be remembered fondly from the BBC’s Horrible Histories, portray a genuine love for their individual characters and the show itself, making it even better. As GHOSTS wraps up this year with the fifth and final season, it will be time to say goodbye to Button House in the beautiful countryside once and for all. With the last episode being a holiday special, it will be the best bittersweet gift, sitting under the tree this cold Christmas.

Love from, Jocey Neligwa

With love and thanks, Eva Hughes-Sutton

Illustrations by Vivika Sahajpal

Despite the inherit badness of the anti-hero, this piece explores how the audience often comes to have sympathy for characters not aligning with typical moral standards, but who are relatable nonetheless. We hate to love them. The complexity of the anti-hero often produces thrilling entertainment; think the Joker, Deadpool, and Walter White. The reason for this could be linked to the realism these characters display. The absolutism of heroes and villains is not grounded in reality, instead with a mixed moral code, whereby strong morals are lacking in favour of self-serving attributes, but still with an underlying desire for the common good. Ultimately, this clash leads to self-destruction and tragedy, such as the story of Macbeth. There are numerous examples of these characters, arguably beginning with the Man with No Name (Clint Eastwood) in the Italian Dollars Trilogy of Spaghetti Westerns. To create this complexity, screenwriting employs, at least, one of the Dark Triad personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Today, this is more complicated, and a perfect example of this is the character of Stannis Baratheon in the hugely popular Game of Thrones.

Legally, Stannis is the next in line to the throne, but he is unjustly denied by the various conflicts within the world. The first main protagonist, Ned Stark, dies trying to enthrone Stannis. The rigidity and stoicism of Stannis render him incorruptible, but not necessarily likable. His story is not the crux of the series, yet he would often cut his nose off to spite his face, by pursuing his cause despite other options available, which would jeopardise his hardened beliefs.

by Thomas Martin

He is quoted as being, ‘pure iron, black and hard and strong, yes, but brittle, the way iron gets’. A dangerous religion causes him to horrifically burn his own daughter alive, and that is the end for Stannis; his army is tragically routed by the actual villains at this point in the series (the Boltons). This unenviable position is highlighted with a quote from the book series, ‘I never asked for this crown. Gold is cold and heavy on the head, but so long as I am the king, I have a duty … If I must sacrifice one child to the flames to save a million from the dark … Sacrifice … is never easy, Davos’. The audience, if even passively rooting for him against the sadistic Ramsay Bolton, turns despite Stannis’ fundamentally positive and honourable crusade. George R. R. Martin, the series’ author, stated, ‘Despite everything else, Stannis is a righteous man’. Thus, his honour and pride lead to anti-hero status. Despite having the same sense of justice as traditional heroes and being recognised by the main hero of the show (Jon Snow) as the one true king, inevitably he follows a self-destructive path that leads to tragedy.

Entertainment

Dear Button House and its Ghosts,

Growing up, the mocking tones of my ignorant filmbuff father tried their best to deter me from you, but they were no match for the headstrong spirit of a teenage girl. In fact, I felt sorry for him. I still do. Imagine being deprived of the experience of being curled up in a single bunk bed with your best friends on a Friday night, giggling until the ungodly hours of the morning while watching Miley Cyrus fall in love on a subway. (LOL (2012) is an underrated trainwreck of a classic of yours, by the way). In fact, those nights may not have remained so vividly in my mind had your movies not been such a girlsnight staple. I can’t watch 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) without fondly remembering the friends I had at fifteen and our united daydreaming over Heath Ledger and what falling in love might feel like. I can’t watch 13 Going on 30 (2004) without thinking of that rainy Sunday afternoon my mother and I spent watching Jenna Rink learn to appreciate the messiness of young girlhood. Which, in turn, allowed me to appreciate mine. The female protagonists of your genre taught me that I can wear pink and dream about romance and prioritise kindness while also being smart, self-reliant, and able to become Harvard Valedictorian of 2004 – special thanks to Elle Woods for all the times she motivated me to pick up my pen and study! Your films helped to create sisterhoods just as thick as those defined by blood. In consequence, I fell in love with the power of film to be able to connect me closer to the women in my life, and to create memories I’ll hold with me forever.

Sympathy for the anti-hero

Shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones are so successful because of their complexity involving the anti-hero. Yes, films like Star Wars: A New Hope provide a classic fight against evil, but the unpredictable nature of the anti-hero makes for greater entertainment.

Even the acting required to carry this out is more realistic, especially with Stephen Dillane’s performance as Stannis. The tidy and hopeful ending of a movie can become wearisome when repeated endlessly. Fiction portraying the anti-hero mimics life, you reassure me that, just like the characters on our screens, we are not perfect, and that even purely honourable and chivalrous endeavors are not deserving of success.

The Art of Winter

by Natalie Howarth

photography by Thomas Acratopulo

Winter is a season that usually catches up with you unexpectedly. The later sunrises and earlier sunsets following the clocks turning back, the sudden temperature drop, the turn to the fall of leaves and if we are lucky, snow. There can be so much beauty and power found in fleeting nature- the catharsis of watching a rainy or snowy scene from a vantage point or experiencing the first plummet of snow in an open field. Art seems to encapsulate all sentiments of the ephemeral turn of seasons: comfort, hostility, unease- yet there is beauty everywhere in it. Here are some of Impact’s Natalie Howarth’s favourite art pieces that portray winter in all its doom and glory.

The stunning portrayal of a liminal field enveloped in thick snow; this painting is part of Claude Monet’s series of landscapes. He uses the Impressionistic style that he is known for to strike a strong sense of familiarity with the setting. Displayed at the world-renowned Musée d’Orsay, art historians suspect that there were many severe winters in France, based on this painting and the landscape of winter as a central and recurring theme for art at the time. I really love this painting; the idyllic scene featuring a solitary pigeon perched on a rustic gate in a contemplative trance with beams of light on the pigeon offers comfort. As Monet’s largest winter painting, the hallmark of the technique is plain air combined with the bending of light and ambience creating a calming view of the snow.

Stanislawa De Karlowska’s delineation of Berkeley Square located in Mayfair in the City of Westminster is a beautiful yet poignant reflection of isolation in a modern city during the war. There are only a few people and some cars in the frame that are made to look miniscule compared to the trees and the buildings. De Karlowska was a modernist painter who in this painting took inspiration from Polish folk art and used the colours in this painting to create an air of mundanity: it feels greyscale, with some hues of purple and yellow from the dim streetlights lighting up the area. Overall, I find this portrayal of a winter’s day in the square as a contemplative plain, revealing the mundanity and loneliness of living in a big city like London with consideration of the time De Karlowska painted this.

The Road to Versailles at Louveciennes (1869), Camille Pissarro

View from the Window (1925), Marie-Louise Von Motesiczky

Berkeley Square (c.1935), Stanislawa De Karlowska

Utagawa Hiroshige’s landscape is covered in a blanket of snow, using blue hues to convey a real chill to the environment of the painting. Painted onto a traditional woodblock print, there is a real evocation of stillness and tranquillity that is conventional of Hiroshige’s works. The chill ambience of the colour palette that uses predominantly cool tones - hues of blue, grey, and white – is contrasted with the women in orange kimonos holding umbrellas, exploring perhaps a connection between humanity and nature as the women are in the snowfall. A feature that I love about Hiroshige’s works is the focus on traditional Japanese architecture: his portrayal of the stone tori gate creates more depth and intricacy within the painting. The historical significance of the Gion Shrine in Kyoto is important to identify as it is a cultural institution which should be observed.

A portrait that encapsulates the feeling of being an observer over a snowy setting and taking comfort in it, Marie-Louise Von Motesiczky’s view from her fourthfloor flat in Vienna zooms in on the concision of nature and the urban. The vantage point overlooking part of the Johan Strauss Theatre really creates a sense of comfort since the perspective it is drawn from is within the confines of her room and she is simply watching the world pass. There is something so pleasurable about sitting inside with a hot drink and watching the turn of nature and how powerful it is without experiencing the chilled air of wintertime.

Another Impressionist depiction that captures the sheer beauty and essence of winter, Camille Pissarro painted his quotidian winter walk viewpoint from a linear perspective to create depth and realism. The location of the painting is a suburb of Paris yet exhibits a very rural landscape: with considerations of industrialisation in France during this time period, this painting is devoid of context and favours the quaintness and tranquillity of the ruralism seen in the French countryside. The presence of figures walking along the road is not the central focus of the paintings, yet they are indicative of a sense of life, bringing a humanistic element to the painting that balances the ambienceunlike Monet’s The Magpie, as the empty fields invite an understanding of solitude. The Road to Versailles at Louveciennes is a visually peaceful painting that uses light and shadows to achieve softness and evoke a calming quality.

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The Magpie (1868), Claude Monet

Gion Shrine in Snow (1834), Utagawa Hiroshige

Art as a medium has a significant visual and communicative function and I think the diverse portrayals of winter enable the opportunity to gain cultural exchange. When communicating ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, there are many expectations for the right and just portrayals of beautiful, snowy landscapes. The juxtaposition of winter as tranquil but also bleak is at the centre of inspiration for creatives when producing any art form: there is so much beauty in the contrasting and contradicting perspectives of winter, regardless of the angle the artist takes.

Nurturing Nostalgia: Celebrating Christmas Traditions and Togetherness by Harriet Rothwell-Inch

Christmas is a time of cherished traditions and heart-warming togetherness. Nothing encapsulates this spirit quite like gathering with family to engage in friendly competition through games. Whether you’re a digital gaming aficionado who relishes crushing your siblings or cousins in a heated Mario Kart tournament, or you lean towards the more traditional board games such as Monopoly (often resulting in dramatic board-flipping moments), Scrabble, or Trivial Pursuit, Christmas is never truly complete without a dash of healthy rivalry. In this wistful piece, Impact’s Harriet Rothwell-Inch shares her fondest Christmas game night memories, exploring the profound value these activities hold in strengthening intergenerational bonds.

No matter how many times I’ve felt the urge to push my siblings down the stairs or discreetly express my frustrations to my parents when they scolded me, my family has always been remarkably closeknit. There’s something about the holiday season that amplifies this sense of closeness and togetherness, perhaps the cosy ambience fostered by the crackling log fire and the soft, twinkle of Christmas tree lights. Or maybe it’s the knowledge that this time of year grants us the luxury of uninterrupted, quality time spent with one another, whether it’s watching our beloved Christmas films, lazing about in our PJs, or diving into a plethora of games.

“I can vividly recall the Christmas when our parents gifted us a Nintendo Wii. That was the game-changing Christmas, quite literally” Playing games with my family and friends has evolved into an integral part of my life, spanning board games, card games, video games, and even mind games. I’m always up for a challenge, particularly during the festive season. In my family, we have our beloved Christmas Eve traditions, such as leaving sherry and a mince pie for Santa (and a carrot for Rudolph, naturally), a tradition made even more exciting by tracking Santa’s journey on the NORAD Santa Tracker.

“The memories of intense rivalry in Balance Board on Wii Fit and friendly trash talk in Mario Kart still bring a smile to my face.”

For older generations, it can be difficult to navigate when younger family members opt for video games, feeling rejected and ignored, even if that’s not the intention. This scenario has sparked numerous disagreements between parents and their children. However, video games, including Jackbox and other quiz-based games, can foster intergenerational communication and bonding, particularly when working together to achieve a common goal. An annual Christmas tradition in my family involved gathering at my grandparents’ house on Boxing Day. Without fail, the entire family would divide into two randomly assigned teams to engage in a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit.

I can vividly recall the one Christmas when our parents gifted us a Nintendo Wii. That was the game-changing Christmas, quite literally. Some might argue that video games have no place in the ‘Christmas Games’ category, deeming them “anti-social.” I beg to differ. There’s an array of collaborative and competitive video games that appeal to all family members, regardless of their technological prowess.

“Now that I’ve grown up, moved out, and started creating Christmas traditions with my boyfriend, these memories flood me with nostalgia each holiday season. It’s this very Games like Jackbox TV Games have gained immense popularity nostalgia that transin recent years, even my Greatforms these moments Aunt and Uncle join in on the fun. Some of our family’s cherished into cherished video games for the holiday season include Wii Party, Wii Sports, Mario traditions.” Bros, and, of course, Mario Kart. The memories of intense rivalry in Balance Board on Wii Fit and friendly trash talk in Mario Kart still bring a smile to my face.

The proliferation of video games during the holiday season has brought some challenges. Christmas is traditionally a time for large family gatherings, and there’s a certain expectation of constant socialising. The rise of personal gaming consoles has led to concerns about family members choosing video games over in-person interactions. During my teenage years, I occasionally withdrew from the bustling holiday atmosphere, immersing myself in my Nintendo DS and not speaking to anyone for hours.

However, it didn’t take long for the game to spiral into bedlam. Wrong answers led to playful teasing from all sides, sharpening our competitive edges, and anyone caught on their phone was accused of cheating and looking up the answers. The outcome was always a close race, and even if I wasn’t on the winning team, I felt a sense of accomplishment, especially when I answered a challenging question that left everyone else stumped. This tradition began when I was around eight years old or even younger, collaborating with family members much older than I. It was exhilarating, and the adults always encouraged the children to join in the discussions, occasionally allowing us to act as the question master. Now that I’ve grown up, moved out, and started creating Christmas traditions with my boyfriend, these memories flood me with nostalgia each holiday season. It’s this very nostalgia that transforms these moments into cherished traditions. As we age, we recall the happiness and unity we felt during those moments and strive to recreate them with our own families. Whether your family leans toward video games or traditional board games, there’s one universal truth we can all agree on: Monopoly is always a perilous choice, but it’s not truly Christmas until someone flips the board.

Entertainment

Illustrations by Jocey Neligwa photography by Alfie Johnson

We then huddle on my parents’ bed to read my mother’s treasured childhood copy of ‘T’was the Night Before Christmas.’ But we also have our cherished games that bind us together. When we were younger, these games were the classics, like Scrabble or Yahtzee!. As we matured, our gaming tastes diversified, and I’ll never forget the year we introduced my parents to Cards Against Humanity; the outcome was unexpected, with my mother emerging as the victor! On the other hand, my father struggled mightily, always opting for the answer that “made the most logical sense” rather than the most outrageous. But it birthed a new tradition, and we’ve played at least one game of Cards Against Humanity every Christmas since.

My family is quite sizable, with as many as 23 people and one dog crammed into my grandparents’ house on one occasion. Our competitiveness was legendary, and the games inevitably descended into delightful chaos. Initially, we tried to maintain decorum, with each team huddling to discuss answers, and family members of all ages surprising each other with their knowledge on various topics.

CRITICS

Illustrations by Jocey Neligwa

Last Christmas : 1980’s MUSIC RECOMMENDATION by Ellie-Mae Davies Having its reputation as one of the most popular and successful Christmas songs of all time, Wham’s Last Christmas is a holiday anthem that dominates the charts every Christmas. Written and produced by George Michael in 1984, the song entered the UK singles chart at number two and stayed there for five consecutive weeks. Since its release, the song has charted every year, until, after 36 years, the song finally hit the number one spot in the charts.

Since its release, the song has charted every year, until, after 36 years, the song finally hit the number one spot in the charts. Last Christmas is one of my favourites for the Christmas season because of its conflicting but beautiful musical elements.

It incorporates the classic 80s feel, typical of Wham’s sound, using the Juno-60 synthesiser and the sound of sleigh bells to give it that Christmassy feeling. Despite its cheery composition, the song’s lyrical content details a broken relationship. Mixing this lyricism with Michael’s powerful voice really heightens the emotional content, atypical of a traditional Christmas song. Additionally, the iconic music video portrays the lyrical story,

As a child in the 2000s, I was introduced to The Snowman by my family; this enchanting story is a timeless classic that holds a special place in my heart. Every winter, as it became too cold to play outside, my parents would switch the television on and play this heartwarming animated film. This film, with its stunning yet simple visuals, took my younger self on a magical journey through a snow-covered world.

At the core of the story is the bond between a boy and his icy creation: a snowman that abruptly comes to life in the night. As I rewatched the film recently, the hand-drawn animation, the brilliant musical score created by Howard Blake, and the wordless storytelling had me captivated. The Snowman’s frosty flight with the boy over an endless wintry countryside was a journey that held me entranced once more.

The ending, in which The Snowman bids farewell to his new friend, is both wonderful and upsetting; yet it gifts a realistic finality to the tale. The Snowman is a testament to the timeless quality of storytelling that transcends eras. It’s a film that has seamlessly woven itself into the lives of many, including mine.

The Polar Express :1980’s BOOK RECOMMENDATION When someone mentions The Polar Express most people think of the Tom Hanks-infused, uncanny valley masterpiece of a movie, but many forget that this household name was originally a book, released and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg in 1985. Personally? I absolutely love this book, with my whole heart, but some may often say “It’s a children’s book, why would I read that…?” I KNOW you’ve watched at least one episode of Bluey. Sit. Down.

Whilst Christmas can be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ (for the people who celebrate), for many students, the holidays are mostly associated with revision, deadlines, and essay submissions, and I’ll tell you now, it’s very easy to miss some ol’ goodwill and cheer when you’re neck-deep in deadlines.

by Bethan Beddow

by Rachael Proud

Therefore, I implore you to read this book. With the bright illustrations and the endearing characters, come aboard and follow the story of a young boy who is relearning the beauty of generosity, imagination, and most importantly, the magic of Christmas. If you’re looking for an easy and beautiful read that will leave you with this warm cosy feeling, read this book and listen out for the bells!

Merry Christmas :MODERN MUSIC RECOMMENDATION by Hayley Lawson

Written and sung by the remarkably iconic Elton John and the more recent national treasure Ed Sheeran, Merry Christmas is a song certain to set you up for just that. With a stunning jingle bell melody and a tune that mirrors that of the classic Christmas songs we all know and love, Merry Christmas is set to be a song known and loved for years to come, and of course, is a collaboration we never knew we needed!

What makes this song even better is its music video, presenting Christmas parties with John and Sheeran in varying getups, from Christmas jumpers to Mrs Claus dresses (yes, you read that right, it’s a treat).

Additionally, there are visual references to Christmas classics such as Santa Claus The Movie, and The Snowman, as well as musical references to East 17’s Stay. If you’re looking for a song to dance to and get you in the Christmas spirit, this is the one for you.

Love Hard :MODERN FILM RECOMMENDATION Love Hard is the twisted love story of catfishing and Christmas. With the increasing difficulty of finding love in the ever-connected digital world, you can never be too sure about who is on the other side of an internet connection.

This easy-going romcom is the perfect movie to set the tone when realising Christmas is just around the corner, and an easy watch in the heat of exams. Not as aggressive as Elf or the Home Alone movies, Love Hard gives the warm fuzzy Christmas feeling everyone loves without jumping into full celebration mode.

Wrapped up nicely as a simple, yet completely relatable, romance story this is a movie you should add to your Christmas rotation.

let it snow : MODERN BOOK RECOMMENDATION Co-written by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, Let It Snow is the perfect Christmas read to get you into the Christmas spirit without high intensity to stress you out during the exam season. The book follows the stories of three primary characters as they battle through a snowy storm in the Christmas season.

by Aleksa Stirãne

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The Snowman : 1980’s FILM RECOMMENDATION

RECOMMEND...

by Hayley Lawson

A witty and lighthearted romance, Let It Snow is comforting and cosy, easy to enjoy with a hot chocolate by the fire or, seeing as most readers are students, a video of a fireplace from youtube. This novel has the perfect festive feel, making grandeur and wholesome statements like “Christmas is a state of mind”, which are certain to elicit that fuzzy warmth of the season.

We are Dreaming of a European Christmas Getaway Illustrations by Edward Farley by Jacob Edwards

It’s approaching that time of the year again. For some, it’s the most wonderful; for the majority, the most stressful. If you are however one for mulled wine, Christmas cheer, and chestnuts roasted by an open fire, perhaps you have been eyeing up where to venture this Winter. Well, there is no need to look any further! Impact’s Jacob Edwards reminisces on his travels and provides a handcrafted list and some of the highlights- perfect for those seeking a bit of festivity beyond the obvious choices (Cologne, London, Amsterdam, …). Hopefully you find something to tickle your own tastes…

You don’t have to travel overseas to have a jolly Christmas this year - in fact, if you are determined to walk around a wonderland, but don’t have the extra penny to escape your hometown, there is likely to be a Christmas market, to some extent, near you. If you do have the budget to go just a touch further, I found York to be the most comfortably spirited city in the UK at this time of year. By that, I mean that it lacks the overwhelming masses of people in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, thus offering space to live and breathe when bumbling about. On top of that, the city is simply charming, and the historicism of the surroundings mixed with the twinkle of festivity and decoration is second to none. If you are a chocoholic craving a beverage to warm you up, Cocoa Joe’s provides the tastiest hot cup of cocoa that I ever had the privilege of laying my mittens on.

Riga shamefully never crossed my mind as much of a desirable location, but after visiting a friend who was on her year abroad there, I instantly fell for all the capital had to offer. If you are in the mood for a white Christmas, it is worth trekking over to Eastern Europe - when I visited in April, the city was still experiencing snow showers and chilly breezes. The Christmas market is back this year after the pandemic. To accompany the spirit, this city is full of bars for you to warm up your insides through the mighty power of beer, at an exceptionally reasonable price. Not only that, but I also found there to be a surprising number of vegan-friendly places, as well as plentiful pretentious cafés and cultural emporiums.

Let there be light - Luxembourg (24th November - 7th January 2024) When the rest of Europe was experiencing an energy crisis, particularly late last year, one would think in this little pocket of paradise that nothing had occurred at all. Being the second-richest country in the world, it simply pumped out electricity like there was no tomorrow, and let the streets shine. It is supposedly one of the best places to be at this time of the year but doesn’t seem to be on most Brits’ radars. The market also offers events along the side of all the stalls, including a Charlie Chaplin film at the Cinématèque, and a few live shows for all the family.

If you are after a romantic location to really settle your seasonal stomach, either to treat yourself or a loved one - both equally as important - to a special getaway. Going back almost 500 years, it makes this one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the oldest in France, and one of the most renowned for its utter beauty. The “Capital of Christmas” boasts its Alsatian cuisine, the highest decorated Christmas tree in Europe, and apparent whiffs of cinnamon all around the streets. It is a must-see for everyone, however, and the city itself is home to a culture of all sorts, from Michelin-rated cuisine to galleries and glamorous libraries.

Most scandalous city - Hamburg, Germany (13th November - 23rd December) Hamburg has my heart, even if it may have almost frozen me to death with its brisk north German breezes. The festivities in this mega city know no end too - if you are here for a good time, and not a long one, why not delve into the depths of the world’s haven for all things bier? Or better yet, dabble in the delectable local produce and pastries such as the fan-favorite “Franzbrötchen”. If all that isn’t enough though, as the subheading infers: this city holds a very unconventional Christmas market, known as “Santa Pauli”. Perhaps not so family-friendly as the aforementioned markets, but exceptionally unique, this market can be found in the St. Pauli district, around the Reeperbahn - precisely where Hamburg’s infamous red light district lies. So if you’re looking for celebrations on the more adult side of life, this is the place for you!

The authentic experience - Tübingen, Germany (15th-17th December) On the flip side of Germany, nestled in the south just below Stuttgart, there lay a real gem of Germany: Tübingen! Tübingen’s status as a quaint, eco-conscious university city with a spark unlike any other has been upheld every time I visited. The city is as full of life as it is hills (full to the brim) and it seems that almost every weekend awaits a festival of sorts. The same can be said for Christmastime - unlike almost every other Christmas market that operates for weeks, this little market is here for one weekend only. As compensation, like every other fest it holds, Tübingen’s market will extend to every crack and crevice of the inner city, which always makes the place feel so cosy. To add to that, this city’s aesthetic meets all expectations of a “true German” city, with colourful, wooden-rimmed, Tudoresque houses and local finery from cheeses to arty crafty gifts - there is even a rather large and easily accessible castle that hosts a museum, as well as parts of the acclaimed University. Knowing Tübingen, this will be one of the most magical destinations for a Christmas getaway.

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Right on your doorstep - York, England (16th November - 22nd December)

Most underrated - Riga, Latvia (3rd December - 7th January 2024)

Prettiest of places - Strasbourg, France (24th November - 24th December)

The Superior Christmas Carol by Izzy Morris Marley was dead to begin with.

Personally, The Muppets Christmas Carol is the adaptation that I always turn to. Sir Michael Caine is joined by the iconic puppet characters to create an ensemble cast to end all ensemble casts. Beloved green frog, Kermit, plays Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy and his nephew Robin as his wife and Tiny Tim. Gonzo and Rizzo are a dynamic duo, narrating the play, interspersing wisecracks and humour into quotes from the original material in a way that captures what A Christmas Carol is all about at its heart; kindness, festive spirit, and second chances. It also boasts a fabulous soundtrack, all muppetified of course – it’s not Christmas until you’ve got “There goes Mr. Humbug // There goes Mr. Grim” swirling around in your head. I often also argue that this particular adaptation is the most accurate retelling of the book, despite the fact that the story is told by Muppets. In this version, the Ghost of Christmas Present changes size frequently, which many adaptations ignore, the backstory of Belle is explored, even including a deleted song if you watch the extended version, and the addition of Gonzo as Charles Dickens makes it easy to tie in the original work without ever becoming dull. I will however grant you that there is no mention of singing vegetables in the original

There are many other beloved retellings of A Christmas Carol that don’t feature The Muppets. If you’re still wanting to lean towards some childhood whimsy, the Oscar-nominated (yes, really) Mickey’s Christmas Carol features Scrooge McDuck, opposite a whole host of characters that resemble some of your Disney favourites. The Flintstones also gave it a go in 1994, as have The Smurfs in 2011. Even Barbie gave it a go back in 2008!

There are also some rather dark, gothic versions of the classic if cartoon characters aren’t your thing. Steven Knight’s 2019 TV series features Guy Pearce as the old, cynical, and twisted Ebenezer Scrooge, accompanied by a far less jolly version of the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Andy Serkis, collecting pieces of Christmas memories in a strange limbo state. Scrooge’s redemption is not quite so glamorously unravelled either in this edition, which adds an extra dose of drama to the series.

Stepping away from the screen, there have also been many stage adaptations of the story. There is a popular musical version written and directed by Tim Dietlen that was first performed in 1964 and is still enjoyed to this day. Mark Gattis’ ‘A Christmas Carol – a Ghost Story’ was at the Nottingham Playhouse in early November, bringing the festive season in. The performance featured Keith Allen and Peter Forbes as Ebenezer Scrooge and Marley. There are also a number of operatic versions and ballet performances that tell the story in an entirely new way.

Back in the 1940s and 50s, retellings of A Christmas Carol were incredibly popular on the radio, and to this day it’s not uncommon to tune into a new retelling. Drew Barrymore’s uncle Lionel Barrymore famously starred in a CBS dramatisation of the story back in 1934, and this became a tradition every year until 1953, on various radio networks.

One of the most abstract methods of telling the Dickens tale comes from Marvel, who in 2011 released a graphic novel titled ‘Zombies Christmas Carol’. This adaptation takes an entirely different approach, using zombies as a metaphor for the poor, and the zombie plague as a metaphor for Scrooge’s bitterness and hate. There have also been graphic novels featuring Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog characters as Scrooge and co., and there have been a few occasions where DC characters have filled the roles too.

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The iconic, straight out-of-the-gate opening from the Charles Dickens’ masterpiece A Christmas Carol. First published on December 19th 1843, this festive novella has gone down in history as one of the greatest tales of all time. As the festive season comes around, many of us will find ourselves watching at least one version of the classic cuddled up in blankets around the television.

Illustrations by Clara Wodny

Bill Murray also gives the tale a go in the incredibly popular Scrooged, which sees the star play a television executive who has driven away his partner through his immense desire for success. This modern retelling brings the story into the present day, applying those same themes of family, spreading love and generosity to today.

No matter which version is your personal favourite, it’s clear that A Christmas Carol still resonates with families around the world. There truly is a way for everyone to enjoy the classic novella, which I think ties in really nicely with a message from Tiny Tim himself: God bless us, everyone.

Impact Investigates by the Investigations Team, Gareth Holmes, Arabella Mitchell and Alex Paszkowicz The cost of being a student is rising each year, with the current monthly costs estimated at being just under £1,100. Students must contend with the cost-of-living crisis, and hidden course fees alongside food shopping, rent, and utilities. With the advent of Covid, jobs commonly populated by students, like bar and café work, were no longer available, turning a number of students to sex work. This combination of circumstances has led to 4% of students have said they have tried sex work and 22% are now on the subscription-only upload site OnlyFans. Impact met with a student from the University of Nottingham who was willing to discuss their decision to join the subscription service and sell adult content. For the purposes of anonymity, all names have been changed. We asked her if this was something a lot of her friends were experiencing, with regard to work and financial concerns. “Oh totally, like, we were all struggling, stretching out food and stuff. Our parents were able to help a bit and Beth still had some hours from her care job, but mostly we were just skint and stressed. I had also borrowed three hundred quid from my ex, and I was just miserable. In our shared house we pooled food and supported each other as best we could, and someone was always making the joke about selling nudes or doing an OnlyFans account. I guess one day I just thought, fuck it, why don’t I do that?

“Why was the privacy aspect important to you?”

“

We asked Robin about the process and how she felt. “I mean I slept on the idea, but after a few days, I was still certain. I signed up with OnlyFans and looked online for how best to promote myself, this led me to making a separate TikTok and Instagram account. I knew I wanted it to stay private so I couldn’t show my face and I had to wear long gloves to hide my arm tattoos. I also discovered another student who had an account,

“I think it’s a mix of things. I’m not sure how my family would feel about it, future partners, and I want to go into quite a public-facing job, so these are all factors. I’m totally not ashamed of what I do, but I want it to be something I can walk away from. Added to that the uni can be really funny about it, things like this, I’ve heard of girls who got kicked off their course or evicted from halls, making it really hard to get further accommodation or even onto another course. I think they still [see] sex work as shameful. Also, despite OnlyFans giving me more control over who subscribes people are still shit, guys especially who feel they have access to you beyond your content because they have paid some money. The few content creators I have spoken to, some students, all have horror stories. Stalking, pestering to meet up, vile messages, one girl was even threatened with being exposed if she didn’t meet a guy. It[s] horrid. I know showing your face means you can charge more money but, I don’t like the idea of someone on campus recognising me and being weird about it. Having said that I do well, I graduate this year and am not worried about paying off my loan, and apart from a few guys, all my subscribers have been nice. I have been lucky I know that, but it is not something I would suggest doing lightly.”

”

The decision is certainly not easily made and The English Collective of Prostitutes stated that their helpline has seen a rise in university students calling for advice, increasing by a third. The rise in university sex workers has seen a number of universities release guidelines on supporting students who are sex workers. It is believed that the rise in intuition fees, rent, and the cost of living crisis have been the main factors of students feeling as though turning to sex work is the only option available to financially support themselves. Without adequate levels of financial assistance available, students are at risk of getting caught up in severe and damaging situations which may arise from posting explicit content onto sites such as Only Fans. . For some individuals, this funding stream works well for them, however everyone’s individual situation differs entirely which is why it is vital to consider all the factors that are involved in such a decision.

Although we are extremely lucky to live in a largely sex positive generation, it is important to consider all the consequences of engaging with and posting on such subscription sites. Whilst the anonymity aspect may make the whole ordeal seem appealing, cyber security is something that should not be taken lightly - especially when it comes to protecting your identity. Universities across the nation must do more to provide financial advice and support, during one of the most difficult economic states Britain finds itself in. All students should be able to access an equitable level of support as it is vital that there is significantly less economic disparities between student communities…

Investigation

After some initial greetings, we asked Robin about the situation that led to their decision. “It was after [the] third pot noodle” she laughed “Well sort off. I was missing fruit, and cooking with fresh ingredients. And I had some bills I needed to pay, phone and gas mainly. I had been let go from my bar job because of covid and was really stressed out, I even ended up crying to my friends.”

The correlation between the rise in student sex workers and the cost of living crisis

As living costs spiral out of control, the ability to post pictures and videos of oneself online to make money has never been easier, yet still comes with significant risks. It is evident that students, on the whole, are struggling to make ends meet and as the financial demands of student life are worsening due to the cost of living crisis, it is clear that more support needs to be put in place from higher education institutions.

NOTTINGHAM MALAYSIAN GAMES 2023:

by Vinay Patel

A 36-year old nationwide event, steeped in tradition and perhaps the most overlooked occasion in the student calendar. The Nottingham Malaysian Games (NMG) ensures that The Times’ description of the University of Nottingham being “Britain’s first truly global university”, remains applicable to this day. Impact’s Vinay Patel managed to have a chat with a few members of UoN’s Malaysian Society, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to put together one of the biggest events of the year.

and will celebrate its 36th anniversary this year, excluding the two years in which NMG could not go ahead due to the pandemic. Sports secretary George Yong delved deeper into the event’s history: “[NMG] started off with a few universities and it has already developed into a competition involving even more major universities, with a huge Malaysian community.” He goes on to say that they “wanted to let people fully immerse themselves into Malaysian culture”.

It’s only fitting that such a nationwide event involves some of Malaysia’s traditional games, with George likening captainball to the more familiar sport in the West: Netball. He didn’t shy away from offering a brief overview either: “There are two benches and you have to pass the ball around and past the opposing player on the bench to gain a point”. Seems straightforward enough, right?

While the event made a massive comeback last year, Malaysian Society president, Nadhirah, saw no reason to downplay its historical popularity: “It’s been popular for quite a while because in the early 2000s to 2010s, prominent Malaysian individuals, as well as government officials, came over to spec- George spoke about the variety tate and give speeches during the of sports on offer at NMG, including those that challenge the mind closing ceremony”. as well as the body, such as conWhen asked what makes the NMG gkak, batu seremban, and dam so unique, Nadhirah suggested that haji (checkers). He goes on to exit’s “specific to Malaysians” and plain that “obviously we wanted that its culture “is quite unique in to broaden [the range of sports] the sense that we all love food and which will increase the accessibility of the games as a whole, allowing we all love sport”. everyone to take part regardless of ability.” Nadhirah adds that “the idea of having both mentally stimulating and physically intense sports is very Malaysian.”

“The 2022 edition of NMG was presented with an SU Activities Award for ‘Best Event’”

ance was around 5000 last year. The 2022 edition of NMG was presented with an SU Activities Award for ‘Best Event’ and vice president Alyssa Avian believes that “it just goes to show how big we are”, in spite of the event not “gain[ing] much attention outside of the society”.

NMG is a huge testament to the thriving Malaysian community that has existed for decades here in Nottingham. When asked about the importance of community, Nadhirah revealed her experience as a transfer student: “I transferred last year and the Malaysian Society really helped me get over homesickness and our motto is that it’s a home away from home and that’s really true to me.” It was one of the reasons she ran for president in the first place. She shares that the opportunity “to be able to cultivate that feeling for the freshers this year is really important to me.”

“Our motto is that it’s a home away from home and […] to be able to cultivate that feeling for the freshers this year is really important to me.” As previously mentioned, the Malaysian community remains strong outside of Nottingham and Nadhirah speaks of the enormity of NMG, expressing excitement on behalf of those participating or simply spectating.

Including the Malaysian Food Festival certainly helps boost the sense of community around NMG and Alyssa was able to elaborate further on this: “When we host the food festival in conjunction [with NMG], people come from all over the UK, so it’s very important. There are some traditional foods that Malaysians are unable to cook themselves, so to have all of the vendors available in one spot is kind of nice and I think it reflects our country”. Night markets are extremely common in every day (or night, rather) Malaysia and Alyssia believes that they will provide a “homely feel” to the event as a whole. In the past, the university was not involved in planning or supporting NMG, and that unfortunately hasn’t changed. Sports secretary Brandon Lee believes it’s “quite a big achievement to successfully host this big event on our own”. While he notes the difficulties in seeking out external support, he did not hesitate to thank last year’s committee for their tips and pointers. Despite being a student-led society, Malaysian Society does not receive any funding from the university for NMG and has to pay approximately £7000 to rent out DRSV for the day, without the option of a student discount. Most of their funding comes from ticket sales and Nadhirah described a drawn-out summer that was spent trying to chase down sponsors: “It genuinely could not be done without [ticket sales and sponsors] and other Malaysians”.

Everyone agreed that they would greatly appreciate more support from the university, with George adding that NMG could increase its international recognition, as well as expand the Malaysian community. Given that around 12,000 Malaysians study in the UK and 4000 studying here at the University of Nottingham, we were taken aback by the university’s lack of support for one of its cornerstone communities. By the time you’ve read this, the Nottingham Malaysian Games will have already taken place but I’m hoping that this insight into this fantastic event, and society as a whole, has inspired you to seek out everything that Nottingham has to offer.

sport

HOW TO ELEVATE A THRIVING NMG is held in conjunction with the Malaysian Food Festival and the COMMUNITY IN THE MIDST president feels that “combining the energy” of these two events, is a big selling point for Malaysians OF IGNORANCE The event was established in 1985 across the UK, whose total attend-

Illustrations by Jocey Neligwa

“The idea of having both mentally stimulating and physically intense sports is very Malaysian.”

THE METEORIC GROWTH OF MMA Illustrations by Vivika Sahajpal

by Raahim Khan

The Narratives of Fighters

MMA Community

In spite of the trash-talking clips from Conor McGregor or Nate Diaz, what truly creates a fanbase are the stories behind these individuals. Every fan is interested in a different story, and MMA contains all facets of narratives. The conflict between two larger-than-life figures that can only be settled through a test of their physical and mental capabilities, is a spectacle that can attract any fan who enjoys a good rivalry. For others, interest may arise from fighters like Charles Oliveira who came from nothing and rose to stardom through pure talent, inspiring the youth of today to replicate his feat.

What allows people to stay committed to MMA, is the community that is built while training. Making friends and working towards joint goals together is what makes training enjoyable for many people and helps to avoid burnout. Other fighters have found that the mentorship aspect of the community is what drives them to achieve their goals, with coaches constantly pushing them to perfect their technique and improve upon themselves.

“Jan Błachowicz Ultimately, this community is strongly built becom[ing] the first Polish around self-improvement and sociability with which attracts people to become dedUFC Champion […] shows others, icated fans of MMA. how fighters from any The Popularisation of country can become a Women in MMA Champion!” Women in combat sports appeared to be a taboo in Western culture up until the early 2010s. No one “more women are was willing to take a risk actively getting on promoting women’s MMA until 2012 when Ronda Rousey involved, whether it’s was signed to the UFC. She cultifor self-defence or vated the sport by proving to people to learn a new around the world that female fighters can be as, if not more, charismatic and entertaining skill which is than their male counterparts.

amazing to see” Luke Truscott, a thirdyear Geography student “started getting interested in MMA after [he] saw Jan Błachowicz become the first Polish UFC champion.” He believes that “it shows how fighters from any country can become a champion!”

Combat sports gyms are now growing, with more women training in MMA than ever before. Amateur and pro women’s MMA tournaments have become more popular, as organisations are offering more opportunities to allow women to compete and train at their gyms. UoN’s president of Thai boxing, Daisy Ngo, acknowledges the “rapid” growth of combat sports and states that “more and more women are actively getting involved, whether it’s for self-defence or to learn a new skill. It’s really amazing to see!” While there is certainly more progress needed in terms of equal pay and anti-discrimination motions within the sport, MMA has unequivocally grown substantially.

Illustrations by Clara Wodny

by Jack Perceval, Eda Onay & Tom Southgate

It’s an age-old question in which no one can seem to provide a definitive answer but fear not, as Impact Sport will attempt to do so through some of our own experiences.

Why we need to stop calling it ‘eggball’ American football is a sport which, in the UK, has a following which cannot compete with sports such as (English) football, cricket, or even basketball. Why is that? That question has a relatively simple answer. There are no high-level American football teams in the UK, so anyone interested must tune into the NFL and that we have our own, better version of football. Impact’s Jack Perceval takes our readers through his love for a vastly misunderstood sport in the UK. So perhaps the question should be flipped around. Why am I a fan of a sport which has no competition in the country I live in and rather incomparable to any sports played by Brits in the UK? Well, I feel as though I should start with the uniquity of American football. As a fan of the sport, I am of good authority to say that American football has been conceptualised in such a bizarrely detailed way, that lots what of happens goes over the heads of casual followers.

If any readers have seen videos of football players explaining what happened in specific plays, you will know the jargon used is so innately unintuitive that it sounds like a foreign language.

You may be thinking, what exactly draws a fan to American football anyway?? My response to you would be that I am fascinated by the tactical nature of the sport and the chess match that is going on behind all of the hard hits, spectacular catches, and all-round dynamic athleticism on display throughout the game.

Furthermore, the attitude of American football can be summed up in the phrase ‘making plays’, meaning to do something important every time the opportunity arises. There is no hiding on the football pitch despite being 100 yards long, and everybody who is on the pitch is expected to make a play when it is their turn to do so.

Speaking of the level of athleticism, I love its presence at the highest competitive level, which is transparent in every single play of every game. This presents a level of unpredictability to the sport, which makes watching it even more exciting. Literally, nothing is impossible in American Football, and while there are other sports which are somewhat unpredictable, it is near impossible to predict the outcome of a game, season, or career in the same way that you can in football or basketball.

The stakes are immense, because one tiny mistake, like a missed block, a broken tackle, or a route run wrong can lead to a game, or even season, altering moment. Any play can make or break an entire game, so naturally, the margin for error is minuscule. There is no hiding. Being an American football fan is not easy. The inconvenient game times, the unruly length of games, and the abundance of adverts make it a difficult game to love as someone who is not American. However, stick with it and I think you might just see the beauty of such an ugly game.

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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become unavoidable to the public. With viewership reaching over 650 million and the soaring success of combat sports gyms, it seems everyone is talking more about MMA. Not only are megastars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones making the news every week, but the likes of Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman are even making cameos in Hollywood. Considering governments were trying to ban MMA as recently as the ‘90s, the explosive growth of the sport in recent years cannot be disputed. Raahim takes our readers through the reasons why MMA has become one of the most successful sports of our generation. Impact’s Raahim Khan reports.

What’s all the Fuss about? : A Message from UoN Sport fanatics

“it is near impossible to predict the outcome of a game, season, or career in American football”

Non-league Nottinghamshire

My first non-league match saw Hanwell Town face Aldershot Town, in a pre-season friendly during the pandemic. With the grounds of professional clubs closed to the public, in-person non-league football was all there was, at least for a couple of months. By November, their season was curtailed altogether, but there was more to come. Over the past couple of seasons, regular trips to Hanwell’s Powerday Stadium and the occasional away match have fuelled my growing passion for this community-run club. In 2022, Hanwell Town made history by securing promotion to step three of non-league, winning 3-2 against Chertsey Town in a play-off final for the ages. Losing 2-1 in extra-time with ten men, this late turnaround embodied the very beauty of non-league.

Nottingham is a city steeped in football history, home to the likes of Nottingham Forest and Notts County but is also a thriving metropolis of non-league football. Level ten clubs Dunkirk, Radford and West Bridgford Colts FC all compete in the United Counties League Football Division One and play their home games within six kilometres of University Park Campus.

Hanwell Town introduced me to this wonderful world of non-league, and with a multitude of matches being played nearby each week, Nottingham’s clubs are well worth exploring in person, not least for a variety of playing styles! Given that the defining characteristic of all football clubs, whether West Bridgford or West Ham, is their impact both on and off the pitch, there is no better place to experience this community culture than non-league.

“Nottingham is a […] thriving metropolis of nonleague football”

“It’s phenomenal to see what can happen to a fencer’s mindset in mere seconds”

It’s unusual, I know. Fun – obviously! Confusing? Only at first. Fencing is a technical, physically demanding and mentally tactical sport. It requires patience, passion, and a gruelling mindset. You cannot step onto the piste without a game plan: that’s just setting yourself up for failure. Impact’s Eda Onay describes her passion for the only individual sport in this segment. There are three types of fencing: epee, foil, and sabre. To start a fight, both fencers have to stand behind their lines on either side of the piste. They wait until the referee has commanded ‘En Garde’ (get in defence position), ‘prets?’ (are you ready?) ‘Allez!’ (go). And the fight is on… When I’m standing by the sidelines, watching fencers undergo long boutes (a fight), sweating fiercely between each point, I am in awe. Fencing tests you to the ultimate limit. How far are you willing to push your body? How long can you keep your mind focused before it sways? At UoN, the fencing club participates in BUCS matches, where the atmosphere is unimaginable, especially when playing at home. We sit crowded behind our side of the piste whilst our teams armour up, manifesting a glorious victory.

The first point is hit and a ferocious roar echoes in the salle. We’re here to dominate and claim our place. We’re here to play our part for the team. We’re here to spur our fencers on to the best of their ability. We’re here to win. A moment’s weakness: the team are bellowing tactics; need to change the game plan; reset; we’re back in the zone. It’s phenomenal to see what can happen to a fencer’s mindset in mere seconds. With the large support system behind them, it is hard not to feel loved. Fencing is as much a team sport as it is individual. To be able to win and fence well, a good support system is key. That is exactly what we have here at the university. We pick each other up during difficult times. We celebrate wins, personal bests, and great achievements. Whether you are watching or competing, you are a part of the team, part of the family.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a local or international competition, our coach records our performances and celebrates all victories and met benchmarks. This is the reason why fencers progress and fall in love with the sport.

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Non-league football for some resembles little more than Welcome to Wrexham, Tiktok’s Bunch of Amateurs, and Jamie Vardy’s humble beginnings, but for thousands of players, staff, fans, committee members and volunteers, the nonleague system provides far more than just American docuseries and fairytale stories – though you’d be forgiven for loving both! Impact’s Tom Southgate takes you through his relatively newfound fondness for non-league football.

Brentford’s B team visiting Hanwell Town was another personal highlight, as Brentford are my first team, so I didn’t really mind who won! FA Trophy games against the likes of Enfield Town and Slough Town may have ended in defeat but were unique occasions to compete against higher-level sides. Local derbies against Harrow Borough and Hayes & Yeading have also been tasty affairs.

Dunkirk FC is fittingly referred to as ‘The Boatmen’ and plays just around the corner from the University’s Riverside Sports Complex. West Bridgford Colts FC is the largest grassroots football club in the UK and houses the humble beginnings of England’s number one Mary Earps. ‘The Pheasants’ Radford FC became the first amateur club in Britain to wear shirt-advertising in 1977 – sponsored by ‘The Pheasant Inn’. Formerly ‘Radford Olympic’, the accompanying rings adorn their badge to this day.

En Guard, Pret, Allez!

I fell in love the first time I watched it whilst my brother was competing. The extraordinary moves a human body can undertake are phenomenal. I remember being obsessed, wanting to learn from them. That’s when you know you’re intrigued with a sport. That kind of passion and obsession. I wish for everyone in the world to know what it is like to watch fencing. To see errors and advantages. To know when the fencer should go. To understand the rules. It is a whole new world and one I wish others knew more about.

Photography by Massimo Giachino Edited by Vivika Sahajpal

“too sentimental”

UoN’S CREATIVE WRITING Matchsticks and dead things

by Edward Farley

Her fingers run on cashmere sweaters, fibres smooth like cream. Her wedding ring catches on a loose thread. Something so expensive, ruined. She takes off the ring, a flings it over her shoulder. The smell of faded detergent and dust mix with the woody smell of the carboard box she’s packing them up in. In the silence, wind whistles through the window. She turns around and looks at the frost crystallising on it. Christmas lights fight to shine through, they glare at her angrily because they can’t. Thought the window encases the ice from the room she’s in, there’s a kinship between the two. Both are beautiful, and both would look nice on Christmas cards. But come into contact for too long, and you’ll know just how cold they both are. She takes the box to the front door. “You’re too sentimental” croaks a voice from across the room.

by Aldea Toth

A small pale arm with a red glove reaches out to the lighter. It looks cold, icy blue sheen, tremoring, its top pointed and sharp, ready to prick. The little red fist hovers and catches a piece. It’s not cold as expected, it burns and eats and swallows. The red glove is in its hollow mouth, you can see it through the translucent yellow skin and teeth that latched on. It regenerates, grows up to cover the the fist, meshes itself on, as if you walked into a spiderweb that you can’t shake off. The glove goes from red to black and does not have long left, and yet it carries the burning tongue to my candle, so that I can remember the memory of you, make sure it still burns somewhere in there

“And you pay too little attention to things” she snipes. He keeps reading the newspaper, not looking up once. The irony washes over his head. Once, it would’ve knocked the air out of chest. But she’s used to it now. Words no longer create papercuts as she begrudgingly presents the narrative that they’re fine. They’re not. She slides on a pair of old slippers and opens the door. The searing cold leaks into her nose, her mouth. It pierces through her clothes. Snow falls on her like powdered sugar on a beignet. Unlocking the car, she shoves the box in with the other ones. It’s her last Christmas in that house, with the croaky voice buried in a newspaper. He’s right though. She is too sentimental. It doesn’t mean however, that she doesn’t know how to leave things that are of little value.

Nostalgia Some things cannot be so easily erased from the mind’s eye. I can recall each detail, true or false; it matters not since it has become my truth. I remember the impossibly tall spruce tree towering over me at the end of the garden, acting as a protector between the boundaries of comfort and the outside world. I knew I wasn’t far from home when I could see the tree. Every detail, even now, is painted once more within my imagination- from the crisp yet damp smell to the feeling of the needles between my forming hands. I remember the swing centred beneath the tree, the warmth of the setting sun piercing through the branches, and the birds, oh, their sweet sounds— stillness among the garden, painted by an orange summer sunset glow. Words cannot do justice to memory, not honestly. Shapes of different sizes, wondrous colours and grandeur engulf my eyes all around my little self as I hop down from the swing, my back to the Spruce, towards what I once called home, feeling a chill upon my spine as the branches shade me momentarily. All is well. All is safe. Off on a walk we went, with whom I once called brothers. I remember not the destination, only the journey and the warmth of the orange sun, always the orange sun.

Hibernation My shadow sits across from me, waiting for me to make the first move. I sit, holding my breath, wishing I could disappear. But the sun has other plans, and this poor reflection of who I am supposed to be flickers, shifts, but never fades. It tilts its head now, mocking me. There is more humanness in that one gesture than I can find in my entire being. I knew I couldn’t avoid it forever, but it turns out I’m pretty good at make-believe, so I forgot this day was coming. If I just try hard enough, I can go back to being a carefree child of the earth, fueled by nothing more than an empty field and the promise of a future. Any future. The sun shifts. My shadow sits next to me now, a position that feels almost intimate. I guess it is intimate, by its very nature, since the two of us technically belong to the same being. Finally, I reach out my hand. Our fingers touch. The contact is tangible, not at all like touching air. It is time, now, for the sun to retire, and I know my shadow will go with it. It’s easy to forget they were ever here, when they’re gone. The warmth and safety of my childhood fades seamlessly into icy sky, drowning out the last strain of hope that I can still be whatever I want to be. The only thing left to do is stay warm, in the winter, and trust the sun will one day rise again.

by Clara Wodny

by Logan Fairclough

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Articles inside

UoN's Creative Writing

En Guard, Pret, Allez!

Non-league Nottinghamshire

THE METEORIC GROWTH OF MMA What’s all the Fuss about? : A Message from UoN Sport fanatics

NOTTINGHAM MALAYSIAN GAMES 2023: HOW TO ELEVATE A THRIVING COMMUNITY IN THE MIDST OF IGNORANCE

Impact Investigates the correlation between the rise in student sex workers and the cost of living crisis

The Superior Christmas Carol

We are Dreaming of a European Christmas Getaway

CRITICS RECOMMEND...

Nurturing Nostalgia: Celebrating Christmas Traditions and Togetherness

The Art of Winter

Sympathy for the anti-hero

Love Letters

Covers and Originals: Can You Beat the Classics?

Climate Change and Britain’s Threatened Species

Does Documenting while Travelling Take Away From the Experience?

The Fashion Industry's Dirty Secret: Unveiling the Truth Behind Greenwashing

Home Remedies: The recipes & household ingredients that keep us connected

SPOTLIGHT ON KARNIVAL

Political Figures of Authority: Representation of Identity yet Conflicting Policy