RGU Radar // 11 // Winter 2016

radar magazine issue 11 WInter edition 2016 rguradar.co.uk

rgu:

ion

The official free magazine for RGU students

winter edition

News & Events Entertainment Student Life Fashion & LIfestyle

Welcome to the final issue of 2016! Hopefully you have managed to get settled into the swing of things and aren’t too stressed about upcoming deadlines and exams. Take a break and read Radar!

It has definitely been a busy year for us – lots of meetings, socials and writing to make RGU Radar Magazine the best it can be.

In this issue, you will find everything you need to make your Christmas and New Year as fun and memorable as possible. We have written up a “how to” for cheap Christmas decorations, shown you the best party venues in Aberdeen, created a 2016 Christmas playlist and a list of all the best Christmas films you will probably want to watch asap. You will also find recipes for drinks and baked goods, alongside our advice for keeping safe on nights out.

Looking ahead to 2017, we have given you our advice on New Year’s resolutions, and how to plan ahead for upcoming exams. As we get stuck into the second semester, Refreshers is just around the corner! You will have a second chance at signing up to any societies that you forgot or didn’t have the chance to in September.

If you would like to write for Radar you can come along and see us at any of the upcoming Union events or send us an email via radar@rguunion.co.uk.

‘Til then all of us at Radar wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!

Calhounnah Bain

Editor-in-Chief of Radar Magazine

@RGURADAR 2

RGURADAR

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04 Christmas Playlist 05 12 Films of Christmas

06 08 10 11 12 15 16 19

Christmas Baking Christmas Party Venues Santa’s Little Helper A Guide to New Years Resolutions Christmas Gifts How to Avoid Winter Bugs Christmas Drinks Importance of Self Defence

20 Top Tips for Staying Safe on Christmas Night Out 22 Cheap Ways to Decorate 23 Christmas Around the World 24 Christmas Jumpers 26 Exams 28 Winter Beauty Tips 31 DIY Gifts

Calhounnah Bain. Kristian Kirsimägi. Jaimée-Lee McKenzie.

Anna Diouri. Craig Andrew Robertson. Sarah Millar.

Adam Pake. Lauren Taylor.

Linzi Reekie. Karen Morgan.

Cerys Davies. Chioma Odukwe.

Alessandro Andrea Favaro Cedric Charlestton. issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

It’s party season! You’ve got your outfit sorted and your snacks are ready.

Everything is set for the party of the year… everything apart from the Christmas tunes. We all like a bit of Mariah in the holidays but what about including some of the most popular songs of 2016? Yes, you can still play The Pogues as often as you wish and why not throw in some JB. Here are my top 20 picks, in no particular order, for the most spectacular Christmas party yule ever have.

STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Slade

Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla Sign

Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla

NSYNC

Twenty One Pilots

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Destiny’s Child

Justin Bieber

One Direction

East 17

Mariah Carey

The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

DNCE

Shawn Mendes

Wham!

The Darkness

Band Aid 30

The Pogues ft. Kirsty McColl

Justin Timberlake

Wizzard

Merry Xmas Everybody One Dance

Stressed Out

8 Days of Christmas History

All I Want for Xmas is You Cake by the Ocean Last Christmas Do they Know it’s Xmas Time Can’t Stop the Feeling

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winter edition 2016 • issue 11

Work from Home

Merry Xmas, Happy Holidays Power of Love

What Do You Mean?

Stay Another Day Closer

Treat You Better Christmas Time Fairytale of New York

I Wish It Could Be Xmas Everyday

NEWS & EVENTS

1. It’s A Wonderful Life 2.Die Hard 3. A Christmas Story 4. The Santa Clause 5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 6. Love Actually 7. The Nightmare Before Christmas 8. The Muppet Christmas Carol 9. Edward Scissorhands 10. Will Ferrell in Elf 11. Home Alone 12. Miracle on 34th Street

By Craig Andrew Robertson

ENTERTAINMENT

STUDENT LIFE

FASHION & LIFESTYLE issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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NEWS & EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

STUDENT LIFE

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

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christmas cake Ingredients – Serves 10-12 •250g Self Raising Flour •4 eggs •250g Sugar •250g Butter •1 Tablespoon Black Treacle •1 ½ Teaspoons Mixed Spice •75g Chopped Almonds •2 Orange Zests •150ml Brandy or Sherry •1kg Mixed Dried Fruit •675g Icing Sugar

NEWS & EVENTS

How to Bake

ENTERTAINMENT

1. Place the mixed dried fruit and the orange zest into a bowl and pour in the brandy or sherry. Leave this to infuse for 2-3 days.

2. Line a 20cm round cake tin with a double layer of greaseproof paper. Preheat the oven to 150C/Gas 2.

3. Mix all ingredients; flour, eggs, sugar, butter, treacle, mixed spice and almonds, into a bowl and mix together with the bowl of dried fruit and brandy.

4. Tip into the baking tin and level off the mixture. Bake in the oven for 2 hours, until the cake looks golden brown. If you put a skewer in the centre of the cake and it comes out clean, the cake is baked all the way through.

5. Leave the cake to cool and place small holes in the cake with a skewer. Pour 2 tablespoons of brandy or sherry over the cake and repeat every week, for about 4 weeks, until Christmas day.

6. Make icing by mixing hot water with icing sugar. Decorate the cake with icing and almonds.

gingerbread cookies

STUDENT LIFE

Ingredients – Makes 10 Cookies •175g Self Raising Flour •1 Egg •90g Sugar •50g Butter •40g Golden Syrup •1 Tablespoon Ginger •250g Icing Sugar

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

How to Bake 1. Preheat oven to 180c/ gas 4.

2. Put the butter, sugar and syrup into a pan and stir over a medium heat until everything has melted. Leave it to gently bubble for two minutes and then leave to cool.

3. In a large bowl, mix in the flour, ginger and the egg. Then add the warm mixture to the bowl and stir to bring everything together into a soft dough.

4. Wrap the dough in cling film and leave it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

5. On a clean work surface, dust flour over and with a rolling pin, roll out the dough to half a centimetre of thickness.

6. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on an oven tray with baking paper.

Space out each cookie on the tray because they will expand when they cook. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown.

7. Once the gingerbread cookies have cooled, mix the icing sugar with hot water and decorate as you wish. issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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NEWS & EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

STUDENT LIFE

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FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Article by

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2 1

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revolutioN Belmont Street They have the perfect area down on their garden terrace and if you really fancy a boozy Christmas meal then this is your place with their delicious cocktails and massive drinks selection.

They’re offering the choice of: • 3 course meal from £17.95 • A Christmas Buffet from £14.95 • Or just bar snacks (if you REALLY are just looking for a boozy time) from just £10.

There’s plenty of options and Rev will get you ready for a good night.

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

The old School HousE Little Belmont Street If you’re looking for the traditional meal, nothing too expensive and a casual atmosphere then the Old School House is where to go.

With the choices of: • 2 course meal for £13.99 • 3 course meal for £17.99 You really can’t go wrong! It’s perfect if you’re wanting a casual night and a few pints with friends.

STUDENT LIFE

GiraffE

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

union Square If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to try something a bit different from your traditional meal, then this would be a great place to go with: • 2 courses for £16.95 • 3 courses for £19.95 And you get to experience Christmas from around the world.

Ask Italian union Square This would be the perfect venue if you’re more interested in the meal and want a little something more. Plus, they have plenty of options to choose from; • Classico – 3 courses for £18.95 • The Festivo – either 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 for £22.95 • The Super Festivo – 3 courses for £24.95 You can choose just how big you want to go, and with so many options you’re bound to find something for everyone.

Lauren Taylor

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NEWS & EVENTS

Santa's Little Helper

A christmas poem by chioma odukwe

T he pastries bake

ENTERTAINMENT

and the scent fills the cabin, The familiar smell of warmth, of cake.

Along with the sound of joy, of laughing. ~

T he window panes slightly

STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

rattling Keeping the wintry rain out.

“Oh I wish we would have a white Christmas” Ollie sighs His rosebud mouth in a pout. ~

S adly, not a sight of white

fluff is nigh the outside world from his view, cloudy and drear.

“I want a white Christmas” he says again mulling on sad thoughts, mundane. ~

T he hollies, strung high up the ceilings The Christmas tree reigning supreme.

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Carol songs, sing softly from speakers Placed gingerly on a wooden beam. ~

T he charms of home are lost on him, the reds and greens and golden colours.

His lips downturned, so stern and grim, won’t crack to smile in humour. ~

O ff to bed he goes in a huff, Head buried in a pillow.

Time passes and darkness falls.

He awakes again and looks outside his window. ~ H is lips part, and his eyes round, at the fairy dust of snow around.

The garden is covered uniform white, Silent night under the moonlight

“F inally, it’s Christmas!” he says Santa is not real, there are no elves” ~

A t least, I got my snow request” With that he sleeps, a smile on his lips. ~ G ingerly, Dad climbs

down the roof, With careful steps, as still as a mouse.

Silently, he creeps back into the house, a snow machine held tightly in his hands.

A guide to

New Year's resolutions

be realistic

If you say to yourself that you’re going to start some new hobbies this year, don’t restrict what you’re going to do. Say you decide you want to learn to play the guitar, that doesn’t mean you can’t change your new-found

don't get caught up on expectations

You can’t expect to run a marathon if you’ve only just started running, so don’t expect to be good at your newest hobbies straight away. If you’ve just started playing piano, you won’t be as good as Mozart – just keep at it!

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

give yourself leeway

Don’t be impulsive.

Chances are if you’ve decided to take up a New Year’s Resolution it means you currently don’t have what you need for what you want to do. Want to start making your own clothes? Don’t splash out on tons of fabric or a sewing machine overnight. Think about it and consider all potential options. You could always head to the charity shops first and pick up some bargains.

STUDENT LIFE

I find it is a lot easier to do things if you have someone pushing you to do it. Why not ask a friend to help you with your resolutions, or better still, join you! Gym buddies are always a plus too, and at least you’ll have someone to stop you going to McDonalds whenever you get hungry.

think before you act

ENTERTAINMENT

do it with a friend

hobbies halfway through the year to something different like learning to cook.

NEWS & EVENTS

Probably the most important rule of all when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions. On a scale of 1 to 10 how likely are you to work out every day, or how likely are you to keep a yearlong diary?

When it comes to being realistic, make sure your resolutions are achievable because what you want to do and what you can realistically do are two entirely different things.

By Cerys Davies issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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By: Sarah Millar

Christmas doesn’t need to be expensive! Save some money with our gifts under £10!

ENTERTAINMENT

This Soap and Glory gift contains a “Full Sparks” butter shimmer cream and shimmer lip gloss. A great gift for those who love a night out, adding a little sparkle to their Christmas. These gifts will easily fit in any handbag!

Get this from: Boots Pharmacy

Get this from: Next

This gift is perfect for any student, list maker or stationary lover! Full of sticky notes, check lists and index stickers printed with a rainbow unicorn design. It also includes a detachable notepad on a clipboard and a pen for your lists! Perfect for keeping organized, this colourful fun set is a great gift! winter edition 2016 • issue 11

This sassy emoji mug gift is perfect for any emoji lover.

A great Christmas present perfect for hot drinks this winter!

Get this from: Superdrug

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Get this from: Boots Pharmacy

STUDENT LIFE

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With two great gifts in one this is the perfect gift for any guy.

Containing cosy and smart socks and a refreshing body spray, with this gift you cannot go wrong!

Get this from: Tesco Online

NEWS & EVENTS

This gift is perfect for any lip balm lover! Featuring 3 lovely lip balms, Hydrating, Pink punch and Cherry, this gift will keep any lips from getting chapped this winter!

Get this from: Next

Get this from: Superdrug Get this from: IWOOT

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Get this from: New Look

STUDENT LIFE

This gift is perfect for you and your best friend or for someone and their best friend.

These punny mugs are sweet, simple and affordable.

ENTERTAINMENT

This lazy arm smartphone holder attaches to any surface allowing you to watch any film, make calls or listen to music hands free. A great gift for anyone this Christmas!

Get this from: Next

NEWS & EVENTS

This alphabet perfume bottle comes in letters A-Z, and a heart symbol! This scent features lemons, oranges and apples, vanilla, musk and patchouli. A sweet smelling gift in a lovely personalized bottle.

This shout out world knowledge game is perfect to play this Christmas. Whoever shouts out the right answer gets a stick, and the person with the most sticks wins! This is a fun, challenging gift that will bring everyone together this Christmas.

Get this from: John Lewis

This Dove Men+Care gift set comes with a deodorant, body and face wash and a mini tin! Very affordable and a gift any guy would use. Plus, the tin can be used again!

This simple brown wallet is smart, useful and affordable. Holds both cards, cash and change.

It’s a gift any guy will love.

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How to avoid winter "bugs"

Winter is a terrible time for catching illnesses and with Christmas celebrations and exams around the corner it really is the worst time to get sick. So, here are 5 top tips on how to avoid getting ill and stay healthy this winter! By: Sarah Millar

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Washing your hands frequently is important all year round but in particular at Christmas time when germs are at a high. Colds, norovirus and flu germs will stop spreading and therefore reduce your chances of getting ill. Use soap and warm water.

Keep warm

Ensure you are getting plenty of vitamins

Vitamin C is great for boosting your immunity due to its antioxidant qualities and is also great for keeping your skin healthy. You can find vitamin C in fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons and there are many vitamin c supplements available.

Vitamin D is important all year round and the lack of sun (especially in Scotland) in the winter decreases your intake. You can find vitamin D in fish oils, fatty fish, cheese and egg yolk. It will keep your bones healthy and help fight winter blues.

Doing exercise will help you get out of bed on those cold mornings but more importantly will help your immunity and reduce coughs and colds. In the winter months people also tend to eat more and get out less which can give a feeling of fatigue. Therefore, exercise will help combat this feeling and keep you healthy.

Drinking lots and keeping hydrated is also very important, it helps remove impurities, keeps your skin safe from the cold and also helps us feel energised and is overall a necessity. So, this winter make sure besides all the nice drinks and hot beverages that you keep drinking water!

Flu Jab/ Nasal spray

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Keeping warm will reduce your chances of getting the flu as well as sickness bugs or even pneumonia. Wrap up when you are outside, put the heating on or grab a hot water bottle indoors. A nice cup of green tea will also keep you warm and help fight off colds and flu.

Exercise and stay hydrated

STUDENT LIFE

Wash your hands

The flu jab/treatment is available on the NHS for those who are at high risk. This is to make sure that they do not catch the flu and put them at risk from other complications. If you have a health condition, then you are eligible for this jab however any one can receive this injection but it will cost you.

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rossini NEWS & EVENTS

Ingredients: 50ml Strawberry Puree 75ml Prosecco

Directions:

ENTERTAINMENT

1. Put the strawberry puree into a chilled flute.

2. Top up with prosecco.

3. Either gently stir until the two are mixed, or serve with a stirrer.

STUDENT LIFE

Sexy spritz Ingredients:

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

500ml Orange Juice 500ml Cranberry Juice 400ml Sparkling Elderflower Juice

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Directions: 1. Mix the orange and cranberry juice together in a large jug.

2. Fill with ice.

3. Top up with the sparkling elderflower juice, and enjoy.

winter edition 2016 • issue 11

mulled wine NEWS & EVENTS

Ingredients:

ENTERTAINMENT

One Large Orange Three Lemons Twelve Cloves Two Satsumas or Clementines Two 750ml Bottles of Red Wine Two Cinnamon Sticks 150g Caster Sugar Brandy, to taste (optional)

Directions:

STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

1. Peel the zest from the orange and the lemons, and juice them.

2. Stick the cloves into the satsumas.

3. Pour the wine, 2 pints of cold water, the citrus peel and the juices into a large saucepan.

Also add the satsumas (with the cloves) and cinnamon sticks.

4. Bring just to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan with its lid and simmer for about an hour.

5. Add the sugar while cooking and sweeten to your taste. Do the same with the brandy.

6. Strain the mulled wine and serve warm in cups.

Written by:

Lauren Taylor

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Why did you start Kuk Sool Won?

Online, if you google Kuk Sool Won Aberdeen

Do you feel that your confidence has grown there’s at least three schools in Aberdeenshire since you started Kuk Sool Won? that you can contact. There’s also Facebook, every

Since moving to Aberdeen, do you think self-defence has made you become more street-wise?

100%, especially after nights out when I’m walking home, knowing I know how to defend myself definitely makes me a lot more confident about walking myself or in smaller groups.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Oh definitely, I was so shy and quiet before school in Aberdeenshire has one and if you simply joining, it has really made me come out of my send them a message about when and where the shell. My instructors knew when to push me to classes are they will be happy to help. do things I didn’t know I could do and that really helped with my confidence.

By: Calhounnah Bain

STUDENT LIFE

My sister and her friend joined and they then Where can RGU students go to learn more, convinced me to try, then we got my mum to try or find out about any classes available in and we all fell in love with it.

Aberdeen?

ENTERTAINMENT

also a benefit; you don’t need to be super fit to start a martial art, it’s something that improves constantly, just like your confidence. I don’t know about other martial arts, but with Kuk Sool Won, it’s a very social thing. Whenever you go to a national tournament you always come home to at least ten friend requests on Facebook. Everyone is so friendly and you end up making friends for life from all over the world just because you share the same hobby. It’s amazing.

NEWS & EVENTS

Radar recently spoke with Sophie Keast, a second year architecture student at RGU. She believes that it is important for all students, to feel safe when walking alone.

As a black belt in Kuk Sool Won, Sophie is keen to show that it is easy for everyone to learn self-defence so that they can protect themselves when necessary.

Why should RGU students consider learning martial arts?

Confidence is one of the main ones, I’ve seen a massive improvement in mine. Fitness is issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Even if you are not a massive fan of the whole Christmas scene, you have to admit one thing: it sure gets people together. From work nights out to course socials, there’s always something going on.

And since when do students need an excuse to socialise?

Making time to meet up and celebrate the season is what makes Christmas so fun.

But while you are out there getting merry and into the Christmas spirit, it is really important to remember to stay safe and sensible, regardless of what you’re up to. So here are a few top tips to help make your night out a cracker.

Aberdeen is cold in Winter. Like, freezing cold. So please, please take a jacket out with you. Yes, it may interfere with your carefully co-ordinated outfit; but you can always chuck it in the cloakroom as soon as you get inside the club. Believe me, if your lift bails or you’re stuck waiting at a taxi rank, you’ll be glad you have it.

By:

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Jaimee-Lee McKenzie

winter edition 2016 • issue 11

Always make sure to stick together.

It’s clichéd but true: there’s safety in numbers. Sticking together as a group minimises the chance of anything happening, and it puts you at ease too.

Being separated from your friends in a club is never fun, particularly if you’ve had a bit to drink. Always arrange a meeting point with your pals (or stick it in the group chat) so you can find each other if you get lost.

Take the Essentials

ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t walk home alone It may seem like a great idea at the time, but walking home alone at 4 in the morning is never wise. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position! Don’t walk home unless a group of friends are walking with you. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable that you have to get in a taxi by yourself, but make sure to stay with your pals for as long as you possibly can. issue 11 • winter edition 2016

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Buses and taxis are the most common ways of getting home after a night out, as both are frequent and easily accessed from Union Street. Get to a rank safely and wait for your lift home.

If you decide not to come home for whatever reason, it’s a good idea to let a flatmate/friend know where you are and who you’re with. If you ever find yourself in a dangerous or unsafe situation, the RGU Safe Taxi Scheme is a great thing to keep in mind.

STUDENT LIFE

Have an Idea About How To Get Home

Only drink as much as you want to. Drink at a pace that you are comfortable with, and don’t let yourself be pressured to keep up with others. It can be also a good idea to self-check: a glass of water every now and then to keep you steady isn’t going to kill your buzz. On the same token, if you go out but you don’t drink, don’t feel pressured to give up your values to fit in.

It’s just not worth it.

NEWS & EVENTS

This is such an important one: NEVER set your drink down unattended. All it takes is a split second for someone to slip something into your drink, so be extra cautious, especially when in clubs. We’ve all left drinks with friends to “keep an eye on” while we nip to the bathroom, but even that can be risky. Chances are your pal’s eyes won’t be fixed solely on your drink while you’re gone, so be very careful.

If in doubt, take your drink with you or finish it before you leave.

I know that your Kylie lip kit might seem like an essential (and it is, cause who wants raggedy lips on a night out?!) but make sure to take the important stuff too. Keys, phone (fully charged and with credit), money and ID are all necessities for a successful night out. Most clubs operate a ‘no ID, no entry’ policy, so if you don’t take it with you, you may not get in. It’s also a great idea to have some extra cash on hand too for drinks and taxis – not all places/taxis accept card!

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Paper Is Your Best Friend NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

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Shop Around Now if you don’t have the time to get creative with paper but still want to have a relatively cheap but decorated Christmas, shop around. In other words, don’t go through the Argos catalogue and dog mark every decoration you see. Places such as Poundland, Poundworld, Home Bargains and Charity Stores have several Christmas items on the shelfs from glittery pillows to snowflake themed crockery which helps Christmas-ify a drab student flat.

White paper or coloured paper is a great way to decorate your flat on a budget. Although a little more time consuming, the cost effectiveness is worth it. Instead of spending money on tinsel, use coloured paper to create a paper chain and hang it along windows or walls using blu tac, thumbnails, or self-adhesive hooks. But if paper chains don’t seem ideal to you, you can also take a trip back to primary school and create paper snowflakes with a pair of scissors and stick them to your window.

Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose

From now until Christmas, create a stock pile of old jars in the week before the Christmas break or before decorate them and repurpose them. You can put fairy lights or tinsel in them or create your very own version of a snow globe with water and glitter.

By:

Cerys Davies Forget Candles

Decorated Pine Cones This is another thing which can take a little longer, but is easy to do. Go for walk find some pine cone. Put them in the oven at 200C for 30 minutes to dry them out, leave them to rest for 2-3 days and then grab a sandwich bag and fill it with glitter and cinnamon or peppermint oil, add the pine cones before giving it a shake. Place them in a glass jar or glass bowl filled with glitter or tinsel.

winter edition 2016 • issue 11

A huge part of Christmas is the Christmassy smells of peppermint, spearmint, gingerbread and cinnamon but most accommodation sites will not allow the use of candles or incense. Instead, you can either use essential oils or physical spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Add them to a pot of simmering hot water to give your flat a Christmassy smell. This can be reused as well so once the flat smells like Christmas pour the leftover water into a jar and store in the fridge. You can simmer it again another day by adding more water and spices when necessary.

By: Anna Diouri

Unlike in the UK, Christmas is celebrated during the summer in Australia. The “Christmas Bush”, an Australian tree, is commonly used to decorate houses. However, Australia is similar to the UK in that wreaths, Christmas trees and lights are put up in and around the house.

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FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Christmas in South Africa is also during their summer. Sometimes they may have a barbecue (“braai” in Afrikaans) if the weather is good enough.

A traditional South African pudding, known as Malva Pudding, is often eaten at Christmas time. South Africa also shares many traditions with the UK. Merry Christmas in Afrikaans translates as “GeseëndeKersfees”.

STUDENT LIFE

Christmas is hugely significant in the Philippines, with around 90% of Filipinos being Christians. It has a mix of its own and western Christmas traditions.

There, they have their own Christmas decoration, namely the “parol”. This is a pole with a lantern on the end of it.

Christmas in the Philippines would be described as “incomplete” without them.

ENTERTAINMENT

Perhaps one of the best-known German traditions is going to their Christmas markets.

With over 2 million visitors per year, the “Christkindlesmarkt” is Germany’s biggest market. There, you can have “Glüwein” (mulled wine), and “DreiimWeggla” – 3 bratwursts in a bun. German children address their letters with Christmas wishes to “Christkind”.

Deutsche post allows children to send them to an address, and they will receive a response.

Presents are opened on the evening of Christmas Eve and people visit their relatives on Christmas and Boxing Day.

In South Asia, Christmas is not as big as it is in the UK. However, it is celebrated by Christians who do live there. In Pakistan, the 25th December is a significant date, also because it is the birthday of the country’s founder, Mr Jinnah. People wear their best clothes, which are often brightly coloured. Women will also wear henna on their hands. People will have varied and spicy food on this day. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, people attend mass in Church. This is known as “Bara Din” in local languages and translates as “Big Day”.

NEWS & EVENTS

With Christmas fast approaching, people will be getting organised with preparations. Here in the UK, we will have put up our Christmas trees, been wrapping the presents and looking forward to turkey will all the trimmings. But other countries have their own traditions. Here is a list of countries with how they celebrate Christmas.

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AS M S ST ER RI MP C H Ju

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE

jumper with a snowflake design, priced at £785! Stella McCartney released a designer jumper range for Selfridges in 2013.

This year has brought new festive jumper creations including, woollen classics with bold characters and fashion forward knitwear to suit any style.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

The Christmas jumper has replaced the novelty onesie present. Over the last few years, Christmas jumpers have become increasingly popular. It used to be that wearing a terrible looking Christmas jumper was uncool, but with the range of stylish and traditional jumpers available on the high street now, it has become trendy and acceptable.

Designers are following this trend too.

In 2012, Ralph Lauren sold a Christmas

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Slogan jump ers are a great alternative to the traditional festive designs. The classic Christmas song “Let it Snow” by Dean Martin, has influenced the pink slogan jumper below. This understated look is to be worn as everyday fashion in the holiday season.

Jumpers with glitter and sequins are certainly a Christmas must have.

Sometimes less is more but at Christmas the rules of embellishment in fashion are non-existent!

M eet o ur care fully handp i c k e d ju m p e r s 2

3

4

5

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Fair isle patterns are becoming the new festive favourite, over the cartoon images and large Christmas designs. This suggests there is a move away from the novelty and a move towards the more sophisticated knitwear. Fair isle knits can also be worn longer than just for the festive season. The price may be

more expensive but the cashmere blend will make it worth the investment and it will keep you cosy.

So maybe gift someone this year a chic jumper that can be comfortable to wear and still feel festive. However, there are alternatives to gift giving such as Oxfam Unwrapped where you can donate practical goods to people in need.

Christmas is a time for thinking of others.

issue 11 • winter edition 2016

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Of course, the classic motifs and patterned jumpers are always a winner. Wear them every year even if they are slightly tacky. It’s good to embrace the Christmas spirit. These types of

jumpers have a retro look which is currently on trend.

STUDENT LIFE

Believe it or not…there are Star Wars themed Christmas jumpers available on the high street. Why not mix your favourite movie character with the festive time of year?

ENTERTAINMENT

1. Let it Snow – Very.co.uk 4. Christmas pattern - Debenhams 2. Sequin Baubles - Very.co.uk 5. Prosecco – PrettyLittleThing.com 3. Star Wars – Primark 6. Fair isle – Primark

NEWS & EVENTS

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NEWS & EVENTS

So you’ve made it to Christmas time. Well done. Time for a nice break: snow, presents, quality time with the family, seeing friends again, home comforts etc. Oh, and alcohol. Probably.

Some nice, relaxing holiday activities to reward yourselves for enduring four months of being a fresher.

STUDENT LIFE

Exams

ENTERTAINMENT

Unfortunately for you poor souls, that’s not all you’ll be spending your time doing, what with exams and all that. Nobody likes exams-well, somebody out there does-but they’re a necessary evil for all of us. Except the ones who don’t have any, but we don’t talk about them.

Luckily for you, you’re reading RGU: Radar’s handy revision guide, with a few pieces of advice to help you through this difficult time.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Have a positive attitude 1 Let’s be honest here: this is why we all struggle to prepare for exams. You just do not want to do it. You know you must, but it is such a slog. There is no magical way to suddenly enjoy revision, but anything to get yourself into a positive frame of mind can help.

If there is a part of your course that you do like, focus on that at first, then move onto the less exciting bits. But anything you enjoy doing can help you think positively, and if you are in a good mood then you are more likely to want to just get the books out and the work over and done with.

Don't delay it 2 We are all guilty of this. We tell ourselves we will do something in an hour, and we tell ourselves that up until we go to bed. Don’t. When the time comes, just get the materials out and get to work. Don’t think about it, just wait until you have that impulse to do it, and do it. pace yourself 3 Revising for hours at a time is a waste of time. The information will stop going in and it will be pointless. It will make you miserable as well, and we don’t want that. Split it into blocks of, say, half an hour, then go do something else for a bit.

Above all, try not to stress. You will pass your exams, and you can go back to being a normal, stress free fresher next year.

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winter edition 2016 • issue 11

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

prioritise 4 Be focused in your work. If you know you are struggling with a certain area of your course, spend more time on that, then work your way up until you are just refreshing your memory of what you already know. Don’t be scattergun in your revision.

STUDENT LIFE

Do what's right for you People all have different ways 5 that they learn. Some are better at pacing their revision over a few weeks, others are born crammers.

Some can revise anywhere; others need to be in exactly the right place with exactly the right mindset. Know what works for you.

Same story with revision methods: flashcards, highlighting, note taking, or just reading your textbooks over and over are all useful methods, but it’s all about what you feel is best for you.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE issue 11 • winter edition 2016

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NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

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By:

It’s really important to keep yourself healthy all year round, but during Winter, you deserve to give yourself that extra little bit of TLC! Here, we’ve rounded up our toptips to make sure you look and feel your best throughout the colder months.

winter edition 2016 • issue 11

Jaimee-Lee McKenzie

Hydrate Water is a vital part of keeping healthy, especially during Winter.

It helps to aid digestion and encourage weight loss, it makes skin brighter and healthier, and helps prevent breakouts. The body needs water to remain supple and healthy. Replenishing your body with water is a great way to fight the sallow look cold weather can give us, so drink up!

Wear Nail Polish

Central heating and cold air can really dry out your hair during the Winer months.

This can leave your hair feeling brittle and dull, so it’s always a great idea to treat yourself to a replenishing hair mask from time to time. These don’t have to be expensive; you can buy great hair masks from budget shops like PoundLand! Using a mask once a week helps lock moisture back into the hair and prevent breakage.

Plus, your hair will be super glossy and it’ll smell amazing too.

Nails can become prone to breakage and splitting during Winter, so wearing a clear coat of polish can help to strengthen them. Investing in some cuticle oil is also a great way to keep the whole nail and cuticle healthy too.

NEWS & EVENTS

Invest in a Good Hair Mask

ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE

Kind of a paradox here, but to make up for all the extra oil-based moisturisers you’re using on your skin during Winter; it’s a good idea to invest in some Cleansing Nose Pore Strips to wipe out excess oil. Using too many oil-based products on your skin can clog pores, so help prevent breakouts and black heads by using these a few times a month. Again, these can be purchased from PoundLand and are a great way to unblock pores quickly and easily. issue 11 • winter edition 2016

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Use Cleansing Pore Strips

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NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT LIFE FASHION & LIFESTYLE

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Exercise

Use Hand Cream / Wear Gloves Your hands are very vulnerable during Winter, because they are constantly exposed to the elements. Cold air sucks all of theirnatural moisture away, and this can very quickly lead to dry, chapped skin that is prone to painful splitting. Keeping atube of hand cream handy (no pun intended) to apply whenever your digits needs a little TLC is a good idea; apply any time your hand lose their softness.Wearing gloves is also an idea – it stops the cold hitting your skin directly, and helps to keep a little moisture in your skin.

winter edition 2016 • issue 11

Staying healthy and exercising regularly go hand-in-hand, so the challenge in Winter is to keep up the motivation! Exercising releases feel good chemicals (or endorphins) into your body, and these help you stay happy and positive as the months get a little darker. Exercise is also a great way to fight S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – so it has many benefits! Not only does exercising make you feel great, it will help you look great too. Find a fun indoor class or get a gym buddy – that’ll help keep you motivated!

Luscious Lips!

Like hands, your lips are always vulnerable and exposed to cold weather. This steals all their moisture, and can leave them cracked, red and dry. No-one wants raggedy lips, so be sure to invest in some good, longlasting lip balms and glosses for the Winter period. LUSH have a great range of affordable lip exfoliation scrubs: these are used to buff away dead skin and help leave lips feeling soft and kissable for hours after using! Vaseline is a saviour during Winter, so try to keep a tub of that handy too.

NEWS & EVENTS

Equipment:

Equipment:

Newspapers or old bed sheets Super glue (If needed for decorations)

Scissors Glue stick

Scissors Blue Tack

What you will need:

What you will need:

What you will need:

How to make an organiser

Step 1: Spray paint the wine rack on old sheets or newspapers Step 2: Decorate the wine rack as much or as little as you wish, using superglue and your accessories of choice Step 3: Fill the rack with the gifts of your choice, for example bubble bath or facecloths. Now you have a great organiser gift!

Sturdy cardboard or card cut into a letter or shape Photos of your choice

How to make a letter photo collage

Step 1: Grab the letter or shape you have cut out Step 2: Place down the photos where you want them Step 3: Cut the photos out into the shape of the area you have placed them OR glue them down with the part of the photo you want to keep placed on the card and cut off the excess.

Step 4: Glue down the photos if you haven’t already and there you go!

A white mug – You can purchase a set of 4 from Asda -£4 A porcelain painter pen – You can purchase one from Hobbycraft Marabu pen - £4.50 Card – Cut into a shape or letter

How to make a monogram mug Step 1: Blue tack the card letter or shape onto the mug. Make sure the letter is as close to the mug as possible by using minimal blue tack Step 2: Use the painter pen to dot around the letter or shape Step 3: Make sure the paint is dry and remove the card. This will leave the shape of the letter or shape, giving you a monogram mug!

You can fill the mug with sweets to make an even sweeter gift!

issue 11 • winter edition 2016

FASHION & LIFESTYLE

A wine rack (like above) Any decoration of your choice – Ribbon, bunting, jewellery pouches Spray paint suitable for metal Bubble bath or facecloths

STUDENT LIFE

Letter Photo collage monogram mug

Equipment:

ENTERTAINMENT

Organiser

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