Orbital Freshers' Edition 2019

ORBITAL EST. 1986

THE FRESHERS' ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2019

MEET OUR BOARD Meet the new students working behind the scenes of Orbital

SOCIeTIES Q & A Get the inside scoop on why you should join a club or society this year

survival guide All the tips you need to survive and thrive during Freshers' week

WE AT ORBITAL ARE HERE TO HELP YOU KICK OFF FRESHERS' WEEK WITH A BANG!

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION

ORBITAL LETTER FROM THE EDITOR COME JOIN US AT ORBITAL! CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIND OUT MORE Welcome everyone to a new year on campus! I can't believe it's Freshers' week already. For all you new students out there, it probably seems completely hectic and crazy right now; there's probably also a lot of people waving flags at you, dancing in weird costumes or offering you all the freebies you could ever want. This is Freshers' in all it's glory - and it's wonderful. Why? Because it's your chance to try something new and start what will be the best three or four years of your life.

Whether that involves carrying on with a sport or hobby you've always loved, or trying something completely new all I

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can say is give it a go! Who knows?

You could be the next Fred Astaire, Harry Potter or even learn how to shoot zombies on campus! With over 150 clubs, media outlets and societies, there really is something for everyone.

University is such a magical place, and already in my two years here I have learned more than I ever dreamed I would, both inside and outside the lecture theatre. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your adventure with a bang. After all, as we say here at Royal Holloway it is better 'To be, rather than to seem'.

Don't worry though - we here at Orbital have got you covered. In

this mini issue we have everything you could possibly need including interviews with different teams, clubs and societies. We also have some great advice, tips and hints on how to make the most of Freshers' week and your time here at Holloway in general. You can find out even more about us as a society at Freshers' Fair or online.

We can't wait to meet you all and we wish you the very best this week.

Finally, all that's left is to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped get this issue together over the summer. We could not have done it without you!

Rac

Ha n

Editor in Chief

CONTENTS

01

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Rachel Hains welcomes you all to a new year at Royal Holloway as well as sharing her advice for how to make the most of Freshers' week.

03

GOING GREEN: AN ORBITAL INITATIVE In light of the SU declaring a climate emergency, Orbital are making some changes. Read how you can help us.

05

SPOTLIGHT ON...

SOCIETIES We sat down to chat with just some of the 150+ societies, clubs & media outlets on campus to find out why you should be a part of them this year!

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FRESHERS' FEATURES Our Board dissect some of the best and worst parts about being a Fresher. From going out, exploring the local area, decorating your new room - hear what they have to say about making the most of Freshers' week.

21

FRESHERS' PROGRAMME: OUR HOT PICKS Kieran Bateman gives us his run-down on the Freshers' programme, highlighting the key events you won't want to miss.

MEET THE ORBITAL BOARD

It's a new year and a new us. Get to know the wonderful faces working behind the scenes this year to deliver our content online and in print.

orbital.co.uk

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GOING GREEN: AN

ORBITAL EFFORT RACHEL HAINS EXPLAINS SOME OF THE CHANGES COMING TO ORBITAL AS A RESULT OF THE SU DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND HOW YOU CAN HELP. This summer, the SU officially declared a climate emergency after a 'bright idea' from students called for them to take action to make the SU greener and more sustainable. As the SU's official magazine, Orbital is following suit and launching our own initiative to become a more sustainable and eco-friendly Media Outlet. Any of you who follow us on Facebook or Instagram will no doubtedly have seen our earlier posts over the summer outlining this as part of our 2019-2020 mission statement and we want you to help.

Our first change is probably our biggest. This summer, after carefully examining our budget and our print-figures from last year, Alex Jones (my ever-faithful Deputy Editor) and I made the decision to cut down the number of copies we will be printing this year. We will not be limiting the number of editions as it is a core part of what makes Orbital so unique, allowing students a brilliant platform to showcase their work, publish articles and learn about the world of journalism and publishing. However, cutting down on printed copy numbers will save us money which we can put to good use, as well as meaning less paper is being consumed. As always, we want to remind everyone that every article we print eventually ends up online, meaning you can enjoy articles without needing a physical copy. Furthermore, we are actively encouraging our readers to remember to recycle our magazines if and when they are done with them - Or use them to make a paper sculpture, whatever floats your boat really. Just put them to good use so that they can be used again to create something just as wonderful.

Speaking of money, we at Orbital are going to be focusing our charitable efforts this year to be in aid of Rainforest Alliance as well as for ourselves. If you wish to donate, please let one of our board know or pop along to our fundraisers this year - all of which we will tell you more about nearer the time. You can also let us know if you have a brilliant way we can really make a difference here! We are the voice of Royal Holloway students so we really want to engage yours and hear what you have to say.

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Another way we are being greener is by waving a massive hello to our new Board member this year, Ian Hayes, who has been appointed into a newly created position as 'Head of distribution'. Ian's job is to help coordinate efforts relating to distributing copies of our magazine throughout campus and in the surronding areas. This is to reduce the amount of paper we waste, with boxes in the past sometimes being left in the media suite un-opened. We want every copy we print to be read and enjoyed, rather than wasting away in a cardboard box and creating a sometimes lethal avalanche of magazines on us... So keep an eye out for us on magazine stands around campus.

Thirdly, we want to encourage you to help us and get involved. This can be as simple as messaging our board with any ideas you have about how we can improve our efforts and make us a more sustainable and green media outlet. It can also be reaching out with articles or events you want us to cover, or you want to cover yourself.

If you have been inspired by all this and want some tips from us for the year, here is our "best thing you can do" this academic year to help the environment: Use Ecosia - Like Google, Ecosia is a search engine you can access online. However, this search engine donates all its profits from advertisers and traffic to donating trees. Basically, this means that as a result of your online searches you can contribute to the environment whilst you study! That ought to make you feel better about spending an all-nighter in the library researching your essays or dissertation. Ecosia also have an app you can download, so you can even use it on your phone when you want to find something out. I cannot stress enough how amazing this is - and it is absolutely FREE! So no-one has an excuse not to use it. If you only make one small change this year, then please let it be this and join us in trying to help keep our planet alive.

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INSANITY RADIO JAMIE WOODS TELLS US WHY THIS IS THE YEAR PEOPLE SHOULD BE JOINING INSANITY RADIO. So Jamie, Insanity were awarded a Lotto grant last year. Is it safe to say it has been a successful year?

As we enter our 7th year broadcasting on FM, and our 21st year on air, looking back I think it's been a really successful year for the station. We've been to (and run) some huge events and festivals for our audience, such as Reading (a festival we've been to and broadcast live from, for the past three years now), and our community and events team have had a massive impact in local schools. There's been a lot of invisible behind-the-scenes changes too, leaving Insanity in a stronger position than ever. As always, the quality of shows we've seen have been amazing, and I'm incredibly proud of everyone who's been involved with Insanity!

You clearly have some talented members, but can people with less experience join?

Absolutely. One of Insanity's core aims is to provide a training ground where people can gain experience. The majority of our presenters don't have any prior experience before they join, and our alumni have gone on to work at virtually every media company in the UK, including the BBC, Global Radio (Heart, Capital) and Bauer (Absolute). We run events and workshops throughout the year to help our team gain skills and experience, and host an annual training day which sees people from the radio industry descend onto campus to give talks. Our workshops are completely free to attend!

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"I'VE NEVER WORKED WITH A TEAM AS STRONG AS I HAVE AT INSANITY" Do you have any advice for potential new members?

I think the most important bit of advice I can give is to get involved with the station outside of hosting a weekly show.

You'll get to meet some amazing people, and I really think it'll be a major part of your Royal Holloway experience. We have 7 teams working off-air, doing things like going backstage to festivals and gigs on behalf of the station, working with local schools and youth groups, and helping support our presenting team.

What are you most looking forward to this coming year?

At the end of the academic year, when recruiting the next team leaders and heads, we asked our team leaders what they want to achieve next year, and the responses were overwhelming. Honestly, I'm really excited to see these ideas become reality, and I'm really excited to see what the new heads can achieve with the Studio 3 project! I'm also really looking forward to meeting everyone new who joins Insanity this year, it's always an amazing experience to get to know the member base!

In your opinion what is the best thing about being a part of Insanity Radio at Royal Holloway?

That's a tough one, but I think it's absolutely got to be the people. I'm heading into my fifth year at Royal Holloway, and my best friends at uni are people I met through radio. Every single person I've met at Insanity is passionate about what they do, and I've never worked with a team as strong as I have at Insanity.

Can you tell us something interesting about the Insanity that people may not already know?

We're one of 4 student radio stations in the UK to hold a community FM licence, and our output attracts over 30,000 listeners a week. Considering there are over 100 student radio stations, I think that's something we can all be proud of as a University! We also took over BBC Radio 1 for an evening in 2016, which was an incredible experience. Who knows what's in store for future collaborations?

What can people do if they want to get involved this year?

Follow our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts - all @InsanityRadio.

We publicise on social media ways that people can join the station and get involved (and our channels are a great way to see what's happening on campus). If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact me or one of my team! My email is jamie.woods@insanityradio.com

SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY AS THE CURTAIN RISES ON ANOTHER YEAR, ELEANOR RUTTER EXPLAINS WHY YOU SHOULD GET YOUR TIGHTS ON.

Can you tell me about Shakespeare society?

Shakespeare Society is a friendly and open environment for lovers of both Shakespeare and wider forms of art. We love experimenting with new ways to read and perform Shakespeare, and welcome anyone who is prepared to give it a go. This year, we are aiming to make the society 50% performance and 50% academic based to ensure that we can involve as many people as possible.

What was your favourite production from last year?

My favourite production was probably 'A Midsummer Nightmare' - a comedy spoof of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' done in the style of 'The Play That Goes Wrong'. It was a lot of fun both on and off the stage and everyone just had a really good time with it.

Can anyone audition for shows?

Absolutely! It does not matter if you were born quoting Shakespeare, or if you have never even read one of his works before you audition. All you need is enthusiasm and commitment, and a willingness to try new things.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

As Education and Outreach Officer, I am most looking forward to increasing the amount of academic discussions and workshops we have and expanding the reach of the society by collaborating with others. I’m really aiming to make the society 50/50 academic/performance.

In your opinion what is the best thing about being a part of Shakespeare society at Royal Holloway?

That’s easy, everyone is so friendly! Joining Shakespeare Society in my first year really made me feel at home at university and really helped me to settle in. Everyone was so welcoming.

Do you have any advice for potential new members?

Just throw yourself in! Don’t be afraid to try something new; and have fun with it. We will have a stall at the Fresher’s Fair if you want to come and chat with us, and we will be running events and taster sessions throughout Fresher’s Week for people to get involved in. You can also contact us on our Facebook Page if you would like more information.

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HUMANS VS.

ZOMBIES FLORENCE ROBERTS EXPLAINS WHY IT IS TIME TO LOCK AND LOAD WITH HUMANS VS. ZOMBIES.

So Florence, what exactly is Humans VS Zombies?

Humans VS Zombies (or HvZ) is a 24/7 weeklong survival tag game that runs on campus 6 times a year, where humans use Nerf guns to try to survive the oncoming hoard and zombies hunt humans to grow their numbers. Each night of the game you can attend missions where everyone comes together to try and complete objectives! Play continues on campus during the day, making life that much more exciting – but not in academic buildings, so don’t worry about your studies.

So there aren’t any zombies?

Not that we know of! No makeup or costumes required either, although some players choose to wear it, which is always fun. Our zombies are allowed to run though, so stay alert!

As a society you were awarded ‘Society of the Year’ 2019. Clearly, you’re doing something right.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Humans VS Zombies?

Honestly, I would have to say the community. Our events don’t run without the input of the whole society and it makes for a wonderful, communicative atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming; I’ve met some of my best friends through HvZ. It’s an incredibly unique experience, and there’s nothing on campus quite like it!

What are you most excited about for this year?

Accepting a wave of new members! We love getting more people involved and spreading the fun. I’m so glad I joined in my first year, and I love hearing our current members sharing their passion with new people and getting them excited too!

Why should people join Humans VS Zombies?

Firstly, HvZ is one of those great societies that

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brings together a wide variety of students. There is no norm for course or interests, so we have a wonderfully diverse bunch of people. Secondly, you will probably never get a chance to take part in something like HvZ ever again after you leave university. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that people regret not trying out, and I can tell you it’s definitely worth your time. Finally, the first 20 new members (not just freshers) get a free nerf gun when they sign up!

Do you have any advice for new students?

Take part in everything you can. Join any society that interests you even slightly. I did a 20+ contact hour course and filled my spare time with things I love - it was the best! Don’t end your first year regretting the fact that you missed out when you had the time, because second year gets harder!

What can people do if they want to get involved this year?

Come and say hi at the Freshers’ fair! We will be there giving out nerf guns to new members, and we can tell you more about the society! We will also be running several taster sessions during freshers’ week where you can try out a mini mission. This involves lending you a nerf gun (of which we have many) seeing how long you last against the hoard!

Finally, just give the Facebook page a like. Each event has a different theme, so if one isn’t for you, maybe the next one will be. You can even help run them in your first year, and you’ll find all the info if you follow us! You also get a badge for each game and it is super satisfying to collect them. Hope to see faces both new and old this year!

PHOTOGRAPHER: RUTH FURBER

"IT’S ONE OF THOSE ONCE

IN-A-LIFETIME THINGS" page | 08

WOMENS HOCKEY NIAMH SMITH EXPLAINS WHY UNIVERSITY HOCKEY IS MUCH MORE THAN YOUR SCHOOL DAYS TAUGHT YOU. So Niamh, tell me a little bit about Hockey at Royal Holloway. Why did you join the team?

Well, I joined Hockey because I had been playing hockey for years previous to University; I just love the sport itself, but I could never have anticipated how much I would adore the RHUL Hockey family.

What are you most excited about this year?

I am excited to see what our new committee has up their sleeve, especially our new President (the woman, the myth, the legend) TJ Sullivan. I am also incredibly excited to see how the incredible twos-twos-twos (Ladies 2's) get on in our new leagues after securing a DOUBLE PROMOTION last season!

As someone who was awful at Hockey at school, can less able players like me join the teams?

RHUL Hockey have so many teams for people of any ability to be able to get involved, ranging from Fourth teams all the way to our advanced players in the One's. Furthermore, our excellent coaches will perfectly accommodate anyone of any ability. We have both men's teams as well as women's so anyone is welcome.

What is the best thing about being part of a sports team?

The magic of joining sports teams at University (especially Hockey) is the friends you make! Hockey has become a family away from home for me and I'm so grateful for all the remarkable friends and new relationships I have made that I will carry with me for a lifetime. OH, and did I mention all the socials, international tours, house tournaments and competitions. OOHHH THE EXCITEMENT! Do you have any advice for new students this year?

Personally or in terms of Hockey? Well, in general, joining University can be TERRIFYING but try not to panic and simply live your truth. Be honest to yourself and others, this is the place to be your most authentic self with no judgement so take that by the balls and RUN WITH IT! In terms of Hockey, I cannot say much more than you have to join the biggest and best team on campus to see what I'm banging on about - no two-ways about it!

What can people do if they want to get involved this year?

I'm glad you asked! Come along and find us at the Freshers' Fair and chat with any one of us. We also run our trials for teams on Thursday the 26th September from 7:15 to 9pm. page | 09

And if none of those take your fancy, on the 24th and 25th September we are running open sessions on the astro pitches from 8:30pm - 10pm (Tuesday) and 3pm - 5pm (Wednesday). And if even all that is still not enough to tickle your fancy, just drop us an email at hockey@su.rhul.ac.uk, check us out on Instagram @rhhockey or find us on Facebook at Royal Holloway Hockey. Wow, that is a lot of ways to get involved so we would love to see so many new faces there!

ROYAL HOLLOWAY HOCKEY

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WHICH OF THE FAB-5 IS

YOUR ACCOMMODATION? AS MUCH AS WE ALL WISH WE COULD BE JONATHAN VAN NESS, SHANNON GRAY REMINDS US EACH ACCOMMODATION BLOCK IS FABULOUS IN ITS OWN WAY. Have you been binge-watching 'Queer Eye' and desperately scrambling to find the answer to the age-old question: if one of these men was a Royal Holloway University accommodation, which one would he be? Well, look no further than this fool-proof guide to which ‘Queer Eye’ guy is your accommodation.

Founders - Jonathan Van Ness

Founders is loud and Founders is proud! When you hear “Royal Holloway”, your first thought goes immediately to the wonder that is Founders. Similarly, when you hear ‘Queer Eye’, you immediately picture the beautiful long locks of Jonathan Van Ness. And of course, it goes without question that JVN’s penchant for perfect grooming and impeccable style really vibes with the evergreen beauty of Founders.

Gowar and Wedderburn - Tan France

Let’s face it, Gowar and Wedderburn are the stylish accommodation. Do you have a double bed and ensuite?

Do you have eco-friendly grass roofs? Do you have your own grass patch between your halls? Yes. You are the stylish envy of your classmates! Not to mention it seems only fitting that the ‘Queer Eye’ guy from furthest afield be paired with the accommodation that is the furthest away from your lecture halls. At least you’ll always be in shape from that daily uphill battle!

George Elliot - Karamo Brown

Which accommodation would better suit the lifestyle guru than George Elliot? George Elliot has its life in order, George Elliot is organised, George Elliot is the coolest accommodation. I would trust George Elliot’s life advice with my… well, life. And the sleek chic style of George Elliot suits Karamo’s business casual attire perfectly.

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Williamson, Tuke & Butler -

Antoni Porowski

Have you seen the kitchens in these halls? Fancy, sleek, floor to ceiling windows! The perfect environment for showing off your many variations of avocado dishes.

That is truly all I based this decision on, so…

Kingswood - Bobby Berk

Let’s be real for a second. Kingswood, we honour you. You put in the most effort to get to your lectures every day (there is even a bus involved, for fox sake!) and you never get the appreciation you deserve. Similarly, Bobby Berk renovates an entire house and it all happens behind the camera! So unfair. Let’s show our Kingswood friends (and Bobby Berk) some love and appreciation this year.

Runnymede & Reid - Well...

You’re a free bird, unburdened by the weight of a University Magazine article. Who says what ‘Queer Eye’ guy you get to be? You can be any ‘Queer Eye’ guy you want to be! Hell, maybe the real ‘Queer Eye’ guy was the friends we made along the way. Or maybe there are seven undergraduate accommodations and only five ‘Queer Eye’ guys... unless you want to count Bruley.

Sorry!

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A TEETOTAL GUIDE TO

FRESHERS' JAS SHARLAND SHARES HER ADVICE ON HOW TO STILL GET THE MOST OUT OF FRESHERS' WEEK WITHOUT ALCOHOL. Ah, Freshers. For the majority, the most anticipated event of the year, for others an impending nightmare on the September horizon. For those of us committed to the atypical lifestyle of sobriety, ‘Welcome Week’ at Holloway can seem especially daunting and, in some cases, trigger extreme anxiety. With that said, here’s a few tips to help those of you teetotallers and introverts alike survive the first phase of your university journey.

Tip #1: Join Societies Whether you’re passionate about sports, itching to show off your musical flair, or simply want to further explore academia, there’s a society for everyone on campus.

Being the sloth that I am, I tended to shy away from sports. Instead, I signed up for the uni’s acapella choir Absolute Harmony, the Harry Potter Society and, since I’m studying the subject, the History Society; you’re supposed to be somewhat interested in the course you’re paying £9250 to study, right? I can’t express enough how important these clubs were in getting me through that dreaded week! You will meet so many people, in a comfortable environment, where the pungent smell of Jäger is replaced by the fruity fragrance of bubble tea, just beware of those lethal sports initiations…

Tip #2: Movie Nights, Binges and Baking I remember my first night in Butler so vividly. After lasting all of 5 minutes at a flat party, I made a lucky escape with a flatmate I’d met roughly an hour ago to ‘fetch a bottle opener’. Needless to say, the bottle opener never made it back to the party and neither did we. The rest of the night was spent munching our way through a box of Cadbury’s Heroes whilst I was introduced to the Bad Education Movie (very funny film might I add). We got to ask all the primary questions; Where’s home for you? What A-levels did you do? How do you know when the pasta’s cooked? And, if you’re feeling extra wild why not add baking into the mix- mug cakes are a personal favourite. Binge watches also make for the ideal night in, I’d recommend Plebs or Fresh Meat, rest assured your experience won’t be as tragic as Jack Whitehall’s.

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Tip #3: Try Out Freshers' Festival In the words of Cold Play, “If you never try, you’ll never know”. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best at this, only managing a Toast night (disappointed at the lack of toast) and the Fresher’s Ball. Over the course of my degree I’ve gradually improved my SU night attendance, though my housemates will shake their heads at this. I’ve learnt to enjoy the occasional Come in your Socs or 80s/90s/00s night without the constant urge to run home to my dressing gown and chamomile tea like the pensioner I am.

The right music, positive people and a pint of diet coke, mimicking an alcoholic beverage to curb the infuriating question ‘why don’t you drink?’, make for a brilliant night out. And hey, only you’ll remember everyone’s atrocious dancing in the morning- quality blackmail material. If these nights sound hellish however, the SU holds various alcohol-free events like silent disco’s, picnics and crafting.

Disclaimer: This article was not meant to offend those indulging in the boozy lifestyle, respect each and everyone’s choices folks.

TO EGHAM AND

BEYOND RACHEL HAINS SHARES SOME OF HER FAVOURITE LOCATIONS TO VISIT WHILST AT ROYAL HOLLOWAY.

WINDSOR Despite Virginia Water being only a short walk away, Windsor park is just a 30-minute stroll from the top of campus (or you can Uber your way there in 10). The park itself offers some incredible views all year round, as well as being a perfect place to picnic, walk or chase deer (not recommended). Either way, one photo here and you can stop parents worrying about your lack of exercise this term! You can also head into the town itself which is beautiful, with an array of shops, cafĂŠs and pubs dotted along the high street and the river front. If that isn't enough, you can also stroll along the route Harry and Megan drove after their wedding.

And who can forget the castle? Go on, explore via one of the many tours running from the city centre. It's the easiest way to feel like Holloway Royalty.

STAINES If you are in the mood for a good old Wagamamas, Nandos, or a flat-trip to the cinema, Staines is your best bet. Simply one stop on the train, or a 5-minute Uber ride away, you can access high street brands, restaurants and enjoy the wonders of Vue and Hobbycraft!

There is also a pretty good gym on the high street, and a brilliantly located Primark there too for all your dorm needs (See Shannon's article on page 15 for more advice on what to buy!). Also in Staines is Thorpe Park, which you can get to via the buses running from near the station. There's no better way to bond than screaming together at Fright Night this Halloween. That, and you're never too old to win a plushie-Pokemon for your room...

LONDON The amount of trips my housemates and I have gone on to London the last couple years is astronomical. Between the theatres, galleries, museums, parks, shops and landmarks there is no way you can get bored! There's always something happening in the capital and something new for you to try.

After all, some of my best memories have happened when simply out exploring. Many a society has also had a boat party on the Thames at the end of the year, which is an amazing opportunity to see the city lit up at night. And before you worry about costs and getting around, a rail card will save you a small fortune, with a simple return ticket costing ÂŁ16 for the day. Either way, you and your experience as a student will be all the richer for visiting this amazing stomping ground that's a speedy 40 minutes away.

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HOW TO PERSONALISE

YOUR NEW ROOM LEAVING HOME CAN BE TOUGH, SO SHANNON GRAY HAS SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR NEW ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME. Your dorm room is where you’ll spend the majority of your time at University, and personalising it is one of the most crucial parts of making your experience here unique! So we here at Orbital have made you a list of tips to make sure you get the most out of your room decor.

Poster Sale - On the 23rd and 24th, the Student

Electric Wax Melter/Reed Diffuser - As you may well

Union is holding a giant poster sale that is perfect for

know, candles are a big no-no in accommodation. So a

freshers dorms! There are posters for everyone,

good way to spread some beautiful scents throughout

ranging from Disney, to classic art, to iconic album

your room are wax melters and reed diffusers. Not to

covers, to Pokemon, to so many more unique

mention that olfactory senses can provide some of

designs. You will be sure to find something to tickle

the strongest memories, so that means they are

your fancy! Tip within a tip: Be sure to pick up some

completely necessary revision guides, right?

white tac to ensure you won’t be peeling any of the

Organisational Decor - Organisation is a vital part of

paint off your walls.

your university life, but that does not mean it has to

Plant Sale - Also on the 23rd, there is a plant sale in

be boring. Pen pots, filing sets, folder holders, they

the Union square for our green-fingered freshers!

can all be fun and colourful, and they can spruce up

Plants are a cute way to spruce up your room as well

your dorm room in a way that is also beneficial to

as giving yourself a hobby and a little green friend.

Run along to pick up some cacti, venus flytraps and maybe even an orchid (if you like a challenge!).

Washi Tape - Looking for a unique way to hang up your photos from home? Look no further than washi tape! It doesn’t peel off any paint and can come in a variety of colourful and creative patterns. You can use it to create little freehand frames around your pictures or to just tape them up to your walls.

A Rug - Ok, now some rooms might not be big enough for this. But, if you have enough space in your room, it might be worthwhile looking for a cute little rug. They add a lot of warmth and personality to a room and draw your eye. You can find anything from Aztec patterns to cute animals, so get rug hunting!

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your studying. Paperchase loves selling fun little organisational bits and bobs, as do Ikea, so it might be worth checking out their range during the welcome week Ikea visit!

Cinema Lightbox - It may seem a little cliché, but cinema light-boxes are a great way to jazz up your room and add some personal flair. If you are not sure what they are, they are little light boards akin to old fashioned cinema boards where you can write whatever you want across them. They are helpful for setting up reminders, and little welcome greetings!

SOMETHING ON YOUR

MIND? F F E S

RESHERS' CAN OR EVERYONE. XPLORES JUST ERVICES AVAIL

BE A STRESSFUL TIME TO HELP, ISOBEL CLARKE SOME OF THE AMAZING ABLE ON CAMPUS.

Freshers' week is one of the most exciting times at the university, as well as being daunting for new students. As you begin your university experience, you may struggle with the issues that come with your new transition, or you may already be aware of a mental condition before joining us. Either way, there is a great deal of support to aid student wellbeing on campus. Here are some advice and tips on how to take care of yourself throughout Freshers' Week: Go out and meet people! Get to know your flatmates if you’re in halls, or attend some of the events on offer.

Meeting people who are going through the same thing as you can make everything seem less overwhelming.

Listen to your body. Don’t try to push yourself too hard.

If you need to rest, then rest! Try to eat at least a few fruit and vegetables this week, as well as drinking water. Trust me, it will help with the hangover!

If you’re feeling down or homesick, try to talk it out with someone. Whether this is a relative or a friend, sharing a problem can often make things seem easier.

Keep in contact with your support system back at home. Whether this is family or friends, check in with them and let them know how you’re getting on.

Know that you might not be able to make best friends for life this week, but you will make friends eventually.

Be patient for the right people for you!

Register at the Health Centre in Founders East. Do it as soon as you possibly can, maybe with some of your new friends or acquaintances.

If you choose to, register for free Counselling. You can register with them at Founders West 171, which will only take a few minutes. Call 01784 44312 or email counselling@royalholloway.ac.uk.

Whether your issue is academic, social or financial, we will be able to help you. All of this information can be found on the Royal Holloway Website and on the Student Intranet. Below are the helpline numbers should you need them anytime during this week and the rest of your time at university.

Call the Nightline on 020 7631 0101 or email them at: listening@nightline.org.uk or visit their website if you would prefer to Skype them during 6pm-8am College Security 01784 443063 Health Centre 01784 443131 Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org page |16

LOCATION! LOCATION!

LOCATION! Y B P P

OUR E CO AGE. ICKS

TIME MPLE SAM FOR

AT ROYAL HOLLOWAY WOULD NOT TE WITHOUT A KILLER INSTAGRAM STEPHENSON OFFERS HIS BEST FRESHERS' & VETERANS ALIKE.

Coming to university is a seminal moment in anyone’s life: new friends will be made, new lessons learned, and (most importantly) new Instagram followers gained. My name is Sam Stephenson and I am a self-confessed Instagram addict.

Before, Instagram was something I would occasionally glance at, yet since arriving, I’ve been well and truly sucked in!

Really the only place to start on a list of instagramable spots for Holloway students; the iconic Founders building. This location offers the discerning Instagramer the perfect ‘first post of uni’ shot. Opened in 1886 and looking like a more orange version of Hogwarts, the Founders building has been the backdrop of many a feature film, so it understandably provides countless opportunities for successful posts. This place basically was made for Instagram. I mean, there’s a reason it’s on the front of the prospectus!

FOUNDERS

INSTA FACTOR 10/10

What better way to show off your new hard working student lifestyle than through a hard working Instagram post? Why not take a trip to the reading room, pick up a dusty old volume (Homer’s Odyssey is a personal favourite) and adopt your best "concentration” face. Voila, you’ve got yourself the makings of superb post in a nice classical setting! However, beware the wrath from fellow students less than keen on being disturbed by vital social media-ing. As if anything could be more important than Instagram?

If the retro stylings of Founders aren’t your social media cup of tea, then the more modern library is potentially right up your street. Costing the college £57 million (or the equivalent of 6,162 years of study at the current student loan rate) the library can offer much in the way of self-serving Instagram posts. Indeed the in-house Starbucks is a favourite haunt for Holloway Instagram addicts like myself. A post featuring a large intimidating pile of books next to a Starbucks coffee simply screams student life.

DAVIDSON BUILDING

INSTA FACTOR 7/10

@sam_stephenson99

Whilst the prices of the café will test even the most generous maintenance loans, the importance of the lake to the discerning Holloway Instagram cannot be understated. Famously flown over by Harry Potter on Buckbeak, the lake is hardly bad to look at from any angle. It works especially well for any ‘contemplation shots’ you might be wanting to get. Looking out over the lake into the middle distance, adopting a brooding expression is a gold mine for likes (or at the very least a concerned message from your mother).

FOUNDERS READING ROOM

VIRGINIA WATER

INSTA FACTOR 9/10

INSTA FACTOR 8/10

There you have it, your top Instagram locations for campus (and slightly beyond). Remember that no matter how hard your studies get this year, Instagram will always be there to welcome you home!

page | 17

FRIENDS, MONEY, AVOID: THE 3

GOLDEN RULES OF FRESHERS' ISOBEL CLARKE BREAKS DOWN THE THREE KEY RULES TO SURVIVING FRESHERS' WEEK.

Freshers' is a time for making mistakes and building a hilarious repertoire of stories to tell the grandkids. You will most likely make an idiot out of yourself, but here is how to make the right friends, and avoid taking the next train home. You are welcome.

1.

Rule One: Friends

2.

Rule Two: Money

3.

Rule Three: Avoid

Making new friends is awkward. You will be asked where you are from and what A Levels you did a million times over. (Please. For the love of God. Someone find something more interesting to say).

My advice, do not settle for the first group of people you meet. You will find your people eventually. You’ve just got to kiss a few frogs before you get there.

Imagine this: it’s a month into your university experience. You were once king of the world, and now you are deep into the depths of your overdraft, drowning in pot noodles and sorrow, only because you brought one too many Jägerbombs in Freshers Week. Please, please, please just BUDGET. I know it is tempting to splash the cash on Dominos and drinks, but trust me.

Your stomach will not thank you later.

Avoid overdoing it. Sleep when you need to sleep, and keep hydrated. FRESHERS' FLU IS REAL. There will be a plethora of events on this week, and although the decision between Foam Party or Toga Party is always a tricky one, you cannot do it all.

Think of your wellbeing and pray that you will actually be able to make it to your first lecture.

page |18

A LETTER TO THE CURRENT

FRESHERS' NATASHA MAE REFLECTS ON HER FRESHERS' EXPERIENCE, AND WHY IT IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE. Welcome University Newbies! Making your way to Uni can be a daunting experience, but do not let that force you into hiding, questioning whether you should have repeated A-levels. University is one of life’s opportunities I can guarantee you will not regret (apart from the allnighters that will happen on many a shameful occasion).

As a student going into third year, I felt it necessary to share my Fresher experience, so here it is: I sucked at being a fresher. I, instead, found myself becoming a fresher later in my degree rather than at the only acceptable time you are ‘allowed’ to act like you have no idea what’s going on (in truth, no-one ever really knows what is going on at Uni). The only activities I found myself engaging with were the compulsory academic start-ups and book sales, and with not being a huge one for parties (which I can say now for anyone who feels the same… that will change), I found Freshers' Ball was enough to get me started on the supposed student nightlife.

Here are some other things to consider as you transition to a very different student lifestyle: When you meet your new flatmates, everything will seem like a ray of fresh sunshine, but it will not always be - You will tell yourself you need to clean the dishes, but really, they will sit there for a week. That, and noone ever wants to take the rubbish out so be prepared for the smell of rotting food and sour milk.

Circuit Laundry will also take money from you like a thief, so GET THE CARD – it is a trustworthy friend.

You may believe your new lecturers will not pay attention to who is in class, but oh boy they do. They may not know your name, but they know your face.

Don’t risk missing important meetings because someone found Imagine and the amazing bubble tea two minutes before class.

But, not everything is chaos at the start. Within a day, you'll find a person who will become your third hip all throughout uni. You'll find mutual struggles with peers, and often those peers will be there with you when you need a helping hand. You end up having a very quick realisation that Uni is not as scary as it's made out to be,

page | 19

and now that you are a place away from home, you can live your full potential. But most of all, some of the best memories you will ever make will take place during freshers’ week.

Something I highly recommend doing is attending the freshers' fair at the sports hall. This is a fantastic way to discover what the Uni has to offer AND it's even possible to make new friends and network in the short time it takes to get through the end. Not to mention, you are given many, many, many, fun and delicious freebies (who doesn’t love a freebie, especially on a student budget).

Aside from the security of being on campus, take the time to explore the local area too. Windsor is five minutes down the road and the cheap shopping central known as Staines is only a bus ride away. You don't always need to spend a fortune in London. Alternatively, take a picnic to Virginia Waters and explore their numerous gardens (or the Uni pond by Founders is also pretty neat).

As the Societies and Sports Editor, I can't welcome you to Royal Holloway without mentioning how epic our extracurricular activities are. You'll not often get the opportunity to let loose and have fun outside of work when you graduate, so while you have the chance I highly encourage you to check out some available happenings. I myself have been in multiple societies: History Society, Harry Potter Society, Comp Sci, and Ballroom & Latin Dancesport. Joining a society or sport isn't only one of the best ways to make friends and relieve yourself from the stress of deadlines and lecture theatres, but also to harness new opportunities, adventures and interests.

Thought you hated political debates? Think again.

Thought you were no longer allowed to run about in mud and tackle people? Well the Uni invites you to. Whatever you find thrilling, I guarantee you'll find it available here.

Now is the time to try something new and take a leap forward in the world of adulting and decision making.

So, as the week commences, I welcome you wholeheartedly to Royal Holloway and hope you find yourself feeling at home. Remember – as an official ‘Roho’ student, you're now entitled to brag continuously to your loved ones that you live in a castle. It is Hogwarts!

"THE BEST

MEMORIES YOU'LL

EVER MAKE WILL

TAKE PLACE

DURING FRESHERS’

WEEK."

page |20

YOUR GUIDE TO FRESHERS'

FESTIVAL 2019 KIERAN BATEMAN GIVES US HIS RUNDOWN ON THE EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS FRESHERS FESTIVAL. You have done the difficult bit. You smashed your A-Levels and made it to RHUL, but now the real work begins.

It is time to move into halls and party all week - hard, I know. Freshers' Festival is every new students’ chance to really settle into university life, make friends, and get ahead on your Term 1 reading. While that all sounds exactly like you would expect it to, I am sure you have burning questions about the week ahead: “Where on campus sells the cheapest VKs?”, “How do I make it onto Royal Holloway Secret Admirers?” and “How many nights out a week is too many nights out?”. Well, I have got you covered. I have been everywhere, done them all, and got the Royal Holloway History Society pub crawl t-shirt to prove it.

SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Roller Disco, 9pm – 11pm This one holds a special place in my heart. This is the first event that I went to in my first year, and it turns out that having everyone laugh at you falling over every few minutes is a great ice breaker. Head down to the Sports Centre at 9pm and try staying on your feet.

Evening Entertainment: Freshers' Party, 10pm – 3am Inaugurate the SU at its first event of the year by hitting the Fresher’s Party. This is your chance to debut the dance moves that you have been working on all summer, so get out there and cut some shapes.

MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Freshers’ Fair, 12pm – 5pm Since you have probably picked up this copy of The Orbital at Freshers’ Fair, maybe even given your details to a couple societies, you ought to know that joining a society or club is probably the best thing you will do all week. Being part of a student group is a great way to involve yourself in university life, and meet people with similar interests to your own. Plus, Freshers’ Fair has free Domino’s. I call that a win-win.

Evening Entertainment: Ibiza Pool Party ft. Patrick Nazemi, 10pm – 3am If you didn’t make it to Maga this summer, this is probably the next best thing. With DJ Patrick Nazemi providing the beats, this night out is probably the cheapest lads holiday you will find this side of EasyJet. Still no unchecked luggage allowed though.

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Market Day/Poster Sale, 10am – 4pm You are not a first-year student unless you have a poster on your wall. That is just the rule, so best to get in there early by heading over to the Union Tent and picking something out that will add a little flair to your halls.

Evening Entertainment: Casa Amor ft. Chris Taylor, 10pm – 3am If your Love Island withdrawal symptoms have already begun to kick in (shouting ‘MESSAGE’ whenever someone gets a text, or describing that girl/guy at the SU as ‘your type on paper’) then make sure to catch a recently single Chris Taylor at Medicine. As they say, it is what it is.

page | 21

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Treasure Trails, 12pm – 5pm If you are still getting lost by Wednesday, take this opportunity to explore campus with new friends while earning prizes along the way. Afterwards you will not have any excuse to be late to your start up lectures anymore, but I won’t tell anyone.

Evening Entertainment: Flawless ft. Big Narstie and DJ Cameo, 10pm – 3am Now this is going to go off. Flawless is by far the best night on campus, with previous guests including MoStack, Not3s, and Yxng Bane. When Big Narstie takes the stage, you can be sure he will F*ck Up The Base.

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Union Fest and Petting Zoo, 10am – 4pm Street food, candyfloss and a petting zoo? With live music? Outside the SU? See you there. As an added bonus, societies will be hosting their own stalls at Union Plaza, so if you missed out on Freshers’ Fair, this is your chance to get involved.

Evening Entertainment: Smells Like Teen Spirit ft. Two Door Cinema Club (DJ Set), 10pm – 3am If indie rock is your scene, Two Door Cinema Club will be hosting their own SU night featuring only the tastiest rock jams. If that’s not your bag, the ever-popular Rainbow Rave is returning to Medicine on the 26th, where LGBT+ Society will be serving up glitter and glam all night long.

FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: Laser Tag, 10am – 4pm As soon as this kicks off, all those friendships you have made this week will disappear, and all of a sudden shooting people with lasers becomes your entire life’s ambition. Or at least for the 15 minutes you are allocated.

Evening Entertainment: Pop! ft. Sisters of RuPaul's Drag Race, 10pm – 3am Friday night will see drag queens Suga Cain, Scarlet Envy and Mercedes Iman Diamond host the first ever Pop! night at the SU. Guaranteed to be the sassiest night of the week, Pop! is the place to be for cheesy tunes, while Panjabi MC will be laying down Bhangra, hip-hop and RnB tracks at Meds. Truly a Friday night for everyone to get involved.

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Daily Pick: IKEA Trip, 12pm – 5pm If you can even make it out of bed on the Saturday, you are a hero. If you can not, maybe a helping of IKEA meatballs will revive you in time for the Fresher’s Ball. Either way, this trip is an excellent opportunity to pick up all the essentials that you have inevitably forgotten to bring from home.

Evening Entertainment: Freshers' Ball ft. Chase & Status + Rage (DJ Set), 8pm – 2am To round off the week, Chase and Status will headline the Freshers’ Ball in the South Quad of the beautiful Founders Building. If you live in Founders, this will either be your favourite or your least favourite night of the week – if you go, you only live right upstairs, and if you don’t go, you will most likely be kept up all night by techno tunes regardless.

Either way, the Freshers’ Ball always ends the week on a high note, provided you don’t spill too many VKs on your brand-new outfit.

That is it from me for this edition, but if big club nights are not your thing then be sure to check out Jas Sharland’s Teetotal Freshers’ Survival Guide on page 13. This year’s programme features the most alcohol-free events we have ever had, so never feel as if you have to drink to be part of the fun. See you out there!

page | 22

Freshers' Flu:

Myth or Reality?

WITH FRESHERS' WEEK ONLY A FEW WEEKS AWAY, ELLIE DARWOOD REMEMBERS FACING THE DREADED FRESHERS' FLU. "I’ll be fine. I don’t get ill” - A statement that I found myself repeatedly saying throughout the duration of my first year at university. And was I right? Well, not exactly.

All Freshers' (and returning students) are aware of the omnipotence of the dreaded Freshers' flu and the possibility of being bed-bound for the most jam-packed, fun-filled first weeks of university. The constant hubbub surrounding the inevitability of catching the most horrific illness known to party goers consumed my thoughts for not only the first weeks of university but also the week leading to its commencement.

I arrived at university equipped with stashes of tissues, gallons of hand sanitiser and enough multivitamins to supply a family of four for a decade. I could not help but wonder about thousands of new germs I was encountering and the probability of being sent to the infirmary by them. And I was not the only one who had Freshers' flu on their mind. It seemed to be the topic of choice in many conversations, with several individuals expressing their approaches to avoid contracting any sort of illness. While the majority of these suggestions remained in the sensible realm, one individual's claim that "tall people don’t get ill because they soar above bacteria" continues to baffle me. And as a tall woman, I can confirm is completely untrue.

But when it comes to it, there is only a certain amount of precautionary measures that you can take before looking like: an idiot, a hypochondriac or both. Therefore, I banished any fear I had of getting ill into the deepest depths of my mind. I began to listen less to the irrational fears of my parents and started to enjoy the best week of the year.

Was this the right decision? Absolutely! But more importantly, did I get ill?

Well, if you count a few sniffles as ill then, yes. However, at no point was I bed-bound, sent to the infirmary or restricted from participating in everything I wished to do. So, I would say I pretty successfully avoided Freshers' flu.

But, is Freshers' flu a myth or reality? Well, it certainly isn't a myth but it doesn't have to be a reality either! Just be prepared and take care of yourself, and you will be absolutely fine.

page | 23

HOW TO GET A FIRST IN

BEING AN ADULT IF YOU ARE STILL WORRIED ABOUT FRESHERS' FLU OR KEEPING YOURSELF HEALTHY AT UNIVERSITY, RACHEL HAINS HAS SOME SUGGESTIONS. Being a University student is hard. There is no two ways about it. Between the long hours studying, keeping up with lectures, seeing friends, being in socities and managing a part time job we are always spread pretty thin. On one hand, this results in one of the most rewarding experiences of your life - and one you will constantly be grateful for in later years - but on the other hand, it can be a physical and mental struggle to achieve.

However, as Izzy explained in her article back on page 16, not matter what you may think you are never alone. Not for a second; Royal Holloway has some amazing services on hand to support you throughout your studies. You also have the best support network you could ever ask for - fellow students! Think about it, you are all going through the exact same thing at the same time. There couldn't be a better support system if you tried for advice, hugs or long rants about how hard you're finding things. You are all learning to be adults together. If it helps, think of it as you all have the training wheels on your bike right now. Together, you'll learn how to ride and survive without them once you leave University and enter the big wide world.

One of the hardest things to learn about being an adult isn't remembering to pay your bills on time, or forcing yourself to keep on top of your workload. No. It's actually remembering to take care of yourself. This can be done in a lot of different ways, from your diet, to sleep patterns, to exercise as well as just taking time to have fun and let yourself relax! As many people in this issue have already explained, societies are one of the best and most effective ways of doing this. Many involve physical activities that can keep you in shape, but they can also be crucial in giving you a space to unwind and let off some steam. They also provide you with another group of friends you can rely on or ask for advice as you work your way through your degree. That, and you can always just take out your stress on the rugby pitch...

Another important factor to consider is diet. As hard as it is not to just live off a diet of pot noodles, or instant meals, thinking about what you're eating is a brilliant way to keep healthy. Eating the odd apple or trying to incorporate some vegetables in your meals is always

smart. Plus, you can boast about your culinary creations to your parents or via a killer Instagram shot #studentchef. Besides, eating regularly gives you a routine and much needed energy for the day ahead. You won't make it through the day if you haven't eaten properly, trust me - caffeine is no substitute for breakfast! After all, no one wants to be the person who's stomach is growling in a full lecture theatre. So eat and drink plenty of water when you can. Your body will thank you for it. Eating can also be a great social experience if you decide to prepare a meal as a flat or go down to the dining hall and mingle with other diners. One of the many highlights of my first year was making pizzas with my flatmates. True, cleaning all the flour off the sides the next morning wasn't great but the greasy stuffed crust pizzas definitely made up for it.

Another great tip I can give you is that remembering life exists beyond University. Of course, I'm not saying ignore your degree or anything like that. What I'm saying is that you need to take a good long look at your timetable and figure out what routine works best for you. When can you carve out a pocket of time just to simply catch up on Netflix, or even go for a walk? One of the best things I did in my first year was allocate myself strict curfews. For instance, promising myself not to do work after 8pm every night meant I had time to go out or also just get some sleep! Trust me, sleep is a student's friend. You have to pace yourself and let your body recover if you want to make it to the end of this three year marathon and graduate like the boss you are.

Now, there is one last crucial thing I need to add to this article. HYGIENE! Please, please, please don't let plates stack up in your room or go without a shower for longer than a day. No one will thank you for it if you show up to work or a party smelling like your overflowing bins and you will also feel the negative effects. Being surrounded by mess can be overwhelming and depressing. So, empty your bins. Hoover. Even open the window occassionally to let some light and fresh air in your room.

All of these are just little ways to keep your mind and your body healthy, but they really do make all the difference in the long run. page | 24

Meet

The

Bo

NAME: Rachel Hains BOARD POSITION: Editor in Chief COURSE: English and Drama WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Sara Bareilles WHAT I'M WATCHING: Queer Eye Season 4 WHAT I'M READING: Kingdom of Ash WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Graduating, but also spending the year working with these lovely people to make this Orbital's best year yet!

NAME: Alex Jones BOARD POSITION: Deputy Editor COURSE: Law WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Between the Country by Ian Noe WHAT I'M READING: On The Road by Jack Kerouac (again) WHAT I'M WATCHING: Long Strange Trip WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR: Collaboration between media outlets and, of course, graduating!

NAME: Sam Stephenson POSITION ON COMMITTEE: Features Editor COURSE: History WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Lewis Capaldi WHAT I'M WATCHING: Friends WHAT I'M READING: Harry Potter for the millionth time WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Procrastinating over my dissertation.

ard

2019/20

NAME: Shay Gray BOARD POSITION: Comment Editor COURSE: English and Film Studies WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Iron and Wine WHAT I'M WATCHING: Dear White People WHAT I'M READING: The Art of Driving in the Rain WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Making new friends!

NAME: Isobel Clarke BOARD POSITION: Culture & Art Editor COURSE: English and Drama WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Queen and 70's Disco, baby!

WHAT I'M WATCHING: Chernobyl WHAT I'M READING: Mythos by Stephen Fry WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Enjoying my last year with my favourite people!

NAME: Amy Breese BOARD POSITION: Head of Design COURSE: English and Drama WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Anything Musical Theatre WHAT I'M WATCHING: Good Girls WHAT I'M READING: Before I Go to Sleep WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Finding new and exciting ways to put off doing work :)

Meet

The

Bo

NAME: Katy Murray BOARD POSITION: Social Secretary COURSE: History WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: The Waitress Cast WHAT I'M WATCHING: Community WHAT I'M READING: The Outsiders WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Hopefully another Boat social on the Thames! There's nothing like doing karaoke as you pass Big Ben.

NAME: Jas Sharland BOARD POSITION: Photography Editor COURSE: History WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Taylor Swift WHAT I'M WATCHING: Stranger Things WHAT I'M READING: The Autobiography of Malcolm X WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Star Wars Episode IX!

NAME: Lovetta Pujeh BOARD POSITION: Science and Gaming Editor COURSE: English literature & Philosophy WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Kendrick Lamar WHAT I'M READING: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman: my favourite book!

WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Having new board members and also getting more involved.

ard

2019/20

NAME: Kieran Bateman BOARD POSITION: Lifestyle Editor COURSE: History WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Donovan Woods WHAT I'M WATCHING: Family Guy WHAT I'M READING: Duma Key WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Getting back in the SU and cutting some shapes.

NAME: Natasha Mae BOARD POSITION: Sports and Societies Editor COURSE: History and English WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Greta Van Fleet WHAT I'M WATCHING: Mindhunter WHAT I'M READING: Too big to walk; the new science of dinosaurs by Brian J. Ford WHAT I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YEAR: Enjoying the pensioner lifestyle as I drown my third year dissertation in pizza, slippers and karaoke.

NAME: Ian Hayes BOARD POSITION: Head of Distribution COURSE: Politics To find out more about Ian's role and our new plans to become even more sustainable, check out 'Going Green: An Orbital Effort' on page 3.

ORBITAL Can't make it? Don't worry, we're off to The Happy Man pub afterwards and you're more than welcome to come chat or start your Friday night earlyÂ

TASTER

SESSION FRIDAY

27TH

SEPTEMBER

5-6PM

COME SAY HI AND SEE WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

IN MCCREA LGF-13

ORBITAL Editorial Board & Contributors Editor in Chief

Deputy Editor Head of Design Photography Editor

Rachel Hains Alex Jones Amy Breese Jas Sharland

Head of Distribution

Ian Hayes

Comment Editor

Shay Gray

Features Editor

Sam Stephenson

Lifestyle Editor

Kieran Bateman

Arts & Culture Editor

Izzy Clarke

Science & Gaming Editor

Lovetta Pujeh

Sports & Socities Editor

Natasha Mae

Social Secretary

Katy Murray

Contributors

Ellie Darwood

Interviewees

Jamie Woods Eleanor Rutter Florence Roberts Niamh Smith

ORBITAL WANT YOU! Fancy being a part of our wonderful Board this year? Well, you are in luck! We have a few remaining Board positions so come chat or message one of us if you think it would be something you would be interested in. Don't worry though, you don't need any past experience - we'll teach you everything you need to know. We also need deputy editors to shadow & assist our current editors, so if you want to get involved but would prefer a smaller role then this would be perfect for you! Check out our website, or find us on social media if you want to know more.

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