Student Pocket Guide Summer 2022 #49 | West Midlands Student Magazine by Student Pocket Guide

STUDENT POCKET GUIDE SUMMER 2022 #49 WEST MIDLANDS

WOLF ALICE . CALUM SCOTT CONOR MAYNARD

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EDITOR’S LETTER Hello! We aim to bring a ray of sunshine into your lives with the release of our Spring/Summer 2022 issue. As the days become longer and warmer we look forward to much that the British summer has to offer… Festivals, BBQs, parties and chillin’ in the sun! Get your sunnies, shorts and sun cream lotion at the ready. Oh yeah! Before you dash off to light the BBQ, take a seat and give yourself some much deserved ‘me time’. Feast your eyes on this latest issue packed with exclusive student deals, reviews, tips, an Acer laptop competition, and advice from huge names in the music scene... Conor Maynard talks to us about his new music, tour and career (having racked up 2.5B views on YouTube). The global pop star also lets us into the world of celebrity dating – from awkward first dates to being banned from almost all online dating sites! Calum Scott explains how it felt reaching number 1 in the UK Singles Chart. He also reflects upon his time on Britain’s Got Talent, talks about his new music, career highs and lows and provides valuable advice for upcoming talent. Wolf Alice took a moment out of their huge world tour to chat to us about their lastest album ‘Blue Weekend’, their writing process and favourite moments. This issue’s cover star Alt-J spare a moment, all the way from North America, to update us on their tour, new album entitled ‘The Dream’, taking inspiration from crypto currency and true crime, and what their dreams as a band are for the future. Plus, we’ve featured a selection of festivals and student hacks. So, whether your plans this summer include festivals, partying, adventures, finding love, accommodation or studying, we’ve got you covered! All Rights Reserved © Pocket Media Group Ltd 2022. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any of the views or opinions expressed in this guide, errors or omissions which may have occurred, or accept liability for any services or facilities featured. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct, changes may and can occur.

CONOR MAYNARD

WOLF ALICE

CALUM SCOTT

ALT-J

>>>

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If you want to travel somewhere far, consider teaching English in Thailand on your summer break. Many schools in the country offer short-term teaching jobs. If you get accepted, you will be offered a contract for only a few months of work. Some language schools also require short-term teaching jobs for Native English Speakers, ideal for those who want to make a little extra money while on a short holiday in the country. Sure, you may not earn that much, but the best thing you can get out of this experience is the opportunity to learn about new cultures and teach students from different backgrounds.

Do you have a passion for wildlife conservation? If so, consider signing up for volunteering on some wildlife conservation projects during your summer break. These programmes are an incredible way to help preserve our most amazing animals, which are currently under massive threat. You can sign up for elephant sanctuary volunteer programmes, turtle conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and more. The more work you do as an animal conservation volunteer, the bigger your contribution is to preserving the wildlife we have before they disappear.

If you are into sports, consider volunteering as a sports coach. For instance, if you’re into football, you can become a football coach in Africa and other developing countries. You do not necessarily need to be a professional or exceptionally talented in the sport to get involved. However, it does help if you are fond of the sport and have practical knowledge of the game. As a sports coach volunteer, you can make a huge difference in the lives of these children by keeping them off the streets and out of trouble.

If you are a student in the medical field, there are various medical volunteer opportunities abroad to consider for your summer break. This is an excellent opportunity to gain international experience while helping to improve the healthcare outcomes in some vulnerable communities around the world. Participants joining these volunteer programmes will have to go on a medical mission trip to some faraway countries and work under the supervision of professional doctors, nurses, and other medical volunteers.

Another productive way to spend your summer holiday is to sign up for community development programmes across several countries, from South Africa to Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. Participants of these programmes will have the opportunity to contribute to educational programmes designed for children, help in renovation and building work, work with NGOs, and organise awareness drives. The best part about becoming a volunteer for these programmes is that you can take up several different tasks in a single project – teach English, help with school renovation, be part of awareness campaigns and more.

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Summer is FINALLY here, and with it come long nights that are perfect for going out. So why not celebrate the season of sun, sand, and sea by adding a splash of summer to your pre-drinks? This selection of cocktails is sure to put you in a summery mood while being cheap and simple to make.

Before getting started, you’ll need to have a small measuring cup and a cocktail shaker. Thankfully, these are easily accessible online, and you can get a small kit for as little as £10! Now, without further ado, here are some super low-cost and straightforward cocktails to shake up your pre-drinks. Inspired by Florida, this is a refreshing cocktail of raspberry and lime. You can find Simple Syrup online for under £10, and the rest can be found in your local supermarket or corner shop. If you can’t find lime juice, simply use juice from half a lime. To make a Floridora, just mash the raspberries in with the syrup, lime juice and gin, gently shake the ingredients together and pour over ice. Delicious!

Ajax Punch is a summer hit among cocktail fans. Its combination of watermelon, cucumber, and sparkling wine makes it the perfect refresher on a warm day. And, containing two types of alcohol, it’s a delicious way to start a night out. The trick to making Ajax Punch is to put the watermelon cubes and sliced cucumber at the bottom of the glass, beneath the ice. Then, in your cocktail mixer, blend the syrup, white rum, lime juice and pour the mixture into the glass. Top it off with some prosecco, and voila, you have a glass of Ajax Punch!

A summer pre-drinks sesh wouldn’t be complete without a Blue Hawaii cocktail. You’ll be wowed by the sapphire blue colour of this drink and even more pleased by its tropical taste! Blue Curacao can be purchased online for as little as £6. And the rest of the ingredients can be found in almost every store. To make this drink, just shake the ingredients together in your mixture and pour over ice. For that added wow factor, try garnishing the glass with a slice of pineapple.

While Strawberry Daiquiri is typically served frozen, it can be pretty tasty either way. And because the sweetness of the strawberries hides the flavour of the alcohol well, this drink is an excellent way to start the night. To make it, just blend or mash the strawberries and combine them with the other ingredients in your cocktail shaker and serve over ice.

Probably the most straightforward drink on this list, the Tequila Sunrise is another crowd-pleaser. Firstly, pour the grenadine into your glass and set it aside. Then, combine the orange juice, tequila, and triple sec (if you’re using it) in your mixer, along with some ice. Finally, slowly pour the mixture down the side of your glass, careful to not disturb the grenadine. And there you have it, some simple and low-cost cocktails to add a splash of summer to your pre-drinks, enjoy!

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HEY CONOR, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK WITH US! HOW ARE YOU KEEPING, AND WHERE ARE YOU NOW (WHAT CAN YOU SEE)? Right now I’m in London. I’m in my flat and I can see that one of the candles in my living room is about to finish, so I’m going to have to get a new one. So yeh, really interesting stuff!

YOU’VE JUST RELEASED A REALLY CATCHY AND NEW ORIGINAL TRACK ENTITLED P.G.N.L. I’M SURE THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE HIT! CAN YOU TELL US THE STORY BEHIND THIS SONG PLEASE? I wrote it 6 months ago about my (then) girlfriend. P.G.N.L. stands for ‘Pretty Girl Named Layla’ and that is her name! I wrote it when we were still together and then we split up, however we are still friends so it’s all good and she loves the song.

PART OF THE LYRICS FROM THE SONG SAY “I KNOW I TALK SOME BULLSH*T WHEN I DRINK, BUT OH WELL” WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK, AND BEST HANGOVER CURE!? Interestingly I don’t actually drink anymore, I stopped about 6 months ago basically because I didn’t have a hangover cure. The hangovers were so bad I was like I can’t really do this. I just thought I’d see how long I can go without drinking because it wasn’t really improving my life. But my go to drink when I was drinking depends on what mood I’m in. If I’m going out with friends and not really feeling the mood, I’ll probably have an espresso martini to help wake me up. Otherwise, it’s an ice cold Corona with a lime in the sun, yeh that’s my go to!

THE SONG TALKS ABOUT EXCHANGING NUMBERS AND HOOKING UP - WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP WHEN IT COMES TO DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS? For me, it sounds cliché but the most important thing is to be yourself. It’s so important, if you click with someone while hiding your personality it doesn’t really make any sense. It’s essentially clicking with them on false pretences. I think be confident, for me it’s all about talking to people, communicating with them - you can normally feel if you’re into each other straight away. I also think this can be a hard one sometimes but don’t take it so personally if it’s clearly not a vibe. Sometimes you’ve got to remember there really are plenty more people out there, you can’t be hung up on someone if it’s not meant to be.

AS A HIGH-PROFILE ARTIST, HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT MEETING SOMEONE TO FIND LOVE? FOR INSTANCE, WOULD YOU EVER BE FOUND ON AN ONLINE DATING SITE? Well, I’m banned from almost all dating sites because my profile gets constantly reported for being fake. I would say 9 out of 10 times I get people messaging me for proof it’s actually me!

WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU ON A DATE? Oooh, I remember I was on a date a few years ago now and a dad came over to me while we were out and he was like ‘aw I love you, my daughter loves you’ etc. He then goes ‘you’re better than Justin Bieber’ and starts talking about how Justin Bieber’s fans are called ‘Beliebers’ and they’ve all got ‘Bieber Fever’. So he says ‘I’ve thought of what your fans could have, ‘Conorea’…and I was sat there with this girl while he’s making word play on STDs. Not the most ideal topic on a date…

YOUR PREVIOUS RELEASE WAS A REIMAGINATION OF I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY, ORIGINALLY BY WHITNEY HOUSTON. WHAT WAS IT THAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COVER THIS PARTICULAR TRACK? I’ve always been a huge fan of the song. The idea of doing a version popped into my head years ago, I think I was at the premiere for Avengers End Game in LA and the DJ started playing this remix of I Wanna Dance with Somebody and it was really different and upbeat – which planted the idea of sitting down and making my own version of the song because I love the chorus. A couple of years passed, and I was lying in bed humming the song in my head and all of a sudden, I could hear exactly how I wanted it to go. So I jumped up and put together these chords on a piano, it started to sound strong and I finished it there and then. It’s interesting because I wrote the first half while I was still with my ex and then the second half afterwards, I remember the second half being a lot harder because it felt a lot more real, it was exactly what I was feeling at the time, so it’s a song of two halves for me.

IT’S A SUPERB TRACK, AND IT’S RECEIVED LOTS OF INCREDIBLE FEEDBACK. ONE COMMENT ON THE YOUTUBE VIDEO WHICH CAUGHT MY EYE, READS “I SWEAR CONOR COULD SING MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB AND IT WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND FLAWLESS! HIS VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL AND I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY HE DOESN’T GET THE RECOGNITION HE SO DESERVES.” WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THIS COMMENT? I get this a lot at the moment, and I think it highlights what people view as ‘recognition’. I think a lot of people still recognise mainstream media as making it, if you’re on the radio then that must mean you’ve ‘made it’. But nowadays there are so many successful people who don’t fit this, who might have a big social media following for example. A lot of people come up to me and say they love me, what happened to me? And I’m like well I’m

assuming you’re not coming up to me because you remember me from 10 years ago, I’m assuming you’ve seen me more recently and they’re like ‘oh yeh I saw what you posted a few weeks ago, I loved it’. So I think that comment comes back to how we view success, that if you’re doing it online then that’s not real fame.

WE’VE HEARD RUMOURS OF A GLOBAL TOUR… CAN YOU TELL US MORE!? Yeh I mean it’s coming, it’ll be coming towards the end of this year, I’m going to try and hit all of the places I’ve been before as well as a bunch of new ones. I’m obviously just super excited to get back on the road and see a bunch of familiar and new faces, especially since the massive hiatus touring and live shows have had, it’s going to feel amazing.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING THAT’S HAPPENED TO YOU WHILST ON TOUR? DO ANY PREVIOUS SCENARIOS JUMP TO MIND WHEN THINKING BACK ABOUT PAST EXPERIENCES? I think it’s always an insanely good time, most of the tours I’ve done have been with a rapper called Ant from the states, he’s been one of my best friends since I was about 15 so that’s obviously really cool to be on tour with him. We’ll be together causing mischief for everyone that works with us! But jokes aside, it’s always great fun. I’ve never been on tour without getting ill, I think people forget how tiring it actually is, physically and mentally. It’s an odd experience being in a city for less than a day and then leaving. On my last tour I got really into it and decided to spray water all over the audience, then I turned round and the whole stage was wet, and I stacked it in front of everyone, which was…great.

YOU’VE RACKED UP 2.5 BILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE ALONE, AND HAVE A MASSIVE FAN BASE! HAS YOUR JOURNEY AS A MUSICIAN PANNED OUT AS YOU EXPECTED, AND WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHEST AND LOWEST POINTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been what I expected, it’s taken so many twists and turns and a lot of that is because of how much the industry has changed since I started. Between then and now the change has been insane. When I got signed, Spotify, Apple Music didn’t exist, streaming didn’t mean anything. YouTube didn’t exist as we know it and there wasn’t any way of making income through that, no Tik Tok, Instagram…It was about your iTunes sales and physical CDs. Now it’s just so different, it’s meant a lot of adapting. I think some of the high points for me were my first album going to number one, low points I think there were definitely moments where I felt like I was losing touch with the music industry and what was changing, I didn’t really know what I was doing and then you come out of that. I went back to what I knew best with YouTube and social media. So yeh, it’s definitely not gone the way I thought it would, but I’m really happy with where it is. I’m obviously independent now, if you’d told me that 10 years ago I would be been like oh no that’s terrible, whereas now I’m like this is the best version of what I could be right now.

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS AN AMAZING VOICE BUT DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL? To get yourself out there you need to have a variety of skills, an amazing voice is really important but you also need to be able to promote yourself, utilise social media, watch what other people are doing and how they’re doing it. I think a lot of people go down the covers route and that’s great, but I think it’s really important to remember you can’t just sing the song exactly how it is originally, flip the song on its head, do something different but keep that small element of familiarity. I also think the song choice is important, I always try to keep it relevant, figure out what’s out recently or killing it in that moment.

21st Century life has allowed us to make connections more than ever before. Social media and other networks have opened a new world of communication between friends and family. Though this new world has benefitted us immensely, it also comes with its fair share of risks. The online dating world has blossomed through this new medium. Because of this, it has become easier for complete strangers to interact. But it has also become easier for those with less-than-good intentions to take advantage. Here are some handy tips and tricks to staying safe while dating online and meeting new people…

Most profiles we create online have built in privacy settings. They allow users to choose what information is displayed to others, and how they can use it. For online dating, this is much the same. An accurate profile is always important. But including sensitive information could lead to a more sinister outcome. So, avoid adding birthdays, addresses, phone numbers and other private information which could be used against you. This way, you can ensure people still get a good idea of who you are, without the added risk of odd characters gaining too much information.

While online dating, it can be quite easy to get caught up in the moment. Excitement about meeting someone new is normal but be careful not to let this stop you from keeping safe. Most people you chat with will be perfectly safe, usually sharing the same intentions as you. But there are the occasional individuals who would try to get more than you bargained for. If random questions about family, friends, your work, or your home are brought up, this could be cause for concern. Some with a particular bravado may even ask for sensitive pictures from you. All these requests are red flags and should not be responded to. Don’t ignore the warning signs!

Naturally, online dating can sometimes lead to meeting in real life. Whether that be for a drink, meal, a movie, or just a walk. This is all well and good. How else are you meant to date? But before you go and meet, inform a trusted friend. Let them know who you’re meeting, where and when you’re meeting them, and what time you’re meant to be done. This way, you can ensure someone is watching out for you while you’re out. And, if something goes wrong, your friend is there to help resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

While on the date, it would be best to choose a spot where people can see you. When in public, someone is less likely to try anything weird. They may feel too exposed, or like people are watching. If this doesn’t deter them, and they do try something weird, people are around to help. A quick glance, a word to a waiter, or a quick update to a nearby table is an ideal way to get yourself out of an uncomfortable situation.

These 4 tips are easy to remember, and simple to put into practice. Hopefully your online dating journey goes smoothly, and these tips aren’t needed. But as a precautionary measure, making these quick decisions are essential to a safe experience. Plus, the safer you feel, the more you can focus on enjoying yourself. So, take care, have fun, and safe dating!

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HEY GUYS, THANKS SO MUCH FOR CHATTING WITH ME TODAY! I LOVE YOUR WORK, SO I’M THRILLED TO BE INTERVIEWING YOU. I KNOW YOU’RE ON TOUR IN NORTH AMERICA AT THE MOMENT – HOW’S THAT BEEN GOING SO FAR? AND I’VE GOT TO SAY, I’M FASCINATED BY THE HOLOGRAM TECH BEING USED IN YOUR SHOWS.

It’s going really well, thank you. It’s amazing playing with Portugal The Man. We’re very different bands but I think that makes for a really nice and varied bill for the audience. We’re playing in this kind of cuboid made of very fine mesh that you can project onto. It started out as a way to mitigate for potential covid problems on tour, and we were going to use holograms of ourselves if one of us had to miss a gig, but in the end that led to this new creative direction for our lights, and we think it looks great. THE DREAM ALBUM HAS BEEN A BIT OF A METAMORPHOSIS IN YOUR DISCOGRAPHY, AS YOU’VE STARTED TO FOCUS ON CRAFTING YOUR OWN STORIES. WHAT’S THE RECEPTION BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?

The reception has been fantastic. I think the critical scores overall are better than for any other album we’ve done. Our friends and family have said amazing things about it and it’s really nice because we spent a long time with this album and we’re really proud of it, so it’s nice to feel we’re not the only ones who think it’s good. I LOVE HOW YOU TOOK THE TIME TO RECHARGE BETWEEN YOUR THIRD AND FOURTH ALBUM. I FEEL LIKE IT CAN BE SO EASY TO SUCCUMB TO CERTAIN PRESSURES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TO ALWAYS BE WORKING ON OR DOING SOMETHING. DO YOU THINK THIS PERIOD WAS AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE LEAD-UP TO WRITING THE DREAM?

I think it was very important. We were quite burned out after doing three albums back-to-back - recording, releasing, touring, on a cycle. So, it was very restorative for us to be able to just down tools for a year, to do other things and actually hang out as friends and get to know each other again as people rather than just collaborators.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTRIGUED HOW THE WRITING PROCESS UNFOLDS WHEN MULTIPLE PEOPLE WORK ON A SONG TOGETHER. DO THE THREE OF YOU HAVE A WRITING PROCESS, OR IS IT COMPLETELY ORGANIC?

It varies from song to song. More often than not, it starts with Joe on his guitar working on his own and then him showing ideas to me and Thom, but quite often it starts with jamming as well. Like our song U&ME was more or less written as quite a spontaneous jam during a soundcheck on tour. So, it’s nice to feel the musical chemistry we have can sometimes create things out of nowhere as well. YOU’VE REALLY EMBRACED THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF YOUR MUSIC IN THIS ALBUM, WHICH I CAN IMAGINE IS QUITE FREEING. BUT I’VE GOT TO KNOW, HOW DID SUBJECTS LIKE CRYPTO CURRENCIES AND TRUE CRIME ENTER THE PICTURE?

I think ultimately we’re always writing about the same thing which is love and loss, and the concept of the album is kind of like dreams, whether it’s real dreams, broken dreams, or nightmares, and it’s finding ways to fit stories around those things. So, this idea of a teenager becoming a millionaire through currency is his dream coming true. They’re all dreams of different kinds I guess, and the true crime ones are more at the nightmarish end. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR USING AUDIO FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THIS ALBUM, AND DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH THESE TRACKS AS A RESULT?

I think it started out as something you do because it’s convenient, because it’s easy to get your wife or your mum or your friend to do you a quick voice note or something. Then actually we realised it was a nice way to pay tribute to the people who’ve supported us over the last ten, twelve years in our career, and to include them and say thanks to them through letting them be part of the album. For us it’s a nice little Easter egg in the track that we know is there, even if other people don’t know it’s there, so it’s kind of fun.

YOU’VE PREVIOUSLY MADE A POINT OF THE FACT THIS ALBUM IS NOT A PRODUCT OF THE PANDEMIC. DO YOU THINK THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE FINAL SHAPE THE ALBUM TOOK, THOUGH?

The pandemic definitely made the album take longer, which I think was a good thing. Like a good loaf of bread, it proved for longer, and has a greater depth of flavour as a result. So, we have to be thankful in some ways that the world was put on pause because it meant we didn’t have a deadline for the album. However, obviously, it’s been a difficult time for the music industry and for many people around the world, in so many ways, so we’re glad things are starting to open up again and we can hopefully put this behind us. WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVE AN ALBUM THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF, OR IS IT TOO HARD TO PICK FAVOURITES?

I think it’s got to be this album for me. Our third album was not everything we wanted it to be. I think when we decided to have the year off, it could have been that we never came back, but we came back, and we came back stronger than ever. I think that’s a really good feeling. DO YOU THINK THIS LINE OF EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC-PRODUCTION IS SOMETHING YOU’LL CONTINUE INTO THE FUTURE?

Absolutely. I think experimentation is a huge part of what we do as a band. We’re not trying to be different, but I think we’re just constantly trying new things because that’s what keeps us interested in the project. AND, FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR AMBITIONS AND DREAMS MOVING FORWARD FOR THE BAND?

We would like to win the Mercury prize again if I’m honest. That would be amazing.

2022

Now taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June, Junction 2 Festival will host an array of artists across the electronic spectrum from a more eclectic line-up on Saturday, through to a techno-innuenced bill on Sunday. New additions to the monumental line-up include Maribou State DJ, George FitzGerald Live, Mount Kimbie, Romy, TSHA, Ela Minus Live, Max Cooper Live, Ben Böhmer Live, and Theo Nasa. Previously announced artists include Jon Hopkins, Avalon Emerson, Chaos in the CBD, Four Tet, Zenker Brothers, Adam Beyer, Omar plus more with Maceo Plex playing both days. Having now been delayed for two years, Junction 2 nally returns as one of the capital's most loved dance festivals with over 55 acts performing across the weekend at Trent Park.

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park returns to London this year after two summers away, bringing massive names to the stage including The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Adele, Eagles, Pearl Jam and Duran Duran. Across three weekends from 24th June-10th July it has become THE place to be in the London summer, a date in the diary for hundreds of thousands of fans every year. Special guests supporting across the festival include Nile Rodgers + CHIC, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Pixies, Stereophonics, Little Big Town and many more. Although some shows have sold out, there’s still tickets up for grabs via www.bst-hydepark.com

Photo Credit Becan Rickard-Elliott

Farmfest 2022 will have a swirling musical orchestra of some of the best new and established left-of-mainstream performers on the scene. Over 100 acts in the electronic, indie, folk, and world music genres have been booked to entertain 5000 visitors for that intimate festival feel. Curated by Head of Music Stu Matson, the festival manages to brilliantly combine everything from riotous jumbles of jazz, brass-based bonanzas, stand-up comedy, and poetry. Taking place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July 2022, Farmfest’s 15th year will see headliners Elder Island, Joy Orbison, and Gentlemen's Dub Club. There’ll also be some opportunities for the adults to kick back with the Kanga Spa and Wellness retreat. Adult tickets are currently £99 and teen tickets £66.

Photo Credit Jordan Curtis Hughes

Back for its 15th edition, Y Not festival will take place in Pikehall, Derbyshire between 29th-31st July 2022. Having started life as an over-spilling house party in 2005, the award-winning festival has stayed true to its independent roots as it’s gone on to host some of the biggest names in indie, rock and pop, with this year’s line-up seeing headline performances from Stereophonics, Courteeners, Blossoms and The Kooks. Countless mouth-watering food stalls and fully stocked bars accompany the festival’s ten music stages, set amongst the beautiful panoramic views of the Peak District. Visit www.ynotfestival.com

All Points East is back for 2022 from 19-28th August in London’s Victoria Park, with an epic line-up of world class acts. The previous SPG magazine cover star Gorillaz open up the rst weekend as a UK festival exclusive, following with APE Presents: Field Day returning with a jaw dropping double headliner featuring two of electronic music’s biggest ever names, The Chemical Brothers and Kraftwerk. The Bank Holiday weekend sees the highly anticipated Tame Impala, welcomed return of The National, essential UK dance duo Disclosure and one of the greatest live acts performing today, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds closing the festival. Plus support acts across both weekends including IDLES, Fleet Foxes, Self Esteem, James Blake, FKJ, Caroline Polachek, Michael Kiwanuka and loads more. Visit www.allpointseastfestival.com

Photo Credit Andrew Whitton

Photo Credit Jordan Curtis Hughes

Photo Credit Andrew Whitton

Everyone needs some shortcuts in their lives. Thanks to modern technology and ingenuity, even the most tedious and time-consuming tasks can now be streamlined. To help give you the steps needed to improve your life in small, yet necessary ways, here are 5 Useful Gadgets for under £20...

Want a useful tool that also doubles as a neat party trick to impress your friends? You get two for the price of one in the automatic bottle opener. As I can personally attest, not everyone can use a regular bottle opener with such ease and grace as others. Additionally, durability also comes into question at times as the metal can easily bend. Because of this, a more modern solution may be required. The Automatic Bottle Opener is that very solution. It’s a simple suction device that you can press down onto the lid of your drink and pull off with a now-open top. It’s simple, efficient, and easy to use. You can’t possibly go wrong.

Every summer it seems like, collectively as a nation, we tell ourselves it’s hotter than last year. While that may be true, it seems we need extra help cooling ourselves now more than ever. Thanks to the existence of the rechargeable mini fan, help is exactly what you’ll receive, in a pocket-sized delivery! The mini fan charges with a simple USB cable that should work with any phone charger and generally lasts up to 8 hours on one charge. Plenty of time to cool off on those sweltering summer days.

Whether you have trouble getting to sleep or not, sometimes you just need a little background noise to soothe your mind and relax your body. It can be cumbersome though to wear headphones in bed, not to mention dangerous thanks to the various cables. Well, thanks to the iMusic Pillow, it’s now easier than ever before. With a built-in speaker embedded in the pillow itself, you can simply plug in your phone or music device and play it right through the pillow. An absolute essential for a crucial good night’s sleep.

One of the most frequent and irritating problems of the modern age is cable management. ESPECIALLY when it comes to phones, and specifically the charging of phones. When living in a flat with multiple other students, chargers can come and go and become lost at any time. But what if you only needed ONE cable to solve your problems? And a cable that never needed to be unplugged at that! The Anker Powerwave is the answer. It is a simple pad that you place your phone on top of, providing a fast and efficient charge. Thanks to the Powerwave, you can finally say goodbye to those pesky charging cables.

Want to be at the cutting edge of the technological future, or at least feel that way? The TP-Link Smart Plug helps you achieve that at an affordable price point. Simply put, it connects with your phone and Alexa to let you control devices with your voice. You can turn the lights on and off and control the TV and other devices that are connected together through simple verbal commands. It also comes with an app that lets you see how much electricity and power you’re using currently. It’s a true essential for students!

HEY, I’M SO EXCITED TO SPEAK WITH YOU FOR THIS PIECE, THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT OF YOUR TOUR TO TALK TO ME. SO, I GUESS GETTING STARTED, I KNOW IT’S BEEN A FEW YEARS SINCE YOU WERE LAST ON TOUR, HOW HAVE YOU FOUND GETTING BACK ON THE ROAD?

JOEL – It really has been amazing to finally be able to bring Blue Weekend to the stages, which we have over the last couple of months. Seeing and hearing people react to the songs the way they have been doing just breathes new life into whatever you are doing, and we’ve been having a blast. It’s been both a mix of heady nostalgia and almost a whole fresh feeling, most likely due to the situation of the last couple of years but also people who maybe are coming to their first ever shows and their new excitement. We’re very lucky!

HOW DID IT FEEL TO RELEASE BLUE WEEKEND, AFTER THE SUCCESS OF VISIONS OF A LIFE? I IMAGINE IT’S A BIT OF A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD IN THAT YOU WANT IT TO BE SUCCESSFUL BUT THEN YOU KNOW IT ALSO RAISES THE BAR FOR OTHER FUTURE WORK...

JOEL – There was definitely a few nagging nerves in the back of my brain at times. I’ve come to grips with that being more of a natural part of the process rather than a severe paranoia, but you do have to move past that, even if it’s later down the line, and remember you aren’t trying to repeat yourself. And if you make choices in the moment that you believe in, then even if it kinda fails you can know you were true to yourself. Luckily it seems we’ve made something that not only the four of us are proud of but something people seem to really love.

I LOVE THAT FOR THIS ALBUM YOU GUYS JUST CHECKED INTO AN AIRBNB AND COMMITTED TO WORKING ON IT THERE. DOES THE CREATIVE PROCESS ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THIS, OR DOES IT TEND TO VARY QUITE A LOT?

JOEL – We haven’t done it like that before, but everyone tends to start with a space and a folder of ideas. We really don’t have much of a set route other than we all get together, listen out for what’s exciting us and making us feel something and then move on from there. Up until the moment it’s mastered, each track has its own little journey and personality that I don’t think is defined by our process, but more by our excitement to work on it.

OBVIOUSLY, IT CAN BE HARD MAKING YOURSELF VULNERABLE, BUT WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BLUE WEEKEND IS THAT IT HELPS THE LISTENER FEEL SEEN WITHOUT HAVING TO FIND THE WORDS THEMSELVES. HOWEVER, I CAN IMAGINE IF YOU’RE THE SONGWRITER TASKED WITH FINDING THESE WORDS IT CAN PROBABLY BE CHALLENGING. I WONDERED IF YOU, ELLIE, EVER STRUGGLE WITH BEING VULNERABLE IN THE WRITING PROCESS?

ELLIE – Yeah it can be intimidating, more so when I imagine people who know me listening to the songs rather than strangers. But both yourself and the listener just has to remember that it’s still art, you’re not publishing your memoirs in song form and that kind of reassures me.

I WAS PARTICULARLY STRUCK BY YOUR QUEST TO LET YOURSELF WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT, WHICH I THINK IS NO MEAN FEAT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND PARTICULARLY AS A WOMAN. HAS THE RECEPTION OF THE ALBUM HELPED EMBRACE THESE FEELINGS AT ALL?

ELLIE – Sure, a good reception to your music is a great form of encouragement. It doesn’t totally get rid of the apprehension of your next work, though, but it’s good to be kept on your toes sometimes. YOU SAID THAT YOU FELT WORKING WITH MARKUS DRAVS SHAPED YOUR MUSIC IN A DIFFERENT WAY THIS TIME AROUND. DO YOU THINK WORKING WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE BAND WILL BE A PART OF YOUR WORK MOVING FORWARD?

JOEL – We’ve always worked with producers and its always taught us something. With Markus, for me, it was less is more; to not be afraid of a ‘stillness’ in a song. We can be quite tricky I think, because the four of us are so close it can be hard to break through sometimes and we basically speak to each other in code when listening in from the outside. But we are also friendly and collaborative, so I’d like to think we have more times like that ahead. It’s a great way to learn and take you into places you wouldn’t have gone otherwise. PROBABLY A BIT OF A TOUGH QUESTION, BUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAVE BEEN THE BEST THINGS TO COME OUT OF RELEASING BLUE WEEKEND, OR FAVOURITE MOMENTS PERHAPS?

JOEL – Ahhh, so many! I guess it’s given us our lives back in many ways. To be able to go out and perform, create, and hang out with my best friends is really very nice :) I feel very blessed indeed. DO YOU THINK THAT THE PANDEMIC PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN HOW THE ALBUM ENDED UP? AND IS THERE ANYTHING YOU LOOK BACK ON AND WISH YOU COULD CHANGE?

JOEL – It’s kinda like looking for an alternative reality in some way because there will never be any other way for it to have happened, if you get me? Ultimately, I think we had to navigate it all just like everyone else had to, with whatever they were doing. As much as I wish it had never happened for the world, I feel lucky and proud that we managed to achieve what we have during it. AND LASTLY, HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE BAND MOVING FORWARD IN THE FUTURE?

JOEL – DJ decks on stage. Yeah, bring on the DJ decks.

Despite the wave of electronics slowly taking over our everyday lives, there is still a love for quieter things like reading. It’s almost magical how these small pockets of text can impact us, from feeding our personal growth to even increasing brain function. Books can be incredible tools of valuable information, wisdom, and shared experiences. Taking this into account, we’ve compiled a list of books that are sure to inspire you this summer!

Following an Andalusian shepherd boy as he travels the world searching for treasure, The Alchemist is a profoundly humane and soul-searching novel. Have you ever set a goal for yourself but allowed things to get in the way of your journey to get there? This book should inspire you to start that journey and instil a message of believing in yourself and not letting anything hold you back. It’s an inspiring message and a powerful novel for those who may be scared to chase their dreams. If you often worry about failing, The Alchemist might be just the book you need this summer!

If you’re an art, literature, or photography student, this one is worth checking out. Elizabeth Gilbert knows that embracing your creativity can, at times, be a struggle. Often, we as humans take the safer alternatives and never strive to be the best that we can be. In “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”, the message is simple yet powerful: face down these fears. Cleverly balancing profound, soul-stirring moments with more cheerful and upbeat counterparts, Elizabeth Gilbert teaches readers to snuff out their worries and cling to their dreams. Her words are encouraging and will inspire you to uncover the “strange jewel” within, simultaneously freeing up your imagination and creativity.

In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement spoke up and showed the world some harsh truths that people didn’t want to see or admit. The fight for equality, race, gender and sexuality is prevalent, and education surrounding these topics is crucial. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is an autobiography following author Maya Angelou. She describes life growing up in 1930s America. Facing discrimination, poverty and violence but never losing her hope, joy, and faith, reading about life from Maya’s perspective is both devastating and beautiful. Having seen cruelty in the world, Maya chose to love it anyway, and her achievements and celebrations are awe-inspiring. This is one of those novels that will have you rethinking how you choose to live your life.

Marie Kondo took the world by storm a few years ago after releasing her TV series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” on Netflix. But even before then, she was making waves with her helpful tidying tips. If there’s one book everyone should read, this would be it. Cleaning can be a hassle, and chores are called chores for a reason. But Marie’s unique take on tidying up is a breath of fresh air. Her inspiring words and interesting perspective will have you completely altering how you tackle future messes. If you’re experiencing independent life for the first time, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” is a MUST read. Uplifting and relevant, search your soul and discover yourself in these encouraging novels. Whether it’s learning how to tackle problems or ridding yourself of doubt, these books are sure to inspire you this summer.

HEY CALUM, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. I MUST START THIS INTERVIEW BY CONGRATULATING YOU! ‘WHERE ARE YOU NOW’ HAS REACHED NUMBER 1 ON THE OFFICIAL BIG TOP 40 CHARTS RECENTLY, BEATING THE LIKES OF ED SHEERAN, CHARLI XCX AND GEORGE EZRA, INCREDIBLE! YOU MUST BE ECSTATIC - IS THIS A CAREER HIGHLIGHT FOR YOURSELF? CAN YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THIS HAS MADE YOU FEEL?

Absolutely incredible!! It is the first number one single I have had in the UK so it is a huge milestone for me, and I got my own trophy! Honestly though, I’m still the lad from Yorkshire that has to pinch himself every time these things happen especially when you are beating Mr Sheeran! What a massive honour, I can’t thank the people who supported this song enough! WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID WHEN YOU HEARD IT TOOK THE TOP SPOT?

I was actually in the Caribbean when I found out so went straight to the bar and ordered a bottle of champagne to have with my family in the sun, you couldn’t write it! HOW DID THE COLLABORATION WITH LOST FREQUENCIES COME ABOUT, AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH FELIX?

I actually have history with Felix! So we tried to collaborate on ‘Dancing On My Own’ when we wanted a remix but he felt the song was too much of a monster and passed, but said he wanted to stay in touch… 5 years later he got in touch and said “I have this song called ‘Where Are You Now’, I haven’t sent it to anyone else because I only hear you singing it, let me know if you like it”. I was just about to go on Instagram Live to do my first live version of my single ‘Biblical’ so I quickly put a demo vocal on the track and sent him it… during the live I get a notification from Felix saying “those vocals are fire, thank you, I am putting those on the track”!! As soon as I finished, I text him like “NOOOO they weren’t meant to be final ones!” Loved how eager he was so I finessed what was there and those vocals made the track! Felix is an absolute pleasure to work with - we performed the song in Romania in a stadium and just recently on a beach in Dubai. Both times he has just been such a vibe and so supportive. It’s a total passion project, just two mates just doing what they love with massive respect for each other.

ONE OF THE COMMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL YOUTUBE MUSIC VIDEO SAYS “LISTENING TO THIS WONDERFUL SONG ALL DAY FEELS AS NATURAL AS BREATHING.” I COULDN’T AGREE MORE. DID YOU ENVISAGE THIS TRACK BEING NUMBER ONE IN THE UK, AND IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS TO MAKING A NUMBER ONE HIT?

I don’t think either of us knew what to expect from this song. I don’t think anyone does. The important ingredients are passion, emotion, hard work… how successful it becomes is down to the people who listen to it. Felix and I both have such incredible fans and support which with the power of the internet and the industry got pushed to more and more people who might not have heard of us before. We are both so lucky to know that this song has charted across the world and it’s just such a dream for both of us to have created something which has resonated with so many people! IT’S SUCH A BRILLIANT TRACK. HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED NOW WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT BEFORE YOUR TV APPEARANCE ON BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT? CAN YOU FOR INSTANCE DESCRIBE WHAT A TYPICAL DAY IS LIKE NOW AS A CHART-TOPPING ARTIST, COMPARED TO WHAT IT WAS LIKE BEFORE YOUR HUGE SUCCESS?

I used to work in Human Resources sorting out complaints about on-street parking. Life has changed in a big way! I must admit, it is really important to me to remain grounded so I still go back to my home town of Hull whenever I can, but what my ‘day job’ consists of is the polar opposite of what it used to be. Take a few days ago for example, I woke up in Dubai with a pretty sore head after partying with Felix at his club appearance, did a couple of interviews, came back and chilled in the rooftop spa pool for a few hours, got ready, headed to the beach and performed our song at sunset with the Dubai skyline in my view… what is life. I FaceTimed my pals showing them the crowd and the views got a lot of abuse! LOOKING BACK AT THE BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT SHOW, WHEN APPLYING DID YOU HAVE THE GOLDEN BUZZER IN SIGHT AND WHAT WAS YOUR EXPECTATION FROM THE SHOW BEFORE APPLYING?

I was there for my sister, Jade. She was the one who pushed us for the show and obviously I rehearsed for the audition but I was there in big brother mode. I don’t think anyone was expecting the outcome we got. It was bitter sweet for me to watch my sister’s dreams slide away in front of me and then for mine to come true. We are super close so we have moved past it and now she supports me in some shows and I took her to Nashville to write in a few sessions! In terms of my expectations though, I do what I always do and treat every stage like my last and give all the emotion that I can. Luckily, I’m an emotional bloke so I have a lot to give!

HAVE YOU KEPT IN CONTACT WITH SIMON COWELL?

Yeah me and Simon reunited a few years after my time on the show and he loved ‘You Are The Reason’ and had it played at lots of golden buzzer moments on the show, suggested it as a finale song for America’s Got Talent winner, Kodi Lee who sang it with Leona beautifully in the final and since has stayed in touch to support my journey. He’s a softie at heart! YOU’VE HAD SOME MEGA COLLABORATIONS INCLUDING LOST FREQUENCIES FOR YOUR LATEST NUMBER 1 BANGER, AS WELL AS YOUR DUET WITH LEONA LEWIS. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE COLLABORATIONS IN MIND / WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH IN THE FUTURE?

I’ve always said that my door is open for collabs, anything from as obvious as Sam Smith to as obscure a pairing as Doja Cat. Recently I have sang in Portuguese on a duet with Bryan Behr called ‘Da Primeira Vez’, I duetted with the incredible Nat King Cole for his reimagined Christmas album on a song called ‘O Holy Night’ and also on a ballad I helped co-write with an amazing artist called Jasmine Thompson so as you can see, the door is truly open! Still praying for the call from Adele one day though… WHO AND WHAT BRINGS THE BEST OUT OF YOUR TALENT? IS THERE A PARTICULAR PROCESS, STYLE OF WORKING, FOR EXAMPLE?

Honesty, I learnt was the best way for me to write music. It has helped me write (and deal with) some of my most personal moments which has gone on to help others which to me is what I consider ‘success’. I have discovered over the years which writers and producers help me channel and harness my emotion and have turned to them on this second album but I continue to try and push myself out of my comfort zone to discover new things about myself, like the ‘Where Are You Now’ track. I think my key to bringing the best out of myself is keeping an open mind but knowing what really makes me feel and sticking with that. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST PINCH YOURSELF MOMENT?

There’s been too many to count. I am literally bruised throughout my body from the amount of times I do it… releasing my first album, singing with Leona Lewis, being told by Katy Perry when being introduced for the first time, “yeah I know you, I love your music”, being a Brit nominee… the list goes on.

MUSICALLY, WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

Always from personal and life experiences. Typically heartbreak. I just think whatever I have gone through, good or bad, I won’t be the first or last that happens to. I think real people can relate to real stories and I am honoured that a lot of people feel they have related to me through my music. Having seen the journey of my songs from the first album and the reactions it had, it has solidified in my head the kind of music I need to continue to make and where to draw that inspiration. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST HURDLE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME TO GET TO THE POSITION YOU ARE IN TODAY?

Being confident in sharing my life with everyone and owning it. I have always been quite a private person and I continue to be but I would never have dreamt that I would have shared the things I have to the world! It has been my biggest demon and yet seemingly, my biggest strength. I’ve also never been a ‘front man’ before so I found it hard to command a crowd but again, I learnt that if I am just me, people can spot sincerity from a mile away. (Plus my time as a front man for ‘Maroon 4’ prepared me well…) WHAT NEW SKILL HAVE YOU MOST RECENTLY LEARNT?

Sign language! I had to learn some ASL for a sign language version of ‘Biblical’ in my goals to make my music inclusive of everyone. I was a bit wooden in the video but the guys who also performed in the video look stunning. It looks like choreography and I would encourage anyone to try and learn some sign language! CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOUR FANS WON’T ALREADY KNOW?

I can bark like a small dog, I can’t cook to save my life, I have a fear of spiders (but not when I’m drunk) and my first CD I ever bought was ‘Spice’ by ‘Spice Girls’ - cool guy has entered the chat. CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR TOP TIP FOR STUDENTS WANTING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

I think breaking into the industry takes patience, hard work, talent and a lot of love for what you do. You may find that doors close, opportunities fall off, songs or videos don’t get the traction you want them to but PLEASE don’t ever be discouraged. People who enjoy this industry are waiting for the next amazing thing to come, for that song they want to play at their wedding or the one they want to absolutely hammer at the party. Always remain positive and hopefully, it will be you writing one of these interviews to your fans.

Revising and studying for tests can sometimes feel like a lost cause. No matter how much you read, write down, or repeat information, it just won’t stay in your head. Well, if that’s the case, you may just need some new techniques! Studying is all about making sure your brain is in the right place and using the right skills. Everyone is different, so the same things will not work for everyone. Making some small changes to your revision routine can do wonders for information retainment, and hopefully smash that upcoming exam too!

The more you can solely focus on the information in front of you, the better. So, to ensure this, your environment should be perfect. Some people like the silence, no distractions from their work. Others like gentle, relaxed music or background noise, so things don’t feel too forced. You’ll also need to ensure you’re comfortable. Keep sat upright with good posture, to make sure no aches or pains stop you from working. A well-lit, quiet, and comfortable room should be ideal for the most efficient study time. Of course, this may differ from person-to-person. Trial and error each different environment and see which works best! It may seem insignificant, but the change may increase your ability more than you think.

Many different techniques and methods have been outlined in the past. Studying has existed since time-in-memoriam, and so too have the skills to do so. There is no “right way”. But, a few techniques have proven to work marvellously. A couple of examples include…

One of the more well-known methods, the mind palace, is simple. Imagine a house, your own home may be the best option. Now imagine you’re entering this house, and as you do, assign a piece of information to remember, to the first object of significance you see. Repeat this, each time travelling further into the house, adding some more information to different objects as you go. Eventually, the house will “fill-up” with the facts and figures you need to know. It has been shown that object-association is a great way for the brain to store information. Repetition with this one is key, the more you tour the mind palace, the more you will remember each time.

Putting pen to paper can help us process things more easily, going through every word as we go. But scribbling things down aimlessly is not the best way to retain that information. Order and organisation are ideal when collecting the data all in one place. A mind map is great for this. Choose a topic you want your mind map to focus on and write this topic in the centre of a piece of paper. Then choose at least 4 headings for information, relating to the topic you have already picked. These 4 headings will then be spread across the page, where you can write down corresponding facts and figures to remember. This structure helps the brain absorb information by allowing you to picture the mind map as a whole. These small adjustments can revolutionise how you revise. You may find you remember more data and get things into your head quicker. If one method doesn’t work for you, it isn’t the end of the world. Next time, try a new one! Eventually you’ll find the ideal conditions for revision, as it becomes easier and easier each time. Trust me, you’ll be smashing those tests in no time!

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Youngr Oasis Mashup | SPG Exclusive WATCH NOW! Muszic Al - This is gonna be massive. Well done! Live Forever! Music Videos, DJ Mixes & Interviews - Wow! Superb. Edgar P - Biblical! Daniel C - That’s some talent you have mate Youngr - Thanks dudes!

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As a student what can we do to help keep us out of accommodation that we may regret? Fortunately, the standard of student accommodation is getting higher and higher and alongside many regulations from the government, we rarely see bad student housing now and a lot it falls down on the experience we get from the provider!

Decide what type of accommodation you want to live in, is it a house, studio or apartment? Understand the differences in what life is like in the different types of accommodation. Decide who you want to live with - take your time as this is a big reason why students fall out and move out! Search lots of different providers - go on a minimum of 5 viewings to see which ones you like most. Check the location - this was a key reason for influencing happiness in student accommodation. Always visit the provider if possible – they will be the ones providing the service and looking after you for the next year, ultimately creating that experience for you.

Check the provider’s website and social media – this way you can see how active they are, what their brand is like and you can start to judge what your experience may look like. Never sign the tenancy agreement without reading it and make sure you understand what you are responsible for! Check the facts of the house (rent, bills & deposit). Make sure you have a guarantor lined up for when you are ready. Please remember that when looking for next year’s accommodation don’t just look at the house, remember to look at the provider. They play such a vital role in creating an amazing experience, the way they respond to you, their repairs time, deposit procedures, and what they do for you outside of the day-to-day. There are lots of fantastic providers out there, they may just not be at the top of Google.

Life after graduation is full of exciting experiences but it comes with its challenges. You may consider enrolling in a postgraduate programme, or you could choose to explore the world. This article will discuss the reality of life after graduation and what you can do to jumpstart your career.

If you are an avid traveller, you can explore the world now that you are out of university. When you return, you will have gained new abilities that will help you advance in your career. Travelling abroad may also help you develop your character and figure out who you are before you enter the actual world of employment.

A post-university gap year lets you take a year off after completing your degree to do whatever you want with your time. You can use this opportunity to save money for a holiday or the next step, such as a postgraduate degree.

If you want to advance your education or change your career path, consider studying for a postgraduate degree. Continuing education is an investment, so be sure it is a good fit for you. Only opt for a post-graduate course if you love studying or believe it will help your future career chances.

When students finish university, graduate programmes are generally their first contact. They allow you to improve your abilities in a company-based setting. Prospects, Bright Network, Indeed, and LinkedIn are some of the sites that offer these programmes. Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t accepted into a scheme at first; most take on applicants who have been out of university for up to three years, so you may be accepted into one in the future!

If you want to work in creative or practical fields, consider applying for an internship. Internships are the initial point of contact for potential employers. They allow you to test out the industry and see if it is a good fit for you. It can greatly improve your employment prospects.

Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you don’t find a job. You may not find your ideal job immediately as it is unrealistic. You will develop and progress, and the appropriate employment will present itself at the proper moment.

If you had a side hustle while studying, why not expand it and turn it into a business? Be your own boss. Remember that becoming an entrepreneur requires a lot of effort and financial resources.

Editor in Chief: Ben Farrin Graphic Design: Make North Editorial: Jack Smith, Jenny Medlicott, Sam Temple-Baxter, Skylar Grace, Tom Naylor, Tosan Ebisan Photography: Andrew Whitton, Becan Rickard-Elliott, George Muncey, Jackson Ducasse, Jordan Curtis Hughes, Jordan Heminghway, Luke Dyson, Rosie Matheson.

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