STUDENT Life MAY 2019 • SUFFOLK
Lifestyle Magazine by Students, for Students PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
COVER IMAGE BY LOUISE RICHARDSON
Don’t miss a single issue... subscribe online at www.student-life.co
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Music, movies, gaming and Go Ape reviews
20 ART
Poems, creative writing and book reviews
Editor’s WORD
25 FASHION
Denim, festival fashion and Mark Wickenden
32 BEAUTY
Acne advice, men’s razors and reviews
39 TRAVEL
Tommy returns to the U.S.
41 SEXUAL HEALTH The Terrence Higgins Trust
43 CAREERS
Be a part of our new project
45 MENTAL HEALTH
This month’s Mental Health section
60 WHAT THE FOOD
Recipes and barbeque food wars
64 MY LIFE
Skydiving, dream jobs revision tips and LGBT
72 TECH
Washing machines under review
74 FINANCE
The Monzo Bank for young people
76 WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? Get Up, Get Out
Welcome to May! Summer has officially begun… although if someone could remind the sun, that would be ace! To get you in the mood, we have a packed publication full of content to get you feeling summer ready, including reviews from Go Ape, an interview with Laurence Bagnal, festival director for the upcoming Sundown Festival (held at Norfolk Showground) as well as lots of festival fashion advice from our Fashion co-ed Tsheque! This month also marks my move to role as Director of Editorial. Woohoo! I’m really proud to be taking over this role from Richard and would like to thank him for all he has done in making sure the publication runs smoothly month to month. Richard, I hope I do you proud and our readers and student contributor’s justice. With this in mind, any queries or questions regarding the publication, please do not hesitate to ask! Best wishes,
Rachel
Director of Editorial
Contact us
01473 35 35 12 rachel@student-life.co www.student-life.co @studentlifeips @studentlifeips @studentlifeips
MEET OUR CO-EDITORS
Our magazine wouldn’t be possible without our Co-ed’s but we are always on the look-out for more! Get in contact if you are interested in joining the team – rachel@student-life.co ENTERTAINMENT CO-EDITOR LOUISE DICKMAN Louise is a Sixth Form student and decided to get involved with Student Life as she is passionate about the work they do, especially for reducing the stigma around mental health. She is also able to write about her love for music and favourite songs.
FASHION CO-EDITOR TSHEQUA WILLIAMS I’m Tshequa, Fashion Co-Editior alongside Pam. I’m doing A Levels and aspire to have a career in journalism/media in the future so I’m grateful for the opportunities I get working with Student Life.
TRAVEL EDITOR CAMELIA ATOMEI My name is Camelia and I am studying at University of Suffolk. I started getting involved with Student Life because I wanted to get to know more people, be more confident, but mostly because I felt that university experience is also about what I do outside classes.
ART CO-EDITOR KAY SABERTON I’m Kay, an English student at the University of Suffolk, and I am extremely excited to begin this creative journey with our writers. Please get in contact if you would like your work featured.
BEAUTY CO-EDITOR ROSIE MAY I’m Rosie, a former sixth form student at Kesgrave High School and now working in the health sector. I write beauty blogs and post beauty videos. I’ve been involved with Student Life since day one and love every minute!
FINANCE CO-EDITOR JOSHUA HODGKIN Hello! I’m Joshua, and I’m the co-editor for Finance. I also write for the Mental Health, LGBT and Tech sections. I think it’s important for issues of finance to be talked about, as students often feel lost when they either move out or move to university!
WHY NOT GET INVOLVED?
“My roles at Student Life have shaped my leadership and decision making skills.”
We’re looking for:
WRITERS PHOTOGRAPHERS DESIGNERS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM MYSTERY SHOPPERS & REVIEWERS DISTRIBUTORS
“Since working with Student Life I have gained both confidence and knowledge within the business and journalism sectors.”
Take the first step, email us to find out more info@student-life.co
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STUDENT Life
NEWS
A selection of news from Student Life HQ. Follow us on Insta and FB @studentlifeips to keep up to date.
Self-Harm Awareness Project
Last month saw the latest meeting of the steering group that will oversee our Self Harm awareness project, co-produced with the NHS in Suffolk. The accompanying film will be the 3rd that has been produced by our student production company Unity Films and once again, this latest film will be co-produced with our very good friends at Offset Films.
Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Last month we sent our Chief Exec to London for the first 3 days of his 7 day Mental Health First Aid England instructor training course. By the end of May, Richard will be set to deliver mental health training throughout Suffolk. 3 more of our team will attend instructor training this summer. Good luck to all.
Welcome On Board The last few weeks have seen us deliver our initial; schools workshop to Stradbroke High School, Alde Valley Academy and Claydon High School. A total of 50 new students have signed up to collaborate with us and this figure takes our total number of engaged students to over 300. An incredible number!
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ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT CO-EDITOR LOUISE DICKMAN
TOP TUNES BAD GUY BILLIE EILLISH SHAKE SAINT PHNX NIGHT RUNNING CAGE THE ELEPHANT ASSASSIN AU/RA TALK KHALID, DISCLOSURE
Yet another one from Billie this month! ‘bad guy’ is one of my favourites from her recently released album ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ Which I was so ready for after waiting for such a long time. The thing that immediately hits you when you listen to this song is the incredible bass line. Coupled with the kick drum, you can’t not move along to it. It’s like the bass line was made to be catchy, it has stuck in my head ever since I listened to it. Similar to ‘bury a friend’, she doesn’t fully express her vocals, it’s in a very hushed tone, almost as if she’s not properly singing, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as I assume the song wouldn’t sound right or be as good if she was really pronouncing her voice more – it’s supposed to be more of a whisper than anything else.
Another song with great bass is ‘Shake’ by SAINT PHNX. This is a completely new artist for me but when I heard this song it definitely got my attention. It’s a song that would make anyone move, but that’s no surprise considering it’s basically all about dancing and ‘shaking’. This is the kind of song I’d expect to completely replay throughout the summer as it gives off such good vibes, which is what summer is all about! There’s not a whole lot to say about this song apart from how upbeat it is – I bet it would lift me up if I was in a low mood. 6 • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • S TUDENT LIFE
Cage the Elephant have also recently released an album called ‘Social Cues’. On this is where I found ‘Night Running’. I think the main reason I like it is at certain points, mainly the verses, they give off huge Twenty One Pilot vibes, I’m a big fan of them so naturally, anything that also sounds like them. The thing that makes the song more unique to Cage the Elephant is the added sound effects and brass instruments, like saxophones, during the chorus. The vocals also turn much deeper than they are throughout the rest of the song, in the chorus which adds more variation to the song instead of it being repetitive.
I always browse the Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify to see if I can find any gems on there. That’s when I came across ‘Assassin’ by Au/Ra. You would probably recognise this particular artist from her pretty famous song ‘Panic Room’. Her voice is so beautiful, especially with how deep it can reach, shown in the verses. I definitely feel the lyric at the start of the song ‘I know you got this feeling everyone’s out to get you’, I think a lot of people can relate to that. My interpretation of this song is it’s basically saying you are your own enemy and instead of other people back stabbing you, you stab yourself in the back with how you view yourself – which is quite a powerful message.
Released earlier this year is ‘Talk’ by Khalid which I’ve only just started getting more in to. It’s such a feel good song with a very bouncy beat and really sweet little melodies throughout. Khalid is talking about what seems to be the hardest part of relationships – talking about what’s going on and where the relationship is headed. This is the first released song that’s going to be part of his new album expected in April, all about his personal growth and experiences the past couple of years. Khalid always lives up to expectations – his music just gets better and better. When you hear one of his songs, you never doubt that it’s him, he has such a unique and great sound.
MY INTEREST IN MUSIC BY TIFFANY CLARKE
I have always loved music; I would float around like I was a dancer when my parents played reggae, Queen or Dolly Parton. I was really little and they would laugh and record it on their phones. They are happy, funny memories and I associate music with this time. My family and friends have influenced me and encouraged me to pursue my love of music. My music teacher has given me courage and confidence to sing in front of people. Music makes me feel blissful sometimes and gloomy at other times and I like to feel the emotion in the songs that musicians write and sing. When I leave school my dream is to be a singer and play the piano. I want to make music like my idols and make people feel how I do when I listen to music.
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Album Review
LAUREN STEVENSON: THE BIG FREEZE “Amaze them with your old fantastic” BY SOLOMAN HOLMES Stevenson loses her lo-fi punk rock roots to release her most sincere, and stellar release to date. Her beautiful voice, and luscious harmonies take centre stage, with the subtle instrumentation only coming to the forefront at some very choice moments. This stylistic choice definitely provides the record with a very different feel to her previous outings, and certainly to its benefit. Opener “Lay back, Arms out” immediately states her claim, setting the subdued tone of the album to come. “I’m a broken record Come wriggle out from underneath me Tied around the middle Not incorrupt and rotting out When you lift the lid I will be liquid All swimming in my skin There’s a sweetness to that” That sweetness being a definite lyrical centre point to the album, Stevenson speaks with unflinching honesty throughout the album’s duration. The insightful biting lyrics cut deep despite their ambiguity. Gone are the immediately catching choruses, instead replaced with slow drawn out, and bitter refrains. This rewards the listener upon repeated listens, with each full turn of the album revealing subtle points of musicality easily missed upon a single run.
“Dermatillomania” harks back to the style of her previous album Cocksure with its upbeat positive sounding nature, (Despite its rather dark subject matter). Stevenson battles serious matters here with a poetic, mature, and stylistic flair. Never sounding at all preachy when touching on matters that could easily come across as overtly pleading. The frankly euphoric “Low Slow” is an album highlight. Providing the album’s catharsis, emotionally and dynamically, with everything flooding out at once towards the latter half of the track. The album leaves you with a message of unwarranted optimism despite its melancholic nature. “You are burdened by only your dangerous mind” is the statement that ends “Hum”, and is the message that resonates most strongly. Stevenson has grown in maturity and musicality over the years she has been active, and frankly it has been a delight to witness. And well... “There’s a sweetness to that”
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MOVIE REVIEW ‘US’ REVIEW BY JAMES WILLIAMS As a person who tends to get scared easily, I originally thought I’d made a big mistake to go and watch this film in the cinema. Thankfully once it got past about the first 20-30 minutes, the fear dissipated, and I no longer had to sit with my hands clenched or worry about choking on my popcorn due to a jump scare. Us was a film where the fear factor came from the apprehension in the build up to the main events, rather than something where the fear gripped me throughout. As it went on, I got more fascinated in the plot and character motivations to even worry about the fear element.
The plot itself had an intriguing concept behind it and was something that worked well for suspense. However, when it came to the ending, I not only anticipated the twist, but it was anticlimactic and had no resolution. At most, the story of the family themselves came to a close by the end of the film, but when it came to the bigger picture, the plot was left open ended with a lot of questions left unanswered. That kind of open ending is something that has the potential to make a great ending point, but with Us, all those unanswered questions were something that left me wondering about character motivations right from the start, how everything in the story’s universe actually came to be how it was, and about what comes after the films ending.
Us is one of those films where I had to look up an explanation video to really understand and appreciate everything that had happened, as well as to realise just how many small details there were that I missed. The acting was amazing, especially from lead actress Lupita Nyong’o who did a stunning job at playing such dramatic and contrasting roles, perfectly embodying two separate personalities. Elisabeth Moss was another actress that stood out to me in the film as although she had less screen-time compared to Lupita she did just as amazing in her own roles. Overall, Us was a great film that I keep turning over in my head with how intricately planned the film is. Although it had some negatives, I feel as if Us is worth a watch.
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MOVIE REVIEW ‘US’ Overcoming the Sophomore Slump REVIEW BY SOLOMAN HOLMES Peele’s directorial debut Get Out seemed to shock the world with its arrival. Having proven his metal as a comedy performer for years with his double act Key and Peele, it was quite a curveball for him to then direct a smart, enticing, and all round well crafted psychological thriller. Never losing his sense of humour whilst simultaneously creating a genuinely terrifying concept, and highlighting the racism of white guilt underpinning upper-middle-class American suburbia. Enter Us, his second outing as writer/ director, and it does not disappoint. Despite being only his second film a certain sense of auteurism is definitely present. His razorsharp dialogue being a definite highlight along with the extremely believable interactions between the family members. However, it’s Lupita Nyong’o’s performance as Adelaide, and the hauntingly represented Red that is the true star of the show. It would be so easy for a performance of this calibre to slip into cringe inducing hamminess but thankfully that is not the case. It’s all so ridiculous, but the movie knows exactly where to draw the line.
Elisabeth Moss is having a hell of a lot of fun as Kitty Tyler, and Dahlia in what I’d imagine is a welcomed change of pace from her role in the also great The Handmaid’s Tale. The perfectly timed score by Michael Abels reminiscent of The Shining keeps the film moving along at a breakneck pace. Despite the ridiculousness of it all there’s an awful lot in the film to unpack. Various references to a certain bible verse and a definite sense of paranoia about the other seem to point in the direction of race relations. Though Peele himself has stated that race has nothing to do with it. In that regard, the film definitely leaves you thinking. The uncanny valley effect possessed by “The Tethered” harks back to the inception of fear itself. That fear of the unknown. An awful lot of symbolism is present throughout, and a visual style that is undeniable, which will undoubtedly imprint certain images in your brain for a long while to come. It will not disappoint at surface level for casual horror fans, but there’s also plenty to unpack for those looking deeper for repeated viewings. Looking forward to seeing it again.
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GO APE
Student Life visited Go Ape in Thetford Forest, this is what they thought... PICTURES BY LEANNE ARNOLD
“I visited GoApe in Thetford Forest to have a go at their Forest Segway experience. It was exhilarating! I did fall off a couple of times (something which the team is keen to remind me about) – it can be very difficult to balance on a Segway when you’ve never used one before. Full training is provided before you step on board and you really do pick it up quickly, you’re given a crash helmet just in case. There are four Segway trails at Thetford, my favourite is trail C with its very tight, technical corners which require all your concentration. The Segway goes up to 12 mph, which may not seem like much but feels really fast! I loved the experience and it’s definitely worth it.”
JOSHUA HODGKIN
I was excited to go to Go Ape with the lovely people at Student Life, and to do the Treetop Adventure because I’ve suffered from anxiety since high-school and have had a fear of heights nearly as long, so this was an opportunity for me to face my fears. The course was very fun to do, as there were different “paths” you could take from the starting platform at each stage depending on how difficult you wanted to make it for yourself, and my favourite of the paths I did was probably the netting bridge that had planks you had to walk across. Unfortunately, I had a massive panic attack near the end of the 4th or 5th stage, and had to come back down, but had a great time all the same.
FRANCESCA MULVEY
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I’d never been to Go Ape before, but had seen it on visits to Thetford and wanted to challenge myself to give it a try. I loved the whole experience! I think my favourite aspect of the course was definitely the multiple ziplines at the end of each section. It gave a sense of relief on completion. It was just so different and fun. I definitely haven’t mastered the art of the graceful landing yet, but the bark acts as a good cushion and brushes off easily. I landed on my back each time striking a pose as I crashed in. I also liked that the course starts lower to the ground and gradually gets higher giving you a chance to acclimatise yourself if you’re not sure how you feel about the heights. After the first couple of sections, the height barely bothered me. I’d say my other favourite aspect was the Tarzan swing, but this is more just personal preference. I’m a big fan of the freefalling feeling being a bit of a thrill seeker myself, but there is an option to skip the second one if you’re not a fan. I did both and loved them, so much so that I quickly went back over the bridge bypassing the second one to do it again. Also, climbing the ladders took a little getting used to because you do feel a little resistance as you climb from being hooked into the rope. I’d definitely recommend this activity to anyone who enjoys the outdoors! If you’re on the fence, I’d say give it a try! I’d totally go again and I’d definitely recommend to friends and family! Looking forward to getting back out there again soon!
Being up in the trees was terrifying at times. Having to just drop off a ledge and trust the wire and harness to support you? My heart was in my mouth. However, the main thing I noticed was a sense of camaraderie. Everyone was supporting and encouraging each other. Not just the Student Life team, we were talking to lots of other people. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and everyone was really understanding that for some people, it was a huge challenge. There was an issue with the safety whistle not working so well, but I would love to go again!
JADE HALLAM
REBECCA KANE 12 • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • S TUDENT LIFE
Series Review
ENDEAVOUR SERIES 6 WRITTEN BY CARA FOLLON
Now in its sixth series, ITV’s Endeavour (2012-) is more popular than ever, with each series picking up around 7 million viewers, growing the interest for the longstanding Inspector Morse series. For anyone that hasn’t yet seen this T.V detective drama, and by the way I suggest you do because it is one of the best, this show explores the young Endeavour Morse’s beginning career as a detective in Oxford. Set during the 1960s, this extraordinary series delves into the dark, gripping and mysterious crimes committed by the expected and unexpected, and it’s great! As a lover of most detective dramas, I do have to favour Endeavour.The soundtrack is beautiful, the actors are quite incredible, and who can resist a whodunnit? This isn’t your regular detective drama, there’s a subtle complexity to not only the regulars but the guest stars as well. Each twist and turn is carefully placed within the narrative, and sometimes if you blink, you’ll miss it. This series was more intense, as the show is now at the end of the 60s and slowly
moving into the 70s, things have changed within society but also with the characters. Dodgy coppers, hard drugs, and a Morse moustache are the three big changes in this series. There is an obvious difference from the last series, as Endeavour has moved into new territory – think The Professionals or The Sweeney. Connections and subtle Easter eggs which pay homage to both Inspector Morse and Lewis have been featured throughout the show’s run as well as this series, which is great for any fans of those series. Originally, this series was a write-off for most, people already knew how it ended and John Thaw was so beloved as Morse it almost felt like this series would ruin it.
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Those people have been proved wrong, very wrong. Renewed for a seventh series and a few more, this show has demonstrated that we aren’t quite done with Morse yet. Billed with a top-class cast including Roger Allam, Anton Lesser – and of course Morse himself, Shaun Evans. Evans, who I might say is the best actor on the show, manages to capture the Thaw-ness of Morse whilst still presenting his own interpretation of the character.
This may be why so many people love this Morse, he isn’t trying to copy John Thaw, he is a different character but still has an essence of the character that millions of viewers loved. Evans himself studied Thaw before taking on the role and throughout the series, has included subtle connections between the two of them, by adopting the ticks and mannerisms of Thaw’s iconic detective. With Russell Lewis writing every single episode to date, it’s no surprise that this prequel has seemingly matched the
original in not only the stories, but the characters, the setting, the soundtrack in a beautifully unique style that is not only aesthetically and visually pleasing but makes you really think about what’s being presented to you. I’ve been watching this from the very beginning, and I’ve enjoyed every episode, every series. Series 2 being a personal favourite of mine, if you know, you know! But I can honestly say this series trumps every single one -which is pretty hard considering the high standard set. A range of emotions were felt by me during this, especially stress, a lot of stress. Endeavour never disappoints and this series has demonstrated that. Throughout each series, it has become clear to the audience why and how the Thaw’s Morse came to be, but this is most prominent in this series with tragic events really affecting the young Morse we’ve come to love. Both Inspector Morse and Lewis finished at the 33rd episode. Endeavour is currently at 27. I don’t think we’d be too hopeful in thinking a few more series are still to come.
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DobbysGammySock BY LEANNE ARNOLD
Hey guys, most of you know me as Leanne, the mental health director for Student Life. But some of you may also know me as Dobby, from my streaming and YouTube channels. Recently I found myself with a lot of spare time, which naturally I filled up with playing my xbox and investing 90% of my day into two games: Apex Legends and Battlefield V. I frequently play online with two of my close friends (*PALS* – if you know, you know… HINT: watch a video to understand) with whom I met through xbox, we team up and like to think we do well (haha, oh the irony). With all this spare time, and the want to share the gaming banter and my below average gameplay I decided to start up my own YouTube channel. (incoming ad) YouTube: DobbysGammySock. I didn’t really know what I was doing and had never edited videos before, but I found that I quite enjoyed it! My content is similar to my gameplay; below average. However, I enjoy
roasting myself and sharing my enjoyment of gaming with others. I soon realised that to get some subs and attention to my channel it would be beneficial for me to stream, so I hopped on over to Twitch where I set up my own account and began streaming. I try and stream as often as I can for a good amount of time, I plan on investing in a camera so you can even watch me as I get rinsed on Apex or Battlefield V: Firestorm. (ppsssst here’s my Twitch: DobbysGammySock). My followers are slowly increasing, and my stream viewers are tuning in for longer, so I must be doing something right??? If you’re into gaming and are bored any time, why don’t you check out my Twitch or YouTube? You’ll cure your boredom AND I will appreciate the love! YouTube: DobbysGammySock Twitch: DobbysGammySock Twitter: @DGStweeter
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Gaming Review
THE LAST OF US REMASTERED (PS4) – 18 RATED
REVIEW BY LOUISE DICKMAN The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic thirdperson action game created by Naughty Dog in 2013. Set around 2033, twenty years after a freak fungal virus outbreak which infected the majority of the world’s population. The game consists of a lot of stealth, exploring and shooting the horrifying infected (basically, zombies). There are two main characters in this game – Joel and Ellie. Joel is a middle aged, quite rough looking male, while Ellie is a confident 14 year old girl. They come together when Joel reluctantly accepts a job to smuggle Ellie out of the heavily guarded quarantine zone. But of course, things don’t quite go to plan. They face many encounters on the way to their end goal, meaning a LOT of the infected, the military and other remaining survivors. Despite this, don’t assume you’re going to be full of supplies, especially ammo, which tends to be pretty limited. You may have a decent load if you spend your time searching every nook and cranny for it. There’s also a fair bit of crafting and upgrading weapons to spend your time doing. For example, like a real survivor, you will be scavenging the land for scissors, tape, cloths, alcohol and explosives to either craft shivs, nail bombs or Molotov cocktails.
Another thing to not assume is how easy it is to sneak around and defeat enemies. Those who are human detect you by sight, basically immediately when you cross their vision as there’s not really much of a detection meter. Some infected (the ‘clickers’) will detect you through sound, making sneaking about paramount when you encounter them. What makes this process slightly easier is Joel’s unique ability to hear through walls to detect where enemies are, similar to ‘eagle vision’ if you’ve ever played an Assassin’s Creed game. Although, you will probably find yourself restarting a lot of memories/encounters due to its difficulty. They aren’t impossible at all, but there’s nothing much worse than a game you just breeze through without much of a challenge. Overall this game is 100% recommended to those who enjoy adventure and action and very character based games. Along with a stunning and detailed landscape, and despite being a post apocalyptic world, it’s great to look at.
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Game Review
ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF WRITTEN BY JOSHUA HODGKIN
The Animal Crossing franchise is a beautiful series of simulation games from Nintendo. The series has been running since 2002, appearing on the GameCube, original DS and the Wii. Just before a new version of the franchise comes to the Nintendo Switch later this year, let’s delve into the latest iteration in the main series: New Leaf. My goodness, what a game. If you’ve never heard of the Animal Crossing franchise, it’s essentially a colourful, rosy, happy setting in which you are the only human character in a world of cute animals. All colours of the rainbow are represented here, so no worries about that. In this edition, the game throws in a twist – you’re the mayor! You hold all the power in the whole town! You’ve not been elected, but don’t let that stop you influencing the lives of your friends and neighbours. Ooooh. Power. Admittedly, your power only stretches as far as to authorise the construction of monuments and buildings, along with having the ability to control the market conditions (shop opening times, the cost of goods, etc). Also, if you hate someone’s
clothes, you can tell the Town Hall clerk to force them to change them. So that’s cool. Having a thriving economy in your town is the key to success here. I have over 10 million bells in my bank account (bells are the currency). You could say I’m a bellionaire. Good ways to make money include selling fruit, fishing and catching bugs. There’s something really relaxing about these things, and in fact the whole game. I think the game is a really effective form of escapism. It’s so nice after a stressful day at university to sit on the train or bus home and be transported to the idyllic setting of my very own town. You’re completely immersed in the life of your character and the customisation of the town. Hours can pass by without even noticing; games this good should come with a health warning! Should you buy New Leaf for Nintendo 3DS? Absolutely. The game is only £13.99 in Argos at the moment (14th April 2019), and I’d definitely pick up a copy. It’s truly a beautiful game.
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CURATING AN EPIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP! We caught up with Laurence Bagnall, festival director at Sundown Festival Discovering and launching fresh talent Curating the line up for Sundown Festival keeps me pretty busy all year round but I also love discovering and launching fresh talent and giving these newcomers a chance to showcase their skills. How the Festival line-up has grown Sundown Festival has been running since 2012, starting with an audience of 10,000 growing to an expected audience of over 40,000 this year. We identified an underserved area and thanks to the local audience, who have a hunger for great music, we’ve grown year-on-year by adding more stages, artists and content. Over the years headliners have included the likes of Chase & Status, Clean Bandit, Shawn Mendes, Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Dizzee Rascal and many more. We are privileged to have world class acts perform on our stages and that’s a sign that we’re getting better and better each year.
What’s on the menu for 2019? This year’s Headliners include some of the biggest names in pop and dance, including Tinie Tempah, Anne-Marie and Stefflon Don, Andy C, MK, DJ EZ. Our dance stage partners are also testament to our ever expanding event, we have some of the most established club brands in dance music as our stage hosts across the weekend; Abode, UKF, Together and CruCast.
FIVE TOP CURATING TIPS 1. Speak to as many agents and record labels as possible to ask about artist release plans for the year ahead. 2. Speak to other promoters to see what acts have sold well for them and also to see if there’s anyone that could be booked together. 3. Look into what acts have done well in the local area and what DJs / club brands are consistently selling tickets within a certain radius. 4. Ensure that there is a good level of music variety across the weekend for all in attendance. 5. Finally, keep a few spaces left open for surprise acts... that’s one way to wow the crowd.
Sundown Festival 2019 will take place 30th August – 1st September at the Norfolk Showground. Visit www.sundownfestival.co.uk for more information and tickets. 18 • E NT E R TA I NM E NT • S TUD ENT LIFE
UUNDOW NDOW
SUNDOWN
SATURDAY
MAIN STAGE
SUNDAY
ANNE-MARIE TINIE TEMPAH STEFFLON DON • JAX JONES (LIVE) • MABEL • NOT3S • JONAS BLUE ELLA EYRE • EXAMPLE • JAMES HYPE • OCEAN WISDOM • MALEEK BERRY CHARLIE SLOTH • KELLI LEIGH • ALICE CHATER • KELVIN JONES • BALCONY ABODE
UKF
MK
ANDY C + HOLY GOOF DIMENSION
TOGETHER
TONN PIPER
DETLEF LATMUN
GW HARRISON ELLIE COCKS MASON COLLECTIVE WILL WILEY
RANDALL DISTINKT BUSHBABY MYSTREE
CRUCAST
SKEPSIS • DARKZY BRU-C • TS7 MR VIRGO • LAZCRU WINDOW KID PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
DJ ZINC D DOUBLE E PROBLEM CENTRAL
3
DAY
CAMPING FESTIVAL
AFTER PARTIES
SONNY FODERA LOW STEPPA DANNY HOWARD
HANNAH WANTS SAM DIVINE JESS BAYS
SAMMY PORTER B2B GEORGE MENSAH PLUS SPECIAL GUEST
PAUL WOOLFORD
FUN FAIRS
5
STAGES
PRE-PITCHED TENTS • GLAMPING INC. BELL TENTS, POD PADS & HOT SHOWERS VIP FEAT. GUEST BAR, STREET FOOD, HANGOUT SPACES & BACKSTAGE VIEWS
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ART ART CO-EDITOR KAY SABERTON
MISUNDERSTANDING BY SARAH BARNES
Eyelids fluttered open revealing a lost, innocent blue. Awake, yet her conscience was not. Insignificant moments of time, Where thoughts have not been connected, Reality has not been realised, Existence almost forgotten. The brain tries to recollect emotion. She was lost, not lost in the way in which she could not find happiness, Lost in a way in which she wished Never to be found. A feather floating in the abundance of freedom. Memories erupted, leaving her peace in a slow descent, Consumed by unwanted emotions and sudden realisation. She craved her previous thoughtlessness. Now, strangled. Choked by the monstrous roots of a 100-year-old oak, Tortured by the creeping vines and hushed by windswept leaves. Pain hidden by damp moss and Undiscovered by innocent children. Drooping heads of once beautiful sunflowers. Now overwhelmed with misunderstood hurt. Her muffled screams of desperation Buried deep beneath the soil. That no one heard. Stretching fingertips of ivy clenched the last trunks of cheerful optimism as they were replaced with Growing stalks of doubt. A decaying bluebottle carcass Laying helpless on a window sill. The pain of not being understood. 20 • A R T • S TUDENT LIFE
Poem
REBORN
WRITTEN BY MOLLY PEARCE Today I feel my heart break. If I am a book, my spine just cracked. If I am a tree, leaves just fell from my arms. For today I feel my heart break. The chains around my ankles weaken. Suddenly I can walk free, but it is no longer me who takes the front line, It is somebody else. The rope that tied my hands loosens. I can feel and grasp again. I can clap and craft again, Things are free to be touched by me, but touch them I do not. The hand that covers my mouth releases. I should shout and scream, But somehow I’m locked in a dream and I still can’t make a sound. Though my feet now touch the ground, Now my hands can feel around. I am free whilst still caged. For today I feel my heart break.
I turn and see that I have aged From a girl of pale beige, To a woman of disarray. I know not where the time has gone. Once a smile is now a frown, but none of that matters now. Because today I feel my heart break. Why does my heart break in such a way? Though I live to see another day. Perhaps it is not quite broken, I’m just too blind to realise, The pain I’ve been feeling Is the pain of being awoken? From a slumber of sorts with both eyes open. Today I feel my heart break, Break back into place. From a time of such disgrace, I’ve grown a much prettier face.
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TOP TIPS FOR CREATIVE WRITING BY JAMES WILLIAMS
1. Listen to the 88 Cups of Tea Podcast. 88 Cups of Tea is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the creative writing field. The host Yin Chang interviews Young Adult literature authors, literary agents, TV writers, and filmmakers. They share their own life and writing experiences offering up their knowledge in the forms of advice, motivation, and inspiration. Personally, this is honestly the best writing resource I have ever come across! You can find the podcast episodes on iTunes, or via the website at www.88cupsoftea.com.
2. ‘Show Up. Put in the work. Let go of the outcome.’ This is something that my favourite author Victoria (V.E.) Schwab said where she compared writing to learning how to swim; You can’t learn to swim if you don’t show up to the lessons. In other words, a little progress is better than none at all! Try to write as often as you can, especially when working on something more lengthy like a manuscript. Know that nothing is perfect the first time round. First drafts are meant to be bad. Save the editing for later!
3. Find Your Tribe. Writing in itself can be a fun process but finding a group of like-minded writers who you can bounce ideas off of and have as support is even better! A lot of authors talk about how writing is a solitary craft but being a part of a writing community is something which can help to keep you motivated and let you know there’s an audience out there that want to read your work.
5. Read Extensively.
4. Write for Yourself. Don’t write something for any other reason other than for yourself! Write what you want to read, what you love. Then no matter what happens with your work, published or not, you won’t feel disappointed with what you’ve written or feel like you’ve just wasted all that time for nothing.
Reading is just as vital to the creative writing process as actually writing. Read out of your comfort zone! Read stuff you like! Read stuff which you’re unsure you’ll like or not! Reading widely will help you to hone your craft and help you to find your creative voice. It’ll even lead to inspiration for more ideas.
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BOOK REVIEW
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
WRITTEN BY SABRINA ALTERMAN The Fault In Our Stars was published in January 2012 by famous author John Green and is one of the saddest books I have ever read. The book is a young adult fiction book and is a romance novel that tells a story of a young girl.
It has a sense of sadness and delicacy about certain situations that some people have to deal with in life. The title of the book was inspired by Act 1, Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar in which the nobleman Cassius says to Brutus: ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves, that we are underlings’. At the start, the reader is introduced to a character named Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16 year old girl who has had cancer for three years, and we are shown the struggles she faces in her life. A little further into the novel we are also introduced to a character called Augustus ‘Gus’ Waters who is a 17 year old boy who once had a tumour in his leg. Both of these characters end up falling for each other through all the troubles that they end up facing together.
As the novel progresses the author makes reading more emotional for the reader and sometimes his writing will make you cry. He uses different stages of emotional language and sometimes it can make you cry a little while other times it can make you burst out in tears depending on what part of the novel you are reading. In my opinion, to write a good book you need to have a strong interest in what you are writing about, so you don’t get bored and actually enjoy writing it – which is clear when reading the novel. I also think a good book should not be too long but also not too short, so the readers don’t lose interest in what they are reading. That’s why I am giving this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
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BOOK REVIEW
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak WRITTEN BY LUCY TATE
The Book Thief, originally published in 2005, is a historical novel following Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany. The book follows Liesel as she adjusts to life with her new foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, during the outbreak of World War Two and provides a powerful insight on the typical coming-of-age storyline. We see Liesel growing up under the influence of Nazi rule, and how she and her new family live with the pressure of hiding a young Jewish man, Max. Zusak presents us with an unusual style of writing as the narrator of the novel is Death. This fresh, new perspective on the events of the war provides a humanisation of the ‘grim reaper’ styled figure that we associate with death, instead presenting him as a resentful, and in some moments, tortured and traumatised narrator. This unlikely point of view colours the novel with a unique perspective which is one of the many reasons that this book is such a good read. The central themes of love, loss, and mortality resonate throughout the novel’s entirety, particularly in one of my favourite characters, Max Vandenburg. His harrowing storyline of the persecution of Jews, the loss of his father and mother, and his years hiding from the reign of Hitler in the Hubermann’s basement embody the struggle
and fear of the Second World War, creating a truly inspiring story to read. I feel that the delicate balance between truth and drama is perfectly executed in the emotive telling of the tragic lives and hardships that characters such as Liesel and Max are forced to endure during their time alive. And yet, from these struggles great friendships are formed, and I believe that these friendships are vital to the novel’s message: that through suffering comes great pain, but also an opportunity for growth, and a chance for love and friendship to grow stronger than ever. The Book Thief is an emotional and compelling read, perfectly combining horrific and real events with believable and compassionate characters, this book is a thought-provoking and life affirming masterpiece that, in my opinion, should be read and loved by all.
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FASHION
FASHION CO-EDITOR TSHEQUA WILLIAMS SUPPORTED BY
SPRING DENIM REFRESH Denim... The choice is yours BY FASHION EDITOR PAM DAVIS No spring wardrobe refresh would be complete without a denim update. Whether it’s rebuying the high-waisted jeans you wear to smithereens every year or trying out a new trend, you can always make room for new denim in your closet. Some of the biggest styles for spring 2019 are more practical than ever with coveralls/boiler suits you don’t have to overthink and clothes that are actually appealing to the eye Jeans are the skeleton of any wardrobe – so you have to get it right. We’ve all got
our favourite pair that we live in almost like a second skin! No other piece of clothing can be worn in as many different ways, for different occasions – and always look good. With so many styles, shapes, cuts, washes and fabrics to choose from, it is a minefield. My experience has found that each brand of jeans and denims will be specific to them. In turn, it means you will find that sizes will vary with different brands. With everyone having unique body shapes and sizes, the key is to find a pair that suits you individually.
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Here is the FASHION CANDY STYLE guide to finding the perfect denim.
WOMEN
Follow the 4 Classic Jean styles each serving the perfect solution!
1. BOOTCUT
2. STRAIGHT CUT
3. WIDE LEG
Comfy and sexy, fitting nicely around the bottom.
Flattering but also trendy, fitting you in all the right places.
If you add one piece of denim to your wardrobe for spring/ summer, make it a pair of cropped wide leg jeans. They are cleverly cut higher at the back so that they do not gape.
Fact
Blue jeans will never, ever go out of style. At its core, a good pair of denim is timeless and boundarytranscending, able to anchor almost any outfit you can imagine. What to look for: straight-leg jeans in a medium or dark wash with a cropped hem that shows off your ankles. They look great with a blazer or simple sweater, but once the weather warms up, try them with a basic T-shirt.
4. SKINNY If fitted well, these are great on most body shapes, ending just at the point around the heel of the shoe.
For shoes, pair them with boots or chunky heels and come spring, sneakers or sandals are ideal options. And as with any new denim trend, it’s important to style your outfit to flatter the silhouette. This casual jean looks great with tailored pieces, like blazers and buttondown shirts that balance out the look. 26 • FASH I ON • S TUDENT LIFE
MEN
Follow these 5 simple rules to guide you to your perfect denim
THE DENIM
THE RISE
Traditional, mid-weight denim with no stretch is your best bet. It’s classic, masculine, and holds its shape nicely. A heavier loom-state selvedge denim is fine if that’s what you like, but don’t play up the dated urban woodsman look by turning up the cuffs to show the red seam.
Fashion-forward men today are demanding a slightly higher rise that gives a nice secure fit around the waist with plenty of depth to tuck in a shirt and a bit of extra room in the crotch. When shopping, simply look for a medium rise.
THE LENGTH
THE LEG
The cropped jean is fading away and the proper contemporary fit demands a bit of length that creates a small break, or, if you prefer, just grazes the top of your shoes. Rolling or cuffing your jeans can be a bit dated so if they’re too long, simply taking them to the tailor can help you to get the perfect length.
A slightly wider, straight leg is the optimal cut today. They should be tailored but should not be too tight. You’ll know your jeans fit properly when you can grab an inch or two of extra fabric around the thigh when you stand up. The bottom opening should be as wide (or almost as wide) as the thigh of pants. No extreme tapering or boot-cuts here!
THE WASH Dark, unwashed denim will always look cool and give you years of wear, so if you’re unsure of what you want, stick to that. Still, you should be aware that ‘90s-style light washes are all the rage amongst the cool kids. Evaluate your tastes and choose accordingly.
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Festival While British festivals are usually not as glamorous as the fashion-focused festivals such as Coachella, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t the perfect excuse to bring out the glitter and fancy outfits.
FASHION ESSENTIALS BY TSHEQUA WILLIAMS
To ensure you have the best time and are prepared for anything (even if you are only going for the day) it is important that you choose outfits that are: Comfortable: Easy to walk in and dance in all day P ractical: Suitable for all situations and the inevitable changing of the weather S tylish: Incorporating the trends of the season with all your favourite only-at-festivals pieces HERE ARE THE ESSENTIALS!
JACKETS No matter how many times we check the forecast and it says that it’s going to be full sunshine, it is still guaranteed to rain at some point over the festival so having a raincoat is indispensable! Although there will be many options on the high street, it is important to make sure that the one you buy is actually waterproof as a lot of them are only showerproof. Many people are also tempted by the cheap disposable plastic bag style ponchos which are okay for emergencies but are thin/ rip so easily that it’s better to just invest in a better-quality fold away raincoat. In addition, to keep you warm in the evenings, a classic denim jacket is perfect to accompany any outfit. FOOTWEAR Having walked 20,000 steps in a day at a festival, I know how important practicality and comfort are when it comes to footwear. Keeping with the rain theme, some sturdy waterproof wellies or boots (such as Dr Martens) are perfect to keep your feet warm and dry. For the brighter moments, lightweight trainers or sandals will look good with most outfits. The main thing to consider is that you should bring footwear that you can walk forever in, whatever the weather throws at you! Be sure to properly test any shoes you want to wear before to make sure that they don’t cut in or give you blisters. 28 • FASH I ON • S TUDENT LIFE
BAGS Although Bum Bags used to be controversial, they are slowly making their way into everyday street style with many different designs now available. Nevertheless, bum/belt bags are SO useful at festivals. As long as you pick the right style and size, they are perfect as you can fit all of your daily essentials (including tissue, hand sanitiser, money and your phone), without the restraint of a traditional bag getting in the way. Their smaller size makes life easier for security and reduces the time you have to wait. Alternatively, a mini backpack is also a good option.
ACCESSORIES Accessories provide the perfect way to make your outfits unique but of course serve well in terms of practicality. Often festivals are held in large open fields and there is little shade from the sun. Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyesight and you might want to also consider bringing a sunhat to shade your face. SKINCARE Although not fashion related, basic skincare is still important to remember at festivals. Despite the fact that the campsite really isn’t the place for a 5-step skincare routine, basics such as a sun cream and a SPF moisturising lip balm will ensure that your face is not fully neglected throughout the weekend. Baby/ face wipes are definitely a saviour for removing dirt, makeup at 3am or if you really don’t want to miss anything by queuing for the shower. A good deodorant is also vital. 29 • M AY 2019 • S TUDENT LIFE
GLITTER Whether you apply a small amount to your eyes, go all out and do a big strip on your face or a full glitter beard, for me one of the most important festival accessories has to be glitter. It comes in so many different shapes and colours, there is something for everyone! Personally, I love the way it looks when all the glitter glistens in the stage lights (it’s also great for distracting from bad skin or spots because who can really be bothered to put anything more than concealer for your base, especially when you wake up tired and cooked by your tent in the morning)! Obviously, you should ensure that the glitter you choose is biodegradable to reduce the devastating effects on marine life. OTHER THINGS NOT TO FORGET: ater bottle (most W have drinking water taps) Your tickets Money S pare clothes in case you get muddy or caught in heavy rain First aid essentials
INTRODUCING
Mark Wickenden
WRITTEN BY MARK WICKENDEN Mark is a 27-year-old business student at the University of Suffolk at West Suffolk College. He has Mild Cerebral Palsy and has decided to start his own fashion business to inspire everyone and raise awareness of the ability in disability. In the summer of 2018, I saw an advent for the Ipswich Innovate Centre (IWIC) so I applied to bring my business idea to life. I wanted to inspire people from all walks of life. My original ideas are the ideas I have used today, thanks to the help of the Arts and Graphic students of the University of Suffolk. The students followed a brief I gave them – these included images to inspire everyone and to support disabilities in a good way, suggesting why we should talk about disabilities more, because there is ability in disabilities. I decided to start my own brand because of my own disability and learning difficulties, after finding learning in high school difficult and leaving with my expected grades (not that great). This was until I started Access to Higher Education, moving on to a business degree programme where I have been given a platform to show what I am capable of. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me and seen my potential.
The reason I felt that representing a disability would be a good thing is because throughout my life, I have overcome difficulties of my own within education and the work place. This really inspired me because there might be people who are in the same position, shy of opening about how their own disability affects them on a daily basis. I would say the ethos behind what I am trying to achieve, is to show that regardless of your situation you can achieve anything. Sometimes people may need extra help however no one can go through life without needing any help. I have always believed in keeping the design process simple, as mentioned I am very lucky to have help from some fantastic students who are currently in the process of bringing my ideas to life (hopefully ready by the end of April). In the future I would like my brand to have a positive impact and inspire generations of people to be positive and follow their dreams.
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BEAUTY BEAUTY CO-EDITOR ROSIE MAY SUPPORTED BY
CARBON THEORY WRITTEN BY ROSIE MAY
This month I decided to test out a skincare product. I’ve suffered with bad acne for around 2 years now, which is rather annoying as at the age of 20 I thought
I’d left these behind now! I’m constantly trying recommended products and brands to battle the blemishes but nothing seems to completely get rid.
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As the weeks went on, my skin was texture free and looked so shiny and clean. It wasn’t clearing up my acne scarring but it was preventing new spots to grow so in that sense it was helping. You have to wash your face and leave the residue on for 30 seconds before washing off so my skin would feel refreshed every time I used it.
This month I decided to test out the Carbon Theory charcoal cleansing bar. I’ve read a lot of reviews online from acne sufferers stating it ‘saved their skin’, and I kept seeing adverts pop up on Instagram so thought I’d give it a go.
This product retails at £6, so I figured would be worth the shot! I decided to start off using this once in the morning and in the evening. My skin is oily so it would be good to cleanse it after sleeping and after wearing makeup all day. However, whilst testing this out for the first two weeks I tried to not wear makeup during the week at all, to give my skin a chance to react to the cleansing bar and not clog up my pores with makeup. My skin is very textured as it is so I didn’t want to make it worse.
The smell of the bar is actually really nice! It feels like it tightens my face, almost like when you have a face mask on and it feels tight and dry. However it feels like it really plumps up my skin and gives it moisture without making my skin oily and make it break out. Overall, I’m very impressed with the bar. The only downside I’d say is that it isn’t helping my acne scarring, and as soon as I stop using the bar or cut down my skin goes bad again. So it’s definitely something you have to keep up with if you want your skin to keep its condition! It’s very cheap and lasts a long time. They also sell other products such as face masks and moisturisers so I’m definitely going to give them a go and see if it adds to the help!
After the first 24 hours, I already noticed a difference in my skin. I’m not going to claim magic and say I had clear skin, but my skin texture and bumpiness had completely disappeared and my skin looked glowy and fresh. My redness had reduced slightly but my spots hadn’t disappeared. 32 • BE A UT Y • S TUDENT LIFE
A Review of Harry’s Razors.
SMOOTHER THAN YOUR FACE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL WRITTEN BY JOSHUA HODGKIN
Facial shaving is a necessary evil for men. Whether you enjoy it or not, it’s something we all have to do to look tidy on a day to day basis. Even if you keep a beard, you’ll still need to keep it tidy! The biggest problem with shaving is the price. You can buy the disposable razors in bags of ten for a quid in most shops, but they tend to have a habit of carving up the faces of men with even the lightest of touch. Good quality razors in the shops tend to cost between £7 and £10, and you can pay even more than that for the blades to keep them fresh. Harry’s is one of myriad brands who offer subscription boxes nowadays. You can get a subscription box for many types of products: food, cosmetics and personal care, collectibles and many more! They’re a really easy and fun way to get useful items delivered to you for a regular monthly price so that you don’t have to remember to do it yourself – and we all love the post arriving! When I signed up to Harry’s, I didn’t know what to expect. The process was really easy, I just gave over my details, and chose how often I want to receive my blades. You’re able to get a free trial – you only have to pay for £3.95 delivery to start off! My starter
pack came within three days, and included a razor with fitted blade, two additional blades, a cap to keep the blade clean and a can of shaving gel. Certainly not a bad bundle. One great feature is the box, funnily enough! It’s small enough to fit through a (standard) letterbox, so you don’t have to be home to receive the parcel. It’s the little things. The razor is really rather pleasant. Soft touch, yet suitably grippy, rubber adorns the handle. The razor head is built to flex with the curves of your face in order to make shaving comfortable. The cartridge itself has two sides, the main side with 5 individual blades for an incredibly close shave, and the reverse which has a ‘precision trimmer’
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for trimming down your sideburns, the awkward area under your nose, you know the areas. It’s really nice to find everything you need to shave in the box together. The gel included is very smooth and smells divine. A little sweet, like liquorice. Sweet. After applying a thin layer of the gel to your face, it’s time to shave. I don’t keep a great deal of facial hair, so if you do your mileage may vary. However, in my case, the razor made for a very comfortable and close shave. In their words: it was “smoother than your face in primary school”. The precision trimmer on the back is my favourite feature. I can really easily trim my sideburns and other areas where a straight, clean line is needed. It’s really useful. So: let’s talk money. Harry’s is a very cost effective service indeed. Just pay £3.95 delivery for your free trial. You won’t be charged anything more until the company sends out your next blades, and you can choose how often you wish this to happen. They send eight blades at a time, and they
make a recommendation for how often you’ll need to replace them based on how often you shave. Cool! A pack of eight blades costs £14, and considering you spend around £11 on a pack of four in a supermarket today, it’s a total steal. If you want to receive a bottle of shave foam or cream with your order, that takes it up to £19 per shipment. Still great value. If you didn’t want a subscription, it’s also possible to just buy a razor and accessories separately. You can buy ‘shave sets’ with everything from the trial, for £14. Or, if you want a fancy feeling shave, for £24 you can have the Winston set. This contains a metal razor, I didn’t try it, but it looks really good quality. For £10, you can have it engraved! You can buy new blades at either £8 for four, £15 for eight or £29 for 16. In my opinion, you’d be best off sticking with the monthly plan. It works out better. There we are then. Would I recommend Harry’s? Absolutely. It’s outstanding quality at a fair price. What more could you want?
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ACNE ADVICE WRITTEN BY SAMMY SANTOS I’ve been tackling acne for the past 4 years as well as acne scarring, combination of oily and dry skin. I will take you through my current skin care routine and give some advice that hopefully you find useful or may have never known. My morning begins by rinsing my face with warm water to open clogged pores, followed by cold water to help wake myself up. I use a clean towel to pat dry my face. Next I use Simple’s light moisturiser, locking moisture into my skin. I’ll apply a generous amount of Garnier SPF50+ sun cream, reapplying as I go about my day. If you were like me, I didn’t like wearing sunscreen. It would be oily, leave white streaks or have purple tints. However, it’s crucial you try out various sunscreens, finding one that work for you. Because, it can offset your skin’s ageing process by protecting it against UV rays which can also damage your skin during cloudy days. Equally, there’s no point in buying expensive skincare and if you do not use sunscreen. That’s why I have 4 products that I would recommend all under £10 each from ‘The Ordinary’ that actually helps tackle acne, acne scarring and general healthy skin. The Ordinary is a very honest and aesthetic brand. It’s formulations are scientifically formulated for a range of skin types. Taking hot showers, where the mirrors in your bathroom begin to fog, it can dry out your skin more. It’s important to keep well hydrated skin as dry skin can cause your body to produce more sebum and oil to compensate for the moisture loss.
It can become a problem when pores get congested. Use an exfoliator 2-3 times a week helps penetrate and clean deep into blocked pores. I prefer chemical exfoliators, which have active ingredients which penetrate effectively into the necessary layers over physical exfoliator, may have small beads which can strip more than you need. I rate the ‘Alpha hydroxide acid 30% + Beta hydroxide acid 2% peeling solution” chemical exfoliator from The Ordinary 4 out of 5. Acids and peeling sounds daunting to some, but they’re formulated concentrations for AHA to exfoliate and brighten and BHA to exfoliate and unclog pores. Another product is The Ordinary’s ‘Salicylic acid 2% solution’ which is a powerful active ingredient to look out for in acne treatment products; a 4 out of 5 rating for me. Other active ingredients include retinoic acid and benzoyl peroxide which can also be prescribed ointments. Use a gentle cleanser once a day, preferably in your PM routine. Cleansing too much can dry your skin and you will not be using your product efficiently. Freshly washed skin is like a sponge that absorbs the products that you put onto it. Therefore after I shower, exfoliated and or cleansed I may follow up with a toner depending on how
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my skin was during the day. Tea tree is a good defensive ingredient for P-acne, acne caused by bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to maintain good overall personal hygiene. Refrain from continuously touching your acne, or popping it as it will lead to scarring. It’s best not to listen to those Snapchat suggestions on whether you should pop it. I would recommend it’s always worth getting clinical advice from a dermatologist and not feel insecure talking about your skin. Start or if not use serums. There are millions of serums available. One I recommend is ‘Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%’ The Ordinary 4 out of 5. I believe the best serums are the ones that should be ‘a little goes a long way’ and doesn’t have to be expensive. The Nia serum has helped me combat brightening acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. This accessible and affordable high concentrations of the active ingredient niancinamide which helps to reduce blemishes and the zinc to balance sebum levels.
Finally a moisturiser I rate 2 out of 5 like the ‘Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%’ cream from The Ordinary which is an active ingredient and Vitamin C derivative which has assisted me with acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. That’s why it’s important to use a sunscreen in conjunction with this product to see greater results in more even skin complexion. It’s important I stress that all these products I’ve mentioned are not meant to cure acne but, help tackle and reduce acne. I’ve realised that lifestyle is a major factor in skin complexity; eating right by especially reducing sugar and dairy product intakes to the air quality of where you live. Other lifestyle suggestions for clear skin include sleeping 7-9 hours, drinking plenty of water, weekly exercise that gets your heart pumping, controlling stress to stay positive, stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
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Reviews
Student Life tests out Avon’s new Tattoo Eyeliner
For someone that barely ever wears eyeliner, I thought writing a review would be pretty difficult. I’m a plain Jane, stick to the same, kinda girl. This eyeliner though... it’s perfect for me. It’s easy to use for an infrequent user, especially with the combined corrector! I love how this simple eyeliner can change your look instantly, which is why I now use it most days. Waking up for an early start, not feeling my best, the eyeliner whips me right into shape. I recommend this tattoo eyeliner to anyone, whether it be someone who knows their make up well or a new starter to the world of make up. I didn’t think I would ever be an eyeliner lover yet here I am, never leaving for a weekend without it. I would score it a 4.5 out of 5.
GEMMA ALLARD
Having been an avid eyeliner user for 10+ years, my standards are pretty high when on the search for a new product to use. I liked the idea of the corrector end, as my morning tiredness often leads to mistakes! Overall, I was pretty disappointed with the Avon eyeliner – the consistency was quite thin, so it took a lot of ‘drawing’ to get a visible line. I prefer a brush-type applicator as a pen usually struggles to achieve the effect I want – this was no exception. The corrector end, however, was pretty efficient at removing the product; so points for that. For a subtle eyeliner look, this pen is probably the ideal candidate. But for me, I’ll stick to what I know and love! 3/5.
DANIELLE ROBERTS As a guy, I am not afraid to admit I love the world of makeup- it just fascinates me. So when I got asked to review Avon’s new Mark Tattoo Eyeliner, I jumped at the chance! Luckily for me I have always been a huge fan of eyeliner so I pretty much know what I am doing! This is perfect for everyday use, it is lovely and smooth with the added bonus of a corrector on the opposite end. Granted – it doesn’t get rid of all your mistakes however it is easy enough to cover up those imperfections without having to start all over. I would highly recommend this product, it gives those tired eyes the boost it needs! 5/5.
LEIGH RADBOURNE
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Right off the bat, this is one of the best eyeliners I have ever tried. I got the brown colour and it’s so pigmented compared to some of the other eyeliners I’ve tried. The colour is such a dark brown but it looks very soft and feminine. The first thing I did when the eyeliner arrived was do some swatches. The product came off very smoothly and was easy to control. Then I obviously had to test the correction pen that came with it. The pen was actually very easy to control. It took a clean mark directly out of the pigment without leaving any smudges. I was very impressed. The final thing I did was to test the actual eyeliner on my eyes. I barely wear eyeshadow so I just tested it on my bare eyelid. The product lived up to all the expectations I had. It was very easy to apply and looked great. It also lasted around 3 hours on a hot day before it started to fade. Overall I give it a solid 4/5.
KATIE-MARIE KANE This was my first time trying an Avon product and I was pleasantly surprised. I hear very mixed reviews about the company and was excited to try the eyeliner. I much prefer the pen style of liner than a pot or pencil, as it’s so easy to use and easy to control. This one was really handy because it has an eraser on the other end to clear up any mistakes made. Although the eraser doesn’t completely take away the product, it makes mistakes less noticeable. I used a brown shade and it’s lovely and subtle but makes the lash liner look fuller and thicker. Overall I’m very impressed and would try out more of their products! 4/5.
I decided the best time to try this eyeliner was just as I was going to bed – I have been caught out before, to attempt a liquid eyeliner on a weekday morning! The product is double-ended; one is the liquid eyeliner and the other (a very handy) corrector. The colour is brown/black – which is the right shade for my fair skin. The eyeliner is so easy to use, it goes on smoothly – takes a few times to build up – but I put this down to the user’s capabilities! The corrector does come in handy and with a very fine tip, helps to get the shape just right. The line stays in place all day without a fading. A quick go-over, to create a thicker line in the evening – took the look quickly from day to night. In short, I have used this product every day since it arrived, 5/5.
HANNAH CLAIRE
ROSIE MAY 38 • BE A UT Y • S TUDENT LIFE
TRAVEL TRAVEL CO-EDITOR CAMELIA ATOMEI
TRAVEL TO THE U.S. WRITTEN BY TOMMY CURRY
In April I had the chance to return to where I consider home. The great, but not very well known, state of Arkansas. It’s not filled with an abundance of tourist destinations but that’s what makes the state so fantastic. Because everyone makes it feel like home.
The reason why we were back was to spread my father’s ashes by his favourite fishing pond on our family farm. But we still had the opportunity for lots of fun and I got to immerse myself in the American culture.
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Go large or go home ... everyone knows if you want more for your money, you head to the States, everything is larger: The roads, the cars, the houses, the shops ... and yes, the portions too. Portion sizes in the south are enough to put you in a food coma for a week, so yes of course I went for the largest dish I could each time. Definitely worth it. The people in Arkansas definitely make it special. It’s my belief that because very few tourists visit this state that they have created a community, and treat people like they want to be treated. Or at least the people I have come across. People that you meet out and about will have a conversation with you and the service is so much better then it is here. Servers are polite and well mannered. They want you to have an experience not just eat their food or buy their merchandise. It leaves you wanting to return. And finally. Mount Pinnicle. One of the highest points in Arkansas and a beauty
to climb. I’ve climbed it twice now. Both times with my cousin Will, it’s becoming a tradition that we go hiking whenever I’m over. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. The side we climb is actually bouldering, having to leap from one big rock to another. It’s a very tiring climb, but the view from the top is worth it. You can see from miles around even up the Arkansas river. Some of the best places you can visit around the world are the places which many people don’t know about. Hidden gems, Arkansas is known as the diamond state after all .
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SEXUAL HEALTH TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST WRITTEN BY JESSICA KIRBY
We’re back! Informing you of the latest news in sexual health, updating you about your local Terrence Higgins Suffolk service and busting those pesky STI myths! Let’s start with getting reacquainted… Who was Terrence Higgins?
Terrence Higgins, known as Terry to his friends, was one of the first people to die from a HIV-related illness in the UK in 1982. Terry’s close friends, Martyn Butler, Tony Calvert and Terry’s partner Rupert Whitaker founded the charity after witnessing the lack of support and care available for those with HIV. By 1983, Terry Higgins Trust was reborn as a formal organisation, and Terrence Higgins Trust has been dedicated to campaigning, fundraising and providing services in relation to HIV and sexual health ever since. Our roots were in the LGBT+ community as for many years HIV in the UK mainly
affected gay men. Since then, as the shape of the epidemic has changed, so has the charity. Existing services have been developed and new services introduced to meet ever-changing needs.
People on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on, fact! Tell your friends! Tell your nan! Tell everyone! We launched our Can’t Pass It On campaign to tackle the stigma and myths that still surround people living with HIV. A landmark PARTNER study in 2016, looked at 58,000 instances of sex without a condom where one partner was HIV positive and one HIV negative. The results were that where the HIV positive partner was on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load there were 0 cases of HIV transmission…yup, 0! For more information about HIV check out our article ‘Spotlight – HIV’ or our website https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-andsexual-health/about-hiv
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Relationships and Sex Education March 27th (2019) was a historic day for both Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and young people. MPs voted in favour of compulsory LGBT-inclusive RSE lessons in all secondary schools and also inclusive Relationships Education lessons in all primary schools. Meaning from September 2020, pupils will be delivered inclusive RSE as part of their curriculum. Terrence Higgins Trust have been campaigning for better quality RSE for a number of years. Our Shhh…No Talking report published in July 2016 detailed the experiences of RSE lessons from over 900 young people aged 16-25. Worryingly, it highlighted the lack of adequate information and consistency when it came to RSE. Not only were 95% not taught about LGBT relationships, 75% had not been taught about consent and 89% were not told about the importance of pleasure. We believe it is every young person’s right to be provided with a comprehensive Relationships and Sex Education and welcome the updates. However, although the subject will become compulsory, the work is far from over. Terrence Higgins Trust remains dedicated to continuing to work with the Government, charity sector colleagues and young people to ensure RSE remains relevant.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Screening Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and affects the 15-24 age group the most. It’s often symptom-free, meaning that you may not know you have it. Chlamydia is transmitted through infected semen or vaginal fluid, and you can catch it from unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Testing is quick and painless and it can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics. Gonorrhoea is much like chlamydia as it is often symptom-free, and it’s also just as easy to test and treat. You may have heard of a strain of so-called ‘super gonorrhoea’, which is resistant to the antibiotics typically used to treat it. This is true, however have no fear as there are antibiotics that do work; however it highlights the importance of completing any treatment you receive. We offer self-administered chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing kits for 15-24 year olds. You can get a kit from one of our outreach workers, or order one online https://www. tht.org.uk/our-services/phone-and-post/ free-chlamydia-postal-test-kits Order a full sexual health screening kithttp://www.icash.nhs.uk/contraceptionsexual-health/postal-self-test-kits/icashexpress-test Remember: this service is quick, free, painless and totally confidential.
Free Condoms Condoms are 98% effective for protecting against STIs and pregnancy when used correctly, which is why we think young people should be able to access them easily and for free. The C-Card scheme is a free condom distribution service for those aged between 13-24 years old, where you can pick up condoms (all types) and lube. Find your nearest C-Card outlet by visiting the map http://www.icash.nhs. uk/contraception-sexual-health/c-cardscheme/c-card-suffolk
www.tht.org.uk
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CAREERS SUPPORTED BY
WORK EXPERIENCE WRITTEN BY RICHARD STEWART
“Nobody ends up where they actually want to be and the whole process is a waste of time” ANON. QUOTE FROM YEAR 11 STUDENT Mention the words ‘workexperience’ to students and a high percentage will openly tell you that they are dreading the period that most schools set aside in the curriculum if they haven’t been through it yet, or if they have, that they thought it was unhelpful.
A lot of STUDENTS that Student Life has spoken to talk about not getting experience in the industry or with the organisation that they wanted or if they did, not experiencing enough variety of work in the business. in school, so I started watching ‘how-to’ YouTube videos on photography, video editing and anything I thought could help me expand my skillset.
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A selection of ORGANISATIONS that we have spoken to talk about unmotivated students, who openly talk about not being placed in their preferred industry and who in a number of cases don’t see out the full work experience period, for a variety of reasons. A selection of SCHOOL STAFF that we have spoken to talk about bearing the brunt of student, parent and ‘employer’ negative feedback, but not having a viable solution to the annual event.
TIME FOR CHANGE What if this work experience wasn’t concentrated into weekly snapshots in year 10? What if, along with the history of schools engaging in best practice and offering work experience weeks, experiencing the workplace could be a year round event for any student, in any year group?... and what if students and employers alike could guarantee a match? Student Life’s existing website will be redesigned and improved, to support a user interface that will allow students to search for work experience vacancies from a variety of organisations across the county all year round. The vast majority of these opportunities will be unpaid/voluntary, but some may be paid, ‘casual’ positions. To be part of the steering group that is launching this ground breaking platform, please email info@student-life.co
4 4 • CA R E E R S • S TUDENT LIFE
SUPPORTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
MENTAL
HEALTH
Suffolk
MENTAL HEALTH EDITOR LEANNE ARNOLD
MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTIES ARE LIKE WEEDS IN YOUR GARDEN We can spend so much time ignoring the issue that the root spreads. Digging deeper identifies the root; removing the root, removes the problem.
47 IS MENTAL HEALTH TRENDY MH in a school environment
48 TIPS & ADVICE Leanne answers your questions
49 SELF CARE
Can reading help?
50 SOCIAL MEDIA SWITCH OFF
Put down your tech
51 BODY IMAGE
How we think we look can affect your MH
53 JENNY’S STORY Suicide awareness training
54 MH IN THE WORKPLACE A day in the life
56 MY MENTAL HEALTH
Rebecca talks about her experiences
58 SPEAK UP SPEAK OUT
Tell someone if you are being bullied
59 CONTACTS
You are not alone – speak to someone if you are struggling
Editor’s WORD Hello everyone! May is a very special month for two reasons; May hosts Mental Health Awareness week, and it also hosts my birthday! (WOOO!). So, kicking off the month with beautiful celebrations for turning the ripe old age of 27 leads us nicely up to the 13th – 19th of May where I will be making 27-year-old informed decisions about the things that Student Life are doing for Mental Health Awareness week! Keep your eyes peeled on our social media feeds for information on our fundraising event(s). The more people who get involved the more stigma we stamp out and awareness we raise! I haven’t done a call to action in a while, so to refresh all your memories my email is below. If anyone is interested in getting involved in the mental health section of the Student Life magazine or the other mental health work we do then drop me an email to have a chat! Take care everyone!
Leanne xo
Contact us
01473 35 35 12 leanne@student-life.co www.student-life.co @studentlifeips @studentlifeips @studentlifeips
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IS MENTAL HEALTH
TRENDY?
WRITTEN BY ELAYNE LACORTE
I bet no one has ever asked you to stop and think about mental health in a school environment. Well, I have been asked to do just that. School is vicious. It is our enemy and our best friend all at the same time. We go through all our worst phases in school, and we find a piece of who we are. But, what does mental health have to do with school? See, imagine mental health as a fire. It is already bad by itself, it doesn’t need much to start it off. School is the fuel no one wants. In an environment that judges, challenges and pushes you constantly, it is a given school can feel like the loneliest place in the world. Yeah, despite being full of hundreds of people going through the same educational experience. But it’s not all bad. With the right people and the right mind-set, school can actually tame the fire slightly. Your classmates, friends and teachers can be equally supporting as they can be annoying, and they don’t get given enough credit. Sometimes, it feels like everyone around you is doing fine, and you are the only one drowning. But the truth is, mental health today is trending more so now than ever. And, it is not a bad thing. When one person realises they have a voice and they will be heard, more people follow. This is the trend I am willing to jump on. This is when those who feel like they are the only
ones drowning, see behind all the facades their classmates are putting on. No one experiences the same thing, but we are all going through our own hell. Thank you, to the first person who ever opened up. Mental health is no longer as stigmatised, and this is what we call the snowball effect. The first person started it off and ever since then, the snowball is growing bigger and bigger and bigger. We are more aware, more accepting and more understanding. Of course, there is another side to it. But I am focusing on the positive, and that is, no one ever has to suffer in silence again. We are past that. So, I don’t know about you, but this is my favourite trend so far.
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TIPS AND ADVICE BY LEANNE ARNOLD
Q: How do you tell someone you aren’t okay and that you need support? A: This can be done in several ways depending on how comfortable you are with talking about your mental health. A chat with a friend or family member about how you are feeling is a great way to let them know you are feeling like some extra support would be helpful. If you struggle with a direct approach as the aforementioned, you can send a text or email which allows you to express yourself without feeling under pressure to open up in front of someone Of course, this method needs to be done appropriately, making sure not to frighten the person receiving the message. Often our close friends and family members are able to notice when someone isn’t quite feeling themselves, this can be a gateway into opening up the conversation for discussion. Try to remember that how you are feeling is totally valid and by opening up you are starting the road to recovery.
Q: What are some coping mechanisms to divert emotions of self-harm? A: There are many different ways that people divert their emotions from homing in on the thought of self-harm. Distraction is probably the one I would recommend the most, this can be achieved in so many ways. Try engaging in an activity that you really enjoy doing, so for myself it would be playing my xbox or listening to some vinyl. There are many activities that you can do to take your mind off things, from word-searches, going on walks, exercising, cooking, having a bath, writing, listening to music, seeing friends and family! The list goes on. I know for me, distraction was a key player in what I did to get rid of those
mumbling nags that self-harm often give us. If you are unable to motivate yourself to do any of the above, try chatting to someone. This can be a friend, family member, or a member of the Samaritans. This conversation doesn’t have to focus on your thoughts of self-harm, it can be a discussion around anything, in doing-so you keep busy and focused on things other than your thoughts of self-harm. If things get too much and you start to feel unsafe do talk to someone, surround yourself with others, or implement the coping mechanisms you have in place for when the thoughts become unmanageable.
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Self Care WRITTEN BY RACHEL MITCHELL
In an age of technology, where we are always connected through a phone or laptop screen, I often find myself neglecting the joy of reading a book. As well as actual hardback books, we are now able to read ebooks and the like on our devices, meaning that it is more accessible now than ever to engross yourself in a good novel or factual text. Reading is really good for you. Not only does it help to expand your vocabulary and memory skills, it’s also a good way to reduce stress. Other benefits include improved focus and concentration, more knowledge and stronger analytical skills. You can pretty much access reading materials about anything. Whether there’s a type of fictional theme you enjoy or want to delve into an autobiography of a celebrity icon, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re after something to read around self-care, there are a number of books out there offering help and advice as well as tips on how to de-stress and relax. I would also recommend looking at books about happiness and ones with positive quotes in which are a quick read at the start of your day. These may be easier to digest than diving into a big book if you’re not used to reading.
If you have any recommendations or you would like to review a self-care book, let me know! We’d love to hear from you!
SOCIAL MEDIA SWITCH OFF WRITTEN BY ELAYNE LACORTE
I wonder where you are reading this. Whether it’s on our paper copy, or whether you are reading this online. How did you find out about StudentLife? Did you stumble across it by accident? Did we come to your school? Either way, social media connects one dot to another. 49 • M AY 2019 • S TUDENT LIFE
But this is about the Social Media Switch Off. I know, today we are more connected than ever. And trust me when I say that I could not be more thankful for this fact, otherwise I would not have met the most important person in my life. With the good, comes the bad, and there is such thing as too much. How many hours go by until you realise you’ve been on your phone this entire time? Do you get the sleep you need? How much of your life is spent scrolling, watching, commenting? When you’re in an awkward situation, do you sit there and suffocate in it, or do you pull out your phone to distance yourself? If I was to ask you to delete all of your social media for a week, how many of you could actually do it? I am speaking for myself here when I say that being on social media so much makes me feel icky. This is a topic, I have a lot to say about and have plenty of experience in. The difference between some of you and me, is, I have taken on the Social Media Switch Off. I realised I was reliant on it. When the Wi-Fi was down, it felt like the end of the world, and it’s definitely not just because I’m half a drama Queen.
Before my exams last year, I took it upon myself to delete Snapchat and Instagram, my most used social apps. Friends stayed in contact with me through texting, and that was it. I was barely on my phone, and it felt so good. I actually looked up!
I took a break, because my mood would switch the second I saw someone read my message and ignored it. Because seeing some people active and choosing not to respond really irked me. That’s when it clicked that this was kinda becoming ridiculous and it had to stop. I’m not saying delete the apps. I’m just saying, be conscious of it. Nothing is wrong with scrolling through Instagram when you’re bored. Our generation is technology this, technology that, and with moderation, nothing bad comes out of it. If half of your day is spent on social media, I would genuinely stop and look around. Ask yourself whether it is really necessary, or whether you’re just trying to kill time. If it’s the latter, reconsider. Time flies, and the older you get, the faster it goes by.
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Make the most of what you have in front of you right now, because it might not be there tomorrow, or the day after that. Your phone? Those posts? The messages? They are on the internet forever; you can put them off.
BODY IMAGE WRITTEN BY CHLOE LAMB
But how? Easy. Control. Kidding, that’s not easy. Limit yourself. I’m sure there are other things you could be doing. If procrastination is your best friend, make social media the reward. Don’t make social media a daily routine, otherwise it will take over your life. Have ‘you’ time, family time, friends time, heck, go out and do something you’ve always wanted to do. Social media isn’t going anywhere. But there’s only so many hours of sun in the day.
Doesn’t it feel like a wasted day if you’re indoors on your phone, when the entire world is out there? And if someone laughs because you’re behind on the latest memes, or the newest funny videos circulating around Facebook and Instagram, ignore them. 10 years from now, those won’t matter. They are just temporary pleasures that will be forgotten. Believe it or not, people found a way to stay connected without social media, and it can still be done today. Deleting Snapchat and Instagram forced me to see that, and I would do it all over again. I know that group chats formed by schools are necessary, and distancing yourself from things like that may have an unwanted result. Social media is, of course, educational at times. But I’m not asking you to disregard it forever. In fact, I’m not asking you to do anything but think about the bigger picture.
Your life is more than a post on Instagram and a story on Snapchat. So, prove it.
Body image is a topic that is on a lot of people’s minds. Body image is both mental and emotional, it is the picture we paint in our heads when we think of how our bodies look. We don’t even have to be standing in front of a mirror to have an idea of what we look like. If you are like me and have a poor body image, then your brain will over exaggerate one of the features you dislike about yourself. It’s shocking how much one simple thought about yourself can change your entire mood completely. This goes to show the effect that our perception of body image has on our mental health. It makes sense that if you don’t feel happy about your body image then you will lack confidence or if you have a healthy body image then you will feel confident. Having a healthy body image is accepting your body and not trying to change the way you look even if you don’t meet up to the media’s standard
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of beauty. If you don’t like your body or a part of your body, then it’s going to be hard to feel good about yourself as a whole. Body image and self-esteem go hand in hand. If you don’t have a healthy body image, then your self-esteem will reflect this. By having a poor body image can lead to depression, eating disorders and other mental health problems. While trying to have a healthy body image can always seem super hard, there are small steps you can take to start to improve your perception of your body other than the
usual ‘have a balanced diet’. You can dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself, take into consideration who you keep around you, are they positive and do they make you feel good about yourself? When someone compliments you, accept it and don’t question it. This is something I started to do, and I found it helped me massively. Take a compliment on board, maybe write it down and look back on it when you are feeling low. Once you start doing just little things like that then you will start to see a difference in how you perceive your body image.
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Jenny’s Story WRITTEN BY LEANNE ARNOLD As you’re all avid readers of this section and are interested in all topics mental health, you would have kept up with this particular feature which focuses on one of our much loved collaborators Jenny Woledge. Jenny lost her son to suicide and since then has put tremendous amounts of hard work into raising awareness of suicide and has moved mountains to get training and information out to the general public and younger people. We are thoroughly pleased to confirm that we have since made progress with our work with Jenny and we will be having our special guest in to deliver her training programmes on suicide awareness, prevention, and assist skills. Jenny is trained to deliver the following training: SuicideTalk, SafeTalk, and ASIST.
We have agreed that the first and foremost training session will be SuicideTalk which is a gentle approach to educating people on suicide and how to prevent it. After the session is completed the attendee will be awarded with a certificate and invited to attend the second training session.
“Suicide is preventable, and anyone can make a difference”. As director of Mental Health and truly passionate about making a difference in the world regarding all matters mental health, I sincerely encourage anyone to book onto this training! It’s so important that we educate ourselves in topics that are highly misunderstood in order to make the world a more kinder and supportive place. I really do look forward to sharing this training with everyone who gets involved – see you there!
Suic
ideT ALK
All the best,
Leannexo
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MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE WRITTEN BY DR KATE BLACKFORD
A Day in the Life It is difficult to get a sense of what the day to day reality of a job might be from a job advert and interview. Phil is a Compliance Manager, with twelve years’ experience in an organisational setting and he has agreed to share with us some of his thoughts and experiences. TELL US WHAT YOU DO PHIL As a Compliance Manager I provide a level of advice, knowledge and support to colleagues within the business unit and more widely in relation to Safety, Health and Environment to ensure that the company operates within legal requirements and to ensure that people go home safe and well. As Compliance has evolved, there is more focus on the people elements rather than an enforcement approach. So you are not simply just advising on the law you are playing a strategic role in helping the business balance its priorities and maintain its values.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR AVERAGE DAY I catch up on emails when I log onto my laptop first thing, it is often the case of simply having a scan through them to get up to speed with anything that may have developed overnight. Occasionally there will be something that crops up that requires immediate attention.
There is an element of the unknown – as much as you can have a plan in place about what you will do from one day to the next, there always has to be a default mind-set that other things might crop up and impact on the plan. I find it important to have a plan, not to meticulously detail everything I am going to do for that day, but more of a guide that allows me to maintain focus and ensure productivity.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT AN EXAMPLE OF THE SORT OF THING THAT MIGHT CROP UP? It might be that there is an urgent piece of work that needs to be dealt with straight away, so everything else gets dropped. It might be an ongoing project, where information is required to continue, it could be an incident investigation, or it could be a request from one of the business units for assistance with meeting compliance standards.
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WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The variety is good in terms of what needs to be done. You are also an advisor to the business which is a nice position in terms of supporting people. You are constantly learning and expanding your knowledge of the business and of the elements of compliance. The sense of achievement and making a difference. When a piece of work is completed I get a real sense of success in that I have worked on something that has impact, it might not necessarily be that I have played a major role in a piece of work but knowing that you have done your best and it has added value to a project is very fulfilling. This also builds on experience, knowledge and confidence which, in my opinion, is vital when progressing through a career. Also gaining an understanding of other people in the business and what their job entails, this allows me to be more empathetic when considering the impact my job has on others.
YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED YOUR MASTERS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT. HOW DID YOU FIND THE PROCESS OF BALANCING WORK AND STUDY?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A STUDENT WHO IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THEIR CAREER? It is important to have a sense of purpose about what you are doing. This then gives you the foundation to identify your priorities in work and outside of work. Be humble to the point that you are open to continue to learn. You are going into a significantly different environment and it is important to appreciate that there are different sources of knowledge and growth opportunities that will be available to you when you enter employment. Be confident in yourself but not over confident. You have done a tremendous amount of work to achieve what you have already achieved so far, be proud of that. One thing I have repeated time and time again when I have spoken to new (and existing students) where I undertook my studies is this‌ I have a range of qualifications that enable me to carry out my work to the highest possible level but upon completing my studies I have always been mindful of the amount I do not know. This mantra keeps me grounded and has helped me to develop personally and professionally.
It was challenging because of the demands of work, life and study all at once – getting the balance was critical. There is always a sense that you are neglecting one area and trying to find a counterbalance to that. Having two small children added another layer of challenge in ensuring that they got what they need from me in amongst the work and study demands.
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My Mental Health WRITTEN BY REBECCA KANE
I’m not entirely sure when it began. I’ve suffered with the odd bit of stress or anxiety just as everyone does growing up. My first notable issue with my anxiety was triggered with the stress of exams nearing my GCSE period. I happen to be a migraine sufferer and so intense stress is never good as it can trigger them quite easily. However alongside sleep deprivation it became an endless up-hill battle. I hated that I felt I was constantly falling behind with my studies and barely making a passing grade in some classes. Comparing myself to my friends and family didn’t do wonders for my self esteem either, especially as my best friend was at least 2 grades ahead of me in everything. I felt as though I was stupid. My predicted grades weren’t bad. But compared to my cousins who have both gone to Oxford, my aunt who went to Cambridge and my over-expectations of myself… I didn’t see it that way. I kept pushing to go to extra after school classes and do extra hours of revision, which wouldn’t have been an issue if I didn’t have a 2 hour commute to and from school. By the time I was getting home in the evenings and finishing up revision hours to match that of my friends it was nearing midnight. By Easter my exhaustion caught up with me and I watched all my extra efforts fall away while spending a good week off school with constant migraines. At the time they had noticed that something was wrong but I just didn’t want to bother them with it. I didn’t feel as though I could say to their faces that
I was failing to please them. Looking back, if I had opened up sooner to my teachers and parents about how much stress I felt I was under it wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand. They have never been the type of people to care if I failed or not. They would love me either way as I could never really ‘fail’ them. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs since, but recently my mental health has gotten significantly worse. Around MidSeptember my mental health took a serious downturn. It was just annoying to begin with so I just ignored it. After some time it got a lot worse. It wasn’t something I wanted to turn to my parents about. Frankly it wasn’t something I thought I should have been getting so stressed about. After a while two of my closest friends noticed a few things were amiss and I confided everything to them. I honestly don’t think I would be here now without them. Their support has been invaluable to me. Unfortunately telling them wasn’t enough to stop the increasing number of panic attacks or my thoughts keeping me awake late at night getting worse which repeated the effect with studies I’d had before my GCSEs. It wasn’t until almost two months later that I came out with everything to my parents. With the reality of it all finally hitting hard I mentally collapsed ending up being signed off school for a full month.
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During my time off I had time to dwell on everything. Being at home on my own for most of the time didn’t help me much. I did far too much thinking. Isolation from social circle, attempting to do work to keep up, art and pet therapy.
Things didn’t get much better when I went back to school. Sure seeing my friends again helped, but my workload become unbearable. I had switched courses in October just before taking the month off, so I had three months’ worth of catch up to do for one subject. As for the others it wasn’t as drastic but it was still going to be an issue. I started back with a phased return- only attending classes for bio and psychology as those were the subjects I had the most concerns with. It worked for 2 or so weeks but it became apparent how much work I had missed and I had little hope of catching up fast enough for a passing grade. In the end the school came to the conclusion that I should take more time off to heal and better myself in other areas then return to my education in September. This would be the best opportunity for me to get some kind of help and to sort myself out. While I was willing to see my doctor, I was never intending to go through with counselling (despite my parents protests). I’ve never been the type of person who can sit across from someone and just spill problems and personal stuff without knowing them well or having enough trust with them. I would much rather cuddle my cat for an hour or so. No matter what you say to animals they won’t judge you. All they want is affection, warmth, food and water. As long as you have those then you’re set. No feeling judged for what you say. No need to reexplain things to get across what you mean.
No miscommunication. What’s not to like? As I’ve never really thought there’s an answer to some of my problems that someone could supply, I’m not missing out on anything. Alongside my pet therapy I often find artwork, baking or cooking and writing (basically any outlet of creativity) is helpful for distracting and entertaining myself. Finding things to occupy myself with in the meantime is helping significantly especially while most of my friends are at school and can’t talk. Right now I’m just taking one day at a time and figuring it out from there as it means I don’t have to worry about too much at once.
IF THIS ARTICLE HAS BROUGHT UP ANY EMOTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS, PLEASE REFER TO OUR CONTACT LIST AT THE END OF THIS SECTION
SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT LET SOMEONE KNOW
WRITTEN BY TOMMY CURRY
Anyone who has been bullied or is being bullied knows the fear of people finding out, that if a teacher, parent or even a friend find out about it that they will be viewed as lesser, that somehow what they are made to feel will become real. In the back of their minds they know that if they say something, anything that it may stop it, but the fear of it becoming worse has paralyzed them from speaking up and speaking out. I can remember that exact feeling, and how it emphasised the worthlessness I was feeling. How I desperately wanted to shout out. But I felt no-one would hear me let alone listen. I was lost, I look back now and see it was just a veil that had been pulled over my eyes and I see that when I did reach out things improved for me. Just opening up helps, you feel a wave of relief come over you, that veil is lifted and you see you aren’t alone, and that people will help you if you ask them to...
It may seem scary to tell someone but, telling will not only get you help, it will make you feel less afraid. If you are being physically bullied and are in danger you must speak with a trusted adult immediately. And if you can’t go to your parents, seek out a trusted teacher, guidance counsellor or school psychologist.
If you’ve told a grown-up before and they haven’t done anything about it, tell someone else. Tell them exactly what happened, who did the bullying, where and when it happened, how long it’s been happening to you, and how it’s making you feel. When you tell your teacher, guidance counsellor or school psychologist, ask them what they will do to help stop the bullying. It is their job to help keep you safe. Most adults really care about bullying and will do everything they can to help you. Keep telling until someone does help you! If all else fails, people here at Student Life know the correct path that needs to be taken, SO LET US KNOW.
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CONTACTS We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you.
116 123
www.samaritans.org
0800 58 58 58
www.thecalmzone.net
IN AN EMERGENCY PHONE 999 FOR NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROBLEMS CALL NHS 111
For confidential suicide prevention advice contact
0800 068 4141
01473 228270
Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
07765 052282
survivorsintransition.co.uk
Arts in mental health and wellbeing
www.insideout community.com
03444 775 774
www.papyrus-uk.org
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Advice, guidance and practical support
We’ve got lots of advice about looking after yourself
01473 252607 www.4yp.org.uk
Supporting and empowering women who have suffered or are at risk of suffering domestic abuse
www.lighthousewa.org.uk
Run by people with experience of living with anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression
0300 111 6000
www.suffolkmind.org.uk
Providing a wide range of health and wellbeing services
www.turning-point.co.uk
A National Self-Help Organisation helping people cope with their depression.
www.depressionuk.org
0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk
Improving teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring MH issues at an early stage
www.stem4.org.uk
Whether you’re stressed, anxious, low or depressed, we can help
0300 123 1503
www.wellbeingnands.co.uk
Advice, information and guidance to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
www.studentsagainst depression.org
WTF
WHAT THE FOOD
HOMEMADE V MICROWAVE
WRITTEN BY: TSHEQUA WILLIAMS (WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO MY MUM FOR THE RECIPE)
Tuna Pasta
Although microwave meals seem the easiest option, homemade food will always win overall. There is nothing better than a home cooked meal which tastes fresher, is healthier (as you can control what is going into it) and will often work out cheaper per portion. I chose to make my mum’s Tuna Pasta recipe which was always a favourite of mine before I became vegetarian. With a handful of ingredients, you can create such a healthy fulfilling meal which works out at £2.83 per portion approximately, compared to £2.25 for Ready Meal
Tuna Pasta (Sainsbury’s own brand) per portion. Although it is a mere 58p more expensive, you are getting a much more nutritious meal being homemade and the fact that my version contains sweetcorn and mushrooms, as well as higher amounts of tuna per serving.
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Having tried the Sainsbury’s ready meal previously, although it is satisfactory, I much prefer the flavours and ingredient quantity you get from a homemade version.
makes enough for two generous servings however if you wanted to stretch this recipe even further, it could serve 4 if you added a side such as garlic bread.
The recipe is fairly simple and takes barely any time to make, but it is certainly worth the little bit of extra washing up as it is so delicious. Using the listed quantities, it
I think this recipe is perfect for students as you should have some of the ingredients in your cupboard already, making it ideal for a last-minute meal idea!
Tuna Pasta with Mushrooms and Sweetcorn in a Tomato Base Serves 2 (£2.83 per portion approx, compared to £2.25 for Ready Meal Tuna Pasta)
INGREDIENTS:
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. P lace your chopped tomatoes (and the juice) into a pan and simmer to reduce the liquid slightly. Once reduced add the tomato puree. Alternatively use a pre-prepared passata sauce.
2 x 145g Tinned Tuna Chunks 1 x 198g Tinned Sweetcorn 4 00g Tinned Chopped 1 tbs of Tomato Puree 2 50g Fresh Egg Fusilli (or dried equivalent) 1 50g mushrooms C heese, Grated S alt P epper B asil 1 /2tbs Olive Oil
2. S eason to taste with salt, a little pepper and basil (saving some to add later). 3. A dd the drained sweetcorn and heat for 2-3 minutes. Then add the mushrooms (sliced thickly). Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until simmering nicely. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. 4. I n the meantime, bring a full kettle of water to the boil. 5. O nce the mushrooms appear to be softening, add the drained tuna leaving it in chunks rather than flaked. Add some more pepper according to taste and gently mix everything together. Then add some more basil if you wish to the top of the dish and leave to simmer while the pasta cooks. 6. F or fresh pasta: Add the olive oil and salt to a pan of boiling water, along with the pasta and bring to the boil. Continue to cook the pasta according to the packet instructions – this will take about 4 minutes. (If you use dried pasta, begin cooking earlier to allow for longer cooking times – dried = 11-12 mins approx.). 7. Serve in a bowl, sprinkling with your favourite cheese.
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Vegetarian Cuisine
ASPARAGUS, CHILLI & FETA FARFALLE PASTA WRITTEN BY EMILY AINGER SERVES 2 | PREP 5 MINUTES | COOKING 15 MINUTES METHOD:
INGREDIENTS: 200g farfalle pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves 1 red chilli 250g asparagus heads 1 lemon Handful of basil leaves or dried basil 30g pine nuts
1. P repare your ingredients. Finely chop your 2 garlic cloves and chilli (try and take out all the seeds unless you like it hot!). Cut the woody ends off the asparagus and roughly chop them into small pieces. Zest and juice the lemon and crumble all your feta cheese into another bowl, to be added later. 2. B ring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Tip the pasta in and then leave to simmer for 1 minute less than on the packet (this make it less starchy and you’ll feel less bloated). 3. M eanwhile heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Stir in the garlic, chilli and a pinch of salt and fry for 1 minute. 4. A dd the asparagus and lemon zest to your garlic and chilli and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
50g feta cheese
5. D rain the pasta and tip into the asparagus pan. Add the lemon juice, stir through the basil.
Pinch of salt
6. Serve with the crumbled feta and pine nuts on top.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 1 year and a half now and I love this meal, it’s fast, budget friendly and really fills you up. It’s got easy to find fresh ingredients in which are really great for you and helps you get your daily protein from the pine nuts which can be a struggle for all veggies. I’ve cooked this dish a few times for me or my family and every time it’s been a hit, and we have a few huge meat lovers in my house! I hope you enjoy this great dish and add your own touches too. Recipe courtesy of BBC Good Food. 62 • M AY 2019 • S TUDENT LIFE
BARBEQUE FOOD WARS WRITTEN BY TOMMY CURRY
I’ve experienced both an American and English BBQ, these are my opinions on them...
AMERICAN BBQ An American BBQ is an event. The BBQ I went to in April had more food then you could imagine and is an event for the whole family, mothers, brothers, fathers and cousins. If I remember correctly there were 32 burgers in total and a wave of hot dogs. Ending off with a nice game of catch... I ate way too much...
ENGLISH BBQ An English BBQ, relaxing in the back garden, a beer or glass of Pimms, talking with a few family members as one person looks after the grill, turning the sausages and burgers over at regular intervals Big buns, a proper handful. The atmosphere leaves you relaxed and slowly falling asleep with a full belly...
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MY LIFE CO-EDITOR RACHEL GILBEY
DEAR PAST ME WRITTEN BY SARAH LANE
Dear Sarah, Don’t let anyone tell you what you should be feeling. Not one person grieves the same and like dad used to say ‘there is only one Coliin in this world, and that is you!’ So what, sixth form didn’t work out, you are still clever, the levels of stress you have had to deal with are much higher than that of any other A-level student. Apply for that job you are second guessing. Your new colleagues are going to help you work through your grief and help you find your feet.
Yes, you will have to be the girl at college resitting her A-levels and be older than everyone, but you are ready. No one actually cares! Being yourself is the most important thing! Don’t let this time in your life control your future, because guess what… YOU WILL MAKE IT TO UNIVERSITY! You will find so many ways to keep yourself busy and help other people. Oh yeah, and you will get a 1st on your first graded assignment! YOU ARE SMASHING LIFE!
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MY SKYDIVE! WRITTEN BY SARAH BARNES
A skydive! Something on every adrenaline chaser’s bucket list, and something I decided to do as soon as I was old enough. I’ve always enjoyed pushing boundaries but this was going to be one of the most extreme things I’d done in my whole life! Three months before my sixteenth birthday I decided to book my skydive because it was something I’d always wanted to do but, when thinking about it more I decided that instead of just taking on a new challenge I wanted to do something that helped other people too. I chose to raise money for the Royal Marines charity as my father and two of my Uncles are ex marines and I believe the charity does amazing work to help former/ serving soldiers and their families. I knew the money I would raise would go towards a great cause and help many soldiers that have previously served/ are still serving our country! The day came along pretty fast and before I could think about it, I was sat in a fluorescent orange jumpsuit ascending 13,000ft into the sky. Strangely enough I wasn’t feeling nervous at all and just couldn’t
wait to make my jump! On the plane I was surrounded by some people who were also doing their first jump, and the instructors who had already done hundreds – all of us were super excited! The jump itself was absolutely amazing and an experience I would highly recommend to everyone! Free falling from 13,000ft in the sky feels just as incredible as it sounds and I would love to do it again! In under three months I managed to raise over £800 for the Royal Marines Charity thanks to the great support from my friends and family. And, in September last year I was able to visit the commando training centre in Lympstone to meet the people who help run the charity. I also got to see the recruits training to be Commandos and it made me proud that I had chosen such a good charity to support. Overall it was such a great experience, from the jump itself to meeting the people I could help and, if you are someone considering doing a skydive, my only advice would be – what are you waiting for?
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DREAM JOB WRITTEN BY JAMES WILLIAMS
I fell into my love for reading back when I was fourteen and with that came the realisation of what I dreamed of doing for a job; to become a published author (of fiction specifically). From the start, I knew the likelihood of it playing out is something that would be rare and difficult to accomplish, especially to then do it successfully enough to become a full-time author. The fact that it’s on the creative side means that it’s something that’s more about making connections with other people than just going and handing in a job application for a recent vacancy or something. That meant I required a lot of research on my part, especially since the publishing industry in itself is still such a huge mysterious thing that not many people know about in relation to what goes on behind the scenes. That was where other published authors came into play. I found that authors, especially those in the Young Adult literature community, were what allowed
me to find out everything I know now about the publishing process; the steps to take and the hardships to come with both pursuing and if I achieve my dream job. A lot of authors tend to face the criticism from others about writing not being a ‘proper job’ and even though I’m still working towards it, I’ve still faced those criticisms myself from members of my family. I’ve even eavesdropped on them criticising me behind my back about my choice to do writing. That itself has been something that both made me even more determined to become published, but also something that, at times, has been difficult to ignore when I experienced moments of self-doubt with whatever I was working on. Finding other writer friends on both social media and in people I knew already was something that really helped to motivate me in my writing though. Having that support has been a great thing to have to encourage me to eventually reach that stage where I’ll be ready to reach out for agents and then hopefully have a publisher take enough interest in my work to offer me a publishing deal.
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MY DREAM JOB WRITTEN BY AVIHA BEGUM
In regard to my dream job, I have researched and changed my mind time and time again. After thinking over my situation and looking over the abilities that I have, I have reached the aspiration of wanting to become a lawyer. In order to become a lawyer, you need to have strong and academic qualifications such as A Levels in English Literature, Mathematics, History and so on. Unfortunately, this stands as an obstacle between myself and my dream job. However, I believe that if I attempt to prevail by putting the work in, I will most definitely end up pursuing my ambitions. Due to English being my favourite subject in school, the concept of trying to become a lawyer appeals to me; you have to be articulate in order to be a lawyer. Initially, I encountered the thought of becoming a lawyer due to many of my friends saying that they could visualise me as one. To add to this, I had recently begun watching a show called How to Get Away with Murder, which is all about the
lives of lawyers in action. The professional and sophisticated portrayal of lawyers intrigues me. Furthermore, the never-ending challenges that many lawyers have to deal with also interests me. I believe that if I were to become a lawyer, I would have to apply my knowledge in order to justify my points, which is basically what you do in English. Although I do quite like English, it can greatly challenge me at times, somehow this leads to an increased determination to better my work. Another challenge that comes with being a lawyer is having to complete large amounts of work, which I am eventually going to have the strength to do. This will be a significant struggle in my career as I tend to procrastinate a lot. I have contemplated that the opposition’s argument in a case would frustrate most lawyers. However, I thoroughly believe that if someone tries to coherently dismiss your presented argument, you will become even more driven to in turn diminish theirsthrough valid points of course. Becoming a lawyer is very difficult to do but I’ll try my best.
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Revision Tips WRITTEN BY JOSHUA HODGKIN
Whilst at sixth form, I worked with the BBC on their revision help campaign, BBC Mindset. The programme helped students across the country struggling with techniques, worries and concerns. As a revision coach, I gave people my tips – and I’m now going to give them to you too! By the time you’ll be reading this, it’ll be May. Exams start in just a couple of weeks. I know the feeling. Whilst I definitely don’t condone leaving your revision to the last minute, we’ve all done it. Assuming this has happened and you’re panicking, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. The exams are still a few weeks away. You’ve got time, if you focus. I’d start preparing for the exams which are soonest. If you do that, you’ll feel more confident about them. We’re looking for small wins here! Start by looking at your exam timetable and digging out your subject guides and specifications. Take three pens: red, green and yellow, and place a coloured tick beside each topic in each subject – green if you know it inside out, yellow if you could do with going over it, and red if the words read like gibberish. That way, you’ll feel the pressure ease off when you realise the task isn’t as complex or horrible as it may seem.
Next step: make a revision timetable. Whilst it may seem scary to allocate every minute of your time for the next 6-8 weeks, it doesn’t need to be. The key thing to remember here is that you can be flexible. I was always under the impression that a revision timetable needs to be 100% set in stone, and that deviation from it is a mortal sin. That’s simply not the case. You need to ensure you can deal with anything that may come up – but don’t use flexibility as an excuse to distract yourself. Organising your time in one hour blocks should help.
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Within those one hour blocks, try to give yourself a five minute break every 20 to 30 minutes. You can’t concentrate by sitting amongst the books for eight straight hours. You have to get up, stretch your legs, eat, drink and get some fresh air. So that you don’t get too comfortable with the break, however, I’d set yourself an alarm, so you come back after a few minutes. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that sitting at the table for hours at a time is never useful. You can’t force yourself to read and write forever, you won’t learn anything as all you will be thinking about is your next break! Don’t panic so much about remembering absolutely everything on the topic. If you can’t remember this theory or that case study that you really want to use as an example, it’s not a problem! The examiner would never have known that it was ever on your mind; I’m sure that you can include it if it ever floats back into your head later on in the exam. Set up a consistent workplace, and make sure you feel comfortable there. Whether it’s up at the kitchen table, in the dining room or in your bedroom, you need to have a space where you can feel comfortable and studious. A space where
you can work undisturbed is essential. If you want to really avoid the distractions, put your phone in a different room. When revising, I usually put my phone downstairs and work upstairs, or if I’m revising in the library at university, I’ll leave it in my car. Emails can come in, and distracting Snapchats can be left until later. Perfect. You need to make sure you understand how questions work! I’d print out some past papers, so you get fully accustomed to how the questions read and the kind of things the examiner likes asking. Unfortunately, ‘A’ grades don’t just come with flourishing subject knowledge. You also need to know how to answer questions in a format that the examiner is au fait with. Your teacher should be helping you to remember this, but I’d also take a look at the examiner’s commentary (found with the paper online). It may look boring, but it’s a gold mine. It’s a document written by the examiner which tells teachers what students did well on, and what they didn’t do so well on, in any given exam.
I wish you the very best for your exams, and if you have any questions, email joshua@student-life.co
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LGBTQ’s WITH JOSHUA HODGKIN
Hey guys! I hope everyone’s doing well and has had a good month. What questions do you get asked which really grind your gears? Let me know by email, and we’ll see if we can help to break the stigma! First off this month is a biggie. How do you know you haven’t found the right guy/girl yet? This one applies to people across the spectrum really, and it’s frustrating. You see, for people who are only into the same gender as themselves, they just aren’t interested in the opposite gender! The same would go for a person who’s straight. I doubt that I would be asking them if they haven’t found the right (guy/girl) yet, because they would probably just reaffirm the fact that they’re straight! So, no, in my case I haven’t found the right girl ‘yet’. But that’s okay. Why don’t you act gay? Well the funny thing is, there’s no such thing as ‘acting’ gay. Yes, there’s being camp, but that isn’t gay. Gay men can be camp or flamboyant, and they can also be very traditionally masculine. Lesbian women can be very masculine, but they are often very feminine. My sexuality and how I come across on the day to day are just not the same – they aren’t related at all! You can’t ‘tell’ if I am into the same gender just by how I come across, that doesn’t work.
Do you fancy me?! No. Probably not. You see, the thing is that I don’t fancy everybody of the same gender. Just because you’re my male friend doesn’t mean I want you to be my boyfriend, and if you make jokes about the fact that I may fancy you, you’re not a great friend. Whilst most of the ‘bums against the wall lads’ jokes from school are a distant memory, people at work and outside who think it’s okay to make that kind of assumption still exist. And it sucks. However, you can always just come back to the person by telling them they wouldn’t have a chance! I hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s LGBTQ’s, and as always please drop me an email at joshua@student-life.co if you’ve got any questions you’re always getting asked. All the best!
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PRIDE WRITTEN BY LEANNE ARNOLD
May sees the kick off to PRIDE! Although April hosted Bury Pride, the full swing of celebrations commences in May. So this Is just a HAPPY PRIDE to all the upcoming events that are taking place. PRIDE HISTORY Ultimately PRIDE Is to celebrate equal and gay rights for those who Identify within the LGBTQ+ community. However, PRIDE also commemorates the Stonewall Riots. The history of the gay rights movement Is often related to the people of NYC In 1969: Patrons of a bar known as the Stonewall Inn, situated In NYC fought back against a discriminatory police raid. Back then homosexuality was still Illegal and men could be arrested for wearing drag, and women faced the same punishment If they were found wearing less than three pieces of ‘feminine’ clothing. The raid turned Into a full blown riot which was to send the police a loud and clear message about their frustrations with the situation regarding LGBT Individuals. Only a year later a committee was formed to commemorate the riots – therefore welcoming GAY PRIDE.
EVENTS MAY 2019 EXETER PRIDE
11/05/2019
OXFORD PRIDE
17/05/2019
KINGS CROSS REMIX 21/05/2019 BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 25/05/2019 DURHAM PRIDE
25/05/2019
GRAMPIAN PRIDE
25/05/2019
ROCHDALE PRIDE
25/05/2019
Here’s to a wonderfully rainbow pride! More event s to follow next month for June 2019.
FUN FACT: Did you know the pride flag was made In 1978! Originally It had 8 stripes consisting of: ‘Hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, Indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit’. However, today the pride flag has 6 stripes.
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TECH REVIEW
WASHING MACHINES WRITTEN BY JACK MACY
Have you ever found yourself struggling to comprehend all the ins and outs of washing machines? It’s easy to get your head in a spin over the different functions and features – especially when it comes to living alone for the first time. This month, Ashley from Hughes Electrical has given us loads of information to help you figure out the differences and provide some advice when the time comes for you to buy your own washing machine.
There are three key features to look for: the number of programs available, the spin speed and the load capacity. The variety of programmes available across different models of washing machines allow you to find a set matching your needs. For example, a sports wear, muddy or sensitive skin cleaning setting might benefit you the most. Fast wash options are often available too, but these usually have the caveat of requiring a lower load.
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VIEW
Spin speed typically varies between 1200RPM (Revolutions per Minute) up to 1600RPM. The higher the RPM, the shorter the time taken for your clothes to be dry. Load capacity is another defining feature that is commonly found between the range of 6kg and 10kg. The load capacity has a lot to do with the capability of the drum inside the machine, but a bigger capacity isn’t always best for your individual needs as more energy is required. With regards to energy, the standard now is between A and A+++ with each “+” saving you roughly £13-14 a year – certainly something to account for when looking at purchasing a slightly more expensive, but efficient, machine. It is important, however, to still do monthly cleaning cycles to prevent internal degradation regardless of the efficiency. Typically speaking, the higher the price, the better the build quality and reliability, which is something that also varies with brands. Some people might find it suits them better to rent a more expensive machine for a few years than to buy a new unit as it provides an easier route of replacement as it gets older. Washerdryers are an alternative but are more costly to run overall and less economical.
Washing Machines are a fundamental of any home, this is why rental of Washing machines is really popular. Washing Machines can be one of the most expensive repair bills you face, and so by Renting, it means you have low monthly cost, can afford a higher spec’ machine, and not have to worry about repair bills. As for which one you choose…. Get the one that suits your lifestyle. If you only have a couple of you in the House, then you won’t need more than a 7kg load. If you have a tumble dryer, get a higher spin speed to reduce the amount of time you need to use the tumble dryer (as they tend to use much more electricity in comparison). And if you have a specific need based on lifestyle or health for example, then get that programme that helps you look after your clothing and well being. As Student Life readers, don’t forget, you get your special half price rental from the store on Upper Brook street in Ipswich
your home connected
hughes.co.uk/smarthome
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FINANCE FINANCE CO-EDITOR JOSHUA HODGKIN
MONZO
The Bank for Young People
WRITTEN BY JOSHUA HODGKIN
I recently made the move from a traditional student account to Monzo. “What is Monzo? That word doesn’t even sound real!” I hear you. Monzo is a bank that has been running since 2015, and they do things a little differently. They make it that little bit easier to manage money on the day-to-day, to budget and they include clever little features in their app to just make life simpler. That’s their one aim: to make life simpler. The first thing you’ll notice is how easy it is to apply. Any UK or EU citizen can
apply from the age of 16 onwards, and all you’ll need is an iPhone or Android smartphone, and a passport or driving licence. You’ll simply need to take a photo of the ID, and a short video of yourself so they can verify your face against the ID you’ve provided. There used to be a waiting list, but that’s long gone. You ought to be ready to go in a day or so! They’ll send you a strikingly bright, modern, pink (*ahem* “Hot Coral”) card. It’s really something.
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How many times have you needed to call your bank to sort something out – perhaps you’ve got a problem with online banking, or you need a new card or something like that. With Monzo, you needn’t bother. Simply press help, then ‘Chat with Someone’. Just like that, you’ll be connected to a real person without having to speak to them on the phone. That’s a lifesaver for someone like me, I’m a very busy person who also HATES talking to call centres due to the anxiety it causes, it freaks me out somewhat. Most banks don’t consider any regular payments that you may have that go out by card. There usually is a menu to look at your Direct Debits, but never things like Spotify, Netflix and magazine subscriptions, which all use your card details to take your money. With Monzo, there is a really useful menu which allows you to single out any payment as ‘regular’ so it tells you exactly how much you need to set aside for regular payments! You will (ought to) never run out of money again! Another really cool plus of Monzo’s app is the way you can save and budget super easily. If you’re quite bad with managing your money, like I can be, the app is a lifesaver. The budgeting tools are very helpful, I’m able to tell the app when I get paid, and will (fairly accurately) automatically work out what I regularly spend on petrol, bills, and my late night Tesco trips with friends (I mean I do spend money on other things, honestly). From that, it works out where I need to reign in the spending, and where I may have extra to put away this month. That’s really helpful, almost like a personal accountant! When money is as tight as it can be for students, this is a really important feature.
I absolutely love the ‘ker-ching’ noise that the app makes when you get paid, too. That’s a real mood booster. How many times have you gone out for a meal with friends, then had the kerfuffle of swapping bank details to square up with each other? With Monzo, the person who pays just simply sends out a request, kind of like PayPal, for their friends to pay them! It’s so easy. Now, what’s not so good. Well whilst the fact the bank is completely run from your phone is great, that’s also a drawback. If you lose your phone, you’ve got no access to your bank account unless you either get a new phone, log in from someone else’s or use the very basic website which allows you to order a new card, freeze your card and see your balance. The 21st century is a great thing, but it can be a curse as well as a blessing. Just make sure you weigh this up before devoting all of your income to your phone – how likely is it that you’ll lose your phone? The bank previously had some teething problems. They’ve created the computer systems which run the bank themselves, so it was bound to happen. Things like cards being declined and payments being delayed happened more often than is okay. This has improved dramatically, and I’ve had no issues personally. So, would I recommend Monzo to students? Absolutely, it’s truly a godsend for anyone living in the 21st century, and it completely changes banking once you go, as they say, #FullMonzo.
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WHAT ARE YOU
SAYING?
GET UP, GET OUT WRITTEN BY TOMMY CURRY
This Summer Student Life are putting together an event showing the links between physical health and mental health. We want you all to get involved! It all starts with getting up and getting out that door!
There are proven benefits to your mental health if you find time to be active during your day and Student Life are paving the way for you all. We want this event to be big. So we will need your help both in planning and participating. There is so much to do! If you would like to help email Tommy@student-life.co to get more information.
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MY HOBBIES WRITTEN BY RAHUL ANEESH
MUSIC: When I was 11 I started listening to bands like “Linkin Park” & “Three Days Grace”. Then as I got older bands like “BMTH”, “Green Day”, “MCR”, “Paramore”, “Twenty One Pilots” and many others grew on me. Then there was another genre I equally enjoyed, Hip/Hop and Rap and I was introduced to artists like “Drake”, “Eminem”, “Asap Rocky” & “Wiz Khalifa”. But there is a variety of different styles of rap whether its lyrical geniuses like “J Cole” & “Kendrick Lamar”, to trap stars like “Lil Uzi Vert” & “Travis Scott”, to a mashup of rock and rap from “Post Malone” & “Lil Peep”.
CARS: Ever since I was a toddler I was always fascinated by the sight of cars. If you place a car in front of me I’ll probably tell you the make within 10 seconds.
I used to record myself playing “Need for Speed” on the PS3 and a lot of other games on Xbox. I also like to watch car shows like “The Grand Tour” and YouTube channels like “Carwow” and I watched film franchises like “Fast & Furious”; also I got into “James Bond” films because of my love for cars. I have also collected a lot of 1:64 scale cars and I have 2 cardboard boxes full of them.
CHATTING ON SKYPE: Every weekend I go on Skype to chat with my 2 cousins. They live in India hence I see them in person each year. But this is a good hobby because I can keep in touch with other family members. I also play this game called “Payback 2” which is a bit like GTA but less inappropriate and we mostly race each other and talk about trendy topics as well. Also I don’t really have many friends outside of school except my parents so that’s partly why I chat with my cousins just to end my loneliness.
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MY HERO WRITTEN BY SABRINA ALTERMAN My dad is my hero because he always works so hard to help everyone even if he doesn’t know who the person is. When we both watch Marvel movies together I think of him as a Marvel character because they always help those in need even if he gets no reward for helping. My dad has had a tough few years due to circumstances but he has always pushed through to always make sure that he achieves what he wants to achieve. He always does what he can for his family and always puts us first. He is the boss of the house even though my mum won’t
admit it and we both laugh when she doesn’t agree with us both. My dad has been through a lot in life but has always soldiered through all of the issues and challenges that face him. My dad always pushes us all so we can achieve our goals and helps us face the challenges. My mum always jokes that I am a daddy’s girl and sometimes I have to agree with her. I love my dad unconditionally. In my opinion a real good dad will always stick by you and will help you when you need help and that’s why my dad is my hero and he always will be.
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