Choosing the right roof: University vs Private accommodation
Games so bad that they’re good
Sport Membership Costs Increase Causing Concern On Student Mental Health
Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sport Sub-Editor
Can students play sports if the prices keeps increasing?
Since last academic year, Newcastle University Sports Centre’s membership prices have increased by 10% across all subscriptions. This has caught the eye of many students, who now look for opportunities to play sports outside of the University community.
The change could mean an increase in mental health problems for University students, as many use sports as a way of releasing the stress accumulated from their studies.
The Sport and Fitness membership saw the highest price increase of almost over £30 more than last year. This includes access to their hi-tech gym as well as a selection of Fitness classes, such as Spin, Yoga, and Pilates.
Fitness membership increased by £19, and Sport membership by £10, in relation to the price last year.
This has unsettled freshers who were excited to join a sports club and returning students, who were not shocked to see the price rise.
Studies from Sport England and MIND, the National Association for Mental Health, demonstrate that physical exercise has a positive direct impact on mental health.
Whether it is a way to clear their minds or just a fun hobby, sport is an essential part of most university students’ lives, as it helps regulate mental health problems within the community.
When a non-student athlete was asked if they would stop playing sports due to rising costs, they answered: “I hesitated to buy the membership after it [...] People already don’t know where our money is going, so I wouldn’t be surprised if people stop paying altogether.”
In an interview with a nonstudent athlete, they said:
“It’s already intimidating joining a new sport, let alone it costing you over £100 with additional club fees.”
Many students stated that they felt frustrated paying for their memberships. “I’d find myself sometimes considering
the amount of money I have spent on sport as it does take up a considerable amount of my student loan.”
For non-student athletes, motivation to participate in recreational sports is something that they have to find themselves. Still, if there’s an added value price students’ interest in playing sports will likely decrease.
A volleyball non-student athlete told The Courier “being active is 100% important for the mental health of anyone. I think there will be an increase in mental health problems as well, especially because of the social aspect of being in a sports club.”
One student-athlete stated that if the club hadn’t paid for their membership, they would have still willingly paid for it, even though it could have complicated their financial situation. “Keeping our bodies active as students is crucial if we want to regulate mental stability.”
“If I wasn’t able to compete, I love sport too much to be able to stop altogether.”
Most non-athlete students don’t feel like they get what they pay for. “I love using the gym, but the sports membership feels like I’m paying £200 for the year for no improvement in facilities.”
Some students have looked at affordable alternatives, such as playing sports in a local club in Newcastle and surrounding areas. Some of them provide more accesible prices to University students, which is noticed by the latter. For example, Marden Volleyball Club, based in Whitley Bay, offers £55 memberships for University students.
Some students, regarding the sport community within the University said ‘As a student athlete who isn’t on scholarship and joined as a walkon, I don’t always feel valued as there is a clear divide [...] There’s a lot that could be improved.”
“I think many affordable sports communities in the Newcastle area offer just as much as the University sports communities do… They’re playing with members of the wider community of all ages that may
make it harder to relate to them.”
But a question remains: If people can’t afford to play sports, are mental health problems going to increase?
Wellbeing officers of AU Sport Clubs agree: “Plenty of scientific studies prove that exercise is beneficial to mental health […] Combined with the social aspects of being in a club, it can be beneficial to anyone.’
"Sport provides an escapism from the pressures of uni life”
Newcastle University has ‘seen a rise in mental health problems throughout the years, and due to this issue, more help systems have been put into place’, such as Wellbeing Support, that anyone can access and request.
Alex Duggan, Athletic Union Officer, is the representative on campus for student sports within the Union and is responsible for overseeing participation in sports and physical activity. Duggan states, “Sport provides an escapism from the pressures of uni life [...] It is just key for mental wellbeing, especially being a student.” Talking about the different support
systems in place for individuals who may struggle to afford sports memberships, she mentioned the Activities Access Fund, “It is open for any student who is facing financial barriers [...] The only thing about this fund is its limited capacity.”
For more information about the Activities Access Fund, go to https:// nusu.co.uk/support/welfare-centre/3/aaf.
Duggan said “there are a lot of things we’ve been doing this year with financial planning, so we’re trying to keep it as affordable as we can.”
She also discussed other ways people can stay active. “Intramural clubs don’t require an entry fee to join. You do have to buy a sports membership, but you need to do that for every AU club anyway.” When questioned on how AU Sports Clubs address mental health, The Boxing Club’s Welfare Officer states “I consistently check in on my club. Overall, we promote our committee as a support system encouraging members to reach out to us for any help not just within the sport but in wider areas too.” In the future, if sports membership costs rise, students are less likely to get involved in a sports community. We may see an increase in mental health struggles and additional pressure in Newcastle University’s Well-being services. Relationships | page 14
Infographic credit: Grace Boyle, canva
Image credit: Noelia Fernandez-Perez
Image Credit: Noelia Fernández Pérez
A note from your editor...
And just like that we have passed another two weeks in term. This issue comes at the hands of the editorial team working extremely hard over enrichment week. I hope you're feeling relaxed and ready to go again for the final push before Christmas! But also, don't worry if you aren't.
This time of year is always a weird one. The excitement of Winter break is drawing in, but the temperature has dropped and we suddenly have limited access to sun... It can be really easy to
The wonderful team have really stepped up this week to ensure that we could keep to the two-week
schedule. It has meant that the timeline was pushed back and we were editing to the very last second. I suppose that makes it more exciting?!
We had guest speaker International Fashion Reporter Zofia Zwieglinska in our Student Media Afternoon this week. As alumni from Newcastle University and ex-member of The Courier, it was really interesting to hear how she got into that role and was a great reminder about the number of career paths available to students. No matter what you want to do, there probably is a job that does just that (to a certain extent of course - we would all love to sit in bed all day!).
Radio is also very very busy. I'm really chuffed with the amount of slots that have been taken - perhaps video did
Article Highlights: 18th November
Current Affairs | Campus Comment
How to raise awareness for men's health month
How to focus on physical and mental health for men this November | Page 7
Life & Style | Lifestyle
Girl, so confusing... but it's neurodivergent so it's even more confusing
One of our writers reflects on her experiecnces with neurodivergency as a girl | Page 16
Life & Style | Food and Drink
Foody Focus: SnackWallah
Unsure where to eat? Read the review for some traditional Indian snack foods | Page 22
Culture | TV
Top Telly ruined by awful endings...
Discussing TV's greatest disappointments | Page 26
Sports |
Interview with 22/23 AU Officer Hannah Danks
"You lose most of your sanity, and most of your dignity" | Page 34
Puzzles! |
Pick your brain with our cryptic crossword... | Page 33
Want to get involved?
NOT kill the radio star! NSR have also got their own email, so any queries should be sent over to nsr.union@newcastle.ac.uk.
NUTV is gearing up for Fight Night on the 26th and 28th November. We have got a lot of interested volunteers wanting to help present, operate cameras, and use the tech so it is starting to get exciting. Fight Night will be the first large-scale event that we stream this academic year! Anyway, I hope you love this issue as much as we do.
See you in two weeks!
Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all.
Freshers’ week is a time to get to know
Our Next Article SMA: 20th November 1.30pm
Bambugh Room, NUSU
f you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)!
You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer. Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out!
THE COURIER SECTIONS
Editor
Lucy Bower
MediaOfficer.Union@newcastle.ac.uk
Social Media
Poppy Bedford
Current Affairs
Senior editors: Grace Boyle
G.Boyle3@newcastle.ac.uk
Anna Nix
A.Nix2@newcastle.ac.uk
News
Marcus Williamson
Oscar Jenkins
Safia Adia
Campus
Comment
Amala Parry
Jess Mooney
Scarlet Davies
Opinion
Addie Dodson
Amelie Baker
Margaux Martinez
Science
Charlotte Atkinson
Matthew Barratt
Sport
Senior editor: Adam Tibke
A.S.Tibke2@newcastle.ac.uk
Adam Symes
Dylan Seymour
Megan Grimston
Noelia Fernandez
Perez
Deputy Editor
Libby Griffiths
L.Griffiths9@newcastle.ac.uk
P.Bedford2@newcastle.ac.uk
Life & Style
Senior editors: Marina Snyder
M.Snyder2@newcastle.ac.uk
Charlotte Burley-Hnat
C.Burley-Hnat2@newcastle.ac.uk
Relationships
Jess Hughes
Rosie McKenna
Blind date and Agony Aunt: Abi Ogden
Lifestyle
Ruby Tiplay
Emma Hunter
Fashion &
Beauty
Agnes Karbo
Trinity Eadie
Travel
Ellen Pinch
Sophie Jarvis
Food & Drink
Barbora Pacherova
Esther Arnold
Culture
Senior editors: Sarah Tunstall
S.Tunstall2@newcastle.ac.uk
Adam Lovegrove
A.Lovegrove2@newcastle.ac.uk
Music
Bertie Kirkwood
Oli Free
TV
Cory Gourley
Kirsty Dow
Film
Alex Paine
Charlotte Thompson
Gaming
Amy Mescus
Milly Thompson
Arts
Keira Gratton
Phoebe Clark
Puzzles
Poppy Bedford
Image Credit: Lucy Bower
Big change for Russell Group unis
Adam Symes - Sports Sub-Editor
Department for Education announce criteria change for Russell Group universities.
The Department for Education have updated their accountability measures which state that they will no longer measure schools in England on how many of their students go to Russell Group or Oxbridge Universities.
This has been proposed due to the previous pressures placed upon school officials to increase the amount of their students who attended these Universities, which in turn led to the neglect of other nonRussell group/Oxbridge institutions.
‘The Russell Group’ was founded by 17 British research universities and they define themselves as “24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research”. These universities include Newcastle, Cambridge, Glasgow and more.
“The new accountability measures also hope to reduce the pressures on school officlals”
The creation of this exclusive group has led some university leaders to believe this has resulted in discouraging students from attending other universities in favour of Russell group institutions.
Non-Russell Group universities such as Northumbria, Nottingham Trent and Bath all offer high quality forms of education with often more specialised courses that are perceived to be more practical for after university life.
However, this differing form of practical education in comparison to Russell groups is argued to not be made as clear of an option to students due to their exclusion from the exclusive coalition of universities.
The new accountability measures also hope to reduce the pressures on school officials working in underprivileged areas at colleges and sixth forms around the UK.
This is due to schools in poorer areas being put at an inescapable disadvantage of having lower percentage rates of students attending Russell Group universities, meaning that it was much more difficult for these schools to meet the required Russell group quota.
UK Parliament released a report in 2022 stating that “Schools with the most disadvantaged intake are ten times more likely to have a classworth of severely absent pupils”.
The school’s performance table will still feature the percentages of students who have joined “top third higher education institutions”, whilst it also includes which of those institutions are Russell Group universities.
Budget 2024: Reeves unveils Labour's first Budget in 14 years
Oscar Jenkins and Marcus Williamson - News Sub-Editors
Rachel Reeves announces Labour's Autumn Budget, as the first female Chancellor in UK history.
Rachel Reeves has delivered the first Labour budget since 2010, declaring the newlyelected Labour Government has a mandate for a decade of ‘national renewal’.
A significant increase in public spending, funded by a £40bn increase in tax revenue, has been announced and outlined by the Labour government.
The Autumn Budget headlines with £40bn in tax rises and significant policy changes in key areas. This includes higher education, healthcare, and the National Minimum Wage; in what has been described as, “the most traditional Labour Budget since the 1970s”.
Higher education will be provided with an additional £300m. This comes in the wake of demands from universities for increased funding. As reported by The Courier, Newcastle University has found itself in a £35m financial ‘blackhole’. This makes up roughly 5% of the university's turnover.
The National Living Wage is also set to increase by 6.7% to £12.21, for over-21s. The adult minimum wage will also eventually become uniform, as the under-21 minimum wage will eventually be made equal.
The NHS budget is also set to increase by £22.6bn, with Reeves setting an increased 2% target in productivity for
The Transpennine route, which students from Manchester and its surrounding area use to get to Newcastle, will also receive a ‘multibillion pound’ upgrade.
£5bn will be invested in housing as well. The Government has hired more planning officers to help boost affordable housing.
"The most traditional Labour budget since the 1970s"
Much of this funding will come from measures such as 20% VAT of private school fees, increases in the rate of capital gains tax, and rises in employer’s contribution towards national insurance.
The so-called ‘sin taxes’, targeting products such as alcohol and tobacco, have also been raised.There will be a 2% increase above inflation rates for
Additionally, attracting much attention however, is the plan to reduce alcohol duties by 1.7% for draught beer. Reeves said this would take “a penny off a pint in the pub”.
Reeves, a former economist at the Bank of England, was first elected in 2010 and served as Shadow Chancellor for 3 years, from May 2021. Reeves has already made history as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer in UK history, she remarked during her Budget announcement that she is “deeply proud” to hold such an accolade.
"Higher education will be provided with an additional £300m"
She added, “To girls and young women everywhere, I say: let there be no ceiling on your ambition, your hopes and your dreams”.
North-East Schools in crisis over closures
Mia Young
School closures have resulted in calls for funding improvements in the North East.
Parents and teachers are calling for improvements in funding for schools in the North East.
School closures in the North East are at a higher rate than the rest of the UK. Just a few weeks ago there was a school closure in North Tyneside, and it certainly wasn’t the first of its kind. Other schools, such as Monkseaton High, are only half fulldespite being built by the council only 14 years ago.
“School closures in the North East are at a higher rate than the rest of the UK"
This is primarily a result of the birth rate falling. Due to fewer students, the schools get less funding, which impacts the quality of resources, teaching, and education for students. Some schools are switching from a three to a two-tier system to combat the issue. However,
this has left families unclear on the direction of their children's education. The council has responded, saying an investment of £50m in the Berwick partnership of schools is set to transform education in the area long term.
Parents have also expressed concerns regarding the uncertainty of their children's education. With most affected children’s educations already being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, parents express fears over further disruptions of their children's education.The negative implications for teachers have led to teacher's strikes in impacted areas multiple times this year. The council has said aims to secure permanent employment for teachers in impacted areas.
"Due to fewer students, the schools get less funding, which impacts the quality of resources"
John Hall of the NASUWT teachers union said he believes schools are ‘sleepwalking into crisis’ if they don’t begin to discuss the impacts of lowering birthrates on the school system. He urges schools and the local council to work together.
Some teachers can see positives in class sizes falling, with the president of
New flats announced in Jesmond
Amy Jones
Development in Jesmond creates new housing opportunities for young professionals.
Amultimillionpound development has been announced for the Newcastle suburb of Jesmond. This is set to increase the supply of properties for young professionals, easing the pressure of the competitive property market.
Jomast Developments has chosen the previous Scottish Life House Estate to be transformed into a living complex. Jesmond
Three Sixty is set to be built on this site and is in the process of redevelopment. Following a public consultation on Friday 18th October, the new complex is predicted to contain 58 properties, with either one or two rooms. Also planned is a gym, spaces for leisure, commercial areas, and a car park. A staff member from the company, Adam Hearld, has stated there are hopes that the project will bring, “new life to this great part of the city.”
the National Education Union pointing out that the North East has the secondhighest primary school class sizes in the UK. He reiterates, however, that there is a concern regarding funding for both schools and pupils.
Pints are going to be 1.7% cheaper!
Another project in the proposal stages is at Moseley Passage, which is a complex combining apartments and mews houses. Alt Studios, an architectural firm in Newcastle Upon Tyne, plans for the new living space to include eight two-story dwellings, along with an existing hotel building that will be reinstated into ten apartments. This adds to the many new and upcoming opportunities for accommodation in Jesmond. Plans for this accommodation are set to begin in 2025 and be completed within the year.
I'm going to save £100 a week!
Image credit: AP Pic, FMT
Newcastle War Memorials restored for Remembrance Day
Olivia Munns
War memorials restored by North Tyneside Council ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
In preparation for Remembrance Day on November 11th, North Tyneside Council partnered with the War Memorials Trust on a £85,000 project to restore historic war memorials across Tynemouth, North Shields, and Dudley. The initiative underpins the North East Council’s commitment to honouring local heritage and preserving these monuments as tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson has highlighted the project's importance, emphasising the Council’s collaboration with conservation specialists to protect these "old, fragile, and costly" landmarks. “Working with the War Memorials Trust and local experts demonstrates our deep commitment to these memorials,” he said, stressing the Council’s dedication
to preserving these symbols for future generations.
“I am delighted by this, it is a great scheme”
Among the sites to be restored is the Grade II-listed Boer War Memorial on Tynemouth’s village green. This significant monument will undergo structural stabilisation, crack repairs, cleaning, and the replacement of worn finishings. The monument’s bronze plaques, including the names and ranks of those who served, will also be carefully restored to maintain their clarity and dignity Conservative councillor for Tynemouth, Lewis Bartoli has stated
“I am delighted by this, it is a great scheme and I have been working for this for years and having looked at the plans it looks like a really comprehensive and professional job and I know from speaking to other residents they are also delighted by it.”
In North Shields, the Grade II-listed Hawkeys Lane memorial will receive new inscriptions to replace faded text, along with cleaning and repointing to
300,000 trees planted by North-East Project
Over the past year, North East Community Forest have planted trees at over 430 sites in the North-East
Over the past year, North East Community Forest have planted trees and hedgerows across over 430 sites in Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, and Sunderland. With over 30 years of growth, the trees will remove a sum of almost 51,000 tonnes of carbon-monoxide from the environment to ensure a more sustainable living space.
North East Community Forest works with more than 2,000 volunteers that support greener spaces and cleaner air. It is one of the top five biggest Community Forest schemes, with over 164 gross hectares altogether. The multimillion pound project is funded by the government Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs through the Nature for Climate Fund.
“More trees in the North East have proven benefits for mental health”
The North East has made great progress on the Environment Act target that aims to reach 16.5% of woodland cover in England by 2050. For all tree planting schemes in England, this year there has
Student Wins Thesis Award
been a 52% increase from the previous year. More trees in the North East have proven benefits for mental health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and air quality. Ella Spray, the president for Extinction Rebellion Society and a Newcastle University biology student, said “it’s a decent scheme that’s engaging with landowners to partner with them.
But the biggest issue with tree planting around here is if it’s planted on Peatlands.”
She also urges other institutions to make bigger steps in combatting the climate crisis. Tree planting, whilst a popular strategy to tackle climate change, can also lead to carbon release, harm to local ecosystems and a risk of monocultures if wrongly managed.
The NEFC has planned to ensure that their efforts are sustainable and that trees are planted where they are needed. Working with the local councils, as well as regional and national organisations, the NEFC are continuing their work of planting trees to progress their mission of sustainability.
bolster its structure. In Dudley, the World War I memorial on Market Street has already undergone cleaning and repairs, with plans to replace a missing anchor. This project builds on North Tyneside Council’s previous investment of £100,000 between 2018 and 2019, which enabled the restoration of 22 other memorials throughout the area. Through regular maintenance and annual cleaning as part of a long-term preservation plan, the Council aims to keep these sites in excellent condition, particularly
for occasions alike to Remembrance Day. These efforts reflect Newcastle’s commitment to honouring those commemorated and to ensuring that these memorials remain vital symbols of remembrance and community heritage.
The restoration work is led by Local firm Classic Masonry, in collaboration with conservation specialists Ainsworth Spark Associates.
£30 million granted for Sunderland Riverside
Ryan Walsh
As
part of a new scheme, the former area of industry is set to become a thriving urban quarter
As part of a new scheme between Sunderland City Council and Homes England, the former area of industry is set to become a thriving new urban quarter due a £29.75 million funding boost
The new development is forecasted to create 1,000 new sustainable homes for a community of 2,500 people, and 1 million square feet of modern offices for commercial and employment sites. The £29.75 million funding boost is in addition to a previous £49.94 million investment, bringing the total infrastructure investment to
“One
of
the
most
ambitious local authorities in the country”
nearly £80 million.
For the new developments, the council has planned unique house designs inspired by local traditions, such as a modernised version of the Sunderland cottage. These new builds come with a variety of promises, such as energy efficiency, technology integrated, and super-connected to the burgeoning 5G network. Locations include 130 houses and apartments on the site of the former Vaux brewery, 160 homes on Farringdon Row, 80 homes on Ayre’s Quay and the largest development being 450 houses and
apartments on Sheepfolds, which will be linked to the city centre by a newly constructed footbridge.
The funding bonus is aiding private sector investment in the area, with contributors ranging from Canada Life to Legal and General, this being in addition to the over £600 million
“We're
proud to be leading this from the
already invested in the Riverside Regeneration programme.
City council leader Michael Mordey said of the funding boost: “Sunderland is growing its reputation as one of the most ambitious and innovative local authorities in the country, leveraging public and private sector investment to deliver a world-class place to live, work and play. […] Securing investment on this scale is only possible because we commit and then deliver – time and time again – and
Newcastle PhD student Jo Baker receives Global recognition.
Jo Baker, a PhD student at Newcastle University, has been awarded the Judge’s Choice Award at the national Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for her research on interventions for children with speech difficulties.
Baker’s presentation, titled ‘Elsa, the tiger and the Speech Sound Disorder’, focused on her research into phonological awareness intervention, a method that helps children with phonological disorders— the struggle to produce sounds correctly. This is achieved through strengthening their understanding of sounds and parts of words, which is critical to developing language, literacy, and communication skills.
The 3MT competition, held in October and marking the 10th annual event, challenges doctoral students to condense their research into a three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience.
The judges commended Baker for her ability to explain this complex topic in a clear and engaging way, pairing her presentation with original cartoons to illustrate her thesis.
The national competition saw 850 participants from across the UK, with entries being gradually narrowed down from 65 to 6 finalists. The winners were chosen by judging panel and a public vote.
The Judges’ Choice Award, received by Baker, is one of three honors presented. Other finalists were recognised with the People’s Choice and Editor’s Champion Awards.
Originally developed by the University of Queensland, the 3MT competition has grown to attract over 900 universities globally. In the run up to this year’s event, Newcastle University hosted communication training, one-on-one coaching and support to students research throughout the competition stages.
Jo Baker’s impressive win not only highlights her dedication to research, but also it’s social impact and the importance of raising awareness of language challenges in children— a sector crucial in driving positive change in both healthcare and education.
Sophie Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editor
Emma Stephenson
On Campus Memorial- Image credit: Marcus Williamson
Image Credit: Rawpixel
Wednesday 15th November, 1967
Sub-Editors: Scarlet Davies, Jess Mooney, and Amala Parry
Campus Comment
The Connell Waldron Effect: How Can We Tackle Loneliness at University?
Christine Soloch
What can we do to feel less alone at Uni?
Many of us have high expectations for university. It's often portrayed as a time of self-discovery, new adventures, and endless opportunities to make friends. Yet, for some, it may be more like Connell's experience: everything is unfamiliar, and connecting with people feels almost impossible.
Maybe you also feel like you're trying different versions of yourself in the hopes that one might fit, only to feel even lonelier when it doesn't. The "Connell Waldron Effect"—a sense of isolation and self-doubt while others seem to fit right in—is something many students face. Last year, a UK government press release stated that loneliness is a concern for over 50% of students in the UK, with 43% worried about being judged if they express this feeling.
"Admitting it can be difficult, but it's a crucial step in tackling this issue."
Admitting it can be difficult, but it's a crucial step in tackling this issue. Like Connell, who gradually opens up and seeks meaningful connections, students can find ways to cope with loneliness. Building genuine relationships at university may take more time for some, but it isn't impossible.
“I feel like I'm walking around trying on a hundred different versions of myself”- Connell Waldron (Normal People)
1) Join clubs and societies: while this advice is probably the most common, it can be effective. Societies can help you find like-minded people but don't pressure yourself if it doesn’t happen to you, and don't try to be someone other than yourself! Even if you don't make instant friends, you still find new activities for your mental well-being.
2) Stay in touch with friends and family: maintain existing relationships. A catch-up over the phone or even a weekend
visit can really boost your mood and remind you that you already have successful relationships in your life.
3) Practice self-care: it’s important to enjoy your own company, too. Sometimes, though, we fall into the trap of just rotting in bed all day. That's absolutely fine, but leaving your flat occasionally and doing other things that bring you joy will lift your spirits.
4) Reach out for support: there is no shame in seeking support within the university. There are many resources available to help with your wellbeing. Getting things off your chest is always
"There is no shame in seeking support within the university. There are many resources available to help with your well-being."
a great starting point for feeling better. Ultimately, different strategies work for different people. Nonetheless, by making an effort while also giving yourself some time, feelings of loneliness can gradually pass.
Choosing the Right Roof: University Accommodation Vs Private accommodation
Joseph Morris
Which is the better option for students?
Whether you value community, affordability or facilities, finding the right place to live is an important choice for students. University-operated or privately owned? This article discusses the best choice for Halls, detailing popular choices and highlighting the disproportionate cost of Newcastle Universityowned accommodation.
Owned by the university, through partnerships and
most common and popular place to live in your first year at University is Student Halls of Residence. Halls offer an excellent opportunity to meet new people and gain independence in a supportive environment.
"Newcastle University currently owns 2,075 rooms, 82% of which cost more than the maximum [they] recommend spending on housing."
Newcastle University accommodation varies in quality. Park View is the newest and widely regarded as the nicest of Newcastle University-
commanding Park View tower blocks, although it is still much better than the now desolate Castle Leazes!
"Newcastle University is estimated to raise an additional £1.2 million..."
For private university halls, Unite students are a popular and deserving choice, they have multiple partnerships with Newcastle University, including the new Castle Leazes redevelopment. Wellington St Plaza, Portland Green and Newgate Court, to name but a few, are all popular amongst first years with great facilities and location.
Newcastle University currently owns 2,075 rooms, 82% of which cost more than the maximum Newcastle
academic year 23/24. Due to decreased funding, Newcastle University has risen the price of their accommodation disproportionately compared to private rental rises (6.5%) across Newcastle. Newcastle University is estimated to raise an additional £1.2 million from these price rises, raising around £730,000 from Park View price rises alone. An estimated £1.2 million has been raised from disproportionate price rises. Whilst the university offers a great service in ResLife, Newcastle University regards its students as a money-making method.
"Raising around £730,000 from Park View price rises alone..."
2ndYear Flatmates:
Emily Martin-Taylor
A guide of the do’s and don’ts to consider before settling on your future housemates...
Do’s:
1. Evaluate Compatibility: Think about your habits and preferences. Do you keep things tidy or don’t mind a bit of clutter? Living with people who share similar routines and cleanliness standards can make a big different in keeping things peaceful at home.
2. Discuss expectations together: Open conversations about budgets, cleaning duties and guest policies can help everyone start on the same page. Setting these expectations early prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone knows whats expected, making the home more comfortable for all.
3. Check financial stability: Its important that all housemates can commit to paying rent and bills on time. Reliable finances prevent stress and make sure no one is left covering others expenses.
4.Consider First-year experiences: Reflect on how potential housemates handled shared spaces during your first year. Were they respectful of personal space and others’ schedules? Observing how they managed in the past can give a good sense of what it might be like living with them long-term.
5. Look at Lifestyle Fit: If you value a quiet study environment but your friend loves to host gatherings, that could create tension. Making sure that your schedules, study habits, and social preferences align will make daily life smoother.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t rush the decision: While it may feel like everyone is locking down their plans, don’t feel pressured to make a quick choice. Take your time to access who you feel most comfortable with -being selective now can save a lot of hassle later.
2. Avoid Choosing based solely on Friendship:
Good friends are not always ideal housemates. Sometimes a friend’s habits or living style don’t align with yours, and forcing a living situation could end up putting a strain on the relationship.
3. Don’t Overlook Red flags: If someone consistently leaves messes, struggles to pay on time, or has conflict with others, these could be signs of future issues. Do not ignore these warning signs, as they’re often a preview of whats to come.
4. Consider communication styles: A housemate who avoids conflict or tends to be confrontational might make resolving issues harder. Choose people who can discuss things openly and maturely.
5. Don’t assume people will change: If someone admits to being messy, staying up late, or any other habits that don’t align with yours, take them seriously. Don’t assume they’ll adjust their lifestyle just because you’ll be living together. Accepting them as they are will help avoid frustration and tension later on.
Image: Source: Amala Parry
Image: Source IMDb
How to Raise Awareness for Men’s Health Month:
Sophie
Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editor
How can we raise awareness this November for Men's Physical and Mental Health?
Every year, thousands of men participate in community-building and solidarity exercises to raise awareness on men’s mental and physical health, with these issues often neglected due to harmful stereotypes, cultural expectations, or a lack of resources. By shining a light on men’s health, we can make a drastic impact on encouraging open dialogues and breaking down barriers for men to seek wellbeing support— so what can you do this November?
1. Grow a moustache!
An annual global movement encouraging individuals to grow moustaches, participating in Movember is an easy and accessible way to raise awareness on men's health, such as suicide prevention, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer.
Ran by The Movember Foundation with a mission to ‘change the face of men’s mental health’, Movember combines visibility with simplicity to
initiate conversations about crucial issues. Join The Courier in joining Newcastle University’s very own Movember just by ditching the razor for a month, or you can even donate to the foundation through The Courier team here.
2. Social media:
Nothing is more powerful in normalising underrepresented issues than social media. By sharing personal stories through videos or infographics to using hashtags such as #MensHealthMonth or #Movember, men struggling to speak out can engage with peers or access outlets reposting resources and tools to connect with others facing similar problems in a safe non-judgmental environment. Trending hashtags and broadcasting challenges raising awareness all contribute to the greater good of breaking down stigma.
3. Local Resources: Do some research into local social groups or workshops specialising in men's mental health, so as to join a community of like-minded individuals and do the most important thing of all: talk! Here in Newcastle, ManHealth- a charity supporting men through health struggles- will be hosting a Darlo Lads Walk and Talk social event, as well as encouraging the 30-Day Daily Workout Campaign to target inspiring healthy behaviours to encourage longer lives. You can check out their events here:
https://www.manhealth.org.uk/events/.
James’ Place is also an extremely powerful tool in the North-East: a charity operating a non-clinical centre providing face-to-face support for men struggling with suicidal crises, the centre provides free therapy for men to chat with no waiting list. You can meet them here: https://www.jamesplace. org.uk/what-we-do/
It’s through small acts that contribute to the reshaping of how men view health and support one another. By working together, we’re building a culture where men feel inspired to seek support and take charge of their mental and physical well-being. Let’s make this November the one that counts.
If you are struggling, there is always somebody to talk to.
Helpful Resources:
Newcastle University Wellbeing Support: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/oursupport/
Samaritans: 116 123
Shout: 85258
Beat: 0808 801 0677
Lecture Theatres Ranked From Best to Worst:
Cory Gourley -Film Sub-Editor
Which lecture theatre is the best on campus? Read one writer's opinion...
From the Bedson to the Henry Daysh to the Percy Building (yes there will be bias in this article). I rank the lecture theatres on campus from best to worst…
BEST:
The Percy Building (Any):
So, I did pre-warn and say that there was going to be bias in this article. Here it is. As an English student here at Newcastle, the crème de la crème of lecture theatres and uni buildings will always be the Percy Building. The lecture theatres are intimate, accessible and- not to sound cornythey are mine. It feels like a base for me and a place of safety. If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do. It’s a wonderful building with great architecture and a cafe too.
"The creme de la creme of lecture theatres will always be the Percy Building."
Everyone is welcome, even if you are a dentistry student!
The End of £1 Soup On Campus
The news of the end of the affordable £1 meal deal is unwelcome to students who relied on it. The discount ended at the end of the academic year 23/24 and will not be renewed. Newcastle University's cost-cutting measures, including the end of affordable meal deals and departmental cuts, have had a significant impact on Student life.
Ian Glover, Catering Operations manager for Newcastle University, confirmed the budget cuts were why the discount had been axed. He confirmed the affordable meals scheme was funded by Newcastle University directly, not through Eat@Newcastle. This funding has been withdrawn due to budget cuts. Save the Student found that food was the second biggest expense for students after housing, and the removal of these affordable meals only serves to increase this expense for students. Staff at Eat@ Newcastle have recognised this and a spokesperson for Eat@Newcastle stated that despite budget cuts, their intent was to provide cheap offers through monthly promotions to benefit students.
"I very much doubt [the £1 meal
scheme] is coming back, but we will try our best to provide for students through our monthly promotions"
-A Spokesperson for Eat@ Newcastle
The £1 deal was reintroduced in November 2023 after a successful scheme earlier in 2023, with 11,920 units sold over a 20-week period. This equates to around 600 units (meals) sold per week, with around 120 per day, a non-insignificant number of meals provided to students.
Departmental budget cuts have affected students significantly, a spokesperson for the Politics Student-Staff committee commented on the impact that budget cuts have had on events. Due to budget cuts, it now remains unclear if the popular bi-weekly event hosted by the SSC ‘Food for Thought’ faces cancellation.
"We will try our best to provide the best quality events we can, despite budget restrictions."
-A Spokesperson for Undergraduate Politics Student Staff Committee
The cost of these events was £560, but due to budget cuts to the department, the continuation of these events appears unlikely. The SSC wants to assure readers that they will “fight for the continuation of these events despite budget cuts”.
Henry Daysh Building (Any):
I had my first ever lecture in this building, so naturally, it will always hold a special place in my university heart. Every lecture theatre is clean (which is more than can be said for some), spacey, and has excellent charging facilities which is very important in a two-hour lecture, as I’m sure you know all too well!
"It's honestly the worst lecture theatre I
have ever had the misfortune of being
GOOD:
G.2)
It’s a lovely shade of green too. The only thing is, the stairs to get to it are an absolute nightmare.
BAD:
Cookson Building (David Shaw Lecture Theatre)
Will the Metro's new £362m trains improve student life?
subjected to."
Herschel Building (Lecture Theatre
The second lecture theatre is on the ground floor of arguably one of the biggest buildings just as you arrive on campus. What’s not to love? However, some of the microphones don’t work so hearing the lecturers trying to project their voices is always fun…
"It’s honestly the worst lecture theatre I have ever had the misfortune of being subjected to"
Armstrong Building (Lecture Theatre
2.16)
Okay, even if you don’t have lectures in this building: check it out, go and have your lunch in there, take a walk around and inhale the scenery. In all seriousness, this is a lovely lecture theatre that is warm, in a beautiful building and has incredibly comfy seats.
Now, there’s nothing massively wrong with this lecture theatre: it’s quite spacey and the mic pacs work. However, it is quite far out of the main campus for us Humanities students used to being at the centre of the place. It feels a bit out of reach and it’s difficult to find too, especially at 9 am during fresher’s week. It’s like a maze to get to and despite its size and working microphones, this one is not for me. Med students, it’s all yours!
WORST:
Bedson Building (Any)
This lecture theatre haunts me. It’s honestly the worst lecture theatre I have ever had the misfortune of being subjected to. The smell of chemicals suffocating me halfway into a two-hour workshop on academic skills was the moment all my worst fears became a reality. It’s claustrophobic, clammy and feels quite frankly like a hospital. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid (unless you have a lecture in there, unfortunately, you’ll just have to grin and bear it!).
Will new trains make students more likely to choo-choo choose public transport?
The first of 46 new trains set to hit the tracks across the city at the end of this year, bringing with them a host of improvements. As this new fleet begins to phase out the current trains we know and love, will students see (sub) way better transport across our region? All aboard!
Tyne and Wear boasts a light rail system that would make the Fat Controller, Thomas, and Ringo Starr nervous, with 60 stations from the Airport to Sunderland. However, breakdowns and refurbishments have diminished effectiveness across the network. This month, a points failure at Gosforth depot caused system-wide cancellations.
in 1980. That’s right, the train you took to Tynemouth last weekend was in service when Thatcher was Prime Minister, and has even outlived her! Metro 1 – Maggie 0.
Despite refurbishments in 2010, Current Class-559's have not been replaced since the Metro began operation
New Swiss-built Class-555’s will see a rolling introduction starting this year, and ending in 2026. They will be more accessible and environmentally friendly, while also featuring charging ports and information screens throughout a new single-section train. A charging port would have been nice for me a few months ago, when my phone died on the way home from Wednesdaynight Soho, but I won’t be petty. With more reliable service expected, students will certainly benefit. However, the line remains thoroughly imperfect. Replacing outdated trains is all well and good, but what’s the point if they’ll be running on outdated track? A new stretch of track between South Hylton and Pelaw is expected to cost an eye-watering £745m, the equivalent of 57.3 Dan Burns, so God knows how much a full-scale refurbishment will set us back. Furthermore, Students in the West of Newcastle will not see any benefit whatsoever, with the Metro’s Green Line only running to the airport, leaving areas such as Blakelaw, Benwell and Fenham left behind.
Joseph Morris
Dylan Seymour -Sports Sub-Editor
Image: Source Picasa
Image Credit: Creazilla
The Gisèle Pelicot Case: A call for change in the fight against rape culture and the criminal justice system
Matilda Roddy
More than two months into the trial, have we learned nothing at all?
Content warning: this article contains implications of domestic violence and murder.
In recent weeks, the Gisèle Pelicot case has captivated public attention in France, igniting a fervent debate over justice and societal values.
Dominique Pelicot faces allegations of drugging and raping his wife, as well as inviting around 50 other men to participate in these heinous acts.
This case has become a symbol of defiance for women, raising pivotal questions about the treatment of victims of sexual violence and, most importantly, it highlights the urgent need for women to feel empowered to come forward about their experiences with sexual violence.
One of the most troubling aspects of the Pelicot case is its exposure of the pervasive ‘rape culture’ that persists in society today. The defence lawyer for
several of the accused, Guillaume de Palma, states ‘there is rape, and then there is rape.’ Suggesting that some men may have not fully comprehended the nature of their actions and therefore cannot be held fully accountable. This minimisation of such grave crimes not only perpetuates a dangerous mindset but also contributes to the shame that women feel, and the fear of their experiences not being taken seriously. Even more alarming is the rhetoric surrounding consent. During the trial, it was argued that consent has been granted through Gisèle’s husband, implying that a spouse can authorise access to his wife’s body. This notion strips women of their autonomy and reinforces the belief that they are merely at the extension of their partners. In the 21st century, it is shocking to see men in society asserting that a husband’s authority can override a woman’s right to consent. This defence strategy not only reflects the attitudes of the 51 men on trial but also underscores a troubling societal belief that women are vulnerable to assault not just from strangers but from within their own homes.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, offering significant insight into the experiences of survivors navigating
change. Statistics reveal the daunting reality faced by survivors in the UK, only 10% of victims of sexual violence surveyed
Is Elon Musk's 'Lottery' legal?
Mia Young
Should the megarich be influencing voters' choices?
Elon Musk has promised one lucky voter $1 million each day in the run-up to the American election.
The billionaire has been vocal in his support for Donald Trump and the Republican party in the lead-up to the November 5th election. Those who signed the petition before the 21st of October can sign up - conveniently matching the deadline for voter registration.
Elon Musk’s so-called lottery is available to those registered to vote in swing states who sign a petition in support of the First and Second Amendments. Voters were also asked to supply their phone numbers, emails, and addresses to be given $47. The use of the constitution appeals to Republicans through a focus on gun and free speech laws - both issues Musk has been outspoken about. This stunt has raised questions about legality. There is a federal law in place which states it is illegal to offer people an incentive to register to vote. Philadelphia district attorney has filed suit against Musk due to it closely walking the line between legality and illegality. It has also been alleged that the selection is not random: most of those selected have also attended Trump rallies; meaning the selection process could be more direct political targeting. The lottery is a calculated, careful manoeuvre from Musk, with the possibility of
pushing undecided swing state voters toward Trump and therefore massively impacting the election results.
“Musk’s lottery is not just a gimmick, but a strategic investment for personal benefit”
What are Musk’s motivations? The answer might lie in the benefits Musk could receive from a republican government. Musk has been offered a role in Trump's administration as the ‘secretary of cost-cutting’, which means Musk could access tax codes available to government officials. It would grant Musk immense tax breaks; possibly tens of billions of dollars. Musk has also been openly interested in government deregulation due to his plans regarding space exploration. The self-proclaimed ‘free speech absolutist’ has also been outspoken on social issueswith views closely aligning with Trump’s. If Trump wins the election, Musk has an important leg-up in tax breaks, deregulation, and free speech.
Musk’s lottery is not just a gimmick, but a
strategic investment for personal benefit, despite potentially appearing as generous to some voters. Yet Musk isn’t the only one using financial incentives to shift voter's opinions. Billionaire Timothy Melon donated a whopping $165 million to Trump's administration. However, Musk’s approach is much more unethical - Musk is directly targeting individual voters to impact election results. If the wealthy can influence votes, faith in the integrity of American democracy will diminish. Voters should ultimately be able to make decisions based on a genuine belief in the candidate being best suited for the role, and when financial incentives from the billionaires exist, it makes it much harder for voters to make a genuine decision, and therefore should not be happening, regardless of legalities.
highlights urgent need for reform. The media attention surrounding the Pelicot case has resonated globally, compelling us to reconsider how society treats survivors of sexual violence. The outcome of this case extends far beyond a courtroom but will be pivotal in shaping future responses to such
The bravery and determination of Gisèle Pelicot to speak out must not be in vain. It is imperative that we collectively demand a justice system that protects victims and fosters an environment where women feel safe to share their stories. Only then can we begin to dismantle the toxic narratives of rape culture and ensure that justice is truly served.
The Vape Ban
Smoke in the Wind
Ruby Tinkler
Is banning disposable vapes the answer?
It has recently been confirmed that the sale of single use vapes will be banned in England, Scotland and Wales from the 1st of June next year. The rationale behind this is rooted in health, particularly amongst young people, and environmental concerns. However, does this justify banning disposable vapes outright, and would a ban even help?
I don’t think that anyone would disagree that there is a problem with vaping in the UK at the moment, most significantly children and young people. However, the marketing and branding of most disposable vapes, featuring bright colours and sweet flavours, naturally appeal to children. This takes away the focus on nicotine content warnings which go almost unnoticed and vanish once the external packaging is disposed of.
As vapes are relatively new, the NHS is keen to make clear the fact that the long-term effects of vaping are unknown. It is possible that vaping may have significant effects on children’s physical and mental wellbeing later in life, which is not a risk worth taking, especially since there is no reason for children to
be accessing these products. Though it is undoubtable that some action needs to be taken to improve this situation, I do not agree that an outright ban is the most constructive way to achieve this. Ultimately, the sale of disposable vapes to underage children is a prime example of the little impact that legislation has in practicality, as even though ID is required to buy products containing nicotine, this is clearly not strongly enough enforced. It is instead likely that the use of vapes will not decline as much as would be expected, and that illegal sales will increase. This could potentially bring more severe health risks, as these illegal vapes would not have to pass the same safety checks as those currently sold.
Equally, an outright ban disproportionally affects adults choosing to vape, most significantly, as a method of quitting smoking. The short-term health risks of vapes are much less severe than smoking, as they do not contain as many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Although the ban would not prevent adults from buying refillable vapes, these can be much more expensive and are therefore less accessible. It seems unfair to remove a healthier alternative to smoking, denying people the ability to make decisions for themselves.
At this point vapes are deeply embedded in our social structure, with an estimated 9% of the British public now using them. I think it is unlikely that a ban on disposable vapes will change this, and instead the focus should be on adapting the marketing of vapes, realigning the product with its target consumer.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Huiqi Zong, Zhekai Hu et al.
Image Credit: Flickr, Jeanne Menjoulet
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Steve Jurvetson, Flickr @Nick Ares
Snapchat AI: your friend or foe?
Abigail Johnston-Blyth
Is the snapchat AI a helpful friend or a dangerous sign of commercialism?
Snapchat recently introduced its new AI feature, My AI, designed to be a “virtual friend” for users. It’s an intriguing step into the future of social media, but many are questioning what role this AI “friend” should play. Is it a friendly companion, or is it potentially reshaping our social lives in ways we haven't anticipated?
For some users, My AI provides a safe space to share thoughts and feelings, fulfilling the role of a lowmaintenance conversation partner. This has become particularly appealing in today’s often isolating digital landscape, where forming genuine human connections can be a challenge. Some users, especially younger ones, treat My
AI as a confidant, even as a substitute for a real friend. However, relying on an AI chatbot for emotional support definitely raises some ethical concerns. AI lacks true empathy, and although it can respond thoughtfully based on algorithms, it doesn’t provide the meaningful understanding a human friend would. The risk here is that users of AI may come to view it as a genuine companion, blurring the lines between human and machine interactions.
Furthermore, the personalisation of this character continues to make it harder for users to make a distinction between human and machine interaction. Just like any human on Snapchat, you can personalise the My AI character and give them a name, a certain identity, and change the way that
they look on your screen, almost creating an artificial human of your own; like designing your very own best friend. Although this
might be most people's dream, ethical concerns are raised when we start to understand that this character is not and will never be human.
Another question to consider is how My AI may impact traditional social relationships. If users turn to My AI rather than close friends or family, it could lead to decreased social interaction. This offer of social replacement could contribute to social isolation, particularly if users become dependent on AI for companionship. It’s a trend we’ve seen across other platforms where AI chatbots are popular – users sometimes prefer the predictability of AI responses over the complexities of real human relationships; because most of the time, it tells you what you wish to hear.
“Users might not fully understand how much personal information they are inadvertently sharing on Snapchat.”
Snapchat’s handling of the data collected from My AI interactions also sparks controversy. Every interaction users have with My AI contributes to a vast pool of data, providing Snapchat with insight into user behaviours, preferences, and emotional states. While Snapchat claims that the data
argue this data could be used for more targeted advertising or other profitdriven strategies. This raises important questions about privacy, as users might not fully understand how much personal information they are inadvertently sharing with Snapchat.
Overall, Snapchat’s My AI character walks a fine line between helpful tool and potential intruder. While it offers companionship and support, users should approach it with caution and keep an eye on how it might affect their social lives and personal data privacy, as AI continues to integrate into our lives, balancing innovation with awareness of its impacts will be crucial.
The Labour Budget - Is Labour really saving the working people?
Holly Lloyd-Edwards
Holly LloydEdwards lays out what the new budget has in store for us, and who it will actually be helping.
The UK’s first ever female chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the 2024 Autumn budget with a veil of optimism and triumphant promises to ‘protect the working people’. But how far can we trust the words behind Labours shiny white grin? And which “working people” do these promises apply to?
The first Labour budget in 14 years has been designed, or at least intended, to create long term, structural growth in the economy. A refreshing change from the false prophets in the Conservative party who convinced the nation in 2019 that they could change the climate of fiscal difficulty in the UK through a few quick policy measures. As predicted, Reeves laid out tax increases and increased spending to fund public services and fix the NHS. In contrast to the last 14 years of Conservative government, Labour is planning to raise revenue by taxing those with big wallets, which economists have noted will be a kick in the teeth. Reeves insists that this budget is
for working people, and that by not increasing income tax or national insurance, by extending the temporary 5p cut to fuel duty, and by supporting investment in schools that Labour are doing more for working people. However, critics have been quick to notice that these measures will
“Labour has adopted a clear standpoint on the audiences it intends to target, and this time it’s
from labours promise of change and drives that image further away from the public imagination too.
Reeves opened her speech with the phrase “The only way to create growth is to invest, invest invest”. But the budget's immediate fiscal implications are not reflective of this. Increased taxes for businesses, including more national insurance contributions and 20% inheritance tax on agricultural estates, are policies that many say will have negative ramifications. Despite some relief for small businesses on national insurance contributions, small businesses will face a stark reduction in the amount of investment that they will be able to accommodate.
However, as this is a policy that isn’t due to take effect until 4 years time, it moves further away
The rise in National Living Wage (NLW) has been well accepted for those working basic pay jobs, however the façade of huge benefits will undoubtedly be broken when businesses cannot afford to pay their workers. The new leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch has recently noted that hurting businesses will hurt growth. And she isn’t entirely wrong. There are arguments on whether consumers will see this as passed down costs but we have yet to see the effects of these measures.
Larger and more
Courier Column
Christopher Jenkins Politician smash
At a time of strong political division within society there is one game that can cross any political, economic or social divide: Smash or Pass. I have assembled ten people and had them either smash or pass six top politicians from across the globe to give them a ‘smash rating’ out of ten to find out once and for all who is the ultimate fantasy in politics.
1. Angela Rayner - 6/10
Rayner divided opinions amongst our participants, but ‘Big Ange’ as she was lovingly referred to, scored quite well, maybe this Labour government needs a new face in charge of things.
2. Tim Walz - 3/10
Despite having an approval rating that’s fairly strong for a VP this hasn’t done much for him here unfortunately, one interviewee did say however he seems like a very giving lover, for what it's worth.
3. Penny Mordaunt - 8/10
I guess that famous picture of her holding the sword has left quite the lasting impression, Mordaunt may be out of government at the minute, but she hasn’t left our hearts and minds.
fundamental plans include Labours bid to make nationalisation of rail services in the UK the default option. This plan appears to pursue lower costs and to benefit the consumer, but predictions are set on a rise in rail prices from next year. Measures such as these, as well as increased bus fares, mean that the working person will have to pay more to get about. Whilst people are relieved that they will not face the immediate brunt of revenue-raising ventures in the form of tax raises, they may see indirect costs arising from changes. However, working people have been largely protected from the labour’s financial reshape, and the bottom line is that most working people will see very little change in their everyday finances. Rather the government will plan to ‘invest, invest, invest’ in the infrastructure of the economy.
The budget laid out a series of measures that propose investment and protection for working people who make up the backbone of public services. Labour plans to increase the everyday budget of the NHS to £22.6bn and have introduced a 2% productivity plan for every year beginning 2025/26. Reeves also announced new measures to improve care workers' pay to an equivalent of a 16-hour working week, thereby improving their circumstances. Ultimately, this budget has steered clear of pillaging the pockets of ordinary working people. Labour has adopted a clear standpoint on the audiences it intends to target, and this time it’s the rich. However, this budget embraces a much longer term and structural function which labour hope will bring about lasting change in the UK.
4. Jacob Reese Mogg - 1/10 Surprised he’s even got a one, to be honest I was expecting zero. I guess one of our respondents has a thing for men who look straight out of a Charles Dickens book.
5. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez8/10
The top ‘smash’ on our list goes to AOC. She's made waves in US politics (and our hearts it seems) by fighting the super wealthy, as the youngest in this list, it’s unsurprising to see her at the top.
6. Emmanuel Macron - 7/10 We’re going to France for our last pick, where we unsurprisingly find our top ranking guy, mass protests and losing his control over parliament haven’t deterred
Image Credits: FMT & AIemojigenerator
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Kirsty O'connor/Treasury, FreeStockImages
"As somebody without a sense of smell, I can't breathe easily"
Emma Hunter
- Lifestyle Sub-Editor
One of our Lifestyle sub-editors tells us about this new study and what it means for her...
The thing about having a weird, super-rare but invisible condition is that everybody is surprised and nearly everybody forgets. Even I do sometimes. It’s an eternal dilemma: should I fake an answer to “does it smell weird in here?”, and pretend my food tastes of something, or explain the awkward truth? For the purposes of this article, let’s do the latter: I have no sense of smell. It’s genetic, I’ve had it since birth, and I don’t have Covid. It’s very uncommon and people rarely understand, so I often have to give my spiel and make it clear. Imagine my excitement, then, when I scroll through my feed to see an article on congenital anosmia. In a national newspaper! In the headlines! Where people will read it! I was actually really happy to see the science team suggest this topic
(thanks guys). But this excitement quickly turned sour when I saw that it’s in the news because it’s been linked to increased mortality. Just what I like to find out on a Tuesday morning. But by then I’d started reading, so I had to
facial expressions, which is in the long-term associated with poor health outcomes, according to the study.
I’m not quite sure what to do with this information. Until now
Disease among polar bears linked to rising temperatures
Charlotte Chantler
One of our writers looks at some concerning new information about these beloved creatures...
Global warming is a huge threat to creatures living within the Arctic. It is effortlessly disrupting polar bears icy habitat, however it’s easy to overlook how these rising temperatures are creating ideal conditions for pathogens - some of which have already proven harmful to polar bears.
In a new study published in PlosOne, Scientists have been examining blood samples from bears found within the Chukchi Sea, which is located between Alaska and Russia. Polar bears are known to thrive here and have always been relatively healthy despite the rising temperatures of the Earth.
“The Arctic ecosystem is changing more rapidly than any other ecosystem on the planet. ”
However, when comparing blood samples from the 80s and 90s to more recent samples taken in the 2000s and 2010s, it has become evident that these bears have recently come into contact with new pathogens that they have never come up against before and at much greater rates.
The Arctic ecosystem is changing more rapidly than any other ecosystem
on the planet, ice has been melting and exposing new land where these polar bears have now been living. Melting ice has taken away the barrier between different marine species, allowing them to spread diseases to one another.
“Researchers have identified five new pathogens in polar bears within the Chukchi sea”
In 2002 European harbour seals were infected with phocine distemper virus and thousands were
ideal prey for polar bears.
“How long will it take until they are exposed to a deadly pathogen that will heighten their ICUN red list category...”
Researchers have identified five new pathogens in the polar bears within the Chukchi Sea: two parasites that are responsible for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, two bacterium linked to rabbit fever and brucellosis, and a virus that causes canine distemper. These diseases are fortunately not lethal enough to kill polar bears in most cases, but they have the potential to weaken these polar bears and eventually cause them harm. Although for now pathogens are not causing too much harm to polar bears, how long will it take until they are exposed to a deadly pathogen that will disrupt their communities and heighten their IUCN red list category from vulnerable to endangered?
Cats are made of liquid?
Juliet Orton
Ever wondered why you find your cat behind the sofa?
Cats manipulate their body to fit through all sorts of tight spaces daily. To us, it looks impossible. For them, it’s simple: if their head can fit through, so can their body.
Cats can do so thanks to the unique anatomy of their shoulders. In humans, the individual components of the shoulder girdle are all connected tightly together for support. In cats, the only thing connecting their shoulder blades and collarbone to the rest of the body is muscle and they have an extremely flexible spine.
The ratio between the size of their collarbones compared to the rest of the body is also much smaller compared to the differences compared to humans and they use their whiskers to interact with their surroundings. Whiskers are much thicker than other hairs and fit in much deeper in their skin, and are packed with nerve endings to convey information about their surroundings.
come across small spaces. Body size awareness is key, and in this study, the cats demonstrated this, particularly of their height. When looking at several cats interacting with a range of differently sized holes, they found that cats hesitated more so at short openings. This hesitation upon short but passable gaps suggests that cats have a “reliance on body size representation” as lowering themselves to fit shorter gaps makes them feel more vulnerable, whereas for tall but narrow openings they rely on a “trial and error” method instead and are more confident doing so.
For other creatures such as dogs, collisions can be extremely detrimental, so they typically slow down and find an alternative passage, making a priori decisions using their representation of their body shape before reaching the opening. Cats seemingly only do this for shorter gaps, but not extremely narrow
A new study, published by Elsevier Inc. in the Journal Cell, investigated what techniques cats use when they
Cats interact with their environment using slow, careful movements and have a unique ability to navigate narrow gaps to avoid predators, ambush prey and assess their surroundings, all thanks to their biological advantages. Cats use all their combined physical traits to manipulate their body and move through their environment - how else do you become king of the jungle and your household?
Deadpool of the sea
Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor
Like Ryan Reynolds, they've really seen it all!
Immortality. The ability to live forever. It’s something that we have all definitely thought about at least once, wondering what it would be like. For a certain species of jellyfish, this is a reality - but how is that possible?
The Turritopsis dohrnii was first discovered in the Mediterranean Sea in the 1880s and has since left the world in awe at its remarkable skill of immortality. Life for the Turritopsis dohrnii begins as a simple planula - a type of larvadeveloped from a fertilised egg.
“This species of jellyfish has a luminous red stomach, sheltered by its transparent body”
The planula initially swims around, before settling on the sea floor and transforming into a group of polyps, maturing to adulthood in a matter of weeks.
A fully grown Turritopsis dohrnii is a mere 4.5mm across - so good luck ever trying to find one in its planula form. However, this species of jellyfish has a luminous red stomach, sheltered by its transparent body, with up to 90 tentacles attached to it, which may make spotting one a bit easier.
These incredible invertebrates have an astonishing, unique talent, making them mightier than any other animal out there despite their size. If they sense imminent threat or starvation, they can simply revert back to the polyp stage of their developmental process.
“A rare process known as transdifferentiation is the mechanism behind it all”
These polyps bud after some time and produce medusae that are genetically identical to the original Turritopsis dohrnii. So is it immortality? Or something else?
The phenomenon was first observed in the 1990s, and since then the species has been crowned “the immortal jellyfish”. There is some serious science that goes into this. A rare process known as transdifferentiation is the mechanism behind it all.
This process consists of a specialised adult cell for a particular tissue having the ability to transform into a completely different type of specialised cell. Scientists are incredibly intrigued by this way of cell recycling, as its an important area of stem cell research which could benefit scientists, and help to replace cells that have been damaged by disease.
There is the question of - if all of the cells are replaced, is it still the same organism? But biology claims that the genes are the same, and therefore it is, in fact, the same organism.
otters in Alaska, the
Image Credit: Lebatihem, Flickr
Image
Aquarius Aries Taurus
January 20th - February 18th
Marked by the meeting of the Moon and Pluto, this month will be all about making your ideal life a reality, rather than fantasizing about it. Take a step back to reflect from time to time, and focus
Pisces, opportuntities are coming your way! It's time to start those tasks you've been putting off, and yes, I do mean those upcoming December assignments. Try not to get overwhelmed by everything coming your way; keep a clear head to make the most of it all.
As you find yourself with a lot of energy, after a rejuvenating reading week, you're eager to throw yourself into your academics. Be sure to spend time with your loved ones in the process, and don't forget the
Taurus, this month you're feeling strong, but try not to let it go to your head, or you may end up in one too many disagreements with those around you. Reflect before having tough conversations - you can't always get your way!
Virgo
Gemini, you may be experiencing turbulence in a current relationship or friendship in your life right now, but you're handling it with grace and diplomacy - and to this, we applaud you. Take some time to look after yourself amongst it
Cancer, it's time to be assertive for once... Whilst others might tell you to be cautious of your actions, we tell you otherwise. Live a little bit! You've had a restful reading week and it's time to stop overthinking and start acting on things; whether that be in personal growth, academics, or relationships.
This November you're rethinking your daily routine. Whilst you don't always need to "reinvent" yourself, it can be rejuvenating to change up your routine for something more productiveespecially as the shorter days and darker nights roll around.
Virgo, be careful not to commit yourself to too much. It's easy to say yes to all of those social plans, but with the holidays fast approaching, you're going to want to keep some free time for assignments and festive shopping.
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This month highlights the importance of figuring out where you're going and how to get there. Try focus on ignoring outside judgement, prioritising your own needs, and making the necessary changes in your life to find the peace and happiness that you're looking for.
Scorpio, expect a month full of action and new initiatives, though be careful not to rush into projects that don't align with your true goals. Focus on moving toward your dreams with confidence.
Sagittarius, the influence of Pluto and Uranus prompts you to question long-held beliefs and may lead to emotional turbulence in your relationships. To avoid unnecessary conflicts and setbacks, focus on managing your emotions, especially at work where you might struggle to maintain your usual
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This month brings Capricorns powerful opportunities for personal growth. As you embrace change in both your professional and personal life, focus on making decisions that will bring lasting rewards, while remaining open to new opportunities that align with your true path.
Tired of dating apps? Looking for something fun to do?
Your dilemma of the week
Abi Ogden - Blind Date and Agony Aunt Co-ordinator
Whether you're stressed about assignments or not getting along with your flatmates, Agony Aunt is here to help!
Dear Agony Aunt, Help neeeded Agony Aunt! I'm living in student accomodation and I'm getting on fairly well with most of my new flatmates but for some reason I'm terrfied to cook in front of them. Whenever someone is using the hob, I have to wait until they're gone. How do I deal with the awkward kitchen small talk and more importantly how do I get past my cooking anxiety?
From: A Reader
Dear Reader, In this situation, it is best to push yourself out of your comfort zone and confront the awkwardness head on, otherwise you'll find yourself retreating more and more and eventually you'll be cooking in the middle of the night to avoid interaction, which won't do your sleep schedule any good! However, there's things you can do to make yourself feel more comfortable.
Firstyl, you could suggest joint cooking nights where you all contribute to making one big, shared meal. This may help to ease your cooking anxiety as conversation will flow naturally about the dish you're making , and you'll all be contributing to one final product so you could take on a smaller role in the cooking process that you feel comfortable doing around others. Secondly, don't feel pressured to force awkward conversation every time you are cooking around your flatmates. Silence is okay! Or, if this feels uncomfortable, play some quiet music to ease the tension. It's always polite to
greet your flatmates when you're in communal spaces together but don't feel like you need constant conversation if it seems unnecessary. Try and make meals that you know you'll realy enjoy so your focus is on making a delicious dish rather than the pressures of being watched by your flatmates. This will also give you the motivation to cook if it's something you're really craving. If everything you're doing isn't combatting the anxiety, making Uber Eats your best friend is not the an swer. You could make a list of quick, healthy meals that won't force you to spend long periods in the kitchen but will still result in you maintain ing a nutrious diet. Alternatively, you could try meal prepping so when the kitchen's busy in the evening all you will need to use is the microwave.
From: Your Agony Aunt
Sub-Editors:
Easy ways to communicate better with your partner
Emma Hunter - Lifestyle Sub-Editor
Relationships are a beautiful thing. To have a person with whom you can share your most intimate and most mundane moments, to laugh and cry and make toast with, is wonderful. But to get there, you have to work for it.
The three most important things for this are communication, communication and communication. If you can’t effectively explain to each other what you are experiencing, you will misunderstand each other, which can breed difficult feelings like anger, resentment or mistrust. If this goes on long and deep enough, it can even threaten the relationship. But thankfully, communication is a honeable skill, and here are the three (really three this time) key ways to do so:
Be honest…
Though it sounds blindingly obvious, the attempt to be honest can quickly get tricky in real-life situations. You don’t want to upset them, you don’t want to be a burden, you feel embarrassed or ashamed… but truly, I feel that one of the best policies (in all types of relationships, actually, just in life) is honesty. Say how you feel, with few frills or ambiguous phrases, because however close you may be, your partner is not a mind reader. Be honest for the general as well as the serious because that way, everything is on the table, and your partner is spending time with the real you.
…In the right way
But let me be clear: you have to be honest clearly. Choose an appropriate time to communicate the important stuff without interruptions from people and distractions from the TV. Make sure your mind is calm and have an idea of what you want to say so you can express it effectively. And remember to be honest about positive things as well as complaints, such as what you admire and appreciate in your partner.
Listen...
There are no one-way signs on Communication Street. So be sure to go up and down it in both directions. If your partner has been properly honest at the right time in the right way, you need to listen, really listen. Take in what they are saying and digest it, consider their viewpoint carefully and balance it with yours before you reply. That way, a balance can be found, and you can meet in the middle of the street. As selfevident as they may seem, these three things are hard to manage when you’re caught in the rush of life and riding the emotions of being a couple. But in the long-term, they are vitally important for the health of your relationship, so they should definitely be kept in mind.
Bye Bye Baby: Our experiences with being on Birth Control
Considering going on birth control? Hear about two different experiences!
Birth control has become more and more common for women to take, especially for those at university. Here, two girls share conflicting experiences that bring light to what taking birth control can be like for those who are unsure.
Emily's Experience:
My experience with birth control has been nothing short of a nightmare. What I initially hoped would be a simple solution turned into a series of devastating symptoms. Almost immediately after starting, I noticed my hair began to fall out in alarming amounts. This was just the beginning; I soon faced extreme mental health issues that I had never encountered before. Anxiety and depression became constant companions, overwhelming my daily life.
Additionally, my skin became a constant source of frustration, breaking out frequently and leaving me feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. I felt ill more often than not, grappling with various symptoms linked to birth control. I struggled with chronic fatigue and persistent headaches that disrupted my
daily life. Perhaps the most challenging aspect was the emotional instability I experienced throughout this time. My body simply couldn’t process the hormonal changes, leading to mood swings that left me feeling like a stranger in my own skin. Overall, my journey with birth control has been a frustrating and disheartening experience, prompting me to rethink my approach to reproductive health.
Charlotte's Experience:
I have been on birth control for over a year now. I take Desogestrel, which is more commonly known as the 'mini-pill' or the progesterone-only pill. I take this at the same time every single day with no breaks. I decided to go on the pill as I had very heavy and painful periods that would restrict me from doing anything for days.
"My journey with birth control has been a frustrating and disheartening experience, promoting me to rethink my approach to health"reproductive
For me, I have been lucky not to have experienced too many side effects. For the first couple of weeks of taking the pill, I felt myself become easily agitated, but after my body got used to taking this hormone, things died down. I now do not have periods, which has, therefore, taken away any period pain I used to get. I occasionally have spotting, but it doesn't give me any sort of cramps or pain like my period used to. Being on the pill has also benefitted my skin, as my period used to bring with it a huge breakout. Other than the odd spot every now or then, my skin has been very clear since.
forget to take it. However, after taking it for so long, it is now integrated into my daily routine, and I almost never forget to take it. The good thing about Desogestrel is that as long as you take it within 12 hours of the time you should normally take it, you are still classed as protected.
All in all, I have been lucky with my birth control experience and am grateful to have not needed to switch pills or find an alternative method.
It's important to remember that experiences with birth control methods vary from person to person, so there's no guarantee it will be easy or challenging. If you're considering birth control, take time to explore your options. If the first one doesn't suit you, there are many alternatives that might work better for you.
"It's important to remember that experiences with birth control methods vary from person to person, so there's no guarantee it will be easy or
The only struggle I have encountered with being on the pill is that I am very forgetful, and without setting lots of reminders on my phone, I can easily
Mama’s Boy or Daddy’s girl: Stereotypes in Parental/Child
Charley Dobson
How do gendered expectations from caregivers influence self-perception?
Our caregivers may mean well, but do the gendered expectations that shaped our upbringing still impact us on our way to adulthood?
Parenting types and relationships within the family have never been identical across anyone's upbringing. So many factors, whether it be financial, cultural or circumstantial, are certain to interfere with the ways in which parental and child relationships develop. Though, socialisation into gendered stereotypes seems to be universal and difficult to avoid.
"Children who fit the idealised Mama's Boy or Daddy's Girl are desirable to the age-old structured nuclear family."
Relationships
influenced by traditional and outdated values, a loyal, devoted son and loving, thankful daughter would be the dream of countless parental units. Whilst, of course, these are positive traits to have displayed within the family, these expectations lend a hand in promoting gender stereotypes to younger generations.
Recent discourse on social media suggests that most youths share similar ideas on how these tropes can present themselves. Whilst the ‘Mama’s Boy’ may be consistent and loyal to his mother, are we not then teaching sons dependency on female figures or entitlement to maternal treatment? Likewise, will ‘Daddy’s girls’ grow up with the view that a male is necessary for protection and fulfilment?
As far as individual identity, it can be hard to escape the stereotypes taught in parental and child relationships."
Children who fit the idealised ‘Mama’s Boy’ or ‘Daddy’s girl’ are desirable to the age-old structure of the
family. Seemingly
Even as far as individual identity, it can be hard to escape the stereotypes taught in parental and child relationships. As a daughter growing into adulthood, are your parents still complaining that you don't wear skirts anymore? As a son, are you playing enough sports? Prior to university, it's likely that mundane things like fashion and hobbies, to some extent, were influenced by our caregivers, even if not intentionally. Now, as young adults and students, it could be a good place to reflect on our identity outside of the stereotypes we grew up on. Maybe your parents were right all along, but there's no better time than now to express your individuality in your unique way.
nuclear
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Image credit: Pixaby, Pencil Parker
Image credit: Google. Creazilla
Emily Martin-Taylor and Charlotte Chantler
Life is short. Have an affair! Exploring Ashley Madison How to tackle the flatmate cleaning standoff
Feeling bored of your marriage? Have an affair!
In an age dominated by digital dating, Ashley Madison is just another dating app in a sea of many, but with a twist: it's for married people...
Have you found that monogamy has become monotonous? After all, marriage isn't easy; routine becomes repetitive, sex becomes sparkless, and commitment becomes colourless. If your marriage has faded from passionate to parched, there is a simple solution: have an affair!
"Routine becomes repetitive, sex becomes sparkless and commitment becomes colourless"
Ashley Madison is there for all your extramarital needs (although it may leak your highly sensitive data in the process, but that's a tale for later). By joining Ashley Madison, you are joining a
community of like-minded individuals (and millions of bots) with over 80 million sign-ups since 2002 and 20k new members daily. The app boasts glowing reviews, with one user sharing, "Since meeting someone on Ashley Madison and reinvigorating the sexual part of my romantic life, I’m a better wife now than I was." Another user praised the app stating, "I have found the fulfilment I needed to return to my husband a satisfied partner. It’s completely removed the anxiety from our marriage." So, if your marriage has become tiresome and you find yourself craving the thrill of something new, Ashley Madison may be just the app for you.
That is, of course, if you can gloss over the disastrous data breach that toppled the company in 2015. Despite Ashley Madison promising discretion to their customers, a cyber-attack during the summer of 2015 revealed otherwise, exposing the personal information of over 30 million users. Names, passwords, emails and even sexual fantasies were leaked, including those of Noel Biderman, who was the former CEO of Ashley Madison. The leak exposed his enjoyment of escorts despite being a married man. But is it really that surprising that the CEO of an app promoting affairs is having one himself? Probably not.
In the aftermath of the attack, the fantasy of having an affair quickly faded and many were left with a sobering reality. Ashley Madison promised safety and security but failed to deliver, capitalistic greed and prioritisation of profit over protection led to one of the largest data breaches in the 21st century. The hackers, who went by The Impact Team, revealed that although Ashley Madison charged $20 to 'delete' your account, the personal information remained in the database. It shattered the illusion of secrecy that Ashley Madison sold to millions, leaving behind a trail of broken homes, legal battles, and trauma.
Are we too
In New Orleans, a pastor, John Gibson committed suicide following the cyberattack, mentioning the dating site in his suicide note. It is easy to sensationalise an app like Ashley Madison, one that thrives off scandal and outrage and, in the process, forget the very human cost involved in possibly millions of affairs. John Gibson's death serves as a reminder that real lives were being irreversibly impacted beneath the headlines. Trish McDermott, a founder of Match.com, stated, "This is a business built on the back of broken hearts, ruined marriages and damaged families". The aftermath of the data breach cemented McDermott's statement. The breach didn't just expose data; it exposed the real human cost behind a platform like Ashley Madison.
If the thrill of an affair still sounds tempting, it's important to familiarise who you are (or not) getting into bed with. Picture this: you've just got a new match, and it seems like you've hit the jackpot: a young, hot blonde. She's young and exciting, everything your wife isn't. She doesn't nag you about the dirty dishes or ask you to take the kids to school, she's perfect, right? The catch is she's also not real. Sadly, you are not chatting to Susie, 24, who likes video games and football. In fact, you're more likely to be chatting to an Ashley Madison employee. In 2013, a former employee claimed she was instructed to create hundreds of fake profiles of “alluring females”. She made so many that, Doriana Silva claimed, she had incurred Repetitive Strain Injury after being instructed to create as many as 1,000 fake female members.
To read the rest of the article visit https:// www.thecourieronline.co.uk/.
interested in celebrity relationships?
Dylan Seymour -Sports Sub-Editor
Is it time to reconsider our fascination with celebrities’ relationships?
Yoko Ono and Taylor Swift. One’s the greatest living female artist; the other wrote 'Cruel Summer'. However, a burden they both share is extreme public scrutiny of their relationships, with Ono being unjustifiably blamed for the collapse of The Beatles, while Taylor can’t go for a date without the combined force of the entire world’s media being there too. Not The Courier though, we’re not like other gir- sorry, newspapers. With statements by artists such as Chappell Roan stressing that celebrities do not owe us their private lives, should we reevaluate how we treat our stars?
Whatever your views on The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, it’s safe to say that his short relationship with Taylor Swift in 2023 has become a sensationalist nightmare for both parties. Healy can’t even go on a walk with new fiancée Gabriette without being labelled as “Taylor Swift’s ex” by The Daily Mail or an “ex-fling” by The Mirror
While Swift’s newest album, The Tortured Poets Department, was heavily implied to contain jabs at Healy, she has faced more than her fair share of public scrutiny herself.
In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, the singer stated that “I feel like watching my dating life has become a bit of a national pastime,” and last year’s ‘Taylors Version’s re-release of 1989 doubled down on this with the song “Slut!”.
The issue of celebrity relationship obsessions
"The disenfranchisement of celebrities, their bodies and their relationships happens not just in real life but on screen as well"
has a surprisingly deep history. 1936’s abdication crisis saw King Edward give up the throne following royal protocol’s refusal to allow him to marry a catholic divorcee, a story that repeated itself with fellow royals Harry and Meghan. Markle, in particular, was harassed relentlessly in the press, leaving her with suicidal thoughts and forcing the family to relocate to California in 2020. Women who have faced similar battles include Yoko Ono, who married John Lennon in 1969. Despite no member of the ‘fab four’ ever blaming the Japanese multimedia artist for the dissolution of The Beatles, malicious and frankly false rumours that she deliberately drove the band apart persist to this day.
The disenfranchisement of celebrities, their
bodies and their relationships happens not just in real life but on-screen as well.
Several high-profile actors and actresses have voiced feeling uncomfortable or coerced into going nude on-screen. The famously graphic first series of Game of Thrones, branded “just tits and dragons” by Ian McShane, left actress Emilia Clarke admitting discomfort with “terrifying” sex scenes. Blue Is The Warmest Colour’s (2013) lesbian sex scene has faced criticism from both actresses involved, with Adele Exarchopoulos labelling directorproducer Abdellatif Kechiche “manipulative”. Actors Ben Stiller and Richard Madden have been similarly outspoken. Madden criticised studios and their demands that actors lose weight in preparation for nude scenes, while Stiller claimed he was left ignorant of his right to request a body double whilst naked for Along Came Polly (2004).
To risk sounding radical, celebrities are people, too. How much or how little of their lives they show us is up to them. Celebrities such as Yoko Ono and Meghan Markle have lived entire lives in the public eye due to
Living with flatmates can be a rewarding experience, but it also brings challenges – one of the most common being shared responsibility for household chores. When everyone has different standards and schedules, discussing cleaning can feel uncomfortable, but open communication is essential for a harmonious living space. Here are a few practical approaches to handling these conversations without unnecessary tension
The Passive-Aggressive Hint
If you’re unsure of how to bring it up in person, one approach is the “casual” text in the group chat. Something like, “Hey, does anyone else feel like the kitchen is an absolute mess lately? Maybe we should think of a way to make sure we all keep it looking tidy?” Insert a cute emoji for extra damage control. It might prompt someone else to suggest a rota without you looking like you’re the one wagging a finger. But be warned: if your flatmates are the type to ghost the group chat, this strategy could just lead to hours of twiddling your thumbs waiting for a reply.
The Big Family Meeting
Sometimes, direct is best. Gather everyone for a flat meeting and try to make it sound less painful than it is. Maybe bribe them with snacks – a packet of biscuits works wonders. Start by acknowledging how busy everyone is, and then gently suggest a rota or cleaning schedule. Emphasise that it’s for “everyone’s benefit” and use the classic guilt phrase: “It’s really unfair if the same person always ends up cleaning.” Keep the tone light and suggest rotating jobs weekly to avoid anyone feeling permanently on dish duty.
Make Cleaning Less of a Chore
For the brave, try making it a fun activity. Declare that a certain part of the week when everyone is free is “Power Hour” cleaning time, throw on a playlist, and challenge everyone to clean as much as possible in an hour. It’s surprisingly effective, and you might even start a bizarre tradition. Working together on cleaning can actually make it feel less like a task and more like a team effort, especially if you all commit to it regularly.
Rotate Responsibility
An effective strategy is to establish a rotating chore system, where everyone is assigned a different task each week. This avoids any one person from feeling like they’re always responsible for a particular job, and it ensures that everyone has a fair share of the cleaning duties. By rotating responsibilities, the cleaning load is distributed evenly, and everyone can play their part in maintaining the space.At the end of the day, whether you go full confrontational or try to sneak in the rota while everyone’s distracted, just remember – in flat life, even a small cleaning win is worth celebrating. If all goes well, you might even find yourself in a kitchen without any science experiments growing on the counter.
Jess Hughes -Relationships Sub-Editor
Image credit: iHeartRadioICA, Wikimedia commons
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Abigail Johnston-Blyth
Lifestyle - Mental Health Edition
Girl, so confusing... but it's neurodivergent so it's even more confusing...
Reflecting on experiences as a neurodiverse girl…
Looking back, I know there were many signs I was neurodiverse from a young age. From smaller indicators like collecting things and organising them in very specific ways, to much bigger things like meltdowns that were just passed off as me being hormonal or sensitive; never being able to correctly use capital letters or full stops was passed off as me just being clumsy or lazy; leaving deadlines to the absolute last minute was passed off as just bad time management; and struggling with a bucket load of sensory issues was passed off as me just having a low tolerance for annoying things. My ADHD and Autism were never really taken seriously because of my gender.
I was always seen as a chaotic, clumsy, sensitive kind of person with an abnormal amount of energy and zero social skills. But it was just passed off as a cute, quirky personality type. I know that, had I grown up as a boy, the support I received as a child would have been very different, and I may have become a very different person today due to that additional help.
“The breakdown of routine ... exposed ... characteristics I'd been able to manage previously.”
The ratio for diagnosed men to women is estimated to be 3:1, although research is starting to suggest it should be much more equal. Because men and women are socialised and taught to behave
in very different ways growing up, our specific characteristics can present differently, too, meaning issues that neurodivergent women struggle with are often overlooked and girls are underdiagnosed. I only discovered I was neurodivergent at university. My parents had always given me a stricter routine at home, so when I moved halfway across the country and suddenly all the household responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, washing, tidying) were up to me, I inevitably struggled. One thing they don’t tell you about university is the difficulty in transitioning to an entirely different lifestyle.
"I have found a great community of friends within student media, but it definitely took me longer than those around me to create those friendships”
It wasn’t that I wasn’t neurodivergent before, it was more that the breakdown of routine, the lack of support, and the new responsibilities I had exposed (and heightened) a lot of characteristics I’d been able to manage previously. Learning how to balance different areas of my life like household responsibilities, university work, socialising, and relationships has been something I’ve only just started figuring out. Forming female friendships was also a huge challenge for me. I’d been friends with the same two girls for the past ten years of my life and now I had to relearn how to do it all. I didn’t know the first thing about girlhood if it wasn’t with them. I felt so out of place and overthought every single interaction, not knowing if I’d come across as rude or misread the tone by accident. Since then, I have found a
great community of friends within student media, but it definitely took me longer than those around me to create those friendships.
I found my neurodiversity quite crippling for a time, and on most days now I still do. I still struggle with reading situations, the sensory overload of a night out, organising my home, completing my university work, and more. But it’s important to acknowledge neurodiversity for what it is, a disability, which is not a bad word to shy away from; being realistic helps to provide those who need it with the correct kind of support. I’ve learnt to give myself grace for when I make mistakes, or I am unable to do something. Its perfectly okay to mess up, and you are not a bad person for getting things wrong or finding some tasks harder. Neurodiversity whilst being a girl is not often brought up, and although the conversation is beginning to open up, it’s important to keep talking: with more talking comes more change.
You can read an extended version of this article online at www.thecourieronline.co.uk.
PMDD: an internal battle
Marina Snyder - Head of Life & Style
One of our section heads delves into the misunderstood PMDD...
*Content warning: this article contains references to depression and suicide*
If I were to describe myself, it would be as a fairly satisfied person, someone who ultimately enjoys life. I like to keep busy and stay motivated, working hard toward my goal of becoming a journalist. I’m also someone who loves a variety of activities, whether it’s dancing, going for walks, or reading. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for the little thingsthe way sunlight filters through orange leaves in autumn, or the cozy glow of fairy lights in a small café on a dark winter day. Even brief exchanges with strangers on the metro often make me smile. And so I’d say, in general, I feel excited for the future—the places I’ll go, the people I’ll meet, and the person I’ll become.
And yet despite all of this, and despite the fact I enjoy life, there is one week each month when it feels like a switch flips inside my mind. It comes with little warning, and for one to two weeks, I move through life feeling numb, depressed, and paranoid.
Everything seems dark and colourless. My usual determination to succeed in university fades into a deep lack of motivation. The desire to spend time with friends twists into despair and a
nagging fear that they might dislike me. I find myself obsessing over minor interactions, reading into every word and tone, creating these scenarios in my head in which I am alone and despised.
It took me a long time to recognize this as a pattern. I felt like I was losing myself for those days each month when I just didn’t feel like 'me' and struggled to like myself at all. For years I'd be getting into fights over nothing, self sabotaging relationships and feeling helpless, unknown to the cause of it all. There’s often casual acknowledgment that
“I felt like I was losing myself for those days each month where I just didn't feel like 'me'”
the week before a woman’s period can bring on “emotional” or “irrational” moments, with phrases like, “that time of the month” or “shark week.”
The assumption is that hormone shifts might temporarily impact our mood and behaviour. But what I hadn’t realized was just how intense these changes could be, and how deeply they could affect my sense of self. What I hadn’t realized at the time was that the intense emotional shifts I was experiencing closely aligned with a condition called PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder—a severe, often debilitating extension of PMS. A quick search of PMDD reveals that it can cause
“extreme mood shifts that disrupt daily life and damage relationships” and that’s exactly what it feels like. For a week each month, I find myself pushing away friends, getting into arguments over trivial things, and in the aftermath, I have to piece everything back together, only for the cycle to repeat.
It’s frustrating because no matter how much I’ve grown over the years, how hard I’ve worked to stabilise my emotions and find calm, all of that progress seems to vanish during this dark week. Sometimes, I even find myself having intense, obsessive thoughts, including suicidal ones. As soon as my period begins, the fog lifts, and I wonder why I felt that way at all. The thoughts seemed so consuming at the time, but they feel almost foreign afterward.
The terrifying thing about PMDD is that these emotions feel absolutely real. In those moments, you can’t rationalize that it’s “just” a hormonal imbalance. Feelings of depression, anger, or despair—often triggered by something small, like a disagreement or an offhand comment—take on an overwhelming intensity that feels undeniable.
Because women’s health is so under-researched, PMDD often goes overlooked in both media and general discourse, and it’s rarely discussed openly. So, if you’ve experienced anything similar, know that you’re not alone. What you need most is a supportive circle—people who understand that this isn’t “irrationality” but rather something you can’t fully control.
While it’s normal to feel a bit off or more emotional before your period, if these feelings become intense and unmanageable—if you’re experiencing severe depression, anxiety, exhaustion, or persistent anger—it’s possible that you’re dealing with PMDD. In those moments, remember that this version of you is not permanent; it’s a temporary state, and eventually, it will pass.
Therapy: my experience
Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor
The multiple sides of mental health counselling...
Therapy is unique for everyone. There's no 'right' way to do it, and how much you gain depends on how honestly you engage with the practice. However, not all forms of therapy work for everyone... My first experience with therapy nearly put me off for life. I accessed free NHS therapy the summer before I started university, wanting some support before leaving home and receiving my A-level results. However, the sessions felt impersonal and I didn't feel a connection with the therapist, which impacted how much I gained from it. I don't entirely blame the therapist, as she was a nice woman and very qualified, but I didn't find much common ground with her, making it difficult to open up about my troubles.
Half an hour of each session was dedicated to filling out a 'wellbeing questionnaire' which rated my mental health from the week on a scale of 1-10. I found this system incredibly limiting, as it didn't take into account that mental health can fluctuate from day to day. You could have a good week generally but have one or two days of intense anxiety, yet it would still rank on the lower end of the NHS scale.
I felt like this survey system both belittled how I was feeling (as I would always rank on the lower end of the 'Anxiety scale' and therefore feel like I didn't deserve the therapy) and took away conversation time with the therapist. Because I didn't feel like I connected with the therapist for several reasons, I struggled to fully articulate the nature of my problems. I also felt that the remote sessions, some of which were over the phone, stripped away an element of intimacy. Overall, this wasn't very helpful for me, as I found it impersonal and restrictive. I didn't gain much in terms of dealing with my emotions or finding good coping mechanisms to take with me to university.
At the end of my first year, I reached out to the university counselling team, and this time the therapy helped me exponentially. I was paired with a counsellor through the wellbeing team, and though the sessions were still remote, I felt an instant connection with the counsellor.
I was relieved to find that there were no ranking questionnaires, and each of my six free sessions felt more like conversations with a friend than a survey of my mental state
My counsellor was amazing. She let me talk for most of the hour, interjecting occasionally with insightful comments or suggestions to carry forward. I also appreciated how she related her own experiences with my anxieties and worries, making me feel validated and recognised. Even though six sessions didn't feel like enough, I got a lot out of it and still benefit from it today.
Therapy can vary in its effectiveness, as everyone has different needs. However, I believe that everyone should experience a good therapy session in their lifetime. While it may take some time to find the right therapist for you, the practice can bring positive and lasting changes to your mental health.
Free counselling sessions can be accessed through the NUSU Mental Health Resources
Erin Reid
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Lifestyle - Mental Health Edition 17
A note from the sub-eds:
Everyone has a brain and we all need to keep ours healthy. This is certainly the case for the stressful lives of university students, but today's mental health landscape feels a bit like a paradox; on the one hand, more and more people are opening up about mental health issues, but on the other hand, more and more people seem to suffer from them.
Though it may be unclear which is the chicken and which is the egg, lifestyle is sure of one thing: mental health awareness is vital. we have chosen ro run a mental health special edition in our section of The From writers' personal experiences of mental health to practical tips on dealing with and managing mental health, we hope that our readers can find something useful and relevant somewhere on these two pages.
Lifestyle love, Ruby and Emma x Remember, there are SU and uni resources that are there to help you:
Not nodding off: dealing with insomnia
Don't lose hope if you can't get a wink...
We live in the era of overstimulation, where we scroll on social media like it’s a competitive sport, photosynthesise on blue light and bounce between negative news headlines like binge-watching a never-ending drama. Not to mention the information overload and constant task-switching. Add academic stress on top and it’s a wonder we manage any sleep at all!
Research indicates that depression, anxiety, academic workload, and excessive use of screens before going to bed - all those late-night doom-scrolling and video game marathons - are some of the main reasons for insomnia among university students. All of these factors create the perfect mix for an anxious nervous
is determined by how these two factors interact. The sympathetic nervous system steps in like a hyper-vigilant security guard keeping you alert, assuming that the way to protect you is by hyper-fixating on that mistake you’ve made on that exam, every embarrassing moment from middle school, all of the deadlines lining up and so on. It's driven by your brain’s amygdala, “your brain’s worry centre, responsible for emotional processing. It’s the amygdala that judges whether something is worth panicking over.”
“Hyper-fixating on that mistake you’ve made on that exam, every embarrassing moment from middle school, all of the deadlines... lining up and so on.”
- Chaplaincy and pastoral care teams
- Counselling
- On-campus safety resources
- Online tools and wellbeing apps
- Urgent help (in an emergency, call 999)
- Wellbeing teams within your school
According to sleeping coach Camilla Stoddart, two main forces keep us awake: “low sleep drive and hyperarousal”. Sleep drive is your brain’s daily desire to sleep. It's normally weak in the morning and intensifies during the day, ideally peaking around evening. If your nervous system is in neutral condition, you’ll be able to sleep effortlessly. But if you’re in hyperarousala tense state of the sympathetic nervous system, triggered by fear, stress and coffee - sleep drive doesn’t stand a chance. Your ability to fall asleep
Learning to love the changing seasons
Charley Dobson
Don't let the cold stop you
cold...
It's easy to let the winter months dampen our mood, so here are some ways to learn to appreciate the changing seasons. Now that the excitement of Freshers' Week and Halloween is well and truly over, for some of us the winter slump feels inevitable. The cold mornings and early nights do anything but benefit our motivation or lust for life. Patterns of snoozing the morning alarm and choosing a cosy bedroom to a social life are bound to rupture the routines set during the first few months of a fresh semester, so how can we enjoy the changing seasons without any guilt?
“Ease yourself into it, grab a thick scarf, and make peace with the calm of the cold.”
get through the seasons.
The sympathetic nervous system steps in like a hyper-vigilant security guard keeping you alert Thankfully, Camilla also has the solution: journalling. Reflective thinking, a component of journalling, activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in reasoning and problem-solving, helping regulate the activity of the amygdala when it is aroused. Over time, more balanced,
less reactive emotional processing may occur from the relationship between journalling and the prefrontal cortex. When you write down your fears, worries or random thoughts on paper, your brain gets the memo: “noted, we can stop worrying now", so goes to sleep. However, changing your brain’s function doesn’t happen overnight, so here’s a scienceproven tip to help you tackle a lack of sleepinduced woozy day: 20 minutes of moderateintensity cardio, as a study by the University of Portsmouth has shown. Getting your heart pumping can help regulate the brain hormones responsible for concentration, mood and motivation. Cardiovascular activities include brisk-walking, jogging, cycling, jumping rope, dancing and so on. In a world where overstimulation and anxiety predominate, the key lies in making a conscious effort to maintain peace of mind. Start by decreasing your screen time, setting social media limits and being intentional and specific with how you spend your time. Engage
Hobby Hub: exercise for mental health
Prioritizing wellbeing is very important, especially when mood can be so dependent on our surroundings and the seasons. Joining societies or staying in touch with friends will make these isolating months a bit less lonely even if you really don't want to leave the warmth of your student
“Set aside time for the essentials ... Pack your favourite hot drink and find a cozy spot at the library”
Firstly, it's important to note that habits formed before the constant gloomy weather will likely not last much longer. Whilst some peers may continue their productivity seemingly uninterrupted, it's completely normal for yours to decrease. The easiest way to begin to love the changing seasons is to first notice them. Change is inevitable, and though it might not feel like it, in a few months the heat will just be too sticky and the city center far too busy, so we'll all be wishing for these quieter months back. Ease yourself into it, grab a thick scarf and make peace with the calm of the cold. That said, though winter is beyond easy to romanticize, don't get caught up in a completely idealised world. Set aside time for the essentials whilst allowing yourself to enjoy it. An assignment due soon but lacking the willpower because of the grey skies? Pack your favourite hot drink and find a cosy spot in the library - small rewards are at least some incentives to help rebuild a routine to
housing. In short, the seasons will wait for no one, and time will pass either way. Learn to love the new seasons
Lucy Langdon
The benefits of sport for your mental health are endless. This week's Hobby Hub tells you how to get started...
One of the best hobbies to have at university is anything sport related, be it joining a sports club, going for runs by yourself or starting the gym. Just getting yourself up and moving is a great way to easily improve your mental health; it can make such a difference to how you view yourself and the day. The uni gym offers classes such as pilates, spin, yoga and Zumba, which are such a good way to get used to going to the gym and begin something new. Who knows, you could even meet new people there! And if you don't fancy going by yourself you can always bring some friends. Either of these options are effective for getting out of the house and giving a new purpose to the day. One thing is for sure: any amount of exercise will always make you feel better.
any good! A sports club is a great way to go if you’re looking to meet new people. Social sports societies are particularly good for this as they’re considerably less competitive and lots of people tend to go just the for the socials and to chat. In fact, for talking it's ideal because it gives you something different to tell people about - you might even find a common interest! And who could forget the feeling of being able to quietly brag about how much you've done in the day?
There will never again be a time in your life when this many sports, equipment,and exercise regimes are so accessible.”
Of course, you need to be careful to start slowly and not push yourself too hard, because getting injured won’t do anyone’s mental health
Another good thing about sport is that it can get spare energy out and allow you properly focus on your work instead of getting distracted every five minutes. There will never again be a time in your life when this many different sports, equipment and exercise regimes are so accessible, so take advantage whilst you can. It has to be said that the gym and a lot of the sports clubs require a membership, which can feel quite pricey in the moment, but I'd still recommend taking the chance on it if you can. Thankfully though there are different sport societies that don’t require a membership and are therefore low cost, like running club or rounders society. There are also other sports clubs like climbing or sailing which are a little more expensive to join but still don’t require a fitness membership. Whichever way you decide to go about it, make sure to try many different varieties and please don’t let yourself get discouraged if the first one isn’t for you.
Nefeli Photiou
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Image credit: VD Photography, Unsplash Image credit: SUNDAY II SUNDAY, Unplash Image credit: BUDDHI Kumar SHRESTHA Unsplash
Image credit, leaves: Cindynhiart, Pixabay
Fashion & Beauty
Vivienne Westwood's grandaughter resigns
Zoe Maddalena
Here's why Cora Corré has resigned from her family's iconic fashion house...
On October 22nd, Cora Corré, the
Corré, 27, served as a campaigns manager at the label, with a strong focus on activism within her role to hold up her grandmother’s legacy. Her resignation came after the brand's recent Autumn/ Winter collaboration with the streetwear brand ‘Palace’. Unified through the brands' shared' ‘subversive and political spirit', the collection was open about taking inspiration from Westwood’s archives, particularly reflecting the ‘Salon’ print which was first seen in 1992.
However, a statement released by the Vivienne Foundation - which Westwood transferred all of her creative design and property rights to before her passing - later revealed that the collection's archival inspirations were used without their consultation. Established in 2019, the Vivienne
Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that has committed itself to climate action, human rights and anti-capitalist principles.
“The family would bond over their passion for activism”
In an interview with Elle before announcing her resignation, Corré described her and her grandmother's passion for activism, stating that her ‘family embodies protest, in all the ways they can.’ With Westwood taking Corré to her first protest at only six years old, it is clear that the family would bond over their passion for activism, and further that Corré has a strong will to continue her grandmother's legacy
In her resignation letter seen by The Times, Corré emphasised that Vivienne Westwood's current chief executive, Carlo D’Amario, had not only been ‘preventing (the foundation) from raising money to support the charities Vivienne was so passionate about’, but also further accused D'Amario of bullying Dame Westwood towards the end of her life. This led to the further conflict of Corré requesting the removal of Carlo from the label, and thus her own resignation as the label seems to be straying from the true morals of
My body, my choice: self-expression through tattoos and piercings
Self-expression can mean something different for everyone...
Self-expression has developed through the years, and in our century, tattoos and piercings have become the only way people can express their ideas.
From fine lines to colourful pieces of art, tattoos are the most popular form of selfexpression. What first started as marks of tribal affiliation or religious beliefs have become personalised art reflecting individual stories and emotions.
“Every time I get a tattoo, I get to know myself a little bit more.”
In my case, I got my first tattoo done at 16, and I didn't know I was embracing the beautiful world of expressing myself through drawings on my body. That first tattoo is probably the most important one I will ever get. Losing a parent is challenging as it is, but being 16 and feeling the world collapse around you makes it ten times harder.
Is Ugg season worth it?
Mia Wijayatilleke
Are these cosy shoes as practical as they are cute?
You never have to look far on campus to see a pair of Uggs, either paired with leggings and a hoodie or jeans and a jumper. Uggs are a perfect loweffort shoe choice for colder weather, their slip-on style making it quick and easy to throw together a stylish autumn outfit. Uggs are definitely practical in terms of warmth
“Should you really have to spend more money to make your £145 shoes wearable?”
and comfort. The faux fur lining keeps your toes toasty throughout the day, whilst giving you the comfort of your bedroom with their slipper-like feel. However, Uggs are inherently seasonal. Unlike trainers, Uggs are not a purchase you can use all year round: no one wants to be standing in sweaty fur on a hot day. They
That was my turning point. I started expressing my ideas through tiny drawings that somehow made me feel better. It’s not just the tattoo itself; it’s the process behind it. I feel like every time I get a tattoo, I get to know myself a little bit more. Since I turned 18, I have resorted to getting more tattoos whenever I was struggling.I love each of my tattoos, but I hold a special place for two of them, which I got before moving to university last year. Moving abroad takes the second spot on the list of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, and to honour that, I decided to get one of my favourite quotes from the movie La La Land: “Here’s to the fools who dream.” Because what’s a fool without a dream, right? Whenever I question if I made the right decision to leave my home country (which is a lot), I would look down at my arm, always see this quote, and tell myself never to question my dreams.
The second tattoo, which I hold a special place in my heart, is based on a Taylor Swift song. “You’re On Your Own Kid” represents my whole first year. Even though I had many friends and made memories that I will forever remember, I still felt alone and the guilt of leaving home, and my family was always there. With time, that burden became minor, but I still felt like I was on my own.
I spent months looking for the perfect design and ultimately got one flower that reminded me of home: daisies with "You're On Your Own Kid" written through the stem.
Our society is evolving and continues to accept more ways of self-expression as we continue to embrace body art. If you’re hesitating to get a tattoo, book that appointment. It might be your turning point as well.
are also not made for getting wet. The Uggs website recommends that you avoid wearing Uggs in both rain and snow, seriously undermining their status as a winter stapleespecially in Newcastle weather.
Some shoe shops and companies provide a solution to this with a waterproof spray treatment that makes your Uggs suitable for wet weather. But should you really have to spend more money to make your £145 pair of shoes wearable?
In fact, is it worth buying Uggs for that cost at all? There are so many similar slipper-style boots on the market. Primark, Deichmann, and New Look are just some of the shops in Newcastle Centre selling convincing Uggs knock-offs. I am an unapologetic fake Uggs - or “fuggs”, as some like to call them - wearer myself. I have owned my Deichmann pair for over a year and still love them.
In the end, it does come down to personal preference. Some people like the iconic branded look more than a cheaper alternative, and are happy to restrict wear to drier days. Although rain is their downfall, Uggs can always be relied on for providing comfort, warmth, ease, and style.
Battling the double standards of ageing
Eve Rowley
It's about time we begin embracing ageing!
The modern world is full of a plethora of contradictions surrounding our bodies, particularly female, aging bodies. Are we meant to be the Feminist, empowered strong woman who stands against traditional norms around ageing? Or are we still meant to secretly resent this natural fate?
It is these contradictory thoughts and ideas which make it so difficult for us women to truly appreciate the beauty of ageing, and fight against the damaging, and blatantly pointless, double standards. However, it is crucial that we stand against such unfair standards, and take the trials and tribulations of ageing in our stride.
In the past few years, we have seen a rise in female empowerment and appreciation of ageing which has been a breath of fresh air compared to some of the more traditional outlooks on ageing. Online, there have been an array of bids to appreciate the beauty of ageing, with slideshows which act as an ode to ageing appearing all over
industry. These campaigns have helped to make important progress against the double standard of aging.
Across multiple industries the impact of ageing on male careers and desirability has seen to have much less effect than on women. For example, actors such as George Clooney have been heralded as a ‘silver fox’; retaining his status as a desirable celebrity, and even letting his more aged appearance take centre stage. This is far rarer within female celebrities. Nonetheless, changes are being made; 57-year old Pamela Anderson has ditched the makeup all together. To see such a liberating transgression against beauty norms is great to see, especially from a figure who was so surrounded by the exact kind of pressures that create double standards around aging.
“There is a market dedicated to stopping ageing before it even begins”
However, contradictions around ageing are still entirely embedded in our society. Despite the seemingly empowering stance from Dove, they still carry a range of anti-ageing products which claim to “maintain your skin’s natural youthfulness” - conforming to the idea that aging should be feared.
There is also a market dedicated to stopping aging before it even begins; denying women of truly appreciating the beauty of ageing. Like many current societal debates, TikTok is once again seen as the biggest culprit in manifesting harmful beauty standards into action. Children and young teens are seen applying an excessive amount of skincare, there are videos upon videos of ‘sleep routines’ with intricate masks, and taping, and other frankly daunting looking contraptions, just to avoid the natural course ageing takes on the skin.
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Image Credits: Noelia Fernández Pérez
Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor
Everybody wants to be a star: The Celestial Trend taking over fashion
Lauren Wilkinson
Star mania strikes again!
This autumn, stars are everywhere in fashion. From street style to TikTok, star prints are lighting up hair clips, jumpers, and dresses. But this celestial trend isn’t new; stars have a long history in fashion, symbolizing everything from patriotism to counterculture.
Stars entered mainstream fashion in the 18th century when they adorned the American flag, symbolising national pride. By the 1940s, star motifs became a patriotic staple in American fashion, reflecting wartime sentiment. Then, in the 1960s and 70s, stars took on a rebellious edge. Designers
like Yves Saint Laurent infused star patterns into pop-art-inspired fashion, transforming them into symbols of both glamour and counterculture. Icons like David Bowie furthered this trend, using star prints and metallic fabrics to create his iconic "glam rock" look, which reshaped rock culture and fashion alike.
"High fashion often trickles down into mainstream trends."
Since the 2000s, stars have become a timeless motif in both high fashion and streetwear, representing individuality and mystique. High fashion has continued to explore star motifs with creativity and
Inheriting the spotlight: Are nepotism babies overshadowing talent?
Nepo-babies are taking over. What is there to do when celeb children are being given the 'easy' way in?
If you’ve been keeping up with all things fashion recently, you may be aware of the rising fame of certain models with all-too-familiar parents. Take Lila Moss, for example, in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her mother, Kate Moss, arguably the most famous British model of all time, strutted her stuff down the catwalk to thunderous applause and screams – but when Lila appeared earlier, with her wings literally spelling out ‘Lila –VS’, the reception was a little more frosty. A lot of the public were confused as to her inclusion in the show, as she doesn’t really fit the height or calibre (note: also unrealistic!) standards of the usual Victoria’s Secret models. This lead to a number of people questioning, was she only included in the show by the influence of her mother?
It's a hard question to ask, but it’s one that keeps cropping up about Lila Moss’s career,
sophistication. In the 1970s, Yves Saint Laurent led the way, integrating stars into his "Le Smoking" suits, giving classic silhouettes a playful, avantgarde edge. This celestial influence continued with Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, who used stars to evoke mysticism and fortune in her 2017 Dior Cruise collection, and Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli, who redefined star motifs through embroidered gowns, drawing on the ethereal allure of the cosmos.
"With microtrends and constant online content, fashion moves faster than ever."
Today, stars are not only a high-fashion staple
and a number of other models with notable parents. Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner, and Lily Rose Depp are to name but a few others, all from wealthy families that undoubtedly provide the connections, bank account and notoriety to get them started. Again, I’m not saying models like this aren’t beautiful in their own right, but it begs the question of how many others have lost out on opportunities because they didn’t have the social background to boot?
"All from wealthy families that undoubtedly provide the connections, bank account and notoriety"
Lily-Rose Depp was quoted in an interview to Elle about her ‘nepo-baby’ status, saying, “Maybe you get your foot in the door, but you still just get your foot in the door. There’s a lot of work that comes after that.” That is the flipside of the question – can you take away from the work they’ve put in, the numerous shows walked and covers shot, to earn their own right as a household name, just because of their family?
"If you only knew the hell we go through just to be able to stand in the same room that you were born in"
However, Depp’s comments weren’t taken well by others. Supermodel Anok Yai, born to a South-Sudanese refugee family in Egypt, responded, “If you only knew the hell we go through just to be able to stand in the same room that you were born in”, spotlighting the reality for thousands of aspiring models. But does this pose more questions about the bias of the industry than these ‘nepobabies’? It seems, we can only hope for inclusivity standards to continuously raise in the future.
Oscar Jenkins - News Sub-Editor
After a two year wait, a decision has finally been made between Yeezy and Adidas.
Aafter Adidas’ decision to terminate their partnership with Yeezy - West’s own shoe brand. Chief Executive Officer of Adidas, Bjorn Gulden, has stated that the dispute with West, “belongs to the past”.
A series of anti-semetic marks made by West in interviews and via social media caused Adidas to formally end their partnership with Yeezy in October 2022. The financial cost of this decision was detrimental to both parties. The split knocked off €1.2 billion in annual for Adidas, and also €500 million in operating profits. West claimed he personally lost $2 billion in one day after he was dropped by multiple companies in 2022.
"Nobody owes anybody anything anymore. So whatever was is history"
The economic fallout was the main factor behind the legal proceedings that had been ongoing for two years, post-termination of the Adidas-Yeezy contract.
Adidas’ Chief Executive Bjorn Gulden has confirmed, “there is no money going either way”. He continued on to say, “Nobody owes anybody anything anymore. So whatever was is history”.
The original plan for Adidas was to destroy all remaining Yeezy stock however, Gulden joined as CEO in 2023 and decided to change the direction of the company. The new plan is to sell the remaining €1 billion of Yeezy stock by the
but also a key streetwear element, bringing urban, edgy vibes to everyday wear. This evolution from a patriotic symbol to a versatile, edgy pattern highlights how high fashion often trickles down into mainstream trends. With the rise of fast fashion, these cycles are accelerating. The last major star trend was in 2017, a mere seven years ago, showing how quickly trends now return compared to the past, when cycles took decades to reappear due to slower production and higher costs.
The current online boom of star motifs reflects this rapid trend cycle. With microtrends and constant online content, fashion moves faster than ever, often encouraging overconsumption and limiting opportunities for individuals to cultivate an authentic style.
Settlement reached in Yeezy X Adidas partnership deal
end of 2024, and donate a percentage of those profits to charity.
Hannah Sexton
Image credit: flickr, Stan Wiechers
New study finds travelling could slow down ageing Tourists go to...?
Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor
Looking for a destination without crowds? Look no further!
Twenty-twenty-four has seen the heightening of tensions between tourists and locals across Europe and beyond. Popular hotspots Barcelona, Venice, and Tenerife have all seen large-scale demonstrations against mass tourism, and look likely to spill over into a continent-wide movement. With protests now planned in San Sebastian, Amsterdam, and Seville, where I visited this summer (sorry guys), has the day of reckoning come for Brits abroad?
Fear not, mi amigo, because you can still get your “un cerveza por favor please mate” elsewhere. Other countries across the planet are, in fact, encouraging tourism. It’s time to swap Madrid for Morocco, the Canaries for Canada, and Barca for the Balkans – let’s talk about ethical tourism, baby.
Morocco
Following a successful bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Morocco plans to spend the next six years developing major tourist infrastructure. Over 3 million fans flocked to Qatar to watch Lionel Messi and Argentina lift football’s most prestigious trophy, so it’s safe to say that Casablanca and Marrakech have their work cut out for them. Keen to avoid the empty stadiums and deserted streets that have blighted Qatar since 2022, however, the North African country has aimed to incorporate the World Cup into its broader long-term tourism strategy. With hopes that tourist numbers will double by the next decade, cities such as Fes and Agadir have seen major investment while anti-tourist protests erupt in neighbouring Spain. I always preferred tagine over paella anyway, so perhaps it’s time to accept Morocco’s invitation and take a trip to the Atlas mountains this summer.
Canada
The land that gave us Ryan Gosling, Neil Young and everyone’s favourite Stanford Medal-winning violinist Martin Beaver, Canada isn’t a country you’d think of as being short on tourists. After all, it’s just the USA but fundamentally better in almost every sense! Unfortunately, the commonwealth state has struggled to retain its tourism numbers following the pandemic and a decline in the number of Chinese tourists. Like Amsterdam, Cannabis is legal in Canada, but unlike Amsterdam, Canada isn’t fed up with tourists, and also there’s bears too. Having been a sub-editor at The Courier for a few months now, I’m well aware of our target demographic and how much they love weed and bears, so provided you don’t combine the two, it looks like ‘Great White North’ is the place to be.
The Balkans
While Croatia’s tourist hotspots of Dubrovnik and Split are becoming overstretched, other nations across the Balkans are crying out for visitors. The impact of COVID, as well as war on the doorstep in Ukraine has left a hole in economies such as Serbia – nothing kills off the holiday mood like the Russian army, I suppose. The region has endured so much hardship, but is one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet, with elements of Middle Eastern, European and Eurasian culture to be found everywhere. There’s bears there too, by the way.
Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor
Put down the retinol drips and pick up your passport...
Arecent study conducted by researchers in Australia suggests that travelling may have surprising anti-ageing effects… and suddenly all of the holiday package deals have been snapped up… by me (joking).
The study took place at Edith Cowan University in Australia, where researchers aimed to explore how travelling may counteract the physical and mental effects of ageing. By applying the concept of entropy, they investigated whether positive travel experiences could potentially have significant health benefits that can slow down the process of ageing.
"Other studies have consistently highlighted and praised the Mediterranean diet for its benefits regarding longevity."
Entropy is defined as “the trend of the universe towards death and disorder”. In the context of the
study, the experts explained that tourism could potentially trigger changes in entropy - where positive travelling experiences might alleviate an increase in entropy and enhance health, and negative travelling experiences displaying the opposite.
The study, published in the Journal of Travel Research, proposes that travelling, particularly to nature-rich environments like beaches or forests, can keep us young. Such settings naturally promote physical activities like hiking, walking, and climbing, which improve blood circulation to help maintain a self-healing system in the body. These types of exercises help to strengthen bones, muscles, and joints, supporting overall physical health and mobility. Engaging in these activities can also enhance immune function, self-defence capabilities, and stimulate metabolism – contributing to a more youthful body overall. Travelling also offers cognitive benefits. Exploring new cultures and languages, through talking to locals or other tourists, provides mental stimulation,
leading to advancements in cognitive function. Whilst a specific diet wasn’t mentioned in this particular research, they confirm that eating healthily is common when travelling, and is crucial to prevent ageing. Other studies have consistently highlighted and praised the Mediterranean diet for its benefits regarding longevity. These dietary choices include foods consisting of high levels of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and utilising fish, other seafoods, and olive oil as a healthy source of fat. However, the study also reminds us that travel can also have adverse effects. Travelling, though often amazing, inevitably comes with risks. Negative travel experiences, like those involving high stress or exposure to illness, can increase entropy, or even hasten the signs ageing. So, it's good to be mindful of these factors when adventuring the world.
The Philippines: my experience reconnecting with my ancestral roots
Reflecting on a trip to my homeland...
Anyone with roots in another country has very likely felt the desire to go back there, to re-experience where they came from, and as a 2nd generation Filipino immigrant, visiting home is a must for my family.
It all comes back to me recalling it, my last visit to the Philippines a few years ago. The enveloping heat I felt as soon as I arrived, the homely organic architecture, the hustle and bustle of the surrounding Tagalog conversations that I could only sort of understand - it was an experience before I even went anywhere. If the place you come from is that different to where you are, the memories of your homeland can completely mentally take you out of where your life actually happens, where you live. In my case, the UK and the Philippines feel like different worlds altogether.
"...the
UK and the Philippines feel like different worlds altogether."
It was enriching to visit beautiful sites like the paradisal islands of Siargao and Cebu with their warm, mesmerising blue oceans and thriving local culture.
constrained to home cooking and any Filipino function here in the UK, but I did cherish it while it lasted. Another observation I found is that dogs and cats, stray or not, freely roam the streets in many places in the Philippines - almost walking themselves - and I'm proud to say that I definitely made a few four-legged friends throughout my time there... sometimes I wonder how they're doing now.
"When I next visit them, I too will be a different person once again."
even more precious - seeing their house change, their lives change, younger relatives growing up, older relatives growing old, all through the metaphorical snapshots of their lives that is our occasional visits. When I next visit them, I too will be a different person once again. Given that I was in the Philippines for an entire month the last visit, there is so much more I can talk about, but I think I've summarised the feelings that my experience gave me quite well. I love visiting the place where I came from, engrossing myself in its culture that I only get a taste of back in the UK, and really connecting to the places and people that act as my roots. I look forward to the
Raven Orteza
Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Image credit: Mark Basarab, Unsplash
credit: Raven Orteza
Tech-free travelling
How to hack the ultimate switch off on your next trip...
Technology is everywhere now, inescapable. From online check-in at airports to selfbag check, going on a tech-free trip can be difficult. Even with social media, the desire to share where you are and all the fun holiday things you’re doing, it can be hard to switch off. Here are some tips to make your trip more tech-free to give you an opportunity to unwind.
Buying a disposable camera
Disposable cameras allow you to capture the memories of your trip without the instant reaction to post on social media. Disposable cameras also limit your opportunity to retake photos allowing us to live in the moment more and not spend 20 minutes trying to take the ‘perfect’ photo for your feed. Using a disposable camera allows us to have a fun tech-free activity to do after your travels, whether that’s making a photobook/ scrapbook or inviting your friends over to share pictures.
Bringing a book
Some parts of travelling are quite frankly... boring. Being sat on transport for hours can make tech-free trips hard. Watching films/ TV on transport can be a good way to pass the time but switching this out for a book provides the same entertainment – minus the tech. Reading a book on transport also allows us to become fully engrossed in the novel as there are minimal distractions –perfect reading conditions.
Book active activities
The best way to be tech free whilst travelling is by purposely booking activities where going on your phone will be difficult. Depending on your travel destination these can vary but, activities such as quad-biking, zip-lining make being on your devices pretty difficult! (P.S. if you are worried about a lack of photos coming from these experiences you can always give your disposable camera to the tour guide, they are usually more than happy to take pictures of you).
Follow an inside/outside rule
For those that can’t be completely away from social media, a useful rule to follow to make your trip less tech-heavy is following the inside/outside rule. This means that whenever you’re outside, social media is off limits! Social media can only be used in the hotel room or in the car when travelling between destinations. This allows you to still get your social media fix without forgetting to live in the moment when you’re being a tourist.
Last chance tourism: spotlighting climate change or accelerating it?
A paradox perpetuating a vicious cycle between change and awareness...
Seeing the effects of climate change before your very eyes is undoubtedly the most powerful wake-up call to the global crisis. And with the planet only getting hotter and sea levels only getting higher, a new form of tourism has emerged in the travel industry... but is it being used as a wake-up call?
Enter 'last chance tourism' - a growing controversial trend of travellers rushing to endangered locations before it's too late. Whether it's snorkelling the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, taking a gondola ride through the Venice canals, or hiking the Swiss Alps, people are able to experience the natural wonders of the world from their bucket lists,
they disappear!' The appeal is driven by urgency and alarm, unethically tapping into customer fears of missing out on spectacular destinations, and ultimately spirals into a huge paradox.
"...a growing controversial trend of travellers rushing to endangered locations before it's too late."
Travel is accountable for approximately 8% of the world's carbon emissions, with transport itself accounting for one quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions from energy. Travel's huge carbon footprint is an outstanding contributing factor to the destruction of these natural wonders, and with increasing flocks of tourists to their sites, the foot traffic and emissions are weighing additional pressure to the imperilled
potentially driving them to an even earlier demise. Research on visitor data in Antarctica has found that an increased human presence in the past decade has led to snow melting faster. The dilemma of last chance tourism lies in its potential for change; allowing tourists to witness the weight of the climate crisis firsthand can spark feelings of responsibility and perspective, as well as benefitting endangered destinations. Revenues built from tourism can go straight into conservation efforts, with income like entrance fees generating funds to maintain sites and support communities. Allowing tourists observe the stark reality of climate change prompt personal change through adopting eco-friendly lifestyle change...
To continue reading this article, visit www.thecourieronline.co.uk
Interrailing as a coeliac
Emma Stephenson
Dietary requirements should never get in the way of travelling, our writer explains...
MEating gluten-free can be hard in the comfort of your own home, never mind when you’re in a new city and travelling with a vegan.
My friend and I travelled to 18 cities across Europe over 6 weeks and there were many trials and tribulations that came along with it; my backpack and I got stuck on a tram, we left our passports in a different city, and got lost in a very large museum. I wouldn’t change those memories for the world, but I would change eating gluten-free if I could. In Metz, it took us both two hours and endless Googling to find a place for gluten-free and vegan food. Through more fault of my own by only speaking one language, I had to search gluten-free in each language of the country we visited and even sometimes people didn’t understand that it was an allergy that needed to be 100% free from gluten. No matter how allergy inclusive a country is, there is always a small risk of cross-contamination – a fact which coeliacs Unfortunately, in Antwerp, to me when I got ‘glutenned’ and was bedridden for the day. The best piece of advice I can give for travelling with an allergy is to book a hostel with a
kitchen. It is a lifesaver and a very budget friendly way to cook meals you know will definitely be allergy free, and you can meet new and interesting people too. Although most of the places we travelled to were very inclusive cities for allergies and dietary preferences, being capitals and touristy areas.
Here are my top Italy has to be the best place free food – they truly have mastered the art of gluten-free alternatives. With most of their foods
indulged in a six cheese pizza, cannolis, and gelato, as well as numerous pasta dishes that I still dream about today.
My second pick from the places I travelled would have to – simply for the fact that they had gluten-free McDonalds. A gluten-free McDonalds burger was such a novelty to me, with only being able to eat the chips at home. Shamelessly, I consumed four burgers out of the five days I was there.
Next up, my third favourite place for gluten-free options was Brussels for their vegan and glutenfree waffles, and of course, chocolate. Ranking fourth, is Amsterdam for their inclusive food culture and their gluten-free Dutch pancakes – that were so delicious we decided to circle back at the end of our trip.
Finally, Budapest was excellent for gluten-free with a 100% gluten-free bakery right outside my hostel. Combined with the thermal baths and a boat party on the Danube river, I had the best time. Having an allergy or a diet preference should never stop anyone from travelling – you’ll likely find an abundance of quality free-from options to reconnect with food and experience new, diverse flavours.
stash: fridge magnets
At the risk of sounding like my 84-year-old grandmother, I’ve started collecting fridge magnets.
An interrailer’s budget is a sensitive thing, so finding souvenirs that are affordable can be very tricky, especially if you want to get something from everywhere you go.
After some thinking I settled on fridge magnets. So now for about one euro each, and minimal space in my bag, I have a reminder of everywhere I’ve been.
The one downside, however, is that you have to occasionally go into souvenir shops in busy tourist destinations. It’s hard to argue that you’re “not like every other tourist” when you are stumbling through a shop with ‘I heart (name of place)’ t-shirts everywhere, looking for you latest piece of cheap tat. also able to combine forces with my housemates when I got back home, to cover our entire fridge with reminders of our trips. The interior design of insufferable.
You might also find that some occasionally go missing for a month or two. On at least two occasions, one of my magnets have been swiped and gone on an involuntary loan at a friend’s flat. So, while they can be a lovely, wholesome souvenir, it is best that you watch them around your friends if, like mine, some of them are prone to kleptomania.
Marcus Williamson - News Sub-Editor
Olivia Guy
All image credits: Emma Stephenson
Sophie Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editor
All image credits: Pixabay
Image credits: Marcus Williamson and Wikimedia Commons
All image credits: Pixabay Souvenir
Sub-Editors: Esther Arnold and Barbora Pacherova
Food & Drink 22
Saving the best till last
Maddy Kendall
What's left lingering on the plate at the end of your meal?
Athe aromas and admiring the cross sections, perhaps they’re even piling on top of each other, you have to quickly decide- where do I start? Do you start with the worst part? Or maybe even the best bit? Surely you’d start with a section which is not your favourite and save the best till last? These are questions I have thought about for far too long- it’s enough to keep me up at night. I constantly think about my favourite meals and how they should be enjoyed.
"To savour a meal is to understand what you personally love the most"
perhaps it’s the combination of foods that really brings out the umami in a dish, maybe it’s the mix of the yolk with bread and a slight bit of bacon on a full English breakfast. Whether it’s just one item or the combination of the items, it’s vital you admire your plate and then decide which will be the “perfect bite”. Once you have decided, you
"We are lucky to be able to make and try different cultures just through a plate"
The way to properly love a meal is to understand that you have to start with the second best thing, this way you can savour the dish but still start
food. We’re lucky to be able to make and try different cultures just through a plate. Saving the best bite till last means that no matter the build up, you won’t be disappointed by the meal because you can just reminisce on how good that bite was- and it was so, so good.
Aerin Harrison
Our
Isecond
installment of Foody Focus
To savour a meal is to understand what you personally love the most. It might be the pork crackling on a Sunday dinner or maybe the garlic bread accompanying a spag-bol. Either way you must decide which bit will be the best part. However, this is difficult to decide at times as
slightly lumpy, and you work through the plate making sure that the last bite of that meal is one which is so unbearably good it changes your perspective on food for the rest of your life. Personally, I think it is vital to savour
How social factors shape what we eat
Amy Marsh
What influences our food choices?
We may think of feeding ourselves as an automatic process that we do each day without consideration. However, there are many factors that may affect the type and quantity of food that we eat each day without us even realising.
In humans, the purpose of food has gone beyond the necessity of providing our body with nutrients, becoming an important aspect of our social lives. It is therefore unsurprising that our food intake and choices can be affected by social factors, such as the people that we eat with. Research in food psychology shows that people use other peoples’ eating as a model for their own and that this effect is not moderated by hunger. This has important implications in the development of disordered eating behaviours because it suggests that even if someone is very hungry, they are unlikely to increase the amount they are eating if the person they are with is not eating very much. Scarily, this shows how people are able to ignore hunger cues due to social influence, highlighting the role of your peers on your personal food intake.
"People are able to ignore hunger cues due to social influence"
Another factor that influences our diets is our mood. The phenomenon of “emotional eating” is commonly observed, when an individuals’ eating behaviours reflect an attempt to alleviate their negative mood. Unpleasant emotions like anxiety are associated with craving
sweet foods which may help to reduce negative moods. Experiencing stress can decrease the pleasure we experience from eating highly palatable foods, leading us to overeat to compensate for this reduced pleasure. This shows how negative moods can cause us to increase our intake and eat more sweet foods, which may help to attenuate short term stress, but is not correlated with long-term happiness.
" Motions like anxiety are associated with craving sweet foods which may help to reduce negative moods"
In fact, the consumption of healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats have been associated with lasting positive emotions. Individuals who are feeling positive emotions report an increase in eating with the purpose of
making delicious, nutritionally balanced meals.
Being aware of factors that influence our eating can help us to overcome the effects of social influence and negative moods. We can best support our well-being through food by focusing on our own hunger cues instead of other people’s, and keeping track of the food we eat when we feel our
f you haven’t discovered this jewel of a restaurant already, I can’t recommend SnackWallah highly enough. Tucked away in the heart of Grainger Market, this safe haven from the hubbub harbours some of the most delicious traditional Indian snack foods in Newcastle. SnackWallah, initially opening 8 years ago as a pop-up stall, offers a diverse vegan menu of family recipes guaranteed to warm the soul. You’ll be greeted by bright colours, beautiful hanging lanterns, and the friendliest of faces. Here are just a few of the wonderful foods that await you in this beautiful restaurant. We started out with a warming Masala Chai, sweet with a depth of flavour derived from hours of roasting, grinding, and simmering SnackWallah’s own traditional spice blend. This delicious drink is also available iced for the warmer months, and whether hot or cold, it can’t be missed. Another traditional drink we tried was the Mango Lassi, a thick, creamy sweet treat. This beautiful blend of soy yoghurt, oat milk, and fresh mango is always a hit, and SnackWallah also offers a lassi of the day with changing flavours throughout the seasons which I highly recommend.
Our first pick was the Pickle Wrap, bursting with tangy flavour and piping hot. This toasted wrap is stuffed with moreish pakoras, zingy pickled cabbage, refreshing pickle yoghurt, and crunchy onions- a seriously satisfying bite. What sets this wrap apart are the fresh pickled vegetables and red chillis, all fermented in-house for the perfect flavour. This is generously portioned for a filling lunch and packs a real punch, pairing perfectly with a cooling lassi.
We couldn’t resist the curry of the day, served with wonderfully fluffy rice, comforting, garlic-packed daal, and naan. The daal alone is worth trying - an aromatic, savoury lentil dish so good it reminds some customers of their own family recipe. The curry we tried was a Vellapayar Curry made with black-eyed beans, Kashmiri chillis, and spices sourced from local businesses. This was seasoned to perfection, lightly spiced, and made with dried beans for a satisfying texture. For an extra fiver, this can also be upgraded to a curry banquet, including pakoras, samosas, and a selection of fresh chutneys.
Next on the menu was a Diwali special, Gobi 65, a delicious South Indian snack, consisting of piping hot cauliflower florets coated in a light, crispy batter, generously spiced, and doused in a zesty yoghurt sauce. This delightfully indulgent side is one example of the wonderful specials that SnackWallah offers, including sweet snacks and seasonal delicacies. We paired this with the Pani Puri for a refreshing contrast to the hot dishes. These crispy shells are stuffed with earthy chickpeas and herby chutneys, dunked in cold spiced water, and eaten in one bite. This fan favourite was satisfyingly crunchy and refreshing with a unique and addictive flavour profile, the perfect light bite.
SnackWallah’s lovely events manager and head of house gave us some insight into the restaurant over a hot masala chai. Aside from sourcing ingredients locally, SnackWallah now has sustainable metal tableware, and is encouraging other local businesses to boost their sustainability.
The restaurant cooks to sit in or take away for a tasty treat on the go, and their wonderful food is now available for delivery. They also participated in Argie Bhaji on the 8th and 9th of November at Wylam Brewery, an unmissable event with free entry and fantastic food. With a drive for sustainability, incredible plates for unbeatable prices, and the warmest of atmospheres, I’ll definitely be frequenting SnackWallah.
Image credit: Aerin Harrison
Image credit: @Tinnhhiepp Pixabay
Image credit: @Saydung89. Pixabay
Listen to our student radio!
Erin Reid -NSR Station Manager
Over the last two weeks we’ve once again had some really amazing shows. Whether that’s The Newcastle Islamic Society with their weekly show playing sections of the Quran whilst live streaming on their Instagram (Wednesday 5pm), to Sarah Tunstall ‘woman-splaining’ music on her show Mansplained (Friday 4pm), to the return of I Digress with Amy and Charlotte (Wednesday 12pm). Make sure you are tuning in as we really do have something for everyone. To listen live click the link in our bio or here us playing in the Hub on the top floor of the student union. We also have some amazing opportunities upcoming to get involved with. This Wednesday (20th November) we have our first social of the year. We will be making tote bags which you can design for your show as well as having a relaxed environment to network with one another and meet some of the other shows at NSR. Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t have a show! Whilst details are being finalised make sure to follow the Instagram at @thisisnsr for live updates.
We also have the student Fight Night coming up. Fight Night is a notorious event around campus where students compete in boxing matches for charity, and it’s a great evening and a great excuse to get dressed up. NSR does collaborate with NUTV for this event, however we are looking for volunteers to present, commentate and get involved with the
tech. You don’t need any experience or a show to take part, and it’s a great opportunity to learn some new skills. If you are interested, scan the QR code in NUTV's section below!!!
Join us for Fight Night!
Alicia McEvoy
Sign up to help out at Fight Night 26th and 28th November
Hi everyone! NUTV has been really busy getting ready for Fight Night - sign up for them using the QR code! If anyone has any questions, send them through on instagram so we can help you however we can! Can't wait to get this event going.
Instagram - @newcastleunitv
Image credit: Sarah Tunstall and Charlotte Atkinson
Nia Archives at NX: jungle DJ celebrates Halloween
Known for her jungle sound, the Bradford-born DJ and singer did not disappoint for a thrilling Halloween set at NX.
Nia Archives played her sold-out NX Newcastle show on 31st October and the energy was high. The crowd was eager for Nia to get on stage, and almost everyone was in costumes for the Halloween event.
“ The UK DJ and singer provided a vibrant performance, opening with a remix of Florence and the Machine's 'You've Got the Love'...”
Openers Reek0 and HiTech provided the ideal warm-up to the main act, ensuring the energy was high for when Nia started her performance. With Reek0 combining UK rap and jungle he was a perfect start to the gig. HiTech gave us a fasterpaced DJ set and brought the tempo up ready for Nia’s to start. Nia herself was on at 8:45 p.m. and her set lasted 75 minutes.
“ she moved from a DJ set to vocals...”
The UK DJ and singer provided a vibrant performance, opening with a remix of Florence and the Machine’s ‘You’ve Got the Love’ while maintaining her personal style with her distinguishable breakbeats. For the first half of the show she played a DJ set, moving through some of her biggest non-vocal hits, such as ‘Off Wiv Ya Headz’.
Halfway through, she moved from a DJ set to vocals switching the energy to a slightly more emotional one, slowing down a bit with her more anxious vocal hits - such as 'Unfinished Business', 'Forbidden Feelingz', and her debut song 'Sober Feels'. Towards the end of her set, she brought the energy way back up with her last 15 minutes being
“ the lighting really pulled the whole performance together, visually giving the gig a 90s
back to DJing, closing with 'Baianá'.
The show was no doubt elevated by the visuals. With the backdrop changing with each song, assisted by brought and colourful lights, I think the lighting really pulled the whole performance together, visually giving the gig a 90s feel. Nia herself had a captivating stage presence, dancing and jumping around both while DJing and singing.
Nia spoke earlier this year about wanting to improve the rave and party scene up North (she grew up in Leeds) and this is something she provided. Nia Archives is one of the most exciting new artists the UK has to offer and is a must-see artist if you haven’t already.
Escapism: Raye's songwriting books stolen from car
The English singer was robbed on her birthday, delaying the production of her next album.
Having your car stolen is going to be a bad day for anyone. Having your car stolen on your birthday is even worse luck. Having your car stolen, with all your work in it, is a true nightmare, but unfortunately for singersongwriter Raye, it’s exactly what she had to deal with.
On her birthday, the Brit Award winner revealed via Instagram that “My car got stolen along with all my songwriting books in the boot”, letting her fans know “no second album anytime soon”. She also posted a photo of a homemade cake with the words “Sorry your car got stolen”. Despite this frustrating event, however, the star still appeared to enjoy her birthday sharing pictures of multiple birthday cakes, herself
smiling widely.
The second album referred to is the highly anticipated follow up to Raye’s debut 21st Century Blues which won her 6 Brit Awards in March 2024, including ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best British Album’, and breaking the record for the most wins in one year. She also performed a medley of her songs live at the show.
“ Her incredible success this year makes it clear why there is so much excitement for her sophomore album... ”
Raye’s other achievements this year include topping the UK charts with her single ‘Escapism’; co-writing a song for Beyonce’s album ‘Cowboy Carter’; performing on SNL; and opening an Eras Tour Wembley show for Taylor Swift, to name a few. Her incredible success this year makes it clear why there is so much excitement for her sophomore album, but due to the robbery we may have to wait a little while longer to see what this new era of Raye brings.
Running Back Up That Hill: Kate Bush to begin work on new album
Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor
The 'Babooshka' singer said she had lots of ideas for new music in a recent interview with BBC Radio 4.
Kate Bush has released a total of 10 studio albums since 1978, including the iconic Hounds of Love (1985) and Never for Ever (1980). But in 2011, after the release of her 50 Words for Snow, she disappeared from recording studios to focus on other endeavours. 13 years later, she's recently confirmed a planned return to releasing new music.
Kate Bush is a musical legend who has left a lasting impact on the music scene. She rose to fame in 1978 for her eccentric debut single 'Wuthering Heights', which topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks, making her the first female artist to achieve a UK number one for a completely self-written song. During an exclusive interview with Emma Barnett in October, Bush hinted that she's soon to start working on new music projects, stating: "I'm very keen to start working on a new album. I've got lots of ideas and I'm really looking forward to getting back into that creative space, it's been a long time" (BBC).
The rare interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme aimed to promote Bush's new short film, titled 'Little Shrew', which she wrote and directed to raise money for the children of war (specifically for children affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict). Although she's currently busy with the release of her short film, redesigning her website and putting together a lyric book, Bush emphasised her eagerness to get back into the recording studio.
“ Kate Bush is a musical legend who has lef t a lasting impact on the music scene.”
Despite her extensive discography and accolades, Kate Bush was only inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. The resurgence in her popularity is likely due to social media trends, with influencers and high-profile content creators using sound snippets of Bush's songs, most recently with her song 'Army Dreamers'. Although shortform video platforms such as TikTok have been criticised for 'ruining' good songs, it's nice to see an 80s icon being celebrated by a new generation of listeners. Her classic anthem 'Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)' resurged in popularity in 2022, re-entering the UK charts at number one after the release of the recent series of Netflix's 'Stranger Things'. And now, after nearly 14 years of radio silence, Bush has implied that she's eager to start working on new music. It'll be exciting to see what creates after many years away from the recording studio.
winning mix of hiphop bravado and tender introspection.
Tyler, the Creator’s seventh album, Chromakopia, is a testament to his artistic and personal evolution. The album deftly combines soulful melodies, minimalist beats, and bold samples to weave a narrative about growing up, fame, and self-discovery. Drawing from a wide range of influences—from Zambian rock and funk to West Coast hip-hop—Tyler confronts his audience with a rich tapestry of intense ideas and emotions. Chromakopia may feel less polished than his previous albums like Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost, but this rawness is part of its unique charm.
The title, Chromakopia, seems to evoke an abundance of colour, symbolising Tyler’s attempt to infuse his adult life with vibrancy and to reconnect with his childlike self. The album oscillates between introspective reflections and assertive, celebratory moments, creating a cathartic yet jubilant listening experience. Tyler balances humour, introspection, and musical experimentation, cementing Chromakopia as a project of personal revelation and creative triumph. At 33, Tyler continues to evolve his sound, resonating with both new fans and longtime followers.
Lyrically, Tyler explores the complexities of fame, family, and identity. He wrestles with questions about family and fatherhood, grappling with the impact of celebrity culture on personal relationships. Growing older, he shows a newfound empathy toward his absent father and reflects on his heritage, with African beats and his mother’s advice punctuating the album’s tracks.
The album opens with 'St Chroma', a whispered monologue layered over tribal beats and synths, building momentum and setting a powerful tone. This flows seamlessly into 'Ra Tah Tah', an eccentric track full of witty commentary on fame. The transition from 'Ra Tah Tah' to 'Noid' is beautifully crafted, pulling the listener further into the narrative. Other standout tracks include 'Hey Jane', which narrates a pregnancy scare from not just his, but also the women's perspective, and 'Sticky', an explosive, energetic track that showcases Tyler’s trademark mix of bravado and vulnerability. In 'Like Him', Tyler reconsiders his father’s absence with a newfound empathy, revealing his shifting perspectives on fatherhood and family.
Listening to Chromakopia hits close to home, especially for those navigating similar life stages. Tyler captures the experience of reaching the age your parents were when they had you, offering fresh perspectives on identity, relationships, and life choices. This vulnerability and selfawareness are what make Chromakopia resonant—it taps into universal anxieties around family, legacy, and selfdiscovery.
Matilda Dunne
Mia Young
Lauren Wilkinson
Image credit: Flickr
Anora Review: 'Fairytale in New York'
Charlotte Thompson - Film Sub-Editor
Anora graced our screens recently, read ahead to see what one of our sub-editors
Starring Mikey Madison playing the titular, Russian-speaking, twentysomething, exotic dancer: Anora, or ‘Ani’ as she prefers to go by.
The film begins with a slo-mo compilation of fishnets, tiny tops, dollar bills and sleazy men. Ani dances on client after client, she’s dressed up with pretty pink strands of glitter in her hair, a flirty character and a fake smile. Though these imitations of intimacy are purely transactional, Ani takes pride in making it as real as possible. So, even when she’s forced to end her lunch break early to look after a Russian client who’s flashing a fat wad of cash; the façade never falls and she approaches him with a sweet smile- like it is her who should be grateful to be in his presence. He’s called Ivan or ‘Vanya’ (the fantastic first-time actor Mark Eydelshteyn) and after a few drinks and a lap dance the pair seem to hit it off well and he wants to see her again. Their tornado of a romance (if you can even call it that) begins. Eventually, she discovers that Vanya’s reckless and youthful charm is actually because he is the insanely spoiled teenage son of a Russian Oligarch. After a shotgun wedding and with a 4-carat diamond
ring on her finger Ani quits her job, and is ready to begin life with her ‘prince charming’. However, the news reaches Russia, and Vanya’s politically powerful parents are furious that he married a sex worker. They send their local fixer Toros (Karren Karagulian) and his two henchmen Garnik (Vache Tovmasyan- who often stole the show) and Igor (Yuri Borisov) to annul the marriage and whisk Ivan away. After the couple’s whirlwind tour around hotels, casinos and nightclubs, Baker takes the film in an even more chaotic directionthe film has a huge amount of humour and the cast is a perfect comedic ensemble that I can’t recommend you go see unfold for yourself enough!
The Chaos is driven by Ani’s determination to fight for the life she believes she deserves. I really enjoyed my time with the film, ‘Anora’ is beautifully acted, and Madison, was show-stopping throughout. A award-winner for sure, you could tell just how much she put into her character. As Ani is demeaned throughout the film for her profession, it becomes clear she will never fit in Ivan’s
world- in amongst bawdy and often slapstick humour is a touching story of a young woman’s optimism in a world that keeps beating her down. We see many young women reflected in her- a longing for softness, comfort and vulnerability.
"We see many young women reflected in her- a longing for softness, comfort and vunerability"
Despite this, I still left the cinema feeling a little disappointed, as if I were never given the time to get to know Ani beyond her sex work and this bizarre situation she fell into. ‘Ani’ is the identity she wears like armour, we only catch glimpses of Anora here and there. At times she seemed ‘street-smart’ and others like a wide-eyed Cinderella character clinging onto the idea of her very own prince charming. We are both in our early twentiesI sit writing film reviews in my pyjamas and she- is an exotic dancer from Brooklyn. Why are our lives so different and how did she get there?
Challenging Masculinity: Small Things Like These review
Joel Fossard-Jones
A meditation on fatherhood, masculinity, and the place of care outside the
Twenty twenty-four's Small Things like These, adapted from Clare Keegan’s 2021 novella of the same name, is 98 minutes of smouldering intensity.
The camera trains itself almost entirely on Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy), a coal merchant and father living in New Ross, Ireland in 1985. Much like Keegan’s book (so good my mum accidentally bought it for me twice), the film employs a masculine lens to tell the story of Ireland’s infamous Magdalene Laundries, established under the pretence of housing “fallen women” from the 18th to 20th century. When Bill discovers a young girl named Sarah locked in the coal shed outside of the local convent, he must decide whether to deny his knowledge and subsequent complicity, or face endangering his family’s future in a town where “The nuns have fingers in all the pies”.
"Walking home from the cinema in the autumn wind, I couldn't shake the impression the film had left..."
A ghostly patriarchal atmosphere hangs over Small Things like These, encapsulated by the film’s stark colour pallet and characteristic haziness. “That world of men”, as Keegan herself puts it, is embodied in the dark omnipresence of Catholicism, and schoolboy misogyny, as we are left to wonder who is responsible for the young “fallen” women in the convent. Despite her short screen time, Emily Watson offers a paralyzing performance as Sister Mary, Mother Superior of the convent, whilst Murphy’s performance as Bill Furlong
is subtle and arresting all the same. His longing expressions allow the present moment to become a springboard for memories of childhood, raised on a farm by a Mrs Wilson and his young mother. Pulled straight from the book, Bill’s wife Eileen (Eileen Walsh) insists “If you want to get on in this life, there are things you have to ignore”, as Bill resorts to ritualistically scrubbing his coalstained hands, an attempt to absolve himself of the scenes at the convent, and a past characterised by femininity. Similar memories of his (later revealed to be) father, Ned, are characteristically joyous and silly, a sharp contrast with the destructively silent masculinity that gnaws Bill from within. A rift thus appears between the man that he desires to be, and the man that he's expected to be to protect his family: “the ordinary part of him wished he’d never come near the place”.
Much like Ani at the end of the film, we’re left on the doorstep of the cinema, bags in hand, dazzled by all that we’ve seen but left wondering how to move on.
What are we Watching?
This week's film suggestions from our sub-editors...
Alex:
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is one of those perfect escapist films. When you're worried about the world or just feeling down about yourself, it acts as a wonderfully silly respite from the craziness of life. Get ready to say "My name is Inigo Monoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die" over and over again!
Charlotte:
Ponyo (2008)
Since we're talking comfort films this week, I couldn't not recommend my favourite Miyazaki film. A childhood favourite of mine- Ponyo never fails to make me feel warm inside rewatch after rewatch. When a young boy named Sosuke rescues a goldfish after a storm, he discovers more than he baragained for. Blue waters, green forests and soft explosions of light make this film a visual delight. If you need to experience some child-like wonder, look no further.
Festive Favourites: Winter Film Recommendations
Walking home from the cinema in the autumn wind, I couldn't shake the impression the film had left of the masculinity it attempts to convey through Bill. Not quite an explicitly queer masculinity, but not one that can survive within the heteronormative, destructive framework of our current systems either. A masculinity on the fringes, trailing the tarmacked roads that Bill inhabits, unable to articulate itself. An alternative one that is offered to him by Ned, and by his upbringing in a predominantly feminine household. A masculinity of loving and caring that I too have never quite found the words to describe.
In the film’s denouement, when Bill marches Sarah past the stares of townsfolk, before finally crossing the threshold of the living room, he provides her with the love from a family his mother never had, and in doing so, starts to become the man that he wants to
Erin Robinson
Still too early for Christmas films? Well, this writer suggests some wintery alternatives...
It is November, the below zero-degree weather is nearly upon us and Mariah Carey is defrosting. It is the season for warm fluffy blankets, hot chocolate, and a heart-warming (or devastating film)here are this writer’s top recommendations for the bleak winter months.
This writer’s favourite film of all time, ‘Dead Poets Society’.
“ the ice breaks and the film winds up heart-warmingly beautiful - a necessity in these frosty winter months.”
Featuring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke is the perfect ‘dark academia’ film to put you in the mood for long nights in the Phillip Robinson. Expounding on the importance of arts education, poetry, and rebelling against the system - this film is perfect for crying your heart out and envying the scenery at Welton.
I'm pairing this with another classic—Little Women.
Whatever version you choose, this film has snowy landscapes, Christmas joy, and devastating stories of love
and success. If you are interested in the historical position of women or simply in Saoirse Ronan, the 2019 adaptation of this Louisa May Alcott novel is perfect for you.
For the nostalgia factor, if you miss being snuggled up at home rather than knee-deep in mid-modules, try ‘Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.’
Another classic adaptation, the white winter is broken by the hope and courage of four young siblings who are prophesied to rule Narnia. This film has the perfect amount of heart-warming family relationships and fantasy adventures. Plus, it has James McAvoy.
The final film on this list is technically a Christmas film, although not in the ‘The Holiday’ kind of way.
In ‘The Holdovers’ a young boy gets left at boarding school over Christmas with a teacher he hates, and they soon learn to understand each other - forming a father-son-like bond.
Once again if you are a fan of campus settings and familial relationships, this film is for you. Whilst it is set over Christmas, the focus is on their relationship and not on the festive season. It is cold and bleak but eventually, the ice breaks and the film winds up heartwarmingly beautiful - a necessity in these frosty winter months. If the Christmas aspect puts you off, maybe save this one for last!
In the meantime, give ‘Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying’ by Labi Siffre a listen to be transported into an elite winter mood.
Image credit: IMDb and Wikimedia Commons
Image credit: IMDb
Image credit: IMDb and Wikimedia CommonsCommons
Aarya Shenoy
One of our writers reviews the explosive conclusion to the Fourteenth Season.
Directed by Angela Griffin, who has grown with the iconic series since its inception in 2006, the newest series finale hits you right in the heart
The finale contains two parallel storylines, each thought provoking in their own way.
The more light-hearted of the two features Preston Walters and his 18th birthday, upon which his family and friends are trying – and failing - to surprise him with a birthday party. We follow them all throughout the day, in which Preston realises that maybe other people's expectations of him shouldn’t rule his life, and he should find the things that make him happy. This may be easier said than done, especially in a world where societal expectations lay heavy on our shoulders, as does the ongoing cost of living crisis, both of which command the way we choose to live our lives. A recent TikTok trend is proof of this, asking our
generation what degree we would choose if money was not an issue – and the results show that most of us are thinking more about future financial stability, rather than what our hearts want. Waterloo Road encapsulates this feeling perfectly through the struggle of choosing whether or not to sit the entrance exam for Oxford. The episode ends with a nostalgic fire-lit
scene, in which Preston and his friends are dancing to music, and laughing without a care in the world, even if for just a few minutes.
The second storyline is much darker, involving the cover up of a murder which implicates both Billy and Headmaster Savage.
Schuey Weaver is the typical ‘bad boy’ who is described as having had a ‘one way ticket to youth offenders for years’. The unwillingness of the faculty to understand his situation is a reflection of most overwhelmed public schools today. His little sister has been taken in by a good family, and has been done right by the system, which is all an older sibling wants for their younger ones.
The conflict of emotions is strong, Schuey, who is being framed for the murder of his only good friend – Brian Osborne.
In the end, the Headmaster and Billy are convinced to turn themselves in by Kim Campbell, the only adult willing to trust and help Schuey through everything he is experiencing.
The finale is a must watch, and with more exciting and new storylines coming with the newest season that is currently filming, I can’t wait to see what
TV REVIEW: Waterloo Road Series Finale Actor Spotlight
Top Telly Ruined by Awful Endings
One of our writers discusses some of TV's greatest disappointments.
Many television shows with amazing casts of characters and intricately captivating storytelling can create long-term investment for fans. Every so often though something seems to go wrong in the Writers’ Room which leaves us feeling as if our time spent watching the show was a waste of time.
Today we’ll be looking at great TV shows that were tarnished by awful endings - spoilers included. One of the most infamous examples of incredibly written shows during its run, particularly seasons 1-5 that got shafted into obscurity after its abysmal end is, naturally, Game of Thrones. Post the Daenerys Targaryen burning spree of King’s Landing, all cultural relevance to Game of Thrones vanished. However, with the release of House of the Dragon and other spin-offs in the making, it seems like the Game of Thrones franchise is finally getting the redemption arc it deserves after such a long hiatus from the spotlight. How I Met Your Mother had fans waiting with anxious anticipation for the reveal of the mother for 9 seasons, only to be met with unmatched disappointment. The issue does not necessarily lie in the immediately beloved Tracy McConnell’s death in the finale, but the way it was handled. After spending a season watching their wedding weekend unfold, Barney and Robin divorce with her ultimately ending up with Ted when once again, he forces fate by stealing the blue French horn.
The ending of Pretty Little Liars still perplexes the minds of many fans. The final ‘A’ reveal being that supposedly Spencer’s estranged British twin sister, Alex, was the mastermind of the season.
Speculations about who was behind the identity of the main ‘A’ circulated for years and a lot of fans predicted that it was Aria. Some fans believe that because of this, the writers changed the ending just for shock value when in reality it was just bad writing.
“Every so often something seems to go wrong in the Writers’ Room.”
Personally, the prize for the absolute worst television ending to this day must go to That 70s Show. The overall quality of the 8th season had taken a major decline with the absence of pivotal characters like Eric and Kelso. It introduced the grating presence of Randy and is the least memorable final season on this list, even when it comes to the poor creative choices. Moreover, characters Fez, Jackie and Hyde suffered from severe mischaracterisation, culminating in the most underwhelming and bland finales to date.
Up Next:
Cory Gourley -TV Sub-Editor
Your TV Sub-Eds give you a rundown of what's still to come for TV this Semester.
First up, Cat Jones writer of BBC's 'The Jetty', starring Jenna Coleman, will be dropping by for an interview about her career and TV work in the north to date. Former Newcastle University Students Libby Goodridge and Poppy Wreford-Brown in conversation with Dr. Tina Gharavi (I AM Nasreen, Netflix's Queen Cleopatra) about their upcoming screenwriting projects. Our Actor Spotlight and North&Nostalgia series' will also continue with deep-dives into your favourite stars from the small screen. Finally, our investigation in to sexism within the TV Industry continues with a
We shine the Spotlight on Yorkshireman and star of 'The Jetty' Ralph Ineson.
If there’s three things everyone loves, it’s the proud and beautiful county of Yorkshire, men with deep voices, and the lingering threat of complete nuclear annihilation. Well, what if I told you that there’s an actor out there who ticks all three boxes?
That’s right ladies, gentlemen and NB folk, I’m talking about Ralph Michael Ineson. Aside from being the man sent by God as an apology for creating war and suffering, Ralph retains the unique achievement of being the only human on planet Earth who made me want to watch a show featuring Ricky Gervais. In a career spanning 30 years, the York native has played many roles, from an office clerk to a Soviet general – let’s take a look at some of them now.
Chernobyl (2019)
When I talked about atomic obliteration, I wasn’t joking! HBO’s Chernobyl sees Ineson play the role of Nikolai Tarakanov, the General in charge of the radioactive materials removal process. Chernobyl is a fantastically depressing miniseries, and Ralph’s trademark deep, rough voice fits the themes of hopelessness like a glove. The men under Tarakanov’s command have just 90 seconds to clear debris due to the deadly levels of radiation, and Ineson’s monologue briefing his scared ‘liquidators’ sets the tone for what is one of the most powerful
and stress-inducing scenes of the series –“these are the most important 90 seconds of your lives”.
The Office (2001) Ricky Gervais is, in my opinion, the worst thing to happen to the UK since the Blitz. Ralph Ineson’s character, Chris Finch, not only fulfilled my lifelong dream of calling Gervais a “fat bastard” and a “waste of space”, but got paid to do it as well. Smug comedians aside, Ineson provides a masterclass in the blunt humour that makes the office so great. The comedy, based in Slough (which as an aside is actually quite a nice place despite its reputation – it’s got a bloody good train station) was arguably the 54-year-old’s first ‘big’ role in British television, yet he took to it with all the confidence and character of a veteran actor.
The Jetty (2024) ACAB is a phrase that has become increasingly popular in left-wing and student circles, but thankfully does not include Detective Inspector Morgan, the character portrayed by Ralph Ineson in 2024’s BBC crime drama The Jetty. His gruff tone fits the role perfectly, giving Liam Neeson’s “I will find you” in Taken (2008) a run for its money when seeking the show’s murderer. While Ineson’s performance still enough for me to consider paying the BBC my licence fee, I continue to enjoy The Jetty from the safety and comfort of my dad’s sofa.
Marta Fojtel
Image credit: [IMDb and Pixabay]
Image credit: [IMDb]
Dylan Seymour -Sport Sub-Editor
Image credit: [IMDb]
Image credit: [IMDb]
Multiple Writers
The Joy of Weekly Releases Top Who For You
The Battle CommencesWeekly Releases vs. Binge Watching. Which do you prefer?
Tom Wood:
I’m probably in the minority here, but when it comes to watching television, I believe the old ways are often best. ith more streaming services around today than you can shake a digital stick at, we have instant access to just about everything from classic box sets to the shiny new release from the tireless TV conveyor belt.
“ I prefer the journey of the ten-course experience over the buffet.”
Once drip-fed to audiences each week, entire seasons are now laid bare to viewers like an all-you-can-eat buffet. We no longer need to wait a week to continue the story - only a few seconds as the next episode plays itself. But this neglects one key element of pop-culture: community.
Weekly releases have been the bedrock of television since serials began, turning ordinary weekdays into the day of the week. Days between episodes are filled with excited chatter about the latest plot twists and speculation (read: outlandish theories) as to what happens next. As one, we find our feet anxiously dangling over the same cliffhanger for the same six nights, before taking to group chats en masse to react in real time. So, when it comes to the way we consume TV series, I prefer the journey of the tencourse experience over the buffet, and the conversations that prove good things come to those who wait.
Raven Orteza:
A weekly release of a TV series can seem quite annoying compared to the instant gratification of being able to watch it all the moment it releases on Netflix - I've been there. However, releasing a season all at once may actually do more harm than good compared to the classic formula of releasing an episode per week. Weekly releasing prolongs the hype of a series for months, along with the release being drawn out for longer, the week in-between each episode airing allows lengthy engagement, discussion, and theorising based on the existing episodes, with fans being able to come together
and try to predict what will happen in the next episode.
Both online and in-person, this mass discussion essentially acts as free promotion for the series as the conversations and online content surrounding its possibilities massively increase its visibility which both keeps current fans engaged, and attracts new fans. On the flipside - From my perspective, little to none of this happens if the series is released all at once instead. Most people will finish the season within a couple days of release, and there will obviously be discussion that can attract new fans, but with no later instalments (at least until the next season) the hype can only last so long. Yes, shows can still be insanely popular without being released in weekly instalments, but its reign in the public consciousness can be arguably held back, as meaningful speculation (whether in discussion or as online content) can't really be done inbetween episodes, instead being limited to just speculation of the next season, if that even applies.
Top of the Docs
A deep dive into Doctor Who Series'.
Since its return in 2005, Doctor Who has given us fourteen series of adventures throughout time and space. There’s been seven different Doctors, three different showrunners, thirteen main companions, and nearly 150 stories. But which series are the best, and which are the worst?
Series 10 (2017)
Peter Capaldi’s era of the show is very nostalgic for me, and his final series is also his best. I was never a fan of companion Clara Oswald, so I really enjoyed the fresh dynamic of the Twelfth Doctor, Bill Potts and Nardole and I still wish we’d seen more of them. This is his most focused series too, with a well-written story arc involving Missy/ The Master, the Doctor’s oldest nemesis. While there aren’t many all-time classic episodes here, the first half is a really solid and enjoyable run and the two-part finale of World Enough and Time and The Doctor Falls is the best finale that Steven Moffat ever wrote. Grab the tissues for it.
Series 3 (2007)
I don’t know how controversial this is to say, but I much prefer the dynamic of the Tenth Doctor with Martha to the way he was with Rose, and their partnership drives this entire series. Even when episodes can come up short, they’re such a likeable pair that it remains perfectly watchable. And when Series 3 hits, it HITS - the five-episode run from Human Nature to The Sound of Drums is phenomenal, and even the disappointing finale Last of the Time Lords is ridiculous and enjoyable
enough to laugh along with. Gridlock and 42 are underrated romps that get really intense and gritty, and Blink is rightfully considered as one of the best single episodes Doctor Who has ever come out with.
Series 4 (2008)
Many people would have this series at number 1 and, while I don’t personally agree, it’s still the modern show at its peak. The show has never felt more grand in scale, with The Stolen Earth and Journey’s End being a true TV event, and never before has the extended TARDIS team felt as much like a family as it does here. I just don’t put it quite up there as the best full series - there’s a lag in the middle with some episodes like the Sontaran twoparter, which I’ve never really liked.
Series 1 (2005)
Christopher Eccleston’s only series is pretty immaculate and, as much as we want to see Eccleston return, we can’t possibly be
show for a 21st century audience, with a great Doctor-companion duo and a really consistent run of episodes. There’s scares (those damn gas masks), there’s laughs (farting aliens), and the new ways the show tackles all its old cliches are thrilling - the Dalek episode here is still the best Dalek episode of the modern era. For the Ninth Doctor, it was a short but sweet run, and he was absolutely fantastic.
Series 5 (2010)
I sometimes feel wrong putting Series 5 at the top spot, since Series 5 has some clunkers. The Weeping Angels two-parter ruins the best monsters of the modern era, and Victory of the Daleks isn’t very good either. But this era is the most fun I have with Doctor Who - I love the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory and I will literally watch them in anything. The Eleventh Hour wins the award for the episode I’ve rewatched the most, The Beast Below and Amy’s Choice are highly underrated, the Pandorica finale is a mad but standout finale. The jewel in the crown though? Vincent and The Doctor, a
Kirsty Dow
Best Moments from some of the best episodes of the hit Sci-Fi Show.
Achronological guide to some of the best episodes to get stuck into modern Dr Who: good stories, great writing, and even better aliens.
The Girl in the Fireplace - Series 2
The Tenth Doctor and Rose land on a 51st Century spaceship to discover 18th Century Paris trapped onboard. People are going missing from the court of Madame de Pompadour and the time windows allowing The Doctor inside keep closing. With the minutes he’s away amounting to years, the Doctor flirts and faces organ-harvesting androids as the time ticks down...
Blink - Series 3
Renowned to be THE episode of Dr Who that everyone and their dog was terrified of, Blink guest stars a young Carey Mulligan in the companion role as Sally Sparrow, as she’s hunted by the dreaded Weeping Angels. Tennant’s Ten directs her on how to save the world through the medium of TV (if you need any convincing of the power of this section…). But beware, when watching don’t turn your back DON’T EVEN BLINK… Jumpscares galore.
The Snowmen - Series 7
One of many Victorian Era episodes across Moffat’s tenure as showrunner, featuring Eleven’s first episode with new companion, Clara. Alongside potato-head Sontaran Strax, Lizard-lady Madame Vastra and her maid-turned-spy-turned wife Jenny, the gang fights intelligent snowmen who have come to life, serving as puppets for their evil master. It’s the perfect watch in the run up to Christmas due to its Dickensesque vibe and the beginning of the Impossible Girl storyline - which runs through the whole series.
Face the Raven - Series 9
When Clara’s friend Rigsy wakes up to a strange countdown tattooed to the back of his neck, the Doctor and Clara’s investigation leads them to a strange street hidden in the middle of London. Here the companion eclipses the Doctor’s roleacting as the selfless saviour, regardless of the dire consequences. This is the episode to put you in your feels, allowing for poignant moments and beautifully quotable dialogue. Bonus points in that this episode forms a trio, with its story extending through to subsequent episodes Hell Bent and Heaven Sent, before rounding off the storyline
Alex Paine -Film Sub-Editor
Image credit: [Rawpix and Flickr- Dominic Smith]
Open Photography Competition!
Phoebe Clark - Arts Sub-Editor
We have officially re-opened the open photgraphy competition! We have had so many fantastic entries, thank you to everyone who submitted, it made my life wonderfully difficult. If you would like to be featured in the next issuem please send your entries to my email address or come along to the SMA! so... after much deliberation this week's winner and runners-up are announced!
Winner! Scarlet Davies
Royal Academy fights for future of arts education
"Maths without art doesn't add up"
The Art is a serious subject campaign seeks to reverse the decline in the UK’s number of creative students, highlighting its importance in modern society.
Plastered all over the streets and underground tube stations in London, phrases like “imagination is worth teaching” and “that job description is missing the word artist” confront thousands of commuters on their journeys each day. Its intention: to remind the public that the creative arts deserve investment and attention in primary and secondary education.
Often neglected in favour of 'core' subjects,
"Often neglected in favour of 'core' subjects"
creativity and self-expression, nowadays many teenagers are led to to believe that art, design and technology are not avenues which can sufficiently support an application for UCAS or a graduate role.
According to a recent study by Campaign
"A complete education is a creative education"
for the Arts, GCSE entries in the arts sector have “declined by 47% since 2010”. In a climate where STEM subjects are championed as key studies for future global growth, we now find ourselves in a society which tacitly dismisses the arts. Its failure to encourage creative participation and experimentation effectively undermines a sector which remains inherent to our national culture. However, on 24th September 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy voiced their viewpoints at a Labour Party conference. Respectively, they stressed their beliefs that “everyone deserves the chance to be touched by art” and that “a
education is a creative education”. Moreover, the RA's campaign also aims to reach an audience outside of the educational sector. It pleads for recruiters to acknowledge the ‘soft’ skills candidates from a creative background can offer in the modern workplace. Promising higher emotional intelligence and analytical competence, the posters showcase how art “encourages children to see the world differently and to make their mark”. Even recent LinkedIn data shows that creativity is the most sought-after skill in today's job market. Thanks to a soar in AI development, human imagination is ever more “crucial in the age of automation”.
As a History of Art student who has a passion for reading visual culture (but confessedly lacks illustrative talent), I couldn’t agree with this campaign more. Throughout my time in secondary school, higher education opportunities in the STEM field were ruthlessly endorsed. Those down the arts route, however, were always overlooked. The lessons which artistic disciplines teach fuel progression in a diversifying society. Art holds a central place in education and the workplace; no one should deny our future generations of
What's the Craic?
Fine Art Auction Silent and live auction to support the degree show, King Edward VII building, 5pm
High Bridge Gallery 'From A Single Thread', Newcastle Fine Art Students, 26.11.24-6.12.24
Vane Gallery 'In League With Devils', Michael Petry, 14.11.24-07.12.24
Newbridge Gallery 'Pedagogue', Stuart Marshall, Neil Bartlett and Northumbria students, The Reading Room, 20.11.24-13.12.24
NewBridge Project Zine-making and radical imagination workshop 23.11.24 1-4pm
Shieldfield: An indie arts community
Charlotte Atkinson - Science Sub-Ed
Nestled between City Centre and Sandyford lies Shieldfield - on the surface, some would consider it ordinary.
Many are aware of the arts communities that are present in boroughs such as Jesmond and Heaton, but it is a little-known fact that Shieldfield is host to a wide range of arts hubs – from Star and Shadow Cinema to Shieldfield Art Works. Many of these projects are communityrun and rely on the hard work of the volunteers to keep them running.
Within this community, artists can share their work with like-minded people – the Flea Circus sells a variety of curiosities and has recently been voted Newcastle’s “favourite small retailer” for the second time. Biscuit Tin Studios also houses an incredible range of artists, with 40 studios and their own gallery.
Big River Bakery is another gem nestled amongst the terraced houses. An independently run bakery and café, they supply wholesale goods to many businesses across Newcastle, as well as running some excellent baking courses. Their online shop sells some amazingly unique bakingthemed gifts – including their own children’s book and a cuddly toy. All profits go towards their social impact work, such as giving free food to those who need it, as well as providing breakfasts to schools.
It’s hard to understand why Shieldfield is not as popular as it should be when it’s dedicated arts community is creating a wonderful environment for Newcastle's independent arts to thrive. With all these wonderful institutions tucked away just around the corner, it’s worth the while to go and have a wander through Shieldfield on an autumnal afternoon.
Image Credit: Scarlet Davies and
Poppy Morris
Runnersup!
Left: Erin Neal Right: Meghan Grimston (Sport SubEd)
Image credit: Erin Neal and PickPix
Image credit: Meghan Grimston and PickPix
Scan QR code to submit your photographs to the Open Photogrpahy Competiton!
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons @Andrew Curtis
Image credit: Anthony O'Neil, Wikimedia Commons
Is the Lizzy Line the deserving winner of 2024 RIBA Stirling Architecture Prize?
Ellen Pinch - Travel Sub-Editor
London's most fashionable line continues its shower of commendations
This year's RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Stirling
industry giants coming together to give out the UK’s most prestigious prize in the field.
The Elizabeth Line, London’s newest train line, took the top prize, generating new discourse amongst the architectural community about how we view architecture.
In previous years, it has been the norm for singular buildings to have been decorated by the council, but this year the mould was broken and all 62 miles of track and 10 new stations were recognised as worthy pieces of infrastructure and architectural brilliance. After a long 12 years of design processes, the ‘Lizzy Line’, as it has affectionately come to be known, has certainly made an impact on experts in the field and the 700,000 passengers who use the network daily. Other nominees of the prize this year included the National Portrait Gallery, Chowdhury Walk in Hackney, and Park Hill Phase Two in Sheffield. But is the win a
Day in the lives of
AStage 3 Media, Communications & Cultural Studies student gives us a brief rundown of what her day typically looks like… I had a lay-in until 9 am to ensure I did not burn out at lunchtime. I poured myself a bowl
What does a Stage 2 Student of English & Creative writing do in a day? Ever thought about that…didn’t think so but I’m going to tell you anyway…
Obviously as a creative myself I start the day (normally around 7 AM) gaining some inspiration from some of my favourites. I have a read of John Cooper Clarke’s poetry, (A must-read) then I inhale a bit of Ginsberg before praying to the Lou Reed and Bob Dylan poster that takes pride of place on my wall, hoping that I will have a productive day!
After enjoying my usual Blueberry and Banana Porridge with Chia Seeds sprinkled on top and an Oat Milk Latte on the side (for the aesthetic again of course, I hate the taste!) I head to campus blasting the likes of Freddie Mercury and Kirsty MacColl. It’s only a 15 minute walk into Uni but I normally head on in a good hour and a half before any lecture/ seminar to get some work done.
This Morning, I worked on my Poetry Portfolio in the Henry Daysh Building, where I revised some of my Punk Poems on Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Then, I got the email I was dreading (ish) telling me that my seminar had been cancelled. But never fear, because the deadline for my essay on Victorian Sexual Expression is near!
So I wrote more about Sappho Sex in Victorian Literature and then headed to this week’s Student Media Afternoon. As TV Sub-Editor, I have the joy of standing
of curiously cinnamon cereal and then walked to Zee’s coffee shop to get a chai latte, racking up my loyalty card stamps. I caught the bus into town for my 10 am lecture for my magazine module. This lecture was on conventional design elements for the front cover of magazines.
After the lecture, I had a gap until my magazine group meeting, so I went to Luther’s to do some reading in preparation for my Youth Identity and Contemporary Culture seminar for the day
behind a desk, selling the articles I’ve pitched on everything from The X Factor to Doctor Who to Balamory! I even picked up a few (including this one) for myself.
worthy one, or is it just another transport line with nothing to write home about?
Following the award, the president of the RIBA, Muyiwa Oki explained that this year’s prize aimed to recognise and communicate that architecture doesn’t have to be a singular building and in this way the network had stood out. The project was extensively praised for its intense collaboration of multidisciplinary teams including engineers, architects, and lighting designers, as well as for using a clear visual language and a strong focus on detailing.
"extrodinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity"
The functionality of the network was also key to its success. Despite London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan having previously criticised the line for not meeting "consistently high standards" expected by Londoners, the line can turn a chaotic commute into a smooth and effortless experience. Delays and overcrowding on trains, which have been issues for passengers in the months following its opening, don’t take away from the project’s architectural prowess. The spaces are sleek and futuristic, and although they may not be the most visually impressive, they are encapsulated
After this I headed to the Percy Building (my second home) and continued work on my Poetry Portfolio, writing more about Monroe and Hepburn before leaving Campus at around 4pm. I dumped my stuff in my room before re-praying to Dylan and Reed. That evening, me and a friend were attending an event at the culture lab on campus to show support for our Newcastle university lecturer’s and supervisors who are in conversation with other creatives, Today, it was personal favourite, poet, Professor. Sinéad Morrisey in conversation with Rory Carroll, who was discussing his book on the IRA and Thatcherism. It was a fascinating insight into NonFiction writing and his journalistic background. It was at this point where I was all ‘creatived’ out. So naturally it was time to destress finally heading to the pub for a well deserved Rum & Coke…or five to round the day off in a nice and civilised manner.
by an "extraordinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity"
Beyond this, the project has been labelled "architecture of the digital age", using technology throughout to create a distinctive experience.
"A piece of infrastructure that has been transformative, not only for London’s transport network but also for many people’s lives, highlighting the role design plays in elevating our everyday", says Neill McClements, Partner at Grimshaw, one of the Collaborators in the project. Although other awards put projects like social housing at the forefront, the Elizabeth Line can be seen as a worthy winner for all of these reasons. The monumental scale of the project is great, but together with its accessibility and transformation of everyday transportation infrastructure, it highlights how architecture is so important to how we can elevate and improve our day-to-day experiences. It will certainly have a lasting impact on generations of people living in or visiting London. Just like we are all familiar with the Piccadilly and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line will fundamentally shape the way that people come to experience the capital.
creative students
after. Then, I met my magazine group where we discussed feature article ideas for our project.
In the afternoon, I had a meeting with the South Asian Society, where we discussed the tasks that needed to be completed for the upcoming Diwali mela. We wanted to make video content, so I popped over to the Hatch and checked out some equipment. I didn’t have anything else on for the day, so I headed home, tripod and camera in hand, ready to continue my productive streak. But first, I
Phoebe Clark (Fine Art)
-Arts Sub-Editor
I’m here to bust the myth that art students don’t do any work… I usually wake up around 9 am after an insomnia-ravaged night. I start every morning with some yoga and stretches before having a shower, eating breakfast and picking an outfit, all while blasting some music that my housemates resent.
My walk to uni takes me about 30 minutes so I get into the studio for about 11 am where I will immediately have a coffee and probably a snack. I only have one lecture a week, so my days are usually completely mine to structure, which takes dedication and discipline. At the moment, I am working on some textile sculptures including a latex box that I welded and then sewed, so I drew some ideas about how to present it and how I could make a metal and plaster plinth.
Usually, I head to the Courier office to interview someone, edit the spread or just have a chat. Which breaks up my time in the studio and allows me to revisit my work with fresh eyes. Alternatively, I eat in the Art Cafe in the
needed to make dinner. Once I had eaten, I started working on articles for my magazine internship, as well as drafting this one! I submitted an internship article and packed my bag to go to the library.
After a 30-minute walk to the library, I sat down to start planning a literature review for my dissertation. I felt tired by this point, so I only stayed for 2 hours. Finally, I walked home and played some video games before going to bed.
department, where
from
At 4.30 I had a crit with my studio tutor, which is where she comes to my space and we talk about the work that I’m doing. She offered me some ideas about presentation and my sculpture’s relationship with the viewer as they moved around it. Crit’s can be brutal though so you never really know what to expect, but today’s was very tame. Then I walked home for a chill
Cory Gourley -TV Sub-Editor
Chantelle Badhan
Image credit: Department of Transport's photostream, Flickr
Image credit: Matt Brown, Wikimedia Commons
everyone gathers
all year groups and you can chat to everyone about what they’re making which is always so much fun.
Games so Bad that they're Good
Poorly-designed games can be just as entertaining...
Some games are so bad, they become a unique kind of fun. Often overlooked, these videogames are actually treasures to the gaming community. It's nice to give them the same kind of appreciation other games receive for how much enjoyment we get from playing them.
Goat Simulator
Originally released in 2014, Goat Simulator has confidently held onto its status as a hilarious, and if not the most obvious, example of a game "so bad that it's good". The game is absurdly pointless; prancing around a city as a goat, terrorising innocent bystanders and causing pure chaos amongst civilians. The game is riddled with clunky physics and countless glitches - but I think that's Goat Simulator's charm. The game doesn't try to be polished or serious, but instead embraces its weirdness, turning its imperfections what makes it so enjoyable to play. With or without friends, the game is comedy gold - and somehow still gets updates, as well as a recent remaster. Goat Simulator a healthy reminder in gaming culture that sometimes, nonsensical gameplay is exactly what we need in order to get a good laugh out of video games. Not everything needs to be so serious.
-Daniel Atkinson
Skate 3
To be honest, calling Skate 3 “bad” is bold, and probably unfair. The game received strong reviews by critics and fans alike, and was a staple on mid-2010s YouTube lets plays. However, the mechanics, physics and overall feel of the game can described as The player can survive a 500yard drop into a quarry at 60mph without a scratch, but will be instantly killed by a trip over a small rock. The ragdoll physics of the game make such instant deaths absolutely laughable as you watch your character be thrown across the room by a small hedge. For whatever reason, the ability to fight randomers on the street is also an option in Skate 3, and the fight mechanics are hilariously bad. A punch thrown at the speed of Virgin Media WIFI is enough to incapacitate most NPCs, who, upon waking up, will subsequently pursue you across the entire map with tasers out of revenge. Even the tasers don’t seem to hurt the player as much as accidentally bumping into a pebble, so maybe they aren’t all that bad.
-Dylan Seymour, Sports Sub-Editor Who's your Daddy?!
This masterpiece created by Evil Tortilla Games has the strangest concept ever - stop your baby from killing itself...(?). Who's Your Daddy?! is a asymmetrical multiplayer game in
A Review on Call of Duty: Black Ops VI
Keyon Snoek
Is Activision's new release a success? Or a repeat of Modern Warfare 3?
Recently, Activision released the highly anticipated Black Ops VI developed by Treyarch Studios. Prior to the games release there was a lot of people online getting very excited for this games release. I personally think that the amount of hype behind this entry into the franchise has certainly not been present in recent years, with entries into the series such as Modern Warfare Two and Three, Vanguard or even Black Ops: Cold War. This was due to the promise of new movement mechanics, a return to the round-based 'Zombies' mode and, what seemed to be, an interesting, wellproduced campaign.
I have been playing for the past week thanks to Xbox: Game Pass, and in my opinion, this is the most fun I have had on a Call of Duty game in years. The campaign switches up the usual play style of Call of Duty; it involves more stealth segments compared to usual the Call of
interesting than the same story that was being told from the three previous Modern Warfare games.
The multiplayer gameplay is very enjoyable with the new mechanics added, and the levelling up system is nothing new, yet still feels rewarding. The new movement introduces omni mobility, (made popular in Helldivers 2 gameplay) which allows the player to sprint, dive and control the player lying down in a full 360 degrees format, rather than just locked into first person. This allows for more intricate and captivating gameplay that shakes up the usual gameplay in previous releases.
“The maps that were released are lacklustre
and not very enjoyable...
However, there are a few downfalls to this game. For me the maps that were released are lacklustre and not very enjoyable. Most of them include a lot of empty space - such as the map ‘Red Card’. Also, there are a lot of hidden spots for people to camp and sometimes it feels like you get eliminated way too quickly having other players spot you before you can spot them. On top of this, multiple people online have been experiencing troubles with the game such as glitches causing bullets not dealing enough damage to players or getting trapped in certain areas of the maps/game.
In summary, Black Ops VI has introduced new mechanics to keep the game fresh, yet there are a few bugs here and there. I would personally suggest if you have Xbox game pass (or if you love first person Call of Duty) to play the game. But if you are just a casual gaming fan, maybe wait for the game to go on sale from its original £70 price point.
which you and your friends either play as a baby, or the father, utilising the different tools and shortcuts on the map to either try to die, or try to prevent said death respectively. The strange, almostcreepy art style paired with the utter ridiculous customisation features creates something which, in theory, sounds straight-up horrible, but comes together visually to become something that looks so bad that it's actually part of the game's selling point. The game is littered in bugs and glitches, so objectively it can be considered as a 'bad game', however there is something stupidly hilarious about watching a virtual baby's limbs be freakishly outstretched to hold onto a barbell for a bench press that it can not reach.
-Amy Mescus, Gaming Sub-Editor Snowboard Racer 2
To preface, I played this on our Playstation 2, and it was one of two games I had access to, the other being Lego Star Wars. In comparison; this was awful. There were much better Snowboarding games on the market for PS2, most notably SSX, but I think we received Snowboard Racer 2 as a hand-me-down from a friend; and I understand why they gave it away to us. Everything from the graphics, to the gameplay, to the impossibility of beating the 'snowman' down the slopes is just utterly terrible. So utterly terrible it wWas almost fun. It made for great bonding experiences growing up, and while our friends played Mario Kart, my brother and I sat in front of the TV with our (wired) consoles in
hand as we practised our snowboarding skills. If I can give the game on selling point; it would be the soundtrack. I would play it again today despite the migraines it gives me just to hear that soundtrack again. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on this game and a PS2 to go with it, I strongly recommend having some painkillers to hand.
-Milly Thompson, Gaming Sub-Editor Bad Rats
Reaching cult status after becoming the go-to joke game to gift your friends on Steam, Bad Rats debuted on the site back in 2009 when Valve were (supposedly) extremely strict with what featured on their platform. The aim of the game is to use a range of rodents to kill the cat that captured them, setting up a series of traps in an attempt to set off chain reactions. With how ridiculous and unrealistic the game’s physics are though, setting anything up is a complete roll of the dice. But there’s just something so hilarious about pressing play on the most insane contraptions you could possibly conjure up and watching as absolute chaos ensues on your screen. Bad Rats becomes fun when you make your goal not just to kill the cat, but to do it in the most absurd, convoluted way possible that never should have ended with you winning.
-Adam Lovegrove, Head of Culture
Are Cosy, Farming Simulators Overdone?
Trinity Eadie - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor
Whether it’s a traditional take on laid-back farming life or a more fantastical depiction of living off the land, there’s certainly no shortage of cosy farming simulator games in today’s gaming market.
It’s no surprise, really; these games offer a unique blend of steady progress, simple pleasures, and an escape to a world where every day promises new growth and possibilities. However, despite the genre's initial promise of what felt like endless charm and enjoyment, we have long since passed the point where cosy farming games felt fresh and full of new ideas – but new titles haven't stopped sprouting up anyway.
“The wave of cosy farming games has one problem – there are just too many of them.”
With so many games pulling up the same ideas and mechanics and replanting them into new titles, players have begun to feel the weight of the repetition. The wave of cosy farming games has one key problem – there are just too many of them. Whilst the life of a farmer in a whimsical town seems alluring the first time (or few times) you pick up one of the many existing titles, it doesn’t take long for the routine gameplay and redundant mechanics to become tedious.
The current crop of farming games can, of course, be traced directly back to the success of Stardew Valley. The 2016 indie game, created solely by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, was deeply inspired by Harvest Moon, a classic farming simulator originally launched in Japan in 1996. However, Stardew Valley was more than just a homage; it was a love letter to Harvest Moon, packed with features that ConcernedApe had longed to see in
the original series. Today, Stardew Valley has sold over 30 million copies across different platforms – a staggering accomplishment. ConcernedApe’s heartfelt tribute blossomed into a game that completely revitalised the cosy farming genre, capturing the hearts of millions and providing a muchneeded escape during the pandemic. Game genres evolve through reimaginations and reinterpretations of what came before them – it is a sign of good health. For a genre that was once niche, the success of Stardew Valley meant that cosy farming games had suddenly become profitable, and it wasn’t long before the genre took root and spread out of control. Even legacy cosy games such as the Animal Crossing series, began to incorporate more blatant farming mechanics to tap into the trend.
But this rapid growth inevitably led to a saturated market, with some disappointing releases. Unfortunately, this rings true for the reboot of the Harvest Moon series; the series has faced terrible criticism for being a husk of what it once was, especially since the debut of its rival counterpart, the Story of Seasons series.
One recent title that may be poised to break the mould, however, is Fields of Mistria Currently in early access, the game brings a fresh twist to the genre by combining traditional farming mechanics with magical gameplay in a way that doesn’t feel overly complex or intimidating. Though it is not yet fully released, the game already boasts a fully developed and engaging narrative, a vibrant town, and a host of charming and distinctive characters. It’s clear that it’s a game crafted to once again rekindle the previously lost love for the genre.
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with cosy farming simulator games; in fact, they’re well-loved for good reason. But while the mechanics of farming, mining, fishing, and relationship-building do remain popular, there is no denying that there is little space for growth in a genre almost defined by its predictability.
Image Credit: IMDB
Image Credit: YouTube (Stodeh)
Image Credit: IMDB, YouTube (10min Gameplay, Hypercore Ripper)
Live, Laugh, Lego Harry Potter
Milly Thompson - Gaming Sub-Editor
One of our gaming subeditors discusses her love for Lego Harry Potter in light of the recent remaster...
As part of the 2024 “Back To Hogwarts” showcase, Warner Bros. announced that the infamous LEGO Harry Potter games would be remastered by Double Eleven and released on the 8th October 2024. This remastered version of the collection is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC and boasts enhanced graphics and gameplay with “with 60 FPS, native 4K resolution, haptic feedback, and high-resolution shadow maps.” The release of a remastered version of one of my favourite childhood games calls for a look back on its history.
On the 24th June 2010, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 was released for Windows, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Wii and the Xbox 360. Developed by Travellers Tales, who began their collaboration with LEGO in 2005 with the release of LEGO Star Wars, the company put a fun twist on the magic of Hogwarts. The game focussed on the first four years of Harry’s journey at Hogwarts, allowing you to experience the story from his perspective and
complete challenges and minigames within the main story. The absence of speech in the story scenes are one of my favourite things about the Lego games; they are able to perfectly depict the events with visual gags and facial expressions. However, the most iconic part of the game, every Harry Potter fan’s dream come true, was the ability to explore Hogwarts freely, as you search for collectables and hidden rooms.
Upon the success of the first game, Warner Bros and Travellers Tales reunited to create LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 in 2011. The graphics on the sophomore game were considerably different, as well as the gameplay. This was not only due to the improvements in TT’s game engine but also the increasing hardware capabilities of PC’s Xbox’s and PlayStations. It’s undeniable that the second half of the instalment was the better game.
“To an eight-year-old
fan of the franchise, the game was everything to me.”
It was not long until I, too, got my hands on it. On my gold iPod Touch nonetheless. To an eight-year-old fan of
the franchise, the game was everything to me. Unfortunately, being an eight-year-old had its downsides; I misinterpreted the “Years:” as an age rating of the game, and naturally, what eight-yearold would want to play a game aged at 1–4-yearolds? So of course I played the sequel first.
“The ability to live in my favourite film... was a surreal feeling.”
Memory Card: Cooking Mama on the Nintendo DS
her eyes when I couldn’t quite chop quick enough or let the pan boil over causing a sinking guilty feeling
The ability to live in my favourite film, cast spells and explore Hogwarts was a surreal feeling. In fact, so exciting that I decided to share it with my younger brother; a decision which could have easily torn my family apart. We only had one iPod, so for many car journeys my parents had to listen to us argue over who got to fight Umbridge first, who would be the one to defeat Voldemort, or which of us would ultimately be the first to finish the game. Unfortunately for us (fortunately for my parents), LEGO Harry Potter was never
updated on IOS past 2012, and soon stopped working altogether. And that was the last I would see of the game for almost a decade. In 2016, LEGO Harry Potter Collection was released exclusively for the PlayStation 4. This combined both the games with improved graphics and gameplay, creating a smoother and more cohesive experience of the story. In 2018, this version was expanded further for the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, which was the game’s most recent update until this year.
“I'm now playing Hogwarts Legacy, hoping to fill the Harry Potter shaped hole in my heart.”
With my purchase of the Nintendo Switch Oled a year ago came an inevitable reunion with my favourite game; and what a beautiful reunion it was. Despite my nostalgia for the original graphics and mini games (especially the potion making in Years 1-4), Warner Bros. and TT did a stunning job of keeping the best aspects of the original game while combining it with new features designed for a new age of consoles. I also (finally) completed the game to 100%, and I enjoyed every second of it. I’m now playing Hogwarts Legacy, hoping to fill the Harry Potter shaped hole in my heart, and while I am utterly obsessed with it; I’m afraid no game, Hogwarts related or not, will ever come close to my love for LEGO Harry Potter
When did Minecraft Become a Horror Game?
One of our sub-editors looks back on her experience of playing Cooking Mama with her sister...
Growing up in the 2010s in Sheffield it is fair to say that my pink Nintendo DS Lite was one of my most prized possessions. For a large number of my childhood years, the device came with us on any family roadtrip or summer holiday. Whilst most of my friends were glued to the Mario and Luigi sagas, I was determined to build my imagined restaurant franchise with Mama at my side through it all. When I got my hands back on my DS not so long ago, the sound effects of the game instantly transported me to a time past where we would run home from school to play on our DSs if a new series of Horrible Histories or Tracy Beaker Returns wasn’t being aired on CBBC. My sister and I spent countless hours imagining up menus and scenarios that we catered for all on the world of DS. There was a seemingly never-ending array of dishes for us to chef up, many of which I had never heard of, but did anything but falter my determination in my virtual kitchen. Meatloaf, sea bream carpaccio and a variety of different Japanese classics had me hammering my stylus tirelessly against the screen in the hope of gaining Mama’s highly esteemed gold medal and avoid the fire of
“There was no dispute that Cooking Mama 2 with its multiplayer feature was the best in the series...”
for all of our imaginary customers.
I have to admit that over the years I was a proud owner of all of the games in the series including Cooking Mama Outdoor Adventure which took us outside into the wilderness, foraging for Mama’s ingredients, setting up camp and taking part in wild minigames. There was no dispute that Cooking Mama 2 with its multiplayer feature was the best in the series, opening up a whole new world of competition and culinary experimentation for us to immerse in. What more could a girl ask for?
“The game is heavily nostalgic of a past of shared bedrooms and sisterly competition.”
My sister and I would regularly exchange games, we would often get into trouble for hiding our DS's under our pillows to continue playing when lights went out for bed only to get caught whipping up a banquet when we should’ve been sleeping. The game is heavily nostalgic of a past of shared bedrooms and sisterly competition. It will definitely hold a space in my heart for many years to come, but I can’t say my cooking ever improved because of it.
Has the innocent adventure game evolved into something much scarier?
Anew Minecraft Mob, 'The Creaking', found in the Pale Gardens, and seemingly very reminiscent of the 'Weeping Angels' from Doctor Who, plays on some slightly grotesque game mechanics. As the player, you cannot actually hurt 'The Creaking' - you must destroy its heart first. Where do you find this heart? Lodged in a nearby tree surrounded by an orange goolooking resin. The Pale Gardens themselves are also incredibly spooky, with long hanging moss and eerie 'Eye Blossom' flowers providing the environment with a sufficiently alien tinge to it.
“Was it the announcement of 'The Warden' in the 2021 update, Caves and Cliffs Part One?”
However, this is not the start of Minecraft’s slightly edgier horror phase. So was it the announcement of 'The Warden' in the 2021 update Caves and Cliffs Part One? 'The Warden' attempted
to give the game some new found jeopardy. Players can typically gain invincible status after a few hours grinding for resources and may find themselves wondering "what next?" What better to combat this than by adding a monster you are not supposed to defeat? The actual horror element of 'The Warden' is even worse, the update added the ‘darkness’ effect, which limits the players vision when inflicted by a 'skulk shrieker' (which also summons 'The Warden'). This combination of partial blindness and a roughly 12 foot tall monster roaming around as you attempt to escape, definitely produces a sense of dread that brings veteran players back to the early days of Minecraft and the fear they experienced fighting against older mobs.
“The game has always instilled the need to avoid the nightand the monsters that come with it...”
We have still not traced the source of the horror aspect of Minecraft. In reality, that is because it was never really introduced. The game has always instilled the need to avoid the night - and the monsters that come with itwithin players. This, paired with the very early introduction of music discs 11 and 13 back in 2010 (which provide no music but instead heavy breathing, creepy noises, and the sound of a player running away from monsters) and those eerie cave noises you get whilst mining, showcase the elements of horror that have been tied in with Minecraft since the beginning.
Sub-editors: Amy Mescus and Milly Thompson
Ellen Pinch - Travel Sub-Editor
Image credit: IMDB
Image credit: IMDB, YouTube (Vivilly, Wifies, MCBYT)
Rhys Barnfather
Image credit: YouTube (GameFACE, IGN)
Bigfoot Search
Cryptid Categories
Words
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Bigfoot
Fact of the Issue:
Around 30 crop circles appear each year in the UK, with 80% of them in Wiltshire. Though they peaked in the UK between the 1980s and early 2000s.
Cryptic Crossword
Created by Callum McCraig
What’s going on?
Every cryptic crossword clue is made up of a definition and a wordplay. The definition is another word for the clue’s answer, and is always found at either the start or the end of the clue. The rest of the clue is the wordplay - a puzzle you have to work out to spell the word. These could involve using synonyms, homophones, or only using a specific part of certain words. Some words might be hints of what you have to do to other words, for example, words like ‘said’ mean a homophone is present and you should try saying a word out loud to see what else it could spell.
For example, the answer to the clue,
‘Latest chess technique in our city’ is Newcastle - ‘our city’ is the definition. Latest can mean new, and castling is a technique used in chess. All the answers in this crossword are Newcastle themed - give it a try!
Across
1. Leave car after display at field (9,4)
4. Pitch a new mass jet (2,5)
5. Accommodation of the backwards ways of sir and ram (6)
6. Building is solid after preparing weapons (9)
8.Ravi without a hospital (3)
9. 1,000 kilograms behind wall of library (6)
10. Club is really home without me (4)
Down
2. River heard knottin’ (4)
3. Greeting heard from gospel in Latin and a station (9)
7. Food shop? Start by going round every good grub spot (6)
Image Source: Pixabay@mcmurryjulie
Image Source: Pixabay@GDJ
Image Source: Pixabay@Jozefm84
Image Source: Pixabay@OpenClipart-Vectors
"You lose most
of your
sanity, and most
of
your dignity," in conversation with Hannah Danks
Adam Tibke - Head of Sport
22/23 AU Officer sat down to tell us about her experiences as a Sabb
You may have seen them around, you might have heard their name, but the role of a Sabbatical Officer is one, more often than not, shrouded in mystery. To alleviate some of this confusion, I sat down with former Athletic Union Officer, Hannah Danks, to talk about her experience with the role and how it’s helped her adjust to life beyond university.
Put simply, the role of the Athletic Union Officer involves the organising and managing of the university’s many sports clubs, therefore, a background in sport or more or less a necessity to truly understand how the role impacts the lives of Newcastle’s student athletes. Fortunately, Hannah was more than qualified in this regard.
“I’ve played sport my whole life,” said Hannah as she highlighted her commitment to figure skating from a young age. She played hockey and netball as well, both within school and
outside of it. When Hannah came to university in 2019 to study geography, an advert for the university’s ice hockey club caught her eye. “I’ll never play ice hockey, it’s an awful sport,” joked Hannah as she recounted her initial thoughts towards the sport that would ultimately define her university experience. Despite playing some intramural netball, ice hockey would prove to be Hannah’s main love, going on to hold committee positions in her second and third year, including President. Hannah also sat on the Athletic Union Executive Committee in her third year.
“Sport was always just a big part of uni for me,” said Hannah, “I very much found a lot of friends through sport, even friends that weren’t in the same club as me.” Hannah discovered a community through sport at university, she was surrounded by people who shared “very similar outlooks on life” with “very similar motivations.” This community would go on to provide a lifeline for Hannah as her university experience was disrupted by the Covid-19 Pandemic: “it was really what got me through” she said.
With her university experience shaped so thoroughly by her involvement with sport, it was almost inevitable that Hannah would end up vying for the
role of Athletic Union officer.
In a close-fought campaign against two other hopefuls, one coming from Volleyball, the other from Kayaking, Hannah remembered how you “lose most of your sanity and most of your dignity” in the scramble for every last vote. When putting together her manifesto, Hannah looked to find a middle-ground, “where students could get something from it, but it wasn’t
voted in by students. Admitting that it’s a “funny system,” Hannah went on to emphasise the importance of students having the vote as, ultimately, the Sabbatical Officers are representatives of the student voice.
However, Hannah noted that it is “not a process to go into lightly.” At Newcastle, “the Sabbatical Officers have a lot of responsibility” as they represent students at the highest levels. Sabbs are given a lot of authority to make changes and influence decisions, something Hannah jested made going to any other
Are Nottingham Forest this season's surprise package?
Trinity Eadie - Fashion and Beauty Sub-Editor
Is the Garibaldi rising once again?
Few had seriously expected Nottingham Forest fans to find themselves chanting
“we’re going to win the league” after last season’s nailbiting relegation battle; in fact, pre-season projections had largely written off any potential the club may have had for success. They certainly didn’t foresee the team achieving their best position on the Premier League table since 1998.
The team finished 17th in the 2023/24 Premier League season following a scrape success against Burnley, with only four teams conceding more goals than them throughout the season. However, Forest’s stunning performance this season has rightfully earned them third place in the league after their 3-0 victory over West
Ham on November 2nd – their third consecutive win.
Following their promotion to the Premier League in 2022, Forest attracted widespread disdain for their disorganised recruitment and infamous financial fair play problems.
After having points deducted for overspending in the 2023/24 season, it appeared that they had spent an incredible amount on a team that just wasn’t clicking.
However, this year, the pieces seem to have fallen into place for a breakthrough season with Forest’s industrious defence.
Formidable defenders Ola Aina and Murillo have started every match so far and connected seamlessly with recently signed Nikola Milenkovic, who is tackling the club’s notorious set-piece struggles. The team is now boasting the second-strongest defence on the table after conceding only
fifteen they had conceded by this point last season.
Forest's stars up front have also shined. Chris Wood is on track for the best campaign of his career, scoring eight of Forest’s 14 goals, and with the signing of quality player Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Gibbs-White’s recent return from injury, it’s only becoming harder not to get excited about the club’s future this season.
The club is already sitting with 19 points after ten matches, nine points better off than last season and just 13 shy of last season’s total. Nuno Espírito Santo, appointed manager in December 2023, seems optimistic about the team’s future on the table, laughing that "we should be proud (…) have a beer, maybe two" in his West Ham post-match presser.
The upcoming matches against Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Manchester City will test whether Forest’s early-season form can truly hold - but after their 1-0 win over Liverpool, the only defeat the league leaders have suffered so far, it’s clear that Forest shouldn’t be taken lightly.
also keen to voice that much of the salient work
Sabbatical Officers do is often overlooked. They sit on Vice Chancellor meetings and “bring up student voice and […] student representation,” highlighting issues that directly impact students’ lives. It’s not quite as ostentatious as dealing with “funding and disciplinaries,” but it’s important work nonetheless, it can just prove challenging trying to make students aware of this aspect of the role. Calling it “the most fun job I’ve ever had,” Hannah implored anyone interested in the role of AU Officer to just go for it. “You’ve got equal chance as everyone else” she said, but she also warned that “it’s a hard process and be prepared for that.” She continued, “have your support networks around you from the start, because it’s tiring, and you need to recruit as many people you can to help you out because you can’t do it on your own.” Conversely, Hannah added “definitely enjoy it, because it’s a unique process.” “If you have good policies, and you know what you’re talking about, and you’re a nice person, people don’t see through that […] students aren’t silly.” “If you’re a genuine person, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”
Cadbury Athletic: buttons to ballers
Meet the Easter Bunny's favourite nonleague side...
Situated in South-West Birmingham, Bournville is a model village established by the Quaker Cadbury family to support workers from their Cadbury chocolate factory. George Cadbury wanted to improve the living conditions of the workingclass and labouring population by providing better housing with gardens and access to open spaces for their enjoyment. Fitting with this tradition, Cadbury Athletic aims to improve the lives of those in Bournville through Sport.
a particularly impressive career, scoring 120 Career goals, winning the champions league, two FA Cup trophies and the Premier League with Chelsea and another Champions League with Liverpool. Ex-Leicester and Everton winger Demari Gray also graduated from Cadbury Athletic before going on to win the Premier League with a fellow midlands club, Leicester City. Current Brentford Left-back Rico Henry became the third Cadbury Athletic Alumni to gain Premier League status after The Bees'
“One of the nicest places in Britain”
promotion in 2021/22.
Founded in 1994, Cadbury Athletic is a non-league grassroots football club currently playing in Division two of the Midland Football League. Built upon the legacy of the Cadbury family name in Bournville, Cadbury Athletic has produced great footballing talent, including Daniel Sturridge, Demari Gray and Rico Henry. The non-league side has not only produced great talent, but is also committed to the improvement of their local community and promoting diversity. Cadbury Athletic have a thriving youth section and have walking football for elderly residents of Bournville.
“Cadbury Athletic has produced great footballing talent”
Athletic's
Described as one of the nicest places to live in Britain, there’s certainly a glass and a half in Bournville and its Football club, Cadbury Athletic.
have
Joe Morris
Cadbury
greatest alumni, Daniel Sturridge, went on to
Image credit: Peter O'Connor, Wikimedia Commons @Peter O'Connor @Robert Vicario
Image credit: Laura Linceviciute
Percy, our Lion
Phoebe Clark - Arts Sub-Editor
Wor mascot, wor lion, wor percy...
Pave the way and put your mane into it’ is the slogan that accompanies Newcastle University’s iconic mascot Percy. Born in 1834, Percy has been a part of our university for almost 200 years - inspiring students to be the best they can be.
A symbol for all Newcastle students to admire, Percy is especially important to the sporting community whose kit is emblazoned on everything from kit to Instagram logos.
"A symbol for all Newcastle students to admire" "
Alex Duggan, the Athletic Union Officer for the university, spoke about how ‘recognisably Newcastle’ Percy is in the sporting sphere against other universities.
‘The lion also has many qualities that athletes look to embody, which is why Percy is so valued’ she said, attributes such as loyalty, courage, and a pack mentality. All of these help students competing in sports to stay motivated and work as a team more effectively.
Not only an inspiration to studentathletes, Percy is also partaking in Movember this month according to the university’s Instagram page. Movember supports men’s mental health and raises awareness with Percy leading the way. Impressive ‘stache, Percy!
"Recognisably Newcastle"
Tour de France routes revealed for 2025
Ebony Maude
The 112th Tour de France promises to bring fans back to the race’s iconic roots, with the official route unveiled in a recent presentation by race director Christian Prudhomme.
For the first time since 2020, the Tour will be staged exclusively in France, departing from the northwestern region in Lille. It is set to conclude with a return to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of this legendary finale. This historic return to tradition follows this years unprecedented conclusion outside of Paris on account of the Olympics.
The 2025 route showcases a classic yet formidable design, comprised of six summit finishes and twotime trials. The 2025 format is overwhelmingly mountainous, likely favouring skilled climbers who can endure prolonged uphill battles. Prudhomme has paid tribute to the unique challenges that can be expected in the first week, stating ''we will have four stages that are not
for the sprinters”. This suggests, as the public, we can anticipate that the Tour's early segments may see ambitious attacks for the general classification from the departure.
A returning theme is the inclusion of Normandy and Brittany in the opening stages, providing a mix of conditions, that even with the most intricate race strategies, the top cyclists may find themselves in time deficits. The northern start may indeed reward versatile riders who can handle unpredictable, often challenging weather conditions. French cyclist Valentin Madouas, attending the presentation, noted that the first stage is “difficult,” with abundant opportunities for both “sprinters and punchers,” suggesting a dynamic competition early on. The pair of time trials also establishes an additional element, potentially giving powerful all-rounders a critical edge over pure climbers.
With five years of rivalry between reigning Tour champion Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and his primary competitor, Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo–Visma), Prudhomme remarks we should expect an exhilarating battle. The director has publicly acknowledged the cyclists as the ''two best in the world'' and expressed his hopes of a
first stage together without any ''injury or fault before the start''. Pogačar, who is renowned for his versatility, remains the favourite due to his superior hybrid climbing and time-trialling capabilities. Already a three-time Tour champion, Pogačar well-rounded skill set positions him to reclaim the yellow jersey in 2025. However, in the later stages of the 21 stage Tour, we can see a return in some features where Vingegaard has previously dropped Pogačar. Stage 16 is set for the slopes of Mont Ventoux, where in 2021 Vingegaard was able to leverage distance from the Slovenian. Since 2021, Pogačar has nonetheless managed to solidify his superior ability in uphill stages and so there is the opportunity for a very close margin between the front runners.
While much can change between now and the Grand Départ on July 5th, it seems realistic to expect yet another closely contested GC battle between Vingegaard and Pogačar. The 2025 route, with its challenging mountains, early non-sprint stages, and time trials, will likely reward tenacity, mental resilience, and tactical prowess.
How has Ferrari’s favouritism towards Leclerc affected Carlos Sainz’s Confidence?
Emily Martin-Taylor
Throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, Ferrari’s driver dynamics between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have attracted attention, with signs of favouritism toward Leclerc casting uncertainty on Sainz’s role and confidence.
Although Ferrari’s strategic and technical improvements have positioned them as contenders against top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, many observe that Ferrari implicitly prioritises Leclerc as their preferred driver, leaving Sainz in a secondary role. These dynamics, at times, have appeared in race strategies where Sainz is asked to support Leclerc’s race prospects rather than pursue his own best results, a factor that can undermine any driver’s morale in a team-based sport as competitive as F1.
Ferrari’s Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, has remained clear in his support for Leclerc, viewing him as the team’s long-term prospect for championship contention.
Strategic calls during several key races this season have reinforced this perception of favouritism, as Sainz has often been directed to
protect Leclerc’s position on the track, even when he is performing well. This dynamic was on display in races where Ferrari directed Sainz to adopt tire strategies or stints designed to benefit Leclerc. Such decisions, even subtly, send signals about Ferrari’s internal hierarchy and may have lasting effects on a driver’s sense of value within the team. Despite these challenges, Sainz has showcased his resilience on track. Ferrari’s technical strides this season have improved the SF-24’s adaptability, giving both drivers a more competitive platform. This has allowed Sainz to secure podiums and even a standout win in Singapore, proving his mettle as a driver. However, analysts argue that Ferrari’s internal favouritism toward Leclerc, while potentially strategic, could
make Sainz’s strong performances feel underappreciated, especially as he works against both external competitors and implicit internal dynamics.
The situation at Ferrari comes at a critical time for Sainz, as reports confirm that seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, will join Ferrari next season, replacing Sainz and forming a star-studded line-up with Leclerc. For Sainz, this news further reinforces Ferrari’s clear commitment to Leclerc as a long-term asset and reshapes his role within the team for the remainder of the season. With Hamilton’s arrival set for 2025, Sainz faces not only the pressure to finish this season strong but also the prospect of redefining his career with a new team next year.
As Sainz completes his final season with Ferrari, he has continued to show professionalism, demonstrating skill and resilience that could make him a lead driver elsewhere. In a sport where confidence and trust within a team are paramount, Ferrari’s perceived favouritism could ultimately set the stage for Sainz’s fresh start at Williams in 2025, where he’ll have the chance to lead a team eager to leverage his skills and give him a stronger shot at achieving his full potential.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
@Sarah Cossom and Jasmine Banks
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons @Jenross
Image credit: Flickr
A history of rivalry: Newcastle vs Northumbria Varsity derby
Varsity is a known rivalry within Newcastle and Northumbria, but what is the history behind it?
IMemorial Cup. The cup was introduced to pay homage to the Newcastle University’s first Director of Sport and former Chairman of the Northern Sports Council, John Stanley Calvert. Calvert had established the undergraduate Sports Studies and Physical education programmes at Newcastle University and had gone on to receive
the Wilkinson Sword for service to
“Performances were equally matched over the years with Newcastle
with Northumbria returning fire over the next five years.
Sadly, ahead of the 2019 edition, after 25 years, Newcastle University withdrew from the Stan Calvert Memorial Trophy citing “Northumbria University’s decision to reduce their participation in BUCS” as well as their reduction
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
“I’d like to see a Varsity return in some way to Newcastle”
in the number of teams competing. The, then, Athletic Union Officer, Maggie Elstob alluded to a lack of enthusiasm from Newcastle students regarding the competition. She told The Courier at the time, “I’m
not going to make students do something they don’t want to do”. Elstob did later go on to say however, “I’d like to see a Varsity return in some way to Newcastle” but added, “it’s got to be right and we’ve got to research it”. This is exactly what happened in 2022 as Varsity returned to Newcastle. The first new iteration of the competition ended with a win for Newcastle, who ended with 60.75 points, beating Northumbria’s 50.25.
This marked Newcastle’s first varsity win since 2013, as the hiatus combined with a five year-streak of defeats at the end of the Stan Calvert Memorial Cup formed a nine-year drought. This was followed up in 2023 with another Newcastle win, as the competition ended 99.5-33. Last year saw Newcastle complete a hattrick, winning 106-38. Newcastle secured high profile wins in Rugby, Basketball, Badminton, and Climbing, just to name a few Now, students prepare for the upcoming season, but will Newcastle be able to make it four in a row?
Sports at Uni: overrated or underrated?
An essential aspect of the university experience or some light-hearted fun?
University sports are practically their own culture, with everyone knowing at least one person who swears by the team life. From regular practices to wild socials and the thrill of competition, being part of a sports team seems like the ultimate university experience. But is it worth it, or is it overrated?
One undeniable perk of university sports is the friendships you forge. There’s something special about bonding over shared passions. Whether it’s those intense matches, training sessions, or Wednesday night socials
when you’re dressing up as carrots or babies, you build connections with people who understand and share your love of the sport.
These friendships can turn into lifelong bonds, providing a strong support system throughout your university years and beyond.
But then, there’s the cost. Between buying kit, paying for training, and sometimes even covering extra costs for socials, the price of being on a team can be steep.
For anyone trying to make their student loan stretch, it’s not ideal. There’s also the sheer time commitment. With regular practices, games, and sometimes mandatory gym sessions, being on a team can feel like a part-time job.
And while it’s great if you’re super dedicated, it can also be exhausting to balance sports with everything else. Don’t even get me started on those mornings after
“Being on a team can feel like a part-time job.”
socials—9 a.m. lectures become a whole new level of painful. Apart from that, there’s the competitive nature of university sports, which brings another layer of pressure. This environment might feel natural for those who’ve been involved in sports at a high level before uni. However, for others, the intensity can be overwhelming, and they may find themselves wondering if they have the skill to keep up. Playing for a uni team isn’t just about showing up and having fun— it’s a commitment that requires dedication and serious effort. This raises the question: is talent alone enough to succeed in university sports? So, is it overrated or underrated? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re all about the challenge and the friendships and can handle the cost and time, uni sports can be one of the most rewarding parts of your experience. But if you’re looking
for something more casual, be prepared— it’s a bigger commitment than you might think. At the end of the day, it’s the laughs, the late nights, and the chaotic socials that, for some, make it all worth it. For those who survive the 9 a.m. classes after a Wednesday night, it’s priceless (even if your wallet says otherwise).
What a week for Newcastle Uni sports teams! We saw incredible performances across the board, with a standout shoutout to Women’s Rugby. The 1st team celebrated another fantastic win, keeping their undefeated streak alive and holding the top spot in Premier North. The 2nd team shone in their victory against Northumbria in the cup, and the 3rd team gave an amazing effort in a close match against Manchester Met. Netball also made waves, with our 2nd and 3rd teams both taking impressive wins in the cup, triumphing over higher-ranked teams from Sheffield Hallam’s 1st team and Manchester’s 2nd. In table tennis, our women’s 1st team delivered an outstanding performance, securing wins against both Nottingham Trent and Durham.
Upcoming Events & Updates
Movember Fundraising: November has brought some fantastic efforts across campus for men’s health, and there are loads of impressive ‘taches around to prove it! Huge shoutout to Dodgeball, who hosted a Movember tournament on the 16th to support the cause. Keep up the great work, everyone!
NCL+ Award: If you’re involved in sports, part-time work, or serve on a Club & Society Committee, you could qualify for the NCL+ Award! This one’s a no-brainer—add a LinkedIn badge, a certificate, and a spot on your degree transcript. It’s a great boost for the CV, so definitely get involved if you can!
BUCS Student Active Wellbeing Survey: BUCS has opened up a survey to get a better picture of student wellbeing, activity habits, and how it all impacts life after uni. Whether or not you’re in a sports club or hit the gym, your voice matters! Find the link in my Instagram bio if you’d like to share your experience.
Varsity Alert: Mark your calendars for the next varsity double-header! Men’s and Women’s Volleyball are facing off at Sports Central, Northumbria Uni, on 27th November. Be sure to save the date and head over if you’re free—it’ll be a good one! Let’s keep up the amazing effort Newcastle!
Are Nottingham Forest this season’s surprise
Is the Garibaldi rising once again?
How has Ferrari’s favourit-
towards Leclerc affected
Alex Duggan - Athletic Union Officer
Marcus Williamson - News Sub-Editor
Sasha Cowie
Image credit: Jenross, Wikimedia Commons
credit: Laura Linceviciute
Image credit: Newcastle University
Image Credit: Noelia Fernández Pérez