The South West’s Best Student Publication
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ISSUE 720 10 SEP 2021 exepose.com @Exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
the
Usual Freshers FIVE EDITORS. ONE PAPER. NO CLUE.
FEATURES
Student scams to avoid at all costs
PAGE 12
LIFESTYLE
Accessing mental health support in Exeter Image left to right: mohamed_hassan, Pixabay Tumisu, Pixabay
PAGE 15
EXEPOSÉ Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ
Editors Print: Bridie Adams & Ollie Leader De Saxe Online: Millie Betts & Anna Wilmot Deputy: Lucy Aylmer, Cassia Grace & Chloe Pumares editors@exepose.com News Editors Print: Megan Ballantyne Online: Meg Allan & Orla Mackinnon news@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Cassia Grace Online: Rachael Powell & Eirwen Abberley Watton comment@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Cassia Grace Online: Issac Bettridge Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator:s: Ryan Gerrett & Elen Johnston features@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Bridie Adams Online: Katie Edgar & Sophie Porteous lifestyle@exepose.com Arts + Lit Editors Print: Ella Minty Online: Clemence Smith artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Harry Hawkins Online: Tom Bosher music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Archie Lockyer & Francesca Sylph Online: screen@exepose.com Tech Editor Print: Oliver Leader de Saxe
Editorial
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I everyone, we hope you’re all well and have enjoyed your summer. It’s Freshers Week, a chance to make new friends and have a wonderful time trying out as many societies as possible, whether you’re a returning student or a first year. We wish every new student a big welcome to Exeter! You’ve made an excellent choice to join us here, and we hope you’re enjoying your time here so far. As you may have gathered from our front cover, there tend to be a few different kinds of Freshers. Firstly we have the 'sporty Fresher'. If this is you, we would like to take this opportunity to point you straight to Sport at the back of the paper, where you’ll find an analysis of the difference between UK and American univeristy sports (page 38). The 'academic Fresher' appreciates the finer things in life and, as sternly reminded by their parents on the car ride down to Exeter, is at university for the sole purpose of learning! If you’re here to hit the books, check out Arts & Lit for a piece on the portrayal of university in literature (page 19). Budding scientists can head to Science for an article about 'champagne technology' and its ability to help fight climate change (page 35). The 'indie Fresher' will likely spend most nights vibing in Exeter Cavern, a hotspot for all things alternative music, or making jokes obtained from obscure films. If you relate, head to Music, where we’ve got the lowdown on Exeter’s best music venues, and Screen, which recommends the best films for a Freshers movie night (page 26).
Science Editors Print: Lauryn Mitchell & Ellen Rogers Online: Daisy Scott & Imogen PoyntzWright sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Oscar Young Online: Floris de Bruin & Henry Hood sport@exepose.com Chief Photographer photography@exepose.com Proofers Ollie, Bridie, Cassie
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The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.
SPA AWARDS Everyone loves a party, but some more than others. Introducing: the 'party animal Fresher'! With a VK in hand and a constantly dead mobile phone battery, this Fresher is here to go out every night. They spend more time queuing for Timepiece than in their lectures. After frittering away their overdraft, this Fresher cannot afford to waste any more of that precious student loan. For this reason, we’d recommend our Features article on student scams (page 12) to ensure that you are aware of these potential financial risks. If they ever get round to charging that phone of their's, they might also enjoy our article about the best apps for Freshers in our brand-new Tech section (page 31). Nothing lasts forever, and with every high comes a devastating low. We present to you the 'hungover Fresher'. This student will spend days in bed, wrapped in blankets and wincing at every loud noise. When things become this dire, the only solution is a big dose of self-care. They might enjoy Lifestyle for its piece on looking after your mental health at University (page 15). Whatever kind of Fresher you are, it’s good to stay informed, so make sure to read our News stories on the next few pages for all the latest. Thank you so much to everyone who worked on this edition to make it possible. If anyone has any questions about Exeposé, or would like to get in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out via social media, email, or in person during Freshers Week. Have a wonderful start to the term!
2020 Best Publication 2021 Best Publication in the South West
SCREEN Freshers fllicks PAGE 26 Image: Paddington 2, StudioCanal, IMDb.
NEWS
Interview with Lily Margaroli PAGE 4 Image: Guild
MUSIC
Best venues in Exeter PAGE 22 Image credit: Wikicommons, Malagalabombonera
SCIENCE SSRIs and shellfish PAGE 35 Image: Pixabay
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! Visit us at www.exepose.com
University news home and abroad Attacks on academic freedom mounting in India
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NDIAN universities and higher education institutions have experienced increasing attacks on their autonomy in the past few years, leading to speculation that the government intends to make academics afraid of expressing their beliefs freely. Government interference in academic affairs has become more and more commonplace in the last year. Following his recent criticism of the Indian government, Professor Pratap Bhanu Mehta was also forced to resign by management at Ashoka University, with his resignation quickly succeeded by that of Professor Arvind Subramanian. The last few years have seen many such high profile professors forced or coerced into losing their positions of power. The Indian Ministry of Education also requested a copy of a student’s PhD thesis in March this year which alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a proHindu, upper caste organisation. While the university director refused to send this thesis, the government later used this refusal as an example of why there should be greater government involvement within academic institutions.
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Florida University to forgive student debt
LORIDA A&M University has announced to students at its graduation ceremony that they were paying for all students’ fees for 2020-2021, totalling around $16 million. This comes after Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, another historically black university, said they planned to forgive all fees for Spring 2020 to Summer 2021. Ohio’s Wilberforce University outlined plans to cancel student debt for graduating students in 2020 and 2021. The money these universities used to forgive student debt came mostly from the Federal CARES Act, passed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The President of Florida A&M offered a message of hope as he made this announcement, stating, ‘As these graduates begin their lives as responsible adults, we are honoured to be able to give them a fresh start by relieving their student debt to the university.’
UK universities to continue blended teaching
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S UK universities gear up for the autumn term, uncertainties remain across the board about how lectures and tutorials will go ahead. Many major UK universities such as LSE, St. Andrews, Manchester and UCL have stated their intention to continue with a mixture of online and in person learning, with Manchester intending to keep all lectures online with no reduced fees. While these moves have sparked backlash from local students, international students who are unable to travel back to the UK are likely to benefit from this more flexible approach. Meanwhile, the University of Exeter has stated that they, ‘plan to deliver as much of our teaching on campus as possible.’ These announcements mark the third consecutive year in which university teaching in the UK has been disrupted due to COVID-19. Images (L to R): Steven Martin (Flickr)), Uknown *(Pxhere)
By Megan Ballantyne & Ayusha Pandey
3 NEWS
10 SEPT
University introduces new measures to tackle sexual misconduct on campus as the number of incidents increase
Chloe Pumares and Megan Ballantyne Deputy Editor and News Editor
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OLLOWING many high profile incidents of sexual assault and harassment in and around Exeter last year, the University of Exeter is introducing a series of new measures to tackle the issue this academic year. From September 2021 a consent training module is being added to the curriculum for all students. Bystander training will also be offered, with a focus on racial equality and gender safety. A night bus service will operate 3 days a week until 4am in conjunction with Stagecoach to support students returning to campus from the city centre after nights out. The University is also offering £25k to support student-led gender safety initiatives. This follows the £25k offered to student led anti-racism schemes last year. The University is also developing a service to help those coping with the trauma of sexual violence. They are working with Devon Rape Crisis this year to introduce a new joint post, based part-time on our Streatham Campus, to support victims.
The management team have put forward the issue of better on-campus lighting to its security team, and are in talks with the council about installing more lighting around town, and more CCTV cameras in poorly-lit areas. These measures are partially the result of a series of meetings between University management and student groups, including the organisers of the Sit Down N Shut Up movement against sexual assault on campus. The group are pleased with how open the University has been to their ideas, saying that they found them “willing to listen and put changes in place to make students feel safer around campus and in Exeter,” and that they “would be happy to carry on working alongside them.” This move comes after last year saw three non-students arrested following two assaults on campus, and the University of Exeter received 65 testimonies in just the first week of the survivors’ platform Everyone’s Invited calling students to share their assault stories. This was the most of any university in the UK. These cases, alongside the murder of Lorraine Cox in Exeter and the national pro-
tests about the murder of Sarah Everard led to a year filled with protests on gender-based violence around Exeter. On campus, this took the form of the Sit Down N Shut Up sit-in protest, at which students shared testimonies of their experiences of assault, and demanded better support from the University and new policies to help make women feel safer on campus and around Exeter. In response, Exeposé sent an FOI to the University of Exeter regarding gender safety incidents to see how well this apparently widespread problem was reflected in official statistics. This includes the reporting of sexu-
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TUDENTS travelling from abroad have criticised the university’s decision to end their free Test to Release and Test to Fly PCR scheme. They stated the policy change will leave many international students facing monetary hardships and that the information provided wasn’t clear. In an email sent to the student body on Tuesday 17th August, the University revealed that from Friday 20th, PCR tests would only be available through Government recommended suppliers, and that they were focusing their attention on symptomatic students instead. Currently travel from an amber list country requires a Day 2 and Day 8 PCR test upon arrival, something which can only be purchased from Government-approved suppliers. This is in addition to a compulsory Fit to Fly test and optional Day 5 Test to Release kit which allows international travellers to leave quarantine early. The cancellation of the University scheme will see international students have to pay for two additional tests if they want to leave quarantine promptly, which can cost upwards of hundreds of pounds. “Each tests costs between £70 to £300 depending on which provider you use; when I did it last the cheapest I could find was still €100,” stated one
third-year law student travelling from mainland Europe. “This means that on top of paying more for flights due to COVID, I have to spend around £300 for COVID tests. The change that the University is making means I’ll have to spend at least another £100 on top of what I had to pay before.” Another international student spent around £600 on the PCR tests alone, despite having only taken two trips to go back home before the policy change. “It’s especially annoying since I always try to find the most affordable test providers and it still cost me more than half a grand as any ‘reliable’ test provider feels free to charge twice as much as a regular PCR test would cost.” She goes on to tell Exeposé: “Considering how much more international students are paying for a year of tuition in general, as well as our inability to get a student loan, it is so upsetting that we also have to pay this amount of money just to see our families.”
I’ll have to spend at least another £100 on top of what I had to pay before Anonymous student
This condemnation comes amidst widespread anger toward the extortionate prices and poor service from the 400 PCR providers listed by the government,
ving a staff member was 0 in 2015/16, but there have been at least 2 reports every year since. It is important to note that in regards to student cases, sexual harassment and sexual violence is now investigated under Exeter’s Sexual Misconduct procedure, which was introduced in November 2019. Prior to that transphobia and sexual misconduct reports were treated as formal complaints. The definition of harassment used by the University in response to the FOI is “unwanted behaviour which violates your dignity, makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated and creates a hostile or offensive environment. This can include sexual and non-sexual harassment, examples of which are derogatory/offensive comments, bullying, unwanted touching, intimidation and more.” These sexual misconduct and harassment figures reflect a fraction of the student sexual misconduct cases. These were voiced in testimonies to Everyone’s Invited and to the Sit Down N Shut Up’s Instagram account last year. Survivors’ anxiety about the formal complaint process prevented official statistics from representing the extent of this problem.
Image: Wikicommons, Philkai1
International students condemn University cancellation of PCR tests
Oliver Leader de Saxe Editor
al harassment, violence and abuse as well as transphobia. In the past five years there appears to be a general increase in the number of sexual misconducts reported, although it is difficult to know whether more incidents are occurring or simply whether more are being reported. Student sexual misconduct is the only type of incident stated that has occurred every year. In 2015/16 only 2 had been reported, while in 2019/20 the number had risen to 6. As for information surrounding staff, only one incident of a staff writing a transphobic tweet over the years was stated, while alleged sexual harassment and assault invol-
with the Competition and Markets Authority stating there were investigating these claims immediately following criticism from the Health Secretary. “I entirely believe that when people are travelling for university all the COVID tests should be free and readily available at the university testing centre, as for a lot of providers you have to deposit the tests at drop boxes which are usually an hour’s drive away at least, and most students (especially international ones) won’t have cars available” stated one student when asked about what changes in policy they would like to see. Meanwhile, a second-year English and Film student responded that “they could at least not make the Day 8 test mandatory if you’ve taken the Day 5 Test to Release in my opinion. After getting 2 negative PCR test results, the Day 8 test just seems like a desperate money grab.” When asked why they decided to come forward, the third-year law student stated that they hoped “it might actually make the University realise that if it’s doing in person lessons, now really isn’t the time to stop testing for international travel. Online teaching isn’t a real alternative.” The University has been approached for comment.
University makes progress in reducing paper waste on campus Cassia Grace Deputy Editor
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INFORMATION gathered through a Freedom of Information request reveals the University of Exeter has shown marked improvements in its paper waste management over the past five years. This is an important step in achieving its Climate Emergency Goals, a set of policy aims set out in the 2020 Environment and Climate Emergency Policy statement. One of the key strategies included in this policy is Waste Management. A report from 2015/2016, with data provided by the University’s own research group, found that 46 tonnes of paper was being recycled every year. Although the increase in recycling is a positive step for the environment, this is still a huge amount of non-essential paper that the University hopes to reduce; currently recycling and destruction of paper waste has cost the University an average of £46,790 a year. The University stated in its report that it hoped to “reduce general waste arisings kg/m 2 by 1 per cent per annum.” To do this, an action plan was created for Facilities Management, with responsibilities such as “reviewing the paper recycling scheme,” giving left over coloured paper and pens to
the Family Centre and “communication” with students, staff and visitors (specifically Exeposé) about what can be done to improve recycling statistics. The University has also switched from using three paper supply companies (Antails, Premier Paper and Westward) to using only Premier Paper, reducing costs from £30,090 in 2019/20 to only £9940 this year. All of this has been working towards a goal of reducing non-essential printing by 95 per cent.
Exeter has shown improvement in its paper waste management over the past five years
The success of the scheme is evident in the reduced amount of paper wastage produced by the University of Exeter over the past five years, managing to consistently reduce the amount. In 2017, paper waste amounted to 85,000kg, but so far in 2021, there has only been 11,958kg. It should be noted that this low number will also be the result of less campus activity as a consequence of the pandemic, however the data still demonstrates an important step for the University in its quest for waste reduction.
4 NEWS
13 SEPT
In Conversation: Lily Margaroli, Student Guild President Oliver Leader de Saxe Editor Lily Margaroli was Co-President of Nightline and Model Westminster Society before being elected to be President of the Student Guild for the forthcoming year. We sat down with her to find out a little bit more about her, the challenges she will be facing and some of the issues facing students and the Guild. É: Firstly, how are you finding the job so far? L: Very exciting! I’ve really enjoyed my first six weeks on the job. There’s a tremendous amount to learn, but I think I’m doing well to learn as much as I can. The team here at the Guild is fantastic, and has supported myself and the other new full-time officers in getting to grips with how the organisation works, and how we can do the best we can in our jobs.
We need to remind the Council that though students are different from the normal population, our safety comes under their remit É: What do you think are going be the biggest challenges you’ll be facing this academic year? L: The biggest challenges I think we’ll face this coming year are Covid-related which I don’t think you’ll be surprised to hear. I think there’s going to be various challenges surrounding that: vaccinations; the continued testing; quarantining for our international students coming back to the UK from countries depending on what level they’re in; and how we support those students, especially with wellbeing as being in quarantine isn’t a very fun experience. I think that’s gonna be our biggest challenge, and also coming back to face-to-face teaching, actually ensuring that we retain the benefits that some students found with online classes and the improvements in accessibility that that allowed for many students. I think making sure we do have that transition because, for a lot of people, face-to-face teaching is better, and ensure that the students who have gained a lot of benefits from online teaching don’t lose those benefits. É: What are you most looking forward to? L: I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to speak with lots and lots of students. We have a wonderful student body here at the University, with students from all over the world, from lots of different backgrounds, and with lots of different interests and skills. I’m excited to speak to all those students and work with them to amplify their voices, and hopefully get to know them. É: What work are you planning on continuing from the Sabbatical officers last year? Are there any policies or plans you’re thinking of overhauling or reversing? L: We are looking at continuing a lot of the fantastic work the former Sabbatical officers undertook last year. They had an extremely challenging year, I’m sure everyone will appreciate, and I think they did an absolutely fantastic job, so we’re in a really great position to be taking over from them. One of the things I’d like to take forward was Sunday’s work surrounding drug policy and changing that within the University policy, and specifically focusing on harm reduction. That’s something I’m really passionate about, and is something I talked about in my campaign for this position. I really want to continue and take forward from
her work. I know Marion is looking forward to continuing the Wellbeing week that Ruby ran, and Izzy and Bella are also taking forward work that their predecessors undertook. There isn’t anything that we’re looking to go back on. The previous full-time officers did a fantastic job; I’m just really looking forward to taking that forward. É: Engagement with Guild democracy has been on a roughly downward trend since 2016, even before the pandemic. Why do you think there’s been such a decline in students engaging with the Guild over the last five years give or take? And what are you planning on doing to turn that around? L: Last year’s officers did a good job in making the Guild more visible which helped with engagement and knowledge of what the Guild actually does, and what we, as your officers, are here to help you with. So this year we’re going to be looking at our democratic structures and making sure they are what students need, and most importantly making sure students understand how they work and how they can engage with them. I think a lot of problems with lack of engagement come down to students not understanding and that is no fault of students. We just need to make sure the systems actually work for students and have them at the centre of that. I think continuing to review our processes so that students can get involved and, as officers, making sure we are out there and we are visible so that students know who we are, what we are doing and how we can help them. É: Safety on campus is obviously a major concern at the moment. What policies are in the pipeline to help protect students? L: As you’ve said, safety is a major concern, and it probably has been for years before as well. It’s an area we are all very passionate about. There are lots of gender safety schemes that the University are working on, and we are working with them very closely on that. We’ve continued the work of the former officers with the bystanders intervention training and consent modules which should be coming into place for the beginning of term on ELE for everyone to access. It will be strongly encouraged that every student takes part in those two modules and training programmes, as it’s vitally important that students on campus feel safe, and will hopefully exist in changing the culture of safety on campus and the wider student population. There are also wider projects going on surrounding night safety, looking at buddy schemes, night buses, and safety in venues that aren’t on campus that students still frequent. Those are all in the pipeline and will hopefully come into effect soon. There has been student engagement across all of those projects, which is really great to see; it’s always fantastic to see so many passionate students with wonderful ideas, and it’s really important to bring those voices into the room. É: Your manifesto stated that you wanted to lobby the University and City Council for more lighting on and around campus. Why do you think this is something that the Council and University have taken so long to act on given the student demand, and what are you planning on doing to ensure students get heard on this issue? L: I think some of the issues that have arisen there have been due to the University’s and the student body’s relationship with the local area sometimes not being as good as it could potentially be. I think the first step towards achieving that goal will be trying to build those relationships. Even though
we as students are different from the normal population of Exeter residents in that some proportion of us aren’t here the whole year, we still have to remind the Local Council that we are residents as well, and that our safety comes under their remit. We also need to remind the Council that measures that keep students safe will also impact residents in a positive way. Lighting for us is lighting for everyone. Communicating those key messages will be the first step towards achieving that goal and then looking at what challenges we face and how we can combat them. IMAGE: Student Guild
É: Lastly, and perhaps most important of all, what do you think is the best night out in Exeter? L: That’s a good question! I haven’t had a night out in Exeter for so long sadly. I’m not sure if this counts as a night out, but I think the most fun I’ve had is Boozy Bowling; I think that’s an underrated night! I can’t remember what nights of the week they do now, but it’s down at Tenpin Bowling at the Quay and it’s a lot of fun. Even if you don’t drink, you can still go bowling and have fun. I’d highly recommend that to any Freshers; it’s an amazing flat night out!
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10 SEPT 2021| EXEPOSÉ
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Comment
COMMENT EDITOR:
Cassia Grace
‘I cancelled my study abroad’: an interview
Bridie Adams Editor
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FTER many students chose to cancel their year abroad, I spoke to Millie Ford Brooks, a third-year Spanish student, about why she made this decision. É: The process of arranging your year abroad must have felt uncertain and fairly stressful. What was it that led you to cancel? M: I have severe asthma and therefore am high risk for illness from COVID if I catch it, so I decided it would be best to remain in the UK where I am nearest to family and home should I become ill. Also, while my family live in the UK, my mum, stepdad and I live in Guernsey. The border restrictions are very strict here and change very quickly without a lot of notice. I didn’t want to become stuck in Spain or the UK and have to isolate for two weeks on return
Clémence Smith Online Arts and Lit Editor
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F the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Despite this moving picture, however, the prospect of “online learning” has not ebbed away. Upon arriving at university in September 2020 as a bright-eyed Fresher, I - somewhat naïvely – expected to be met with a blended learning experience. And yet, much to my disappointment, my first year has been completely devoid of face-to-face teaching. Seeing that my timetable consisted solely of Zoom seminars and prerecorded lectures heightened the stress of transitioning to university (let alone to another country!). After isolating for two weeks and completing mounds of paperwork, looking at a flickering screen of faces from my room in halls hardly seemed worth it. Furthermore, it is easy to become detached from one’s seminar classmates. With a click of a button, thereby deactivating the
to Guernsey every time I want to come home. É: Do you feel that the process of organising a study abroad programme was suitably adapted based on the pandemic? M: I feel that we weren’t informed early on as to whether our year abroad would be able to go ahead or not, so in this sense I would say no. However, I do feel that some companies offering remote jobs allowed for more options for us, but this was organised by the companies and not the University. I think the University could have done more in helping us to organise our year abroad and letting us know all of the options we had. É: Were there any specific local policies in your study abroad location that triggered
Image: Aziz Archarki
your decision to cancel? M: When deciding whether to do my year abroad or not, Spain’s vaccination rates were low, and COVID cases were high. This had a slight influence on my decision, but
mainly it was due to my personal circumstances. É: Did the UK Government’s foreign travel advice deter you from leaving the country? M: Yes, the advice not to go to certain places or putting places on the amber list definitely made me think twice about the safety of going to Spain, and the consequences of isolation if I chose to go. É: Would you have considered a year in industry in the UK if this is available on your course? M: Personally, I wouldn’t have chosen a year in industry, as I’d rather finish my degree first and then choose what want to do depending on the state of COVID in the world at that time. É: Do you feel that you’ll be missing out on a rewarding educational experience?
M: Yes, I have been told to practice my Spanish over the summer as I will be joining in with fourth years who have done a year abroad. I think the University could have done more to help with this as they haven’t given me any guidance on it, so I therefore feel I’m missing out on an educational part of my degree. É: Has finding accommodation in Exeter after cancelling your year abroad been difficult? M: No, as many people were looking for a new housemate due to people deferring a year or other circumstances. É: Have you been able to postpone your year abroad to another semester? M: No, I was not given this option. I think even if I was, I would have chosen to finish my degree instead of doing the year abroad, as then I can spend time in Spain as and when I like depending on the state of the pandemic.
been working overtime to adapt to the ever-changing nature of their work. Besides, the pandemic has pushed universities (albeit abruptly) to digitise their content and update their online systems. Additionally, the open-book nature of online exams means that students can showcase their understanding of a topic instead of regurgitating content frantically memorised through flashcards. The past 18 months have been
a challenge for everyone. Students are desperate to salvage whatever time they have left at university to have an “authentic” experience. Universities cannot claim that online learning is identical to “normal” teaching. At the same time, however, students shouldn’t underestimate the immense amount of planning that goes into online platforms. Ultimately, the pandemic favours no one; transparency and communication are the key to a successful response.
Online learning: peaks and troughs camera and mic, a Zoom participant becomes a fly on the wall, the closest humans have ever come to invisibility.
With a click of a button... a Zoom participant becomes a fly on the wall Students at the University of Leeds started a petition demanding a full return to in-person teaching, arguing that “online teaching is in no way a substitute for in-person learning”. It is no use pretending that face-to-face interactions are equivalent to getting to know someone through a pixelated box. We can no longer imagine ourselves functioning without technology, but when a website crashes or Wi-Fi cuts out minutes before a summative essay is due, the tenuousness of our online system comes as a harsh wake-up call. The scarcity of scheduled teaching hours that comes with online learning is, undoubtedly, a
double-edged sword. On the one hand, a lighter timetable enables students to work at their own pace throughout the day; lectures and readings can be done at anytime, anywhere. On the other hand however, more freedom can counterintuitively lead to less downtime. Work and rest, when confined to the same physical space, can quickly become intertwined. Any attempt at relaxation risks being interlaced with guilt, as we can always, theoretically, be doing something “more productive”. In the 2021 National Student Survey, only 41.9% agreed with the following statement: “my university or college has taken sufficient steps to support my mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic”. But can one expect university staff to act as a deus ex machina? Lack of information and unpredictability are certainly frustrating for students, but one must remember that the people organising online learning hardly know any more about COVID-19 than we do. If anything, one could argue that university lecturers have
Image: JeShoota
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10 SEPT 2021| EXEPOSÉ
COMMENT
Initiations: time for a rethink?
Henry Hood Online Sports Editor
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AZING is the word coined to describe what we know as initiations. I’m sure most people reading this article have partaken in or heard many a story about sports initiations in their time. While many of these stories are a funny anecdote, I’m also sure many are equally aware of the darker side of these initiations: the deaths. This is a big topic to unpack, and not really something that can be covered in one article alone. There are two sides to the story: one being that since 2017 it is estimated that over 50 students have died from initiations and the other side being that they’re now part of an almost unavoidable culture
Since 2017, it is estimated that over 50 students have died from initiations in university life. While many of the deaths come from the USA where infamous ‘Greek’ fraternity and sorority groups have more extreme initiations, it is not as
if there aren’t similarly pressing issues here in the UK. Scrolling through the internet can easily find you many mainstream media articles on UK hazing deaths, with the most prominent one being Ed Farmer of Newcastle University in 2017. On a bar crawl for the Agricultural Society, Ed was pressured to drink so much that he
shaved (which happened while he was unconscious) and his chances of survival next to none. Doctors claimed if he had been brought to hospital earlier, whether by ambulance or before he stopped breathing at 4am, his chances of survival would have been much higher. Now, I know this is an alarming
Image: Dean Machala
passed out by the time he got to the main house party. His lungs filled with liquid while passed out on a corridor floor, and consequent negligence from his friends by not calling an ambulance led to cardiac arrest and a tragic death. His body arrived at Royal Victoria Infirmary with his head half-
and harrowing tale. I imagine your gut reaction would be to say that this is a rare and unfortunate accident and that initiations are much safer now. But here’s the tricky part: how do you make initiations safe? Control initiations too much, or crack down and utterly eradicate them,
and a drinking culture which genuinely does allow Freshers to make friends suddenly disappears. Let them go on uncontrolled, and it becomes an evergrowing snowball on a hill, where year after year each university group feels inclined to ‘one-up’ last year’s efforts and the initiations become more extreme. It’s the impossible task. Where is the in-between? No university in the UK supports or encourages initiations, and yet they still happen. It’s an obvious point, but it’s important because the university is now legally exempt. If someone dies in an initiation, who is to blame? Is it manslaughter? Is it negligence? Is everyone exempt and the death merely a tragic accident? It’s not ever clear, and the fact that there is no defining answer is part of the problem. In the US, hazing is becoming an accepted crime in more and more states. In 2017, Tim Piazza of Penn State University died after an initiation where he was repeatedly denied medical aid, presumably to avoid trouble since the fraternity had been banned from holding initiations since 2009. 18 students were charged, and the University settled with the Piazza family to avoid litigation. A subsequent law was passed and named after Tim
Piazza, which now connects hazing injuries with tiered punishments. In Pennsylvania State, being guilty of a hazing-related death is a third-degree felony now. I understand that initiations are designed as a ‘team-building’ exercise that brings people closer in sport,
Each society feels inclined to ‘one up’ last year’s efforts and the initiations become more extreme but after a recent publication by the England Rugby Union, over 10,000 students a year give up rugby in fear of initiations. Evidently, there is a problem here that isn’t being addressed. I’ll leave this article open, as I myself don’t have an answer, nor do I expect other people to. What I hope this little piece does do though is spark a conversation. It’s a cliché phrase, but just talking in general makes people aware of the dangers of excessive drinking in initiations and leaving drunk people unattended. More awareness just might stop the next hazing death from being a student here at Exeter.
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Study spaces: the hidden gems
The Harrison Building
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lthough the building itself is nothing to swoon over, the Harrison Building and I are involved in a rather scandalous love affair. If you make it past the dreary grey exterior, the Harrison building offers the perfect oasis for you to sink your teeth into that mountain of reading that you’ve inevitably been putting off. With a variety of seats and desks (stools, sofas, communal desks, circular desks, square desks – you name it they’ve got it), the space is far enough away from the hubbub of the Forum to practically guarantee you a free seat. There’s also a tiny, albeit rather basic, café; the quieter nature of the building means that the staff are much more friendly and you may even find yourself on a first name basis! So, if you don’t fancy navigating your way through the labyrinth of the library or fighting freshers for seats in more central buildings, then the Harrison Building with its subtle charm, might just be the place for you… having said that, please don’t steal my seat!
The Northcott Theatre Café
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fter two years at Exeter, I still don’t think I can name all the buildings. I know all the essential places; the gardens by Reed Hall are best for peaceful, procrastinating strolls to lectures, the library best for pretending that I’m being productive, and the Northcott Theatre the best to Image: Marvin Meyer do some actual work. Few students venture into the Theatre during the day, bar for confusingly scheduled lectures, where you’re inexplicably cramped into seats with no tables to write notes on. The cafe space is perfect though. The high ceilings, the meandering goings on of the handful of students who know that this is the best study space on-campus and the café that never has a queue for coffee, surely ticks all the right boxes? You may not bump into everybody you know, a wonderful distraction the library always offers, but the quietness of the Northcott probably makes for a better study session. Even better, nobody will write a snarky Exefess post if you take a study break gossip session with a friend.
By Cassia Grace, Deputy Editor By Georgia Balmer, Third-year History and Politics
Image: Pixabay
WE'RE RECRUITING! 2021-2022
AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Copy Editors Associate Editors Managing Editor Podcast Manager
CONTACT US:
@exeterlawreview
Freshers’ Week With Campus Cinema Housed in the heart of the University of Exeter, Campus Cinema has been a student-run, award-winning society for over 70 years. Join us for a week of screenings and events, with the chance to win prizes and experience our professional grade cinema setup.
SCREENING
Black Widow
EVENT
SCREENING
Freshers’ Film Quiz
In The Heights
Tuesday 14th September 6pm & 9pm
Thursday 16th September 6:30pm
Sunday 19th September 6pm & 9pm
Natasha ‘Black Widow’ Romanoff embarks on a mission to confront her dark past in this new thrilling addition to the MCU.
Free entry and prizes up for grabs. Bring your friends along, there’s rounds to suit everyone!
Based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and written by the creator of ‘Hamilton’. The big screen's first major musical of the year.
M&D Room, Devonshire House
M&D Room, Devonshire House
Forum Seminar Rooms 8 & 9
Tickets £3.50 £2 for our Freshers’ Week screenings for all attendees! For more information, check out our Students’ Guild page and online platforms
@CampusCinema / www.campuscinema.co.uk
Bowling and Arcade Society
Freshers’ Week Events
Taster Trip to Tenpin Bowling Alley Tuesday 14th September, 6:30pm Meeting outside The Forum (This event is ticketed) Bowling and Arcade Pub Crawl Thursday 16th September, 7pm Meeting outside The Forum
Picnic in the Park Sunday 19 September, 3:30pm Magnolia Lawn behind the Xfi building th
We will be offering a walking bus service back to campus after our events. Visit our Facebook page for more details on how to get involved!
www.facebook.com/exeterbowlingandarcade
10 SEPT 2021| EXEPOSÉ
11
Features
GUEST FEATURES EDITOR:
Cassia Grace
Vaccine passports and nightclubs
Cassia Grace, Deputy Editor, discusses the possibility of vaccine passports becoming compulsory
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nightclubs finally reopened their doors on 19 July, colloquially known as Freedom Day, they were met with throngs of unmasked, sweaty, drunk and horny adolescents ready to get their boogie on. It doesn’t take a genius to see that this raises just a few tiny issues; how to keep COVID-19 from running rampant throughout the club scenes being perhaps the most pressing. A shockingly unpopular proposition has been that vaccine passports could be the solution we’ve been waiting for. In the interest of giving a balanced argument, let’s take a few moments to discuss why the requirement, which is supposedly coming into effect in September, has been met with some opposition. Like most businesses, nightclubs have been dealt a hefty blow by COVID-19. Our very toxic relationship with lockdowns, one minute on and the next minute off again, has only served to make matters worse. And whilst some busiHEN
nesses started to find their footing again, nightclubs were seemingly abandoned by the Government and forced to watch as the industry became more and more financially encumbered. Vaccine passports becoming a requirement would inevitably cause those who couldn’t provide the proper paperwork, i.e. hadn’t had their vaccine, to abstain from their weekly Cheesy Tuesday and instead seek comfort in the familiarity of their own living rooms and wine glasses. As a result, nightclubs may well lose out on a portion of their client base, adding further insult to an already fairly life-threatening injury. Similar sentiments about the fairness of making vaccine passports compulsory have also been expressed by Corbyn and the Tory party itself, with the threat of a Tory backbench rebellion seeming to loom over Boris’s head like an unshakeable rain cloud. Some have even gone so far as to propose boycotting the annual Tory meeting in Manchester if vaccination passports were required. Although
this can largely be chalked up to a shared Corbyn and Tory twatiness and we are unlikely to see either downing VKs in TP anytime soon, the basic premise that getting the vaccine should be a personal choice is a loud voice. Requiring a vaccine passport makes a return to normal life and spending your free time and money how you wish conditional on having received the vaccine. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The government has been all over the place” when it comes to vaccine passports and that their imposition would be “undemocratic”.
The premise that getting the vaccine should be a personal choice is a loud voice Although recognising that this is perhaps a minor encroachment on civil rights, personally that is a sacrifice I am willing to make, largely because I certainly won’t
find myself in the group who are refused entry to the club. Or at least if I am it will be for a much more exciting reason than simply being unvaccinated. I hate to say anything too positive about Boris, but when he was said to be “raging” about how 35% of young people aged 18-30 are unvaccinated, I felt a twinge of sympathy for the man. We cannot expect an end to lockdowns and restrictions if unvaccinated people continue to recklessly interact with large crowds. Absolutely, you can choose not to get vaccinated, but a consequence of that decision is that you may not get the same level of freedom; when your choices knowingly put others at risk, your preferences are no longer the priority. Of course, this does not apply to those who for some medical reason cannot receive the vaccine; luckily an alternative method has been proposed, which would allow negative tests to be recorded and used as a similar means of entry. Vaccine passports are not being demanded for every walk of
life. Unvaccinated people are not being accosted or forced to remain in isolation forevermore. But there is a clear difference between the unvaccinated person popping down to the local store, preferably with a mask, and the unvaccinated person who decides to get up close and personal with hundreds of people in a nightclub. Sir Patrick Vallence, Chief Scientific Adviser, suggests that nightclubs that do not implement some form of testing and restrictions on entry will become “super spreader events.”
We cannot expect an end to restrictions if the unvaccinated continue to interact with large crowds After a year and a half of hell, where everyone has had to sacrifice their personal freedoms, vaccine passports seem like a small price to pay for keeping clubs open and getting our lives back on track.
Image: Qapta.es
12 FEATURES
Trump's tax returns
10 SEPT 2021 | EXEPOSÉ
Eleanor Butler looks into the nature of NHS contracts during the pandemic
S
INCE the 1968 presidential election, American leaders have widely adopted the practice of publishing their tax documents. George Romney, the Republican candidate running in 1968, was the first to take this step, which is now viewed as an important gesture of transparency. On releasing his financial documents, President Nixon claimed, "People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I am not a crook"*. Considering this precedent, it is unsurprising that Trump’s decision to withhold his returns provoked concern before the 2016 election. This made him the first leader from Nixon to Obama to do so, with the exception of Gerald Ford, who instead released a tax summary. When questioned about this, Trump claimed that the disclosure of his financial records was legally impossible, as they were already being examined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In reality, there is no such rule, meaning that there is no legal obstacle stopping these records from coming to light. This begs the question, what could the former President have to hide? On Friday 30 July, the Justice Department nonetheless instructed the Wikimage: Wikimedia commons
IRS to hand over Trump’s tax returns to Congress, a verdict that could lead us closer to answering this question in full. The ruling is just one of many developments in the legal battle concerning the politician’s finances. In
2020, the New York Times obtained a selection of Trump’s records, showing that he paid a sum of $750 in
income taxes the year he stepped into the White House. Similarly, during his first year as President, he again made the contribution of $750. Perhaps most shockingly of all, in ten of the 15 years preceding his political career,
Tr u m p paid no income taxes at all. In their report, Times journalists outlined techniques that Trump’s employees used to avoid
incurring higher fees. The accounts show a rocky picture of the former President’s finances, with several of his companies losing large amounts of money and even filing for bankruptcy. Losses such as these can be used to gain tax breaks, even if the party in question is gaining money from other sources. For instance, papers from 1995 document Trump’s losses as $915.7 million, meaning that his company was exempt from income taxes for two decades. Despite this, there are questions surrounding the reliability of these figures, as the enterprise alters its narrative depending on who it is dealing with. Whilst the Trump organisation avoids paying taxes on the basis of alleged losses, it paints a rosy financial picture for its lenders. Another concern surrounds the organisation’s bestowal of ‘off the record’ bonuses. In July of this year, company CFO Allen Weisselberg faced charges after failing to declare company gifts to the authorities. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office found that alongside other perks, Weisselberg had accepted a Mercedes and school tuition for his grandchildren, information he had concealed from the state. Reportedly, he owed almost one million dollars in unpaid
taxes. These issues are just a small portion of the web within which the Trump empire has entangled itself. With evidence of underhand dealings, many therefore view the DOJ’s verdict as the obvious moral choice. House speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the decision to disclose Trump’s records, claiming that Congress will "fight to expose the truth for The People". In contrast, Trump’s attorney Ronald Fischetti asserted: ‘There is no evidence of any wrongdoing here and I object to the release of the returns not only on behalf of my client but on behalf of all future holders of the Office of the President of the United States’. By breaking tradition in this way, Trump sets a dangerous standard for his successors.
Trump sets a dangerous standard for his successors *This quote is often mistakenly linked with Watergate, which overshadows the issue of Nixon’s taxes. In 1974, the JCT found that the president owed $475,431, half of his net worth.
Student money scams
Lucy Aylmer, Deputy Editor, discusses the increase in student money scams and how they catch you
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ORE often than not, students are cash poor and a seemingly unlikely target for money scams, but recently this has changed. The pandemic has posed the perfect opportunity for scammers to operate, with many young people unemployed and keen to work.
Criminal gangs have used the pandemic as a window of opportunity to target students
Criminals have used the pandemic as a window of opportunity to get students to launder money from illicit activities, writes the Financial Times. By contacting students via social media, criminals have been encouraging students to accept transfers of ‘dirty money’ to be made clean through the use of accounts that aren't associated with illicit activities, and in return students gain commission. Students are attracted to the clickbait-style of advertisements, with one TikTok video allegedly produced by a criminal gang entitled ‘how to make money in school’. Other posts include enticing imagery of luxury lifestyles with students encouraged to directly message the vendor for more information. For many, this seems like an easy and appealing way to
earn money. For criminals, it is used as a platform to facilitate money laundering from their criminal proceeds, with students paying the price; the price being a potential 14-year jail term which will have lasting implications for their future upon graduation. Money muling is not the only scam hitting students. Phishing is frequently used by online fraudsters and often targets unwitting Freshers to hand over bank account details by way of email, text message or through social media networks. Freshers are often roped into various online group chats and pages before stepping foot on university grounds. Most of the time these group chats are an innocent forum for Freshers to abate their nerves and establish familiarity with those on your course or in your halls, whilst Facebook pages are a useful platform to provide information and advice on club nights and Freshers’ activities. However, it is important to be aware of the darker side of these online forums. Due to the prevalence of social media in Freshers week, it can make Freshers vulnerable to online fraudsters who are able to target their victims due to the readily available swathes of personal information that is accessible through such forums. Therefore, being conscious of those ‘too good to be true’ job advertisements or bogus individuals requiring arbitrary information about your student loan or bank details, should be met with caution.
It's important to be aware of the darker side of these online forums
Recently, there has been a new kind of online money scam, which is that of fraudulent influencers on social media. Fraud influencers attract new recruits by selling fraud guides or ‘methods’ to commit fraud. Influencers act on the buyer's behalf by offering to provide fake websites and send thousands of phishing texts. By gaining access to an individual's personal information, fraudsters are able to make online purchases and take out sizable loans on their behalf, which will have lasting impacts on the victim's credit rating in years to come. These influencers convey fraud as readily accessible and seemingly innocuous to the untrained eye, when in fact fraud is a serious criminal offence that is prosecuted accordingly. Cybercrime specialist Jake Moore says that investigators face an uphill battle in determining the culprits of these activities. Online fraudsters are careful to remain anonymous and leave minimal digital footprint. Clamping down on digitised criminal activity is a top priority for crime regulators, but in the meantime being conscious of the ease in which online criminal activity takes place is essential in establishing digital security.
For financial advice, you can contact Money Advice Service on 0800 138 7777 or Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
Image: Unsplash
LIFESTYLE
TECH
ARTS + LIT
MUSIC
STUDY BREAK
SCREEN
Image: In Exeter
Image: Pixabay
EXETER’S FASHION FAVOURITES
14
UNIVERSITY IN LITERATURE
18
Image: Pxfuel Image: Moyan Bremm
27
FRESHERS FLICKS
Image: Pxfuel
23
DOES MUSIC HELP YOU STUDY?
Image: Wokandapix, pixabay
31
MUST-HAVE APPS FOR FRESHERS
14 - 15 LIFESTYLE EDITOR Bridie Adams
study break
32
17 - 18
22 - 23
26 - 27
30 - 31
32
ARTS + LIT EDITOR Ella Minty
MUSIC EDITORS Charlotte Bend Harry Hawkins
SCREEN EDITORS Archie Lockyer Francesca Sylph
TECH EDITOR Ollie Leader De Saxe
STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and George
10 SEPT 2021 | EXEPOSÉ
lifestyle
How to adjust to flat-sharing Sienna Fox White shares her wisdom on adjusting to life in shared accomodation
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OVING to University is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal moments of your life. No longer are you at school, living with your parents - you have your independence! You can buy what you want, wear what you want and, perhaps most excitingly, do your own washing. However, especially if you’re from a small family, the prospect of living with multiple strangers for a year, perhaps even sharing a bathroom, can be an understandably daunting prospect. However, it’s made much easier if you know them and get along well. The key is feeling, at the least, comfortable with the people you will be sharing communal facilities with. One of the most well-circulated pieces of advice for making friends within your flat is to leave your door open on the first few days. The prospect of knocking on a door to speak to someone can feel very formal and intimidating, but if it’s open it’s far easier for someone to come in for a chat. The most basic of introductions can then lead to longer discussions about where you’ve come from, what your interests are and what you’re studying. Another key bonding technique can be going on a night out with your new flat-
mates! Freshers Week can help cement new friendships and make fantastic memories. If you’re not someone who enjoys clubbing or drinking, a coffee can be just as good to get to know your new flatmates too. Once the glow of Freshers Week ends, and everyone begins to settle in, things will likely change slightly. This is when people tend to solidify their friendships – both inside and outside the flat. Dynamics may change, and you should be prepared for it. This is also the time when some people tone down their nightlife a bit – if this is you, make sure your flatmates understand and respect this. A bit of noise is inevitable, but if it’s disrupting you or making you uncomfortable then you’re well within your rights to have a polite conversation about it. If you’re the one with no intention of easing on the partying, be considerate to your flatmates in the way you hope they would be to you! While the partying side of University may be the most eagerly anticipated, it is not the reality for a lot of the time. Such high levels of independent study are hard work, and this can be incredibly stress-inducing for a lot of people.Make sure to check in on your flatmates. They will more than likely appreciate it.
The nature of shared accommodation means that many people may have different upbringings and values. Here, compromise is key: everyone is entitled to live in the way that they choose, and you should respect this. However, if it’s affecting the way you live (like an overly messy kitchen) then have a word with the culprit, and perhaps try to organise some sort of cleaning rota. However, remember that people are human,
and everyone has an off-day sometimes Speaking as someone whose firstyear flatmates became my closest friends at University, future housemates and an invaluable part of my Exeter experience, don’t feel daunted by the concept of living with people you don’t know. It is great life experience either way and, as they say, a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet!
Mental health support in Exeter
Henry Hood, Sports Editor, explains the best ways to access mental health support while you're studying in Exeter.
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EEKING help is something that is always advised, but incredibly daunting. As someone who has been through the Exeter Wellbeing systems and local NHS services, I can safely say it is worth doing, but should be done sooner rather than later. If you're daunted, confused or unsure about seeking help for your mental health, have a read of this. Everyone can benefit from therapy or counselling whether they're at their best or worst. It can help untie the knotty thoughts in your head and make
Registering with a GP If you haven't done so already, registering with the Student Health Centre is vital to getting access to professional help. Once you've signed up, book yourself an appointment with a GP and explain what you're struggling with as candidly as possible. GPs are not there to judge; they are there to give you the best care possible.
Academic support If you feel your studies and academic performance are struggling, you can contact your personal tutor or apply for a form to delay a deadline. Mitigating an essay will not affect your mark and is absolutely worth doing even if you simply feel like the work has piled up.
you see the world more clearly instead of from a view tarnished by anxiety. A common misconception is that only people with 'serious' issues need professional help, which often leads to people invalidating their own struggles. If you are still unsure about seeking help, taking a quick PHQ-9 test for depression or a GAD-7 test for anxiety can help suggest what you are struggling with. These tests have rather scary medical names but are simply tools used by pro-
Accessing therapy
Who to call
Here in Exeter, the main service used is an NHS body called 'Talkworks'. You can self-refer to them or have your GP write you a referral, both of which are an easy process. They offer many labels of therapy which will be suited to your needs, and you'll be assigned a therapist who specialises in that specific method. You can also access help from therapists in the Exeter Wellbeing centre, although the waiting lists are longer. Have a chat with your GP and ask what they think would be best for you. Getting your foot in the door with waiting lists is key too so you can access the help you deserve as soon as possible.
If you just need to talk to someone in a time of need, call these numbers: Samaritans (116 123), Nightline (find the number on the back of your Uni Card) or the domestic abuse hotline (0808 2000 247). Regardless of what problem you're struggling with, reaching out to friends, family and professionals is always the best course of action. It gets your thoughts out of your head and into the open and stops you from living in isolation in your mind. More than anything, remember to be kind to yourself! Image: Open Clipart, Eva Icons
exhibit
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lifestyle
EDITOR: Bridie Adams
Unique first date ideas
10 SEPT 2021 |
15
Olivia Richards shares her thoughts on what makes the perfect first date
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IRST dates can be nerve-wracking. However, there are a few first dates which can break the tension of meeting a new person. Going to watch a sunset is one of my favourite dates as it’s always beautiful and is great if you’re on a budget. You could also bring a few drinks or snacks with you to make it more special. One of the reasons why I think it is a great first date is that it’s not as formal as sitting down at a restaurant with somebody, which can help to remove the tension and ease conversation. However, since it is the first time you are meeting this new person, make sure you are safe. I would recommend watching the sunset from a local park or inviting them to sit in your garden or patio if you have one. Don’t venture too far. Doing an activity, such as a watersport, is perfect for a first date, as it allows you to relax and have fun.
The Quay in Exeter is a great place to go, as you can easily hire a kayak or paddle board. Another fun idea for a date is a picnic, as it switches it up from your classic dinner date and is often more intimate. Besides it’s definitely cheaper and if you both set a budget you can end up with your own little feast, or even turn it into a guessing game where you both try and bring each other’s favourite foods. This is an activity you can do during the day, and you could even both bring books and read together or paint while enjoying each other’s company. One of the best places for a picnic in Exeter is outside the Cathedral. Travelling somewhere on a first date can be exciting and Exeter is near beaches that are all pretty much under an hour away on the train. You could take a long stroll on the beach, and then sit on the coast and share an ice cream or eat fish and chips. The beach is always guaranteed to be a success on a first date. Images (left to right): Stephen Gidley, Get Outside Ordnance Survey, Pixabay, Penny Cross/Plymouth Live, Visit Exeter
Get the Exeter look Chloe Pumares, Deputy Editor, examines Exeter's staple style pieces ready for Freshers Week
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F you're a new student, there are a few key items that you need to add to your wardrobe ASAP. An absolute must-have, which most people will eventually own before their time at University is up, is a classic pair of flares. I am unsure as to why they are such a fave, however you would be hard-pressed to spend a day anywhere in town or on-campus without seeing someone rocking this staple. If you really want to feel at home in your new stomping ground, then flares are definitely the way to go. Plus, they always work for a night out. Another Exeter fashion fave is the signet ring. Maybe this says a lot about the middle and upper class skewed dynamic we have in our University population, but they seem to have become quite popular. Typically, they can be quite easy to lose, so be prepared to see many a Facebook post about lost signet rings. Exeter is also known for its sports, which leads me to another popular item seen on every other student you walk past; society stash. These clothing items are everywhere, worn in the library, lectures, Pret, even occasionally tied around someone’s chest on a night out. It’s basically obligatory to join a society, even if you only attend
one event, purely so you can wear the stash for the rest of the year. Baguette bags, hair claws and baggy trousers are in the wardrobes of university halls and student houses across the city. I even caved and bought my own hair claw after seeing so many girls wearing them and desiring the effortless chic look. For those who club in big cities such as London, you might be used to dressing up, yet here everyone likes to keep it fairly simple with many opting for jeans and a nice top. On campus itself, the fashion is often at its most lowkey. For example, at 8:00am lectures, most look like they have just rolled out of bed, and probably have. Most importantly, Exeter students are incredibly fond of sustainable fashion, a trend that I truly hope is here to stay. We have a fair few charity shops on the high street, and Bristol isn’t too far away. Therefore, my biggest suggestion to any Fresher is to invest in sustainable fashion. It’s an Exeter fashion staple that I can really get behind. The most important thing is to dress how you feel comfortable and rock whatever fashion statements you want.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
arts + lit
Exeter’s Must See Spots Arts + Lit writers explore their favourite spots for creative Freshers
The Exeter Pheonix
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UCKED away just at the end of Gandy Street, and next to the back entrance of the RAMM (Exeter’s biggest museum), lies the Exeter Phoenix. The imposing building is contradictory to the warm welcome you will receive when you step inside. The Phoenix hosts all types of culture, from their permanent art gallery with ever-changing exhibits, to their solar-powered cinema, not to mention the workshops, comedy gigs and wide range of music events. The Exeter Pheonix offers any type of culture, even if that’s just a pint with friends or a new study space in their café-bar. Personally, I would recommend checking out a screening at Studio74, if only to see a film you’d never watch at home (or tick ‘watch an independent film’ off of your bucket list). Student tickets are only £5, which is a steal. If that wasn’t enough, the Phoenix also offers a wide range of opportunities aimed at young people wanting to get involved with local culture, so its worth following them on Twitter or Facebook to see how you can get involved as they really value young people’s contributions. They also support local artists with creative commissions, and allow people to get into filmmaking, so you are sure to see something you’ve never seen before at the Phoenix, or maybe even catch that new band before they get popular. A cultural hotspot for the city, if you want to experience something fresh in a welcoming atmosphere, the Phoenix is the place to go. By Joseph Leyland
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Bookbag
The Glorious Art House
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AVING only opened in summer last HE Glorious Art House is a delightful cofyear, Bookbag is one of the freshest fee shop located on Fore Street which spots in Exeter for bookish people. serves delicious cakes and delectable Despite being new on the scene, it’s built coffee. As well as a high standard of coffee a dedicated customer-base, with myself and cake, which is an essential for studying in included. With a wide range of books in my opinion, you are surrounded by the shop’s store, including a brilliant politics collection bright exterior featuring local artists’ work. and wonderful books by local authors, it’s Creative and vibrant, it was set up by moththe perfect spot to pick up books for your er and son Rosy and Derry Tydeman in 2014. A course reading list or for your TBR pile. The textile artist for many years, Rosy had a love of staff are friendly and helpful and can order colour and pattern, whereas son Derry was an any book in for you quickly! One of my faexperienced barista; together they fused their vourite things about Bookbag is passions to create the Glorious Art House. The its location, in amongst shop is inspired by the colours and patterns plant-based café of Mexico, a haven from the grey BritSacred Grounds ish weather. Because of its creative and the vintage atmosphere, the café has become shops in Mca favourite spot for writers, musiCoy’s Arcade. cians, artists and students to get I often enjoy together for conversation. picking up The food and drink is also a book from amazing. They serve Brazier cofBookbag and fee, roasted in Somerset, and then reading Exmoor tea. Breakfast consists of it while sipping freshly baked pastries and bread, on a superfood as well as an array of cakes produced smoothie. It’s also by Peck and Strong in local town CrediImage: Glorious Art House Facebook close to the Quay if you ton. Occasionally the café stays open to fancy taking your new purchasserve both soft and alcoholic beverages es on a walk! to accompany live music, poetry slams and art Bookbag’s carefully curated selection is parties. The latest art exhibition ran from the perfect for any mood you’re in – whether you’re in the market for some hard-hitting non-fiction, inspiring poetry, or guidebooks to all the wonderful nature spots in the surrounding area, Bookbag has it all. Enjoy music paired to particular books while you’re browsing and get some great recommendations from the friendly staff.
BOOKBAG’S CAREFULLY CURATED SELECTION IS PERFECT FOR ANY MOOD YOU’RE IN Supporting an independent bookshop, especially one as fabulous as Bookbag, always feels great – next time you’re hankering for a new read, try heading down and seeing what they’ve got in store. You won’t be disappointed!
Image: www.thegloriousarthouse.com
4th July – 1st August and was named ‘Inside, Outside’ where local artists explored the theme in a variety of ways. I thoroughly recommend for great coffee but also a creative atmosphere!
By Caitlin Barr By Ella Minty, Arts and Lit editor Image: Visit Exeter
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Bookcycle
would definitely recommend Book Cycle to anybody who is in an avid reader; it can be found at 7 West Street, EX1 1BB. It is a picturesque Tudor-style building which is piled high with books; the historical architecture really adds to its character. Book Cycle is a charity shop, so therefore its completely ran by volunteers and all the books are second-hand. You can choose to take up to three books at any one time and then you pay what you like; your donation goes towards giving books to local school children and planting trees. There is an upstairs to Book Cycle, where I have been lucky to find some critical theory texts, so this is particularly useful for essay writing, and the downstairs has a wide array of fiction, ranging from the classics, poetry, children’s literature and more contemporary novels. There really is something for everybody and if, like me, you enjoy collecting pretty or vintage editions of your favourite texts, Book Cycle is definitely the place to go.
BOOK CYCLE IS THE PLACE TO GO
Image: BookCycle
Being in a book shop – I am sure many of you will agree – brings a sense of calm. I could spend ages admiring the different books they have and mulling over which ones to choose! Its worth visiting regularly as they are always receiving new books, so you never know what you might find. Happy book shopping! By Jessica Holifield
OTHER CULTURAL HOTSPOTS IN EXETER INCLUDE THE RAMM AND THE ROYAL ALBERT MUSEUM
EXHIBIT | ARTS+LIT
EDITOR: Ella Minty
10 SEPT 2021 | 19
Expectation VS Reality: Literature & Uni O
Georgia Balmer discusses how literature shapes our expectations of the university experience
N a dark day in the early months of quad, we simultaneously spot the gilded first year, I concocted a drink figures of Ancient Greek of peach Schnapps, Tesco Professor Julien Morrow own-brand vodka and Gordon’s, preand his carefully collected Fever. As we rushed out of halls, I set of pupils. The novel is threw my dog-eared copy of The Sedrenched in elitism and cret History under my bed in shame; I inclusivity, Californian Paseem to remember a pathetic fallacy pen a lone outsider in the of light rain to mark the depressing seemingly always autummoment. This was not the erotically nal world of Vermont. sophisticated experience Donna Tartt Whilst the Bacchic rituhad promised me. al, murder, and inappropriMaybe expecting Exeter to be a ate sibling romances are recreation of Tartt’s Hampden Colless relatable, Tartt weaves lege was unfair of me. If you are yet a story of loneliness, longto read the maddening descent of Image: Penguin Books ing, and exploration which beauty, corrupted youth, and intellectufeels hauntingly realistic. Even sural pursuit, please drop everything and do so rounded by brilliant friends, although miimmediately. The Secret History is the perfect nus points for them for letting me drink novel from the opening line. Never have I so my Schnapps cocktail, those first badly wanted to be best friends with such a months of university can feel dehorrific group of people. liberately unstable and alien. Just as you learn how to use the library printer or buy your first piece of stash, you’ll get your first essay back and consider dropping out for life in a convent. Most of us probably haven’t reverted to murdering a fellow course mate to fit in, but in those moments of self-doubt, uniThrough our out-of-town narrator, Richversity can feel unfailingly lonely. ard Papen, we are indoctrinated into the elite The most appealing aspect of world of Hampden College. From across the The Secret His- tory is the roman-
ticism of excess and exploration that litters the pages, a fairy-tale pursuit of the university experience that rivals Evelyn Waugh’s, Brideshead Revisited. Waugh layers the most vitally sculpting experiences of our narrator Charles Ryder’s life in the novel, and his time at Oxford takes centre stage in my memory. Through the aristocratic ‘eccentricisms’ of Sebastian Flyte and company, Waugh’s witticism led me to believe that every night out would end with dry martinis and renditions of ‘The Waste Land’. Spoiler, they have not.
ALUMNI DOLLY ALDERTON HAS YOU COVERED
EXPECTING EXETER TO BE A RECREATION OF TARTT’S HAMPDEN COLLEGE WAS UNFAIR
Image: Penguin Books
Yet, that sense of discovery and exploration has still been a constant during my first two years at university, even mid-pandemic. There may not be sophisticated cocktail parties hosted in Lafrowda or mysterious professors who start lectures with openings as beautiful as, “I hope we’re all ready to leave the phenomenal world, and enter into the sublime,” but I’ve found my own share
of special little moments whilst at Exeter. Streatham campus may not be as romantic as Hampden or Oxford, but I think we make up for it in spirit. If you are looking for a realistic portrayal of university life, specifically at Exeter, alumni Dolly Alderton has you covered. Alderton’s debut novel, which I push on everybody I meet, has a blinkImage: Penguin Books and-you’llmiss-it love letter to Exeter. From buckets of cheap wine in the Impy, curly fries at the Ram and ruckus fancy dress in TP, Everything I Know About Love celebrates the warty ugliness and equal joyfulness of the university experience. This last year may have seen us cut adrift from the ‘uni life’ we signed up for, but with restrictions lifting, I’m ready to embrace the romanticism of the true Exeter experience. See you all at the Impy!
The Rise of Cli-Fi
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HE explosion of fiction focusing on climate in recent years is an expression of steeply climbing anxiety about the mounting consequences of human-induced climate change. Authors have made use of the vast dramatic possibilities of climate catastrophe and breakdown to create arching stories – the striking opening scene of The Stranding has the protagonist shelter inside a beached whale as a natural disaster devastates the Earth. Some, like Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy, are epic in proportions, while others take small issues, such as the disrupted migration of butterflies in The Beautiful Flight, and work off the resonance. Many of these stories fall into the genres of dystopia and apocalyptic fiction, which imagine alternate versions of Earth unrecognizable to our own, destroyed by climate disasters and the accompanying societal breakdown. Some use elements of traditional sci-fi, such as the migration of humanity to other planets after the exhaustion of Earth’s resources or scientific advancements, as well as the climate engineering that enable humanity to eke out survival on an inhospitable Earth. Just look at the genetically modified crops in The Windup Girl for example. Climate fiction is not new: environmental themes
Catherine Stone explores the significant rise in climate literature and representations of climate disasters have been common in literature since Jules Verne in the 1880’s and J.G Ballard’s The Draught about the threats of industrial pollution. Climate fiction is based on fears and anxieties of the time and therefore the genre evolves along with understanding; for example, much classic fiction in the 60’s and 70’s was focused on the threat of an impending ice age or floods. From the struggles of workers in Dust Bowl America depicted by Steinbeck, to the dystopian The Water Knife, where powerful business magnates control water resources through sabotage and assassination, drought in the Southwestern United States reoccurs as a point of great anxiety. Amitav Ghosh argues the inflection point for climate fiction was in 2018, with a barrage of climate disaster news and the publication of landmark cli-fi novel The Overstory as mainstream literature. Increasingly clear pictures based on scientific predictions are emerging, of a future of climate failures and frequent natural disasters, which climate fiction helps visualize and rationalize. Literature and other forms of art lift big ideas from knowledge to issues of heart that feel more real and urgent to readers. It is becoming increasingly popular with younger people
anxious about the future, shown by an uptick in the number of YA books addressing climate issues, such as Dry by Shusterman, Breathe by Sarah Crossan, about an oxygen sparse world, and Bacigalupi’s Ship Breaker.
THESE STORIES FALL INTO GENRES OF DYSTOPIA AND APOCALYPTIC FICTION The genre exploits the dramatic conflict of vast inequalities exposed by climate emergencies, with poor, minority communities suffering disproportionately. Greenwood by Michael Christie features the ecological catastrophe of the Great Withering fungus strain causing climate refugees and extreme inequality, with the wealthy staying at exclusive resorts in pockets of surviving forest. Some fiction focuses on groups often marginalized in climate narratives, as well as countercultural ideas. The Swan Book (2013) by Alexis Wright highlights indigenous Australians and their role in managing environmental landscapes, even in the face
of a climate disaster. University courses are increasingly including climate fiction and ecocriticism, such as the pioneering course at Holyoke where literature students run scientific experiments to better understand scientific themes in the cli-fi they study. Many Exeter modules cover literature in ecological activism and resource crises. It has been lauded as an important way to bridge the gap between science and literature and increase public awareness of scientific news. There is a significant worry that the apocalyptic scenarios depicted in cli-fi create feelings of hopelessness and apathy; a 2018 study by Yale-NUS College tested American readers with 19 works of climate fiction and found the genre intensified negative feelings about climate change. However, Atwood counters this view with the argument that creating dialogues and acknowledging possible futures is important as “people need stories, because however dark, a darkness with voices in it is better than a silent void”. Climate fiction can also offer a great capacity for hope, showcasing humanity’s ability to survive and even thrive in the toughest of circumstances, even if you, like in Last One to the Party, are the last human on Earth.
Caverns, Cheesies and Corn Exchanges Harry Hawkins, Music Editor, and Oliver Leader de Saxe, Editor, describe the best music venues to go to in Exeter For alt bangers... Exeter Cavern
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ESTLED on a little side alley between Boston Tea Party and Gandy’s Street you’ll find what can only be described as indie mecca. The promised land of expensive pints and amazing music. Many a night have I descended into those hallowed halls, the very best bops of the landfill indie renaissance rising up to greet me and my horrible paisley abomination of a shirt. Many a night I have found myself in the crush and whirl of a mosh pit, singing my heart out to one of the best bands underground music has to offer. And many a night I have had to brave what can only be described as the worst toilets in Exeter in the hope of escaping the nightmarish twang of Oasis at two in the morning. My friends, this is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill club with its tired dance remixes and angry looking bouncers. This is Cavern, a place where all your dreams come true, if those dreams solely involve copious amounts of dancing, singing and good ol’ fashioned rock’n’roll. Over the last thirty years Queens Steet’s shrine to alternative music has seen the likes of Frank Turner, Muse and Beabadoobee take to the stage, cementing the place as the living, beating heart of the Exeter music scene. And if Indie Saturdays are just as raucous as I remember, you too will be on that stage as the crowd boils over the barriers to boogie right alongside the DJ, drinks in hand. Of course, indie music isn’t the only thing Cavern is known for. From emo night where eyeliner might not be legally required but definitely should be, to wild rave nights of pure unbridled house, there’s a little bit of something for everyone beneath the vaulted ceiling. And when the hangover inevitably sets in and the stomach rumbles for a hearty late lunch, the place doubles as the premier vegan café of Exeter, complete with milkshakes and the best veggie meal of them all: halloumi and chips. Truly a place worthy of the
A small sample of some upcoming Phoenix events: 20th Sept - the Vaccines - UK indie staples 24th Sept – Blancmange – Classic 80s new-wave synthpop act
For intimate perfomances... The Old Firehouse
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HERE are many things the Old Firehouse is known for. Its endlessly winding staircases. Its fantastic range of fruit ciders with more variety than a farmer’s market. The best pan pizza this side of the West Country, or anywhere for that matter. But each Sunday night this rustic pub becomes known for something very different entirely: showcasing the best student bands and musicians the University has to offer. Ah yes, the memory of Exetunes lives on in a small, intimate corner of the room opposite the bar (gone, but not forgotten sweet prince). I remember sauntering down there the first week of Freshers week, baby-faced if not bushy-tailed after a week of heavy “studying”, walking through the warm orange glow pouring out of the doorway that September evening, drawn in by the soft melancholy of a gently strummed acoustic. I remember sitting with some new-found friends around a beer keg as a second-year band sprung into action with the electric proficiency forged by a year of close friendship. One of those people remains a close friend, and that band I mentioned are still nestled somewhere in my Spotify playlist to this day. The Old Firehouse is a different musical experience in Exeter. It’s small, packed with friends of the people playing, but above all, relaxed. It’s entirely organised by Campus Bands, and there is little backline; the drum kit is carted to and from campus by the last band to play in fact. It’s DIY, but not in the punk middle-finger-to-the-world sort of way, but rather a sense that group of people want to create a space for live music to thrive. It’s a space where violin quartets intersect with blues rock outfits; where folk balladry and synth-pop sit next to each other on a setlist. It’s a community of music lovers, for music lovers, and I for one cannot think of a better way to spend your Sunday night.
For a little bit of everything... Exeter Phoenix
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OR experiencing live music in almost all of its forms, the Phoenix can not be underestimated as a brilliant venue. Boasting some decently sized stages and hosting jazz and folk festivals all the way through to electronica acts, DJ nights and even senior drill rappers like Pete & Bas, there’s probably something to interest you at every concert.
For a big room with big tunes .. Unit 1
T
HERE are a few different venues in Exeter that satisfy a classic nightclub feel – Fever and Timepiece come to mind, and both definitely have their appeals – but for me the premier place is Unit. It’s certainly the most spacious of them, with only one big room needed to appeal to the whole crowd, which is done through variety. Expect Kanye to Miley to Martin Garrix to the Killers and everything in-between. For more unashamed singalongs there’s Cheesy Tuesdays which appeals to everyone’s yell-in-your-bedroom phase but on a public level, whilst making you realise how much the Lion King soundtrack slaps. And to keep a bit of a budget there’s always Quids In to go to. There have also been guest DJs such as the Beast from The Chase, providing a pretty unique experience for a nightclub!
11th Oct - Grace Petrie - Affecting Folk singer-songwriter 16th Oct - Beardyman - a one man rave and beatboxer Image credit: Wikicommons, Malagalabombonera
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EDITORS: Charlotte Bend and Harold Hawkins
exhibit | music
10 SEPT 2021 | 23
Not just college dropouts Harry Hawkins, Music Editor, explores some examples of musicians who collaborated at university
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Vampire Weekend
Talib Kweli and Mos Def
HESE two hip-hop legends were both theatre students at NYU. Though they hadn’t fully considered music before, both soon-to-beMCs were avid writers and performers of poetry and rap, and gained attention from the Native Tongues (an early rap collective that included groups such as De La Soul, The Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest) which energised them to produce an album together, 1998’s Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star. Mos Def fulfilled his uni ambitions as a prolific film actor, appearing in features like Hitchhikers Guide, Something the Lord Made and Dexter, while Talib founded the Javotti record label – and both have a rich musical career with many albums and collaborations under their belts.
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T might have not been completely obvious from their collared shirts and song titles like 'Campus' and 'Oxford Comma', but VW members Ezra Koenig and Chris Tomson started the iconic indie band at Columbia University (I thought the Americans called it college, but who knows?) Somehow beginning life as a rap duo called L’Homme Run (search it on Youtube for some bewildering French/English wordplay), they both realised this was not their true musical calling and began playing as early incarnations of Vampire Weekend at Battle of the Bands. Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut was recorded and finished after graduating.
Everything Everything
Queen
NE of the only rock gods who also possesses a physics PhD, Queen guitarist Brian May’s affinity for the stars may be known to some, but the rest of the band were also students – Freddie Mercury undertook graphic design at Ealing Art College, and put this to use in creating the band's logo. Roger Taylor was almost going to bash teeth instead of drums as a dentistry undergrad at London Hospital Medical College until he became disinterested and took biology instead.
H
Images: Tuomas Vitikainen, Wikimedia Commons
ERE is a case of a sort of reverse college dropout. Many members of the Northumberland art-pop group met whilst studying music at Salford University, but as they began writing and putting together initial songs and getting commercially ready, guitarist Alex Niven became disillusioned with the musical project and decided to study at St John’s College in Oxford. He has since gone on to write on politics and culture, and lecture English at Newcastle University.
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Does music help you study? Bridie Adams, Editor, explores whether background music can really help you work
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OUR essay’s due the next day, it’s 1am and it feels like you’ve exhausted all your options. Energy drinks and Happy Shopper snacks can only get you so far before you need a bigger boost. What is that boost, you ask? Grab your Airpods and open Spotify, and we’ll talk you through it.
MUSIC MOTIVATES ME AND STOPS ME GETTING BORED Studies have shown that music has a positive effect on your brain, activating both the left and right sides of the brain at the same time. In turn, this causes improved learning and memory. Ollie, who studies English, says, “Depending on what I’m doing, music can help with more menial or organisational
work”. Music is just the thing to listen to if you want to organise those study notes. Music can also help to ease boredom, which is bound to help your brain function. The better your emotional state, the more effectively you’re likely to work. Martha, a history student, explains that “Music motivates me and stops me getting bored”. If you’ve got some background noise, especially if it’s your favourite music, you’re likely to concentrate more and be less likely to give up. In particular, rap and hip-hop are genres that researchers have found to boost productivity and motivation. Although upbeat and lyrically packed songs might make sense for getting you in a pumped-up, efficient mood, a couple of the students I spoke to said that they prefer to listen to music without lyrics. Cassie, a politics student, said she listens to movie soundtracks, whilst Eirwen, who studies English, emphasised the positive effects
of instrumental music on her study sessions, as it “helps me create a nice atmosphere that makes me want to study”.
MUSIC MOVES THE BRAIN TO PAY ATTENTION SAY STANFORD UNIVERSITY In a Stanford study which found that “music moves [the] brain to pay attention,” researchers used instrumental music from the 1800s and found that it actually promotes a longer attention span, influencing brain processing. This music, from 200 years ago, includes the work of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, and according to the study, helps students to categorize information. Therefore, the fact that some students prefer music without lyrics
and are instead tuning into classical music or film scores makes a lot of sense. Out of the 20 students I asked about the effect of music on their studies, 30% said they find it too distracting, so perhaps the way forward for this group of sceptics would be to try listening to music without lyrics when hitting the books. The 70% that find music a helpful accompaniment to their studying preached the effectiveness of being able to block out other distractions around them by putting their headphones on, and helping to forge a direct connection with their work. There’s a lot to be said for playing music whilst studying. Whether you’re cranking up the hip-hop and rapping along while you go over lecture notes, or calmly absorbing the melodies of 1800s compositions whilst completing that never-ending weekly reading, there’s definitely a genre of study music for everybody.
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10 SEPT 2021 | 27
EDITORS: Archie Lockyer and Francesca Sylph
exhibit | screen
City of Stars: the rebirth of the movie musical Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor, contemplates the rise of movie musicals since La La Land
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ICTURE this: it’s 2016 and you’re sitting in a darkened movie theatre, waiting for this new musical to start – the one with the couple from that Steve Carell film, the one they always show on aeroplanes. Maybe you don’t like musicals all that much; maybe you’re only here because you’ve heard everyone and their mum rave about it. The lights go down, the screen expands and you’re confronted with the most ambitious opening sequence since Jacques Demy’s Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (1967). From the first few bars of ‘Another Day of Sun’, you can tell that you’re about to watch something special.
THE MOST AMBITIOUS OPENING SEQUENCE SINCE LES DEMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT Shot in CinemaScope and on 35mm film to allow for glorious technicolour, Damien Chazelle’s passion project La La Land feels like it belongs to another era. Now, I tend to be wary of romanticizing the past but even
I have to admit the 1950s were a wonderful time for movie musicals (albeit a problematic decade in other ways). From Singin’ in the Rain (1952) to An American in Paris (1951) (can you tell I’m in love with Gene Kelly?), the Golden Age of movie musicals was truly spectacular. While we have seen the occasional movie musical hit since then (West Side Story in ‘61 or Grease in the late ‘70s), the spirit of the 1950s seemed to have tap danced its way out of the spotlight. That is, until, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling tapped their way back into our hearts, reminiscent of the lovely Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Since 2016, we have seen a resurgence of movie musicals: from the perfect (Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical – don’t argue with me, I’m a film student), to the good (A Star is Born), to the not so good (The Greatest Showman), to Cats (Hollywood, please stop casting James Corden). Are we currently in the second Golden Age of movie musicals? Probably not since the ‘good’ on that list is actually a remake (the fourth one, to be precise) which fails to bring anything fresh to the table. It’s safe to say that the best post-2016 musical still ain’t got nothing on Gene Kelly. Nevertheless, you can’t deny that musicals are hot
right now. Over lockdown, drive-in movie theatres with sing-along nights became wildly popular. The movie musical revival doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, what with Spielberg’s upcoming West Side Story remake or Dear Evan Hansen. And, honestly? I’m not mad about it. I know I just insulted most modern musicals, but not every movie musical can be Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964). Sometimes you just have to make do with Meryl Streep in dungarees and a poorly coordinated Colin Firth.
SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH MERYL STREEP IN DUNGAREES AND A POORLY COORDINATED COLIN FIRTH Image: La La Land, Summit Entertainment, IMDb
Do cinemas have a future? Oliver Leader De Saxe, Editor, discusses the future of moviegoing post-pandemic
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O say it’s been a rough year and a half for cinemas is perhaps the world’s biggest understatement. With theatres closed or operating at limited capacity, the industry has bombed as hard as almost every 2020 tentpole release brave enough to try and get box office returns during the worst pandemic in living memory. For context, domestic ticket sales in 2019 stood at $11.4 billion in the US alone. By 2020 they stood at just $2.2 billion.
THE UNSTOPPABLE BEHEMOTH THAT HAS BECOME STREAMING AND VIDEO-ON-DEMAND Such low numbers aren’t a surprise of course. Whilst annual cinema box office had a slow but steady rise up until 2019, tickets sales have been on a downward trend since 2001. The reasons for this are myriad and complex. Some of it can be attributed to the increasingly unaffordable price of living draining away consumer’s disposable income. In part its due to monopolistic studios eating up theatre screen space with blockbuster features for weeks on end to fight off competition. But the big one is undoubtedly the unstoppable behemoth that has become
streaming and video-on-demand. People quite simply aren’t going to head-off to the cinema for an expensive £20 trip, snacks included, when they can watch whatever they want at home for a monthly fee from the comfort of their sofa. In many respects the pandemic was just a catalyst for studios to shift gear. It’s unsurprising that Warner Bros. decided to release its entire slate of 2021 movies in theatres and on HBO Max at the same time. The backlash it received from directors like Dennis Villeneuve is also unsurprising. This hybrid model is also one which has been tried with great success by Disney, who recently released Marvel’s Black Widow to Disney+ and Scarlett Johansson’s scorn. Evidently, there is a sea change in the industry that artists aren’t particular happy about. With everything I’ve said so far, you’re probably assuming I’m a naysayer predicting doom and gloom for the future of cinemas. You couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, I’ve never been so hopeful about the future of cinema as I am now. As much the fearmongering about streaming pre-pandemic had some kernel of
truth, it’s also true that UK cinema admissions are almost back up to pre-pandemic levels, in no small part thanks to this hybrid model. Despite being released straight to VOD, Disney’s The Jungle Cruise has been pulling in big revenue and big audiences, whilst The Suicide Squad has also been garnering praise and attention, which may be to do with the word-ofmouth buzz generated by its streaming debut in the US-only. Black Widow even broke pandemic box office records. As Phil Clapp of the UK Film Association says: “The biggest consumers of home entertainment are also the most frequent movie-goers.” Streaming has only wetted the appetite of many filmgoers, myself included.
THE FACT THAT... PEOPLE ARE STILL CHOOSING THE SILVER SCREEN EXPEREINCE INDICATES THAT THE MARKET HASN’T GONE ANYWHERE At Cannes this year, Spike Lee said “cinema and streening platforms can coexist.”
What the pandemic and recent experiments in streaming highlight is that cinema can work in balance with alternative distribution models. The fact that these films are accessible at home, but people are still choosing the silver screen experience indicates that the market hasn’t gone anywhere. And as big studios move into hybrid models, there will finally be space for smaller movies to finally get their due. The mid-budgeted Bob Odenkirk action movie Nobody went on to make over triple it’s budget at the box office, in no small part due to the theatre space the pandemic opened up. Likewise, rereleases of classic movies, and independent cinemas catering to niche audiences are finding great monetary success. The history of cinema has always been one of ups and downs. Business models change, tastes develop, the industry adapts. During the pandemic there were drive-in theatres. Post-lockdown there was reduced capacity. And in this new film landscape, cinemas will adapt again. I can’t predict the future. I can’t predict whether the new Dune film will be as good as it looks, or whether the new James Bond will ever actually come out. But I do know one thing: there is a future for cinema, and whatever it is, it has never been brighter. Image: rawpixel
LIFESTYLE
MUSIC
TECH
STUDY BREAK
ARTS + LIT
SCREEN
TECH
Delivery from evil? Becca Wells weighs up the pros and cons of the technology-driven delivery industry
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HERE are very few students who can deny the novelty of ordering a meal straight to the door. Whether it be a significant lack of cupboard supplies, an impending deadline the next morning, or simply a satisfactorily greasy breakfast the day after a night out, students love takeout fodder. This demand has increased massively over lockdown, and in Exeter specifically; one report highlighted the need for 200 new Deliveroo riders in the city near the end of last year. Unquestionably, the demand not just in Exeter but across both the UK and the wider world has provided jobs to those who can deliver produce, as well as keeping hospitality businesses afloat. It has even provided a more accessible alternative to grocery shopping for those self-isolating. For many small hospitality businesses, Deliveroo’s business model since March 2020 has led to many crediting the company with their own survival. In fact, it is believed that 11,000 restaurants have joined the platform since the beginning of lockdown, almost 70 per cent of which being small businesses. However, there is also an ugly side to the take-out food giant. Not all business owners are as complementary to Deliveroo as some. To make its own profit and pay its riders, Deliveroo charges a commission on all orders through its app. However, these
rates differ from business to business, and some small businesses have been struggling under the pressure of a capped commission rate of over 35%, and have been finding it unfair that some of the larger chains are charged less. Small business owners have been vocal about this issue, and due to a growth in complaints, Sadiq Khan has written to the chief executive of the company asking for more transparent communication surrounding how the commission rates are being calculated.
STUDENTS HAVE THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS AT THEIR FINGERTIPS TO BOYCOTT THESE COMPANIES However, determining restaurant commission rates is not the only complicated part of Deliveroo’s model. Deciphering rider’s wages is an equally obscure question based on a management model which relies heavily on an algorithm. Rider’s rights have been thrown into contention in the media spotlight a few times, as well as just last July, when one ex-rider spoke out against the lack of minimum wage, job sec u r i t y , benefits or sick-pay,
due to their status as technically, self-employed. Unfortunately, this ethical mishap is happening not just in the UK, but internationally too. In Italy, Deliveroo has faced GDPR fines over algorithms which those in question could not prove were not discriminatory. Rates of pay were then based on the rider’s performance, including efficiency, speed, whether there had been multiple drop-offs on a singular trip and so forth. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has also criticised Deliveroo’s algorithmic management style after a survey of invoices revealed that in some cases, a rider may be paid only £2 per hour, and one-third of riders did not earn a minimum wage. The Guardian also emphasises the drivers’ conditions by stating that alongside poor pay benefits, many big take-out companies do nothing to maintain vehicles, reimburse petrol, or even protect riders in poor weather conditions. This latter remark has led to an Australian survey reporting that almost 80% of workers have been injured on the job. This figure has been so stark that a new Bill protecting rider’s rights in Australia has been introduced. But in the UK, whilst Sadiq Khan’s first steps are admirable, it is largely the individual citizens who are truly making a change. Multiple start-up
food delivery companies have sprung up over the country, including companies such as ex-Deliveroo rider Rich Mason’s start-up Wings. It was set to start delivering on July 23. Furthermore, an alternative company FoodStuff has also been shown in the media spotlight to be taking matters into their own hands throughout lockdown. They promise to be an ethical and environmentally-focussed food delivery company.
STUDENTS HAVE THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS AT THEIR FINGERTIPS TO BOYCOTT THESE COMPANIES Whilst these start-ups show potential due to the motivations behind their foundations, and their inclination towards fair rider wages, only time will tell if the lures of the capitalistic algorithm will keep these start-ups on a separate ethical route to the tech supergiants. One thing is for sure however: students have the alternative options at their fingertips to boycott these companies. But with the job security of employees otherwise hard-hit by the pandemic on the line, we should ask ourselves whether taking out these tech disruptors would really deliver the restaraunt industry from evil?
Image: Deliveroo, CAMBE DE, Gan Koon Lay
exhibit
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TECH
10 SEPT 2021 | 31
EDITOR: Oliver Leader de Saxe
Pings will get worse before they get better Michael Galley explores the controversy surrounding the Government’s Test and Trace app
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OLLOWING the Government’s decision to remove all legal restrictions and open up the economy on 19 July, the subsequent surge in positive cases has resulted in hundreds of thousands of us being ‘pinged’ by the NHS COVID-19 app and told to isolate. But don’t be fooled by its clever wordplay – the ‘pingdemic’ is having serious consequences for the UK economy. The problem is very simple. So simple, in fact, that it is remarkable that the Government failed to predict and prevent it. As restrictions have eased, the number of people catching and testing positive for COVID-19 has risen. The NHS COVID-19 app then ‘pings’ anyone who it has detected as having been in close contact with that person. Clearly, if more people are testing positive, then the number of people who ‘need’ to isolate will rise even more. In the week 14-21 July, over 700,000 people were ‘pinged’ and told to isolate, causing great inconvenience for many. Although official numbers are non-existent for obvious reasons, it is anticipated that a great number of those ‘pinged’ are either simply ignoring the message or deleting the app entirely. However, even considering that compliance appears to be low, ‘pings’ are causing potentially lifethreatening disruption as staff in
key industries – such as NHS staff and emergency response workers – are being forced to stay at home. Although the Government has promised to make changes such as allowing key workers who are ‘pinged’ to avoid self-isolation if they test negative instead, damage to other industries such as the entertainment and service industries is real and here to stay. Some are pointing the blame at the oversensitivity of the app, suggesting that its ‘pings’ are overly cautious. The Government appears to agree, having come out to announce it will begin to only ‘ping’ people who the app has detected as having been exposed to the COVID-19 positive person in the two days before they
tested positive, rather than five. There are also calls for the app to either extend the length of time someone needs to have been exposed to the person for or reduce the distance that is considered as close contact, in order to be ‘pinged’. The Government is yet to address these suggestions. However, the fundamental flaw here is Government inconsistency. Flip-flopping and mixed messages has plagued the Government response to the pandemic from the very start. On the one hand, the removal of restrictions and the Health Secretary’s insistence that we must learn to live with this virus rather than “cower”’ from it suggests that the Government is not concerned with the young and healthy catching the virus – even if they are not yet fully vaccinated. And yet, simulatenously, they expect anyone that has come even remotely close to someone who’s tested positive to isolate for ten days – even if they themselves continuously test negative or are double vaccinated. Either COVID-19 no longer poses a serious threat now that all of the vulnerable in our population are vaccinated, or it is still dangerous and if we come anywhere near it we must run and hide – but both cannot be true.
Image:iXimus, Pixabay
The freshest apps in town
Exeposé writers share the best apps to help you get the most out of university
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Too Good to Go
OO Good to Go is an excellent app for students who love their Pret and Costa lunches, but want to enjoy them on a student budget. The app allows restaurants and chains to post whenever they have leftover food which would otherwise go to waste. You can purchase a ‘magic bag’ of this food, usually for a third or less of its normal price, and you get a 30 minutes time slot in which to pick up your order. Many outlets across Exeter participate in the scheme, including Greggs, Café Nero and YO! Sushi, and even some on-campus outlets, such as Costa. Too Good to Go is a great tool for students trying to live a little more sustainably, who also want to try a variety of cheap, delicious food! Megan Ballntyne, News Editor
Drink Coach
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IVEN the number of times I’ve tumbled down the TP staircase has made me eligible for the lifetime award for drunken tomfoolery, I can attest to the importance of knowing your limits. Drink Coach is almost certainly the best app on the market to help avoid waking up in your bathroom with nothing but bits of kebab and deep, deep shame to keep you company. Keeping a tally of what you’ve drunk, the amount you’ve spent and the units you’ve guzzled really keeps everything in perspective, and the custom drinks options means you never have to approximate. And whilst there are other decent apps on the market (WiseDrinking’s nifty “slow-down” drink speedometer, as well as option to call a cab in-app, is a life-saver when you’ve decided a five Jägerbomb shot race was a good idea), the ability to keep a calendar of your weekly intake is great for cutting down and avoiding those pesky weeklong hangovers which are otherwise inevitable. Oliver Leader de Saxe, Editor
Forest
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OREST is an excellent study app for students who struggle to keep focused for extended periods of time. If you want to have a good study session without getting distracted by your phone, you can go on Forest and set a timer for however long you want to work for. During this time, your phone starts to grow a ‘tree’, and if you manage to not use your phone up until the end, this tree gets added to your forest. This app isn’t just useful for when you want to work though. If you feel stressed out from constantly replying to messages and being active on social media, it can also be a useful way for you to disconnect for a while and enjoy some more meaningful relaxation, such as reading a book with a cup of tea or performing a meditation. If you want to try Forest out, there is a free version of the app called Flora, but otherwise the main app is £1.79, and well worth the price if you are prone to getting distracted when you study. Megan Ballantyne, News Editor
Image: Too good to go, Drink Coach, Forest
study break | 10 SEPT 2021
exhibit
STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Across 1 Healthy - spring (4) 3 Encounter (4) 7 Once more (5) 8 Important (7) 10 The aircraft industry (8) 11 French market town - gean (anagram) (4) 14 Short fall of rain (6) 15 Bread and cakes shop (6) 17 Got older (4) 18 Undecided (poll) respondent (4-4) 21 Childbirth assistant (7) 23 In which place? (5) 24 Concreted court (4) 25 Dame Vera ___, late singer of 1 Across 3 7 (4)
Down 1 Tiring - armies owe (ana gram) (9) 2 Make longer (8) 4 Make money (4) 5 Excessively - as well (3) 6 Information (4) 8 Notice - blot (4) 9 Cheerful - fine (5) 12 Enrage Ben (anagram) - French vegetable (5,4) 13 Shipwrecked person (8) 14 Body of bees (5) 16 Manage (4) 19 At what time? (4) 20 Teller of untruths (4)
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24 hours (3)
Trivia corner
1. How many univeristy accomodation blocks are there in Exeter? 2. How old is Exeter cathedral? 3. What is a group of swans called?
4. How many pubs are there in Devon as of 2017?
ANSWERS 5. What is the name of Exeter’s twin city? Down: 1 Wearisome, 2 Lengthen, 4 Earn, 5 Too, 6 Data, 8 Spot, 9 Sunny, 12 Green bean, 13 Castaway, 14 Swarm, 16 Cope, 19 When, 20 Liar, 22 Day.
6. What was the name of Thom Yorke’s band when he went to the University of Exeter?
Across: 1 Well, 3 Meet, 7 Again, 8 Serious, 10 Aviation, 11 Agen, 14 Shower, 15 Bakery, 17 Aged, 18 Don’t-know, 21 Midwife, 23 Where, 24 Yard, 25 Lynn. Trivia: 1. 26 2. 621 3. Bevy 4. 755 5. Bad Homburg 6. Headless Chickens
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Science
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10 SEPT 2021 | EXEPOSÉ
SCIENCE EDITORS: Lauryn Mitchell Ellen Rogers
I get by with a little help from my friends Livia Cockerell discusses the benefits strong friendships can have on our health
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IKE so many of us, I often look at my best friends and think: life would not be the same without you. However, less often do we consider the fact that life would not be as long with without these friendships. It has recently come to light that there is a clear correlation between the quality of a person’s friendships and the length of their life.
There is a clear correlation between the quality of a person’s friendships and the length of their life
Cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure – these are just a few of physical conditions that many scientists now believe could be prevented simply through the bonds of friendship. Many of these health conditions are worsened by the excess production of cortisol, otherwise known as the ‘stress hormone’, by our bodies.. We all know the old saying: “a problem shared is a problem halved”, and scientific research now suggests that this could not be truer than when sharing our stresses with the friends we can trust and rely on. Over the past year, we have become more aware than ever of the
detrimental impacts of being isolated from our nearest and dearest on our mental wellbeing. However, Dr Nick Lake stresses that the effects of social isolation could be equally as damaging to our physical health.
Isolation could be equally as damaging to our physical health In a recent study, Dr Lake described evidence suggesting that “if you are someone who is lonely and isolated, your chance of suffering a major long-term condition, such as coronary heart disease or cancer, is also significantly increased - to the
extent that loneliness is almost as big a risk factor as smoking” . Despite the clear physical benefits of spending time with our friends, the positive impact they have on our mental health should not be overlooked. For many of us, our friends are the people we turn to in times of crisis (I cannot deny that for me the role of a friend is often interchangeable with that of a therapist). However, studies suggest that our friends do not only aid recovery from mental health conditions and difficulties, but can in fact help prevent depression and anxiety disorder. Primarily, this is due to the
positive impacts that the support network forged and provided by healthy friendships can have on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, the science of friendship abides to one simple rule: quality over quantity. Strong and meaningful bonds between friends can be lifechanging. As the world slowly returns to its old ways, it is invaluable for us to continue making time for those that have acted as beacons of light during this tough year and ensuring that we continue to make time for them as the hustle and bustle of normality returns.
Cheers to that! Floris de Bruin, Sports editor, discusses new ‘champagne’ technology that utilises the sea to combat global warming
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UR generation faces an ecological crisis on an existential scale: the planet is warming, species are dying out, and sea levels are rising. In response, scientists scramble to develop solutions to combat climate change as politicians fail to form a unified front. One way in which scientists address the issue is by managing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in our atmosphere, one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. While naturally occurring, its concentration in our atmosphere has significantly increased due to human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. Fortunately, we have witnessed tremendous progress in recent decades, including harnessing renewable energy and switching to electric vehicles. One of the latest exciting attempts to tackle climate change comes from a team of scientists based in Exeter, Plymouth and London. Together, they have developed a new technology called ‘SeaCURE’
which can remove significant amounts of CO2 from our atmosphere using seawater and electricity. SeaCURE technology captures CO2 from the ocean by temporarily making seawater more acidic to get CO2 to ‘bubble out’, much like how we trap CO2 bubbles from fizzy drinks or champagne during fermentation. A concentrated stream of CO2 is then delivered to utilise and store the gas elsewhere. Finally, the CO2depleted water is released back to the ocean, triggering seawater to take up more CO2 from the air.
SeaCURE technology captures CO2 from the ocean... In short, scientists deprive the ocean of CO2, prompting the seawater to absorb more of this gas from the air to make up for the deficit. As a result, the process lowers CO2 levels in our atmosphere. The project – led by the University of Exeter, in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Labo-
ratory, Brunel University London and industrial partner tpgroup – has won a £250,000 grant for an initial study. Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, run by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, is funding the project.
ping the natural process of CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and ocean in our favour.” SeaCURE technology is powered by wind energy, ensuring that the project is steadfast in its aims of being sustainable. The SeaCURE team will initially
design a pilot plant to remove at least 100 tonnes of CO2 from the sea each year. If successful, the project will make considerable strides in addressing the ecological crisis and is yet another hopeful sign that we may enjoy a sustainable future.
The project has won a £250,000 grant for an initial study Dr Paul Halloran of the University of Exeter addressed the difficulty scientists have long faced in removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere: “The challenge with capturing carbon from the atmosphere is that CO2 makes up only around half of one per cent of the air around us, so you need to push vast quantities of air through capture facilities to extract a meaningful amount of carbon.” The project, according to Dr Halloran, can successfully overcome this hurdle: “Our approach sidesteps this challenge by allowing the ocean’s vast surface area to do the job for us, tip-
Image: Unsplash
SCIENCE
EXEPOSÉ | 10 SEPT 2021
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Alcohol: the good, the bad, and the ugly
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Clémence Smith looks at the science behind alcohol consumption ahead of Freshers week
T the end of a long, deadline-filled week, many a student will welcome a trip to the Impy. After a couple of drinks, the world might seem warm and fuzzy, in stark contrast to the headache that wakes you up the next morning. One of alcohol’s significant perks is that it can boost selfconfidence, making social interactions easier. As another batch of Freshers arrives at university, it can seem tempting to resort to alcohol to make the initial stages of friendship seem less awkward. Despite its social perks, however, the effects of alcohol on the body should not be
Alcohol can boost self-confidence, making social interaction easier dismissed. To unearth alcohol’s secrets, one must first look at how it is made. Despite starting off as a type of grain, fruit or vegetable, alcohol (unfortunately) doesn’t count as one of your five a day. Through a process called fermentation, yeast in the absence of oxygen breaks down sugars contained in certain foods. The product of this chemical reaction is ethanol, which is what constitutes alcoholic beverages and makes us feel tipsy and the longer a drink ferments, the more its alcohol by volume percent-
age increases. Although you might not feel the effects of alcohol straight away, it enters the bloodstream quickly through blood vessels on the tongue, travelling to the stomach and finally, the small intestine. The speed of this process depends on your age, gender, weight, and the type of alcohol consumed. The carbon dioxide contained in fizzy beverages or drinking with an empty stomach, for example, speed up alcohol’s journey to the small intestine. Alcohol circulates throughout the body until the liver eventually breaks down 80 to 90 percent of it. The remainder is excreted through sweat, breath, or urine. As the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream increases, so does the feeling of drunkenness. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that it reduces activity in certain parts of the brain. It does not, however, make you feel emotionally depressed; alcohol triggers the brain’s “rewards centre” which releases dopamine, making you feel happy and relaxed. Have you ever professed your love to a stranger on a night out? Alcohol also affects the brain’s limbic system, which controls our emotions and memory. Drinking, then, leads to exaggerated emotions. The hippocampus (a part of the limbic system) is responsible for alcoholinduced blackouts, as high rates of alcohol in your bloodstream prevent new memories from forming. Alco-
hol’s effect on the brain also leads to slurred speech, loss of coordination, and light-headedness. Have trouble sleeping after a night out? Alcohol increases the flow of blood through the body, meaning that the heart pumps faster to provide your organs with the blood they need. Looking sweaty or flushed in photos? Increased blood flow is also to blame! Additionally, as it is a diuretic (increases urine production), alcohol triggers dehydration, exacerbating the effects of a hangover. Other symptoms of hangovers include dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. Nonetheless, it is easy to forget the significant impact alcohol has on our bodies. Despite its short-term mood-boosting effects, alcohol can trigger unpleasant symptoms. Once the first gulp of alcohol is consumed, there is little you can do to stop it from spreading throughout the body. One only starts to regret the extra pint when its effects start barging in a couple of minutes later. This lack of
Alcohol triggers dehydration, exacerbating the effeccts of hangovers control and unpredictability can be daunting to some, while others might choose to be teetotal for religious or other personal reasons.
Non-drinkers can feel apprehensive about coming to university because of its mythical drinking culture. But alcohol need not be synonymous with social gatherings: there are plenty of ways to meet new people and step outside of your comfort zone without the need for an outside stimulant. In organising more alcoholfree Freshers events, societies can help make incoming students more at
ease and removepeer pressure. Remember, alcohol might seem like your friend at first, but can turn ugly faster than you may realise. Throughout September, let’s be mindful about what we put in our bodies, and watch out for our peers. This way, our university can be a welcoming place for all, drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
Top tips for safe alcohol consumption: Be wary. When with people you do not know very well, bring your own drinks — you never know what a bottle contains! Don't be afraid to say no. If the people you are with urge you to drink, they are not your friends. Keep others informed. Let your friends and family know of your plans for the night and consider sharing your location with them on Find My Friends. Eat before drinking. Alcohol won't enter your bloodstream as fast after a carbohydrate filled meal, meaning that you will not feel instantly drunk.
Coming out of the shell
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Lauryn Mitchell, Science editor, examines the groundbreaking research on the effects of SSRIs on shellfish
NTIDEPRESSANTS such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a widely used drug all over the world, benefiting millions of those with depression, but when this drug leaches into waterways, what effect could this have on our ecosystems?
Cetrain drugs are excreted into waterways and will likely effect animals There is mounting evidence that when we take certain drugs, they pass through us and are excreted in our urine, ending up in the waterways. This will likely affect many animals, but in this case will only effect those who have the neurotransmitter called sero-
tonin. Lindsey Reisinger from the University of Florida has been researching the effect of SSRIs on crayfish, looking at if they make them less anxious/fearful as they do with us.
SSRIs cause animals to explore twice as much Lindsey and her team looked at this effect in man-made streams which included the SSRI citalopram on the crayfish to see the effect on their observed behaviour. Compared to control streams, the SSRI caused the animals to come out from homes and explore twice as much.
Although this sense of ‘boldness’ and reduced anxiety may be beneficial to the human population, this could have dire effects on the ecosystem surrounding the crayfish. This newfound confidence could make this species vulnerable to predation as they will be out of their shelters at times when they are at danger of predation from
species like fish and birds, meaning they will likely be eaten more, reducing the number of crayfish in the ecosystem. This change in behaviour could also go the other way and mean that less food will be available to other species as it is being taken by the crayfish, causing reductions in subsequential species. Image: Pixabay
This newfound confidence could make the species vulnerable So, it’s clear that these antidepressants could have huge effects on species in the waterways in which they leach into, but is there any solution? One way that this could be solved is by the creation and use of better filtering systems to prevent these types of chemicals from entering the waterways, but this is complicated. A team member of Lindsey’s group has suggested that to limit this issue, we should not dispose of drugs into drains, but return them to pharmacies.
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38
10 SEPT 2021 | EXEPOSÉ
SPORT
The atlantic divide of university sport Oscar Young, Sports editor, investigates the reasons why US and UK sports are so different
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ARLIER this Summer, the vast chasm between university-level sports in the UK and USA widened even further. In early July, the NCAA, American college sport’s governing body, ruled that college athletes will now be able to earn money from their name, image and likeness. This is a landmark idea that has had much public support in recent years, since previously colleges would make significant money by marketing their student athletes but players wouldn’t earn a penny themselves. However, for many Brits, this concept of university sports players earning fortune and fame is an alien one, which begs the question as to how this difference came about. Here in the UK, professional sportsmen and women generally will not have gone to university. Take football – the overwhelming majority of professional footballers are noticed at a young age by professional scouts, and proceed to play for club’s academies throughout their childhood. By their mid-to-late teens, they will usually know whether they are good enough to make it as a pro. The ones who are good enough will then finish school at 16 or 18, and focus on playing full time. As a result, football played at universities is nowhere near a professional standard, as the elite players never even consider
higher education. While there are some university sports that do play at a high enough level to occasionally send someone pro, notably rugby, in general very few professional sports players go to university.
This concept of University sports players earning fortune and fame is an alien one The situation across the pond could not be more different. The whole infrastructure of sports in the US is built around the collegiate level. In all three of the main American sports (American football, baseball, basketball) the main professional league operates a ‘draft’, where teams choose prospective players who have just finished college. This means that all the talent currently playing professionally used to play for a college team and was selected in the draft. These drafts garner huge public attention, with the NFL draft especially being a big TV event in itself.
Given these sports work in this way, college athletes have become celebrities themselves, and a large emphasis is placed on athletes going to college, with all colleges handing out sports scholarships to players coming out of high school. This means that college sport is played at a nearprofessional level, with many student athletes going on to make instant impacts in the professional leagues in their first year after education. In fact, there has been much debate over the past few years as to whether some of the best college teams ever, notably the Alabama football team of recent memory, could beat certain weaker pro teams. Looking past the structural differences of university sports, money, as always, is powerful. Given the fame student athletes have in America, there’s no surprise that they are extremely
Image: Maxpixel
to earn money from. However, in the UK, you’d be hard-pressed to find a university sports player well-known enough to capitalise on this opportunity. Back in the US, the colleges themselves are also well placed to secure huge profits from their sports programs. Individual college programs have huge payrolls and collect hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. One particularly fascinating fact is that in 40 out of the 50 states, the highest-paid public employee is a college football or basketball coach. In the UK, the closest university sport comes to gaining mainstream attention is probably the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race, which is watched by 5-6 million people on TV, far higher than any other university event.
In 40 out of 50 states, the highestpaid public employee is a college football or basketball coach
Image: Chmee2
marketable. E n d o r s e m e n t s, shirt sales and personal appearances are three areas that players will soon begin
Therefore, it would also surprise a Brit to travel to America and see college sports televised regularly to huge national audiences. College football and basketball games routinely get tens of millions of live viewers, with games happening during the majority of the year. The fact of the matter is that elite-level sport attracts money and attention, and that is the case with American colleges, but not UK universities.
Even watching these sports in person, the difference is stark. The largest stadium in the UK is Wembley, used for professional matches, seating 90,000 people. In the US, there are eight college football stadiums with capacities over 100,000, which get filled week in week out by students and alumni attending games. Picture the whole population of the city of Exeter turning up to see the university rugby or hockey team. Unimaginable. Part of this can reasonably be attributed to the US having a larger population, but there must be other explanations as to why people are so attached to college teams. Americans also have a higher sense of allegiance to their ‘alma mater.’ A deeply ingrained experience in US culture is for parents to spend years saving to send their kids to college, much more so than in British culture. Often children will go to the same home-state college as their parents did. As a result, there is a much more inherent and familial connection with colleges, and people hold this connection throughout their life. This relationship extends to and is sometimes based around the sports teams. These are differences that will never change, as sports are just considered and structured in different ways in each country. In a way, this divide can also be seen as a reflection on other parts of British and American culture. However, the way they treat college sports in the US is fascinating, and so well worth a watch on TV.
SPORT
10 SEPT 2021 | EXEPOSÉ
The Future of England Rugby
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Joshua Hughes looks at stars and tactics that could save English Rugby
VER since the full-time whistle blew in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, England have not looked like a winning team. Although the 2020 Six Nations and the Autumn Nations cup were additions to their silverware cabinet, the team has not been firing in the way it should be. The 2021 Six Nations demonstrated the depth of the issues the team is facing, with wins only coming against Italy and France. The Italy game certainly was too close for comfort and the France game, while a win, highlighted the inconsistency of England during the tournament. England have issues all around the park, but the most crucial of all has been their inability to keep up with the style of play the game is turning towards. Attack-based, free-flowing rugby was on full-display during 2021, with France and Wales jostling for the Six Nations. Furthermore, Harlequins, the premiership champions, promoted a running and expansive game which ultimately proved successful. Some may argue that the premiership does not represent the intensity of a test match, however the Chiefs team that they came up against featured nine international players in the starting line-up compared to Quins’ four. England have opted for a starkly contrasted style of play, with Owen Farrell and George Ford opting to kick the ball away repeatedly throughout the Six Nations. The inability to adapt their game ultimately cost them wins against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Similarly, during the Lions tour, the conservative style of rugby played to South Africa’s favour and left the Lions with a series defeat – even with a last-ditch effort from Finn Russell to change the game plan.
Daly at 15 instead of 13 has not helped the team. The centres have also been an issue both from a defensive and attacking point of view. The summer series selection sought to fix these problems with Freddie Steward, Joe Marchant, Dan Kelly and Ollie Lawrence all laying their cards on the table to be part of the future setup. The introduction of Adam Radwan to the international
THE TEAM ISN'T FIRING IN THE WAY IT SHOULD BE The summer tests against Canada and the USA did present the team with the opportunity to open up and bring in some fresher faces which leads onto the second issue that England are facing: team selection. While blame could be pointed towards solely the Saracens contingent of the England team for the poor form of the national side, this is an easy excuse and doesn’t look into enough depth at the issues that England have faced. Fullback is one of the most important positions on the pitch and starting Elliot
stage sparked an incredible attacking display against Canada. Harry Randall also played a starring role in both games and will be keeping Ben Youngs and Dan Robson on high alert. Marcus Smith took the reins for both matches at fly-half and slotted in well. His natural instinctive play combined with his goal kicking ability will make George Ford, and even Owen Farrell, wonder if their places in the team are under threat.
Team GB Olympic Roundup
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Oscar Young, Sports Editor
THE CENTRES HAVE ALSO BEEN AN ISSUE BOTH IN DEFENSE AND ATTACK From a forwards perspective, the depth has slowly been building with Beno Obano, Lewis Ludlow and Harry Wells all earning deserved call-ups and starts. The England pack has at times looked flat-footed and many will be hoping to see a new level of physicality injected into the side during the Autumn series. Sam Simmonds will also be vying for selection, having been on the Lions tour and gained valuable experience. While Eddie Jones has remained as the head coach, there will be two new faces in the coaching team in November. Defence coach John Mitchell and attack coach Simon Amor left the RFU leaving two vacancies. Martin Gleeson, formerly at Wasps, has been appointed attack coach which suggests England will be aiming to develop their attacking game in a similar style to the Coventry-based side. With Marcus Smith making his debut in the Summer, it would be surprising if he was not part of Gleeson’s plans. In terms of defence, it has been rumoured that Richard Cockerill is in line for taking the role after exiting Edinburgh in July. Cockerill’s coaching record includes Director of Rugby at Leicester Tigers, Toulon and Edinburgh. He came to Toulon at a time of poor results for the club and managed to turn their fortunes around. Similarly with Edinburgh, Cockerill was able to get the club to a Champions Cup quarter final for the first time. This suggests that Cockerill is well-suited to come in and aid the rebuild at Twickenham. Looking ahead to the start of the premiership season, it is set to be one of the most competitive seasons to date with the reintroduction of Saracens and the new format of thirteen teams as opposed to twelve. English players selected for the Lions and debutants from the summer series will be looking to impress the new coaching staff who will almost certainly be in attendance.
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HAT started in unusually slow fashion ended as a showing of Great Britain’s true Olympic strength at Tokyo 2020. In an Olympics like no other, held one year late due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Team GB managed to tie their total medal count from the London 2012 Olympics, finishing with 65 medals, just two away from the record mark set at Rio 2016. Despite only having 22 Golds compared to 2012’s 27, this year can certainly be considered a success.
THERE'S A VERY REAL PROSPECT OF TEAM GB CATCHING CHINA Unlike previous Olympics, where the greatest success was usually found on the bike and in the rowing boat, newer areas have shown promise for becoming the gold standard for British Olympic sports. Swimming and gymnastics showed notable breakthroughs for British athletes, with younger athletes joining Adam Peaty and Max Whitlock, who maintained their dominance once again. Cyclist Jason Kenny did prove that class is timeless, however, by securing his 7th Gold in the men’s Keirin to make him the most successful British Olympian of all time, passing Sir Chris Hoy. In a similar manner, the title of most decorated female Brit was handed over this year, after Charlotte Dujardin secured a bronze on her horse Gio in the Dressage – her sixth Olympic medal.
Overall, it was another successful Olympiad, though it presents great opportunities for next time. Clearly the Olympic lottery funding is still working to great effect, though Paris 2024 shows promise of greater success. This year Britain came fourth in the medal table, behind the USA, China and hosts Japan. I believe there’s a very real prospect of Team GB catching China and getting back to their heights of second in the medal table from Rio, even though the gap between the British and Americans seems to grow larger every time…
Sport
10 SEPT 2021| EXEPOSÉ
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SPORTS EDITOR: Oscar Young
Sport at Exeter
Image: University of Exeter
Henry Hood Online Sports Editor
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Y friend’s dad said something that has stuck with me for years about making friends at university. It was something along the lines of “if you can kick a football, you’ll always make a group of friends”. As an ex-footballer himself, you can take that advice with a generous pinch of salt, but if you replace football with any sport, it still rings true. Regardless of if you’re a Fresher reading this, or someone who has already spent time down here in rainy Exeter at university, you should listen to me and join a sport this year. Some of my best friendships have blossomed through sport,
whether it was playing a 6-a-side football match and crying with laughter when my friend slipped over, or forging joint camaraderie from a gruelling but rewarding boxing workout. Since most sports involve teams, or partners, or opponents, forming a basic connection with a stranger is practically unavoidable. And since Exeter is a small place, you’re bound to bump into that stranger, maybe strike up a conversation about your sport, and from there, you’ve made a friend.
Some of my best friendships have blossomed through sport
Now something I hear a lot is people worrying that they
won’t be ‘good enough’ or they’re scared of embarrassing themselves. I was admittedly useless at boxing, but I found nothing but encouragement as I flapped my fists about at the pads. In fact, apart from the seasoned veterans of the boxing club, no one was that good at boxing at all - but nobody really cared. They were all there to break a sweat, have a natter with someone and let off some steam. Boxing aside, it’s been a boring year. Lockdowns, isolations, social distancing. Everything has been designed to keep people away, keep the outside away and keep you safe. But it’s also meant a lot of people, myself included, have hidden away in their head. It’s one of the worst-kept secrets that people’s mental health has declined in recent times, and
however simple it sounds, doing sports is a genuinely great way to counter that. Doing exercise gets you out of your head and into your body. You don’t have time to worry about intrusive thoughts, as your brain is too busy reminding you your arms are sore, or you’re out of breath, or your opponent is about to make a move and you really need to pay attention. And, of course, endorphins and all that stuff help too. If you’re still not convinced, and still have doubts about whether you really should join a sport because it’s such a hassle, I’ll leave you with an eye-opener. You’re only young once. What a cliché, I know. I’m sure your parents still bang on about all the societies they joined when they were at university and that’s because these sorts of things
Image: EUWRFC
are the memories you’ll cherish. In a few years, you’ll graduate and you’re off into the big wide world of professional jobs and suddenly you won’t have time to have all these hobbies. But right now as a student, you do. It’s a worrying thought but this is probably the last few years of true freedom. Don’t waste it! So go on, join a random sport. Have a look through the sports society lists, maybe have a chat with your friend and agree to sign up to whatever takes your fancy. Whichever one you pick, there will be a whole society who are passionate about that sport and have set everything up to help people have fun. There are too many sports to list, from kayaking to korfball, to every team sport imaginable. There is a sport for you. Go and find it.
For more coverage of this year’s Uni sport, head to @exeposesportCONTINUED ON PAGE 31