Social summer activities lifestyle

Livvy Mason-Myhill, Editor-in-Chief, discusses the best social activities for both aesthetic and fun

WE have an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and enjoy the sun now that summer is right around the corner. Since most University students have finished their exams and have more time to enjoy the nice weather, summer pushes us to participate in more social events.

A social activity that is both enjoyable and rather aesthetic would have to be going pottery painting with friends. From painting mugs or plants to miscellaneous sculptures of random animals or characters, pottery painting gives you the chance to test out your artistic abilities. Going pottery painting is not only a great way to catch up with friends whilst you paint, it also is a therapeutic activity, allowing you to relax and improve your well-being. Being able to paint anything you want at a pottery painting place may be daunting for friends who are extremely indecisive, especially when thinking of ideas on what to paint, but it allows you to use your creativity and imagination on something you can put your own spin on. One of my favourite parts about going pottery painting is that you can make whatever you choose to paint as aesthetic as you like, even copy ing something that you might have seen on Pinterest. Plus, one of the main benefits of going with friends is that it is great for a good photo opportunity.

Another of my personal favour ite summer activities is of course to take a trip to the beach. Whether you prefer Exmouth, Dawlish, or any of the other beaches in Devon, going to the beach is a fun

Sunshine style

Lucy Rawlings, Lifestyle Editor, shares her insight into the upcoming fashion trends for this summer

SUMMER is the season when fashion awakens into an entirely new genre of bright colours, fresh aesthetics and Pinterest-worthy outfit creations. So, what is in store for our wardrobes for 2023? The comeback of the 90s maxi skirt is set to be a significant trend, and its rise to popularity was inspired through Sofia Richie’s flawless new look which reflects a classic yet sophisticated style, as her focus on neutral tones embodies the elegance which comes with 90s minimalism.

Yet, with a growing generational fear that skinny jeans may be returning to the forefront of fashion this year, the summer of 2023 appears safe for now, with white cargo bottoms remaining at the pinnacle of the trouser hierarchy through their versatility and guarantee to complement any top of choice. As you can see, there is a large stylistic focus on drawing out simplistic and neutral colours to create the trending summer outfit. But, what about the comeback of the crocs? One could certainly argue that crocs are an ideal summer-travelling shoe for both practicality and comfort, but how does this marry with the sophistication of 90s minimalism? Should we as a generation return back to our former security in white trainers?

Ultimately, trends are all about dying out and reviving into something completely dif - ferent, and sometimes, trends can be completely out the blue. Whether it is following the growth of 90s minimalism through being inspired by Sofia Richie, wanting to stick to a relaxed fit through Adam Sandler’s surprising trend-set of the oversized t-shirt and basketball shorts, or desiring to reflect the vibrancy of colours which summer brings, this season is preparing for a diverse range of styles which offer both elegance and comfort. place to socialise with people whilst also being able to bask in the sun for several hours.

You can choose to either sit and sunbathe enjoying the company of friends or you can be a bit more adventurous by going for a dip in the sea, which I personally wouldn’t recommend given how cold the water usually is. If you plan to play volleyball, ultimate frisbee, or even make up your own games, packing a tennis ball, beach ball, or frisbee can help make a trip to the beach more enjoyable. These games can help people show their more competitive sides or simply help you make memories that you can laugh about in the future.

The final social activity that I recommend is the classic uni student activity of having drinks. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have alcohol but either going to the pub or even having cocktails in the garden is a chill way of being able to chat to friends. You can get more creative with what drinks you make if you decide on doing a cocktail night by making your favourite cocktails or mocktails. Additionally, getting together with friends over some drinks is a social activity that stands the test of time in the UK, usually being a pretty budget-friendly activity, especially at places that offer student discounts. The great part about it is that you can make it as formal or casual an activity as you like.