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The UK’s SouthBest West’s Best Publication Student Publication The Student 2023

ISSUE 777 10 DEC 2025 exepose.com @exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Reclaim the Night marches through Exeter The end of 2025: what we gained and lost Page 8 Image: Suhaib Shaukat

Nina Exton and Suhaib Shaukat

O European wildcats may make their return to Devon Page 10

The neuroscience behind holiday nostalgia Page 29 Images (top to bottom): Wikimedia Commons, Free SVG Vector Images. Animalia, Pexels Title image: Amelie Redfern

N November 27th, against a backdrop of Christmas lights, dozens of people of all walks of life took to the streets of Exeter City Centre to protest violence against women everywhere — or to reclaim the night. With a turnout of 150 people, Exeter’s City Centre — where more than 85 percent of women feel unsafe walking alone, according to a 2022 study — was filled with the sounds of footsteps and voices insistent on being heard. “Whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no”, was shouted, among other chants demanding an end to violence against women. Exeposé attended the protest and spoke to attendees about their hopes for the night, and what it meant to them to be there. In Sidwell Community Centre, while Exeter locals and students painted signs with personalised messages and statements to carry with them, we asked them about their reason for marching, their sense of safety in Exeter, and the message they hoped to carry into the night. We heard from Cllr Laura Wright, Deputy Leader of Exeter City Council for the Safety of Women and Girls at Night, also at the signpainting. This was Laura’s third year attending the march. We asked

her about some misconceptions she’s heard since she’s been attending. “That it’s women hating men. It’s not about hating men at all, it’s about being with men who can recognise that we need to be able to feel safe at any time of the day or night, wherever we are”. Laura talked about the exhausting reality of being a woman, and all the things we must consider on a daily basis just to feel safe. “If we’re getting ready to go out, we’re going to be thinking about how we’re going to get somewhere, how we’re going to get home, what we’re wearing, what shoes we’re wearing, can we run in the shoes that we’ve got on, carrying something in your pocket just in case someone attacks you. All these things that are just the things that a lot of the time we have to think about and being nervous about being in the dark. I don’t think men feel that vulnerable.” Also in attendance was Cllr Anne Jobson. When asked what safety meant to her, and she said: “If you go out with your friends, and you’ve had a few drinks and are feeling a bit wobbly, you can lose your phone quite easily — and feeling safe is knowing that you can get from A to B in one piece without being harassed, assaulted, jeered, or taunted.” While the event focuses on women’s experience of sexual harassment and violence, they encouraged men and other genders to attend. The turnout remained mostly female, but we spoke to a few male attendees about men’s roles in movements like Reclaim

the Night. For one participant, a third-year Ancient History student, the march was a chance to ensure his friends feel safe going out at night: “I think it’s a man’s duty to get out there and make sure that you’re contributing however you can. You’ve just got to see what people want of you. If they want you to help, you should help. If they want you to just be there and support, be there and support.” When asked why he thinks male engagement in women’s safety movements is often limited, he spoke of what he sees as a culture of masculinity at Exeter University. “I think a lot of men are embarrassed to be seen on their own out here. If one person comes, I feel like more men will start to come. But it’s just getting over that stigma of ‘you’re a guy, you shouldn’t be out here’”. Another attendee, a fourth-year Computer Science student, called the march “a great opportunity to participate and show support for women. [...] I do think it’s something that’s morally correct”. He said that men often fail to get involved due to misogyny, as well as stigma — “I think there’s a social stigma and a negative perception [of feminism], especially on social media today”. We were also able to speak to Rob, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for Devon City Council, who was attending the march for the first time. He called supporting women’s safety movements “a responsibility for everyone, particularly men.” In order to get more men involved, Rob said “it’s about opening up that conversati-

on and not being afraid to talk”. Before the march started, we had the chance to interview to gauge how women feel while being on the streets of Exeter. Macy, a former carer, told Exeposé that she doesn’t feel safe in the city, especially in the dark.”If I’m walking in my area and it’s dark, I’ve got to walk down alleyways; you’re never able to sit in the alleyways.’’ She also complained about drunk people in the central area, making her feel unsafe. Exeter, with 672 crimes (5.0 offences per 1,000 people), recorded the next-highest crime rate in Devon and Cornwall. Rigby, who was in attendance at the march, was compelled to participate after the local murder of Lorraine Cox by Azam Mangori in August 2020. “Not only that, every week, as a young person who knows many people in Exeter, you’re always hearing about people getting spiked and getting therapy for a couple of weeks.’’ She also talked about the danger of spiking to women and the lack of responsibility by social venues to mitigate the danger. When asked about people’s trust in the police, Rob told the newspaper that Devon police are working to equip their officers with training. “I think what’s happening within the police at the moment, there’s a lot of work and training underway to ensure that officers are able to respond in the best possible way. ful lot to do in terms of training and awareness raising.”

Continued on page 3

EXEPOSÉ Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

Editors Print: Kayleigh Swart and Emily Sara Rizzo Online: Harry Morrison and Zandie Howells Print Deputies: Amberly Wright, Lauren Walsh and Nina Exton Online Deputies: Michelle Chung and Daniel Grayshon editors@exepose.com News Editors Print: Isabella Brooks and Daisy Newbury Online: Zandie Howells news@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Ria Brown-Aryee and Bethany Last Online: Lucas Taylor-Kent features@exepose.com Climate Editors Print: Poppy Fellows Online: Freddy Purcell climate@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Tom Richardson and Lucas Eley Online: Orlando McKillop and Lucy Parsons comment@exepose.com Satire Editors Print: Christopher Lyndsay Online: Daniel Grayshon satire@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Yasmine Al-Saket and Betsy Heasman Online: Hayley Bell and Sofia Tapia lifestyle@exepose.com Arts & Lit Editors Print: Isabel Bratt and Amber Platel Online: Brook Cheadle and Zoe Fry

Editorial

E have arrived at our final issue of the term. We're not quite sure how term one has already wrapped up, but here we are. This term has been both incredibly long and somehow flashed by. We want to say thank you to everyone who has picked up a copy of Exeposé this term, your support means the world to all of our writers and editors. We hope you enjoy this holiday edition of the paper that our team have managed to put together despite all the deadlines. We also hope you have the best holiday break from university and aren't too stressted with exams and deadlines. So take a break and enjoy all the articles we have put together for this edition. If there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter that we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com. In this issue, News discusses the changes to the courses being offered and the recent Reclaim the Night protests. Features looks at the crisis of genderbased violence in South Africa, Comment discusses the creation of explicit deepfakes, and Satire looks at how to cook a good Christmas dinner. In Exhibit you can read a range of articles all about the upcoming holiday season. From reccomending films and books, to discussing the challanges some people may face during the holidays, it's all in there! In International we discuss the G20 summit in South Africa and finally, in Sport, we round up everything that happened at fight night!

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Print: Sarah Gould and Katie Roberts Online: Amelie Marah and Maya Dallal

Screen Editors Print: Beth Casey and Charlotte Isbell Online: Kyle Cleary and Lachlan Evans screen@exepose.com International Editors Print: Jed H. Gibbins and Antoni Kałduński Online: Anoushka Dutta and Lola Milroy-Tompkins international@exepose.com Sci-Tech Editors Print: Julia Szewczyk Online: Anna Tennant and Rosie Merritt sci-tech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Annabel Gowling and Chloe Burrows Online: Connor Myers sport@exepose.com Social Media Executive: Megan Wynn Finance Executive:Orlando McKillop Welfare Executive: Sophia Cuschieri Events Executive: Audrey Yuen Podcast producers: Harry Morrison and Alannah

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editors@exepose.com 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.

If you can't get enough of Exeposé, you can check out our podcast and website which is updated on a weekly basis! Once again, thank you so much to all our editors, interviewees, and general helpers who work so hard to make this paper possible! We hope you all have the best break and we'll see you next term!

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SPA AWARDS

STINT analysis shows Forces shaping universities China tops US for research in 2050 strength

N 15 November, Shanghai Jiao Tong University held a seminar to discuss what forces will impact universities in 2050. With over 20 global scholars in attendance, the seminar determined three central forces. Firstly, the seminar argued that universities must be at the forefront of AI development, otherwise they will be usurped by corporate agents. They also asserted that growing AI relevance requires evaluation on how to continue cultivating social responsibility amongst new graduates. The group identified climate and demographics as another influencing force, asserting that universities must be prepared for climate change to displace populations. The third factor identified is new institutional forms — whilst some scholars contend that these challenges will lead to new globally dominant universities focused on social and development needs, others were sceptical, stating that the growing commercialisation of universities hinders the necessary collaboration for new entities to grow. Whilst universities are expected to face new challenges, the study believed this can create a more cooperative future.

Images: Wikimedia Commons

T is often rare to see the achievements of Eastern academics recognized in the Western media. However, a recent study by the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT) published evidence of the ‘’huge advances in China’s scientific position’’ across the world, based on their analysis of China across five different data tables. Notably, the analysis has found that in 2022, four of the top five Chinese universities were in the top 20 for all sciences. Achievements were particularly pronounced in mathematics, computing and engineering fields. Moreover, China led 57 out of the 64 technologies tracked by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) between 2019-2023, with the United States leading the remaining seven. Compared to their 2003-2007 tracking period, where China led just three of these categories, it appears that China’s technological development is on the rise.

South Korea's GPU revolution: Can nations learn fast enough?

RAPHIC Processing Units (GPUs) help accelerate the creation of online images and videos. In October, NVIDIA provided over 260,000 high-end GPUs to South Korea, the equivalent of approximately $10 billion. This positioned the nation among the world's top three AI powers alongside the United States and China. South Korean universities are now interested in how these GPUs can further AI research. Some South Korean universities are already developing courses that blend areas like engineering and ethics, or humanities and computer science. For these institutions, success hinges on teaching students to navigate human-algorithm coexistence while maintaining academic integrity. More broadly, there are discussions about a national AI research association, which would establish a network between reputable universities to further AI research using these GPUs. In a time where many universities in the UK are developing and refining their own AI policies, South Korea's response could show other countries how to integrate AI infrastructure with educational missions.

Academics hail launch of $2.8 billion basic research fund

HE Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science have announced a new fund of DKK18.4 billion (USD 2.8 billion) for basic research to lay the foundation for scientific breakthroughs and innovation. The fund will be distributed from 2026 to 2029. Minister of Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund has celebrated the “greater room for risk-taking for wild ideas” that the fund will enable. The announcement has been welcomed by universities, academics and trade unions. Brian Bech Nielsen, chair of the Rector’s Conference at Universities Denmark, reacted by calling it “a particularly good day for Danish research”. According to Aalborg University Rector Per Michael Johansen, research and innovation has never been more important for Denmark, given the challenges surrounding solving issues of safety, green transition and health in Europe.

By Rachel Baldwin, Orlando McKillop, Chandrayee Raha, Nina Exton

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

3 NEWS

“Tonight we have reclaimed the night” Continued from front

THINK, particularly with Devon Police, they’ve done an awful lot in terms of training and awareness raising.” The march began on Sidwell Street, and went through Exeter City Centre before convening in Bedford Square. Here, Kira, Exeter’s Student Living Officer, gave a moving speech and left us with this message: “Tonight, we have reclaimed the night and showed Exeter that we will not be silent. While this is not something we should have to come together to fight for, we are starting a revolution from the ground up. Tonight is just one moment, and we will continue to speak up.” In a statement to Exeposé after the march, Kira said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the organising team for this year’s Reclaim the Night march. For me, the event is not just about showing up and chanting; it’s about resistance and the demonstration that we have had enough. It was really great to see everyone who came along in solidarity and showed their support for victims of sexual and domestic violence.” Kira went on to praise the cheering of passers-by, and emphasised student safety being a top priority for her.

Two local artists also performed poems they had written about their experiences as women. Emma Lomax wrote “Women Like Us” as a way to find her own voice again. It began with this: “They don’t like women like us. Say we’re too much, too loud, too opinionated, not humble, small, or quiet enough.” Susie Williamson performed “On the Shoulders of Giants”, one part reading “Speak loud and Images: Suhaib Shaukat and Nina Exton

clear of who’s to blame: rapists creating this culture of rape.” This year, Devon Rape Crisis, who have been involved with the march since 2016, passed the baton to North Devon Against Domestic Abuse. Exeposé spoke with Jess Taylor, NDADA’s Communications Coordinator and organiser of this year’s event. NDADA is a non-profit that provides refuge and specialist support services to anyone experiencing domestic abuse — through counselling and programmes like “Empowerment After Domestic Abuse”, which aims to enable abused women to focus on themselves and explore their own power to change the course of their lives. Organising Reclaim the Night was NDADA’s most recent undertaking, a task Jess Taylor found both exciting and daunting — “it’s big shoes to fill, it’s a huge event, but I was over the moon because this work really means a lot to me”. Jess wanted to uphold the standard set by Devon Rape Crisis in the last 10 years, saying “what they’ve created over the years is incredibly powerful, emotive, it’s empowering. It draws in huge crowds of people.” It’s part of a broader global movement, called 16 Days of Action, which works towards putting an end to gender-based violence. Exeposé asked Jess about the unique challenges Exeter University students face that shape their safety and sense of security at night — a topic on which she had plenty to say. Jess emphasised the huge role nightlife plays in the student experience, with students being among the demographics most affected by spiking, and also usually lacking the funds to pay for taxis home after nights out. Students in new cities also lack knowledge of “hotspots” for harassment and violence. Jess says this awareness is made even harder by such conversations generally being taboo. She also explained how the irregularity of student life, far from a traditional nine-to-five routine, often leaves students walking home at off-peak times when public spaces may be less populated. According to a study by UN

Women UK in 2021 full-time students are more likely to experience sexual assault than any other occupational group. Full-time students are more likely to experience sexual assault than any other occupational group

For Exeter students especially, Jess pointed to Devon’s rural nature, and its consequent lack of regular and reliable transport, forcing many to opt for travelling by foot, which can also lead to people feeling unsafe. This is further exacerbated by a lack of street lighting in Exeter. Concerns over Exeter’s street lighting at night was an issue raised by many we talked to. According to one Reclaim the Night attendee, “We still need a lot of lighting. There’s a park close to Fever where a woman was assaulted. There’s no light there at night. It’s a beautiful place in the morning, but if you walk by it or if you’re drunk or just happen to want to go out on your own, you don’t feel that level of protection.” This issue has long been contentious in Exeter, with students especially concerned over dimly lit routes take to and from the University. This debate has been especially renewed in the wake of a yearlong street-dimming trial to cut costs and deliver savings in energy, carbon emissions and costs that began last April. In response to the trial, many Exeter City councillors and safety groups asked this be revisited, claiming darker streets made people feel more unsafe. According to Cllr Andy Ketchin, “Ultimately, safety is as much about perception as reality, and if people perceive a risk, that changes their behaviour irrespective of whether there is reported danger,”. While there are many initiatives in place to make women feel safer, Laura reminded us of the frustrating truth: real safety ultimately lies not in brighter streets or more safeguards for potential victims, but in preventing harmful behaviour and tackling its root causes before it occurs. “What can you do to make sure nobody in your group will ever

become a potential attacker is really the message that I would like to go through”. While the future of streetlighting in Exeter remains unsure following the dimming trial and its backlash, there are many other initiatives in place to protect vulnerable people, especially at night. According to Laura, the Council has been working on improving CCTV. “If you’re ever out, if you look up onto posts, you’ll see these yellow shields, and they say, ‘If you feel unsafe, call this number.’” Each sticker has an individual number corresponding with a CCTV camera, so operators can see you straight away and stay on the phone with you until you feel safe, or call the police if needed.

In keeping with Reclaim the Night’s aim of challenging overlooked issues, Jess took the opportunity of our interview to warn students of common myths about violence against women that need correcting. Primarily, Jess wants to bust the myth that domestic abuse is rare. “That myth really enables people to not think about it much, which can then lead to situations being ignored or continuing to go unseen.” According to Jess, domestic abuse is just as dangerous in its smaller, less noticeable harms, as “domestic abuse doesn’t always look how it looks in the media; it’s often incredibly subtle and hard to see” When asked more about these subtle instances of abuse, Jess said “From a domestic abuse standpoint, I do see an issue with location tracking”. She explained how location tracking can be a double-edged sword, used for your own safety but often weaponised against you. If you’re more interested in the topic of tracking abuse, 16 Days of Activism held a webinar on the subject. More information and resources can

be found on saferdevon.com. “I think another one as well, that can be really overlooked, is if you’re out with your friends and your phone is blowing up, and it’s your partner wanting you to come home [...] I think particularly for men in this case, it can be kind of overlooked and sort of dismissed as a bit of a joke of or you’re under the thumb or, you know, your partner wants you home.” Jess went on to insist that all genders should be able to freely spend time with their friends and family without fear of their partner. Jess also challenged the myth that drugs, alcohol and mental health issues are what makes people violent, giving the people who cause harm a “get out of jail free card”. “It makes it harder for survivors to put boundaries in for their own safety because they feel sort of a sense of responsibility to help that person or to excuse the behaviour rather than to prioritise their own safety.” Similarly, she brought attention to the idea that someone causing harm to someone else has “lost control”, another excuse that allows perpetrators to escape accountability. The idea that someone causing harm to someone else has “lost control” [is] an excuse that allows perpetrators to escape accountability If you’re interested in getting involved in women’s safety movements, whether or not you attended Reclaim the Night this year, there are lots of options for you. If concerned about women’s safety in Exeter, or feel that more needs to be done, you can contact your local councillors and MPs. To reach more people, NDADA and Reclaim the Night are making efforts to expand their social media campaigns, and are looking for volunteers. “We would really love to have a younger group of people to transform 16 Days of Action and make it more relevant across all ages. That would be the goal for next year, I think.” Planning starts early in the year, so if you’re interested in helping with next year’s events, please contact jesstaylor@ndada.co.uk.

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

University cuts Flexible Combined Honours programme Michelle Chung Online Deputy Editor

HE popular Flexible Combined Honours (FCH) course which currently allows students to combine two or three

subject areas, such as Geography and Film & TV, to form one degree will be suspended starting September 2026. This decision was understood to be a sudden change, as a student ambassador who was staffed to work on an October Open Day told Exeposé that there were parents

and prospective students who were booked onto attending talks on the FCH course before they were told that this course was no longer offered by the University. The news was not announced in an official capacity before this article. Yet students of interest would probably have found the note “Last entry onto the FCH programmes will be 2025/26, with no new students being admitted from 2026/27 onwards” on the top of the official FCH course page.

“Last entry onto the FCH programmes will be 2025/26, with no new students being admitted from 2026/27 onwards.” Exeposé reached out to Dr Damien Gaucher and Dr Jo Esra, Interim Director and Deputy Director of

Image: Pexels

the Flexible Combined Honours course, to find out more about the reasons behind this decision but we received no responses. A University of Exeter spokesperson said: “We have taken the difficult decision to stop accepting new students onto the Flexible Combined Honours programme from 2026/27. This does not affect students already on the current FCH, and their programme will run as usual. They have been informed and have had the opportunity to raise concerns and questions. This decision is a result of our continuous review of our academic programmes and teaching and the forthcoming introduction of new courses, including the employability-focussed Minors. We will continue to offer multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students via our Liberal Arts pathway and combined honours programmes.”

Image: Karen Arnold, Public Domain Pitures

New Budget addresses student loans Nina Exton Deputy Editor

HE recent UK Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month, addresses student loans with changes that will affect how much support students receive and the repayment threshold for graduates. The Chancellor has frozen the threshold at which student loans must be paid back. This means that from the 2027-28 academic year onward, the income level at which graduates start repaying their loans will stay the same, a departure from the current practice of adjusting the threshold with inflation or salary growth. This is intended to ensure faster and higher repayments of loans, allowing the government to receive the payments faster and manage the cost of the student loan system.

From the 2027-28 academic year onwards, the income level at which graduates start repaying their loans will stay the same Chancellor Reeves has also introduced a new international student levy, which will see universities

charged £925 per international student from the beginning of the 2028-29 academic year. Universities will be exempt from paying this levy on their first 220 international students, a measure designed to protect smaller institutions. The income raised by this levy will supposedly be used to fund maintenance grants for disadvantaged students studying so-called priority courses, including courses in STEM, social care and education. Currently, this measure will only apply to England. In the Budget, and also affecting young people, are several measures aimed at everyday expenses and living costs. Luckily, for those who rely on train travel at the end of each term, train fares will remain constant – for now. This is the first time in three decades in which regulated rail fares in England will be frozen, that is until March 2027. Historically, fares have typically risen in line with inflation plus one percent. Last March, the increase was 4.6 percent. On the other hand, students relying on packaged protein shakes and pre-made iced lattes to get through library sessions will be hit by the so-called “milkshake tax” – a new levy on sugary drinks intended to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. The Chancellor has also decided to close a tax loophole on small parcels, which has previously allowed

overseas retailers to send goods to the UK worth up to £135 without incurring customs fees. Brands that had benefited from this loophole, including Shein and Temu, will likely raise their prices once it has closed. Minimum wages will also go up from April 2026, with the government making wide attempts to bring the minimum wages for 18 to 20-year olds in line with workers aged 21 and over. Think tank Resolution Foundation called this an "unnecessarily big” rise that could make it harder for 18 to 20-year olds to find work. In response to the budget, Professor Miguel Leon-Ledesma, an economist from the University of Exeter Business School, said: “Today’s Budget shows the tortoise of productivity still trailing the hare of government debt, and that gap now shapes every fiscal choice. Because productivity gains take years to materialise, the Chancellor has again turned to taxes and shortterm levers to balance the books. Until the UK finds a way to speed up that tortoise, future Budgets will keep walking the same tightrope”. While Professor Leon-Ledesma was critical of the inability of the UK’s productivity growth to keep up with fast-rising pressures of public debt, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) welcomed the budget’s continued focus on long-term investment, and

its measures to unlock innovation and drive business growth. According to the NCUB, the Budget “maintains elevated capital spending throughout Parliament and outlines reforms intended to simulate entrepreneurship, attract investment and strengthen the UK’s research and innovation landscape.” Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB, said: "Today's Budget reinforces the UK’s commitment to growth. Protecting long-term investment and backing innovation sends an important message at a time when productivity forecasts have been revised down and the need for stronger growth is evident”. He also had this to say: “Businesses consistently tell us that the UK often has the right ideas, but execution has not always kept pace. Success will rely on the whole ecosystem functioning effectively, not only policy reform but

strong, innovative universities able to partner with business and drive skills, investment and regional growth”. A spokesperson from Exeter Students’ Guild said, “We know the rise in student fees announced in the budget will worry many of you, especially with the cost of living already stretching budgets thin. While these changes won’t come into effect immediately, we know that it puts even more pressure on you, especially international students who face higher fees and greater financial barriers. Your elected Officers are working with the Russell Group Students’ Unions Network and the NUS to challenge these increases and push for a funding system that doesn’t place the burden on students. We’re feeding your concerns directly into national lobbying efforts and will keep fighting for a fair and accessible university experience for all.”

Image:Wikimedia Commons

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Timepiece cleared of wrongdoing in license review Daisy Newbury News Editor

HE Exeter City Council Licensing Sub-Committee determined that Timepiece security officers acted properly in five alleged instances of misconduct. The decision was made at the Sub-Committee’s November 17th meeting, following their consideration of a Review of Premises Licence for Timepiece. Submitted on November 5th by lawyer David Dadds, the Review of Premises Licence for Timepiece outlined five alleged instances of security staff misconduct. The primary incident outlined in the initial review took place on the evening of September 19th, when

Timepiece staff allegedly refused to call an ambulance for a young woman displaying life-threatening symptoms, including shallow breathing and loss of consciousness. According to the report, the woman collapsed twice — once inside the nightclub and again outside in view of security. The report further outlined another alleged incident that occurred the same night, in which a university student was ejected by security after she hit her head falling down the bathroom stairs. The report specified that security did not provide required first aid, nor did they assist the young woman as she was repeatedly losing consciousness and vomiting. However, the Licensing SubCommittee determined at their meeting that the witness accounts presented by Dadds’ review

contradicted the “accurate” CCTV Image: Melissa Swift and body cam footage provided by Timepiece. In their determination notice, the Sub-Committee determined that the first two incidents outlined actually involved the same woman, and that Timepiece security staff properly assisted her after her fall. The notice also specified that, because there was no request to call an ambulance, there was no refusal to call one by the staff.

The Licensing Sub-Committee did not consider revoking or suspending Timepiece’s license at any point during its deliberation. However, the committee did modify the conditions of Timepiece’s license to further

clarify what is expected of the establishment. Updates include items such as revised CCTV requirements, the addition of a welfare station, and the maintaining of both an incident log and refusals register.

The report specified that security did not provide required first aid, nor did they assist the young woman as she was repeatedly losing conciousness and vomiting Image: Pexels

How Exeter lost its Nightline CONTENT WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE WHICH MAY BE DISTRESSING Jordan Andrews and Elodie Magg Exeter Nightline Co-President (2022-24) and Co-President (2024-25)

N December 3rd, the Students’ Guild announced its decision to shut Exeter Nightline. The news will be devastating for many, especially current volunteers. We know the closure will have been a difficult decision. However, as two former coordinators of Exeter Nightline, we feel it’s important to share why Nightline mattered and to provide context to Exeter students – and anyone with an interest in supporting student mental health – on why such a treasured and vital student group has closed. University nightlines are student-run listening and information services that operate during the night. They have existed since the 1970s, and Exeter was one of the first. Each nightline runs independently, usually under a student union, and is based on the principles of empathy, confidentiality and anonymity. Exeter Nightline mattered to the students who phoned or messaged us: it offered a unique source of peer support during the night when other services are unavailable – the ability to talk with a trained, empathetic

listening ear, a fellow student, for up to two hours. To give an illustration of the scale of demand, Exeter Nightline took 303 calls during the 2024-2025 academic year, many of these lasting longer than an hour. Nightline also changed the lives of the students who volunteered with it. Throughout its operation, Exeter Nightline trained thousands of students in active listening skills and promoted awareness of mental health across the university. It ran workshops for the Guild, organised events with Wellbeing Services and student societies, and shared useful welfare tips on social media. Nightline was an integral – but often overlooked – part of student life. For Psychology students, it offered a placement opportunity to gain real-world experience in mental health support. Most freshers will have seen a Nightline poster in their first-year halls. Nightline’s number is on the back of every student card. The direct cause of the Guild’s decision to shut Exeter Nightline was the closure of the Nightline Association (NLA). The NLA was an umbrella charity set up in 2006 to coordinate the work of UK university nightlines. It offered advice to nightlines and doubled-checked their internal policies, accrediting them. However, nightlines remained a diverse collection of student-led groups, each one running differently depending on its partnership with its university and student union, as well as its own legacy of decades of student volunteering. In 2023, York and Manchester nightlines were closed by their student unions in close succession over concerns about volunteer welfare and policy disagreements. This led to greater

scrutiny of how nightlines in the UK were run. In January 2025, the NLA announced it would close due to a lack of funding and many nightlines across the country suddenly faced a crisis of confidence from student unions, concerned they were now on the hook for groups which sometimes dealt with serious calls about mental health. Managing risk is something we were always acutely conscious of as nightline coordinators. Each year, Exeter Nightline answered a small number of calls from

Exeter Nightline ran safely thanks to the dedication of students giving up time during their studies to build something important, and we were often left in awe of this as coordinators. With Nightline’s closure, Exeter is losing the work of hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours. We continue to believe in student volunteering and that the out-of-hours peer support nightlines offer is powerful. We are not alone in believing this; numerous UK nightlines continue to run

Exeter Student Nightline ran safely thanks to the dedication of students giving up time during their studies to build something important

students facing a mental health crisis. Reducing student suicide was a founding purpose of the nightline movement. Nightline trained its volunteers extensively to handle difficult topics, including regular training from experts. Policies reflected helpline sector best practice. Our volunteer welfare processes were used as a model for other nightlines and we worked transparently with Wellbeing Services to support our volunteers. Exeter was a successful, award-winning lifeline. There is risk involved in a lot of things that are worthwhile, and we saw first hand how Nightline changed lives.

and, despite the crisis in its country of origin, the idea of university nightlines is continuing to expand across Europe. Now Exeter Nightline has gone, at least for the immediate future, students and those who care about student mental health will need to consider the following questions: how can the work of Nightline volunteers be preserved and used to improve student welfare? How and why was such a valuable and special service allowed to close? How can the crisis in student mental health be addressed? We want to emphasise that there are still many sources of support available at Exeter. Wellbeing Services offers professional mental health support to students and can be accessed by phone, email or walk-

ins. Although it’s disheartening to lose a thriving and well-used service, it’s important that every volunteer feels immensely proud of the difference they made and the way they live and breathe the values of empathy and compassion. A spokesperson from the Guild issued the following statement: "With the Nightline Association closing nationally, many SUs are having to review their services. After pausing Nightline this term to reflect on how it could safely continue, we, your Students’ Guild, have now made the incredibly tough decision that Nightline Exeter cannot continue in its current form. Without the national body, it’s become much harder to guarantee the training, safeguarding and independent checks a service like these needs. We want to make sure whatever comes next is safe, sustainable, and genuinely supportive. We’ll keep working with the University to explore new ways to offer peer support and to champion better student mental health."

Images: Nightline Image: Lizzie Palmer

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Queen’s Hub closure is reconsidered Kayleigh Swart Editor-in-Chief

FEW months ago, an email was sent out to students to explain that the Queen’s information hub will be shutting down after the Christmas holidays. However, a new update was sent out on December 4th announcing that this will no longer be the case. The Queen’s hub was set to combine with the information point at Amory, meaning all students based in Queen’s would need to go to the Amory point to get any information they would need. Furthermore, there were plans to put new study paces in the vacant area where the Queen’s information point currently is.

However, this change was met with much resistance from students. A petition on change. org was created calling for the university to keep the Queen’s information point. At the time of writing the petition had gained just under 300 signatures. Throughout the petition the creators highlighted three main points against the removal of the info hub. The first was concerns over accessibility. The petition highlights how the hub is essential for students with disabilities and it is not achievable for students to move between the Queens and Amory building to access information. The second concern regards safety and emergency responses. The hub staff are the first contact if anything were

to happen withing the building, and the petition has highlighted student concerns about what would happen if there is no guaranteed on-site support. Finally, the petition outlined how the online enquiry system is not a suitable replacement for in-person services. While online forms are useful for some, they can’t replace real time conversations and experienced staff. Additionally, not all students can use online systems. In the latest email sent out, the Queen’s hub stated that they had been speaking with student representatives and listening to the feedback students had to this change. Francis, your Education Officer, said: “We’ve been supporting student discussions around the Hub closure and

have already heard directly from student reps in both the Harrison and Queen’s Buildings about how this move could impact their learning and day-to-day experience. Students have shared real worries about accessibility, safety and what happens in an emergency if the Hub is no longer in Queen’s. Following the feedback we shared with the University, they have decided to pause the closure so that a proper consultation with students can take place. If this decision affects you or you want to share your experience, please keep talking to us. Your feedback powers the action we take when we challenge the University on the issues that matter most to you.”

Image: Nina Exton

St Petrock’s shines a light on homelessness this Christmas Jasmine Wilson

ITH an average of 40 people sleeping on the streets of Exeter each night between April and September 2025 — a 38 percent increase since 2024 — St Petrock’s asks to ‘help keep the lights on’. The homelessness charity, run on volunteers and funded almost entirely by the local community, launched a 2025 Christmas appeal to fund their

services. At the center of St Petrock’s appeal is their belief that everyone deserves somewhere warm and dry to celebrate the season’s festivities.

Everyone deserves somewhere warm and dry to celebrate the season’s festivities St Petrock’s one-minute film shows how the charity has helped people in the past and its importance to the homeless commu-

nity of Exeter, especially as the colder months draw in. In the first 10 days of the campaign, St Petrock’s raised £8,000, and hopes to reach £50,000 by 5 January 2026 to help them continue to offer their Christmas welfare services they have been giving for the last 30 years. This includes a Christmas meal, a place to rest, and a chance to spend the holiday surrounded by others and not alone, as no one should be alone at Christmas. As this can be such a

tough time for those with no place to go, this Christmas you can donate too! To help them reach their goal over the next few weeks, visit the St Petrock’s Christmas fundraising appeal on their website, stpetrocks.org. uk, where you can also find information about more ways to support and volunteer for

To help them reach their goal ... visit the St Petrock’s Christmas fundraising appeal Image: Wikimedia Commons

Labour and Conservative councillors oppose new initiative Isabella Brooks News Editor

abour and Conservative Councillors in Exeter jointly blocked a proposal supported by voluntary and community organisations to create a more inclusive, evidencebased response to antisocial

A proposal [...] to create a more inclusive, evidence-based response to antisocial behaviour in the city centre Image: Wikimedia Commons

behaviour in the city centre. The rejection came despite Exeter City Council’s longstanding failure over fourteen years to meet its legal responsibilities to oversee the Exeter Community Safety Partnership (CSP), the body responsible for coordinating antisocial behaviour strategy. The report outlines how, after early compliance, the Council gradually abandoned proper scrutiny: CSP minutes disappeared from scrutiny agendas, oversight was shifted to informal boards- including ones illegally staffed by executive members- and records became scarce or re-

dacted. Repeated delays, political manoeuvring, and resistance from senior officer Ian Collinson, who also chairs the CSP, stalled efforts to investigate city-centre safety issues.

timately voted against forming a cross-party task group, leaving the city without transparent or accountable oversight of its community safety strategy.

Ian Collinson, who also chairs the CSP, stalled efforts to investigate city-centre safety issues. When the scrutiny committee finally heard evidence from local organisations in September 2025, councillors ulImage: Wikimedia Commons

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

Features

FEATURES EDITORS:

Bethany Last Ria Brown-Aryee

South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis Kayleigh Swart, Editor-In-Chief, discusses the ongoing crisis in South Africa

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO DEATH AND VIOLENCE IN WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

OUTH Africa has officially classified violence against women as a national disaster following a long online and inperson campaign. This comes after the organisation Women for Change (WFC) lead a long movement focusing on the G20 summit that took place in South Africa during November. Their aim was to make gender-based violence and femicide be declared as a national disaster. UN Women reports that South Africa experiences some of the world’s highest levels of gender-based violence; women are killed at five times higher rates than the global average. According to crime statistics between April 2023 to March 2024: 5,578 women were murdered;

UN WOMEN REPORTS THAT SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCES SOME OF THE WORLD’S HIGHEST LEVELS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

over 42 thousand rape cases were reported and over 63 thousand women were assaulted with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. While there has been an increase in genderbased violence across the country (there was a 33 per cent increase in women murdered between 2022/23 and 2023/24) this is not a new story for the women living in South Africa. In January 2024 Oscar Pistorius was released on parole after serving eight and a half years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He only served half of his original sentence and has been put on parole for five years. A spokesper- Image: Flickr son from WFC told The Citizen paper that since Re e va ’s passing around 25 thousand w o m e n have been victims of femicide in South Africa. Addition-

ally, they said his release is a “failing [to] all other sisters who have died due to femicide”. Women For Change have been working since 2016 to create a South Africa “Where every woman and child live free from violence”. Their most recent mission has been to get the South African government to recognises gender-based violence as a national disaster. One of their main protests has been labelled as the G20 Women’s shutdown. During this protest women were urged to withdraw from the economy for one day and also lie down for 15 minutes in honour of

the 15 women who are killed every day across the country. In addition to this, there was a large online organisation to raise awareness of gender-based violence which included a petition signed by over one million people. This has been supported by many South African celebrities, such as Siya Kolisi, the

THIS HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY MANY SOUTH AFRICAN CELEBRITIES captain of the Springboks and the singer Tyla. The G20 summit is the annual meeting of the heads of state from a group of twenty member countries. It was established to address global challenges, especially economic problems. WFC have stated on their website that “Until South Africa stops burying a woman every two and a half hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress”. After all their work protesting, the president Cyril Ramaphosa told the G20 social summit that South Africa would declare genderbased violence and femicide as a national crisis. In response WFC put out a statement saying: “We have written history together [and] we have finally forced the country to confront the truth”.

The end of 2025: what we gained and lost

ITH 2025 coming to an end, it’s time to reflect on what happened during this year. Marked by various geopolitical conflicts, an increase in far-right protests in the UK, and New York saw a Muslim mayor elected for the first time, the year has been full of events that have reshaped public discourse. In the UK, 2025 was the year when far-right protests really took off, engulfing the country’s leadership with serious questions to be answered in the coming year. Exeter also witnessed a fair bit of the far-right protests on its streets, raising concerns

Image: Bingjiefu He on Wikimedia Commons

Suhaib Shaukat assesses the highs and lows of 2025 amongst international students and various ethnicities. The disorder on the streets coerced the Labour government to announce a major overhaul of the immigration system, with many criticising the government for bowing down to the pressure of the far-

NEW YORK SAW ZOHRAN MAMDANI BEING ELECTED ITS FIRST MUSLIM MAYOR

r i g h t . In November, New York saw Zohran Mamdani being elected its first Muslim mayor in a historic election win. His victory sparked conversations across the city about representation, shifting political landscapes, and the grow-

ing influence of communities long underrepresented. The election campaign caught the attention of people, especially Gen Z, who are massive supporters of Mamdani. Trump presidency 2.0 also kicked off this year. Chaos is an insignificant word to describe his early days of the presidency. The closure of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), along with layoffs in various departments, in the context of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) drive, resulted in reduced popularity of Trump’s administration. The year witnessed the continuation of attacks in Gaza, resulting in the killing of vulnerable kids and women. In a positive development, Palestine got recognised by France, the UK, Canada and Australia. The recognition was followed by a ceasefire

Iran, in response to the US attack, attacked Qatar, raising the bar for all-out war, but fortunately, calm heads prevailed, resulting in a ceasefire. The boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has continued, with countries pouring massive investment into it. One region that has stood out this year is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, especially Saudi Arabia. In May, they launched Humain, the national company that will lead the race to make the country an AI powerhouse. The country signed deals worth millions with US tech companies during the Crown Prince MBS’s trip to Washington, D.C. The Women’s Rugby World Cup was a major sports event that saw crowds cheering for their favourite team. England got the honour to be the hosting country, and the cherry on the top was the Red Roses (Women’s Rugby Team) winning the cup by defeating Canada in the fiTHE BOOM IN ARTIFICIAL nal. Exeter also saw a good fair of excitement INTELLIGENCE (AI) HAS as it was one of the hosting cities in England. The story of 2025 is a story of contradicCONTINUED tions. If anything, this year taught us that probrokered by the US, Egypt and Turkey, generating gress and loss often travel together—that every hope for a long-lasting peace in the Middle East. step forward casts a shadow, and every setback June saw the 12-day war between Israel and offers an opportunity. Humans felt simultaneIran, followed by the US attacks on Iran’s nu- ously stretched thin by the pace of change and clear sites. A region where the security situa- motivated by the possibilities it revealed. Behind tion is already complex, the last thing it required every challenge was a reminder of our collecwas another conflict between two arch-rivals. tive capacity to respond, innovate, and evolve.

9 FEATURES

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

A homemade Christmas

Lauren Hennessey looks at the benefits of a homemade Christmas

T is no secret that Christmas has been completely overwhelmed by consumerism, as a money-making opportunity for the retail giants to perpetuate all kinds of disposability culture. In light of the cost-of-living crisis, I say there is no time like the present to start taking back control over our own festive period and start leaning towards a much more budget-friendly and meaningful homemade Christmas. Life is fast now, and convenience products are rife, but is Christmas not a period for slowing down and enjoying rare quality time with loved ones and looking after yourself ? Therefore, the more we spend on convenience, it seems that we only push ourselves away from what really matters. When I think back to childhood Christmases, the memories that stand out are those when we were all together, enjoying cosy festive fun with the people I loved, not how much parents were spending on presents, or how much we spent on decorations or convenience food. Instead, creating these things together and making such magical memories is what has lasted the test of time. Therefore, I vote we start to strip back Christmas again to what is important, benefitting both our pockets and the planet alike.

IS CHRISTMAS NOT A PERIOD FOR SLOWING DOWN AND ENJOYING RARE QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES AND LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF? The amount of waste over the Christmas

period seems almost insurmountable, with research suggesting that a enormous twelve thousand, five hundred tonnes of Christmas decorations will end up in landfill each year, or perhaps considering the around forty million Christmas crackers tossed straight in the bin on the big day too. This just seems wholly

impossible to abstain from consumer culture.

IT CAN SEEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO ABSTAIN FROM CONSUMER CULTURE

Image: Pexels, Marko Klaric

unnecessary when so many, much more wholesome, reusable and affordable, options exist. It is undeniable that social media plays an enormous part in perpetuating this ‘must-buy’ mentality, our screen constantly bombarding us with strategically targeted advertisements for all sorts of latest fast-fashion. In a world where everything is so accessible and bought with the click of a button, it can seem almost

cus from unrealistic chasing festive aesthetics and start to live back in the moment, the way we loved so much when we were little. See decorating your house with friends as a fun opportunity to spend some quality time together before the Christmas break; perhaps an evening of creating some paper stars, orange garlands or foil snowmen could be a good pause during deadline season. Or, if you’re feeling more foodie, how about a friendly gingerbread house decorating competition? In the interest of festive community spirit, it would most definitely be worth researching free local events to get involved with; from cosy carol services at the local church to volunteering at a local shelter to give back a little, these memories will be sure to outlive any gift on your list this year. So, this year, let us all slow down a little and enjoy our Christmas for what it should be, creating magical memories with the people we love.

ENJOY OUR CHRISTMAS FOR WHAT IT SHOULD BE, CREATING MAGICAL MEMORIES WITH THE PEOPLE WE LOVE

With endless ‘Christmas Hauls’ and ‘What’s On My Christmas Lists’ or ‘Christmas Decoration Tours’, it is no wonder that we all feel so much pressure to live up to these picture-perfect supposed ideals. However, it’s these types of comparisons that have led to such gift-inflation and over-spending on meaningless festive fashions. Therefore, it is so important that, this Christmas, we are able to move our fo-

Image: FreeSVG

From shoe boxes to soup

Erin-Rose Morris looks at what you can do to help others this Christmas

HRISTMAS is often seen as a truly magical time of the year, filled with warmth, family gatherings, gifts and boundless cheer. But beneath the twinkling lights and underneath the bows, this winter season can be incredibly difficult for many. Coupled with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the 25th is not always a day of joy. For many in our community, it is simply another day shadowed by uncertainty, pressure and financial insecurity. This reality is why coming together is more important than ever to make a genuine difference this Christmas.

mas. Students can also take part in their ‘Be a Star’ campaign, organising a fundraising activity at home, on campus, or at your workplace. Crisis, a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness and providing incredible support to society’s most vulnerable, is currently running its Stocking Appeal. Through their website, supporters can build their virtual stocking filled with essential items to be distributed directly to

Action for Children has launched their Secret Santa Christmas Appeal. This initiative will allow supporters to purchase virtual gifts to bring enjoyment and comfort to vulnerable children. With many options, from books to toys, warm clothing, or even a visit to Santa, every gift will brighten a child’s Christmas. Of course, many students may find it difficult to donate money or buy gifts, and may even

BENEATH THE TWINKLING AND UNDERNEATH THE BOWS, THIS WINTER SEASON CAN BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT FOR MANY Making a difference is much easier than you think! From national campaigns to local initiatives, to simple acts of kindness, there are countless opportunities for students to make a meaningful contribution this Christmas. This year, look beyond the tinsel and seek out the many opportunities where your time, expertise and generous donations can bring comfort and stability to those who need it most. The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal is already underway, welcoming both monetary donations and gifts for children who might otherwise wake up to an empty tree on Christ-

Image: freerangestock.com, Jill Wellington

those experiencing homelessness, offering immediate comfort and vital steps towardslongterm stability. Each stocking will make a tangible contribution to helping people take their first steps towards a life outside of homelessness.

be feeling the pressure themselves. No cash? No problem. The most valuable gift you can give is your time. Spending just an hour or two a week at a local food bank, charity shop, or church drive can make all the difference this Christmas.

St Petrock’s right here in Exeter is also welcoming volunteers to support local homelessness.

THE MOST VALUABLE GIFT YOU CAN GIVE IS YOUR TIME This list is far from exhaustive and shines a spotlight on just a handful of initiatives we as students can get involved with. There are so many opportunities right here on campus. Explore opportunities through Exeter Student Volunteers, for example offering a hand through ‘Homeless Action’ or ‘Food Action’ to ensure support is given to those who need it most and no food is wasted over the festive period. And while these efforts are especially critical during the busy holiday season, the spirit of giving does not need to end when the decorations come down. The impact of your time, energy and generosity will last far beyond Christmas, and your Christmas support may even inspire a long-term commitment to your community. However you choose to spend your Christmas, embody the spirit of giving and help to make a collective change in our community.

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING DOES NOT NEED TO END WHEN THE DECORATIONS COME DOWN

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

Climate

CLIMATE EDITOR:

Poppy Fellows

European Wildcats may make their return to Devon

Antoni Kaldunski, International Editor, explores how wildcats may be reintroduced into British wildlife

N an exciting development for British conservation, it was announced on 18th November that European Wildcats could soon be seen in Devon for the first time in more than a century. Once widespread across the UK, these elusive cats vanished from England due to habitat loss. Now, thanks to a major reintroduction effort led by the Devon Wildlife Trust, the species may be returning to the county’s woodlands, right on the doorstep of the University of Exeter. Their reintroduction will be a meticulous and long-term process, built around restoring suitable habitats, securing community support and ensuring that the released animals can survive independently. Before any wild-

cats are introduced, conservationists must confirm that this landscape can support them. This includes establishing appropriate woodland corridors, healthy prey populations, and minimal risk from roads or human disturbance. Devon’s well-connected natural areas and expanding rewilding projects makes it one of the most promising regions in England for their return. The Devon Wildlife Trust has spent years preparing for this moment. Working with national experts, local landowners and international breeding centres, the Trust has developed a programme that follows the successful Scottish model. Wildcats bred in controlled, high welfare environments are gradually pre-

pared for life in the wild. This involves reducing human contact, encouraging hunting behaviour and monitoring their health through non-intrusive methods. Once released, the cats will be tracked using GPS collars to ensure they adapt well to their new surroundings. A key part of the project is public involvement. The Trust has spoken with farmers, residents and councils about the value of wildcats and the need to keep domestic cats neutered to prevent crossbreeding. If all goes well, Devon could soon see the return of a species that disappeared more than a century ago, marking a major step forward for conservation in the Southwest. Image: Animalia

Climate Comebacks: French law targets fast fashion brands Maja Varga discusses legislation tackling the climate crisis of fast fashion

RANCE, the cultural and regulatory centre of European fashion, has drawn a decisive line. In March 2024, France has taken its most daring strike to intervene in the growing and uncontrollable fast fashion industry. The National Assembly passed Bill No.2120 introducing a revolutionary ban on advertising alongside mandatory sustainability disclosures on brands such as Shein and Temu. This law challenges the very foundations of the fast fashion industry, built on textile waste, the encouragement of vast overconsumption and fuelled by labour exploitation. The law has introduced escalating financial penalties with five Euros per item from 2025, rising to ten Euros by 2030, capped at 50 per cent of a product’s price. Companies that fail environmental criteria, produce excessively, or discourage repairability

Image: Wolf vs Goat

may fall under this new, legally defined category of “fast fashion practices.” E-commerce platforms and influencers promoting fast fashion will also face fines of up to €100,000. The aim of the act is reducing the fast-fashion industry’s destructive environmental footprint and its impact on the way society views fashion and consumerism. The policy encourages consumers to reconsider the value, durability, and environmental cost of what they wear. MP Anne-Cécile Violland sees this new movement for change as “not about targeting a brand but turning the sector” around. It is a structural intervention designed for long-term sustainability. The legislation pressures consumers and companies alike to reconsider durability, value, and responsibility in the fashion ecosystem. Globally, the implications and the future of how countries handle the climate crisis will be

shaped by this new legislation. If France is successful, this model could be replicated across the EU. Marketwise, brands will be encouraged to shift from volume to durability, luxury, repair, with second-hand sectors likely to gain traction. France’s attack on fast fashion industry will shape a new era for environmental protection through policy rather than controlled by the volatility of consumer habits.

SHAPE A NEW ERA FOR ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION THROUGH POLICY

Indigenous communities making their voices heard at COP30 protests

Poppy Fellows, Climate Editor, examines the impact had on climate discussions resulting from protests at the COP30 summit held in Belém, Brazil

HE world’s indigenous people are the protectors of 82 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Following the COP30 conference, their role in the discussions around climate will be much greater. At this year’s COP30 summit, there were over 900 indigenous delegates making their voices heard in official debates. Including participation in diplomacy, protests and lobbying, shouting that the land is “not safe”, indigenous people are politically active in the dialogue around this summit. In COP30’s host city Belem, thousands took to the streets in a march calling for action against

environmental degradation. Here, the conflicts and rising violence faced by indigenous communities is highlighted; the conflicts driven by issues about land-use and tenure.

THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE THE PROTECTORS OF 82% OF THE WORLD’S BIODIVERSITY. The Munduruku Indigenous community live on the basin of the Amazon river. They

are fierce protectors of the climate and the Amazon national park. Their work is vital and involves preventing illegal logging and mass deforestation. It has also been found that their traditional practices, such as controlled burning, are examples of how humans can interact with their environments in a sustainable way. The Munduruku people disrupted the conference, delaying discussions between delegates at the summit. This urged the COP presidency to meet with their leaders to discuss demarcation of their areas of the forest – evident of the importance of speaking out and “making voices heard”. Demarcation of these areas is crucial for

the protection of the forest from environmental risks of deforestation or coal mining. With thanks to this demarcation process, it could prevent the additional 20 per cent of deforestation, with a 26 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The Amazon National Park is central to the regulation of the global

THEIR WORK IS VITAL AND INVOLVES PREVENTING ILLEGAL LOGGING

Comment

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

EDITOR’S COLUMN Lucas Eley, Comment Editor

COMMENT EDITORS Tom Richardson Lucas Eley

Principles, politics and the Russian Question

Lucas Eley, Comment Editor, discusses how some left-wing thinkers have been driven pro-Russia

S students at our presitigious university of “Exe-rah”, “Exetah” or a million other nicknames we have surely all heard the thousand and one jokes about our university being famous for every student taking a “gap yah”. But how common really is taking a gap year at Exeter compared to other universities in the country? Why is that? And is it worth it, over a year abroad? On average, between five-point-two and six-point-six percent of students across the UK choose to take a gap year, be it to work, volunteer, or travel, whereas at Exeter, according to the Tab in 2024, 24 percent of students took a gap year before their studies began. While this is significantly higher than the year-on-year average, it is important to note it is not the highest, with other Universities having significantly higher rates, such as Oxford Brookes, which has a 38 percentage in particular. So why is there such a huge difference across different universities? The most obvious argument to make is the broader class divides that British universities are famous for, with universities more often regarded as “posh” or for people from wealthier backgrounds stereotypically having significantly higher rates of university deferral. Exeter, Durham, Bristol and the aforementioned Oxford Brookes all sport among the highest percentages of students taking a year to travel and are also culturally often considered to be “bank of mum and dad” students. Aside from where and how so many students take gap years before starting their further education, the wider question of why still remains. Traditionally a year out is taken to go travelling and “find yourself ” in a sort of vaguely pretentious, therapy-speak kind of way. However, trends show more recently as graduate job markets become more and more competitive students are often opting instead to pad out their CVs with work experience, internships or volunteering. So why the shift? This change in reasoning for deferring is representative of a significantly wider problem with university graduate job markets as a whole. With some reports seeing a 30 percent decrease in real graduate job listings year on year as of the past few years, decreasing economic growth in the United Kingdom disincentivising hiring, and the loss of entry level positions both due to the growth in use of Artificial Intelligence and job stagnation preventing new openings its no wonder graduates have been left feeling like they have to ramp up their CVs to compete with the, on average, 140 applicants per role UK employers are seeing in 2025.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

IVEN the nation’s long history of unabashed imperial ambition, there cannot be any doubt that Russian interests in Ukraine both in their 2022 invasion and the 2014 seizure of Crimea are unashamedly territorial-focused. Putting aside why Russia chose to do what it has, with theories ranging from Putin seeking legacy to fears over the westernisation of Russia and broader Eastern Europe, it is important to look at the way the Russo-Ukrainian conflict has divided the western political sphere especially in the United States.

THE NATION’S LONG HISTORY OF IMPERIAL AMBITION The split along this axis has largely come due to a shift from openly “world police” focused US policy to the supposedly “America First” movements of the Trump era. The stark difference becomes obvious if one were to compare the relatively Hawkish GW Bush administration to the second term of the Trump administration which

has been fraught with concerns closer to home than most of his predecessors. Even when the Commander-in-Chief does broach foreign policy it is more often on the battlegrounds of X (formerly Twitter) than those of shellfire.

WHEN THE COMMANDERIN-CHIEF DOES BROACH FOREIGN POLICY IT IS MORE OFTEN ON THE BATTLEGROUNDS OF X THAN THOSE OF SHELLFIRE However, the real split has come along the left wing across the world with different interpretations of one shared principled stance forcing people into opposing positions. On one hand, anti-western thought has pushed some towards supporting Russian interests in the region seeing the expansion of so-called Western interests into Eastern Europe as a “Silent Empire” -esque expansion of American power globally. On the other, vehement opposition to Imperialism of all

kinds pushes away from Russian regional interests, arguing that they are doing the exact same thing the US is condemned for. This phenomena of seemingly anti-imperialist left wing political figures somehow being okay with it when done by statedly or formerly socialist and communist nations has led to internet political communities labelling these people “tankies”, a term originating from British Communists to pejoratively describe those within who excused the use of excessive armed force to crush political dissent in the Soviet Union. This issue only fully opens itself up however when one considers the Russia-Ukraine split as but one axis, posed against the military operations in Gaza by Israel. As once posited by Bruno Macaes in the New Statesman, the two conflicts neatly slice the western political paradigm on foreign policy into four distinct identities along two axes. “Westernists”, who are driven by western interests in the region, largely pro-Israel and pro-Ukraine and encompassing the vast majority of Western Politicians. “Political Darwinists”, might make right political theorists, often part

of fringe American politics such as Marjorie Taylor-Greene who are anti-Ukraine support and anti-Palestine. “Anti-westernists”, pro-Russia and Pro-Palestine, driven by ideological disagreement with American and more broadly Western global dominance, and finally “universalists”, who are both Pro-Ukraine and Pro-Palestine due to consistent pro-state rights and pro-international law views.

THE ISSUE ONLY FULLY OPENS ITSELF UP HOWEVER WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THE RUSSIAUKRAINE SPLIT AS BUT ONE AXIS Debatably these issues have in themselves created their own new political paradigm, at least when it comes to foreign policy as people rush to broadly define themselves as pro- issues much like they rushed to define themselves as hawkish or dovish in relation to the Middle East Conflicts, so too often ignoring the complexities of these stances and their broader historical and ideological implications.

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

Palestine 36: caught in the crossroads of Empire

Honor Borley discusses the significance of the film’s story of resistance, loss, and unbroken determination.

ALESTINE 36 does more than dramatize a historical event; it forces a confrontation with long-buried truths about colonial violence, dispossession, and memory. Set during the 1936–1939 Arab revolt against British colonial rule — revolt born of despair at land dispossession, mass immigration under the Mandate, and systemic injustice — the film captures a moment when oppression morphed into open resistance.

CAPTURES A MOMENT WHEN OPPRESSION MORPHED INTO OPEN RESISTANCE Under the direction of AnneMarie Jacir, the narrative sweeps from rural villages to Jerusalem, tracing lives caught up in economic dispossession, surging oppression, and colonial indifference, slowly but inevitably radicalised. The character arc of the young farmerturned-worker Yusuf (among others) carries a haunting realism: his transformation from a hopeful vil-

Image: Matson Collection, Wikimedia Commons

lager seeking dignity to a symbol of resistance feels like many Palestinians’ real, intergenerational story. Cinematically and thematically, the film is powerful. Jacir doesn’t shoot for subtlety: the brutality of imperial violence is unsparing. The moral binary of oppressor vs oppressed is laid bare. For viewers investing emotionally and politically in Palestine’s struggle, this is not “just history” but living memory, resonant

with current injustices and the ongoing erasure of Palestinian narratives.

NOT AS AN ISOLATED TRAGEDY, BUT AS A DARK ECHO OF COLONIAL PRACTICES Critics have noted some weaknesses: pacing can feel heavy, and the sheer breadth of characters oc-

casionally dilutes personal characterdriven storytelling. Yet these flaws pale beside the film’s importance. “Palestine 36” does more than depict old wrongs: it insists on remembrance, restores erased histories, and honours the memory of resistance. In doing so, it provides grounding to understand the modern context of conflict; not as an isolated tragedy, but as the dark echo of colonial policies

that continue to shape the present. Although Palestine 36 has already achieved significant acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival in November 2025 and being officially submitted as Palestine’s candidate for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, its reach remains modest. Importantly, the film is backed by BBC Film (alongside British Film Institute (BFI) and other international partners), giving it legitimacy and resources ordinarily associated with more mainstream productions. Despite this institutional backing, its UK release (through Curzon Film) appears focused on arthouse and specialist cinemas. The result is a striking contrast between its pedigree and its limited exposure: a film with major institutional support and global awards potential, but one many potential viewers may still struggle to access. Ultimately, “Palestine 36” is not comfortable, and certainly not an easy viewing, but that is its strength. It demands empathy, recognition, and historical accountability. For those who wish to understand what underlies the Palestinian struggle today, this film is essential viewing.

The lack of laws surrounding AI generated content Lani Elatte looks at the recent increase of using AI to create explicit deepfakes

FFCOM, the UK’s communication regulator, has issued a fine of £50,000 to the company Itai Tech Ltd, after they failed to implement adequate age verification tools. The company in question allows visitors to create nude images of people from their existing photos us-

Image: Pixnio

ing AI. Age verification is required under the online safety act which helps prevent children from accessing pornographic material. The online safety act states websites must ensure there are “highly effective” measures to prevent under 18s from viewing such material. Since the UK government’s

ALLOWS VISITORS TO CREATE NUDE IMAGES OF PEOPLE FROM THEIR EXISTING PHOTOS commitment to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) by 2030, there has been discussion on banning such “nudifying” websites and apps in order to prevent “deepfake” sexual abuse. While it is illegal to share deepfake nudes without the consent of the individual in the image, there are currently no laws which prevent people from creating them (unless the individual is under 18.) With a quick google search I was able to find one of these websites pretty easily, there is also very little protection or barriers to actually accessing the website. The lack of legal implication of creating deepfakes, their

ease of access and their potential for abuse personally shocked me. A recent article in The Guardian stated that headteachers were regularly seeing this in schools, with students showing each other these types of images incredibly casually; in classrooms or on the schoolbus. The normalisation of pornography is already problematic and scary enough, and yet we’ve found ourselves becoming numb even to fake pornography. As we bear in mind the increase in violence, misogyny and assaul,t often perpetuated by young men, alongside the increase in loneliness, mental health problems and social stigma in the same group this becomes particularly concerning.

THE CREATION OF DEEPFAKE NUDE IMAGES IS, AT ITS CORE, AN ABUSIVE ACT

The creation of deepfake nude images is, at its core, an abusive act. It perpetuates an attitude in which women can be digitally stripped of their autonomy. These tools, used predominantly by men, risk fostering the belief that if a woman will reject them technology can simply override her consent. This is happening alongside evidence that young men are having fewer sexual and romantic relationships than ever before. The growing normalisation of non-consensual nude deepfakes will widen this disconnect, encouraging a view of women primarily as objects rather than equal partners, and making genuine connections even harder to build. As the UK government develops its VAWG strategy, it is crucial that policymakers recognise how deepfake technology contributes to an environment where women’s consent and dignity are regularly u n d e r m i n e d .

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

Satire

SATIRE EDITOR:

Christopher Lyndsay

All Business students to receive coal for Christmas

Sebastion Broom

ONG time venture capitalist, Santa Claus, in a recent announcement, revealed his plan to deliver aspiring “entrepreneurs” a lump of coal this Christmas as both a gesture of goodwill and investment. Read on as we, the good people of Exeposé (not the Miami vocal group) satire panel explore different responses. “Daddy says black energy rock good. Money grow large. Jet get bigger,” said one bright little business student as he sucked scum from his fingernail. “Old jet go though. Make me sad.

A lot of good memory.” As much as we love Santa, this young fellow gives a different, more nostalgic perspective. Maybe just having one, more homely, private jet is the whole point? As we wonder through the London suburbs with our crew we notice Santa personally handing out contracts (and getting a few people to sign NDA’s through totally legal force) outlining contractual obligations and Mr Claus’ eventual cut of the business. While we appreciate the formality, thankfully we all know that the government will simply bale these young chaps out as, for surely no other reason, an expression of Christmas spirit.

DADDY SAYS BLACK ENERGY ROCK GOOD. MONEY GROW LARGE, JET GET BIGGER. “It’s really unfair man; I can’t believe that capitalist pig would do that. He doesn’t help us working people out,” totes another young man in a Bob Dylan-esque getup as he hastily tucks a piece of paper into his breast-pocket. We can’t help but observe the ies Frans brand plastered over his person as well as the wristwatch, that of

which could likely pay a families’ utilities bill until Andromeda crashes into the Milky Way. This young man was certainly not on the naughty list! Just before we published this article, Santa announced what others will be receiving this year. The Petty Bourgeoisie will be receiving stocks in Apple and ten grams of cocaine. The Working-Class will receive a copy of Randy Newman Greatest Hits (a stupendous album might we add) as well as ten pounds of Blockbuster store credit. The elves meanwhile will continue to live in eternal servitude, how grateful they must be to work for their jolly overlord!

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Phoebe Andrews

WOKE up, ready for another day at WhiteHouse School. My blond locks were tousled, and I anxiously threw them into a messy bun. As I wrung my hands together, my sunset orange spray tan started to flake away. As usual, all I had time for was a Big Mac and my diet coke which I left out the fridge – I’m such a klutz... He wouldn’t even look twice at me. Filled with these thoughts, I wandered to the school. That’s when I saw ... him. The alpha senior Bill Clinton. In the arms of his girlfriend. As usual. I walked past them, but couldn’t help looking at him. His silver hair shone as he

He grabbed my books authoritatively and chewed on his bubble-gum. Those blue orbs. shoved them deep into my stomachIn my distraction, I tripped over the student no longer my prince charming. council election posters that lined the When I glanced around, I halls. I would have ran, but I couldn’t saw why. Not only was Hibe Captain of the golf team as well. lary glaring into my soul, My books were scattered but the head of the school on the floor. But, as tears paper, Vlad had albloomed in my orbs, I felt ready snapped a picture. a guiding, firm hand press Leaning in he whisinto the small of my back pered, “Now they are “Need any help with that? all gathered around, he growled possessively as his let’s give them a show” . hand tightened on my blue blazer. I nodded tentativeIt was Bill. The big, beautiful Bill. ly, suddenly unsure. He “Y-yes!” the words tumseemed to notice my hesitance. bled out furiously. My cheeks Image: wikimedia commons “Come on, let’s go to heated with suppressed longing.

the wall”. His tall unwavering figure guided me out into the parking lot towards the wall, Vlad following all the while with his camera. We paused. Bill turned around, orbs flashing with rage “Leave us” he commanded, typical of the leader of the Saxophone band. Vlad smirked, always the bad boy “Have it your way, Bubba” . A mottled blush coloured his cheeks “That’s- that’s private” he screamed, with an uncharacteristic fear in his vocals. “Embrace it” I giggled, smiling to myself. “Thank you, Donald... That means a lot” In the next moment, he leaned in and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Shock horror as secret santa gift purchased day before not personalised

Molly Pagani-Williams

T’S the day before the Christmas flat party where all your friends will gather around the tiny plastic tree in the corner of the room, ignore your deadlines, and hand out carefully handpicked gifts for each other. Except for you, the Secret Santa of one unfortunate attendee, who’s Etsy account has not been touched, and who’s search history says ‘last minute secret santa gifts’. Your unfruitful attempts to Insta stalk

your giftee have all led to this moment: stood amongst the remainders of Black Friday sales staring aimlessly at the shelves desperate for inspiration. You can see it now, as you sweat bullets under your scarf, chewing your nails and commiserating your inability to plan ahead.

IN DESPERATION YOU WONDER IF YOU COULD LEARN TO KNIT A HAT IN 24 HOURS

Tomorrow you will watch your poor giftee open their sadly wrapped set of Christmas socks and a book on whatever subject you think you heard them mention last (maybe). It will lie amongst personalised mugs and awards for ‘Best Cook’ embroidered on aprons and that one awkward gift from the friend crushing on your housemate you hope will block out the memory of your pathetic attempt at gifting. In desperation, you wonder if you could learn how to knit a hat in 24 hours. You settle on the socks and go for a pint.

Image: publicdomainpictures.net

Charred Christmas dinner better than previous attempt turns

Christopher Lyndsay Satire Editor

AUGHTER and cheers of joy resounded from student flats and houses this year as, miraculously, Christmas dinner was not a completely unsalvageable disaster. In fact, according to relieved students, it was only a mild catastrophe. Students attribute their newfound expertise in Christmas cooking to an increased Christmas spirit, as well as a primal fear of salmonella. As it

Image: pxhere.com

out, a visit to the bathroom after consuming raw meat is not a place of festive cheer. Fortunately, the lessons learned from last years undercooked attempts have clearly paid off. Raw turkey – or whatever meat was cheaper – is but a distant memory as students gazed lovingly on the smouldering remains of their charred meal. As the foam from the fire extinguisher gleamed white like snow, and the smoke alarm rang out like bells for Christmas day, yuletide joy was felt all around. Even when the Christmas crackers were forgotten by the same person whose only job was to get the fucking Christmas crack-

THE SMOKE ALARM RANG OUT LIKE BELLS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY ers, chestnuts exploding in the oven were a worthy stand in for the merry sound of gunpowder. These student’s almost edible Christmas dinners show that Christmas miracles do, indeed, happen. Perhaps with next years attempt, there might even be hope of flavour!

LIFESTYLE

ART & LIT

MUSIC

SCREEN

EXCETERA...

EXHIBIT Images (right to left, top to bottom): Picryl, Pexels, wikimedia commons, pexels

Image frames: rawpixel, publicdomainpictures, Pickpik

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

250 YEARS OF JANE AUSTEN

DOPAMINE DAYLIST

SANTA ON SCREEN

STUDENT STARS

STUDY BREAK

16 - 17

18 - 19

20 - 21

22 - 23

24-25

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Yasmine Al-Saket Betsy Heasman

ARTS AND LIT EDITORS Amber Platel Isabel Bratt

MUSIC EDITOR Sarah Gould Katie Roberts

SCREEN EDITOR Beth Casey Charlotte Isbell

EXCETERA EXCETERA... Kayleigh Swart Puzzles by Matthew

lifestyle Are boyfriends embarrassing? Beth Casey, Screen Editor, explores the viral Vogue article and what this means for relationships offline

N October of 2025, a Vogue article by Chante Joseph commented on modern attitudes towards dating and boyfriends. According to Joseph, women’s online statuses that centre around their relationship are increasingly being seen as embarrassing and regressive. We have reached a point far from Austenian society, wherein a woman’s status was defined by the prestige of her chosen husband, and her love life would circulate the gossip circle like a revolving turbine. Instead, boyfriends and partners are now being treated more as accessories to women’s lives, and the subtle art of ‘soft launching’ these relationships has blown up on social media. According to Joseph, these can include "a hand on a steering wheel, clinking glasses

at dinner, or the back of someone’s head." arm in a high angle walking shot, or simply a nice simple photo of entwined fingers. The thread between these all, of course, is WOMEN MAY STILL BE anonymity of the man. It has become inthe ATTRACTED TO THE clear that while straight women may creasingly CONCEPT OF HAVING A to the concept of having a attracted be still MAN IN THEIR LIFE, IT it becomes embarrassing life, their in man BECOMES EMBRASSING IF up a shameful pormakes boyfriend that if THAT BOYFRIEND MAKES he should be Instead, identity. their of tion UP A SHAMEFUL PORTION silhouettes that or parts body as fragmented OF THEIR IDENTITY. decorate a woman’s life rather than define it. With the rise of toxic, insecure masculinity Other examples established by Gen Z in- and a cesspit of podcasts and male ‘comedians’ clude the famous elevator mirror pictures whose material is invariably underlined with the wherein the man’s head is ducked or hood- assumption that they are entitled to a woman’s ed, a manicured female hand holding a male attention, it is unsurprisingly that women’s peace

more often than not, does not include a man. Her attention is instead increasingly directed towards educating herself, providing for herself and developing as a well-rounded individual, fully complete even without her ‘other half.’

Image: Flickr

Beat the burnout: how to stay motivated in Winter

Erin-Rose Morris offers some guidance on how to stay motivated during the colder, darker, and longer nights

INTER arrives on campus quietly, with a chill in the air here and a frosty morning there, until all of a sudden you’re walking to your morning lectures in complete darkness and wondering when your start-of-term motivation disappeared. If this sounds familiar then you are not alone. The combination of longer nights, shorter days, and a rigorous academic schedule contribute to a phenomenon known to us all as the ‘winter blues’, and students are particularly vulnerable. The good news? Burnout is not inevitable. With a swift reframe of your mindset and change in attitude, the winter months can offer the perfect opportunity to embrace the university lifestyle. One useful

strategy is to revisit and redefine your goals. Burnout thrives when purpose and direction begins to slip. Use these winter months to revisit your goals, set new ones, and reflect on your achievements from the beginning of term. Students who use this time to strengthen their routine and habits often emerge into the new year not only refreshed and revived, but more resilient. Another helpful shift is learning to embrace the winter season rather than resent it. Finding small pleasures in romanticising the season, whether that means enjoying warm drinks, leaning into the A/W wardrobe, or exploring the winter attractions across Exeter, can make the darker nights more inviting and exciting. Don’t underestimate the importance of com-

munity at this time. The long, cold and dreary nights can easily amplify loneliness when not approached correctly. Consider organising a study group, pairing up with an accountability buddy, or planning social activities such as movie nights or visits to Exeter’s winter markets. Motivation also responds well to rewards. Giving yourself something to look forward to every week can prevent the season from blurring into a dull cycle of repetitive days. Exeter offers plenty to explore during the winter, so make the most of these opportunities to help sustain morale. Finally, pay attention to the spaces where you study and rest. A tidy, comfortable, and cosy environment can have a massive influence on mood and productivity. Simple touches such

as bringing a blanket to your desk and having a warm drink on hand can make your workspace more inviting. And most importantly, remember you are not alone if you are feeling a slight dip in motivation. Always remember support is available if you feel you need to reach out.

GIVING YOURSELF SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY WEEK CAN PREVENT THE SEASON FROM BLURRING INTO A DULL CYCLE OF REPETITIVE DAYS

How to enjoy Exemas!

Millie Glowacki sheds lights on activities to do for a wonderful winter in Exeter

S the colder weather draws in, there is a great range of activities and places to visit in and around Exeter. From festive days out to cosy afternoon lunches, Exeter offers plenty to enjoy amidst the busy winter deadline season. Exeter’s Christmas markets are the perfect festive place to head with housemates or friends. Located on Cathedral Green, you can wander around the variety of stalls and small businesses selling food, drink, and crafts. It is also the perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift for someone special.

EXETER'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS ARE THE PERFECT FESTIVE PLACE

Located on Fore Street, The Jolly Pottery is a quaint ceramic studio where you can paint your own pottery. From plates to mugs to bowls, there are plenty of painting options if you fancy getting creative for a few hours! Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens is full of festive lights, fairground rides, and a variety of food and drink to enjoy. The undercover ice rink is a personal highlight, which offers discounted student tickets online, too. Chococo is a cosy cafe nestled away on Gandy Street, which offers arguably the best hot chocolates in all of Exeter. With a range of different flavours to choose from, it is the perfect place to hide away from the cold weather and enjoy a warm drink. In the colder weather, there is noth-

ing more perfect than a heartwarming roast

IN THE COLDER WEATHER, THERE IS NOTHING MORE PERFECT THAN A HEARTWARMING ROAST DINNER dinner. Mill on the Exe offers unbeatable roast dinners. Located beside the river, this pub is the cosiest place to relax and catch up with friends over lunch and a drink. Hopefully, this offers some activities and places to visit so you can enjoy the colder, darker months!

Image: Flickr

EDITORS: Betsy Heasman and Yasmine Al-Saket

exhibit | lifestyle

10 DEC 2025 | 17

Society Spotlight: Vegetarian and Vegan Soc Sofia Tapia highlights Exeter's hidden foodie collective

ONSISTENTLY ranked one of the most vegan-friendly countries worldwide, the UK is filled with flavourful veggie options. A common misunderstanding is that this variety of delicious plant-based alternatives is found mainly in London. Exeter, despite its much smaller size, doesn't completely fall behind. Anyone interested in living a more plant-based lifestyle knows that both the city centre and Exeter University have many great options to choose from. A small society that many veggie lovers might not know exists in Exeter University is The Vegetarian and Vegan Society! Maybe you are unaware of the variety of restaurant choices to eat plant-based or know about them but don't want to go alone.

Whichever the case, you will love VegSoc's café/restaurant trips. The opportunities are endless: from enjoying delicious sandwiches at the fully plant-based deli How on Earth, to exploring the unique selection of vegetarian/ vegan pizzas The Flat offers or enjoying Christmas Dinner at vegetarian restaurant Herbies! Happening multiple times a term, these cafe trips allow veggie lovers to visit restaurants they might have had on their bucket list for a while (or newfound foodie gems!) in the company of like-minded individuals. Many vegans/vegetarians know the feeling of having to explain their food choices to people, whether it be acquaintances or loved ones. Being asked endless questions about one's lifestyle choices while eating the only vegan op-

tion that the meat-heavy restaurant has: a plain salad and some chips (being there one too many times myself). VegSoc offers a judgement-free zone for people to enjoy a great variety of plantbased options and have meaningful discussions.

ALLOW VEGGIE LOVERS TO VISIT RESTAURANTS THEY MIGHT HAD HAD ON THEIR BUCKET LIST FOR A WHILE It doesn’t matter if you've been vegan for over a decade, vegetarian for a couple of months or if you just want to try more plant-based options. The Cheese and Wine nights, for example, offer the chance for anyone to have a relaxing evening

enjoying some nice food regardless of dietary preferences, with both vegan/non-vegan cheeses and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks available. As this year comes to an end, Veganuary approaches. If you’re interested in trying more plant-based food in 2026, why not give VegSoc’s socials a try?

Image: Pexels, Chan Walrus

Too broke to hang out? Kaylee Moore talks friendflation and the struggles of balancing social lives and financial worries

ITH the cost-of-living crisis encroaching further on our lives, it is no wonder that this particular plague has spread to our personal relationships. A recent article published by Grazia has recorded the rising ‘friendflation’ as our communal spaces increasingly price the average person out. This is where we face the saddening truth that maintaining friendships for many has become an overwhelming financial burden. For university students, this problem can be even greater. Financial worry is just one of the anxieties students face, and increasingly employability has become a major source of concern. Socialising for many is on the back burner if it doesn’t contribute to their future financial security, and it is completely understandable. Between July 2015 and July 2025, restaurant

and café prices have risen by more than 50 percent, as Grazia highlights in their article, with cafés, in particular, being a popular communal space for students. If going to get coffee with a friend is becoming more of a financial setback, its no surprise that people choose to simply see their friends in the library, or in a seminar.

BETWEEN JULY 2015 AND 2025 RESTURANT AND CAFE PRICES HAVE RISEN BY 50 PERCENT Whilst ‘studying friends’ can be great, it gets to a point when there is no divide between work and leisure. By associating friendships with work exclusively, socialising becomes just another obligation rather than

something to look forward to. This only leads to increasing loneliness amongst students, not because they don’t have friends, but because they don’t have the time or money to see them. As bleak as this all sounds, it is not entirely hopeless. There are things students can do to relax and make time for friendships that won’t break the bank. Taking advantage of the free green spaces around us is a great way to foster our social lives. Meeting with a friend outside Reed Hall or Northernhay Gardens is a great way to spend time with others. Not every get together has to be an event or activity, it can simply be an opportunity for conversation, and spending time in nature is known to help relieve stress, which God knows we all need. Similarly, exercise is a great way to alleviate both issues, just going for a run and in-

viting a friend along is enough to feel a little more fulfilled. Taking advantage of free indoor spaces like libraries and museums can be a good way to see others whilst still feeling productive.

EXCERCISE IS A GREAT WAY TO ALLEVIATE BOTH ISSUES, JUST GOING FOR A RUN AND INVITING A FRIEND ALONGSIDE Whilst the options can seem limited, spending time with friends can be accessible in times of financial hardship by going back to the basics. Seeing that friend in-person to catch up will feel more fulfilling than sending them a text, and doesn’t have to be expensive, or cost anything at all.

Christmas gift guide Zoe Fry, Online Arts & Lit Editor, offers a personality-specific guide on what to get your loved ones this Christmas

The Cultured Friend

HETHER they are into books, music, theatre or film, finding something related can be a good way to go. Ideas include a poster or print (which you could also make and frame yourself), merchandise (clothing and accessories) and a vinyl of their favourite album. You could even make them a personalised playlist, find a special edition of their favourite book, or get them tickets to an art gallery, theatre production or concert depending on the budget!

The Homebody

OR the friend that delights in nothing more than being cosy at home, I suggest you opt for things they are bound to use fuzzy socks, a cosy robe, slippers, a mug. To add a touch of care, these items may also be personalised. Another piece of advice which would especially fit the friend who has everything would be to gift a nice version of something they might already use, i.e. a hand soap, a phone or laptop case, a warm scarf, gloves or hat for the winter, or a nice notebook and pens.

The Foodie

HIS section is bound to make everybody happy, and you can go as little or as big as you want — the options are endless. You could curate a selection of their favourite snacks in a basket, buy a cook-book tailored to their tastes and interests (vegetarian, uni meals) or take them for food at the Christmas market or favourite coffee shop. Other ideas include an Uber Eats voucher, cooking class, or Christmas themed chocolates or truffles. Some of Exeter’s independent delis and cafés also do great unique gifts such as Boatyard Bakery’s turkey and stuffing peanut butter!.

The Sporty Friend

PORT-SPECIFIC gifts could include a selection of golf balls, tennis balls, or even a football. Otherwise, you could consider a hockey or rugby jersey or even tickets to an upcoming match of their favourite sport. For more general sport gifts, consider buying them a water bottle, some sporty socks, a cap or visor, gym bag, or even a workout class package would be great. Another much loved place to consider is Hotpod Yoga by the quay, who even do gift vouchers!

arts & lit

250 years of Jane Austen

Emily S Rizzo, Editor-in-Chief, celebrates 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen

ANE Austen is one of the biggest names in English literary history. Whether you’re aware of her through the ravenous reading ‘ of her six novels, or simply thanks to your obsession with Colin Firth’s repertoire of ‘90s heartthrobs, the name is — and should be — a household one across the nation, and beyond. She was born on December 16th 1775, marking this year as the 250th anniversary of her birth, and more than two centuries of her works only growing in fame and varying in people’s interpretations. From her life spent in the Hampshire countryside — which often inspires the setttings in her novels — to her stories inspiring Hollywood blockbusters across the ages, her satirical romance pieces have captivated audiences’ attention for centuries.

THE NAME IS — AND SHOULD BE — A HOUSEHOLD ONE

Her best-known novel is undoubtedly Pride and Prejudice, but Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion and Emma have also had their time in the sun, often thanks to (numerous) film adaptations). I think it’s fair to say that she is responsible for one of the most popular enemiesto-lovers stories in English literary history, as well as creating characters that transcend their novelistic worlds, and lodge persistently in people’s minds as figures of fascination in their own right. The great renown she has nowadays, however, is a far cry from the reception her novels received during her lifetime; having published them anonymously in order to hide any misogynistic prejudice towards their female authorship, the recognition

she deserved was hardly ever given. Mostly her novels were overlooked, or used to teach moral lessons to wives, daughters, and spinsters of the nineteenth century. Devout scholars and dedicated academic courses would eventually read a more valuable significance into her works, noticing how her witty dialogue, and ironic treatment of the social conventions actually provided a sarcastic critical commentary on the prejudices and sensibilities of her time. This is partly why her novels lent themselves so well to the form of the ‘90s rom-com. At a time where cinema revolved around the British heart-throb, and romantic comedies paid particular attention to women’s place in the modern world (in a time when Third Wave

Feminism was inaugurated), Austen’s assertive and determined heroines fit the bill perfectly.

HER NOVELS LENT THEMSELVES SO WELL TO THE FORM OF THE ‘90S ROM-COM From Bridget Jones’ Diary, to Sense and Sensibility, and the infamous rivalry between the 1995 and 2005 adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, the ongoing wave of films based on Austen’s novels are a testament to the timeless value of her writing, and the ongoing love for her stories. So whether you’re picking up a book for the first time, or you’re going back to your well-loved copies, now is the time to celebrate all things Jane Austen. Image: Picryl Frame: pngall

Review: ShakeCo’s The Tempest Hugh Boyd-Ishewood covers ShakeCo’s latest production

HERE are three questions that surround any performance of The Tempest: 1) Should Prospero forgive those who’ve wronged and seek to wrong him? 2) Should we empathize with Caliban? 3) Is Prospero a good man or a despot? All questions fit to be posed towards the Bard’s final work and are the questions in the mind of any theatre-goer. Yet ShakeCo’s Term One show provides something of a difficulty: you can’t ask any of them. To trim down the show into one unbroken piece, we lost some bits on the operating table. The tension throughout

the play owing to Prospero’s brother looking to repeat the sport of betrayal and compound it with murder — cut. The scene of meek and mild Miranda’s vitriol towards Caliban for his inferred assault on her — cut. The power that Prospero wields to threaten, abuse, control, & hold dominion is the only thing that remains in the script — yet is painfully lacking on the stage. The Big P himself, instead, comes across as a thrice cuddly parental figure to Miranda, Ariel & Ferdinand with barely a dash of the patriarchal or anything more than a playful whiff of tough love. What’s left of the play feels directionless and static. Even the unquestionable aspects,

Ferdinand & Miranda’s love had all the intimacy and warmth of two forklift trucks intersecting. What’s left is a play, galloched. Lacking the heart to feel and the guts to say something.

WHAT’S LEFT IS A PLAY, GALLOCHED. LACKING THE HEART TO FEEL AND THE GUTS TO SAY SOMETHING Garbage and business attire were the themes of the island and it’s outsiders. With both feeling

ill at ease with the other. The rubbish littering the isle, never expounded upon or even recognized. The business jests written in — PowerPoints & lack of phone signal — felt painfully droll at best. Standout costumes were those of Caliban, Ariel and Prospero, for their interesting nuance, texture, and intrigue. Particularly, Ariel’s near Gaelic swirling face paint and jewellery helped lend feeling to a kind of natural woodland power infused in her that holds this play in it’s hands. The choice of LED lighting worked well to infuse a power into the weather and lend magic into the setting. I fear, however, such magic needn’t have been used so sparingly.

Recent releases: The Loneliess of Sonia and Sunny Adhya Shetty covers Kiran Desai’s newest release

HE Loneliess of Sonia and Sunny is Kiran Desai’s third novel, which was 15 years in the making and was even a Booker shortlist nominee. A story of a cross-continent love story spanning decades between Sonia Shah and Sunny Bhatia, a pair who originally had a failed arranged marriage attempt until destiny brings them together again. The question is, does this plot work? I am sure. Desai’s writing is beautiful, filled with rich metaphors and descriptions. The story

itself is narratively rich with multiple narrative viewpoints infecting the novel, discussions on politics, grief, love, and migration. Showing different characters and their experiences, both in being a part of the Indian diaspora and navigating social constrictions. The first 100 pages of this book achieve that with multiple characters, yet a fulfilling narrative that makes you turn the page. The problem lies in the length. When a book is long, the length often needs to be

justified. The writing feels slightly bloated at times, with descriptions that go on for too long and many subplots which can be cut. I believe fervently that cutting at least 200 words would have benefited the narrative by being tighter and making the messaging stronger. The length distracts from the spellbinding world Desai builds. Overall, the book, while filled with interesting moments, is long , and its length distracts from the narrative promise.

Image: Pxhere

exhibit

EDITORS: Amber Platel and Isabel Bratt

arts & lit

10 DEC 2025 | 19

Navigating the arts with a disability Isabel Bratt, Arts and Lit Editor, explores her experience navigating creative spaces as a disabled individual for Disability History Month

‘VE always been creative. When I was fifteen, and diagnosed with a permanent, life-changing disability, I couldn’t help but begin to worry about my place in the creative world; in an ever-changing industry, would I be able to keep up? As a child, I danced, sang, acted, and produced my own creative writing, with dreams of becoming a famous author. I was passionate, with endless energy and determination to land a career in the creative sphere. At fifteen, when I became permanently disabled with multiple lifelong conditions, I suddenly found myself with no passion, and certainly no en-

ergy. Diagnosed with MECFS, Chronic Pain Syndrome, and PCOS, my everyday life became laborious and agonising. My doctors told me to give up my hobbies, and I had no option but to oblige and watch as my opportunities were washed away. Frustrated, I waited and watched everyone around me improve and progress, while I was stuck at home, exhausted. As expected, the arts world did not wait up for me. Even now, five years after my initial diagnoses, I still struggle. I have a better understanding of my health now, and a better understanding of how to balance it. I’ve started to dance again, regularly, and even run a creative writing blog.

I HAD NO OPTIONS BUT TO OBLIGE AND WATCH AS MY OPPORTUNITIES WERE WASHED AWAY But when I have to go months without writing, or when it takes me longer to learn a move, it’s hard not to feel 15 again, stuck and watching the world continue to move without me.

The majority of my poetry is born from the frustration and pain I’ve carried with me over the past five years. When I began to write again, I struggled with knowing what exactly to write about, and how to make it consumable. My entire life, I’d only studied poetry about nature, love, and history. In a form that hadn’t ever represented me, where did I fit in? I began to explore brutality and honesty in my poetry, eventually discovering how my writing did not need to be about love, nature or history. I did not need to wait for a space to open up for me, and I didn’t need to wait to find a suitably poetic inspiration.

Do Christmas books need a moral? Amber Platel, Arts and Lit Editor, explores morality in Christmas books

READ Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol for the first time last December. I deliberately timed it so I’d finish late on Christmas Eve, and as I lay in my (fairly haunted) childhood bedroom, the Bailey’s hot chocolate I’d had earlier couldn’t keep my mind from wandering: would I be visited by three ghosts in the night, here to expose all the reasons I ’ m a terrible person and warn me to fix myself before I die lonely and miserable? I may not be Ebenezer Scrooge, but I did work in capitalist London, I h a d

snapped at various family members (mostly my teenage brother) since coming home for Christmas, and I had been known to pretend to be on a phone call to avoid the charity booths in train stations. Maybe I would have been better off spending my Christmas Eve watching Elf or reading a steamy Santa romance book with a fun little cartoon cover. I woke up on Christmas Day ghostless, unchanged, and still somewhat morally bankrupt, but the whole thing left me wondering: do Christmas books need moral messages?

I WOKE UP ON CHRISTMAS DAY GHOSTLESS, UNCHANGED, AND STILL SOMEWHAT MORALLY BANKRUPT, Another case study: Clare Keegan’s Small Things Like These. Not technically marketed as a Christmas book, yet undeniably one. Set in New

Ross, Ireland, the novella follows coal merchant Bill Furlong in the lead-up to Christmas as he provides for his wife and five daughters while uncovering the abusive cruelties of the Magdalene Laundry, a Catholic institution for “fallen women.” Bill wrestles with societal expectation, familial duty, and the moral urgency of helping the girls trapped inside. It is not, in any universe, a cheery Christmas read. Like, at all. And yet it’s a fantastic book — an essential Christmas read, even. It reminds us, never preachily, to be aware of our own circumstances and those of others, to consider selflessness and righteousness, to remember what Christmas (and coldness) can mean for people unlike ourselves. It also happens to be very beautiful, which doesn’t hurt. But that still doesn’t answer the question: do Christmas books need a moral? I don’t think so. There’s definitely space for literature with depth and ethical weight, and Christmas is as good a time as any to explore it. But your Christmas TBR does not need to be wall-to-wall gloom,

dread, and attempts at personal growth. Christmas media can be moral without being miserable. I’d argue The Grinch carries a moral punch

Image: Goodfon Frame: Freevsg

just as much as A Christmas Carol. Bottom line: get one Christmas downer under your belt this year, and then feel free to pivot straight to Santa X Mrs. Clause smut and Love Actually.

Image: Picryl

Review: The Life and Works of Maeve West

Isabel Bratt, Arts and Lit Editor, covers Theatre With Teeth’s newest show

HAD the pleasure of proofreading and watching Theatre With Teeth’s newest show, The Life and Works of Maeve West, written by Rafi O’Neil, which ran from the 28th to 30th of November. Following the story of a struggling painter and single mother Maeve West as she descended into the world of art forgery, the play was brilliantly written, directed and acted, and was a delight to watch. Set in the 1980s, the play covered topics of motherhood, misogyny in arts spaces, and mental health, giving insight into the prejudices present in the creative world in Thatcher’s Britain. The writing was excellent, with the story told through unique and engaging techniques, with flashbacks and forwards, a narrator, and haunting dream sequences.

SHE DESCENDED INTO THE WORLD OF ART FORGERY, THE PLAY WAS [...] A DELIGHT TO WATCH The Life and Works of Maeve West handled difficult topics of mental health with maturity and great emotivity, invoking sympathy and understanding from the audience. The lead actors, Martha Clifton and Tommy Taylor, were exceptional, presenting emotive, realistic, complex performances of ‘morally grey’ characters.

In particular, Tommy Taylor’s performance as Crowe, a charismatic, ambitious, and corrupt businessman respomsible for the eventual downfall of Maeve West, was brilliant. Taylor’s acting was almost unnervingly natural, witty, and instantly engaging. The show utilised set and sound design specific to the time, immersing the audience into the world of Maeve West. The cast frequently sat in and amongst the audience, walked through gaps in the seating, and even occasionally interacted with the audience, creating an captivating watch. The Life and Works of Maeve West was brilliant to watch, and I’d recommend you check out Theatre With Teeth’s other works too! Image: Molly Panagi-Williams and Lily Vinall

MUSIC Is AI threatening music as we know it? Katie Roberts, Music Editor, questions if AI can really produce music

Image: Nrtscribes.com

T only takes a quick scroll through TikTok to see the sudden inundation of sounds or songs either enhanced or entirely created by AI. Granted, half of the sounds seem to simply be a melodious form of brain rot or a tuneful meme, unlikely to imminently threaten alive-and-breathing musical talent. Although it does prove the growing capabilities of generative artificial intelligence when it comes to producing music, not to mention the speed of their dissemination helped along by social media.

I must admit that over summer that catchy Brazilian Predador De Perereca song, with its questionably explicit lyrics, became something of a summer earworm. And yet, the thing is, I could not tell you what it was called, who it was by, what it meant, nor have I ever heard it played on the radio. Immediately, my reaction to this song proves one of the many flaws of AI generated music – its meaningless anonymity. The reliance on formulaic structures and generic chord progressions creates listenable tunes yet in reality they are little more than background music. Fundamentally there is a lack of substance in music produced by AI, for rather obvious reasons, it is robotic and empty. In the case of the Predador De Perereca song, when translated into English the lyrics have a sexually explicit and rather derogatory meaning which has been over-looked by English listeners (admittedly myself included) which perhaps demonstrates the crux of the frustration with AI music – the meaning does not seem to matter when the songs

are merely blended mosaics of popular music.

familiar with the traits of AI music they will begin to catch on. There are common hints that new music you are listening to may not have been created by a real person - odd phrasing, ghost harmonies, slightly slurred singing, repetitive lyrics or even just ‘an almost too perfect sound’. So much of music relies on storytelling, emotion, experience and individuality. Music should not be perfectly polished – its flaws, variances or even vocal strains keep it rooted in a human experience that keeps us so connected to our playlists, favourite artists and albums. Whilst the face behind a track doesn’t always matter, a key part of music can be knowing the songwriter’s story behind a lyric, a band’s trial and error approach to adding a guitar riff or simply being able to watch your favourite music live. Clearly AI is capable of producing tunes that are listenable and gain traction on social media or Spotify but whether it can truly produce music might just be a different debate.

THERE IS A LACK OF SUBSTANCE IN MUSIC PRODUCED BY AI FOR RATHER OBVIOUS REASONS, IT IS ROBOTIC AND EMPTY! At the end of the day AI does not care about the lyrics or the ‘deeper’ meaning behind a song when it churns out music in a mindless, production-line manner and listeners still engage with it. A survey published the other week by the BBC suggested that 97 percent of respondents could not spot an AI generated song and this is proven by the various AI bands, like The Velvet Sundown, that have racked up hundreds of thousands of unknowing listeners on Spotify. This is a somewhat depressing figure, but I think that as people become more

Favourite Albums Of 2025 Yasmine Al-Saket, Lifestyle Editor, shares her thoughts on How I'm Feeling Now, by Charli XCX

HEN Charli XCX’s name comes up, it's often followed by her BRAT album, despite it being a masterpiece. I still listen to her older COVID album, recorded during quarantine. The album is a raw and emotionally gut-wrenching album, exploring emotions of romance, longing, fear, isolation and loneliness. How I’m Feeling Now comes from a vulnerable person in noticeably loud glitter armour but with an anxious underbelly. This album not only reflects the pandemic but also how university life can sometimes

Image: Wikimedia Commons

ing. Charli encapsulates that feeling of hosting an event just for one person to show up, a part of you still hoping that they'd be there, for you... only to realise that you're stood there alone.

HOW I'M FEELING NOW COMES FROM A VUNERABLE PERSON IN A NOTICABLY LOUD GLITTER ARMOUR

Eve Buckley shares her love for Blossoms' joyous album, Gary

HE highly creative, fifth studio album by the Stockport quintet curiously named Gary is centred around the mystery disappearance of an eight foot tall fibreglass gorilla from a garden centre. However, despite this strange north star for the album, the songs are anything but, detailing awe and starstruck to enjoying club nights out. The album opens with funky, earthy sounding riffs in "Big Star", blending strong guitar cords with smooth synths. It is obvious to see their influences of 80s Bowie, Blondie

feel. The longing to be liked, not wanting to be alone, partying to distract yourself, even though you might feel incredibly alone. Songs like "Forever", "7 years", "I finally understand", and "Party 4 U" are songs that share your deepest insecurities in your relationships, your friends, your life and yourself. Lyrics like “I don't trust myself alone, why should you love me” explore the sincere desperation that's in the human condition, with a glossy music production. Easily, my favourite track is and always will be "Party 4 U", with its very Gatsby-esque yearn-

and Hall & Oates in the writing process and how their musicality has seeped into its style. This funk is a similar theme throughout the rest of the album, fed into by the bands catchy bass lines provided by Charlie Salt. As well as this the appearances from CMAT and Jungle add to the whole piece an easy going, dancing around the kitchen, joyous edge. Despite the puzzling subject matter, each single and album track is full of beautiful, emotional lyrics with catchy hooks and storylines. Their music videos and stage performances reflect this flair

with the band being clad in 70s fashion, vintage camera effects and choreographed dance scenes.

EACH SINGLE AND ALBUM TRACK IS FULL OF BEAUTIFUL, EMPTIONAL LYRICS This album is not one to skip, and if given the opportunity to see them live it would be unimaginable to leave disappointed.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Katie Roberts, Music Editor, on the emotional sincerity of Sam Fender's People Watching

ITH its release in February, followed by the deluxe edition on 5th December, the melodies of Sam Fender’s third studio album have slowly been drip fed into my playlists and, of course, into the mainstream, throughout 2025. Collabs with clearly carefully chosen artists — Olivia Dean and Elton John — have only added and drawn more attention to what a truly impressive and heartfelt album it is already.

HAVE SLOWLY BEEN DRIP FED INTO MY PLAYLISTS, AND OF COURSE, INTO THE MAINSTREAM, THROUGHOUT 2025

Opening with songs "People watching" and "Nostalgia’s lie," the upbeat guitar rhythms immediately feel so quintessentially Sam, yet the lyrics of every single song on this album are tender, sincere, if at times slightly gutwrenching. A favourite on this album has to be "Arm’s length", the guitar riff punctuating fears of vulnerability whilst the lyrics “Do you have to know me inside out?” point to a flighty caution, not wanting to get close enough to someone to end up hurt …perhaps cue the avoidant attachment allegations. Mediating on his relationships, Image: Wikimedia Commons

friendships, family and hometown memories those closest to him are at the forefront of this album. We have seen Fender develop from a small-town, coming-of-age indie artist to a now well-renowned artist, and rightfully so, however at 30 he has not lost the raw lyrical talent that he had at 17, despite the maturity to this album!

DEVELOP FROM A SMALLTOWN COMING-OF-AGE INDIE ARTIST TO A NOW WELL-KNOWN ARTIST, AND RIGHTFULLY SO

10 DEC 2025 | 21

EDITORS: Sarah Gould and Katie Roberts

exhibit | music

Dopamine Daylist Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, takes us through her playlist for these dark and cold mornings

BELIEVE music to be a powerful tool for wellbeing, and so do psychologists and researchers around the globe. Whether it be happiness or sadness, the chances are you’ve felt moved by a song. According to Pfizer, listening to music increases blood flow to the brain regions that are involved in controlling emotions. Our bodies can begin to form associations with songs, recognising a tune from its initial notes, which can lead to the release of dopamine as well as memories.

OUR BODIES CAN BEGIN TO FORM ASSOCIAYIONS WITH SONGS, RECOGNISING A TUNE FROM ITS INITIAL NOTES

In the winter months, when we sometimes lack happy hormones. I always take my headphones with me, to try and increase my dopamine levels. I find walking up Forum Hill, or in my case, all the way to Washington Singer, is always made more bearable with some tunes. In the early mornings whilst I wait for my coffee to have its full effects, I pop my headphones on and catch some morning rays. I know I can always rely on both ‘Magpie’ and ‘Drop That Guillotine’ by Peach Pit, one of my

favourite bands to listen to and see live, to perk me up in the morning — if you’re unfamiliar with Peach Pit, they are a Canadian indie-rock band with some feel-good tunes, a true 10/10 in my opinion. If you’re like me and love Peach Pit, or want some similar tracks, ‘What Once Was’ by Hers and ‘Two Weeks’ by Grizzly Bear, and ‘Pool House’ by The Backseat Lovers are some other bangers that feel like a ray of sunshine. On a cold winter morning, when all I want to do is curl up in bed, I find my warm coffee is best acImage: Imaggeo companied by the discographies of Hozier and Noah Kahan. On these morn-

ings, ‘Blackbird’ by the Beatles is sure to make me smile, setting a happy, yet cosy, tone for the day. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Step into Christmas! Music writers share their favourite Christmas songs to kick-off the season

Merry Christmas, please don't call

Image: Wikimedia Commons

HILE most Christmas songs are upbeat and focus on the magic of the season, my personal favourite takes more of a sadder tone. ‘Merry Christmas, please don’t call’ by The Bleachers is my favourite song to listen to this time of year. As the title may give away, this song doesn’t take the happiest approach to the holiday. However, the song still manages to capture the winter feeling that surrounds the holidays. The truth is that the Christmas season is not always happy and brings up lots of complicated and sometimes negative feelings, which this song manages to highlight. The song itself is also catchy and, despite the sadness it holds, it doesn’t leave you feeling bad after you’ve listened to it. This song is the perfect addition to put you right in the holiday mood. By Kayleigh Swart, Editor in Chief

Where are you Christmas?

Image: Wikimedia Commons

S its gets colder and deadlines approach, I feel like Christmas could not come fast enough! This part of term with the many trips to the Christmas market and winter wonderland, walks through the festive lights and listening to some Christmas songs as I go about my day always makes me feel festive. One of my favourite Christmas songs is 'Where are you Christmas’ by Faith Hill, from Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We have watched this movie every Christmas since I was little, always after putting up our Christmas tree, so I can quote it almost line for line now and this song in particular brings me right back to being a little kid, snuggled up on the sofa with my parents and brother, watching this movie by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, singing along and feeling like it was well and truly Christmas Time. By Charlotte Holden

Underneath the Tree

Y entry for what is the best Christmas song of all time is ‘Underneath the Tree’ by Kelly Clarkson. Having been released in 2013, as part of Clarkson’s first Christmas album Wrapped in Red, this song is a bit newer than many of the ones people would generally consider to be Christmas ‘classics’ however, I would argue the emergence of a new Christmas song amid so many classic 80s tunes makes it almost more impressive. This track was a particular favourite of a secondary-school friend of mine, who would play it as soon as it was socially acceptable to play Christmas music (and often before then, too) so I have very fond memories of it. An upbeat cheesy pop tune, ‘Underneath the Tree’ is about Clarkson’s significant other being the real present underneath the tree, and that they are all she needs. Complete with Kelly Clarkson’s incredible vocals, a saxophone solo for kicks, and sleigh bells just in case you really didn’t get the memo that it’s a Christmas song, this is a fun song that is perfect for dancing around the kitchen, while you attempt to make a gingerbread house. By Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor

Fairytale of New York Image: Flikr

HE Pogues, "Fairytale of New York" is a certified Christmas banger. I remember so vividly my first interaction with the song: singing it in my primary school choir at the end of our (apparently very secular) carol service. There was a section removed, for obvious reasons, but even then, as a nine year old in a Christmas jumper over my uniform shirt, I knew it was an absolute bop. Fairytale of New York is the generational bridge between the youngest and the oldest in a family. It is all the good things you expect from a Christmas song: catchy, fun, a little bit deep, easy to dance to. So what makes it so special? Not only is it a masterpiece derived from Irish folk, it is a story of real and fallible people, set to the best tune (though admittedly not always great singing) of any Christmas song. By Amber Platel, Arts & Lit Editor

Wolf Alice in Birmingham

Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, recounts her experiences of seeing Wolf Alice on tour

REMEMBER my mum picking me up from school; I’d excitingly get in the car, knowing I’d get to pick the cd to listen to on the way home. I gravitated towards born to die by Lana Del Rey and Babel by Mumford and Sons, but something always caught my eye — My Love is Cool by Wolf alice. Wolf Alice is an English rock back from London, formed in 2010 by Elline Roswell, the band’s lead singer, and guitarist Joff Oddie, with Joel Amey joining on drums and Theo Ellis joining on bass in 2012. The band have been nominated for a Grammy for their performance of "Moaning Lisa Smile" in 2016 and won a Brit Award for Best British Group in 2022. On a chilly November morning, I travelled to

Birmingham to see the band play at the Utilita Arena for the tour of their new album The Clearing. We arrived in time to listen to some of the support acts Bria Slamena and Sunflower Bean, before finding a place to stand for the main act. The band came on stage around 8pm and played a few songs from The Clearing, "Thorns", "Bloom Baby Bloom", and "White Horses". They played a track from their second album Visions of a Life, "Formidable Coo"l, before playing two more tracks from their new alum, "Just Two Girls", and "Leaning Against the Wall". The band then switched it up, playing a few older songs: "How Can I Make It OK?", "Bros", and "You’re a Germ". As the intro to "Bros" started, tears filled my eyes. After years

of dancing around my bedroom, my slightly off-key notes of “me and you, we can do this, I’m quite sure” was echoed by thousands. The band took to the stage in their ‘wolf ’ studded leather jackets, ready to play another song from their first album, "Giant Peach", before Ellie ran around the stage with a megaphone, shouting the lyrics to "Play the Greatest Hits", with an ode to Black Sabbath in the final verse. Ellie returned to the stage on her own for the encore, to sing the opening of the "The Last Man on the Earth", which started acoustic and slowly build up with the rest of the band joining her on stage. The band ended the show with "Don’t Delete the Kisses", a song bought to fame by Alice Osmen's Heartstopper tv ad-

aptation. I felt my eyes prick with tears again (who would have guessed it), and goosebumps scattered my arms – it was the perfect encore. Image: Amberly Wright

screen

Your Film Favourites: Christmas Edition Klaus Muppet Christmas Carol

Charlotte Haswell delights in the emotional depth of this un‑ derrated Christmas gem

Daniel Pratt examines the success of this wacky A Christmas Carol adpatation

the myth around him came to be. We follow a spoiled son of a wealthy postal tycoon, Jesper, as he tries to set up a post station in a remote, frozen village terrorised by two feuding fami‑ lies. We watch him form an unlikely friendship with Klaus, a lonely toymaker, as they spread joy to the young children in Smeerensburg.

F asked what the most timeless Christmas the audience, injecting levity into the darker tale. story ever was, one would likely mention Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s dark yet uplifting re‑ PROVIDING VERBATIM demption. Among the endless adaptations, there NARRATIONS TO ENGAGE is one that captures the book’s spirit without sac‑ THE AUDIENCE rificing its integrity. Starring... Kermit the Frog? An adaptation’s biggest challenge is making source material accessible for new audiences, Then there’s Scrooge, portrayed by Michael which this movie succeeds in. The Muppets Caine, who wanted to act as if he were “working themselves act as a challenge to Scrooge’s twisted with the Royal Shakespeare Company”. He es‑ worldview. Dickens writes in his book, “There is tablishes a regretful figure who distances himself nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious from Christmas joy and the hijinks of the mup‑ as laughter and good-humour”, embodied per‑ pets, towering over them to defy man’s good‑ fectly by the Mup‑ ness fiercely. Culminating in the conclusion, pets. Gonzo portrays the colours change, he sings a song and walks Dickens in the film, level with them. The film is one of the best ad‑ aptations of A Christmas Carol because it hon‑ providing verbatim Image: Flickr narrations to engage ours the source material by understanding it.

ITH every December, the debate on the best Christmas film is reignited. Everyone has their favourite; Elf, Nativity, Love Actually, etc. All great choices, but there’s one I don’t see mentioned nearly as much as it should, and that’s Klaus. Klaus is an ani‑ mated film but don’t let that fool you into thinking it is for kids. It has a re‑ ally unique art style, endearing and wellImage: Wikimedia Commons written characters, and a stacked cast. Jason Schwatzman and J.K. Simmons, to name a couple, do an amazing job giving their characters life and soul. Klaus gives us a backstory of how Santa Claus and

A SURPRISINGLY EMOTIONAL STORY... OF SELFLESSNESS AND LOSS The whole cast of characters change for the better in a surprisingly emotional story as we explore themes of selflessness and loss. Overall Klaus is a beautiful and touching film that I look forward to watching every year.

Review: All’s Fair

Yasmine Al-Saket, Lifestyle Editor, discusses Ryan Murphy’s controversial legal drama

Image: Wikimedia Commons

ES, this is the show that every‑ one has been talking about, the one with Kim Kardashian in it, and zero stars across most publications. Critics have been calling it “existen‑ tially terrible”, “clumsy” and “boring”. Many people online, me included, beg to differ: All’s Fair is single-handedly bringing camp back. I have often been fond of Ryan Murphy’s more satirical work, such as The Politician and Scream Queens, and All’s Fair is exactly that. For a brief 45 minutes every week, you can forget who you are and your is‑ sues escape into fictional legal drama. The show follows a group of highpowered, couture-wearing lawyers spe‑

cialising in family law, who only rep‑ resent high-net-worth women against their usually awful ex-husbands. We follow Allura Grant (Kim Kardashian), Liberty Ronson (Naomi Watts), Dina Standish (Glenn Close), and Emerald Greene (Niecy Nash-Betts), who are all partners of Grant, Ronson, Greene, who go against their arch nemesis, Carrington Lane (Sarah Paulson).

ALL’S FAIR. IS SINGLE HANDEDLY BRINGING CAMP BACK

The show is nothing of substance, but sometimes it touches on quite seri‑ ous topics such as discussions on sexual assault, ageing women, plastic surgery and internal conflicts and relationships of the main characters, pushing the boundaries slightly with even an affair with a trans sex worker. Visually, it’s quite appealing to the eye, with almost a glossy 2000s movie style to it. Remind‑ ing me of a time where we weren’t so hung up on whether something is ana‑ lysing the political and economic state of the world, but rather a show can just be something meaningless and satirical. All’s Fair has a somewhat The Lincoln Lawyer and Scandal storyline in

terms of plot. In each episode, we fol‑ low a new legal case, exploring a cli‑ ent’s case, which often aligns with their personal life, though usually a quite extreme example of a marriage break‑ down, various scandals, and affairs. I must give you a warning, though, as you might lose a few brain cells along the way, but you’ll enjoy every mo‑ ment of it, easily making it worth the watch and the highlight of your week. It’s an unserious show that’s so bad that it’s good; it doesn’t feel ashamed to be quite a terrible show, it doesn’t feel embarrassed to be what it is, noth‑ ing. Just pretty visuals, gorgeous out‑ fits and Kim’s poor acting and writing.

Is Die Hard a Christmas film?

Sarah Gould, Music Editor, offers her thoughts on this age old debate

OW, I know that I will get a very mixed response to this, but I absolutely believe that Die Hard is a Christmas film and may be my fa‑ vourite Christmas film of all time. Is there a lot of violence? Yes, and many may think that a film about a group of terrorists taking over a building in LA doesn’t exactly scream great tidings of comfort and joy. But the sto‑ ry kicks off because John McClane has come back to spend Christmas with his family, and the events take place on Christmas Eve!

DIE HARD... MAY BE MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM OF ALL TIME

If this alone doesn’t convince you, then maybe all the perfectly placed Christmas im‑ agery will. Of course, we have the obvious decorations of Christmas trees, lights, tinsel and baubles everywhere, but Die Hard is also very clever in incorporating Christmas into the violence. When McClane kills a terrorist, he sends his body back to the others with writ‑ ing on his shirt saying, “Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho.” He also adds a Santa hat to the dead body, creating humour to the dark‑ er exchanges. Towards the beginning of the film, when the terrorists first break into Na‑ katomi Plaza, Theo, the tech genius/terrorist sings, “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stir‑ ring — except the four assholes coming in the rear in standard two‑by‑two cover formation”. This is not the only instance of one of the

terrorists referencing Christmas in the movie. Hans, the leader of the terrorist infiltrators, says to Theo as he’s trying to break the last lock into the vault, “It’s Christmas, Theo. It’s the time of miracles. So be of good cheer… and call me when you hit the last lock.” This line shows that even the terrorists call upon some Christ‑ mas magic so that they can get their Christmas wish for the holidays. Last, but certainly not least, is the film’s soundtrack which features many holiday songs including ‘Let it Snow!’, ‘Christmas in Hollis’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’.

EVEN THE TERRORISTS CALL UPON SOME CHRISTMAS MAGIC SO THAT THEY CAN GET THEIR CHRISTMAS WISH

So, if this doesn’t convince you that Die Hard is first and foremost a Christmas film, then I’m not sure what will. My last parting argu‑ ment is this: do you watch Die Hard any time of year other than Christmas? If so, that feels like a crime to me. I rest my case. Happy holidays!

Image: Flickr

exhibit | SCREEN

10 DEC 2025 | 23

EDITOR: BETH CASEY

Santa on Screen

Molly Panagi Williams reflects on the representation of Father Christmas across film

SPOILERS AHEAD

ROM the first on screen depiction of Santa in black and white in the 1890s to the modern animated versions in every Christmas movie worth its salt, Santa is a figure in a fur lined coat with a white beard bringing presents to children. The first and foremost S a n t a depiction that comes to my mind is that of The Image: Flickr

Santa Clause from 1994 with Tim Allen. I grew up on second hand VHS tapes and DVDs and this was a firm favourite in my Christmas collection. For those of you unfamiliar, the film follows a father who accidentally knocks Santa off the roof of his house when appearing to deliver toys, and the man disappears leaving only the red Santa suit. Allen’s character, Scott Calvin, puts on the suit to appease his son and they deliver the remaining gifts in the sled. Looking back on it as an adult, it is a peculiar film in which you watch a man become Santa Claus because of a technicality on a business card in the suit, and his fight with Christmas whimsy and magic. However, it is a deeply heartwarming story that is also deeply humorous as you watch Scott stumble through the quest to keep the spirit of Christmas and Santa Claus

alive for his young son, Charlie. This is the main reason I love this film, in an age with less children believing in Santa or losing the belief in magic young, it is a wonderful depiction of trying to preserve childhood innocence and wonder.

A WONDERFUL DEPICTION OF TRYING TO PRESERVE CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE AND WONDER Charlie is the emotional push behind the main character with everything he does becoming centred on his love for his son and a desire to make him happy. Then, Charlie persuades everyone of the truth that Santa is real and Scott has become him. It is ridiculous and chaotic and a firm fa-

vourite of mine that uses all the most traditional imagery of red suits, elves, candy canes, the North Pole, the sled and the reindeer. While many depictions of Santa have been done over the years, from 1970s sci-if films, to The Polar Express, and other cameo appearances like Rise of the Guardians, this is still my favourite depiction of Santa. As usual, Santa is the hero, but it’s a wonderful way of showing how someone can step into shoes they didn’t expect to fill and become a better person because of it.

IT IS RIDICULOUS AND CHAOTIC AND A FIRM FAVOURITE OF MINE

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews

Screen writers and editors offer their thoughts on a number of December’s new releases STRANGER THINGS - Louisa Gautrey

SPOILERS AHEAD

HE beginning of the end has arrived with a darker, more mature shift to Stranger Things. As the cast grows older, the series leans further into graphic violence and emotional complexities, with one of the most shocking moments being Vecna’s hand going through someone’s head. However this first volume hints to a satisfying conclusion. Set a year after the four gates opening at the end of season four, this season follows multiple intertwining storylines. El is hunted by government forces under speculation she is behind Vecna’s doings. Henry Creel’s past finally comes to focus with a new plan to kidnap children in his return. New bonds form, particularly between Robin and Will Image: Wikimedia Commons Byers. The love tri-

angle between Steve (Joe Keery) Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) brings some humour to the intensity of this season. Performances stay strong across the first four episodes; Millie Bobby Brown delivers a powerful

MILLY BOBBY BROWN DELIVERS A POWERFUL, REVENGE-DRIVEN EL revenge-driven El, while Noah Schnapp’s awkwardness plays well into Will’s arc. David Harbour returns as Jim Hopper, Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield and Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler. Overall, this season grows intense. As the end is near fans worry about the deaths that are approaching, yet the Duffer brothers remain unpredictable. Can we wait until December 31st to find out?

FRANKENSTEIN - Janani Kandaramage

S a skeptic of on-screen literary adaptations, Guillermo del Toro’s ver. sion left me speechless. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein centers on a scientist who creates a conscious being through a scientific experiment but then abandons the grotesque creature, sparking a tragic cycle of revenge. Del Toro’s depiction, however, stands out to me. By humanizing the main characters in a way that previous versions have failed to, del Toro refurbishes Frankenstein as a coming-of-age tale. One that is a complicated yet poignant relationship between a father and son: rife with conflict, parental neglect, and mirroring the attitudes of one’s parents. Oscar Isaac’s acting is deliberate yet

DEL TORO REFURBISHES FRANKENSTEIN AS A COMING-OF-AGE TALE

masterful in revealing Victor’s descent into insanity, as well as simultaneous feelings of pity and disgust towards the creature. Nothing compares to the ethereal screen presence of Jacob Elordi. From an arrogant jock in The Kissing Booth, to the sociopathic Nate on Euphoria, and the enigmatic Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, this range of personas is surely a testament to Elordi’s versatility. Portraying an unconventional being that struggles in adjusting to the world, he succeeds in relying heavily on physicality and movement in conveying his responses to his subjected abuse. The lavish aesthetic, however, is ultimately what distinguishes it from its predecessors. The set design inextricably ties in with the film’s setting in an era of burgeoning rational thought and its emphasis on appearances. Although these changes may undermine the fear factor of the original, I enjoyed the complexity breathed into Shelley’s timeless masterpiece.

WICKED: FOR GOOD - Zandie Howells, Online Editor-in-Chief

WAS recently blessed with the opportunity to see the hotly anticipated sequel to Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: For Good on its opening day, with a packed out cinema ready to immerse itself in the weird and wonderful world of Oz. So if you give me just a ‘clock tick’ of your time, I will briefly explain my thoughts on it all. First and foremost I have to say I did really enjoy this film — I think it grows and grows, thank Oz, because the first 20 minutes are pretty awful.But once we get going, it’s an absolute blast; Ariana Grande and all her mannerisms have never been more welcome. I do think this is Cynthia Erivo’s (and Elphaba’s) film however, and her performance is phe-

Image: GoodFon

THIS IS CYNTHIA ERIVO’S FILM, AND HER PERFORMANCE IS PHENOMONAL bolical performances I’ve ever seen — she cannot sing at all and every single line delivery is tragic. Jeff Goldblum I’m also not so sure on. Jonathan Bailey. though, is excellent. Once again, as with the first movie, the driving force of the film comes from the two leads, who are pretty much perfect, and help to lift a script and a story that outside of them is at times rather weak. So, I feel that this balances it out at a score of 3.5/5 nicely. Shoutout Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo though, you were fantastic.

ZOOTROPOLIS 2 - Madison McNair

OOTROPOLIS 2 sees the return of beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they tackle the case of the appearance of a snake whose very presence jeopardises the harmony of Zootropolis. With new threats and mysteries to be solved, the film is certainly a great addition to the original as the animation and storytelling make for a great movie. The expanded cast of the second film brings us some new faces to fall in love with, most notably Ke Huy Quan as Gary DeSnake.

Image: GoodFon

nomenal. I love the emotional depth to the character, the incredibly sad reality of her fate (and the bravery she has to have to face it), and the villain arc, with ‘No Good Deed’ being an all-time “villain” song. Michelle Yeoh gives one of the most dia-

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman return to their roles of Judy and Nick and, just as in the first movie, the dynamic between the two really makes the movie what it is. The unlikely duo of dumb bunny and sly fox is heavily built upon emotional growth and a strong sense of loyalty towards one another, and in Zootropolis 2, though they face some turmoil, their relationship only grows stronger, proving exactly why they are the duo we all know and love. Nine years on from the release of the first movie, the world of Zootropolis dazzles our cinema screens once more in what I would argue is Disney’s greatest sequel.

THE UNLIKELY DUO OF DUMB BUNNY AND SLY FOX IS HEAVILY BUILT UPON EMOTIONAL GROWTH

Excetera Excetera... Let’s Talk About It... It...

Student Stars CAPRICORN (22 DEC — 19 JAN) It is not selfish to want people to come out for your birthday, even if it’s cold. AQUARIUS (20 JAN — 18 FEB) It’s the holidays now, you can do all those fun things you’ve been putting off. PISCES (19 FEB — 20 MAR) Term Two is a fresh start, don’t worry about what is already done. ARIES (21 MAR — 19 APR) Get started on that essay now, no one likes working on Christmas day. TAURUS (20 APR — 20 MAY) Just being in the library isn’t going to force you to work. GEMINI (21 MAY — 20 JUNE) Don’t get sucked into ‘I’ll do it in Jan’. Start it now! CANCER (21 JUN — 22 JUL) One last night out for the road? Just bring an umbrella. LEO (23 JUL — 22 AUG) Not to rush you, but you do know that term is almost over? Right? VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP) You’ve made it! I promise term Two will be stress free (maybe). LIBRA (23 SEP — 22 OCT) Okay fine, you can start playing the Christmas songs now. SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) Sleep in. You won’t fall behind, you must be exhausted. SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC) Shoot your shot with that campus crush. You might have opposite timetables next term. Images: OpenClipart, SVG

Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor, discusses coping with the holiday season Contains discussions of mental health which may be triggering for some students

HE Christmas holidays can be tough for many people for a variety of reasons: from the short days and freezing temperatures, to the grind of studying for January exams, all while your family expect you to be present for celebrations, it can be hard to balance everything at this time of year. While January exams are significant, and for first-years they may be your first time taking exams at university, it is important to still take care of your mental health when studying. It can help to have a revision timetable, etc, but work-life balance is also crucial. For example, take breaks by spending time with your friends and family, or spend time doing a hobby you love, to relax. You still need to rest and recharge before we dive into term two, so try not to burn yourself out over the break! The weather also has a tendency to be utterly miserable at this time of year (when was the last time we actually had a white Christmas?) and can worsen how you are feeling. It’s important to remember to try to go outside in daylight and still take care of yourself by doing exercise, and eating and drinking enough.

It’s also worth noting that while some people really look forward to going home for the holidays, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people might not have good relationships with their family, or will have other reasons for struggling with the holiday season. It can be a difficult time of year with societal expectations of having a ‘good’ or stereotypical Christmas or winter break — if this is the case for you, you could try to do something that takes your mind off the holiday season. Be patient with yourself, and remember the Christmas holidays aren’t forever, you’ll be back at uni soon! Furthermore, some people may not be going home for the holidays at all. If you are staying in Exeter over the winter holidays, the Guild are running some events for students, so be sure to check out their website if you are looking for things to do. All in all, the most wonderful time of the year might not be so wonderful for everyone, so be mindful of this when talking to your friends about plans for the winter holiday. I hope everyone has a nice Christmas break, whatever that looks like for you.

Images: Pexels

Recipe: Elevated Instant Ramen

URING deadline season, instant noodles may be the only thing on your shopping list. However with this recipe you can still cook a quick and easy meal, that feels a lot more filling than instant noodles. Makes 1 serving Cooking time: 10 minutes Ingredients: · Your favourite instant ramen packet · A few splashes of soy sauce · 1 spring onion · 1/2 a block of silken tofu

· 1 sheet of nori · 1 egg · 2/3 frozen gyozas · A few pieces of bok choi or any other veg you have · Sesame seeds · Store brought kimchi · spoonful of diced garlic · Chili oil/flakes

1. Prep and gather all the ingredients you are going to use in your ramen. I have suggested a few ideas in the ingredients section, but pick and choose what sounds good to you.

veg and eggs may need longer than spring onions or tofu.

2. Boil some water either in a kettle or on your stove-top. Once water is boiling add to a sauce-pan and add your favourite instant ramen packet. Follow the cooking instructions.

5. Once everything has been added to the pan and cooked you can take it off the heat and dish up into a bowl.

3. Add in the extra ingredients straight into the saucepan with the ramen. Please note cooking times for different ingrients may differ. Big pieces of

4. If you want you can add additional seasonings to the ramen, such as soy sauce, garlic or chili.

6. Serve immediately, with nori or kimchi on the side ,if that is your preference. Kayleigh Swart Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR: Kayleigh Swart

exhibit | excetra excetra

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Across 1 Quick, sharp knock (3) 3 Fauna - if willed (anagram) (8) 7 (Golf) stick (4) 8 Heavily involved (in) (4-4) 9 Weighing instrument (in a kitchen, say) (6) 10 Cook too long (6) 11 Female sheep (4) 13 Chess piece (3) 14 Highest point - mace (anagram) (4) 15 Paradise (6) 17 Finally (2,4) 19 UK parliamentary reform movement - Christma... (anagram) (8) 20 Forceful blow (4) 21 Indicated - foretold - predicted (8) 22 Scottish river (3)

Down 1 Historic heirloom (5) 2 Small, smooth rounded stones (7) 3 Rouses from sleep (5) 4 Nap (British informal) (3-4) 5 Shelf (5) 6 Liberty (7) 12 Expressing a choice between alternatives - he threw (anagram) (7) 13 Repairing (7) 14 Permissible (7) 16 Computer-corrupting code (5) 17 Targeted (5) 18 Iberian country (5)

Trivia Corner 1. WHERE DID CHRISTMAS CAKE ORIGINATE FROM? 2. WHAT ALCOHOL IS IN THE COCKTAIL NAMED ‘A SNOWBALL’? 3. WHAT IS THE BEST SELLING CHRISTMAS SONG OF ALL TIME? 4. WHAT DAY SHOULD YOU TRADIONALLY TAKE DOWN YOUR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS?

Across: 1 Rap, 3 Wildlife, 7 Club, 8 Knee-deep, 9 Scales, 10 Overdo, 11 Ewes, 13 Man, 14 Acme, 15 Heaven, 17 At last, 19 Chartism, 20 Wham, 21 Presaged, 22 Don. Down: 1 Relic, 2 Pebbles, 3 Wakes, 4 Lie-down, 5 Ledge, 6 Freedom, 12 Whether, 13 Mending, 14 Allowed, 16 Virus, 17 Aimed, 18 Spain.

5. WHAT IS ENGLAND’S NATIONAL SPORT? 6. WHO IS THE LEAD SINGER OF THE ARCTIC MONKEYS?

Trivia: 1. Dundee 2.Advocaat 3. White Christmas 4. Jan 5th or 6th 5.Cricket 6. Alex Turner

ANSWERS

10 DEC 2025 | 25

How to write for us All you need to do is scan the QR code here in order to purchase your society membership from the Student’s Guild. After that you can join our Exeposé Members 25/26 facebook group in which you’ll find content calls from section editors on pretty much any topic you can imagine! We’ll have a link to this page on our instagram! If you see a content call that takes your fancy, simply comment under the facebook post, write your article and send it to the editor. Whilst they may send you some feedback or ask you to make a

Image Credits: Wikimedia commons

couple of changes, no articles will ever be rejected and we encourage writers to get involved regardless of previous experience. If financial hardship prevents you from gettng involved, the Guild offers a Society Hardship Fund, aimed at any student awarded the University Hardship and Retention Fund or who is unable to take part in societies due to financial barriers. We can’t wait to see all the amazing writing you guys get up to!

International

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

INTERNATIONAL EDITORS:

Jed H. Gibbins Antoni Kałduński

RyanAir goes paperless

Joburg hosts G20

Rachel Baldwin explains the impacts of RyanAir’s push for mandatory app use

Nina Exton, Deputy Editor, explores the recent G20 summit in South Africa and Trump’s absence

HESE are the aims of budget airline Ryanair, which has recently moved to 100% digital boarding passes (DBP). Excluding Morocco, which still requires paper boarding passes, all customers must check in online before arriving at the airport. Failure to do so leads to a £55 checkin fee, which replaces the £20 charge incurred when customers fail to access boarding passes on smartphones. In fact, even if customers lose their phones before security the airport team will print the boarding pass for free. The reasoning behind this move is Ryanair’s commitment to speeding up travel, lowering costs and removing 300 tonnes of paper each year, making it more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, given that 90% of Ryanair’s 206 million passengers are already using DPB, arguably this move will not have a significant impact.

with using this system in a country where she cannot speak the language. In support of this, Age UK stated that companies, like Ryanair, who move their processes online must still provide alternative ways of checking in, especially since there are “4.3 million older people who do not use a smartphone” according to Age UK’s charity director, Caroline Abrahams. In response to these objections to the new system, Ryanair have stated that the DBP met all accessibility standards and special assistance will be available at all airports, illustrated by Ryanair keeping their check-in desks at airports. Ultimately, whilst there are concerns that this move will impact accessibility, Ryanair is likely the first of many airlines to move towards a fully digitalised check-in system. Image: Live and Let’s Fly

COMMITTMENT TO SPEEDING UP TRAVEL, LOWERING COSTS, AND REMPVING 300 TONNES OF PAPER EACH YEAR However, Peggy-Ann Munroe, 94, from Suffolk, told the BBC that she found this move “depressing”, citing concerns for lengthening the travel time before her flight, especially when taken in tandem

AST month, representatives from major economies convened in Johannesburg for the G20’s annual summit, the first time Africa has hosted in the forum’s 17 year run. While a milestone in multilateralism and recognising Africa’s growing economic influence, the event was punctuated by Trump’s boycott and national protests against gender-based violence, or GBV. With South African President Ramaphosa as host, the agenda emphasized development in the Global South. Disaster resilience topped the list, with leaders pledging to strengthen early-warning systems and boost anticipatory funding. Africa, though among the lowest contributors to global emissions, faces some of the highest climate risks. This year, catastrophic flooding struck Nigeria, Kenya, and South Sudan – a nation already enduring the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. As global warming worsens droughts and floods, Africa faces crises at a rate exceeding its ability to respond, making proactive global support urgent. Another key goal was debt sustainability. African nations have historically faced harsh conditionality from Western-led financial institutions, hampering their development efforts. This foregrounding of debt sustainability highlights the growing economic independence of the Global South and their efforts to escape debt traps. Leaders also discussed financing a just energy transition and harness-

ing critical minerals for sustainable development. Not in attendance to discuss these issues was the US. A week before, Trump denounced South Africa’s leadership, claiming a “genocide” against the white minority – something Ramaphosa rejected as “blatant misinformation”. This was hardly surprising, with Trump blocking aid to South Africa earlier this year for similar reasons. Ramaphosa pushed back at the snub, warning that “boycott politics doesn’t work,” which may ring true given their largely symbolic nature. Real danger, however, lies in potentially weakening Africa’s voice in economic decision-making. Whether or not Ramaphosa is right about boycott politics, the US is set to host the 2026 summit and has disinvited South Africa. While G20 rules prohibit this, the US’ control over agenda will likely stunt G20’s growing emphasis on issues affecting the Global South. While the US was a no-show, not absent were the thousands of women gathered outside the summit and throughout the country to protest GBV, which Ramaphosa declared a national crisis. Activists highlighted the contradiction between the G20’s commitment to progress and its being hosted in a country where 15 women are murdered daily as hypocritical. During the summit, non-profits encouraged women to “withdraw from the economy for one day” to highlight their unrecognised contribution to South Africa’s economy.

US loses global students

Boeing 777: reshaping travel

Chandrayee Raha asseses the causes and consequences of the US’ 17 percent drop in international enrollment

Jed Gibbins, International Editor, discusses the importance of Boeing’s most influential aircraft

MERICAN universities are experiencing a concerning decline in international student enrollment, with new admissions falling 17 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. This September marked one of the lowest enrollment levels in recent history, signaling what experts describe as a structural shift from stagnation to decline in US higher education’s global appeal. The drop aligns with steep declines in interest following Trump’s return to office earlier this year, and subsequent immigration arrests affecting thousands of students and a ban imposed on students from 19 countries. Between March and October, prospective student interest in US programs plummeted from 40 percent to 61 percent. Extended visa processing times became notorious during peak application periods in May and June, with wait times for Indian applicants stretching to months after the US paused interviews and began investigating social media accounts. The administration also reversed the “Duration of Stay” policy, capping student visas at four years, and froze billions in research funding while launching suits against elite universities. Indian graduate student numbers dropped by 9.5 percent while Chinese graduate enrollments fell 2.1 percent, representing two countries that together account for over half of all international students.

International students contributed $41.8 billion to the US economy this year, with jobs supported by their spending declining by 13 percent. Democratic strongholds like California, New York, and Massachusetts absorbed the largest financial hits, losing between $92 million and $162 million each. As Fanta Aw, executive director of NAFSA, notes, next fall will be the “real litmus test,” as prospective students will have had a full year to reconsider American universities. Professor Chris Glass of Boston College emphasizes that degree-seeking enrollment has remained flat for a decade, and without policy intervention, the US appears poised for sustained decline. Competing nations stand ready to benefit from America’s missteps. Countries offering clearer visa pathways and welcoming policies are attracting students who might once have defaulted to US institutions. The pipeline of global talent that has fueled American research dominance and economic innovation for decades is drying up. Whether the administration will act remains uncertain, as officials have explicitly aimed to reduce international student flows in the name of prioritizing domestic students and national security. As universities compete in an increasingly global marketplace, the message is clear: policy and narrative matter. When visa uncertainty rises and rhetoric turns hostile, talented students simply choose other destinations.

OR this paper’s 777th edition, it only makes sense to write about the most important, influential and world-changing 777, the Boeing 777 aircraft, or in aviation slang the Triple Seven. Only after the Boeing 747, the 777 is the most game-changing aircraft to enter service. In the 1980s airlines were looking for new wide body aircraft with greater ranger, but most importantly, better fuel efficiency than the quad-jet (4 engines) aircraft of the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. These aircraft originally had dominance in long-haul, particularly over water, flights due to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety regulations concerning that in the event of a single engine failure on twin engine aircraft that an aircraft would be able to reach a diversion airport with use of the one remaining operational engine. Thus, quad-jet planes were essential to allow long haul flights. In 1990 Boeing proved to the ICAO that it could make a plane and design an engine which could run on one engine for 180 minutes, satisfying the ICAO to relax the regulations and allow for twin-jet long haul flights. As Airbus was draining money on the, now redundant, A340, Boeing were droves ahead and the 777 was born. The 777’s significantly better fuel burn and efficiency, as well as

greater aerodynamics and modern build allowed for more affordable long haul flights for both the consumer and the airline. These new features made the 777 immensely popular, and has made it the most-built wide-body airliner, and remains the largest twinjet aircraft. Emirates, the worlds largest operator of Boeing’s ‘Seventh Wonder’ with 148 aircraft, BA, Qatar and Cathay Pacific were all early customers for the 777, and continue operating it on a large scale. The plane is known as the ‘workhorse’ for high-yield international routes, making more money per customer, even 31 years after its introduction, than most other long-haul orientated aircraft, including newer planes like the Airbus A380, using the same 10-abreast economy seat layout.The 777’s excellent safety record, great reliability, high range paired with a low operating cost makes it an attractive aircraft to consumer and operator, and its only getting better. The Boeing 777X will be entering commercial use in 2027, already with 565 orders being able to fly up to 10,000 miles with up to 426 passengers. It will offer a greater customer experience with better legroom and space, quiet cabins, larger windows, alongside helping the operators with more range than any other aircraft, thus offering lower prices to consumers, and more destinations.

EXEPOSÉ|10 DEC 2025

INTERNATIONAL

International Society Spotlight: Polish Society

Antoni Kałduński, International Editor, discusses the succeses of the Polish Society on campus.

HE Polish Society has grown remarkably since the start of term, quickly becoming one of the most dynamic international student groups on campus. Through collaborations with societies such as EuroSoc, the Latin American Society, the Singapore Society, the Russian Society, and the Eastern European Society, Polish students have shown a genuine enthusiasm for exploring new cultures and traditions.This year’s events have blended classic student favourites, pub crawls, quizzes, and karaoke nights, with uniquely Polish celebrations.

ATTENDANCE HAS RISEN SHARPLY COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR

Attendance has risen sharply compared with last year, reflecting the society’s expanding presence. Traditional events have been particular highlights: St. Andrew’s Day, with its fortune-telling games and playful superstitions, brought plenty of laughter, while Wigilia, the annual Christmas dinner, recreated cherished customs passed down through generations and fostered a warm sense of community. Beyond the many socials held on campus, the society has also been making its mark nationwide among other Polish student groups. Most notably, on the thirtieth of November, Vice President Stanisław Sienczewski, Events Coordinator Robert Kwiatkowski, and General Secretary Daniel Mischke attended the Polish Youth Forum in Hammersmith, London, where they learned more about the Polish diaspora in the UK and the opportunities ahead. A number of society members also compete

passionately in a Sunday six-a-side football league, giving their all on the pitch each week under the leadership of Wilfred Smith. Previously shortlisted for the Collaboration and Committee Excellence Award at the Student Guild Awards, the Polish Society hopes to secure a win this year. With over 80 percent of its members currently in their first year of study, the future of the Polish society looks exceptionally bright. The society continues to grow not only in size but ambition, and student engagement across campus.

THE FUTURE OF THE POLISH SOCIETY LOOKS EXCEPTIONALLY BRIGHT Image: Pexels

MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE Navidades globales Sofia Tapia, Redactora Online Lifestyle, su amor por la Navidad en Colombia, Perú y Reino Unido

Images: Salford Now

ENIENDO doble nacionalidad, no soy ninguna extraña a experimentar diferentes tradiciones festivas, habiendo celebrado la Navidad en Colombia, Perú y, ahora, el Reino Unido. Colombia y Perú, aunque diferentes, tienen muchas similitudes por ser naciones vecinas. Sin embargo, me he dado cuenta de que, cuando a comida navideña se respecta, los tres países comparten un amor por el pavo. No sé por qué, pero parece que el pavo se ha vuelto sinónimo de Navidad, sin importar dónde vivas en el mundo. El resto del festín navideño sí es muy diferente. El tamal y aguapanela de Colombia y la cena de Perú, compuesta de piña y guindón, chocolate caliente y panetón (por la influencia italiana), es completamente distinta al “nut roast”, las verduras rostizadas con gravy y el pudín navideño que comí mi primera navidad aquí. Cada país tiene comida muy deliciosa, no me malinterpreten, pero sí me tomó varios mince pies hasta que mis papilas gustativas se acostumbraran a su nuevo y único sabor.

darme cuenta de que el Reino Unido adora al hombre de la barba blanca tanto como yo lo hacía de pequeña. No obstante, a diferencia del Perú, Colombia sí celebra también los días antes de Navidad. Aunque carece de los muchos calendarios de adviento (ya quisiera), encienden velitas desde el 7 de diciembre (el Día de las Velitas) para contar los días que faltan. Después, Colombia tiene como feriado el Día de la Inmaculada Concepción (caracterizado por su misa) y sus muchos villancicos. De esta manera, las tradiciones colombianas se asemejan al coro y el christingle del Reino Unido. Vivir en Exeter me ha permitido descubrir nuevas formas de celebrar y disfrutar la Navidad, lo cual agradezco mucho. Aunque siempre se extrañan los fuegos artificiales y el celebrar durante la medianoche de la víspera de Navidad.

FEN REALIDAD TENÍA QUE ESCRIBIRLE AL NIÑO JESÚS

LOS TRES PAÍSES COMPARTEN EL AMOR POR EL PAVO. Sorprendentemente, me di cuenta de que el Perú y el Reino están de acuerdo sobre quién manda los regalos. Yo crecí escribiéndole cartas a Papá Noel solo para que mi familia colombiana me dijera que en realidad tenía que escribirle al Niño Jesús. Por eso me alegré mucho al

Image: Sergeant Matt Hecht, rawpixel

Global Christmases

Sofia Tapia, Online Lifestyle Editor, her love for Christmas in Colombia, Peru and the UK

Images: N i c o l a, Wikimedia Commons.

S someone with a dual nationality, I am no stranger to experiencing different festive traditions, having spent Christmas in Colombia, Peru and, now, the UK. Colombia and Peru, though different, have many similarities from being neighbouring countries. However, I’ve come to realise that when it comes to Christmas food, they both share one thing in common with the UK: turkey. I don’t know why, but it seems that turkey has become synonymous with Christmas regardless of where in the world you are. The rest of the feast is very different though. Colombia’s filling tamal and ‘aguapanela’ and Peru’s pineapple and prunes, hot chocolate and Italian-influenced Panetón paint a completely different picture to the nut roast, roast veggies with gravy and Christmas pudding that I had for my first Christmas here. Each country’s food is extremely delicious, don’t get me wrong, but it did take a few mince pies before my taste buds got used to their new and unique flavour.

I should ask Baby Jesus for gifts instead. Needless to say, I was happy that the UK seemed to share my childhood love for the white-bearded man. However, like the UK and unlike Peru, Colombia also celebrates the lead-up to Christmas. While lacking an advent calendar culture (I wish), they do light up candles from the 7th of December (Little Candles Day) to count down the days. This is followed by the public holiday ‘Day of the Immaculate Conception’ (characterised by a mass) and a lot of carols (not All I want for Christmas though). In this way, Colombia’s traditions resemble the UK’s choir’s Christmas service and Christingle making. Being in the UK has allowed me to rediscover ways to celebrate and enjoy Christmas, which I am really grateful for. Though, I won’t lie, I do miss the fireworks and having dinner and the opening of presents on Christmas Eve.

I SHOULD ASK BABY JESUS FOR GIFTS INSTEAD

TURKEY HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS ... REGARDLESS OF WHERE IN THE WORLD YOU ARE. Images: PublicDomainPictures.net

Surprisingly though, I found that Peru and the UK were very similar when it came to the source of their presents. I grew up writing letters to Santa Claus in Peru, just to be told by my Colombian family that

Images: Falco, Wikimedia Commons.

Sci-Tech 28

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

SCI-TECH EDITOR: Julia Szewczyk

Moss Found to Survive in Space

Antoni Kałduński, International Editor, dives into a study which found that moss spores can survive the harsh environment outside the International Space Station

ECENT research has revealed one of the most surprising biological discoveries of the space age: moss spores can survive the vacuum of space. In a study conducted on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS), scientists found that more than 80 per cent of moss spores exposed to open space for nine months remained alive and were still capable of growing once returned to Earth. The species examined, Physcomitrium patens, is a small but highly resilient moss commonly used in plant science. For the experiment, researchers placed spore-filled capsules on the outside of the ISS in March 2022, where they spent 283 days exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, intense ultraviolet radiation, microgravity, and the complete absence of atmospheric pressure. These are conditions that typically destroy most biological material within minutes. When the samples were brought back to Earth in early 2023 and rehydrated in the laboratory, the results surprised even the research team. Over four out of five spores survived the ordeal, and most of these grew normally, producing healthy moss. Chlorophyll pigments remained largely intact despite the

harsh exposure, with only one pigment type extremes of space suggests they could serve showing notable UV damage, and even that similar functions in early off-world habitats. In did not prevent the spores from germinat- controlled environments such as pressurised domes or future Martian greenhousing. To understand the broader es, moss could help regulate implications, scientists ran humidity, contribute oxycomputational models gen through photosynto estimate how long thesis, stabilise dust, such spores could and form biological last in space under “starter layers” that similar protective make conditions a r r a n g e m e n t s. more favourable Their simulafor other plants. tions suggested The survival that moss spores of moss spores in might remain vispace also supports able for as long the idea that some as 15 years, a reorganisms have natural markable figure that biochemical and structural highlights how unImage: Wikimedia Commons traits, such as durable cell walls expectedly tough some or specialised pigments, that help them early plant lineages can be. The significance of this discovery extends endure extraordinary environmental stress. The findings also have practical implifar beyond the curiosity of seeing moss survive in space. On Earth, mosses play vital cations for the future of space agriculture. ecological roles as pioneer species, colonis- While plants have been grown inside the ISS ing barren landscapes and retaining moisture. for years, the idea that spores can remain dorThe fact that moss spores can withstand the mant yet viable after prolonged exposure to

open space suggests new possibilities. It implies that astronauts on long-duration missions or future settlers on Mars could carry lightweight, inactive biological stockpiles that can be revived when needed, simplifying transport and mission logistics. Hardy plant species like moss could therefore act as biological building blocks in establishing sustainable life-support systems beyond Earth. It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. The ISS still benefits from Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from the most damaging cosmic radiation. Conditions on Mars or in deep space would likely be harsher. Additionally, the experiment measured survival, not long-term growth or reproduction outside Earth’s protective environment. Yet even with these caveats, the study marks a significant step in understanding how life may behave beyond our planet. If humanity ever builds green living spaces on the moon or Mars, early experiments like this one, showing that even simple moss can defy the vacuum of space, may be remembered as the first evidence that creating ecosystems on other worlds is not only imaginable, but genuinely achievable.

Britain's Nuclear Energy Expansion

Julia Szewczyk, Sci-Tech Editor, explores recent developments in the UK's nuclear energy industry

HE recently announced Autumn Budget affirmed the Government's position on expanding the use of nuclear energy in the UK, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves detailing plans to go “further to make nuclear power cheaper and to accelerate its deployment”. This came as no surprise, with nuclear energy being at the heart of Labour’s long-standing goals of energy security and achieving net-zero by 2050. Yet, opinions amongst the public are mixed. While support continues to outweigh opposition, there are still many who are sceptical or outright against the development of nuclear power. Before I dive into its pros and cons, I think it is worth explaining what nuclear energy actually is and how it is generated. Molecular atoms have a core made up of tiny particles called protons and neutrons (together known as the nucleus). When this nucleus is split into two, it forms two smaller daughter nuclei. This process (called nuclear fission) releases energy in the form of heat and radiation, which can be converted to electricity in a nuclear power plant. The most common element currently used is the Uranium isotope U-235 due to its ability to sustain a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, which releases a significant amount of energy (about 200 mega-electronvolts per fission). So what makes nuclear power so important for tackling climate change? Unlike other

Image: Wikimedia Commons

sources of energy like coal, oil, and gas, nuclear power plants do not produce carbon dioxide during operation, making them a low-carbon source of energy. This is crucial, as burning fossil fuels for energy accounts for nearly 90 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions (according to the United Nations). Nuclear energy also doesn’t come with the same risks to health as burning fossil fuels, the pollutants of which have been found to be responsible for one in five deaths worldwide. Furthermore, having a strong domestic nuclear industry prevents reliance on foreign sources — the consequences of which have been felt across Europe with rising costs of energy due to more volatile international markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

BURNING FOSSIL FUELS ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY 90 PER CENT OF ALL CO2 EMISSIONS

On the other hand, one of the major disadvantages is the generation of radioactive waste products, some of which remain health hazards for thousands of years and thus are permanently stored in engineered facilities. If improperly managed, the waste can contaminate soil, water sources, and agriculture, making areas uninhabitable and threatening wildlife. Human error and natural disasters can also result in devastating power plant accidents, such as that in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1986 and Fukushima, Japan, in 2011, the consequences of which are still being felt today. Moreover, for many people, nuclear energy carries associations with the nuclear weapons which caused mass destruction during World War II. As much of the science behind nuclear energy generation is the same as that for atomic bombs (with both relying on the chain reaction of nuclear fission), some anti-nuclear campaign groups fear building more power stations will accelerate the development of nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, the Government has already put into motion plans to expand nuclear energy use. Currently, around 15 per cent of electricity in the UK is generated by nuclear power, with the aim being to increase this to 25 per cent by 2050. Last month also saw the announcement of the first small nuclear power station (which works similarly to the nine large reactors already in operation around the UK) to be built in north

Wales. Upon completion, the project is predicted to power around three million homes, as well as create 3,000 jobs and bring in billions of pounds in investment. Two more large reactors are being built at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. These are set to power around six million homes and avoid the release of 9 million tonnes of CO2 each year.

AROUND 15 PER CENT OF ELECTRICITY IN THE UK IS GENERATED BY NUCLEAR POWER

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EXEPOSÉ | 10 DEC 2025

SCI-TECH

Plans to phase out animal testing

Evie Merrilees explains the action being taken by the Government to reduce the use of animals in scientific testing

HE Government has recently unveiled its plans to fulfil its manifesto pledge of phasing out animal testing. This comes in the face of rising opposition from animal rights protestors and the public alike, calling for more decisive action to be taken to end what they deem as a cruel and unfair practice. This anger towards animal testing has come to a focal point in recent years, with a prime example being the establishment of Camp Beagle, a protest camp set up in 2021 outside the controversial puppy breeding facility in Cambridgeshire. The demonstration, which is still running, attracted much media attention due to the unconventional tactics used, with protestors living in tents outside the facility and celebrity endorsements from Gemma Collins and Faye Winters, all garnering media and public attention to the cause. This seemed to mirror the growing public outrage towards the matter, with a recent YouGov poll reporting that 70 per cent of Britons supported laws to end animal experimentation in medical research by 2035.

YOUGOV POLL: 70 PER CENT OF BRITONS SUPPORT LAWS TO END ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION IN MEDICAL RESEARCH BY 2035

Image: Pexels

The increased dialogue surrounding these practices, and the failure of legislation to prevent them, have appeared to directly influence the government’s recent announcements, with them representing the first step towards the prioritisation of more humane and cruelty-free research methods. However, the question on many people’s minds is, will these plans truly result in meaningful change? The Government seems to think it will. They plan to achieve this by “partnering with scientists, industry and civil society” to create new innovative alternatives to replace animal experimentation. As a part of its roadmap, it promises to stop using animals for major safety tests and switch to newer research methods like

organs-on-chips that use human cells instead. Furthermore, they have promised to end previously criticised practices like chemicals being applied to animals’ eyes and skin sensitisation tests by 2026 due to the severe suffering and distress they cause. The proposal is also forwardthinking, with it suggesting that funds will be diverted to instead speed up the development of new technological advancements like AI to ensure research methods remain modern and to reduce the reliance on animal-based methods. This new plan is a fundamental win for animal welfare and rights. The aim to significantly cut the use of dogs and non-human primates by at least 35 per cent by 2030 has been applauded by campaign groups like PETA, who say the end to the frequently inefficient and uncompassionate experiments on animals is a vital step in the right direction to ensure these cruel and unjust practices come to an end. Another less obvious but essential benefit of this new proposal is that it brings the UK in line with the growing global stance against animal experimentation, with Canada and the United States recently implementing their own similar policies. This strong stance against animal research has also been gaining considerable legislative attention in Europe, with the Netherlands recently enacting the Kostic amendment to divert government funding for experiments on monkeys to non-animal research meth-

ods. Thus, this trend towards countries taking a firm stance against animal testing could be critical, with it opening the door to the potential of co-operative efforts between countries to aid each other and pool resources in the hopes of finding alternatives to animal testing. However, despite the optimism surrounding these plans, there have been calls for trepidation from members of the scientific community, who suggest in practice these plans are unrealistic and unachievable, with them contesting the plausibility that animal testing could ever completely be phased out.

SOME SCIENTISTS SAY THAT IN PRACTICE THESE PLANS ARE UNREALISTIC AND UNACHIEVABLE

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The neuroscience behind holiday nostalgia

Lani Elatta explains why so many of us feel as though Christmas is just not the same as it used to be

ATE November, I’m sitting in my best friend’s fairylight-lit living room watching an objectively bad TV show, which is constantly being interrupted by Christmas adverts. The buzzwords (SNOW, TOGETHER, PRESENTS, FAMILY) are thrown at us but invoke very little emotion as my friend scrolls through reels (because it’s so different to TikTok, which she refuses to download, right?). We watch the Coca-Cola Christmas advert as AI-generated faces fail at showing us how magical Christmas can be if you have a glass bottle of Coke in your hand. My friend mentions needing to get a Christmas tree for the house, the same way she’d mention needing to grab a carton of milk or kitchen roll. At the same time, we hear children walking home from the nearby school, “How many days left now?” “twenty six” their parents reply, holding back their exasperation. Just behind them, another child sings Jingle Bells, slightly out of breath from skipping down the street so excitedly. Remember when we were like that? There is a VAST difference in Christmas vibes inside and outside the four walls of this living room. We wonder if the memes were right and if our frontal lobe is just developing a little early. Could that be it? Why have we lost the love for Christmas we had as children, and why is nostalgia the best part of it now? Does neuroscience have the answer?.

Nostalgia is defined as a tender and yearn- memory to the self while the reward network ing reflection on meaningful life events or peo- produces the feelings of emotional gratification, ple from one’s past. While a common emotion, which together give you the warm fuzzy feeling. When you see Christmas lights, feel the it has an intricate neuroscientific mechanism. warmth of a fireplace or smell cinIt involves several brain areas, most Image: Pexels namon, they act as sensory notably the medial prefrontal triggers engaging the cortex (mPFC), substantia brain’s hippocamnigra (SN), and the venpus and amygdala. tral tegmental area These are areas (VTA). The mPFC associated with is associated with episodic memsel f-ref lectio n ory (the type and generally of memory holds the cogwhere you nitive skill of recall events thinking about in the context yourself, your of the time, feelings and emotions and your memories. location they took The memory feels place in). These uniquely yours, which triggers have been remakes it so special. The peatedly encoded for us SN and VTA are key parts to associate with Christmas of the brain’s reward system throughout the year, and so when we — they contain a large number of dopamine-producing neurons; dopamine is often experience them we also experience what we thought of as simply the molecule of pleasure call “pattern completion”. This is where the and reward, but it is also largely associated with brain essentially “fills in the gap” of a memory motivation. This then gives us the motivation to from a partial cue. The hippocampus retrieves make more happy memories when we have the the memories while the amygdala provides the option to. So essentially, the mPFC anchors the emotional depth associated with it. And maybe

Image: PickPik

getting someone a candle IS in fact a good idea as smells are especially potent triggers because, unlike other senses, there is a direct pathway connecting the olfactory system to the limbic system (associated with memory and emotion). So did Christmas actually lose its magic? The answer may be simple — the habituation of Christmas is basically what has made it a lot less special. Many Christmas experiences are new to children, and remember the VTA? It becomes highly activated under novel experiences and releases more dopamine than usual into the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and surrounding areas. This enhances amygdala responsiveness, which makes the event seem more exciting and meaningful. The brain also labels novelty as important for learning and survival and thus strengthens the encoding of the memory. Additionally, children are both rarely involved and also do not encode the boring parts of Christmas (the money, the cleaning and prep, the dishes, etc) the way adults’ brains do. Children’s memory systems are unsurprisingly a lot simpler and focus on the big emotional moments like getting presents, decorating the tree, or being with family. As adults, the “boring parts” are often our responsibility — this paired with the lack of novelty, can explain why we have a slightly rose-tinted bias towards Christmas in childhood. Image: Pexels Image: Pexels

ani

10 DEC 2025 | EXEPOSÉ

SPORT

Inside the Lions' stadium

Chloe Burrows, Sports Editor, reports on the plans to construct a new stadium in London

HE London Lions have announced ambitious plans for a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena in London, which is a development being described as "one of the most significant steps forward in the history of British basketball." The proposed venue, revealed following a completed feasibility study, would host Lions home games, while also doubling as a year-round events hub. Alongside the main arena, the project includes a dedicated 3,500-seat community arena. This secondary venue would serve as the permanent home of the London Lions women’s team and act as a training and community engagement centre. The Lions say it will offer daily

access for local clubs, schools and development programmes, addressing the major shortage of indoor basketball facilities in the city. The Lions predict a £3.4 billion economic impact: construction, tourism, job creation. With more than 100 non-sporting events planned annually, the venue aims to become financially sustainable while boosting local businesses and employment. The development could be transformative for

THE LIONS PREDICT A £3.4 BILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT: CONSTRUCTION, TOURISM, JOB CREATION

the sport itself. British basketball has long struggled with inadequate facilities and limited visibility compared to football and rugby, sports with firm roots in the country that basketball lacks. A flagship arena of this scale could elevate the professional game by attracting bigger crowds, improving broadcast deals and making London a credible host for top-tier European competitions. Crucially, the arena signals a commitment not just to elite performance but to participation. By strengthening pathways for young players and raising the profile of women’s basketball, the project offers a rare chance to reshape the sport’s future in the UK, something that has been needed for a long time

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Football clubs no longer allowed to sell assets to themselves Annabel Gowling, Sports Editor, discusses the new regulations on clubs

OOTBALL'S regulatory landscape has taken another significant step toward greater financial transparency, with governing bodies introducing a new rule preventing clubs from selling assets to themselves or to entities under the same ownership structure. The measure, aimed at shutting down an increasingly exploited loophole, is expected to reshape how certain teams manage their finances, balance their books, and comply with financial sustainability rules. In recent years, multi-club ownership models have grown rapidly, with investment groups operating several teams across different leagues. Some clubs took advantage of this set-up by selling in-

EXPECTED TO RESHAPE HOW CERTAIN TEAMS MANAGE

tellectual property, image rights, or even player registrations from one owned entity to another at inflated prices. These transactions artificially boosted revenue on paper, helping teams meet financial rules without genuinely improving financial health. The new rule is designed to end these practices by requiring that all asset sales be conducted with fully independent third parties. The change will disproportionately affect clubs operating in widImage: Pexels er football “families,”

such as those owned by large corporate groups. These teams may now find it harder to generate short-term accounting gains and will be forced to rely on more traditional revenue streams. On the positive side, the rule strengthens competitive integrity and prevents wealthier ownership groups from using creative accounting to gain an unfair advantage. Supporters of the re-

form argue that it pushes clubs toward more sustainable, long-term planning. However, critics suggest that the rule may restrict legitimate internal business operations. Multi-

AIMS TO PROTECT FOOTBALL'S FINANCIAL ECOSYSTEM club groups often share scouting networks, branding assets, and commercial departments; clarifying what can and cannot be transferred may create operational complications. Some also argue that, without these flexible financial mechanisms, smaller clubs within a group could struggle to stay afloat. Ultimately, the rule aims to protect football’s financial ecosystem. Its true impact will become clear as clubs adapt to a more transparent regulatory era.

Premier League Match week 12 round-up

Wilf Smith gives a brief overview of matchweek 12

ATCH week 12 was a weekend packed with action, unsurprising results, and a host of upsets. By far the most staggering scoreline, 19th Place Nottingham Forest dismantled Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, piling pressure on a floundering Arne Slot as the league defenders sit in 12th! However, in more twists, both Manchester clubs failed to

win, as City lost 2-1 away in Newcastle thanks to a Harvey Barnes double, and United failed to score against to a ten-man Everton – a red card given to Gueye for slapping his own teammate! That game ended 1-0, alongside Fulham’s win versus Sunderland. At the unsurprising end of the spectrum, both 2nd place Chelsea and 5th place Crystal Palace beat relegation warriors Burnley and Wolves 2-0.

Aston Villa joined this top five and moved into 4th as they beat Leeds 2-1, which is simply astounding given that after five games they were in the bottom three! Two goals from Morgan Rogers (get him in that England starting 11!), including one lovely freekick that sent Perri the wrong way, cemented their victory. In other news, Bournemouth came from behind

to draw 2-2 with West Ham, and Brighton climbed the table after beating Brentford 2-1. The game I left till last, the North London Derby, was an explosive 4-1 victory to Arsenal against a struggling Spurs side. Despite a ridiculous long-range goal from Richarleson, Eze silenced any doubters by firing home a masterful hattrick, which sent Arsenal six points clear at the top, will anyone catch them?

The quick collapse of Sky Sports 'Halo' programme

Amberly Wright, Print Deputy Editor, discusses why Halo's quick collapse speaks to bigger gender problems in sports media

ARLIER this month, Sky Sports launched a TikTok channel targeting female sports fans, Sky Sports Halo. The channel has joined Sky Sport’s existing TikTok channels where it has collectively surpassed 2 billion views and 160 engagements, says Broadband TV News. However, a few days later, Sky Sport stopped posting on Halo after an immense amount of criticism branding the platform as sexist. Sky Sports acknowledged their errors and left an apology message on Halo, stopping all activ-

ity on the account and deleting most of its content. Sky initially said that Halo was aimed to “build a welcoming community for female fans, whether causal or committed, through fun trend-led, and relatable content”, suggesting the only way that women would be involved in sport is if it’s based upon a social media trend, and that women couldn’t possible engage with sport as a passion or a hobby, there had to be some alternative draw. They referred to Halo as the little sister of Sky Sport, which has been received as damaging and patronising,

and was seen to hint at Sky Sport being only for men, with Halo an extension, as though tossed to the side. When creating Halo, Sky opted for a pink theme with hearts and glitter, and as if we needed more gender stereotypes, Halo referenced ‘hot girl walks’ and matcha drinking, and Barbie dolls. Notably, the channel featured a video of Erling Haaland scoring against Bournemouth, captioned “How the matcha + hot girl walk combo hits” in pink text. Furthermore, Sky Sport’s executives Mark Al-

ford and Andy Gill received backlash as to whether they asked female colleagues for inspiration or approval, or whether the platform was created with their own perceptions of womanhood. Women are copiously underrepresented in sport, we know this. But what women didn’t need is a platform dedicated to them, segregating them from the male sports fans further and subjecting them to harmful stereotypes.

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SPORT 31

10 DEC 2025

A spectacular day at the Ashes for England Connor Meyers, Online Sport Editor, discusses the Ashes tournament so far

NGLAND threw away one of their best ever positions in an away Ashes test match, suffering a collapse of epic proportions, as Australia managed to wrap up the game within two days. After England won the toss and elected to bat in the series opener in Perth, Zak Crawley was hoping to last longer than his predecessor at the top of the order from the last Ashes series in Australia Rory Burns. Although he survived the one ball it took to dismiss Burns back in 2021, he was on his way soon after when Mitchell Starc found the Englishman’s edge after just six balls. It would be the first of Starc’s seven wickets in the first innings, and ten in the match, as Australia bowled England out for 172, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook top-scoring on 46 and 52 respectively.

SUFFERING A COLLAPSE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS Australia’s reply began poorly. Debutant Jake Weatherald was figuratively and literally knocked over by Jofra Archer, lasting only two balls against the pace bowler’s rapid speed. By stumps on day one, England

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were firmly on top, with Australia nine wickets down and still over fifty runs short of the visitors’ total. On day two, after England had cleaned up Australia’s tail, England had a chance to pile on the runs and put the game out of touching distance. However, Zak Crawley this time only lasted five balls, and faltering batsmen allowed an Australian bowling attack to wrestle the game back into their hands. Bowler Gus Atkinson top scoring this time round with 37 meant Aus-

tralia required only 205 runs to win the match.

ENGLAND WERE FIRMLY ON TOP, WITH AUSTRALIA NINE WICKETS DOWN England’s fatigued bowlers were unable to recreate their heroics in the first innings, and one of the best Ashes innings in living memory from Travis Head clinched Australia the game only two wickets down. His blistering 123, from only 83 balls and consisting of twenty boundaries, propelled Australia to victory. England will be looking to bounce back in the second test, a day-night game in Brisbane.

ITV renews darts coverage for 2028

Beth Casey, Print Screen Editor, reviews ITV's long term broadcast agreement for 2028

TV and the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) have agreed to a three-year extension that will see darts coverage become freeto-air on ITV and ITVX until 2028. This comes hot on the heels of ITV stating that 2025 has been the best year yet for darts in terms of popularity and viewing statistics, and the package agreed upon will allow ITV to cover a range of darts competitions. This will include the World Masters, UK Open, European Champion-

ship, Players Championship Finals, all World Series of Darts global events a n d t h e World Series F i -

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nals. PDC Chief Executive Matt

Porter, about the deal, has stated "We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ITV, with the new deal set to take our partnership beyond 20 years.” Within the deal, the PDC will continue to organise the major events and tournaments while ITV will act as the primary UK broadcaster covering them.

DEAL SET TO TAKE OUR PARTNERSHIP BEYOND 20 YEARS IT BECAME WIDELY ADOPTED DURING THE From the 1990s onwards, Sky Sports has COVID-19 PANDEMIC

dominated the primary television coverage, and the success of youngsters like Luke Littler and

Gian van Veen when pitted against various previous world champs has attracted both new and old audiences to the sport, creating a sudden surge in public interest. Porter also draws attention to this popularity, stating that there is “more buzz around darts than ever before,” and Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport outlines how ITV intend to maintain this boom: ‘we look to keep the biggest events in professional darts free-to-air for the UK audience to enjoy.’

SUNDERLAND PROVED TOO TOUGH FOR LEAGUE LEADERS

Las Vegas Grand Prix: victory for Verstappen

Rosa Terry reports on Verstappen's storm to victory as rivals fall behind

HE Las Vegas Grand Prix: known for his delayed braking caused him to go wide and its lights, glamour and drama. And as off the track, leaving plenty of room for Verstappen to steal the lead, and keep it for the entire race. we hurtle towards the end of one of the tightest championship battles in years, dra- The first corner also saw wheel-to-wheel contact ma was guaranteed. A mediocre, but acceptable, between Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson, as Lawrace for the papayas turned disastrous when their son advanced across the Mclaren in a move that cars were disqualified due to technical infringe- could have been Championship over for Piastri. ments, stripping Norris of his podium (P2) and Piastri his P4. The race was tricky for the Mclarens from lights out. After being 3 tenths ahead of Max Verstappen in qualifying, Mclaren would have been gutted to see Lando Norris lose P1 so early in the race. Perhaps trying to match the unflinching attack so often accredited to Verstappen, Norris went aggressive in Turn 1, and it cost him. Norris boldly cut to the inside as he approached the bend, blocking Verstappen. But Image: ca.style.yahoo.

But no matter the drivers’ problems, the constructors fared worse. Post-race, the FIA found that the rear skid blocks on both cars were below the minimum 9mm thickness, worn down by the unexpected level of porpoising (bouncing of the car and subsequent contact with the track). Both cars were disqualified, as this infringement risks on-track safety. A blow for Norris, but perhaps a bigger blow for Piastri, as Verstappen catches up to him in the championship standings. Having not reached the podium in 5 races, Piastri's form seems to have plummeted. A brutal combination of setbacks, including

his Lap 1 crash in Baku and Brazil penalty, make for a very different driver than the one who had a 30+ point advantage on his Championship contender earlier this season. Despite this, an optimistic Piastri told media in Vegas that his races have not ‘all been going wrong for the same reasons’ and ‘the performance has been there.’ He puts it down to ‘the difficult world of motorsport’, and in that respect, the bad luck of disqualification is no anomaly. With Verstappen and Piastri’s points now equalised, his maiden title seems to be slipping further and further away.

NEWCASTLE CONTINUE TO BE IN MYSTERIOUS SHAPE AWAY FROM HOME Mclaren have said they will continue to let their drivers fight. And with everything still to play for, we know all too well that Verstappen will be firmly in that battle too.

Davis Cup facing format shake-up after 125 years

Sofia Tapia, Online Lifestyle Editor, reviews the dramatic changes to the traditional structure of the Davis Cup

OUNDED in 1900, the Davis Cup started as a much smaller competition, just between the United Kingdom and the United States. 125 years later, the Davis Cup is played by over 150 countries and is considered fondly by many tennis fans to be like a world cup. The Davis Cup provides an exciting opportunity for countries with tennis players of lower rankings by allowing them the chance to represent their nation in a highly esteemed competition.

REPRESENT THEIR COUNTRY IN A HIGHLY ESTEEMED COMPETITION However, there's a great difference between the World Cup or the Olympics and the Davis Cup that has been brought to

light in the last few years: its annual format. Currently, the Davis Cup is played every single year, with the round-robin phase sometimes being played during the previous year for countries with lower rankings. As a result, many famous tennis players have raised criticisms. Number two player, Jannik Sinner, who won the Cup in 2023 and 2024, decided not to attend in 2025 and voiced his desire for the "real Davis Cup" to return. This com-

ment likely refers to the old format, which, while still annual, allowed teams to play as locals or visiting, unlike the Grand Slams. This feature has only been re-introduced in the round-robin phase. The finals are now instead played in a foreign country between the remaining eight teams. Overall, the Davis Cup is a great opportunity for male tennis players, and many fans would eagerly await it every four years like they do for other world competitions.

Sport

10 DEC 2025| EXEPOSÉ

SPORT EDITOR:

Annabel Gowling Chloe Burrows

Boxing Varsity Spotlight: Licence To Fight

Annabel Gowling, Sport Editor, reviews Exeter Boxing Society’s first spotlight fight night

Image credit: Ellis Brewer

HE University of Exeter Boxing Club marked a major milestone this year with its first-ever Varsity Spotlight, the culmination of three months of rigorous training and preparation. Designed as a “Night of Respect,” the event brought together fighters from Oxford, Brunel, Bristol, Manchester Metropolitan, and Exeter, delivering an evening defined by discipline, sportsmanship, and high-level collegiate competition. With official judges presiding, a lively crowd in attendance, and Movember charity fundraising woven throughout the night, the atmosphere was both electric and purposeful.

OFFICIAL JUDGES PRESIDING , A LIVELY CROWD IN ATTENDANCE The opening match set the tone immediately. Exeter’s Maelo Mathieu-Nasser and Timmy Hong Kiu delivered a tightly contested three rounds, offering sharp exchanges and strong movement, with a brief concussion assessment adding early tension. Hong Kiu ultimately secured a unanimous decision, energising the Exeter supporters from the outset. The momentum continued into Match Two, where Exeter’s Max McPetrie faced a strong out-of-university contender

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from Brunel. McPetrie came out with undeniable force, prompting the referee to slow the pace early on. Despite facing a resilient opponent, he maintained sharp footwork and consistent pressure, earning another unanimous decision for Exeter.

DESIGNED AS A “NIGHT OF RESPECT” The night’s first heavyweight clash followed, pitting Manchester Metropolitan’s Tyler Thomas against Exeter’s Dan Lambe. Thomas delivered overwhelming power straight away, forcing a stoppage in the first round and claiming one of the night’s most dominant victories. Match Four provided one of the most balanced and dramatic bouts of the event, as Bristol’s Felix Clarke and Exeter’s Jordan Lamond traded momentum across all three rounds. After Lamond’s commanding start, Clarke surged back in the second, and the final round saw both boxers push through fatigue with determination. A split decision ultimately went to Bristol, a testament to the match’s intensity. The crowd erupted again for the evening’s first women’s match between Brunel’s Yuguo Emily Qui and Exeter’s Safia Dos Santos. Dos Santos displayed early dominance, piling on pressure in the opening round before the referee stepped in during the second, awarding Exeter a decisive victory. A halftime performance from the Exeter Emeralds and a Movember fundraising raffle kept spirits high as

spectators prepared for the second half of the card. Oxford then entered the ring for Match Six, where Tom Wise faced Exeter’s Maxime Raynaud. Wise capitalised early with a knockdown, and despite Raynaud’s resilience, defensive lapses allowed Oxford to secure a first-round stoppage. Brunel returned to the ring in Match Seven, with Hamed Azizi pressing Exeter’s Taylor Johnson from the opening bell. A rapid exchange of jabs and movement led to a knockdown against the Exeter boxer, and although Johnson showed impressive grit in continuing, Brunel’s sustained pressure forced a second-round stoppage. Match Eight reignited Exeter’s momentum as Stuart Cuff danced around Manchester’s Ethan Gilgeours with light footwork and strategic positioning. While the second round proved exceptionally close, Cuff still earnt a unanimous decision in one of the evening’s most evenly fought contests. The Southwest rivalry intensified in Match Nine as Bristol’s Joe Muckle and Exeter’s Sebastian Reece built their pace gradually before splitting the first two rounds. In the climactic final round, Bristol’s consistency earned them a unanimous decision.

where Manchester’s Cameron Bannister and Exeter’s John Slaveykov delivered an explosive, technical contest. With similar fighting styles and evenly matched pace, the bout remained tight through all three rounds. Slaveykov edged ahead in the later stages, securing a split decision win after a disciplined performance.

FOUGHT WITH THE WESTERN COUNTY BELT ON THE LINE

THE CROWD ERUPTED AGAIN FOR THE EVENING’S FIRST WOMEN’S MATCH Experience took centre stage in Match Ten,

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The event reached its peak with the final bout: a senior contest between Exmouth ABC’s Albert Piasecki and Exeter’s Manuel Soriano, fought with the Western Counties Belt on the line. Soriano displayed commanding control across the first two rounds as the crowd chanted his name, pushing him forward. When the final bell rang, his victory marked not only a personal triumph but a celebratory end to the entire evening. Exeter’s first Varsity Boxing Spotlight successfully blended athletic excellence with community spirit, showcasing the club’s rapid development and its commitment to respect, competition, and charitable impact. With 11 bouts, official judging, university-wide participation, and an enthusiastic crowd behind them, the event set a thrilling precedent. This landmark night signals the beginning of a new era for boxing at the University of Exeter, and promises even more memorable nights ahead.

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