Hillhead Review - Spring 2025

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Hillhead Review The independent student newspaper of the University of Glasgow

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No-show: Ghassan misses crucial divestment vote Wait time for Credit: Rhiannon Doherty

This is the second Court meeting in a row that the Rector has missed since his installation last year, breaking his manifesto pledge to support divestment Odhran Gallagher Editor-in-Chief

News

Rector of the University of Glasgow, Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, missed a critical meeting of the University Court last year in which the issue of divestment was put to a vote.

The meeting, held on 20 November 2024, saw the Court discuss the University’s new Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Policy as well as vote on whether or not it should include a commitment to divest from arms companies.

Meeting minutes seen by Hillhead Review show Abu-Sittah was not present at the meeting with no

reason given for his absence. The Rector’s whereabouts on the day for the Court meeting are unknown, although he made a public appearance for a speaker event with Queen Mary, University of London just nine days later.

The Court is the governing body of the University and includes representatives from groups including the University’s Senior Management, Glasgow City Council, and trade unions. The Rector is expected to use their position on the Court to raise student issues and represent the views of the student body.

Members of the Court are permitted to attend meetings both in-person and online via Zoom. During the campaign, Dr Abu-Sittah also assured

students that despite being mostly based in London, he would not be an absentee Rector, saying: “For me the Rectorship is not just a ceremonial position.

“I mean despite the fact that I live in London it is easy to come up to Glasgow regularly and to hold online consultations and clinics where people can approach the Rectorship as an ally in the University.”

This is not the first Court meeting which the Rector has missed since taking office. Dr Abu-Sittah was also absent from a meeting on 25 September 2024, during which the Court acknowledged he was in Beirut.

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mental health support skyrockets Katherine McKay Editor-in-Chief

News

The waiting list for students to receive help with their mental health following initial consultation is around twelve weeks long, with many waiting significantly longer, Hillhead Review can reveal.

The University has historically had one of the longest waiting lists for mental health services in Scotland.

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Editors’ picks: News Glasgow’s GBV failure Page 4 Views Women’s health crisis Page 6 Culture Glasgow’s greatest band Page 9 Credit: University of Glasgow

Features Students for Ukraine Page 10

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Rector breaks key manifesto pledge by ignoring divestment issue Continued from front page An absentee Rector?

Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah was elected Rector during March 2024 in a landslide victory which followed a campaign dominated by the issue of arms divestment. Dr Abu-Sittah attained a staggering 80% of first-preference votes, being elected in the first-round and eliminating Comedian Susie McCabe, Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, and incumbent Rector, Lady Rita Rae. In his election manifesto, Dr Abu-Sittah said: “In standing for Rector, I aim to give Glasgow University students the opportunity to declare their opposition to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, to stand against the complicity of our government and in solidarity with Palestine.

“Over the last few months, we have witnessed an assault on the means of life in Gaza: its hospitals, schools, houses, bakeries, universities, etc. Academic institutions in the West have been completely silent about the deliberate targeting of universities, most recently Al-Israa University – the last which was left standing in Gaza. I know that students are outraged at these unjustifiable attacks, and have been consistently protesting against them, spreading information, and expressing their concerns to management.”

At his installation in April 2024, the Rector reaffirmed these manifesto commitments, stating: “we will campaign for divestment from arms manufacturing” His four campaign pledges were to: “put pressure on the university to officially and unequivocally condemn Israel’s ongoing genocidal campaign”, “[call] for the University of Glasgow to divest from the arms trade”, “[forge] new connections and reinforcing existing partnerships with the leading universities in Palestine”, and “call for the replacement of the IHRA [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] definition of antisemitism” which, Dr Abu-Sittah argues, “conflates anti-Zionism and anti-Israeli genocidal settler colonialism with antisemitism”.

At his installation in April 2024, the Rector reaffirmed these manifesto commitments, stating: “we will cam-

paign for divestment from arms manufacturing and the fossil fuel industry in this University”. While the University has not divested from arms, senior managers previously agreed to divestment from fossil fuels in 2014, and claim to have fully completed the process of reallocating University funds away from the industry, as of January 2024.

During and following the Rector campaign, Dr Abu-Sittah was praised on campus by several student groups pushing for divestment from arms Dr Abu-Sittah continued by referring to money invested in the arms industry as “genocidal blood money” and pledged to pressure the University to relocate its investments to create a fund for rebuilding educational institutions in Gaza. He suggested this fund be named after University of Glasgow alumnus Dima Alhaj, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza in 2023.

During and following the Rector campaign, Dr Abu-Sittah was praised on campus by several student groups pushing for divestment from arms, including Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF) and UofG Solidarity, a student group initially formed in support of University and College Union (UCU) strikes.

However, following Dr Abu-Sittah’s installation as Rector, he was denounced by Glasgow University Jewish Society, who released a public statement saying: “Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah’s commitment to having the University repeal the IHRA definition of antisemitism is not only completely inappropriate but also poses a serious threat to the security of Jewish students at the University.”

A missed opportunity Prior to November’s Court meeting, the University circulated a consultation on its new SRI policy among students and staff to receive their feedback before putting the policy to a vote. This meeting was the very first opportunity in recent years in which the issue of arms divestment was put to a direct vote by the Court.

Hillhead Review found that 70% of respondents to the consultation favoured divestment from arms companies. However, only

1,900 students submitted responses to the consultation, which accounts for roughly 5% of the student body.

Meeting minutes show that the Court discussed the new SRI policy at length following a presentation by Executive Director of Finance, Gregor Caldow, and University Secretary, David Duncan. The Court recognised that the Student Representative Council (SRC) and representatives from the UCU supported divestment from companies which generate over 10% of their profits from arms sales.

However, the Court ultimately voted against the inclusion of arms divestment in the new policy, with the minutes noting: “During the discussion it was noted that a number of Court members felt conflicted – they were distressed about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East but supported Ukraine’s right to defend itself and also acknowledged the importance of the UK defence sector as well as the University’s ongoing research links with companies active in this sector.

“After lengthy discussion the majority of Court accepted the advice of senior managers that the University should not require fund managers to disinvest. Court voted 14-7 against the inclusion of the restriction, with four members not present at the meeting.”

“The Students’ Representative Council expresses its profound disappointment and outrage at the University of Glasgow’s decision to not divest from the arms industry” Following the November Court meeting, the University released a statement reiterating the Court’s deci-

sion and adding that: “Court strongly endorsed the University’s humanitarian efforts to support those affected by conflict, particularly the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.”

The SRC also released a statement following the November meeting, condemning the decision not to divest from arms: “The Students’ Representative Council expresses its profound disappointment and outrage at the University of Glasgow’s decision to not divest from the arms industry.

“This decision represents a stark disregard for ethical investment principles and undermines the University’s stated commitment to social responsibility and global justice.”

The campaign continues Since the Court’s decision, the issue of divestment hasn’t gone away on campus. In the weeks following the meeting in November, GAAF blocked entry to the Rankine Engineering Building in protest of their decision.

This action led to some students being threatened by Senior Management with expulsion. The University said: “The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.

“However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.”

Moreover, in February, two individuals acting as part of Youth Demand (a student off-shoot of Just Stop Oil) spray-painted the exterior of the JMS Learning Hub in protest of the University’s investments. One of the alleged vandals, Hannah Taylor, is a University of Glasgow student and has since been banned from campus.

The Rector has been contacted for comment.

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‘I could have been dead for all they knew’: student mental health services in dire straits

An investigation by Hillhead Review has found that waiting times for the University of Glasgow’s mental health services have increased by 600 percent Continued from front page Content warning: mentions of suicide and self-harm However, this has drastically increased over the past two years. In 2023, the average waiting time for mental health support was two weeks, an increase of 600% compared to today’s twelve weeks.

Despite the significant increase in average waiting time, many students are waiting even longer. One student told Hillhead Review that they were referred for Gender-Based Violence counselling in September, and are yet to hear from the Wellbeing Team. They were forced to seek help privately.

Hillhead Review can reveal that aside from the increase in waiting times, the University’s mental health services are often failing to provide students with the help they need entirely.

Another student referred them-

self for counselling on 3 February, admitting concerns that they were at risk from self-harm. The Student Wellbeing Team told them that they will be waiting for at least six-eight weeks, and the student has not heard anything since.

The University Advice Line allegedly ignored one student’s phone call in October. They never received a follow-up call.

It took four months before the University flagged that the student had not been attending classes or submitting work Many students are slipping through cracks entirely, and not receiving the support they need. Despite new rigorous attendance-taking methods, one student told Hillhead Review that they had stopped going

to classes due to a severe downturn in their mental health, causing them to begin self-harming. It took four months before the University flagged that the student had not been attending classes or submitting work. “I could have been dead for all they knew.”

The same student reached out to the mental health services, detailing their plans to commit suicide. When Student Wellbeing called, they were asleep.

The student told Hillhead Review that they were sent a strongly worded email, and have not heard anything since.

Many students who eventually receive support have suggested the mental health services are inadequate. One participant told Hillhead Review that the counselling revolves around studies rather than mental health, suggesting; “It’s not for the person, it’s for the student.”

Earlier this academic year, an investigation revealed that students were offered little help with addiction

and substance misuse, and can even be expelled for the use or supply of drugs. This is in stark contrast to the treatment of staff, who are offered support in dealing with the same problem.

The University of Glasgow said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of students and colleagues is the University’s prime concern. We continue to review our approach and have strengthened our support services by adding school based student support officers, a dedicated safeguarding team and an NHS partnership, creating a clear pathway for direct referrals to NHS services.

“We provide 24/7 access to counsellors via a dedicated help line and improved triage processes in our Counselling & Wellbeing Service ensure that referrals for ongoing therapy are reviewed and actioned promptly, prioritising those in greatest need. We review all referrals within two working days and respond to any urgent need immediately.”

International enrolments to ‘continue as normal’ despite Home Office audit Emails seen by Hillhead Review shed light on the University’s view of the Home Office investigation into the University’s international enrolments process which began last year Odhran Gallagher Editor-in-Chief The University of Glasgow assured trade union representatives that “recruitment of international students will continue as normal” in the aftermath of a Home Office audit which showed “severe compliance issues” with the University’s enrolment process.

Emails seen by Hillhead Review show that the University contacted trade union representatives to assure them that a UK Government audit would not affect the enrolment of foreign students, before sharing this information with the University Court at the beginning of December.

The email which shared this information with the Court was sent just hours after news publicly broke that the University of Glasgow had failed to comply with Home Office rules regarding internation-

al students, potentially jeopardising their ability to enrol at Glasgow.

Following an audit by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the summer, the University of Glasgow was given three months to fix issues with sponsorship of foreign students, or risk losing their license.

Emails seen by Hillhead Review expand on the issues uncovered by the audit. The University said to staff: “In June 2024, UK Visas & Immigration (part of the Home Office) conducted an audit of UofG’s compliance with its student sponsor duties.

UKVI has now written to the University highlighting some improvements which we need to implement.

“We are still to receive the report specifying what they require of us but from what they have told us so far, both we and the UKVI are confident that we can complete the necessary tasks before their fol-

low-up visit in three months’ time.

“We are in the process of assembling a team of around 50 members of staff from across the University to undertake the work. There are two main areas of focus: ensuring accurate records for our current student cohorts (including engagement data for Semester 1 24/25) [and] reviewing and implementing standardised processes for data collection, analysis, and reporting for Semester 2 (starting 13th January).

“In the meantime, all other activities (including recruitment of international students) will continue as normal.”

This news comes after the proportion of international students at the University has begun to noticeably decline. After remaining steady for a number of years, the latest figures show that the proportion of international students enrolled at the University dropped from 38% to 34% between the

2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years.

Elsewhere in the University sector, the number of international students has continued to fall, creating financial pressure on already stretched institutions. Several Scottish universities have issued redundancy warnings to staff, following cuts to higher education announced in the last Budget.

The University of Glasgow has also recently tightened attendance monitoring in lectures and seminars, as mandated by the Home Office. The University has argued that this is necessary to uphold legal requirements which allow international students to live and study in the UK. However, some students are unhappy with this requirement, suggesting that staff are made to be “extensions of UK Border Force” by tracking attendance in order to allow international students to remain enrolled.

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The University falls further behind on GBV The University faces growing pressure to adopt the ‘EmilyTest’, as other institutions gain recognition for their efforts to prevent GBV Nathan Graham Features Editor The University of Glasgow has fallen further behind other Scottish institutions in its efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV). Glasgow Clyde College announced on 28 February that it has been awarded the prestigious EmilyTest Gender-Based Violence Charter, in recognition of its commitment to tackling GBV on campus. In obtaining this award, Glasgow Clyde College now joins fellow Glasgow institution the University of Strathclyde – as well as the Universities of St Andrews and Aberdeen – in not only pledging commitment to the Charter but also successfully passing the “EmilyTest.”

This evaluation, which asks whether an institution’s policies and preventive measures could have “saved Emily” - a tragic benchmark set in memory of Emily Drouet, who took her own life in 2016 after enduring GBV by a fellow student - is central to the initiative.

The EmilyTest GBV Charter, established in 2021 by Fiona Drouet, is the first of its kind globally. It is built around five core principles and sets over 40 minimum standards for participating institutions.

“To enable institutions to implement this framework, EmilyTest supports institutions through oneto-one coaching, providing dedicated staff support, resources and opportunities to share good practice within the sector.”

In summary, these principles are: Open & Learning, requiring institutions to openly acknowledge GBV on campus, identify gaps, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth; Educated & Empowered: ensuring that both staff and students receive comprehensive training and resources to recognise and respond to GBV; Safe & Effective: mandating robust policies, timely interventions, and risk assessments to support survivors and enable safe continuation of studies; Comprehensive & Connected: calling for a whole-institution approach that involves all stakeholders, from Senior Management to student unions, in cre-

ating cohesive GBV systems; and Equal & Inclusive: focusing on developing policies that address factors such as gender, ethnicity, and disability, thereby ensuring equal access to support.

Institutions that meet these standards are evaluated on whether their measures could have “saved Emily” and, if so, they are awarded the EmilyTest GBV Charter Award.

In an email to Hillhead Review, Seana Watt, Project Assistant at the EmilyTest charity, said: “To enable institutions to implement this framework, EmilyTest supports institutions through one-to-one coaching, providing dedicated staff support, resources and opportunities to share good practice within the sector.”

More than two years on from the Ross Report, a comprehensive review of the University of Glasgow’s handling of GBV, the University has yet to pledge to the Charter. In the intervening period, Scottish institutions such as St Andrews, Strathclyde, and Aberdeen Universities have overhauled their GBV processes, been rigorously tested against the Charter’s benchmarks, and formally recognised for their excellence in both prevention and response.

Since the Ross Report, the University has improved its online reporting and record-keeping systems, expanded support services, appointed a safeguarding manager, enhanced staff training, and established stronger coordination with student unions to ensure serious cases are referred directly to its conduct process. Although, it has failed to implement mandatory preventative education – an area where the EmilyTest Charter excels.

The Charter emphasises the necessity of robust consent educa-

tion and bystander intervention using workshops as the primary tool to tackle GBV before it happens. The University of St Andrews has led the way with its “Got Consent” workshops, which were developed via the “StAND Together” initiative between the Students’ Association and the University. These are delivered every year in the halls of residence and have been made mandated by the Students Union for all societies.

With consent and bystander intervention education remaining insufficient and voluntary at Glasgow, it is clear that while reactive processes have seen improvement In the 2023/24 academic year, 4040 students received this education.

Penny Turnbull, Assistant Head of Student Services at St Andrews, explained that although the workshops were initially voluntary, it soon became clear that the students who most needed the education were likely not the ones attending. Strathclyde has also made consent and GBV modules compulsory for all new students as part of the matriculation process. In contrast, Glasgow “Let’s Talk about Sexual Violence” peer-led workshops and online “Let’s Talk” module remain voluntary, meaning students who most need this vital education will likely never receive it.

The pressure for the University to join the EmilyTest GBV Charter has been mounting. In 2022, it was revealed that the EmilyTest foundation had been in talks with the University

of Glasgow, but they opted to await the findings of the Ross Report before making any commitments. In the Report, later published by Morag Ross KC, it was noted that “some, but not all, institutions have chosen to apply for the EmilyTest Charter” and suggested that self-auditing might be sufficient.

During a Scottish Parliament session in 2023, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville publicly urged all universities to join the Charter, emphasising that government funding for EmilyTest is intended to ensure that institutions are not only taking GBV seriously but are actively addressing it.

Further fuel was added by student activism during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, in November and December 2023, when the Queen Margaret Student Union endorsed a petition demanding that the University adopt the Charter.

The University’s newly formed Gender Equality Group, comprising officials and student representatives, met for the first time on 21 October 2024 and, according to meeting minutes obtained by Hillhead Review, the committee formally recommended that the University join the Charter. Yet, there has been no public comment.

With consent and bystander intervention education remaining insufficient and voluntary at Glasgow, it is clear that while reactive processes have seen improvement, the University’s preventative measures are falling behind those of its peers.

If the University of Glasgow is truly committed to safeguarding its community and preventing GBV before it happens, it must embrace external accountability by joining the EmilyTest GBV Charter and making consent and bystander training mandatory for all students.

A University spokesperson said: “We take the prevention of gender-based violence extremely seriously and recognise the critical role we play in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.

“While we acknowledge there is always more to be done, we have made significant commitments to strengthening our approach – going beyond any single framework or lens to ensure a truly comprehensive response.

“We remain open to discussions on further steps, including alignment with key charters and frameworks, but our focus is clear: real, tangible actions that create safer, more supportive environments for all.”

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Hillhead Review

SRC to hold referendum on divestment The vote will be indicative, but will shape the SRC’s position in future discussions on University investments Katherine McKay Editor-in-Chief The Student Representative Council (SRC) will hold an online referendum on divestment between 9am on 26 March and 5pm on 27 March, with results announced the following hour.

In an email sent to all students, SRC President Pablo Morán Ruiz said that the vote will be indicative, and won’t directly shape University policy. It will, however, shape the SRC’s position in future discussions.

Students will be asked, “Should the University of Glasgow stop investing in companies that earn more than 10% of their revenue from the arms and defence industry?” They will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no.”

The email also told students that they will have the opportunity to join a “yes” or “no” campaign team, to “help share the debate, submit campaign statements, and have access to a small budget for materials.”

This news follows a divestment consultation open to all students

and staff. This found that 70% of those surveyed were in favour of University divestment from the arms industry.

Students will be asked, “Should the University of Glasgow stop investing in companies that earn more than 10% of their revenue from the arms and defence industry?”

In November, the University Court voted not to change their investments. Since then, the University of Glasgow has seen a major increase in direct action protests, following a Glasgow Against Arms & Fossil Fuels (GAAF) statement, calling for “bolder action” from students.

Campus has seen the James McCune Smith Learning Hub (JMS) allegedly vandalised, and multiple buildings occupied, as well as regular demonstrations. These actions are a message to the University about the growing desire

Transformative research at Glasgow From climate change preventatives to initiatives to promote Gaelic across Glasgow, Hillhead Review examines the ground breaking research taking place on campus Katherine McKay Editor-in-Chief The University of Glasgow is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, and shaping the future of progress across many fields.

Take a look at our summary of the University’s most interesting and ground breaking research this month.

alongside Glasgow City Council, has launched Gaelic Connect; a web app designed to strengthen Glasgow’s Gaelic-speaking community. The app provides an interactive digital hub, allowing Gaelic speakers or learners to connect with one another.

Gaelic Connect includes community forums, and learning resources, as well as gamification features. These features are designed

and create these spaces organically.

University of Glasgow study shows mortality inequality widening A study led by the University of Glasgow has found that mortality inequalities are widening across the country. Since the beginning of the last decade, death rates in the

New project set to prevent ocean warming The University of Glasgow is set to lead a project aiming to develop underwater sensors to monitor signs of ocean warming. This is part of the Tipping Points programme, which aims to enhance climate change response with early warning signs for tipping points.

Professor Martin Lavery of the James Watt School of Engineering will lead experts from the University of Strathclyde and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. They will develop a novel hybrid and communication sensing platform to provide cable-free underwater environment sensing.

Lavery said: “Through engaging with the diverse array of creators, we hope our new sensing technology can play a significant role in improving our early warning systems for major disruptions to the ocean currents and can help the UK and world prepare for an uncertain future.”

New digital hub to connect Glasgow’s Gaelic community The University of Glasgow,

to encourage regular language use.

This project is a part of Glasgow City Council’s ‘Aon Glaschu project, aiming to promote Gaelic language throughout the city.

Professor Bernadette O’Rourke, Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Glasgow, said: “Language thrives when it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. With Gaelic Connect, we’re not creating artificial environments but rather empowering the Gaelic community to find

most deprived areas of Scotland and England have been increasing.

In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, the University of Glasgow study has shown that there have been significant changes to mortality inequality between 2010 and 2020. In all sampled cities, death rates were increasing in the most deprived areas from 2012.

Study lead, Dr David Walsh, said: “Our analysis provides a hugely concerning picture of worsening mor-

tality and widening inequalities across England and Scotland. When viewed in the context of the evidence for the impact of UK Government austerity policies on population health, they must be a wakeup call for the current UK Government.

We cannot continue to fail the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.”

New laboratory for medical magnetics opens on campus

The University of Glasgow is set to become one of the UK’s leading centres for medical magnetics with the establishment of a new laboratory facility. Equipped with a magnetically shielded room, the laboratory was opened last month in the James Watt School School of Engineering.

Researchers will be able to develop new prototypes of devices that detect weak biomagnetic signals in human muscles, and organs including the heart and brain. These devices could go on to replace current electrical recording.

The laboratory is designed to promote collaboration, and is open to academic researchers and industry partners. Multiple projects are currently utilising the facility.

Professor Muhammad Imran, Head of the James Watt School of Engineering, said: “The lab helps to drive forward the University’s approach to innovation, enabling new developments in medical technology.

The lab will foster new partnerships between academia and industry in next-generation medical sensors and transformative technologies, offering new solutions for healthcare, prosthetics, and human-computer interaction.”

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Spring 2025

The challenges of female healthcare Women’s healthcare continues to suffer from neglect and systematic disparities under the NHS Molly Banks Views Editor If I was to say that 51% of the population will spend a greater proportion of their life in ill health and struggling with disability than the other 49%, you might be shocked or wonder why. If I then informed you that it is women living with this reality, does your reaction change? Despite its free access unmistakably promoting inclusivity, the NHS is undeniably flawed. Although this has become a well-known fact, what it shouldn’t be is accepted or taken lightly.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has introduced plans to take the NHS “back to basics” and failed to renew the implementation of women’s health hubs across the UK, despite the fact this was already underway. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have highlighted how these hubs increased the services available for women to access, reduced the number of poor outcomes, and decreased the number of women attending emergency services due to worsening symptoms. Streeting’s disregard for the apparent benefits of these hubs has revived the belief that women’s healthcare is not a government priority as the inequalities women face run deeper than just a policy reversal on effective female health hubs.

The invalidation of women’s pain has become quite normalised in society, both in and outside of the doctor’s office One of the first challenges to your patience and resilience occurs in both getting an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP) and convincing them your pain and concerns are real, not a senseless overreaction. To give credit to some dismissive GPs, the invalidation of women’s pain has become quite normalised in society, both in and outside of the doctor’s office, as almost half of all women have been told by someone in their life that their life-limiting menstrual symptoms are “normal.”

We’ve all heard about the excessively long wait lists for appointments in the NHS, but amongst this is 570,000 women waiting for gynaecological care, 77% of whom are facing negative impacts on their work and social activities. The consequences of overly long wait lists go beyond a de-

terioration in physical health, it is also mentally damaging as 80% of these women waiting for care experience deterioration in their mental health. Even before treatment can be provided, an official diagnosis could validate their pain and relieve them of part of the mental burden it creates and remove all grounds for denial from others.

The long waits in the process of accessing care impairs quality of life both in the long and short term, leaving pain untreated and the patient potentially deteriorating. In cases of endometriosis, where symptoms include extreme pain, tiredness, anxiety, shortness of breath and coughing up blood, the average diagnosis time in the UK is eight years and ten months, despite it affecting one in ten women.

Contraception is a responsibility shared between men and women, yet the difficulties surrounding it are disproportionately enforced onto women Though this is not an exhaustive list of all symptoms, it portrays an image of the immense suffering that these women endure while attempting to maintain a normal lifestyle, as it is often only after a diagnosis their pain is taken seriously. This pain is not limited to endometriosis, as conditions such as adenomyosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) present similar symptoms.

Nearly half of women in the UK face barriers when accessing contraception, despite it being an important part

of sexual and reproductive rights. Restrictions based on medical history apply to the birth control shot, the implant, the IUD, the pill and patches, which aim to protect women from the risks associated with each method. However, according to a Channel 4 survey, 77% of women who have taken the contraceptive pill, experienced side effects.

Contraception is a responsibility shared between men and women, yet in the absence of available male contraception, the difficulties surrounding it are disproportionately enforced onto women, rather than whichever partner it would create the least harm to.

It is a frequent topic of debate but take a moment to humour me and consider how protecting women’s sexual and reproductive rights is larger than contraceptive care. It involves abortion procedures, and perhaps less widely discussed, miscarriage care. Using Texas as an example following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we can see how abortion bans have increased the rate of sepsis in pregnant women by over 50% for hospitalised women experiencing miscarriages in their second trimester.

Trends and opinions surrounding the idealised version of a woman too frequently influence female healthcare Pro-life and pro-choice views cause no end of disagreement, however if it was ever truly about protecting life then why is the mother’s health so frequently left unconsidered?

Ignorance surrounding the overlap between abortion and miscarriage

procedures is, quite simply, deadly.

Trends and opinions surrounding the idealised version of a woman come and go, yet they too frequently influence female healthcare. We live in an era that seems to be failing to prioritise being comfortable in your own body and confusing this with vanity.

A University of Glasgow student told Hillhead Review that she had hoped to have a breast reduction to ease back pain and increase mobility, but was denied this procedure due to a combination of excessive wait lists and potential impacts on breastfeeding in the future. Despite her expressing that she does not wish to have children, her opinions appear to have been disregarded in the promotion of a female stereotype that she simply must wish to bear children in the future.

Equal access to healthcare should be available without disparities Pain itself has no distinction between genders; everyone will feel it, and some will inevitably experience it to a different degree. Equal access to healthcare should therefore be available without disparities. A record number of 4.61 million women in the UK are up to date with their breast screenings, and many other services, such as support for menopause and domestic violence, prove the progress and effectiveness that the NHS is capable of.

Women’s rights are not yet equal to men’s, and in a supposedly modern and progressive society, it is only fair that women can access a system designed to ease at least one aspect of their anguish.

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Hillhead Review

Are student protests effective?

After all our efforts in protest, why do our voices sometimes seem to remain unheard?

Sam Fabbrini Writer In light of the recent action taken at the Sir Charles Wilson Building, it is timely to consider the validity and effectiveness of similar protests.

Student protests are not a new phenomenon; however, since the 7 October attacks nearly a year and a half ago, the University of Glasgow has witnessed a significant increase in protests by both students and staff. Disapproval of the University’s policies, and its perceived lack of ethics, is evident, but are these actions truly effective?

In considering this question we must first address its context. Direct action protests are a form of resistance that fall under the broader umbrella of civil disobedience. Such actions, whether violent or non-violent, are typically illegal; however, their unlawfulness does not preclude ethical considerations. A defining feature of civil disobedience is that its practitioners believe they are enacting a civic duty

on behalf of the entire community. In this way, civil disobedience is inherently public: it amplifies the voice of the people and disrupts the status quo.

The University of Glasgow has a long-standing reputation as a focal point for student dissent. In 2011, Hetherington House, the building next door to 11 University Gardens, occupied in 2024 by Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF), was taken over from February to August.

Students protested against forthcoming austerity measures against students. The ‘Free Hetherington’ occupation quickly became a rallying point for students across Scotland, highlighting how direct action aims to serve the community’s interests.

Despite this, the aftermath of that occupation appears to show few tangible accomplishments and, ultimately, the austerity measures were implemented. Similarly, when the University announced last year that it would continue its support towards the defence sector despite

overwhelming calls for divestment from the student body, one was left to wonder whether direct action is actually invaluable, or if protester voices are systematically ignored.

The real impact of these protests may not lie in immediate policy shifts, but in the persistent pressure they exert on an institution We all recall the women’s suffrage movement and its legacy of militancy in the UK. In the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, resistance, often through militant means, was seen as a duty of citizenship in the face of oppressive government practices. The Women’s Social and Political Union, under Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst, famously embraced militancy from 1903 onward. Although it took considerable radical action and decades to achieve success, the suf-

frage movement’s impact remains undeniable. This historical perspective makes us wonder: after all our efforts in protest, why do our voices seem to remain unheard? Is it simply a matter of resilience, or is there something more insidious at play? Perhaps a deceitful belief that we already possess all our rights, or even that we can disengage from political concerns?

Ultimately, we must not simply consider whether direct action protests are valid in a conventional sense, but why they are undertaken at all. The real impact of these protests may not lie in immediate policy shifts, but in the persistent pressure they exert on an institution that often overlooks dissent. A similar ongoing neglect seems to only reinforce the need for radical action; when traditional channels fail to listen, direct action becomes one of the few ways to induce dialogue. In a system where our voices are repeatedly ignored, the persistence of protest is both a symptom of deeper systemic issues and a vital call for change.

OnlyFans and the illusion of choice The dangers of using of social media in conjunction with sex work shouldn’t be underestimated Grace Hussey Views Editor The past few years have seen a rapid rise in online sex work, predominantly through the site OnlyFans which has subscribers pay a monthly amount to receive access to exclusive content from online models and influencers. This has become a common, and accepted, facet of the internet.

However, in recent weeks discourse surrounding the ethics of sex work, specifically sex work promoted online, has opened up significantly, begging the question of whether or not sex work is inherently feminist, and if these women are empowered by their choices, or simply the illusion of choice.

The idea of “free will” is flawed and ultimately a deception, and dare I go as far to say, a daydream. Social movements, like feminism, were formed in response to the inability to claim free will under all-encompassing systems of oppression. In order to argue that women have free will under a patriarchal system of power is to argue that the patriarchy itself no longer exists, which, again, is a deception. Choice feminism dictates that choices made by women are inherently feminist simply by association. But the environment

in which women decide to become sex workers needs to be taken into account. Why do they feel their bodies are their best bet at making a viable living? The hyper sexualisation of female bodies will always be patriarchal, it doesn’t matter who is being paid.

Why did it take Phillips to show extreme emotional distress on camera for people to begin questioning whether these women are being exploited?

On 7 December, YouTube creator Josh Pieters released a fortyseven-minute documentary detailing OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips’ quest to sleep with one hundred men in twentyfour hours. In the documentary, Phillips is seen in fits of tears; her distress is apparent. Comments online largely centre around Lily’s nature, whether or not she seems like she is nice or friendly; keyboard warriors weigh up if they believe she is a “good” person or not.

But this is entirely unrelated, sex work is often defended or condemned based on morality and the desire to make women’s actions moral or immoral,

when in actual fact morality can be removed from the equation. It doesn’t matter whether Phillips is rude to her barista in the morning or if she donates to charity - her character does not matter when discussing the ways in which exploitation can happen covertly.

In contrast, fellow online sex worker, Bonnie Blue, is not afforded the same level of sympathy that Lily Phillips has received online. This is due to Bonnie Blue’s lack of vulnerability, as she has presented a far tougher, less emotional exterior than Phillips.

Bonnie Blue is not the “perfect victim”, and thus doesn’t appeal to those wanting to save a damsel in distress.

Why did it take Phillips to show extreme emotional distress on camera for people to begin questioning whether these women are being exploited?

Issues of mental health and exploitation aside: the physical health of women engaged in challenges to sleep with hundreds, even thousands, of men in twenty-four hours, is in danger. To add to online discourse, many doctors have weighed in with concerns over STDs and the physical damage caused by such long, vigorous instances of penetration. Engaging in this media is demonstrating a complete disregard for the wellbeing

and health of the women involved.

The careers of these two women have proven that OnlyFans is not the softcore, more dignified and less risky form of sex work; it can be just as harmful, and often is. Sex work becoming more tolerated and visible through social media is just increasing the dangers, both for young women being encouraged to join this line of work, and those who might stumble across their content online.

The physical health of women engaged in challenges to sleep with hundreds, even thousands, of men in twenty-four hours, is in danger Ultimately, the use of OnlyFans is not a feminist statement and the detriment to the mental and physical health of women is never worth the profit involved. In fact, I would go as far to argue that those engaging in the type of media produced by online stars like Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips are actively and consciously contributing to the exploitation of women: it indicates a deep-rooted disrespect and contempt.

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Best of the Glasgow Film Festival

From Kazakh alpha-males to the harrowing trauma in the mountains of Northwest Tunisia, explore Hillhead Review’s top five picks from the Glasgow Film Festival Film Festival Mariana Shuvalova Culture Editor

The Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) opened its doors on 28 February, celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Whether an avid fan of “the oldies” or a sucker for hyper-realistic camera work, the GFF has a little something for everyone. This year’s selection features familiar classics, as well as fresh newcomers. Read along to find out about this year’s features and relax in the comfort of your own home.

Crickets, It’s Your Turn!

Psychological thriller Available on: Mubi Are you a fan of social commentary? How about intricate analysis on how toxic masculinity enables violence against women? If this sounds like your drink of choice, this Kazakh thriller should be next on your watchlist! Released in 2024, the plot follows a 25-year-old woman Merey who meets the charming Nurlan, only to find out that he’s …dun dun dun… a raging misogynist in disguise.

Referred to by some as the Kazakh Promising Young Woman, this

chilling story has been nominated for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival. If you are sick of the contemporary dating scene, and want to delve deeper into the role that gender norms play in Kazakhstan’s dating crisis, this movie is for you. Make sure to grab your drink, because, trust me, you’ll need it.

This is England Drama Available on: Apple TV, Amazon Video Dreary streets, industrial decay and children drawn into dubious company – these images bring out the infamous setting of Thatcher’s Britain in Shane Meadows’s cult classic.

When young Shaun befriends a group of skinheads, they become akin to family. However, tensions ensue as the struggle aggravates between Thatcher’s regime and those oppressed by it.

This movie portrays a raw image of childhood in 1980s Northern England Having won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film after its release

in 2006, this movie portrays a raw image of childhood in 1980s Northern England. So, gather all your friends to give each other buzzcuts and wonky DIY tattoos with The Smiths playing in the background. A bit of advice: don’t invite your Tory friends for this one.

Mistress Dispeller Documentary Available on: Apple TV+ Ever needed to hire a professional to break off your partner’s affair?

After boyfriends for rent, Mistress Dispeller might be the next most fascinating phenomena in contemporary China.

In this 2024 documentary, Elizabeth Lo follows Wang Zhenxi, a woman who works as a professional mistress dispeller to save the marriage of one of her female clients, exploring the simultaneously universal and uniquely-Chinese experience of romantic relationships.

The emotional intimacy of this movie will strike a chord with both couples, and those happily single Winner of Best Documentary at Chicago International Film Festival, the emotional intimacy of this movie will strike a chord with both couples, and those happily single. If you fancy immersing yourself in a realistic, if somewhat unorthodox, love story, sit tight and enjoy the journey of the Mistress Dispeller. And if you’re considering getting one…just don’t.

Raw Horror Available on: Apple TV, Amazon Video Credit: Instagram @glasgowfilmtheatre

If you are averse to body horror, skip this one out. However, if you

are drawn in by the emerging genre of all-consuming-love-expressedthrough-the-metaphor-of-cannibalism, then this movie is right up your alley!

Created by French director and screenwriter Julia Ducournau in 2016, Raw is the filmmaker’s debut feature, receiving numerous wins and nominations for its cinematography and screenplay.

Raw will take you on a ride like nothing else The story follows Justine who enters her first year of veterinary college.

After being force-fed raw meat during a hazing event, her life begins to spiral, with a new kind of craving awakening inside of her. Strongly recommended to fans of flesh-eating women and bright colours, Raw will take you on a ride like nothing else. Just make sure all your limbs are intact once you’re off…

Red Path Coming of age Available on: Mubi All dark coming-of-age fans – this one’s for you! This movie is inspired by the horrifying, real-life jihadist attacks in the Mghila Mountains of Northwest Tunisia. The plot follows two cousins herding cattle in the mountains as they are attacked by a jihadist group. When one of the cousins is murdered, his killers force the survivor to deliver a sinister message to his family.

Awarded the Audience Award by the Vancouver International Film Festival, the movie explores trauma, and is an essential piece in portraying children’s lives affected by conflict. It is both devastating and full of hope for the future. Buckle up as you navigate this story of remarkable resilience and make sure to leave your box of tissues within reach.

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Hillhead Review

How Glasgow shaped its greatest band From Tinselton to the Grey Adorable City by the Docks - inside Belle and Sebastian Stella Small Writer Belle and Sebastian have always been hard to categorise – too bookish for Britpop, too self-effacing for rock, too cult for commercial indie. And yet, for nearly three decades, they have remained one of Glasgow’s most beloved musical assets, their songs steeped in the city’s rainy winding streets.

The founding of Belle and Sebastian seemed fateful. In the mid1990s, Stuart Murdoch, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, enrolled in a music business course at Stow College.

There, he connected with bassist Stuart David, and together they recorded a series of demos that laid the foundation for the band’s early sound. These sessions culminated in their debut album, Tigermilk, recorded in just three days and initially released in a limited run of 1,000 vinyl copies. The album’s unexpected success led to a contract with the Scottish label Jeepster Records, marking the beginning of their journey.

From the outset, Belle and Sebastian went against the grain, they seemed wary of fame Though Murdoch is the band’s core, Belle and Sebastian have key ensemble members who have individually helped shape the band’s sound across the years. These include Stevie Jackson, guitar and vocals, Sarah Martin, violin, keyboards, and vocals, Chris Geddes, keyboard, and Richard Colburn, drums.

The band members all joined

in 1996. From the outset, Belle and Sebastian went against the grain. They seemed wary of fame, rarely appearing in their own press photos, playing scarce live performances that soon became sacred for their cult followers. The songs themselves deliberately stray from mainstream pop lyricism, instead painting rich vignettes – melancholic, playful and self-aware.

Detractors who dismiss the band as overly twee, or complain of lame, pretentious fans, forget that

Credit: Belle and Sebastian

Belle and Sebastian have always been authentically unabashed in their “uncoolness”. In their 1996 song Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying, Murdoch declares; “Think of it this way, you could either be successful or be us!”, portraying the band’s nonconformity as a rather triumphant manifesto.

The music of Belle and Sebastian, as with all of Murdoch’s art, is deeply entwined with Glasgow. The song ‘I Want the World to Stop’, a homesick plea to escape the Hollywood

glamour of commercial success, references The Blue Nile’s depiction of Glasgow in ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’, as well as the city’s shipbuilding and nightlife.

Murdoch explains ‘Another Sunny Day’ as an ode to the frenzy of a (rare) sunny day in Scotland. A majority of the band’s music videos were filmed around Glasgow, as well as Murdoch’s film God Help The Girl (2014). The band’s love towards the Scottish landscape is weaved throughout its musical portfolio.

Personally, the song ‘The Boy

tribute to its residents: the “rain-kissed marginals” wandering Byres Road, the “lonely tenement” dwellers, and “the girls who paint themselves at dusk.”

The city’s inescapable influence is equally prominent in Murdoch’s personal writing: “If I’d been born and brought up in Sheffield or Leeds, I’m sure those cities would have the same influence, but Glasgow is extraordinary to me. I like to sit beside the river, dreaming about the Glasgow that was and perhaps the Glasgow that never was.”

This tension – between the real and the imagined, the past and the present, all of the city’s contradicting characteristics – runs through their music. Murdoch is somewhat of a West End fixture himself, often spotted in his signature hats, riding around on a scooter or wandering Kelvingrove Park.

For a band that never seemed concerned with mainstream success, Belle and Sebastian’s influence has been remarkable With the Arab Strap’ ignites more patriotism in me than ‘Caledonia’ or ‘Loch Lomond’. Indeed, whether intentional or not, the opening line, “a mile and a half on the bus takes a long time,” perfectly encapsulates the uniquely frustrating reality of Glasgow’s public transport system. When playing this song live, the band invites the audience to come up on stage and join them in dancing along. It is wonderful to watch and proves that their discography is more than a love letter to the city, it is a

For a band that never seemed concerned with mainstream success, Belle and Sebastian’s influence has been remarkable. In 2005, The List crowned them Scotland’s Greatest Band, and two decades on, their music still offers a refuge and a sense of belonging for those who recognize themselves in their stories. And no matter where they travel, no matter how their sound evolves, their work will always lead back to Glasgow – the city that made them, and the city they made immortal in their songs.

Iconic Glasgow theatre to serve as ‘community hub’ Artistic Director of the Citizens Theatre spoke to Hillhead Review about its planned reopening later this year Odhran Gallagher Editor-in-Chief An historic Glasgow theatre is due to reopen to the public this September after a seven-year long renovation project.

The newly-refurbished Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals is promised to be an “open and accessible” venue which will also play host to “community spaces.”

“One of the main points of the renovation is to make a theatre that is much more open and accessible as a community hub”, says Artistic Director Dominic Hill.

“We will have really nice com-

munity spaces, and also a new cafe/ bar, a new studio theatre, and new rooms for community and outreach work. The idea is that we create, for Glasgow, somewhere which will be a creative focal point for everybody.”

Hill described the pre-renovation building as “dilapidated” and in “desperate need of an overhaul.”

“There were a lot of problems with it. We had sewage pouring in under the stage regularly.

The roof even had holes in it, so it would rain on stage,” Hill explains.

“The Theatre is hugely important for the cultural life of Glasgow. I believe in our great theatre artists and we need to be able to keep their work alive but also be able to nurture and

develop theatre-makers of the future.

“There is something special about watching stories performed live, it creates a relationship between the actor and the audience that you don’t get in any other art form, and I

think theatre offers something that is shared, communal, and important.”

Full interview at hillheadreview.co.uk

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How the Ukrainian student community is fighting against Russia As Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine continues, Ukrainian students in Glasgow are leading protests, fundraising for humanitarian aid, and defending their homeland from beyond the borders Ritwij Raj Features Editor Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine continues, putting millions of civilian lives, including children, at risk, this seems more relevant than ever before. While Ukrainian soldiers continue to bravely fight against autocratic Russia on the battlefront, the Ukrainian student community, living thousands of miles away from home in Glasgow, United Kingdom, is waging a different battle. Though often overlooked by global media, their efforts in advocacy, protests, and thought leadership are making a significant impact in gathering support for the Ukrainian cause.

The city of Glasgow is home to some of the world’s leading academic institutions, including the University of Glasgow, which currently has a significant number of students from Ukraine.

Some of them are very outspoken in their support for their motherland.

One such student is journalist and activist Anna Konovalenko, originally from Kyiv but currently based in Glasgow, where she studies International Relations & Human Rights, whilst actively advocating for the Ukrainian cause. Anna’s journey began when she first arrived in Glasgow, searching for opportunities to support Ukraine.

“Because we are abroad, we constantly feel the need to contribute even more to support Ukraine from afar.”

She discovered the Scot Baby Box Appeal, an initiative that sends maternity kits and baby clothes from Scotland to Ukraine. Later, she transitioned into journalism, covering Ukrainianrelated topics in newsrooms, and pitching stories about the Ukrainian cause to local media outlets. She is currently deeply involved in advocacy and activism, organising protests, fundraising events, and volunteering at the Camouflage Nets Centre in Glasgow.

Anna explained to Hillhead Review that many proactive Ukrainians abroad want to help their country in every way possible, yet they always feel like they are not doing enough.

“Because we are abroad, we constantly feel the need to contribute even more to support Ukraine from afar.”

Anna believes that for Ukrainians in Glasgow, the primary goal is to keep Ukraine in the global conversation and remind the international community of the ongoing war. “The most crucial thing right now is explaining to people what is happening because media attention is slowly shifting away from Ukraine. Last year, Ukraine was barely in the news, and it’s vital to keep the discussion alive on a daily basis.”

“I make sure to explain the reality, counter propaganda, and keep them informed about the truth.”

She also strongly believes in the power of micro-targeting to spread awareness. “If someone asks about Ukraine, explain it to them. Many people are unaware of the full picture, but when they hear first hand stories from Ukrainians, such as their friends and colleagues, they develop a real emotional connection. They then go home and share the truth, which helps spread awareness.” Currently, Anna is organising an information campaign by putting up posters in open galleries, inviting people to ask questions about Ukraine. She believes that many people want to learn about Ukraine but don’t know where to turn for real

Credit: Ritwij Raj

answers. “I make sure to explain the reality, counter propaganda, and keep them informed about the truth.”

Another remarkable story is that of a PhD student from Poland who, despite not being Ukrainian, has dedicated herself to supporting Ukraine in every way possible at the University of Glasgow.

Speaking to Hillhead Review, she shared her journey: “The day the war started, most Central and Eastern European students at the University began looking for Ukrainian students to offer support. I met one person from Edinburgh who had previously been the President of the Ukrainian Society at the University of Glasgow during a demonstration just a day after the war began. We both decided to revive the Ukrainian Student Society, even though we weren’t Ukrainian ourselves.

“In the first cohort of the revived society, some of us were Slovak, some were Ukrainian, and others were from Central and Eastern Europe.

While we weren’t the most outgoing or extroverted people, we still wanted to create a structured organisation.

I became the Secretary, and we appointed a Chairperson and a Treasurer. When new Ukrainian students arrived at the University, we passed our responsibilities to them because they were so passionate about the cause.”

She highlighted that over the past two years, the Ukrainian Society has organised fundraisers to provide frontline soldiers with essential equipment,

with some Ukrainian students even taking up jobs to donate their earnings directly to the military effort. Beyond activism, the society has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with other Ukrainian student societies across the UK to promote collaboration and unity. They have also worked closely with the Glasgow chapter of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.

The student-led movement ensures that Ukraine remains in the conversation at the University The Ukrainian Society is at the heart of this movement. The society has been incredibly active in organising events, including an emergency rally at the US Consulate in Edinburgh on 5 March, the Invicta Ukraina event at Glasgow Cathedral on 24 February, and the Stand with Ukraine demonstration on the same day, amongst many other activities.

Through these efforts, the student-led society ensures that Ukraine remains in the conversation at the University.

Ukrainian students and their allies are following in the footsteps of President Zelenskyy, who in 2022, famously declared; “We are not putting down arms. We will be defending our country because our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children, and we will defend all of this.”

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Hillhead Review

#StateSchoolProud comes to the University of Glasgow: The 93% Club Meet the society dedicated to improving the experience of state school students Chiera McLaughlin Writer Starting university is daunting for anyone, but for state school students, it can feel especially overwhelming. A lot of us find ourselves surrounded by privately educated peers who seem to have all the connections, resources, and a head start in the race to build a career. That’s where the 93% Club Glasgow comes in - to even the playing field and give state-educated students the support, resources, and chances they deserve.

it gets even more shocking when you learn that 60% of government roles are filled by privately educated people, even though they make up just 7% of the population. For many state school students, starting university is a wakeup call. They quickly realise they’re miles behind in networking and commercial know-how compared to their privately educated classmates. Landing internships can feel nearly impossible when you’re up against people who have been stacking up work experience through family connections for years.

at this prestigious Russell Group University, and it’s not going to fix itself.

What we’re trying to achieve The 93% Club Glasgow isn’t just another university society - it’s a movement.

We want to make sure that every student, no matter where they come from, has the same shot at success. By creating a space where state-educated students can connect, share experiences, and get access to resources they haven’t been able to access, we’re hoping to

What is the 93% Club and why does it matter?

The 93% Club is a national charity and the first and largest network for state-educated students and professionals in the UK. Their goal is pretty straightforward: to break down the barriers that have kept opportunities and knowledge locked up in private school alumni networks for way too long. They’re flipping the script on those exclusive Old Boys’ Networks by creating the UK’s least exclusive club one that’s proud of its state school roots and focused on making sure state-educated students get the same access to support, networks, and opportunities as their privately educated peers.

The name “93% Club” says it all - 93% of UK students go to state schools, yet they’re massively underrepresented in top universities, internships, and high-paying jobs. And

I came across the 93% Club on LinkedIn during my third year at university and instantly saw how valuable their professional network was - from career advice and guidance to mentoring opportunities. In December 2024, I got in touch with them about starting a chapter at Glasgow.

The huge amount of interest that followed highlighted an uncomfortable truth - there’s a massive support gap for state school students, especially

Editorial Team

close the opportunity gap that still exists in higher education and beyond.

Our mission revolves around networking events, workshops to build professional skills, socials, mentorship programs, and fostering a supportive community at the University of Glasgow. We believe that ambitious students shouldn’t be held back by their backgrounds. Being part of a community of like-minded, motivated people can make all the difference

- not just for career prospects but for building friendships and a sense of belonging too. Joining the 93% Club is about way more than just creating fairer opportunities; it’s about making sure no student feels like they’re falling behind. It’s about building a university environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, no matter what school they went to.

Looking Ahead At the 93% Club Glasgow, we’ve got big plans for the future, including a mix of socials and cross-industry panel events. We’re also looking into arranging free professional headshots to help our members level up their LinkedIn profiles and job applications.

One of the highlights looking forward is our partnership with Burness Paull LLP and the School of Law Social Mobility Mentor Scheme. We are hosting a panel event at the Burness Paull Glasgow office that will focus on social mobility in the legal profession - an amazing opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and ask questions about breaking into the field.

By building a strong and supportive network, we want to help our members chase their career goals with confidence. At the end of the day, our vision is simple: a future where a student’s background doesn’t decide their opportunities or how far they can go. For state school students at Glasgow and beyond, the 93% Club isn’t just a society - it’s a statement of fairness, ambition, and community.

Hillhead Review Quiz

Editors-in-Chief

Features Editors

Odhran Gallagher Katherine McKay

Nathan Graham Ritwij Raj

Views Editors

Webmaster

3. In which year did the Second Boer War begin?

Molly Banks Grace Hussey

Joshua Archer

4. Who directed the The Architect ?

Culture Editor Mariana Shuvalova

Copyeditor / Columnist Bruno Kalmar

1. Which modern country has the largest number of islands?

2. How many elements are in the periodic table?

5. How many Scottish League Cups have been won by Aberdeen?

Answers on back page

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Spring 2025

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Would you like to see your own words in print? If so then you can write for us by joining our contributor’s group via the link in our Instagram bio @hillheadreview Alternatively, you can also contact us via email at editors@hillheadreview.co.uk. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any stories or questions you may have.

Thank you for reading, Odhran Gallagher and Katherine McKay Editors-in-Chief

Puzzles Across 3 Newspaper announcements (3) 7 More benign (6) 8 Seethes, swirls (6) 9 Indifferent, dismissive (8) 10 Biblical epistle writer (4) 11 Annette ___, American Beauty actress (6) 12 Pakistan’s currency units (6) 15 Move spasmodically (6) 18 Loft window (6)

Hillhead Review Quiz - Answers 1. Sweden 2. 118 3. 1899 4. Brady Corbet 5. Seven

20 Edible American shellfish (4) 22 Absence of clutter (8) 23 Capital of Germany (6) 24 Sell on overseas markets (6) 25 Exercise room (3) Down 1 Robber of ships at sea (6) 2 Dreamer, visionary (8) 3 Preparing for war (6)

4 Goal-getter (6) 5 High ___, field event (4) 6 Steep, soak (6) 11 Sandwich filling (inits) (3) 13 Pale yellow root vegetables (8) 14 Knight’s title (3) 16 Predatory wild dogs (6) 17 Whetting (6) 18 Crown (6) 19 Guarantee (6) 21 Turn to liquid (4)